M.I.A. AND THE TOP 10

First of all, Happy Mother's Day!  I have obviously been missing in action and I apologize. Where have I been?  Not sure.  I think the Easter/Spring break turned into a month long vacation.  

So given that it's Mother's Day, a fellow mom and Lot 47 fan, asked for a top 10 rundown of how to spruce up the home yet keeping it family friendly.  I assume on a budget because I usually tend to keep the purse strings tight so I'd say the following:

1.  Change out your pillows.  Take a look at your sofa pillows, how shabby are they?  Even Target offers cute pillows.  Try some sellers on etsy.com as well such as the seller http://www.etsy.com/shop/MakingFabulous.

2.  Clean it out.  Yes, it's time for spring cleaning but what about a good clean out?  It's not necessarily decor but don't you feel really good once something is organized or cleaned?  Clean out that linen closet that makes you delirious, clean out your desk or space you collect junk or hire some help - get that whole house cleaned!  On my checklist is get the family room area rug cleaned and 2 barrel chairs...they are both YUCK!

3.  Bring the outdoors in.  Add some plants to your rooms.  My favorite is a Pothos.  

I feel like this plant is indestructible.  As soon as it looks sad, water it and it comes back...but do try to water it before it's sad.  This plant can be found at any Home Depot or Lowes.  Also, add some fresh flowers to your rooms...found at your local grocery store!

4.  Kid's homemade art.  It can spruce up any blank wall and it's also a fun rainy day project.  No matter what age, a child can make a bare canvas into an authentic abstract piece!

5.  Add a tray.  Notice that your coffee table is bare, add a tray and spruce it up with a book or 2 and a framed photo set inside the tray.  Find your tray at Target, WalMart, TJ Maxx and Home Goods!

6.  Add little side tables.  Look around your family room or living room.  Do most of your seating areas have a place someone could rest a drink?  If not, a good option for a side table is a garden stool.  All of the garden gear is out in stores and if you find a garden stool for a good price but it's not the color you'd like, spray paint it!  Ceramic does very well with spray paint.  

7.  Paint.  Look around.  What can you paint?  Anything can be painted.  You do not have to paint the walls - although that is a really fun way to spruce things up.  If you do the actual painting, the most a bedroom will cost you is $50-70 which is the cost of the paint.  But like I said, look around...is there anything that looks in need of some love in your house, a dresser?  Coffee table?  Side table?  Even a lamp base?  Kitchen chairs?  Kitchen table (legs only too)?  If it's a small item, you can buy a $3 paint sample from Lowes that will cover a large space.  The samples are actually BIG!  And don't be afraid...you can do it!

8.  Update lighting.  Does your house have the standard flush mounts in your entry or hallway?  Head over to Home Depot or Lowes and find some semi-flush lights or even mini chandeliers.  And an even easier lighting update is change out your lamps to a more updated look or use plug-in sconces in a bedroom instead of lamps.

9.  Bedding.  This can get pricey but an easy change is by making yourself feel better when you climb into your bed at night with some fun colored sheets or a high thread count sheet set.  Home Goods is a great place for bedding updates.  Also, add a pop of color with a throw on the bed or on a chair in the bedroom.

10. Photography.  Everyone has a camera these days.  Go outside and take some photos of some flowers, a plant, a brick wall...anything.  Then come back and play with it on www.picmonkey.com.  You can manipulate your photos to make them "funky" then frame, hang or add to the top of a dresser.  And you made it happen!