Tuesday, July 26, 2022

What Blooms You Need in Your Bouquet (Based on Your Sign)

Courtesy of Maria Conti
Photography by iStock/SvetaY

Hi Friends,

Because every bride wants to be petal-perfect on her big day.

Weddings? So fun. The most fun. Wedding-planning? So tedious. The most tedious. Notorious for irrational arguments with your future mother-in-law and an abundance of stress acne for all those involved. Not so fun, not the most fun at all.

Brides are faced with about a million different decisions while they plan their big day. Traditional tiered cake or cupcake smorgasbord? Tulle ball gown or beaded mermaid? Questionable DJ or slightly-over-budget band? Yes, these decisions carry some weight, but when it’s all said and done they are easy enough, right?

The perfect floral-scheme for the big day is a different story. An event of this magnitude need a scheme reflective of not only the special couple’s personal vibe (so crucial) but one that is also on trend and within the budget.

And this isn’t about just centerpieces, either. It’s so much bigger than that. We’re talking the BOUQUET. You know, just the most iconic accessory in a bride's lifetime. I’m sweating just thinking about it, guys.

You see, there are roughly a trillion different flowers to choose from and with that, one-trillion- zillion ways to arrange said flowers. With power comes responsibility, people. This leaves just as much room for floral success as it does floral failure. I will not stand by and allow a floral fiasco on the biggest day of a bride’s life. Not now, not ever.

So how do I propose that our bride-to-be narrow down her bloom selection for the big day?

The answers are written in the stars, of course. As always, I am here as your zodiac guru, ready to guide you (and your thoroughly-vetted florist) down the aisle towards complete floral bliss.

LEO: Sunflower
(July 23- August 22)
iStock/coloroftime

This golden group is in need of a flower just as bold and beautiful as their personalities. The perfect pick (or pluck) for you, my daring Leo bride? Sunflowers, of course. These summertime flowers are quite literally the epitome of happiness, which seems only fitting for the happiest day of your life, no? These pretties will put a smile on everyone’s face.

VIRGO: Orchid
(August 23-September 22)
iStock/SrdjanPav

There’s no doubt that your day has been planned down to the tiniest, most minute detail to ensure your day is absolute perfection. What flower more appropriate for a perfection-driven Virgo bride than the flawless orchid? Delicate, understated elegance and with a wide range of colors to choose from? This bloom can’t be beat.

LIBRA: Succulent
(September 23- October 22)
iStock/Biggunsband

A Libra bride seeks balance and calm in the midst of all her wedding day chaos. So, other than the obvious “mimosa-in-each-hand” situation, what better way to achieve a balanced bridal moment than to incorporate some gorgeous succulents into the mix? Not only do these beauts come in a variety of green, grey and purple colors, but they add an unexpected (and totally beautiful) texture to the bouquet. The best part? You can replant them after the wedding… i.e. you can have your day of immense, romantic love live on forever on your window sill. Just as long as you remember to water it, that is.

SCORPIO: Snapdragon
(October 23 - November 21)
iStock/Morgan_studio

Ah, Scorpios are notorious for their direct, passionate energies. These fiery brides should consider walking down the aisle with a lush bouquet of snapdragon flowers. Cascading bouquets are making a comeback in the bridal world these jaw-dropping field flowers are right on trend. Even better—they come in reds, oranges, yellow and pink. You can even find some that are lavender. Whatever color you choose, a bunch of these beautiful, bold blossoms are guaranteed to be unforgettable as your blazing spirit, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS: Hypericum Berries
(November 22 - December 21)
iStock/andriikobryn

The adventurous Sagittarius bride refuses to be weighed down by anything too traditional, so we probably won’t see her walking down the aisle with a bunch of white roses any time soon. Still, this is her bridal bouquet we’re talking about and it needs to be beautiful. My choice for a truly unique bouquet? Hypericum berries! They come in bright green and a deep red, making them the perfect addition to spring and winter blossoms alike. Looking to really color outside the lines on the big day? Add length to your bunch with draping eucalyptus leaves and a ruby apple in there to create a truly show-stopping look. It may not be traditional, but there will be no arguing about its beauty.

CAPRICORN: Ranunculus
(December 22 - January 19)
iStock/CoffeeAndMilk

Capricorn brides are diligent in detail and value the traditional affairs. They are sure to organize a soiree that is as efficient as it is elegant. The perfect posy for these lovely ladies? Ranunculus! Their delicate petals grow in many different colors, but we love how graceful these long stemmed white ranunculus look for the wedding day. We know you won’t shy away from hard work, Capricorn, but it doesn’t take much to make these blooms look absolutely breathtaking.

AQUARIUS: Queen Protea
(January 20 - February 18)
iStock/jxfzsy

Aquarius, the eclectic and spunky spirit of the zodiac. An Aquarius bride is sure to throw a wedding that is funky, unexpected and completely delightful all at the same time. With all that fun, a girl’s got to dress for the occasion, right? She’s got her veil, dress and shoes but how to crown off this one-of-a-kind look? A Queen Protea. That’s right, a Queen for the queen! This bloom is as big as it is bold and comes in a vivid shade of fuchsia that your guests will not soon forget.

PISCES: Lavender
(February 19 - March 20)
iStock/marichka_b

Pisces are always looking after the people they love in life, even on their wedding day. They want their day to be one huge, joint celebration for all the people they love in their life. When thinking of the perfect addition to a Pisces’ bouquet, the answer was immediate: Lavender. Lavender is, without question, gorgeous. It offers an understated elegance that is ideal for any Pisces’ wedding day. The real reason that a Pisces bride will love this bloom? That beautiful, fragrant aroma it is so renowned for. Tuck these purple-y petals into your posy and centerpieces alike, then sit back and watch. Your guests will be praising the pretty perfumed soiree all evening long. A win-win for you and your treasured loved ones, Pisces!

ARIES: Anemone
(March 21- April 19)
iStock/elenakor

An Aries bride is confident that she will throw the best wedding day her guests have ever attended. This determined bride is looking to wow her guests with every detail, not excluding her bridal bouquet. The bloom to do just that? Anemones. This flower has a unique, chic look and grows in red, blue and blush. My personal favorite variation for you, Aries? A crisp white anemone with a contrasting black eye. This flower is ultra-stylish and is guaranteed to add that extra wow-factor to our Aries’ already spectacular day.

TAURUS: Rose
(April 20 - May 20)
Ash Carr

For our ever-traditional tribe of Taureans, I’m going to go ahead and assume that they are throwing a super gorgeous traditional shin-dig. My floral suggestion? The classic rose. These babies have been wedding staples for forever and their exquisite beauty and romantic aroma are available to brides all year long. This creamy, wintry white rose bouquet a-la Lynn Coulter? To die.

I mean… Hey. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s what they always say, right? (Judging by that statement I think we can all agree that whoever “they” are, they’re probably Taureans. Right?)

GEMINI: Eucalyptus
(May 21- June 20)
iStock/andriikobryn

When a Gemini bride is planning her wedding there will be, without a doubt, hours of back and forth and indecisiveness. This uncertainty will seep into every minute detail surrounding her day. She’s looking for a fun, flirty and over-the-top day that will wow her many friends. The only problem is that there’s about a million ways to do that. So what’s the perfect petal to pick, that’s capable of working with her ever-evolving vision? Well folks, it’s not a petal at all. Instead, this trendy bride should stick some flowy and fragrant Eucalyptus leaves in the mix for her bouquet. This green foliage compliments just about any flower our Gem can dream up but looks just as pretty on its own. Not to mention Eucalyptus is all the rave in the bridal world right now which is a total must-have for It-Bride-Gemini.

CANCER: Dahlia
(June 21- July 22)
iStock/wedphoto

Cancer houses the most sensitive and caring brides-to-be in the zodiac world. I would not be surprised if a Cancer bride opted to incorporated vintage family heirlooms in her bouquet, such as a family pin or broach. This group of genuine ladies deserve a bouquet that is just as lovely and endearing as they are. My pick for the prettiest petals to complement their special family touches? The intricate-blooming Dahlia flower. Their petals bloom in saturated colors and create spectacular, ornate blooms that are full of texture. Our Cancer crew are sure to feel extra nostalgic (and beautiful) while walking down the aisle with these outstanding blossoms.

Perfect flower for your perfect day...

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, July 19, 2022

Here's How to Get Organized, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Courtesy of Maria Conti

Hi Friends,

Look to the stars for more structure in your life.

CAPRICORN
Melissa George, Polished Habitat

(December 22 – January 19) Our hardworking (read: workaholic) Capricorns thrive under one of the most organized signs of the zodiac. Their focus is often on their fast-paced, demanding careers and it's paramount that their workspaces remain orderly and accessible, always and in all ways. Invest in a sleek, sophisticated filing system and spend an afternoon of bliss with a handy-dandy label maker.

Read: 12 Things Every Organized Home Office Needs

AQUARIUS
(January 20 – February 18) Aquarians are humanitarians by nature and make living mindfully a priority. As such, this sign would benefit from a weekend spent streamlining the recycling setup in their home. Using clear labels for various recycling bins and waste receptacles, as seen here, will allow Aquarians to make impactful, positive choices for the environment on a daily basis.

Read: Build an Outdoor Recycling Center

PISCES
(February 19 – March 20) Deep and intuitive, our Pisces peeps would benefit the most from an organized master suite. Create designated spots to keep your must-have comforts within reach. A neat linen closet filled with lavender-scented blankets or a drawer stocked with essential oils will go a long way to anchor this soulful sign at the end of each day.

Read: Tips for an Organized Bedroom

ARIES
Melissa George, Polished Habitat

(March 21 – April 19) Aries are known for their seemingly endless supply of energy and love of action. Put it to good use and create an ultra-organized and efficient home gym. Pro tip: Add a pegboard and keep the essentials in sight and on hand.

Read: Turn a Corner Into an Organized Home Gym

TAURUS
Michelle Drewes, MichelleDrewes.com

(April 20 – May 20) Taureans tend to indulge in the kitchen from time to time, so they might as well whip the space into shape while they're in there, right? Prioritize your pantry with an army of ultra-elegant, glass containers that will make your favorite midnight cookies easier to see (and snack!).

Read: Tips for a Picture-Perfect Pantry

GEMINI
(May 21 – June 20) More is more for my fellow Gemini! Keep structure from being a bore and reimagine the pieces you've got on hand at home to create cool, one-of-a-kind organization stations that double as unique design pieces. This bar cart turned entryway storage does just the trick.

Read: 25 Beautifully-Organized Spaces

CANCER
Flynnside Out Productions

(June 21 – July 22) Family is everything for this nurturing sign. That said, Cancers are happiest when their efforts go towards protecting and nurturing their loved ones. One way to do this is to create an emergency folder with the family's important documents, contracts, lists of allergies and contact information. Don't forget the veterinarian's contact details for your furry family members, too!

Read: Create an Organized Family Management Binder

LEO
Robert Peterson/Rustic White Photography, 2016, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

(July 23 – August 22) The lion den prides itself on dramatic impact. Our Leo friends are likely to have some form of theatrical design in their home, whether it be open-air cabinetry or bold, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Spend time pruning your displays by alphabetizing your library or color-coordinating your dishware. Maybe give your gilded accolades a fresh polish for good measure, while you're at it.

Read: Impressive Home Libraries

VIRGO
Gardener's Supply Company

(August 23 – September 22) Nurturing by nature, this earth sign is often a proud plant parent with flourishing gardens, both indoor and out. Virgos should take stock of their shed and spend time pinpointing ways to streamline their gardening efforts. Do you waste time lugging buckets and shovels back and forth across the yard? Fashion yourself a hanging tool station to serve as additional storage for your various projects.

Read: Easy Ways to Organize Lawn + Garden Tools

LIBRA
House of Jade Interiors

(September 23 – October 22) Libras love to treat themselves to the latest and greatest fashion trends. Often, though, all their new, beautiful buys leave their closets looking like a complete wreck. Make your closet beautiful by organizing by color and using cohesive hangers. If you're really invested, consider purchasing a built-in drawer system for folded clothing and intimates.

Read: Organizing Ideas for Small Closets

SCORPIO
(October 23 – November 21) The name of the game for this sign is purge, purge and purge! This all-or-nothing water sign should roll up their sleeves and start filling donation bins to the brim. Less is more, and if you find that the things in your home are not serving you and/or bringing you joy then out they go. Plus, Scorpio is the sign of endings, beginnings and rebirth. Donate and start anew.

Read: 50 Things to Get Rid of Right Now

SAGITTARIUS
Lowe's

(November 22 – December 21) This spirited sign is always up for an adventure. As for an afternoon organizing the house? Not so much. My tip? Travel beyond the four walls of your home, Sags! Take your organization skills outside to totally rehab/revamp the garden shed into a livable, lovable space. Create an outdoor entertainment area, alfresco yoga studio or a cozy, bohemian reading nook for a daily escape from reality.

Read: Inspiring Shed Makeovers

Organization not only saves time but also money...

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, July 12, 2022

Your New Favorite Ice Cream Flavor (Based on Your Zodiac Sign)

Courtesy of Maria Conti
Photo by: iStock/Foxys_forest_manufacture

Hi Friends,

July 17th is officially the coolest day of the year. Icy, creamy, cool actually. That’s right folks, its National Ice Cream Day. In other words, the perfect excuse to indulge in a hefty bowl (or four) of ice cream.

We know what you’re thinking. There are endless flavor combos out there “How on earth do I choose?”

Ah, confused sweet-tooth, no need to fret! What’s your scoop? Well, let us just ask: What’s your sign?

CANCER: Birthday Cake
(June 21 - July 22)
iStock/knape

National Ice Cream Day falls smack dab in the middle of Cancer’s birthday season, so we feel it only appropriate to select your cream accordingly. Birthday Cake Ice Cream just makes sense for these caring Cancers. If you’re feeling extra festive, let those rainbow sprinkles rain down on that cone like confetti. Hey, this is a double-celebration after all!

LEO: Honey
(July 23 - August 22)
iStock/JuliaLototskaya

We turned to the stars but they redirected us to the beehives for this one! Leos have an indisputably golden heart that is deserving of a serious serving of golden and gooey frozen goodness. The verdict: Honey Ice Cream. Sticky honey swirled into vanilla-bean cream is nothing short of a dairy dream that our confident Leos will adore.

VIRGO: Lavender
(August 23 - September 22)
iStock/Tatomm

Lavender Ice Cream. Delicate floral undertones play well with sugary frozen cream to create a virtually perfect summer treat. And remember, Virgos have a hard time settling for anything less than perfect. Luckily, with this flavor combination, they won’t have to.

LIBRA: Green Tea
(September 23 - October 22)
iStock/Anna Pustynnikova

Libra, the renowned balance-seekers of the zodiac. To help find your inner-dessert-zen, might we suggest a large helping of green tea ice cream? We kind of feel like the countless health benefits of green tea balances out any of the sugary indulgence that may come from regular, old vanilla.

SCORPIO: Rocky Road
(October 23 - November 21)
iStock/Robert Ingelhart

Scorpios are a passionate and dynamic crew, deserving of a flavor as fierce as they are. Well, what do you know? Rocky Road is just that. It’s a classic for a reason and a true chocolate lover’s dream. Jam packed with chunks of marshmallows, almonds and chocolate chips, this scoop delivers a rich flavor that makes it truly unforgettable. Kind of like you, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS: Chocolate Bacon
(November 22 - December 21)
iStock/arinahabich

Sagittarius hosts some of the most adventurous spirits in the zodiac. We had to color outside the lines with this one. Our pick for you? We think that Chocolate Bacon Ice Cream should be these thrill-seekers’ go-to scoop. Because, as out-of-the-box as bacon might sound for dessert, have you ever gone on an adventure involving bacon or chocolate that you didn’t enjoy? Yeah. We haven’t either.

CAPRICORN: Eggnog
(December 22 - January 19)
iStock/bhofack2

Capricorns are born into the world during the height of holiday festivities. These guys epitomize what it means to be responsible, they are what you’d call true “good eggs.” We say let your hair down and really indulge in a mid-year holiday cheer with some Eggnog Ice Cream! The spicy hints of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with a creamy vanilla undertones will slow these hard-workers down just long enough to savor a waffle cone, or two.

AQUARIUS: Black Cherry
(January 20 - February 18)
iStock/barmalini

Ah, the beloved, eccentric Aquarians. This sign needs a flavor that is as bold and memorable as they are. Our scoop selection? Black Cherry Ice Cream. Tart notes of cherry and lemon blend seamlessly with sweet vanilla cream, resulting in rich purple color and truly delectable flavor. We feel confident that Aquarius everywhere will be licking their bowls clean with this one.

PISCES: Mint
(February 19 - March 20)
iStock/StephanieFrey

Pisces are an imaginative, adaptable and love nothing more than helping others. We say it’s time to help yourself, Pisces! Take the time to treat yourself to some serious delicious (not to mention completely refreshing) Mint Ice Cream! The cool mint flavors makes this frozen treat feel twice as icy to eat, thus it's the perfect scoop for hot summer days. We love a generous swirl of chocolate syrup on top, but we say let your innate imagination run wild with the toppings on this one, Pisces! You deserve it.

ARIES: Cinnamon
(March 21 - April 19)
iStock/Todd McLean

Aries are the independent and enthusiastic bunch of the zodiac. We feel they need a flavor that stands out just as much as they do! Enter: Cinnamon Ice Cream. The marriage of cinnamon and vanilla make for delicious snickerdoodles cookies but work even better in ice cream form! We have a feeling that these fire signs will appreciate this spicy and sweet flavor dripping down their waffle cones.

TAURUS: Peanut Butter Cookie
(April 20 - May 20)
Taurus are the most traditional batch of the zodiac. They have no problems sticking to a basic vanilla bean or chocolate swirl, but come on guys, live a little! We’re here to up your ice cream game this summer with our pick: Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream. The timeless flavor of peanut butter cookies mixed with classic vanilla yields a scoop that is two times as traditional (and twice as yummy) as a vanilla cone, any day of the week. You’re welcome, Taurus.

GEMINI: Coconut
(May 21 - June 20)
iStock/SherSor

Gemini are symbolized by trend-loving twins and are notorious for being indecisive when it comes to life's big decisions. That said, is there really any bigger decision than selecting the perfect ice cream flavor? You see the dilemma here. Don’t stress Gems, we’ve paired you with the flavor of the season (literally): Coconut Ice Cream. The combination tropical coconut combined with creamy vanilla is the perfect flavor to satisfy even the pickest Gemini’s palate. This summery, sweet selection is one major decision that the twin crew will not be second guessing.

Stay cool...

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, July 5, 2022

Veggies You Can Plant in Mid-Summer

Courtesy of Meagan Francis

Hi Friends,

There are several fast-growing summer vegetables and herbs that can still be planted in July and August.

Photo Courtesy of Dollar Photo Club

A number of fast-growing summer veggies and herbs can still be planted in July and August. If you have an open spot in your garden due to a lost crop or the end of a spring harvest, there are a few fast growers that you can plant in the heat of the summer.

Many plants need to be re-sown through the season anyway, and still others will produce well into the fall even if you don’t get the seeds in the ground until summer. In fact, some vegetable plants do even better and grow more quickly when you wait until the ground is very warm and crawling with worms.

Here are just a few plants you can still grow before the fall weather sets in.

Beans. Beans love warm, sunny days! Choose snap bush beans if your growing season is short – pole and dry beans take longer to mature. If you’ve already planted beans, consider putting in another crop.
Cucumbers. Cukes grow fast, especially in the warm summer months. You might be amazed at how quickly they explode!

Squash. Many squashes don’t produce until fall anyway, making them a good choice for late spring or summer planting.

Julie Martens Forney

Carrots. Carrot seeds can be sown any time from spring through early autumn, as long as you get them in the ground by 10–12 weeks before the first fall frost.

National Garden Bureau/Alf Christianson Seed Co./Sakata

Herbs like basil, marjoram, chives and sage do well when planted in the late spring and summer, and can even thrive indoors throughout the winter.

This list is far from exhaustive. In fact, you might be amazed at what kind of seeds will grow and produce well even if you don’t get around to putting them in your garden until midsummer. Research your garden zone for more specific information about which seeds will do well when you’re ready to plant.

Happy gardening...

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