Small Touches Under $20

Just a few things, cheap and enjoyable.

I own these placemats and the photo doesn’t do them justice. They are rich, speckled olive green and contrast nicely with white dishes. Though paper, they can be reused several times before discarding. The price cannot be beat.

Toss Recycled Placemats, Set of 6 for $1

Country styling is rarely to my taste but $2 for a $34 sham? Yes, thanks.

Saturday Sham, $2

For it will be lemonade time once again.

Seagrass Carafe, $9

This bit of serenity begs for a larger print.

Winter White print, 4"x6". $9

Storage for your bits and bobs or perfect for small gift-giving.

12 Semikolon little gift boxes, $14

Love this soft geometry and muted palette.

Organic Clover Bath Mat, $20

Scandinavian elegance.

Rattan Handled Pitcher, $20

Scrapbook: Of Bourbon & Thoroughbreds

I’ve been on the road in the Bluegrass State (that’s Kentucky, y’all). More decor soon. Some photos for now…

Please Donate to Haitian Earthquake Relief Efforts

via The Guardian

I know that almost all of you have seen and been deeply moved by the scenes of devastation in Haiti. Now, let’s do something to help:

• Text the word “Yele” to 501501 to donate $5 on behalf of the Yéle Foundation, the leading contributor to rebuilding Haiti founded by Wyclef Jean.
• Text the word “Haiti” to 85944 to donate $5 on behalf of the Rescue Union Mission and MedCorp International.
• Text the word “Haiti” to 25383 to donate $5 On behalf of the Internal Rescue Committee.
• Text the word “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 On behalf of the Red Cross in the U.S.
• Give to Oxfam here: http://www.oxfamamerica.org/
• Give to Partners in Health here: http://pih.org/home.html
• Give to Doctors without Borders http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

There are many, many worthy organizations working and on the ground in Haiti now and you can find more of them here at the Center for International Disaster Information. Skeptical of some charities? To learn more about what nonprofits have the practices and track record you value, you can visit Guidestar.

I know that in these sorts of disasters, the scale can seem so awesome and impersonal that people are numbed by the horror and don’t think they can make a difference. You can and you should. Even $5 will help. Please don’t just feel sad and turn away without helping.

Please post suggestions for which charities need and deserve support in the comments below. Also, any ideas about creative / non-cash support for the survivors of the earthquake are very much appreciated. (Please keep your comments informed.)

100 Affordable Headboard Alternatives, 51-60

Part 6. Continuing the 10-part affordable headboard alternatives series, here are more ideas to define the space above and around the bed. For more details on most ideas, click the pics or just post your questions and thoughts in the comments.

51. Hang small mirrors in a grid behind the bed.

via Sunset

52. Place a bus shelter ad behind the bed. You can pick up a large, durable plastic or Mylar poster for very little on eBay.

via Double Dot

53. Use flooring.

54. Repurpose an iron gate. Even a rusty piece can relatively quickly be restored with a wire brush and a new coat of paint.

via Chicago Home Magazine

55. Repurpose leftover kitchen cabinets. Yes, kitchen cabinets.

via Centsational Girl

56. Weave ribbons into a headboard.

via Design Sponge, by Philippe Bougue

57. Paint graduated stripes. This will especially expand a narrow space, making it look wider.

via West Elm

58. Make a giant french memo board and hang it behind the bed.

via ----

59. Tile all or part of the wall behind the bed.

via Prita Eames

60. Decoupage wall behind bed.

via Casa Sugar

At Last, A Plan. A Floorplan.

Well, there’s one thing I can cross off of my 2010 to-do list.

Thanks to Kristy at Life With The Whitmans who introduced me to Floorplanner.com, I was able to whip up this detailed floorplan of my apartment in 30 minutes:

My Floorplan

I can once again happily procrastinate on learning how to use AutoCad. Though the software isn’t perfect–you have to hunt around for some furnishings in odd categories and there are random Dutch items thrown in the mix–you can build one floorplan in 2D and 3D for free and have even more options when you purchase a paid account. If you have space planning needs, you may want to check Floorplanner out.

Now if anyone knows of a similarly painless way to migrate from WordPress.com to WordPress.org and radically update my template, I will find myself utterly fulfilled. And thanks again, Kristy!

Do you have any design software you turn to or any programs you hate? I definitely need to increase my technological fluency in this area so please let me know.