Nesting: Retro Furniture

 

Wicker Disk Chair $320.00 (sale) PBteen



 

I love watching old TV shows like Green Acres, The Patty Duke Show, Charlie's Angels, Wonder Woman etc, not just because they're funny and the ladies have amazing clothes but because the retro furniture is just so chic. In the background I can see circle chairs, glamorous vanities and tufted sofa. The furnishings on those old shows are just as important as the actors at least to me. 

 

Trend: 20-Somethings Hiring Home Cleaning Services

A way that some 20-something roommates are avoiding arguing over chores is by hiring someone to come in and clean.

This method may avoid some stress for you and your roommate(s) because if you're all too busy to clean, and it's leading to continuous arguments over the forgotten chores. Then this just might work for you.

Before hiring anyone you should know how much they charge, whether they are reliable or not (don't forget to ask for references), you should also know they're cleaning style (do they prefer if your apartment/house is just slightly everyday dirty or a scene from Clean House with stuff everywhere), etc.

Can't afford a cleaning service, just create a chore chart which will keep everyone accountable to their specified chore. Just make sure to change the chart weekly so no one is stuck with all the unfavorable chores.

Serena & Lily Introduces Custom Upholstery Fabrics & Furnishings for the Home

SAUSALITO, Calif., May 18 -- Serena & Lily, the upscale linens and homewares company, is pleased to announce their latest collection for the home: a range of new signature upholstery fabrics and custom upholstered furnishings. The vast array of furniture pieces such as headboards, chairs, ottomans and benches can be paired with gorgeous fabrics, allowing customers to create a look that's all their own. The entire custom line is currently available for creation and purchase at www.serenaandlily.com.

Serena & Lily has partnered with Lee Industries on this furniture introduction. Lee was chosen based on their 40 year heritage in manufacturing top-quality furniture with a long-standing focus on using sustainable, earth-friendly manufacturing processes.

THE UPHOLSTERY: Serena & Lily introduces over 20 different fabric options in 3 grades that can be used with the new furniture pieces to add a traditional or modern flair to any room. All fabrics are also sold by the yard for $40-$60/yd and available to sample as a 4 x 4" swatch.

• Diamond Collection: A take on the traditional trellis pattern, the slight irregularity of the diamond brings a more organic quality and look, much like a block print. Available in the following six color schemes: Leaf, Bark, Black, Bone, Bisque & Fog.

• Jaipur Collection: Similar to the graphic nature of iconic Indian florals, the Jaipur fabric collection's repeating pattern is soft and appealing. Available in the following four color schemes: Coral, Bone, Bark and Celery.

• Spade Collection: A more ethnic fabric collection takes the inspiration from traditional Italian tile patterns with Mongolian design elements. Available in four color schemes: Fog, Clover, Navy and Maize.

• Gardenia Collection: Organic, graphic and crisp, this collection offers a modern floral theme. Available in four color schemes: Black, Navy, Blush and Bisque.

• New Solids: To round-out the range of signature prints and complement existing bedding collections, Serena & Lily also offers six new luxurious linen fabrics in a range of solid colors: Seaglass, Mist, Flint, Sand, Oat and Wheat.


THE FURNITURE: Serena & Lily presents 12 new furniture silhouettes crafted with sustainable materials and processes by Lee Industries using the new signature fabrics. Each piece offers hardware details such as turned-wood legs, metal casters or nailhead trim that can be tailored to the customer's preference. With simple point-and-click ease, customers can see any fabric on any piece of furniture using the online design tool at http://serenaandlily.com/custom-upholstery.

CHAIRS AND OTTOMANS:

• Amagansett Chair: Clean lines with a relaxed feel make this chair ideal for a summer cottage or a city loft. The long, straight skirt is left unwelted while cushions are wrapped in down blend for extra softness.

• Avignon Chair: The French deco-slipper chair is perfect for a vanity or small writing table. Given its petite size, these chairs would be lovely in the sitting area of any living room or master bedroom.

• Belgian Club Chair: With a European style and neat nailhead trim this piece is truly a classic. Crafted with a solid wood frame and eco-friendly materials and processes. The solid wood legs are offered in Natural, Dark Walnut or White to coordinate with the chosen upholstery fabric.

• Piccadilly Chair: With traditional button tufting this piece has a timeless appeal. The front turned-wood legs are on rolling casters and crafted with a solid wood frame and eco-friendly materials.

• Lucille Ottoman: The generous scale makes this tufted item a natural centerpiece. The ottoman features turned wood legs and displays just the right height for a one of a kind coffee table.

• Parker X-Bench: These simple stools add the finishing touch to any setting. Perfect in pairs opposite the couch or as a seat for a vanity or desk.


HEADBOARDS AND BEDS:

• Fillmore Headboard & Bed: This classic style has an elegant simplicity that works in every space, in every fabric. Available with or without nailhead trim and in sizes Twin-Cal King.

• Pondicherry Headboard & Bed: The impressive height and gorgeous curves of the Pondicherry make it a dramatic statement piece. Crafted with a solid wood frame and sustainable materials, this is the tallest bed frame Serena & Lily has to offer. Available with or without nailhead trim and in sizes Twin-Cal King.

• St. Germain Headboard & Bed: Classic club styling gives this traditional piece European flair. Its gently sloped silhouette makes it suitable with a wide range of decor. Available in sizes Full-Cal King.


* For pricing please visit www.serenaandlily.com


About Serena & Lily:

Lily Kanter met Serena Dugan in October of 2003 and the idea to form a new company blossomed within an hour of knowing each other. Serena & Lily officially launched in mid-2004 with baby and children's bedding and decor and quickly became a favorite of A-list celebrity moms such as Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts. The pair also authored a book on interior design titled Nursery Style (Chronicle Books, $19.95). Then in August 2009, Serena & Lily introduced bedding and decor for all rooms in the home, including the master bedroom.

Serena & Lily is under-girded by a strong social mission. In January 2010, Serena & Lily introduced World Repair Kit (Chronicle Books, $24.95). This kit is the ultimate guide to getting kids inspired to make a difference in the world. It's packed with quick facts and hands on activities that empower families to work together and get things done. Published by Chronicle Books, 100% of net proceeds benefit the Serena & Lily Foundation, which funds youth initiatives around the world.

To buy product online or find one of the 700 Serena & Lily retailers in the U.S. and Canada, please visit: www.serenaandlily.com. To follow Serena & Lily on Twitter and Facebook, please click on www.twitter.com/serenaandlily and www.facebook.com/SerenaandLily. And to learn more about co-founders Serena & Lily, please click on the following link to watch their story: http://www.serenaandlily.com/Inspiration/Inspiration-Behind-The-Scenes

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Suggestions

You knew Mother's Day was coming but somehow you ended up waiting until the last minute to get mom a gift. To give you some ideas, I've provided a few suggestions to help you celebrate:

-- If your mom is the Sporty type: buy her a couple of tickets to her favorite baseball team. Let her know you will take her out for a pre or post game meal to go along with the gift.

-- If your mom loves Flowers: instead of buying mom the traditional roses (unless they're her favorite), opt for different blooms such as Lilac, Sweet Pea, Lilies, Tulips or Orchids. If your the DIY type you can make your own flower arrangements and give it to your mom in a beautiful vase.

-- Mom keeps eyeing your new Coffee Maker: buy her one. Make it special by including her favorite coffee and also a new coffee mug.

-- For a mom who loves a bit of Culture: surprise her with brunch and a day at the museum or you can buy her tickets to an upcoming play she's excited to see.

-- For a mom who really enjoys Relaxing: A book or DVD she's interested in, lounge or sleepwear, a scented candle and a box a dark chocolate.

-- For the Sentimental Type: give her a digital picture frame with uploaded pictures of you (and of your siblings, if you have any) or a traditional framed photo of the two of you. Maybe include a bouquet of flowers with a future invite for lunch or dinner.

-- Mom who's into Fashion: buy her something really chic (that's in your budget) like an amazing bag or really great top. You could also plan a shopping day with mom complete with lunch or dinner.

-- For the mom who Doesn't want you to buy them any gifts: invite her over for a home cooked meal and also give her a bouquet of flowers and a nice bottle of wine.

-- For the mom who loves to Garden: buy her a new garden tool set, gloves, a kneeling cushion (in a bright color) and a beautiful potted plant.


I hope these suggestions work. Got a last-minute gift idea to share? Leave me a comment or an e-mail at styleandfocuspr@yahoo.com

Nesting: Shabby Chic Beauty Organizers

There is just something so pretty, feminine and shabby chic about these Wire Beauty Organizers from PBteen (pbteen.com). They would look perfect in your bathroom or on top of a dresser in your bedroom, making it a lot easier to find all your beauty products.

Brush Cup $15.00
Rectangle Tray $29.00
2-Tier Tray $39.00

2 Clutter Free Tips That Work for Me

Despite almost getting stuck in the snow twice this morning I'm still in a good mood. I've been trying to keep one of my resolutions of decluttering and it feels good not to have a lot stuff taking up space. Two of the things I'm doing to try to stay organized and clutter free are:

* I've cut back on buying a lot of magazines (which tend to pile up on my table anyway). I only buy the issues I really want to read.

* I've continue to cut back on buying a lot of beauty products (a majority of them used to end up cluttering up my bathroom). I only buy the items I'm truly interested in. I don't need to try every new item that hits the shelf. It makes it so much easier to find what I'm looking for.

An unexpected little bonus, I've saved a good amount of money by doing both. I think I'll start saving the money for something fun.

How's your New Year's Resolutions going? Are you staying motivated?

Study says the Smell of Chocolate Helps You to Relax

According to a study, the smell of chocolate helps you to relax. The smell seems to remind you of happy memories resulting in you becoming more calm. For a guilt-free way to relax without hitting the frige, try lighting a chocolate-scented candle. To highten the effect, light a cocoa scented candle while snuggling up on the couch.

Shown: Godiva Set of 2 Chocolate Scented Candles $29.96 qvc.com

Museum Find: Espresso Set

Espresso Set created by Fellina Sok-Cham $45.00
The Museum of Modern Art (momastore.org)

This espresso set would be great for the friend who loves to entertain, the nester who longs for a quiet evening at home or for someone who loves simplicity. For the entertainer, this kitchen accessory can also be used for serving appetizers, soups and desserts. This is so interesting because you can get multiple use out it instead of just for coffee.

* The set includes a bamboo tray with six inset bamboo saucers, six porcelain cups, and six stainless-steel spoons

* Cups are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Spoons are dishwasher-safe.

Decorating Your Home With Fragrance This Holiday Season

Edited by me, for the original press release click here.

NEW YORK, Nov. 16 -- We've cocooned and vegged out. We've tried the couch potato method of traveling by "staycationing" instead of vacationing. We've turned the humble barbecue into a gourmet, built-in outdoor kitchen. The message from all of this? Home is where the heart is. And, this holiday season, Home is the place to be.

When it comes to holiday decor, think out of the tinsel-and-ornaments box with a whole different approach to decorating your home for the holidays. What could be more "scentsational" and creative than decorating each room of your house with a different fragrance that sets the holiday mood? According to The Fragrance Foundation, nothing could be more enjoyable, simple, or, in today's budget-conscious mode, affordable. "A scented candle or room spray can instantly transform a room or create a mood," explains Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation. "Forget those bad-odor concealing sprays. Today's home fragrances come in many forms and an infinite variety of scents."

Room by Room Decorating with Fragrance:

• Entrance Doors and Hallways: Hang lots of small wreaths. Use pine or eucalyptus scents, studded with apples and lemons, mix and mingle to welcome friends and family with a green, alpine scent.

• The Family Room: Use a diffuser, it emits a gentle aroma that will please everyone and will also add a little instant glamour.

• The Bedroom: Everything looks better by candlelight. Add a little sex appeal and romance with scented candles. Coordinate with linen sprays and drawer liners to create a haven for grown-ups.

• The Bathroom: Turn it into a spa. Essential oils, fragrance warmers, soft towels and lots of bubble bath. Rest, relax and enjoy as the scents take you far, far away.

• Kid's rooms: Melon scented room sprays will keep them happy and in a sunny mood. You can also hang citrus satchels or small wreaths on their doors.

• The Kitchen: Place a bowl of lemons and oranges to keep your kitchen smelling lovely. While all the great cooking and baking smells don't need to be enhanced, keep a tube of scented hand cream nearby to soften up your hands after cleaning up.

Here are some classic and unusual scents that can be found in all sorts of home fragrance products to spice up your Holiday: Apple, Grapefruit, Mocha, Strudel, Lavender, Wisteria, Green Tea, Vanilla, Patchouli, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Mint, Sage, Ginger, Melon and Rose.

So don't fret at over decking the halls ... a candle here, a spray there is all you need this holiday season. Just don't over do it. You want to keep the scent subtle and inviting.

###

The Fragrance Foundation

Gal On The Go: A Tip for Cleaner Dishes

by Style and Focus Lifestyle PR


What busy woman wants to come home and clean? Especially after working all day but you can't let your home become dirty and disgusting. Whether we want to admit it or not, Mom was right, cleaning a little bit everyday really makes a difference.

Cleaning Tip:

Pre-soak your dishes. We've all left dishes in the sink the night before or for some a couple of days resulting in dishes that are hard to clean from dried on food. To cut down your cleaning time, place dishes in a sink of hot soapy water and let them sit for a few minutes. It will make the dishes easier to clean no matter if you're hand washing or using a dishwasher. Also, while the dishes are soaking you can tackle a few quick chores (sweep the kitchen, vacuum the living room, etc) to knock off a few more things from your to do list.

Nesting: Cozy & Stylish Seating

Blanca Settee shown in Espresso Chain Link Jacquard
($749.00 - $1,099.00, Pottery Barn)

I'm totally in love with this settee, it has such a retro feel to it. One the great things about it, is it can go in so many different rooms, and it adds a little touch of glam. I know all the experts and insiders talk about investing in a good handbag or shoes, which is true but what about good furniture. You want to invest in good quality furniture that's going to stick around.

Six Party Essentials that Every Girl Needs for Her Home

by Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

No doubt you love to go out and party but you don't need to hit every hot spot to celebrate (which can be quite expensive). All you need are a few essentials to keep your home party-ready.


1. Glassware


These are just things that a girl has to have. From everyday glasses to special occasion champagne flutes. College is over, so no more disposable plastic cups. Shown: PB Classic Margarita Glasses (set of 6) $22.00 Pottery Barn


2. Serving Trays or Appetizer Plates

These little gems will make your dishes or cocktails standout and look amazing. Select a tray that fits your style be it classic or funky or pastel or bold and colorful. Shown: Zebra Tray $29.95 Pier 1 Imports


3. Impromptu culinary supplies

Make sure your pantry is party-ready by keeping a few items in stock, a few to include are: gourmet crackers, salsa, deli meat, baguettes, olive oil, capers, pasta, cheeses, Marinated artichokes, cookies/biscotti, pound cake (keep in the freezer), ice cream, whipped cream and smoked or spiced nuts.


4. Ice Bucket


It's a sleek and easy way for guests to refill ice for their drinks or to chill a bottle of champagne. Shown: Williams Ice Bucket $64.00 exclusively at Willams-Sonoma


5. Music

Can't have a party without music, make sure it's easy to find and use (giving guests the chance to play DJ).


6. A Home Bar

No need for an elaborate set up just keep: a few bottles of everyday wine (red and white), one or two bottles of special occasion wine ($25 and up), one or two bottles of sparkling wine or champagne and a few bottles of your favorite liquor. You'll have all you will need for a small get together.

Chic & Glam Home Decor: Scalloped Mirror

I really love this Scalloped Mirror ($149.00, pbteen.com) because the beading gives it just a hint of glamour without going overboard. This mirror would not only look great in the bedroom but whatever room you think might need a little bit of glam.

Elle Decor Features Socialite Aerin Lauder's NY Homes

Elle Decor features the Manhattan apartment and Hampton home of Aerin Lauder in the July/August issue. Lauder (who is also featured on the cover) is the granddaughter of the legendary Estée Lauder and currently serves as the senior vice president and creative director of Estée Lauder.

Quote from the article:

Lauder honors Estée’s style, but that doesn’t mean everything has stayed the same. She and her husband, Eric Zinterhofer, have expanded the house (which she inherited from her grandmother), where they spend most weekends and holidays, to better accommodate their active life with their two young sons. And not every tradition remains valid. She laughs as she reports, “Last year a friend decided to light up one of my grandfather’s cigars from the 1960s that we had kept around for sentimental reasons. He said, ‘This tastes funny,’ and I said, ‘Well, it should!’”


Lauder's Manhattan Apartment:

Living Room


Dressing Room


Library


Dining Room


Kitchen


Lauder's East Hampton Home:

Dining Room


Kitchen


Living Room


Library


Estée Lauder’s Former Bedroom


Master Bedroom

To read the entire article and view more pictures, pick up the July/August issue of Elle Decor.

Box-O-Box's Post-College Masterminds Taking Campuses by Storm With 'Cool' Care Packages

Changing the World One Box at a Time

NEW YORK, June 22 -- When it comes to young business founders with great ideas, one thing is for sure: Justin Zucker and Michael Hauke's three-year-old company Box-O-Box, with its uber-cool college care packages, has hit it big. This year Box-O-Box plans to book an estimated $500,000.00 in revenue.

28-year-old Hauke and Zucker have cornered the market on entertaining, quirky, and ultra-hip care packages for college students. Savvy thinkers, the guys from day one have listened carefully to students and parents at weekly roundtables, resulting in ever-changing packages that college students covet.

The eye-catching packages from Box-O-Box, sent right to college dorms, are rapidly becoming the must-have item on students' -- and parents' -- back-to-school lists. There are 24 themes to choose from for virtually all occasions, including birthdays, cool dorm stuff, exam time, pampering, get well, movie night, and all-nighters. What makes the boxes stand out is that each one is jammed not only with memorable munchies, cool gadgets and just plain-fun stuff, but with humor, TLC and a bit-o-attitude ... and, of course, a message from home.

Colleges and universities from Maine to Hawaii are jumping on the brash Box-O-Box bandwagon, making the company their official care package provider. And the packages are proving all the rage on campus, with student government associations, fraternities, sororities, sports clubs and social groups partnering with Box-O-Box.

And Box-O-Box is gaining a foothold beyond the campus, too. People are catching on to sending a Box-O-Love to a sweetie on Valentine's Day or a Movie Night Box for a Netflix extravaganza. Corporations are asking for customized packages for their special events. Check out the colorful boxes at http://www.boxobox.com.

This isn't the first entrepreneurial endeavor for this talented pair. Hauke and Zucker, who earned degrees in Resource Economics from UMass, started Dirty Business Laundry Delivery Service as part of a college class project and later sold the company. "This time we're out to change the world, one box at a time," Hauke concludes.

For more information, contact:

Cindy Rakowitz
(818) 783-3307
cindy@brpublicrelations.com

Diane Blackman
(212) 989-3646
dblackman@brpublicrelations.com

Home & Garden: No-Fuss Gardening for the Girl on the Go

No time to garden or don't have the luxury of a backyard you're in luck, Garden-in-a-Bag from Potting Shed Creations will be your new love. You have the option of not just growing beautiful flowers but also organic herbs, mini heirloom tomatoes and even strawberries. These can all be easily grown from your window sill.

They also make great eco-friendly gifts to give to family and friends. Prices range between $8-$14 and can be purchased from their website or selected on-line retailers.

Home & Garden: Retro Pitcher

I found this perfect summer pitcher at one of my favorite stores, Layla Grace. The classic black and white print pitcher has a vintage feel but it also feels glamorus. It's the perfect pitcher whether you're serving water to the kiddies or pouring cocktails for friends at your fun and festive summer soirees.

Macbeth Collection Pitcher in Elsa Black $68.00 Layla Grayce (laylagrayce.com)

Home & Garden: Colorful Spring Glasses

These Springtime Glasses are so adorable (six 8oz dishwasher-safe glasses for $70.00, Museum of Modern Art Store, momastore.org) and are an easy alternative to disposable plastic cups. They could brighten up any casual summer party, a children's birthday party or an evening cocktail party.

Style and Focus Weekend: Spring Cleaning

Unless you're a clean freak the last thing you want to do is spend a weekend cleaning. But as much as you hate to admit it, your place is starting to look a little less than fabulous. As an adult it's your responsiblity to clean your place, no more Mom to the cleaning rescue (this goes for those who moved back in with your parents).

Not sure what to do. Before you get started create a chore list that will help keep you on track with your task be it big or small. This also gives you a chance to check your cleaning supplies to see if you have everything you need.

Next, pick a task and get started. The hardest part is getting started.

Still not psych for Spring Cleaning why not give yourself a reward for completing the task. The reward could be something like a day of rest or a night out at your favorite restaurant. There are so many benefits for having a clean home such as not being afraid if guest unexpectedly stop by, all the extra closet space, and the extra money you'll save because you won't have to re-purchase items that you've misplaced.

New to the cleaning thing, don't drive yourself crazy trying to do it all in one day. Just do a little bit a time.