Back to School

Laptop Bags
They used to be square and boring, not anymore! Laptop bags are almost a part of our wardrobe now. Students, teachers, executives, busy moms and even kids have laptops these days. So why not tote them around in style? These cute bags below made me want to run out and buy one for every day of the week...

Quilted, padded sleeves from WorldMarket.com are zippered and come in four different styles for $9.99. Throw on some sandals and grab this bag that looks like a purse. You can shop, travel or hit the beach with the Jojo - Carrie Dark Brown Laptop bag from careerbags.com. Its made of light-weight material and comes with lots of pockets and a bonus large compartment to hold your planner, notebook, textbook or wallet. An all-purpose bag for $99.

If you want a hip retro look, check out the Mobile Edge Maddie Powers bag with all kinds of features. This messenger style bag has it all: storage pockets, cell phone pocket, removable laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, padded shoulder strap, and cute little dice pendants. Available at Target.com for $79.99.

Go green with HER Design "Leaf" laptop bag. Made of 100% recycled microsuede and PET lining. Comes with a handle or adjustable strap to carry on the shoulder. Ample space for 15" and some 17" laptops and pockets for cables, files or a magazine. A little pricier at $270 at Careerbags.com.

And this fun bag is just so girly! It's the edotsquare bag available at Kolobags.com. It's cute it's roomy and priced well at $54.99. Comes with shoulder strap and outside pocket to keep your cell phone, mp3, or other accessories organized. Available in several colors.

(All prices effective as of post date.)

Fun Juice Glasses

Remember collectible juice glasses? Well, they're back and cuter than ever. Everyone should have a set!

Animal juice glasses from WorldMarket.com are great for the kids because they're acrylic. Green & Yellow juice glasses available at KitchenKapers.com. Celebrate the traditional Italian toast: Salute! from Williams-Sonoma.com. Who doesn't love Lucy? Very vintage, very chic... available through Amazon.com. Show off your set the next time you have company!

Un-breakable stemware! Wow!

It's Oxygen glassware from Lenox and it's crafted of break-resistant, dishwasher-safe glass. Available in different shapes and sizes. Beautiful and practical! Bamboo serving tray also from Lenox. And aren't those drink toppers just a great idea?!

Garden Themed Guest Room

Here's something I did for the guest room in our home, so easy and fun to put together! Start with a simple daybed like this one from Pier 1. I actually found a frame that someone was throwing out and just bought a new mattress for it. Then add those beautiful touches all around. If you keep your eyes open, you'll find items just about anywhere. These gorgeous things below come from raisedincotton.com.

Old fashioned Ribbon carrier and blue Robin's Egg Soaps are unique and beautiful. And a few samples of my own fun finds...

I found this mushroom candle holder at Cracker Barrel while traveling!

Cute sign I found on ebay. Window seat framed with ivy.
Be creative and have fun!

Hot for Summer!

Summer is not over yet! I'm loving this Thai silk lamp ($50) and oil lamps (under $8 ea.) from Pier 1. These gorgeous little grills are portable and just too cute, available at Pottery Barn. I like the idea of these mason jars. This is a simple DIY project or you can find them at Crate & Barrel.

Bamboo Garment Rack

Love this Bamboo Garment Rack from The Container Store. It's perfect for a room with no closet, or for guests and it's pretty to look at, too!

Easy-to-make art for your walls

Here's something I made recently for a rather large "problem" wall in my bedroom. It's nice when you have a large wall for a piece of furniture, but who can afford a huge piece of artwork to fill it? So, here's something you can do for any space in your home.

Go to Walmart or the fabric store and find a piece of fabric you like. I chose one with the new colors in the room (blues, greens, and chocolate brown.) You'll need about 1 1/2 yards - 2 yards.

Next, you'll need four of these stretcher strips (available at any craft or art supply store.) They are sold seperately so you can build your frame to any size. The corners fit together easily and because I was putting fabric over them I didn't even need to nail or screw them together! How easy is that?! While you're there, pick up a canvas hanging clip to be able to hang your frame on the wall.

Now you're ready to go. Lay the frame on your fabric. Cut around the frame leaving 2-3 inches to spare. Then, I used a regular office stapler (yes, that's right) to staple the fabric around the entire frame. Attach the clip and it's ready to hang!

This project is so easy you'll want to try different fabrics and sizes in every room!