Happy Earth Day!

Courtesy of National Geographic

Hi Friends,

In 1970 smog choked major U.S. cities and toxic waste flooded rivers. That same year nearly 20 million Americans participated in events on April 22, spearheaded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, to draw attention to the environmental issues plaguing the planet and human health. Named Earth Day, April 22 has remained a time to celebrate restoration and stand up for the planet. Today we wanted to share with our friends...

It's Earth Day and we thank each and every person for doing your part.

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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

Lighten Up Your Home With Eye-Catching Curtains

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Photography by Flynnside Out Productions

Hi Friends,

Beat the heat and give your house a refreshing dose of color at the same time. This design by Brian Patrick Flynn just goes to show that curtains work well even in outdoor settings. For extra shade during the day, wrap your porch in warm orange-red tones to create a vibrant yet relaxing seating area.

Enjoy the outdoors...

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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

Happy Easter!

Courtesy of Sassy Cats

Happy Easter Friends!

May the simple joys fill your day, hope light your path, the many blessings of Easter stay forever in your heart, and the Origin of The Easter Bunny make your day.

Origin of The Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is a symbol that originated with the pagan festival of Easter. The goddess, Easter, was worshiped by the Anglo-Saxons
through her earthly symbol,
the hare or rabbit.

The date of Easter is determined by the moon whose symbolism is strongly tied to that of the hare. In fact, the hare is the symbol for the moon. Ever since the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D., Easter has been celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after March 21st.

The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good the "Oschter Haws" would lay a nest of colored eggs.

The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the
garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets came later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country.

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

Printable Candy Carrier...

Courtesy of Abigail Barnes

Hi Friends,

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

Paper Straw Vase

Make this bright, seasonal basket using only paper straws, a vase and hot glue. Glue the straws on a vase, metal can or other container until completely covered. Attach ribbon as a handle or fill with spring flowers to create a budget-friendly Easter centerpiece.

Happy Easter Hunting...

Check back for more great Easter 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

Adult Easter Box

Courtesy of Abigail Barnes

Hi Friends,

Make the ultimate adult Easter basket with fun gifts inside. Spray paint an old wooden crate in your desired color. Let dry, and attach a cute pennant banner to the front. To make the banner, cut triangles from black cardstock or scrapbook paper, and write a letter on each triangle using a chalkboard pen. Glue the pennants to a strand of baker's twine, and tie or glue the twine ends to the crate. Fill the box with gifts like wine, glasses and chocolate to give to friends and neighbors.

Chalkboard Terra Cotta Pot

If you aren't into sweets, make a garden lover's basket instead. Apply chalkboard paint to a terra cotta pot. Once dry, rub with chalk, lightly coating entire pot to cure the paint. Wipe off excess and write or draw Easter messages with chalk or a chalkboard pen. Fill with gardening goodies.

Brass Watering Can

A brass antique watering can makes an eye-catching Easter basket alternative. Tie a length of one-inch wide grosgrain ribbon to the handle and the spout for an easy way to carry it. You can even hide it in the garden as part of an Easter egg hunt.

Happy Easter Hunting...

Check back for more great Easter 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

Unconventional Easter Basket Ideas

Courtesy of Abigail Barnes

Hi Friends,

Skip the traditional basket this Easter, and make one of these clever ideas that are perfect for all ages. Make an Easter version of a terrarium. Fill Mason jars with a layer of chocolate rocks, followed by edible grass, candy eggs and marshmallow bunnies. Tie with ribbon and attach gift tags so guests can enjoy them at home. Voilà, Edible Terrariums!

Jute-Wrapped Bucket

Bring a natural, earthy feel to your Easter celebration with a jute-wrapped basket. Wrap jute or twine, starting from the bottom of a galvanized bucket, and go up along the side and around to the bottom again to create a handle. Continue wrapping the sides of the bucket, occasionally hot gluing to the sides. Continue until entire bucket is wrapped in jute and handles are secure. Fill the bucket with green grass filler and egg-shaped candy.

Rustic Wire Basket

For a rustic-inspired basket, rip strips of Easter-themed fabric and weave it through a wire basket you can get at an antique shop. Fill with grass filler and brown hard-boiled eggs for a rustic look.

Happy Easter!

Check back for more great Easter 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

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe

Courtesy of Courtney Whitmore
Photography by Evin Photography

Hi Friends,

Add a hint of sweetness to the traditional ham recipe by flavoring it with a brown sugar glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole bone-in ham
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place ham in roasting dish and bake ham fat side up covered tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 20 minutes for every pound of ham. Bake one hour for a 3-pound ham and 2 hours for a 6-pound ham.
2. While ham is baking, whisk together remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Remove from oven, and trim off any fat. Brush on brown sugar glaze, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. Carve and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Courtney Whitmore

Happy Easter and Bon Appétit...

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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