Take Cover

Courtesy of Camille Styles
Photo by Mike Bullock

Hi Friends,

One of the big challenges of outdoor entertaining during the summer months is battling the bugs. But don't let that discourage you from hosting a backyard dinner party! Cover appetizers with pretty glass domes and cake stand covers to keep creepy crawlers away and preserve the food's freshness.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Keep Your Cool

Courtesy of Camille Styles
Photo by Hayden Spears Photography

Hi Friends,

When it comes to summertime parties, running low on cold beverages is simply not an option. But this doesn't mean the host should play bartender all day! Keep the fun flowing and guests hydrated by filling colorful enamel bins with ice and assorted bottled drinks, and let everyone help themselves.

Check periodically to replenish as needed...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Repurpose a Ladder Into a Drying Rack

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Photography by Brian Patrick Flynn

Hi Friends,

If you're a do-it-yourselfer on a tight timeline, spice up your routine with an easy project — perfect for the weekend! Even if you're not a do-it-yourselfer, this project is perfect for you too; simply buy a wooden ladder from you local home improvement store and hang it!

If your laundry room is lacking in space, don’t forget to look up! This DIY drying rack is made from a basic ladder and chains. Once and for all, free your shower rods, doorknobs and chairs from hanging laundry, and finally make use of that wonderful fifth wall.

Materials Needed
wooden ladder
satin spray paint (in desired color)
(4) drywall anchors (1/4" threads)
(4) eye bolts with threads to match anchors (1/4" x 1 1/2")
(4) small eye bolts with wood threads
(8) locking chain links
(4) 4" lengths of light-duty chain3/5/2016
drop cloth
miter saw
safety goggles
measuring tape
pencil
sanding block
cordless drill
1/2" and 1/4" drill bits

Cut Ladder
Measure and mark the ladder to your desired length, then use a miter saw to cut the ladder.



Sand Ladder
Using a sanding block, smooth out the surface of the ladder to prep the surface for painting.

Paint Ladder
Set up an area with a drop cloth to protect your surface before painting, then apply a coat (or two) of spray paint in a satin finish. Let dry.



Install Ceiling Anchors
You'll need to install drywall anchors unless you're attaching your hardware directly into a stud or ceiling joist. Pre-drill holes for the anchors with a 1/2" bit (Image 1), then tap the anchors into place (Image 2). Next, screw the eye bolts into the anchors (Image 3). Make sure your anchor thread dimensions match the eye bolt thread dimensions or the bolts will not screw in properly.



Install Eye Bolts in Ladder
Pre-drill holes in the ladder with a 1/4" bit (Image 1), then install eye bolts on each corner (Image 2).



Add Chains + Hang Ladder
Once the eye bolts are installed on both the ceiling and the ladder, you can attach the light-duty chains. We had the chains cut into 4" lengths at a home improvement center, then added the locking links at the ends. Attach the chains to the ceiling first (Image 1), then the ladder (Image 2). Of course, you can adjust the chain length to accommodate any rack or ceiling height.



Great and extremely functional remodeling project you can do in a Weekend...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Movie Buff

Courtesy of Camille Styles
Photo by She-n-He Photography

Hi Friends,

Summer is all about soaking up the sun outdoors while creating fun memories with family and friends. Over the next few weeks, beat the heat with a few easy entertaining ideas that will keep the party going, no sweat!

When the summer sun gets too intense, invite friends to join you for an after-dark movie night. Hook up a projector to your laptop computer, then display a favorite summer flick on a screen or empty wall. Movie buffs of all ages will love a laid-back evening under the stars.

Enjoy the movie...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Trend: Large-Scale Lighting

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts and Duet Design Group
Photo By: David Lauer Photography

Hi Friends,

"Go for overscale dining room light fixtures. Lanterns, chandeliers — it doesn't matter. Groups of two or three, depending on the size, work best for full impact." — Nancy Boland, Duet Design Group

Smart decorating can define areas without walls - perfect example in this week's trend; living, dinning and kitchen clearly defined, no walls.

Relax and enjoy...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Unexpected Color Palettes That Work

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts
Photography by Camilla Molders Design

Hi Friends,

In our feature the Orange and Shades of Blue are unexpected combinations. When designing a room, a jolting shade of tangerine and various shades of blue may not be the first color combination that comes to mind. However, the two pair very well together when used correctly (and won't make you feel like you're cheering for a sports team). In this room, think of the subdued and grayed shades of blue as neutrals. The tangerine chair, crib mattress and changing table are now beautiful, vibrant accents among soft blue surroundings. Designer Sarah Richardson adds just the perfect amount of orange accessories to create that shot of color. Brilliant!

Indigo & Copper

When we say copper, we don't mean the metal. In this designer bedroom, a copper-orange upholstered headboard and bed frame make an eye-catching debut among an otherwise white and indigo color palette. The hues complement each other and allow the white to create balance with contrast. Photo courtesy of Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design.

Lime Green & Golden Yellow

If you're feeling especially brave, why not go for a color combination that is anything but subtle? Lime green and golden yellow? It works! In this living room, the yellow is used as an accent color while lime green is used as the primary color. The designer even chooses a small dividing wall to paint yellow to break up the green color scheme.

Coral, Golden Yellow & Gray

Traditionally, no girl's bedroom would be complete without a combination of pretty pastels like coral, golden yellow and blue. But what about pastels mixed with gray and black? In this bedroom, gray plays the neutral while black and white act as standout accents. Photo courtesy of HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams.

Red, White and Blue, Plus Black and White

Designer Tobi Fairley takes a daring approach when choosing the color scheme for this preppy/traditional entryway. First, she uses bright red frames on the wall for the most noticeable burst of color. Then she coordinates with a bright blue chair with red trim. The surprise comes when she adds a sky-blue and white console table and a black-and-white-striped rug. Red, white, blue and black can absolutely work together!

Citrus & Kelly Green

Kids' bedrooms should be full of spirit and liveliness, just like the kids themselves. In this stylish nursery, the designer uses an unusual but well-paired combination of kelly green and citrus around the room. Green-and-white stripes create a focal point on the ceiling, and bold yellow doors are certainly a fun way to transform a traditional room element. Other primary color accents bring the entire room together.

Take your home to a bold new level by trying out one of these unexpected, but surprisingly perfect, color palettes and share some of your unexpected color combinations with us; look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Quick, I Need a Centerpiece!

By: Michelle Edgemont
From: Lazy Entertainer
Photography By: Brklyn View Photography LLC

Hi Friends,

Those beautiful vegetables in the produce section of your local market with the greens still attached are inexpensive and a natural way to bring organic color to your tabletop. Find clear hurricane vases or tall glasses in a variety of sizes, fill with water, and place vegetables inside.

Here are carrots, radishes, kale, bok choy, and artichokes, but experiment with what your supermarket or farmers' market has in stock. Plus, you can add these veggies to your weekly menu after the party is over.

Another easy DIY option that's not flowers is this Charcuterie Centerpiece.



You're already having a party, so why not use the appetizer as part of the decor! Start with one or two long, thin trays. Place a few types of cheese, two types of meat, dried apricots, grapes, nuts, and breadsticks to completely fill the trays. Some dried orange slices are placed underneath the trays for a pop of color.

Find what's fresh and use the Farmers' Market as inspiration but most off all don't be afraid to experiment and share them with us; look forward to hearing from you...

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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