Guest post- Spicing Up Your Decor by Re-Purposing Old Seats and Bar Stools.

This article is brought to you by Lisa Steele.

Repurposing old seats and chairs can bring new life to them, as well as your home. Reupholstering and repurposing furniture is a big trend for 2013 because it is economical and eco-friendly. There are so many options in reusing those old chairs and bar stools that you are sure to find an option or two that you love.

Lighter Woods

Light-colored woods are making a resurgence and natural finishes like blond and light woods are most popular. Dark woods are still in, but lighter woods are easier to work with. Lighter stains are a lot easier to use and typically require fewer coats than dark stains do.

If you want to reuse an old wooden chair you just need to make sure that it is structurally sound, sand it down well and then just add some stain. This is something that would make a neat weekend project. You can do this completely on your own without having to pay a professional.

Small Geometrics

Small patterns are hot right now and this is a good thing especially if you like patterns but are afraid of big, bold prints. The easy way to incorporate small patterns is reupholstering a wooden dining room chair or a bar stool. 

On these types of chairs you simply need to get your fabric, cut it so that there are a few overlapping inches when it is wrapped around the seat, place your batting to cushion the seat, place the fabric over this and then simply staple the fabric to the underside of the seat. 

The seats of the bar stools of chairs are just placed back on and nailed down. This can make a chair into a completely new piece of furniture and it does not take a lot of time. If the rest of the chair is wood then you can stain it and make the piece look like new.

Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are trending right now and this is a great way to repurpose a chair and add some luxury and spice in your home. Look for colors like emerald, ruby and sapphire. These are bold without being really out there like neon colors are. This also allows you to break free of the neutral trend that started several years ago. 

If bold color scares you a bit, then you can keep your neutral scheme and just add a few chairs that are brighter. For example, have your wood dining room, but repurpose the seats of your dining room chairs with a jewel tone fabric. You can repurpose other chairs in jewel tones too, but the process is more difficult and may require the assistance of a professional to get the job done right.

Old Bench

If you have always wanted a porch swing, then an old bench is a great way to start. You want to get the old bench and remove the legs. You can generally just saw these off without much of a problem, but be sure to put safety first when using a saw. 

Once you have this part done you need to decide if you want to stain or paint it. If you choose to, then you should get this done before hanging it. Once it is done and dry, it is time to hang it. You can find porch swing hanging kits at hardware stores that will have all of the hardware you need to hang and secure the bench. This is actually quite easy to do, but you will likely need a friend to help you in the hanging process, so keep this in mind. Once it is hung, you can add cushions and pillows if you like. These can be just set right on the swing and do not need to be secured.

About the author: Lisa Steele’s expertise in the home and garden industry has been felt for many years. When she is not writing poignant articles, you can find her reviewing the Breuer chair as well as other great décor options.

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

A product review- Adore Me Lingerie Set!

This is the third time I have had the privilege of collaborating with Adore Me for a product review. You can read the first review here and the second product review here.

If you have been following my blog for a while, you should be quite familiar with this wonderful brand. In case you are unfamiliar, Adore Me is the first subscription-based lingerie website that offers women a personalized shopping experience and provides good quality lingerie for an affordable price. 

Lingerie sets are picked by professional stylists each month and only costs $39.95 per set with free shipping and free exchanges. Membership is not the only way to shop. You can chose the pay as you go option and you will not get charged every month. You can read about the details here: http://www.adoreme.com/terms-conditions

When I spotted their beautiful lingerie collection recently, I was absolutely ecstatic! The new collection came with lovely colors in a variety of designs. It took me a while to pick my favorite for this product review! In the end, I picked Queena.

Queena

What sets this beautiful lingerie apart is definitely its unique, elegant design. The satiny soft lingerie set looks luxurious while the pretty, red intricate lace details oozes sexiness and femininity. Made with nylon and spandex, this lingerie set feels great on my skin and has that "barely there feel", which makes it perfect for everyday wear! As a bonus, the soft push up bra also gives me a sexy boost! Overall, I am very, very pleased with this stunning lingerie set because it is absolutely well constructed, ultra comfortable, supports and fits well and most importantly, looks flattering on me. However, I wish this set comes with a hipster panty option instead of the only available thong option. Nevertheless, this is the best lingerie set I have owned so far (in terms of comfort and design) and would highly recommend it to everyone!*

*I received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are my own.

Adore Me has a very wide selection of gorgeous lingerie sets and sleepwear collection. Below are some of my favorites. 

Tristin

Emily

Kiyah

Sandra

Martine

Ebere

Hillary

Bahira

Aurora

Kendall

I am completely swooning over these fantastic intimate wears. Which one is your favorite? Personally, I like lingerie with simpler designs and subtle sexy details. How about you? What kind of lingerie are you drawn to? To check out other fabulous lingerie sets, please visit Adore Me. 

Another year older ..........

I turned 33 today! Life has been great so far. In my twenties, life had been about having fun, experiencing new things, exploring the world and navigating my life. Now, in my thirties, my life is more family-oriented, focused and purposeful. I have acquired new skills and gain more confidence in general. Getting older isn't so bad after all, eh?

So what have I planned for today? I am planning to wear a new outfit (a black eyelet lace top with emerald green cropped pants!) and celebrate in a new sushi restaurant tonight, just the three of us. (update: the food was super delicious and I got a small surprise from hubby, too!) Absolutely looking forward to it! I am also thinking about getting a good quality cross body bag, something large but doesn't look bulky. Here are my favorites!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha



I really can't decide between the two colors. The black one feels chic and timeless but the pink one is so pretty and looks more special. I wanted to order both online to try them out but later decided to check them out in person instead. While at the shop, I can also check out the other designs, right? Besides, having something to looking forward to is quite fun, don't you think?

While doing my "cross body bag" research, I also came across this one as well.

Cobble Hill Fabric Clarke

This one is feminine, has stripes (my all time favorite pattern!) and has a little bit of black and pink. It's quite a lovely design but I am not sure about the size. Now, I have three great choices! Seriously, it is so hard to pick. If you were me, which one would you choose?

I will be enjoying myself tonight, I hope you will too. Have a great week, my lovelies!

And the winner of the giveaway is ..........

I am happy to announce the winner of the recent giveaway brought to you by Murals Wallpaper.

I used random.org to draw a winner and here it is! The lucky winner of a mural wallpaper (worth up to $500) is

the lovely Kelly from JAX does design.

Congratulations to Kelly! We will keep in touch soon. A big thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway. There will be more great giveaways in the future, so don't forget to check back regularly! Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Guest post- Ten Design Tricks For A Small Space!

This article is provided by Tim Labas.


Small spaces in the home can be one of the hardest to remodel, renovate or redesign. But since a bathroom is typically already the smallest room in the house, a small bathroom is even harder to work with and design effectively. Whether you are starting from scratch or you plan on remodeling your existing small bathroom space, you can be sure that it is going to be tough to design. Use these ten simple tricks for small bathroom spaces and you will be sure to get the most out of your tiny bathroom area.

Door Openings- Doors that swing into a small bathroom space are a no-no. Be sure your small bathroom door swings out of the room to save space in a tiny bathroom area. You may also want to consider installing a pocket style door instead of a full swing.

One Wall Design- To help save space in a small bathroom, it’s a good idea to place the sink and toilet along one wall. Tub and shower enclosures should be installed at the end of a small bath to help conserve space.

Under Sink Storage- While many bathrooms have a large vanity for under sink storage solutions, you may want to install a smaller pedestal style sink to save on space. Use clever storage solutions that hang from the wall (like towel racks) to help gain extra room in your small bathroom.

Ventilation- Small bathroom spaces may have less room, but they do not have fewer problems with moisture. Install a large ventilation fan with a high CFM to keep mold and mildew at bay. 

Colors- Light and natural colors tend to make any smaller space feel larger. Only use dark colors to accent specific features in the bathroom décor, such as your small bathroom vanity. Wainscoting and chair rail can help to break up small bathroom walls and make the room feel larger.

Windows- Many times, windows work well for ventilation and natural light. They also make a small space feel larger, but be wary of installing them if they limit tub/shower enclosure space.

Exterior Linen Closets- One of the best ways to make a small bathroom space larger is by creating storage space just outside of your small bathroom for towels and linens.

Small Décor Design- Keep your small bathroom space open and free by using small décor materials in your design. It prevents the cluttered look that often overwhelms a small bathroom space.

Tile- No bathroom space is complete without the right tile. Whether it is flooring tile or you are going to install it on your shower enclosure walls, consider installing tile diagonally. This helps to add depth to a small bathroom space and increase the feeling that the area is actually larger than it really is.

Half and Three Quarter Baths- Not all small bathroom spaces need full utilities to make them useful. A half bath employs a toilet and a sink and works well for guest bathrooms. Three quarter baths have all the features of a regular sized bath, but lack a shower enclosure.

I hope these tips and suggestions will transform your small bathroom into a space you can finally be proud of! Whatever designs you chose, make sure they fit your style, personality and taste. After all, you will be using it more than anyone else. Most of all, have fun with your remodel!

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

Guest post- Blinds: Kitchen Window Treatments That Are Worth The Investment!

This article is provided by Jane Stevens.

When it comes to getting the right kitchen window blinds, there are a couple of factors that need to be taken into consideration. Kitchens are regularly subjected to hot and steamy air, as such, interested individuals should purchase blinds that can are designed to withstand the said elements without compromising style.

Advantages of Blinds

To begin with, it would be best to know why blinds are ideal for kitchen use. Blinds are equipped with slats or louvers that allow users to lower or raise as well as close or open them to give appropriate privacy and light control. In addition, window blinds can help reduce electricity consumption by maintaining the appropriate room temperature. Because of that, blinds have become prevalent nowadays amongst practical homeowners who want to improve kitchen functionality and its aesthetic attributes without spending a lot.

Types of Blinds

Those who are thinking about getting blinds need to consider the materials their units are made of. These are the three most common choices: plastic, metal and wood. 

Plastic

In general, plastic blinds are the cheapest on the market today. However, their durability and aesthetic qualities are at par with more expensive units. Plastic blinds are ideal for those who rent their residential places since they would not want to spend huge sums of money for something that will not be used for a long time.

Metal blinds

Metal blinds are other exceptional kitchen window treatments for those who are always on the go and do not have time to perform routine cleaning and maintenance. The said units can shun away dust and debris. The only problem with metal blinds is if they are not maintained for a long time, excessive amounts of moisture may accumulate and rust may develop afterwards.

Wooden blinds

Wooden blinds are ideal for those who have a bigger budget and want to achieve a classic look and warmth in the kitchen. They can even be custom-made to achieve a somewhat unique and personal touch. Of all the options out on the market, wooden blinds are some of the most popular among homeowners.

Conclusion

Finding the right window blinds for the kitchen is easy if you know what to look for especially with the many options out there to suit different needs and preferences. Interested individuals simply need to analyze them first before making a purchase.

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

Giveaway- Murals Wallpaper worth up to $500!

Hope you had a great Easter weekend, my lovelies! Today, I have a fabulous giveaway brought to you by Murals Wallpaper.

Murals Wallpaper produces high quality, custom made digital wallpaper murals that are made to fit each customers wall size and individual requirements. 

The great news? One of you will have a chance to win a beautiful mural of your choice worth up to $500! Nope, I am not kidding! I wish I can put my name on the hat as well! The best part? You can pick a design from the wide variety of images from their website or anything from millions of images and designs from Shutterstock. Or you can simply upload your own design or photo. The possibilities are endless!

Below are some of my favorite murals from Murals Wallpaper!

Some of my favorite designs from Shutterstock.

These mural wallpaper are absolutely fabulous and they could be yours! Just follow the 3 simple steps below to win a mural of your choice (worth up to $500) from Murals Wallpaper!

This giveaway is open to readers worldwide!

To enter:

1. Be a follower of Mix And Chic via Google Friend Connect.

2. Visit Murals Wallpaper and let me know your favorite item (with link included).

3. *Leave me a comment letting me know you have done both.

For additional entries (an extra entry for each of the following) (optional): 

*'Like' Murals Wallpaper on Facebook and leave a separate comment. (Let them know I sent you.)

*'Like' Mix And Chic on Facebook and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)

*'Follow' Wallpaper Update on Twitter and leave a separate comment.

*'Follow' Mix And Chic on Twitter and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)

*'Follow' Wallpaper Update on Pinterest and leave a separate comment.

*'Follow' Mix And Chic on Pinterest and  and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)

*Mention this giveaway on your Facebook status (include a link back to this post and leave a separate comment.)

*Tweet about this giveaway (include a link back to this post and leave a separate comment.)

*There is a maximum of 9 entries per person! Don't wait, enter now. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to win something pretty to dress up your wall!

The last day for entries is April 10, 2013. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on Thursday, April 11, 2013. Good luck, everyone!