WIN $2,500 COURTESY OF ForRENT.COM+ HOMES.COM!

"Have You Been Naughty or Nice?" I've been a little bit of both, but it doesn't really matter...It's the name of the contest hosted by Homes.com & ForRent.com for a chance to win $2,500! 

 

I'm sure you could use a little green to make the season a bit brighter. 

The contest rules are super easy. Here's how to enter to Win the $2,500 Grand Prize & Weekly $100 Gift Card Giveaways:

1. “Like” ForRent.com on Facebook and fill out the entry form located on the Naughty or Nice tab on the left side under their profile picture.

2. While filling out the form refer the contest to friends using the “refer a friend” option. Referring your friends increases your chances of winning.

3. Follow @aptsforrent on twitter

Contest ends December 16, 2011.

Head over there now and keep your fingers crossed! Happy Holidays, folks!

FTC Disclaimer:

ForRent.com has paid me to review their holiday contest and offer my opinion. I only recommend companies or services I believe my readers will enjoy."

BLULABEL BUNGALOW CONTRIBUTOR: ABRA LEE

If you didn't know, there's something wonderful happening here on BluLabel Bungalow! It's been almost three years since I started this blog and I swear I have the most loyal, supportive readership out there. You all are more like family! In an effort to diversify the content, I've added a few talented contributors to the mix. After all, you deserve it! I tried my best to wait and kick off things in January, but I am way to excited to announce the new garden contributor, Abra Lee!

Hello everybody my name is Abra Lee and I am thrilled that Erika asked me to join the BluLabel Bungalow family as garden contributor. Garden design is my passion so I always keep my eyes and ears open and camera close by to capture inspiration that benefits everyday gardeners. My message to you will be simple design concepts that can be applied to any garden.

 
For over a decade I have lived the landscape lifestyle and spent time practicing my skills in many places including commercial landscape companies, an independent garden center, private residences, an interior plant firm, and an international airport. I was further schooled on the beauty of nature at Auburn University where I graduated with a degree in horticulture. Even more important than these experiences are the many gardeners and mentors I’ve met whose influence taught me the lessons I get to share with you.

So you know I AM A GARDENER and I also want you to know that I AM A PROUD SOUTHERN GAL and Georgia is always on my mind. Growing up in Atlanta I spent many days playing outside and in its many beautiful parks. On weekends I headed down to Barnesville, Georgia exploring the excitement of gardening on a rural farm.

"With one foot in the city, the other in the country, and both hands in the garden I was destined for a career in the outdoor classroom."

I believe gardening takes patience, creativity, lots of love, and maybe even the occasional pep talk to keep your plants happy. There’s always work to be done, questions to be asked, and mistakes to be made. By implementing one design idea at a time and nurturing your plants, the garden will reward you. I look forward to sharing my stories and learning from yours too!

WEEKEND DECORATING: GET COZY WITH NATURAL ELEMENTS

Ideas for accessorizing your home with gifts courtesy of Mother Nature.

You have to give her credit. Mother Nature is a powerful decorator. The best decorators in the business seek her for inspiration. Her ability to coordinate color, pattern, and texture each and every season is nothing short of awe-inspiring. In a recent article for houzz.com I proposed seven ideas for Decorating with Autumn's Best.

Here are a few examples:

Driftwood is a popular material for furniture, sculptures, and home accessories. It brings warmth to any space and fits appropriately into any decor style. The mirror below is from West Elm, but similar designs can be found almost anywhere.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

Replace expensive floral centerpieces with wheat sheaves. They won't compete with the aroma of your food nor will they be bothersome to those with floral allergies.

Covers made from natural fibers like this wool blanket makes it hard to get out of bed doesn't it? Furthermore, not many of us live in the privacy or climate to indulge in a nap on the porch (sigh). Save a few dollars and purchase cozy blankets like these at the army/navy surplus store instead of your local Pottery Barn.

Michelle Fries, BeDe Design, LLC

 Like these suggestions? Click here to read the rest of my ideas for bringing the harvest home.

 

Happy Decorating!

THANKGIVING DINNER WITH CAMILLE STYLES

This week Camille Styles, event planner and stylist, launched her first video of a party-planning series for HGTV.com. The heartwarming video instantly gets you in the mood for a gathering of fellowship, food, and friends. Take a minute to watch Camille in action and later visit her inspiring website.



Have a wonderful Wednesday!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

Today I'm celebrating my 32nd birthday with some reflection and hopefully tonight a cocktail or two. Pardon the throwback birthday photo. Two of my best friends threw an awesome dinner party for my 24th Birthday. This has always been one of my favorite pics! Hard to believe that was eight years ago. Sheesh.

 

This year has been good to me. The Lord has provided me with many opportunities to swim in uncharted waters and opportunities to strengthen my faith muscles. I have so many reasons to smile today so that's what I'm focused on. My one and only wish is that you do the same. We only have one life to live. I'm not saying to live life without regard to others, I'm suggesting that within the busyness of life, you stop and take time to nurture yourself. 

With that said, I'm taking my own advice and getting back in the bed today. Instead of a party, I'm having a snorefest in my fresh linens and new down pillows. See 'ya tomorrow.

xo,

Erika

FUN THANKSGIVING TABLES FOR KIDS

I stand corrected. Remember when I declared via video that we would host Thanksgiving dinner at my house?

Well, I was wrong. That won't be happening this year.

My husband kindly informed me that we would be enjoying a catered dinner at his uncle's house who declared that this year would be his last year hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe the torch will pass to us in 2012. We shall see. In the meantime, I didn't want these ideas from my inspiration file to go to waste.

Starting with the kids--they are ALWAYS hungry, right? At least my three fit this category. Snacking, snatching, and grabbing like little vultures circling my kitchen island for a crumb to crunch. Though this idea is for Thanksgiving, it would work for any occasion where you would serve a well-dressed bird.

Get step-by-step instructions on the Parents Magazine website and view other cutesy crafts in their slideshow.

 

After they devour the popcorn, download and print Paper Glitter's free Thanksgiving Fall Kit to keep their little fingers busy.

...and don't forget to make these adorable pilgrim hats to hold the crayons.
Find the instructions here.

If you don't have time to do any of the above crafts, then simply cover the kids' table with craft paper and let them draw, write, and play 'til their little heart's content.

Now that I have children, I try to create memories and traditions for them during the holidays. What are your fondest memories of Thanksgiving when you were a child?

WEEKEND DECORATING: LET'S GO TO I.O. METRO!

Have you heard of  I.O. Metro? They've only been in Georgia for one year, but have locations nationwide and a brand new e-commerce site! It's a shopper's paradise chock full of the most affordable, colorful, and trendsetting home furnishings and accessories all in one store. I've sent many of my e-design and redesign clients there for items to mix in with their existing furnishings. The result is a fresher, updated look with dollars to spare.

Here are a few of my favorite picks and with their extensive selection it was definitely hard to choose!

See items here: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

On my very first visit, I spotted the Champagne Alita Chandelier which instantly reminded me of this one from an home office designed by Sarah Richardson. A shelter magazine-worthy light fixture for $249 is a total steal!

 

IO Metro's owners, Jay and Christine Howard, furnish their home with their store's merchandise as well. A tour of their beautiful home is featured in At Home Arkansas Magazine.

Have you visited your local IO Metro? Click here to find a location near you.

Do you 'Metro?

*Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions expressed here are my own.

TODAY ON HOUZZ: GEORGETOWN HOUSE TOUR

My latest ideabook on houzz.com provides you with a peek inside this newly renovated rowhouse designed by Zoe Feldman of Zoe Feldman Design. Nestled in Washington, DC's exclusive Georgetown neighborhood, this home is infused with a mix of traditional, modern, and contemporary design also referred to as neo-traditional.

Houzz Tour: Neo-Traditional Style in Georgetown

Browse Bath Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bath And Spa Accessories · Bathroom Countertops · Bathroom Faucets · Bathroom Mirrors · Bathroom Vanities And Sink Consoles · Shower Caddies · Shower Curtains · Towel Bars And Hooks ·

Neo-traditional: reviving traditional methods; combining tradition with newer elements

The slide show shows the project at a glance. Observe use of textures, patterns, and clean-lined furnishings. It's what gives this home an urban update.

For more information including sources for fabrics and furniture, click here to read the entire article. Enjoy!

WEEKEND DECORATING: OPEN STORAGE

This weekend I plan to tackle a few organization projects around the house. I've completed the process of sorting, donating and tossing, yet I still find the number of items in my "keep" pile quite intimidating.

Where am I going to put all of this stuff??

The goal this weekend is to give each item a designated spot and make every family member responsible for putting items away. Pretty ambitious, huh? This process may be easier if some things, like the children's antique car collection, remain in plain sight.

via Susanna Salk, Room for Children

In my latest ideabook for houzz.com I feature other rooms that also benefit from open storage and provide smart ideas to maintain order and arrangement.

How to Store Your Stuff in Plain Sight  

Please share in the comment section tips on how you maintain open storage in your home. Have a great weekend!

TODAY ON HOUZZ: PEACOCK IN HOME DECOR

With peacock hues (turquoise and green), feather motifs, and statuettes showing up in numerous showrooms at Fall 2011 High Point Market, I think it's safe to say that the peacock is the It Bird of the Season.

The rug shown in the above image is from one of my favorite vendors, Global Views. They also offer the Peacock Feather Pillow if you prefer a more subtle accent.

In today's ideabook for houzz.com, I spotlighted rooms and products that give our pleasant pheasant the admiration he deserves.

Read here to see the many reasons why you should consider dressing your nest with the peacock's style and grandeur.

ATLANTA, HGTV WANTS TO SEE YOUR REMODELED SPACES!

Morning Friends!

Because you are the raving design enthusiasts that you are, I knew you'd be interested in the message that popped into my inbox last night! Read below:

via High Noon Entertainment Press Release

Do you or someone you know live in a Renovated Home Near Downtown?

If you have recently renovated your urban/downtown home and think it deserves to win a generous grand prize, then HGTV is looking for you!! Home & Garden Television’s BANG FOR YOUR BUCK is new and improved, and currently looking for enthusiastic homeowners in the Downtown Atlanta area RIGHT NOW!

Each episode will tour three similar renovations at similar price points in the same city. HGTV’s Vern Yip and a local real estate expert will determine how the renovations impact each home’s value, and the renovation they determine got the biggest bang for its buck will win a generous grand prize! Throughout the show, we’ll provide viewers with expert advice, answers on remodeling values, and inspiring ideas for design.

Taping will begin shortly, so if you’re interested, please apply immediately!

**Deadline to request an application is Monday November 7th! Request an application by contacting:

Sami Hartman at: shartman@highnoontv.com or (303) 872-8709 

Bang For Your Buck is produced for HGTV by High Noon Entertainment in Denver, CO www.HGTV.com/bang www.highnoonentertainment.com