WTF Friday: Messy Magnets

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfHtHkgqngo/UGTsL_pAemI/AAAAAAAACuA/pBFTXZe9uf0/s1600/plunger-magnets-186661361a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfHtHkgqngo/UGTsL_pAemI/AAAAAAAACuA/pBFTXZe9uf0/s320/plunger-magnets-186661361a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today I am revealing a new pet peeve:  I really hate a refrigerator covered in/sprinkled with magnets.  No matter how many or how cute, they always make a fridge look messy.  That's why, even though I am a huge fan of kitsch, I cannot get behind ZGallerie's Plunger Magnets--not even now that they are $3 (were $7).

WTF Friday: Messy Magnets

Today I am revealing a new pet peeve:  I really hate a refrigerator covered in/sprinkled with magnets.  No matter how many or how cute, they...

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Sleep Tight

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHhVZNOH5oE/UGSAYb7i-7I/AAAAAAAACtQ/DfZ2rArRjQU/s1600/zm_lotus-bed-dtl_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHhVZNOH5oE/UGSAYb7i-7I/AAAAAAAACtQ/DfZ2rArRjQU/s320/zm_lotus-bed-dtl_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6M6kubXZ_0/UGSAZNqx7SI/AAAAAAAACtY/Rdn7hD9-qqQ/s1600/zm_lotus-bed_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6M6kubXZ_0/UGSAZNqx7SI/AAAAAAAACtY/Rdn7hD9-qqQ/s400/zm_lotus-bed_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My clients are constantly telling me that they want unique furnishings that feel one-of-a-kind.  That's easier said than found at retailers, especially when on a budget.  But every time I go to VivaTerra, I see something special that I can't find at bigger chains.  One such item is their Lotus Bed ($2795, was $2995).

Sleep Tight

My clients are constantly telling me that they want unique furnishings that feel one-of-a-kind.  That's easier said than found at retail...

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Stocking Stuffer

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FURwczlyXYk/UGEypyJdUFI/AAAAAAAACsg/EA3N-wL-JTI/s1600/img10o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FURwczlyXYk/UGEypyJdUFI/AAAAAAAACsg/EA3N-wL-JTI/s320/img10o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfJhuaHWIig/UGEyqRZH9zI/AAAAAAAACso/9tLEUpX3dTA/s1600/img54o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfJhuaHWIig/UGEyqRZH9zI/AAAAAAAACso/9tLEUpX3dTA/s400/img54o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's never too early to stock up on stuff for your family's stockings.  And now is a great time to get summer sale items for super small prices.  For example, hurry and snap up West Elm's Alphabet Paperweights ($4, was $8) while they still have your aunt's initial!

Stocking Stuffer

It's never too early to stock up on stuff for your family's stockings.  And now is a great time to get summer sale items for super s...

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TMI Tuesday: Nighty, Night!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzxKrrw9UVc/UGEvw9F6EzI/AAAAAAAACr4/hQZGHDR0BNY/s1600/L10860972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzxKrrw9UVc/UGEvw9F6EzI/AAAAAAAACr4/hQZGHDR0BNY/s320/L10860972.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>When my husband and I were furnishing our apartment, I was on a tight budget.  So we scrimped on our nightstands.  I wish I'd known about Overstock's Norwich Nightstands back then.  $233 is such a bargain for these very sturdy and classic side tables (were $280).

TMI Tuesday: Nighty, Night!

When my husband and I were furnishing our apartment, I was on a tight budget.  So we scrimped on our nightstands.  I wish I'd known abou...

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Another Miss

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAIg13IGs0U/UGEkY2wYHpI/AAAAAAAACrQ/vYgsWhntBEo/s1600/help-wanted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAIg13IGs0U/UGEkY2wYHpI/AAAAAAAACrQ/vYgsWhntBEo/s320/help-wanted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am sure you all are wondering why every now and again I miss a Monday blog post.  Answer is that the weekends are my craziest time.  So, by the time Monday hits, I am worn out and catching up on emails and calls.  It is busy over here at Affordable Interior Design.  To help with the workload, I am hiring!  If you are or know of a qualified interior designer in NYC resume, send their resume to affordableinteriordesignnyc@gmail.com.  Looking forward to adding another member to the team!

Another Miss

I am sure you all are wondering why every now and again I miss a Monday blog post.  Answer is that the weekends are my craziest time.  So, b...

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WTF: Black and White--Not Alright!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AC3CG54WA8Q/UFIjXyCNkyI/AAAAAAAACqo/nif5lHYCcuk/s1600/img79o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AC3CG54WA8Q/UFIjXyCNkyI/AAAAAAAACqo/nif5lHYCcuk/s400/img79o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Pottery Barn's Tufted Paisley Rug ($418, was $599) isn't so bad, right?  Betsy, what are you thinking?  Its pattern is timeless, its price just right.  What's the problem?<br /><br />The problem is that black and white is never alright for rugs--unless you are a single gal with a maid 5 days per week.  See, black shows every piece of hair and lint.  And white reveals every stain and spec of dirt.  So this rug will always look like crap no matter how tidy you are.  Steer clear!

WTF: Black and White--Not Alright!

Pottery Barn's Tufted Paisley Rug ($418, was $599) isn't so bad, right?  Betsy, what are you thinking?  Its pattern is timeless, its...

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Outdoor Entertaining

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31KjMyydHwg/UFIikGf-_kI/AAAAAAAACqY/SqXs_APObGc/s1600/zm_sm12-ca-15400238m-a_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31KjMyydHwg/UFIikGf-_kI/AAAAAAAACqY/SqXs_APObGc/s400/zm_sm12-ca-15400238m-a_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRFKrRw2OZw/UFIikuAeh_I/AAAAAAAACqg/Y_8r7Rt2xmY/s1600/zm_sm12-ca-17100152gs-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRFKrRw2OZw/UFIikuAeh_I/AAAAAAAACqg/Y_8r7Rt2xmY/s640/zm_sm12-ca-17100152gs-a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The weather has been great this past week.  That might mean that this is our last chance for warm, outdoor entertaining.  If so, you'd better order VivaTerra's Woven Just Lanterns with a quickness.  Hopefully their sale price ($55, was $70) will last and they will ship fast!

Outdoor Entertaining

The weather has been great this past week.  That might mean that this is our last chance for warm, outdoor entertaining.  If so, you'd b...

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Rows and Rows

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRj74ljz5lQ/UFIiBms4F6I/AAAAAAAACqQ/LG7TES0UGm0/s1600/RowKhakiTextLampS12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRj74ljz5lQ/UFIiBms4F6I/AAAAAAAACqQ/LG7TES0UGm0/s400/RowKhakiTextLampS12.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I am perpetually on the hunt for narrow lamps that can take high-wattage bulbs.  And Crate and Barrel's Row Khaki Taupe Table Lamp meets my needs on both fronts for only $99 (was $119).  Hooray!

Rows and Rows

I am perpetually on the hunt for narrow lamps that can take high-wattage bulbs.  And Crate and Barrel's Row Khaki Taupe Table Lamp meets...

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TMI: Pillow-palooza!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvl2bVemr3E/UFIhmwXOTzI/AAAAAAAACqI/q0ZyUWkNPhY/s1600/V050172-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvl2bVemr3E/UFIhmwXOTzI/AAAAAAAACqI/q0ZyUWkNPhY/s320/V050172-2.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>I have one sofa and about 6 pillows.  That is WAY too many.  I recommend 3 pillows per sofa, 1 per chair.  However, I keep seeing cute ones like Burke Decor's Balance Pillow that are on sale for only $60 (was $80).  Then I have to get them!  Thus the pile up...

TMI: Pillow-palooza!

I have one sofa and about 6 pillows.  That is WAY too many.  I recommend 3 pillows per sofa, 1 per chair.  However, I keep seeing cute ones ...

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Another Stool Spotted

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJCENKeteOA/UFEFwg4bD7I/AAAAAAAACpY/t7MsrH9zGnI/s1600/0278700320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJCENKeteOA/UFEFwg4bD7I/AAAAAAAACpY/t7MsrH9zGnI/s320/0278700320.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqBGo_wXzko/UFEF1KCJiCI/AAAAAAAACpg/5z9dg2IYJbI/s1600/l0278700300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqBGo_wXzko/UFEF1KCJiCI/AAAAAAAACpg/5z9dg2IYJbI/s400/l0278700300.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>I am addicted to adorable stools.  Why not put one next to every accent chair?  At this price, you can put one next to the sofas and loveseats, too.  Run!  Don't walk to Home Decorators' sale section to get your Lavello Accent Table for $89 (was $179).

Another Stool Spotted

I am addicted to adorable stools.  Why not put one next to every accent chair?  At this price, you can put one next to the sofas and lovesea...

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What are you watching Saturday night?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNUiM_6bvoU/UFEEWzmLG1I/AAAAAAAACpI/zKLzg2WUgKA/s1600/diy_network_us.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNUiM_6bvoU/UFEEWzmLG1I/AAAAAAAACpI/zKLzg2WUgKA/s320/diy_network_us.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjpA1GI0J2s/UFEEazxpIHI/AAAAAAAACpQ/siBY9f6k4Y0/s1600/85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjpA1GI0J2s/UFEEazxpIHI/AAAAAAAACpQ/siBY9f6k4Y0/s400/85.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>You'd better say, "Betsy!  On the DIY Network!"  Saturday at 7 and 11pm EST I will be featured on their newest show "That's So 80s".  Tune in to hear me diss bad design trends like sponge painting and cow motifs.  You will also get to see me with my infamous bowl cut.  Above is a sneak peek...

What are you watching Saturday night?

You'd better say, "Betsy!  On the DIY Network!"  Saturday at 7 and 11pm EST I will be featured on their newest show "That...

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Feelin' Blue

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9hj1ue6-rs/UFECdSHh4xI/AAAAAAAACo4/IKwhF8iYA_I/s1600/img49o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9hj1ue6-rs/UFECdSHh4xI/AAAAAAAACo4/IKwhF8iYA_I/s400/img49o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZBn5rE3XAI/UFECd2FYEyI/AAAAAAAACpA/WdQW9HoOnOg/s1600/img9b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZBn5rE3XAI/UFECd2FYEyI/AAAAAAAACpA/WdQW9HoOnOg/s640/img9b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Remember how I am feelin' blue cause it's September and summer is officially on its way out?  Well, few things will cheer me up quite like a great sale home furnishing.  And West Elm's Dipped Blue Vases are doing the trick now that they are $9 (were $24).

Feelin' Blue

Remember how I am feelin' blue cause it's September and summer is officially on its way out?  Well, few things will cheer me up quit...

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I Miss Summer

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3if2WuRoH00/UFEAmug65NI/AAAAAAAACow/UjfyQ6MHfps/s1600/img86o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3if2WuRoH00/UFEAmug65NI/AAAAAAAACow/UjfyQ6MHfps/s400/img86o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Today the temperature has risen back to the 80s and I am SO excited.  I miss summer--a lot.  I always get blue in September.  I don't like putting away my swim suit.  I don't like bringing out my jackets.  The only good part of fall is that summer patio furniture goes on sale.  Great summer items like Pottery Barn's Lattice Chair are now only $59 (was $159).  Hooray!<br /><br />

I Miss Summer

Today the temperature has risen back to the 80s and I am SO excited.  I miss summer--a lot.  I always get blue in September.  I don't li...

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TMI Tuesday: Happy Day!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBuFzlAN1gw/UE9wrDmlfHI/AAAAAAAACoE/HqeWwhky_ng/s1600/154640_459134257562_7253392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBuFzlAN1gw/UE9wrDmlfHI/AAAAAAAACoE/HqeWwhky_ng/s400/154640_459134257562_7253392_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npwko3P9xJQ/UE9wseqHqHI/AAAAAAAACoM/tyL7m3LMUJU/s1600/68592_459134187562_8180471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npwko3P9xJQ/UE9wseqHqHI/AAAAAAAACoM/tyL7m3LMUJU/s640/68592_459134187562_8180471_n.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>While this day was one of the saddest days of my life as a New Yorker who was blocks away when the Twin Towers went down 11 years ago.  Two years ago, it became one of the happiest days when my husband and I married on 9/11/10.  This most wonderful man inspires me daily--maybe not design-wise.  But he definitely decorates my life with laughter and lots of babies.  For that, I love him and September 11th.

TMI Tuesday: Happy Day!

While this day was one of the saddest days of my life as a New Yorker who was blocks away when the Twin Towers went down 11 years ago.  Two ...

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WTF Friday: Non-Healing Message

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoN0D15rGQM/UD5IaUuPUqI/AAAAAAAACng/acHIlGiBsvw/s1600/zm_fa12_dd_16300118-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoN0D15rGQM/UD5IaUuPUqI/AAAAAAAACng/acHIlGiBsvw/s400/zm_fa12_dd_16300118-a.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>You know what makes me feel angsty and unhealthy:  generic artwork.  Art that is mass-produced and supposed to feel unique makes me viscerally upset.  That's why VivaTerra's Kataka Mudra Healing Wall Hanging ($169, was $198) is making me anything but better.  If you want a piece to heal you, go to etsy.com and purchase an original for roughly the same price.

WTF Friday: Non-Healing Message

You know what makes me feel angsty and unhealthy:  generic artwork.  Art that is mass-produced and supposed to feel unique makes me visceral...

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Turquoise Trends

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7dhORQ3nXTc/UD5G8EJxAdI/AAAAAAAACnY/RXT9HextD2M/s1600/zig-zag-candle-aquamarine-221114168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7dhORQ3nXTc/UD5G8EJxAdI/AAAAAAAACnY/RXT9HextD2M/s400/zig-zag-candle-aquamarine-221114168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Not only is turquoise a hot color for fall, the chevron pattern is the new polka dot!  However, you know how trends can be:  here today, out tomorrow.  So snatch up ZGallerie's Zig Zag Candles ($9, were $19) and set them out while they are still stylish!

Turquoise Trends

Not only is turquoise a hot color for fall, the chevron pattern is the new polka dot!  However, you know how trends can be:  here today, out...

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Delightful Dents

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tsXYF6Hfi8/UD5GHoum5gI/AAAAAAAACnI/0M3GHEfT_rE/s1600/img21o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tsXYF6Hfi8/UD5GHoum5gI/AAAAAAAACnI/0M3GHEfT_rE/s400/img21o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phqFs80dnzU/UD5GH9TxFLI/AAAAAAAACnQ/sOP5OlniTxU/s1600/img90o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phqFs80dnzU/UD5GH9TxFLI/AAAAAAAACnQ/sOP5OlniTxU/s400/img90o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some people might call them dents.  I call the marks in William Sonoma's Hammered Metal Jars texture.  These stately-looking accessories are stunning atop a credenza, impactful on a bookcase, or chic on a dining table.  Get both now that they are on sale for $248 (were $498).

Delightful Dents

Some people might call them dents.  I call the marks in William Sonoma's Hammered Metal Jars texture.  These stately-looking accessories...

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Buy This!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmTQUMub-B0/UD5EtePk5BI/AAAAAAAACmw/MGWuR4I_wdI/s1600/T_WithZoom-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmTQUMub-B0/UD5EtePk5BI/AAAAAAAACmw/MGWuR4I_wdI/s400/T_WithZoom-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi6KVJ09244/UD5Et9pOG5I/AAAAAAAACm4/u7D8zic-m2g/s1600/T_WithZoom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi6KVJ09244/UD5Et9pOG5I/AAAAAAAACm4/u7D8zic-m2g/s400/T_WithZoom.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Last Friday I told you what not to buy for your garden.  This Tuesday I am commanding that you buy Ballard's special, amazing-looking Firenze Garden Stool ($80, $120).  However, you don't have to put it in your garden.  I prefer it inside next to an arm chair of beside a sofa as an extra surface for drinks or a good book.

Buy This!

Last Friday I told you what not to buy for your garden.  This Tuesday I am commanding that you buy Ballard's special, amazing-looking Fi...

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Not Laboring Today

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8n0aAYFsWM/UD5FY3CkMoI/AAAAAAAACnA/3n0XB60BB9g/s1600/labor_day.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8n0aAYFsWM/UD5FY3CkMoI/AAAAAAAACnA/3n0XB60BB9g/s400/labor_day.gif" width="342" /></a></div>I am a hard-working gal.  Affordable Interior Design is a one-gal operation.  And I work 6 days a week.  So this lil' mama has decided not to work this Labor Day.  Yep, I'm taking the day off--hopefully you are, too!!!

Not Laboring Today

I am a hard-working gal.  Affordable Interior Design is a one-gal operation.  And I work 6 days a week.  So this lil' mama has decided n...

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