Sunday, March 17, 2024

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Courtesy of The Holiday Spot

Hi Friends,

Found some history on St. Patrick from The Holiday Spot and thought we would share this information about the patron saint of Ireland with all of you.

Enjoy!

History of St Patrick
St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. True, he was not a born Irish. But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century.

Patrick was born in the later half of the 4th century AD. There are differing views about the exact year and place of his birth. According to one school of opinion, he was born about 390 A.D., while the other school says it is about 373 AD. Again, his birth place is said to be in either Scotland or Roman England. His real name was probably Maewyn Succat. Though Patricius was his Romanicized name, he was later came to be familiar as Patrick.

Patrick was the son of Calpurnius, a Roman-British army officer. He was growing up as naturally as other kids in Britain. However, one day a band of pirates landed in south Wales and kidnapped this boy along with many others. Then they sold him into slavery in Ireland. He was there for 6 years, mostly imprisoned. This was when changes came to him. He dreamed of having seen God. Legend says, he was then dictated by God to escape with a getaway ship.

Finally, he did escape and went to Britain. And then to France. There he joined a monastery and studied under St. Germain, the bishop of Auxerre. He spent around 12 years in training. And when he became a bishop he dreamed that the Irish were calling him back to Ireland to tell them about God. The Confessio, Patrick's spiritual autobiography, is the most important document regarding this. It tells of a dream after his return to Britain, in which one Victoricus delivered him a letter headed "The Voice of the Irish."

So he set out for Ireland with the Pope's blessings. There he converted the Gaelic Irish, who were then mostly Pagans, to Christianity. He was confident in the Lord, he journeyed far and wide, baptizing and confirming with untiring zeal. And, in a diplomatic fashion he brought gifts to a kinglet here and a lawgiver there,but accepted none from any.

Indeed, Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. Through active preaching, he made important converts even among the royal families. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times,but escaped each time. For 20 years he had traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion. He developed a native clergy, fostered the growth of monasticism, established dioceses, and held church councils.

Patrick's doctrine is considered orthodox and has been interpreted as anti-Pelagian. Although he is not particularly noted as a man of learning, a few of his writings remain extant: his Confession, a reply to his detractors, and several letters. The Lorica ("Breastplate"), a famous hymn attributed to Patrick, may date to a later period. By the end of the 7th century Patrick had become a legendary figure, and the legends have continued to grow since then. There are many legends associated with St Patrick. It is said that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity; which refers to the combination of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Hence its strong association with his day and name Legend also has that, Saint Patrick had put the curse of God on venomous snakes in Ireland. And he drove all the snakes into the sea where they drowned.

True, these are mostly legends. But, after some 1500 years, these legends have been inseparably combined with the facts. And together they have helped us know much about the Saint and the spirit behind celebration of the day. Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for over 20 years. He died on March 17, AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. The day's spirit is to celebrate the universal baptization of Ireland. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. Or, rather, 'be an Irish Day '. And the Irish has borne it as part of their national tradition in everywhere they populated and prospered. The Catholic feast day for this most loved of Irish saints has become a holiday in celebration of the Irish and Irish culture. The leprechaun, a Celtic fairy, has become entrenched as a chief symbol for this holiday, as is the shamrock, an ancient symbol for the triple goddess Brigit. It is fitting that this holiday should fall at the time of the year when the return of spring begins to seem at hand.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Courtesy of The Chunky Chef

Happy Easter Friends,

Save yourself some serious money during the holidays by making your own Honey Baked Ham recipe at home!

This Copycat Honey Baked Ham is one of those recipes you love to have for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Calories: 632

Ingredients
▢ 8 lb bone-in spiral sliced half ham
▢ 2 Tbsp butter, melted
▢ 3 Tbsp honey
▢ 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
▢ 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
▢ 1/2 tsp onion powder
▢ 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
▢ 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
▢ 1/4 tsp ground ginger
▢ 1/4 tsp ground cloves
▢ 1/4 tsp paprika
▢ pinch of allspice

Instructions
DRY THE HAM – The hams from the grocery stores come in those sealed bags, which contain water. Give the ham a little pat dry with some paper towels to make sure the butter and honey don’t just slide right off.

If warming in the slow cooker, trim ham to fit (if needed). Depending on your ham and your slow cooker, you may need to shave off a little bit to make the ham fit. If you’ll be warming your ham in the oven – omit this step.

Combine butter and honey then massage into ham. I like to get some of the honey butter mixture in between the slices.

Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours. Again, this is for warming the ham in the slow cooker – omit if warming in the oven.

Combine dry glaze ingredients.

Pat half of the sugar mixture on the warmed ham, then broil. Just for a few minutes, until bubbly and a little caramelized. Then remove from the oven.

Add remaining sugar mixture to saucepan with water or ham juices. Heat this mixture to a boil, and boil for about a minute, then remove from heat and brush or pour the glaze over the ham.

Broil ham again. Just for a minute or two, being careful not to let it burn!

Let ham rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This allows the glaze to fully harden and get that classically crackly crust.

Trim ham if needed, then place in slow cooker. Combine melted butter and honey, then massage over ham, getting in between the slices a little. Cover and cook on LOW 4-5 hours.

At the end of the cooking time, preheat broiler to HIGH, and line a roasting pan with heavy duty aluminum foil.

Combine sugar, seasoned salt, onion powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, paprika and allspice in a small bowl. Pat half of the sugar mixture over the top of the ham.

Broil for several minutes, until bubbly and caramelized, then remove from oven.

To a small saucepan, add remaining sugar mixture. Add 3 Tbsp of either water or ham juices from bottom of the slow cooker. A combination of water/ham juice and bourbon is a nice alternative! Stir, and heat to a boil. Boil for about a minute, then remove from heat.

Brush or pour glaze over the ham, then broil again for a minute or two (careful... don't let it burn!). Remove from oven and let ham rest for 5-10 minutes.

Serve warm or cold and enjoy!

Bon Appétit

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Dayling Savings Time Begins!



Hi Friends,

Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks ahead...

Check back for great decorating ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

FREE Printable Easter Templates


Download The TomKat Studio's Easter Banner

Hi Friends,

Throw a memorable Easter gathering with these free printables, courtesy of The TomKat Studio. Kick off Easter with this Pennant Banner. Hang this "Happy Easter" pennant banner above an outdoor brunch dessert table or above the entrance to greet guests.

"Thank You" Tag

Don't let your guests go home empty-handed. Fill a bright bag with treats, and attach a printable tag to give as party favors. Download The TomKat Studio's Easter Favor Tags.

Modern Egg Hunt Invitation

A color palette of navy, Kelly green and sunshine yellow gives this invitation a fun, modern vibe. Silhouettes of a sheep, bunny and chick add a cute touch. Download Printable Easter Egg Hunt Invitation.

Egg Hunt Welcome Sign

This 11x14 inch sign is a great way to greet guests, and the colors coordinate with the egg hunt printable invitation. Download Printable Easter Egg Hunt Welcome Sign

Colorful Happy Easter Banner

Download, print, string and hang this banner for a festive way to celebrate Easter. Download Printable "Happy Easter" Banner.

Animals Banner

This bunny, sheep and chick banner is perfect for a dessert table. Download Printable Easter Animals Banner.

Cupcake Flags

Bring color to dessert with printable flags and coordinating baking cups. Download Printable Easter Cupcake Toppers.

Party Circles

Dress up your menu items with cute animal circle labels. Download Printable Easter Party Circles.

Printable Easter Basket

Let the kids make their own basket by printing free basket pattern and folding it into a cute basket. Download the Printable Easter Basket.

Easter Treat Carrier

Carry your treats easily with this portable jar carrier. Assemble the carrier following the instructions on the free printable pattern, and adorn it with stickers, bows, glitter or anything else you love. Fill two milk bottles with your favorite small treats. Download the Printable Easter Basket Carrier.

Hope you have fun with these free Easter printables; thank you again, The TomKat Studio. The TomKat Studio is our go-to place for decorating ideas, they have everything you could think of and some you wouldn't dream was possible - but they have it. One of our favorite and most called upon to share information and creative resources for you, our valued followers.

Bookmark The TomKat Studio, today...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!




Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

More Ways to Make Your Bedroom Look Like a Luxury Hotel Room

Courtesy of Lori Johnston and Erica Reitman

Hi Friends,

Last week we shared some great elegant and chic urban boutique-like escape with tips from expert desginers. We are continuing that journey this week with these added tips, again from designers.

Warm Modern
Photo: West Elm

Take a cue from West Elm, the modern furniture and home decor retailer, which plans to open its own brand of hotels, West Elm Hotels. Its guest room design has elements you could bring into your home, including globe pendants hung in pairs and a tufted headboard.

Glitzy Finishes
Photo: Michelle Mentzer Interiors

Mirrors and mirrored furniture are high-impact ways to get a luxury look, even on a budget. You can simply add a mirror, such as this round fish-eye mirror above the bed, which Atlanta designer Michelle Mentzer found at a discount. Or go glam by switching out a basic bedside table for a mirrored nightstand. If you have hardwood floors, add a patterned rug from an outlet store.

More Than the Bed
Photo: Lennar

A sitting area and plush decorative benches at the foot of the bed take this bedroom from comfy home to a sumptuous experience, plus the butter and gray color palette gives the room a restful vibe. Atlanta designer Cindi MacPherson says coordinating colors and fabrics create an extravagant feel in a room.

Map Walls
Photo: Marriott

Go on a journey for your own design style with design elements from Marriott’s Le Meridien guest room. You can decorate creatively with maps and follow the lead of designers with Marriott who used gray, light blue and charcoal for this muted palette.

We would love to hear the successes and challenges of your bedroom makeover.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!


Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Make Your Bedroom Look Like a Luxury Hotel Room

Courtesy of Lori Johnston and Erica Reitman

Hi Friends,

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day and had the opportunity to spend it with the people that are special to you.

It's been a while since our last post and we apologize for that but know we are still here. So let's get started with ideas for the coming months.

Get the feel of a chic urban boutique, elegant escape or countryside resort with these simple tips from designers.

Dreamy Drapery
Photo:Alice Cramer Interiors

There are few things in life that feel quite as indulgent as staying at a luxe boutique hotel. Somehow those hotel beds always manage to feel like a fluffy cloud and the sheets feel as soft as spun silk. And don't even get us started on the bathrobes. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars or hop on a plane to experience the magic of your favorite hotel room. There are some simple things you can do to recreate the same luxurious vibe in your own bedroom.

Channel the vibe of a modern bed & breakfast with sophisticated, no-frills drapery used in an unpredictable way. Install curtain rods onto the ceiling to create a soft wall of fabric around the bed, which adds height and intimacy, says Alice Cramer, an Atlanta interior designer.

Luxe Sheets
Photo: Werner Straube. From: Kim Scodro Interiors

The easiest way to snazz up your bedroom is to outfit your bed with a gorgeous set of sheets. To keep the hotel room look, go for a crisp, white set of sheets that are at least 300 thread count. Hotel rooms tend to use sateen or percale sheets, but you should choose the material that feels most comfortable to you. If you want to splurge, you can have your sheets professionally laundered, so they come home nice and pressed. And if you find a brand of linens that you truly love, consider purchasing two or three sets so you always have them on hand.

Lush Layers
Photo: GordonDunning

A wallpaper accent wall brings elegance into this bedroom. Atlanta designers Cate Dunning and Lathem Gordon suggest layering a duvet and coverlet for a more luxurious look. Having one “boom-pow” statement pillow can make a big style difference, too.

Clean Palette
Photo: Susan Sully

“Use white as a unifying element when mixing antiques,” suggests author Susan Sully. This homeowner had a variety of antiques of different styles and from various countries. To dial down the formality of the room, the homeowner left the frame over the bed uncovered and stuck to a clean, white color palette. The result is a calming room that feels both eclectic and cohesive at the same time.

Old-Fashioned Finds
Photo: Susan Sully

Botanical prints like these are fairly easy to find at thrift and antiques stores, and they can incorporate an old-fashioned luxury into the bedroom. Framed above the bed, they add a sense of nature and calm. “Painting everything ivory and white and the curtains the same color sets off the dark silhouette of the furniture,” says author Susan Sully. The Jenny Lind Spool bed, an old traveling trunk and shiplapped walls create a cozy feel.

Bedside Glam
Photo: Matt Harrington/HomeGoods

Pile on the pattern. Here, Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily layers decorative boxes, a lamp and geometric-shaped accessories for a chic, upmarket result. Group patterns by style, shape and function for added effect.

Desk Update
Photo: Michelle Mentzer Interiors

When including a work space in your bedroom, forget the basic boring desk that’s often part of a hotel suite. This glass-topped desk was an outlet find by Atlanta designer Michelle Mentzer, who paired it with an acrylic Z-shaped accent table from an antiques store. She also saved on the metallic lamp, mirror and glitzy accessories at a home decor discount store.

Enjoy your new bedroom...

Check back next week for more great ideas for your bedroom from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!


Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, November 2, 2023

How Many Ornaments Do You Need For Your Tree?

Courtesy of Christmas Lights, etc.
By Kristie Nelson

Happy Holidays Friends,

How many ornaments do you need to hang on your Christmas tree? That's a great question! Ultimately the number of ornaments and decorations you will need to cover your tree will come down to tree height, size of ornaments, how much of the tree you want to cover and of course, personal preference. If this is your first tree or you're aiming to create an awe inspiring spectacle, we've created this page to provide information to make purchasing ornaments easier while also providing inspiration for your Christmas tree design.

Suggested Ornament Number and Size
The number of ornaments you choose to hang on your tree is ultimately based on personal preference and there is no exact calculation. However, using our chart can be a helpful starting point when purchasing ornaments to ensure even coverage based on your tree height. We suggest purchasing an extra box or set of ornaments in each color you choose to help ensure you have a few replacements on hand should any of your ornaments become lost or broken.

Mix and Match Ornament Sizes
Mixing and matching ornaments sizes is a great way to add variety and depth to your Christmas tree design. When decorating your tree, add large or heavy ornaments to the interior of the tree where branches are thickest to protect them and add depth. Smaller ornaments work best on the tips of branches. Fill gaps in the tree with varying ornament sizes and decorations and try to keep things even. It helps to take a step back and view your progress to ensure even coverage!

If you have multiple trees in your home, consider decorating in different themes. Even if you stick to one theme, you can still use a variety in size and types of ornaments. Some popular themes are:
  • Red, green and silver
  • Blue, white and silver
  • Silver and gold
  • Purple and gold
  • Natural browns, golds, greens. Add in some birds and bears!
  • Consider a fun separate DIY or kids tree to showcase handmade ornaments.

Personalizing Ornaments

Glass Christmas ball ornaments on ChristmasLightsEtc.com are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and finishes. You can decorate these ornaments to make Christmas gifts for friends and family. Personalized ornaments are also a great idea if you have a certain specific decorating scheme in mind. Decorate ornaments with paint, glitter, or ribbons and sequins. Clear ornaments can even be filled to create one of a kind designs!

Which Ornaments Look Best on Which Tree
With so many tree styles out there it is important to take your tree profile and construction into consideration when choosing ornaments. Or, if you are planning to purchase a tree, you will want to keep your ornaments and decorative preference in mind when making your selection. Remember that the size of the tree will also play a role in determining how many ornaments you will need.
  • If you like a tree full of ornaments, consider the Brighton Fir. Its staggered offshoots to provide lots of hanging space.
  • Additional trees that are ideal for hanging larger ornaments include the bark-wrapped Fraser Fir and Canadian Fir trees.
  • Trees with pinecone accents like the lifelike Hunter with downswept branches offer rustic appeal. Or choose the Hawthorne Fir with frosted tips, lights and berries.
  • If you have heavy ornaments that need sturdy branches or you clip ornaments to the branches, the Sequoia Fir tree is your best pick. The elegant Sequoia Fir has extra durable tip and branch construction while still offering room for hanging.

Dos and Don'ts of Christmas Tree Decorating
  • Do place ornaments evenly throughout the tree
  • Don't forget the back or the bottom of the tree
  • Don't use so many ornaments that tree looks cluttered
  • Don't put breakable ornaments at the bottom of tree if you have pets or small children that might pull them off.
  • Do add matching ornaments to garland and wreaths to keep your decorating style consistent throughout the room or house
  • Don't be afraid to place different sizes of ornaments together on the tree.

Enjoy family and good friends...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!


Live well,
Yvonne