Thursday, March 29, 2012

Easy Easter Egg Decorating

This is an extremely easy way to decorate eggs and this Easter DIY project does not use the traditional dying method. Follow the instructions below to make your own sharpie and acrylic paint eggs.  


1. After hard boiling your eggs, let them dry on a paper towel. 

2. When your eggs are nice and dry, you can start decorating! I found that you can use plastic bottle tops to hold your eggs and keep them from messing up. 

3. Use a sharpie to create custom designs, and then paint over with watered down acrylic paints. 
 
 

Happy decorating! 

Friday, March 23, 2012

Decorating Easter Egg

I wanted to post some alternatives to decorating Easter eggs in the traditional dye method. I found some great examples online.

This is incredibly easy if you are good at doodling. I like this because there is hardly any clean up because all you need is a sharpie. 
 IMG_9094



Another decorating method is called kraslis, which is the Czech word for Easter egg. This is where you use wax and stickers to cover up part of the egg before dying (you can also use water colors). When the dye drys, you can peel the wax off for a truly unique Easter egg.



You can also paint eggs with acrylic paints. Whatever you end up doing, I hope you have fun and your that your eggs come out as beautiful as all these examples.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Guest Blogger of the Week - Janie Glade from Old. New. Blue

A Lesson in Ladies Lingerie

Fashion Week New Orleans is here! It’s time to check out the latest fashion trends as models rock the runway. The process of creating a beautiful dress, gorgeous top, and chic skirt takes time, creativity and effort from the designer. You should put that same effort into something less obvious, but just as important: your undergarments.

Before you head out to this week’s fashion shows, here are some general rules to help you make the most out of your amazing new outfit.

First, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before getting dressed:

What am I getting dressed for…a business meeting, a hot date, a formal affair, or a night out with the girls?

Whether it's a suit, a Chef's jacket or Scrubs, always remember: "breathe". A bra that supports your breasts, gives full coverage under your arms, and fits securely but not tightly around your back, will wear easily for your work day. Have a professional measure you for your bra size…so many women wear the wrong size and not even know it!


Cotton is your friend when it comes to panty lines. Whether you wear a thong or briefs, be conscious of panty lines. If your skirt or pants are tight fitting, make sure there is no visible line across your rear. Panties that don't ride up your buttocks or creep down your hips go a long way in keeping your focus on the job or dancing with your friends!

If you’re getting dressed in anticipation of being undressed later, choose something that makes you feel sexy. Feeling like a garter- belt? DO IT! Don't be afraid to slip on those fishnets under your jeans. No one is going to know except you (FOR NOW). If you feel beautiful you will look beautiful.


When the occasion calls for an evening gown, take a good look at how the dress hangs. If the front is a deep "V", consider a silicone strapless bra that molds to your skin as your move around. These bras are really great, inexpensive and reusable. If the dress is backless, wear a bra that has stick on wings at either side in lieu of anything with a clasp.

The one thing every woman, large or small, should have in her lingerie drawer? Spanx. For smooth lines and a taught tummy you just can't beat Spanx. They come in all sizes, shapes and colors!



This year the trend in lingerie is looking and feeling sexy at any size. At my shop, I take pride in catering to all curves and sizes because everyone deserves to feel sexy!

Old.New.Blue’s UK lingerie line, Jane Woolrich, will be rocking the runway at Fashion Week New Orleans this Sunday, from 2-5pm at the Westin Canal Place. Tickets to the bridal-themed show are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Old.New.Blue is located at 6117 Magazine Street.                        Phone: (504)655-0863, Twitter: @OldNewBlue

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Fashion Week MC

Hi everyone!

Come join us this Thursday and Saturday at the Sugar Mill where Chet Pourciau will be the MC for New Orleans Fashion Week!

The goal of this week is to showcase Southern designers, brand houses and retailers with fashion shows, events and exhibitions.

Chet in PARISH CHIC: New Orleans Style for Men & Women

Check out the Oxford American blog at this LINK


Friday, March 16, 2012

Thursday, March 15, 2012

DIY Pine cone Bird Feeder

This project is easy and VERY kid friendly. A pine cone bird feeder is the perfect way to use old pine cones and items from around your home to create a decorative ornament for your yard.


What you will need:
  • Pine cone
  • Peanut butter
  • Bird seed
  • Ribbon
  • Fishing line
  • Plate
  • Scissors 
  • Butter knife
1. Smear peanut butter on the tips on the pine cone with a butter knife.
2. Spread out bird seed onto a plate and dip the pine cone in the seed to cover all the peanut butter.
3. Tie fishing line to the end so that you can hang it. You can also tie a ribbon bow for added embellishment. 
4. Hang your pine cone from a tree and enjoy watching birds eat their treat.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Guest Blogger of the Week - Ryan Frosh

Four Feng Shui Tips for your Living Room

Whether or not you believe in the power of Feng Shui, your living room can still probably benefit from it. Feng Shui is all about balance, and every interior designer knows that balance is key. No matter how your living room is designed, incorporating elements of Feng Shui can improve the overall energy and feel of the room. If you’re interested in Feng Shui as a part of your comprehensive interior design efforts, read on. Here are four, simple Feng Shui tips for your living room:


1. Turn sofas and chairs toward the door.

According to Feng Shui principles, it’s bad luck for a couch, sofa, or chair to have its back turned to the main door in the room. So, you may want to consider readjusting the positions of your furniture, if doing so doesn’t detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of your living room.

2.  Place plants in the corners of the room.

The corners of your living room are probably the darkest spots in the area. According to Feng Shui gurus, placing plants in these areas will increase the flow of energy to them and help balance out the room as a whole. Additionally, the tasteful addition of attractive plants to your living room will add a touch of nature to the room that can be of great visual benefit from a designer’s standpoint.

3. Keep the living room table neat and clutter-free.


 Even if you’re not too interested in Feng Shui, keeping your living room table tidy is important. A table covered in magazines, books, papers, and cups can detract from the overall design appeal of your living room. A cluttered table simply isn’t attractive. So, keep it neat.

4. Don’t make the TV the central focus.

Feng Shui practitioners believe that electronics should never be a room’s main attraction. If your TV is in the center of the room, consider moving it to the sidelines. Additionally, desktop computers should be moved to the side of the living room as well.

Getting your living room up to par in terms of Feng Shui isn’t difficult. Consider trying out the tips above, and you might be amazed by how the energy of your living room is positively affected!

Author’s Bio: Ryan is a guest blogger who writes about real estate trends, interior design, and Eastern philosophy. She is currently working on professional projects that involve Austin Texas homes for sale, Jarrell homes for sale, and bay window prices.  

Monday, March 12, 2012

Sculptor Ron Mueck

I had to share these pictures of sculptures by sculptor Ron Mueck who is an Australian born artist, living in the U.K. He makes mixed media hyperrealist sculptures that are completely realistic, except for their size.


Ron Mueck In Bed 2005 (4)

Ron Mueck Boy 1999

Ron Mueck Boy 1999 (3)

Ron Mueck Two Women 2005 (2)

Ron Mueck Mask III




Friday, March 9, 2012

Thursday, March 8, 2012

DIY St. Patrick's Day - Boutineers

These St. Patrick's Day boutineers are too cute! Instructions on how to make them are below.


What you will need for the DIY Leaf Boutineer:
  • Pine sprays
  • Artificial four leave clovers
  • Green organza ribbon
  • Silver sequences
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Tape
  • A safety pin
  • Scissors 

1. Find some pine sprays.

2. Take off the bottom leaves and tape them together.

3. Hot glue some fake four leaf clovers to the tape.

 4. Hot glue some organza ribbon to hide the tape.

 5. Hot glue a safety pin to the back.

 6. Glue a sequence to the front. 


What you will need for the DIY Bow Boutineer:
  • Green organza ribbon
  • A safety pin
  • Thin wire
  • Scissors 
  • Elmer's glue
  • Hot Glue gun and glue 
  • Gold glitter

 1. Loop ribbon to look like a bow and tie it in the middle with some wire. 

2. Cut off the extra wire. Take another piece of ribbon and tie it to hide the wire. 

3. Hot glue a safety pin to the back of the bow.

4. Use Elmer's glue to add some glitter to the bow. 


 Enjoy!
What do you think about giving guests DIY party favors? Is it too much work? Or are DIY projects a great memory for your guests to take home?

DIY St Patrick's Day - Lucky Charm Gift Bags

Here is another great DIY for St. Patrick's Day. Directions are below.


1. Print out the PDF at this LINK.
2. Cut the rectangles out and fold in half.


3. Fill a sandwich size Ziploc bag 3/4 full with Lucky Charms cereal and staple on the "label"


Children can enjoy this party favor the next morning for breakfast. 

DIY St Patrick's Day - Straws

Are you ready for the next holiday? St. Patrick's Day decor is not always easy to find. These straws are so cute for a party. Directions on how to make them are below.


1. Go this LINK and Print out the document. 
2. Cut out the circles.
3. Cut 2 slits in the circles, one on top and one on the bottom of the circle.
4. Thread straw into the slits.


Enjoy!

Do you have any DIYs that would be perfect for St' Patrick's Day?

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Chet Chat - Christmas Episode

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Chet Chat Episode 111

Chet Chat - Episode 112

Monday, March 5, 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012

Thursday, March 1, 2012

What's Your Design Style?

Timeless Traditional
Comfort, plush surroundings, rich materials collected treasures. Technology and modern conveniences are concealed to preserve the old-world aesthetic of your home.


Transitional
You love traditional lines, yet you like the updated and easy appearance of the contemporary style. Use colors that evoke a clean and tranquil atmosphere. You like to use a mixture of accessories from drift wood accents to crystal embellishments


Contemporary
Simplicity, sophistication. Showcase space rather than items. Sleek and fresh





Collector
You love vintage items, and the mix of color and texture that comes with items of the past. Some may call  you eclectic because you like anything from the past. Bright colors


Sophistication
You like classic lines in an updated fashion. A mix of lavish materials, timeless details. Hand crafted rich texture and ruffles.

 Global Flavor
You are inspired by other countries and customs. You always try to bring a piece of your travels home with you. You like texture, natural elements international colors