WISHING YOU PEACE, LOVE, AND JOY!

It's Christmas Eve and I'm in a pensive mood. Thoughts float to you and the heartfelt gratitude I have for you as a part of my extended family. This year has been a remarkable year and none of this would have been possible without your readership, love, and support. Simply put, I appreciate you.

As the day progresses, the night falls and Christmas morning arrives, let us all reflect on those who have been a blessing to us and of course the true reason for the season.

Love to All,
Erika

HUES YOU CAN USE: OFF-BLACK

From clothing to interiors, dark hues continue to move me this season. What else can I say except for...Bring on the drama.  A high contrast array of dark walls, honey colored floors, and white cabinetry [featured in 25 Beautiful Homes, August 2006] seem to have come full circle to next year's list of hottest decor trends.

Black makes the greatest impact when paired with white. Think a black tuxedo worn with a crisp white shirt. There's nothing sexier, don't you agree? Go a step further and add a pop of color, like chartreuse, and go from traditional to trendsetting.

[via Living, Etc. February 2009]

Are you brave enough to venture to the dark side?

PHOTOSTYLING TIPS FROM ANNETTE JOSEPH

My Lavish experience started on Friday when I attended Behind The Scenes With Lifestyle Photo Stylist/Producer, Annette Joseph sponsored by Room and Board. The session started with a guided tour of the Room and Board showroom with Annette and Julie Dewald (Store Manager), followed by a mock photo shoot, and a casual chat with Annette and other guests.

Here are a few snaps from the session and valuable styling tips for your next shoot. Starting with the scene before the styling process began...

 ...and here is the after photo. I was too busy sending this photo update via twitter that I forgot to take a photo with my real camera. I think you get the idea.

 What are your favorite styling tips? Please share in the comments below.

DECORATING FROM A CHILD'S PERSPECTIVE

If you want to know the truth, just ask a child. Children are very telling, even at the expense of embarrassing their parents. When you listen to their stories, it's easy to decipher fact from fiction, though the latter tends to be the most amusing. I'm intrigued by the wonderment in their eyes when they tell the tale of how their cardboard-box-turned-high-performance race car helped them win the Piston Cup.

via

If we listen intently, their vivid imaginations can provide a valuable source of inspiration when creating kid-approved spaces. Just think of how much more effective we parents and designers would be if we followed their lead.

modern kids design by austin architect Bercy Chen Studio

My current ideabook for Houzz features children's rooms that successfully incorporate the fantasies of childhood into real-world designs. Stop by and take a look...I'd love to know what you think!

UNLOCKING THE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN YOUR BLOGGING AND SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS

This past weekend is one I will never forget. I attended the Lavish! unconference as a guest and SPEAKER! On Saturday, I spoke on a panel with Cristi Holcombe and Capella Kincheloe. Our topic: Interiors and the Internet: Unlocking the Secrets to Success in Your Blogging and Social Media Efforts. Below is a two page handout we distributed to everyone in our session. Please feel free to download it for your personal use!  



I am truly grateful to Shameeka Ayers for taking a chance on me and inviting me to participate along side wildly popular keynote speakers as well as other lifestyle networkers and talent. I will return this week to write a proper post. In the meantime, take a gander at these well-written recaps from other Lavish speakers and attendees. I will update this post as new links become available.

Lavish! Links

Design Blahg: Best Blogging Tricks
Sketch42 Blog: Some More Blogging Tips
Fifth Joy: Design*Sponge’s 22 Tips For Tasteful Blog & Biz Promotion
Alesya Bags: Insider Tips from Lavish