My First Domino Article!

I'm packing up to head back home from NYC, but first wanted to share with you a link to <a href="http://domino.com/an-ode-to-the-pax" target="_blank">my article</a> for <a href="http://domino.com/" target="_blank">Domino</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0487.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0487.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I added three Pax units to our bedroom to better store our shoes and folded clothes. My favorite part is the little vanity area in the center unit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0706.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0706.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0665.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0665.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I have a few DIY project posts coming up from the behind the scenes. Can't wait to share this week!

My First Domino Article!

I'm packing up to head back home from NYC, but first wanted to share with you a link to my article for Domino ! I added three Pax units...

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Painting the Fireplace Black

<center></center>I'm in New York this week for a really cool project and event that I'm excited to share with you all. Before I left for the airport this weekend I got the itch to paint the fireplace, just to see what it would look like in black, so I rolled on a quick coat.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8578.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_8578.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />It will need a couple coats of paint with sanding sessions in between, but so far I'm loving it!<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8577.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_8577.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I also found a remnant slab of honed black granite at a local stone yard that I think will be perfect for the fireplace surround. The stone will be cut to fit all the area on the inside of the mantle, surrounding the firebox.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7665.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7665.jpg" /></div><br />I love the texture of this stone! Isn't it pretty? It's a little bumpy, which I really like for an application like this.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7667.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7667.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />When I get back home I'm going to paint the walls in the living room before finishing the fireplace. I think lightening the walls with a pale gray and a coat of bright white on the beamed ceiling will make for such a pretty contrast in the space with the all-black fireplace. I'm so, so excited to get this space done and functional!<br /><br />Here are a few of my inspiration images:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 69b9bfbcccbb8dd94f91d991afca9073.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/69b9bfbcccbb8dd94f91d991afca9073.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/339318153144444578/" target="_blank">via</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1262310f22236c7d9783d2706189da75.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/1262310f22236c7d9783d2706189da75.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/149252175120826551/" target="_blank">via</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo d20ea2194ddbe2c6ef4d558179f94717.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/d20ea2194ddbe2c6ef4d558179f94717.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://georgianadesign.tumblr.com/post/42932259746/lucy-interior-design-minneapolis" target="_blank">via</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 0167889b3aa071bbb67ad2f47bb2369e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/0167889b3aa071bbb67ad2f47bb2369e.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://thecrossdesign.com/blog/page/2/" target="_blank">via</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo housebeautiful51bd34b26b602bb2b9aa7ce800437e24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/housebeautiful51bd34b26b602bb2b9aa7ce800437e24.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>House Beautiful</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo screen-shot-2012-01-15-at-8-07-21-pm1.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/screen-shot-2012-01-15-at-8-07-21-pm1.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/277393658272095879/" target="_blank">via</a></i></div>

Painting the Fireplace Black

I'm in New York this week for a really cool project and event that I'm excited to share with you all. Before I left for the airport ...

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Serpentine Secretary

I can't stop/won't stop with the Craigslist shopping lately. There are so many great finds here and most everything is so incredibly affordable that it's hard to pass a lot of it by. Some things need more work than others though and part of me wonders if it's worth it in those cases.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qqDSC_0550.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qqDSC_0550.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Like this secretary I recently picked up from a Craigslist seller. I am so in love with the scalloped, serpentine drawer, but man, does it need some work!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0561.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0561.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><br />When I came by the seller's house to look at it, I was a little disappointed with the condition of the wood. From the photos, it looked like it was in original condition, but I could see right away in person that it had been painted and then (mostly) stripped and that it needed some love. The wood is pretty dry. The seller gave me really great deal on it though and it was hard to pass by since the shape is so unique.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0566.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0566.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0531.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0531.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think with some cleaning the solid brass flower pulls could be cute. Though maybe on a different piece?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0534.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0534.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Check out the carved curve of the drawer<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0573.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0573.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0570.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0570.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also love the unique leg shape that's so slim from the front and much wider from the side view.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0557.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/wDSC_0557.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0559.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0559.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I <i>love </i>tiger oak, but I think this piece would look better painted. If the wood was in better shape, I'd totally fix it up more and keep the wood stain (you know I'm all for wood furniture), but I think this would look better in a painted finish - either a gloss or a chalk paint.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aaaDSC_0548.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aaaDSC_0548.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I thought I would like it here in the entry, but the curve of the stairs sticks out too much. There's still several feet of clearance, but I think I'll keep my eye out for something with a slimmer profile for here - maybe wall-mounted.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zIMG_8679.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/zIMG_8679.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I've actually been thinking it would look really cool in the landing upstairs by the girls rooms, especially if it was painted.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qIMG_8695.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qIMG_8695.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8699.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_8699.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I imagine the girls leaving each other fun little notes inside and storing their treasures in the drawers. We've been collecting seashells for a few years now from our different travels (and my parents have been bringing some to the girls too - they went to Ireland and Scotland this month and they brought back some beauties for us) and this little secretary seems like a perfect place to keep the shells.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know I'll be glad I bought it when I do get around to refinishing the secretary. My threshold lately has been "will I regret not buying this a year from now?" and if I can honestly say yes, I go for it (and then cram it into the garage! ha!). What is your rule?</div>

Serpentine Secretary

I can't stop/won't stop with the Craigslist shopping lately. There are so many great finds here and most everything is so incredibly...

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Cheap and Easy to Find Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

We likely all know about and love the fiddle leaf fig tree - it's a gorgeous plant. In the past few years though, they've been so hard to find and very expensive. I found one a couple years ago in the flower district that was a good six feet tall, but was priced at $250! Ouch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0794.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/DSC_0794.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name="more"></a><br />If you're looking to add one of these lovely trees to your houseplant collection, IKEA sells mini plants (about two feet tall) for around the $14 mark (I wrote about those <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/09/fig-trees-mums-and-boxwoods.html" target="_blank">here</a>). They don't come potted though (but it's easy to use one of their pretty terra cotta pots that I love so much - they weather beautifully). Home Depot and Lowes both recently starting selling fiddle leaf figs on a wider scale (it was sort of urban legend for a few years, but this year I've seen them in New York, New Jersey, Arizona and California, so I think it's safe to say they're available in most states). This little three+ footer was only $20 and it came in a pretty little pot probably worth $15 on its own.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7975.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7975.jpg" /></div><br />I bought a five footer for only $30 for my bedroom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7970.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7970.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div></div><br />Getting it home safely without spilling the soil everywhere in my car was the only tricky part. I found putting it the front seat worked best.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7978.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7978.jpg" /></div><br />It's a good thing the price went down so much on these trees beacause they can be a little finicky (read: very easy to kill). They need lots of sunlight, but it can't be too harsh, and just the right amount of water (which seems to be about a cup per foot of tree, once a week?).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0478.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/wDSC_0478.jpg" /></div><br />If you find a good spot for your tree and it seems to be thriving, try not to move it - or even rotate the plant. Often their leaves grow in a way to maximize sunlight absorption, so moving or turning the plant can really throw the plant for a loop.<br /><br />I water my plants just once a week - every Friday evening. I used to actually put it on my calendar, but it's become a habit now and I don't have to remind myself. My thumb is no where near green (see <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-keep-houseplants-alive.html" target="_blank">this post</a> from earlier this year!), but I did myself a favor and started looking up how much water and sunlight plants need to thrive, and suddenly I wasn't killing everything! (I did accidentally neglect <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-plank-walls-and-painted-mudroom.html" target="_blank">that Bougainvillea tree</a> in our mudroom though and it's toast now - bummer. Maybe I'll just get another fig tree?)<br /><br /><center></center>Also, check out this cool planter I found and spray painted for our bedroom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7969.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7969.jpg" /></div><br />I loved the Greek key pattern and thought it would be pretty in a crisp white.<br /><br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8028.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_8028.jpg" /></div><br />I just used a spray primer that I had on hand and no top coat (I know - such a rebel). Don't forget to spray the first few inches of the inside lip.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8030.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_8030.jpg" /></div><br />Pretty right? It's made of clay and it weighs a million pounds, but it will last forever and it was only about $25 at Home Depot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0794.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/DSC_0794.jpg" /></div><br />Do you have any fiddle leaf fig tree care tips? Have you seen them in your local hardware stores? Or were you one of the suckers that spent $250 on a tree a few years ago, like I so desperately wanted to? :)

Cheap and Easy to Find Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

We likely all know about and love the fiddle leaf fig tree - it's a gorgeous plant. In the past few years though, they've been so ha...

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Decorating for Fall

<div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The holidays are practically here and I've been in denial. Suddenly the weather is starting to cool down and all the stores have pumpkins out front. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0515.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ssDSC_0515.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo hDSC_0512.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/hDSC_0512.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's almost impossible for me and my kids to pass these by and we've amassed quite a collection of mini (and not-so-mini) pumpkins over the past week or two. So I was thrilled when <a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank">Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>invited me to share a few of my fall decorating tips with you (<i>hoarding justified!</i>). It actually worked out perfectly because I had recently been thinking that that little stretch of hallway by the mudroom is a great place to display holiday decor. I was able to transform the space with a few small projects (like stripping the shelves!) and styling with inexpensive finds (including the newly designed <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/products/sprays/sense-and-spray-automatic-freshener-with-new-360-design" target="_blank">Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span> Sense and Spray<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span> Automatic Freshener</a>). Now my home looks and smells like it's ready for autumn. Here's how I did it:<br /><a name="more"></a></div><br /><img alt=" photo fall1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/fall1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The shelves used to be painted a really dark brown and the walls were a mid-tone gold color and it felt just a little too dark. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo fDSC_0573.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/fDSC_0573.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used stripper gel to remove the two or three layers of paint, which came off pretty easily and left  behind a primed pine beam. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo IMG_7699.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7699.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So far I haven't done much with the wood after taking off the paint. I like how the light wood feels brighter and more airy, but I'm not sure I love the distressed look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo IMG_7702.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7702.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's fine for now though (kind of works with the fall theme, right?). And either way I won't do too much to the shelves because they'll likely be removed in the big kitchen remodel down the road. A darker gray wash would be easy and pretty though.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0548h.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/DSC_0548h.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/Untitled-1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So, as for the decorating, I decided to go to Goodwill to see what they had in the way of vintage wares in golden, warm tones. It was a total jackpot thrifting day. I think most of these were from the same home - they all had a similar look. (you can see more of my finds from that day <a href="http://instagram.com/jennykomenda" target="_blank">here</a>).</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7735.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7735.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I also stopped into Homegoods to grab a few baskets for the floor. Homegoods is the <i>best</i> place to buy storage baskets.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo eDSC_0506.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/eDSC_0506.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cute herringbone pattern one is the perfect size for about a month's worth of magazines - anything bigger would just allow for an unwieldy reading pile, and who needs that?</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_7794.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7794.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The taller basket will be used for umbrellas maybe, once we actually find the box with the umbrellas (!). I spray painted the basket gold, because everything is better gold. (with the exception of fingers).</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_7821.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7821.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0494.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aaDSC_0494.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aDSC_0543.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0543.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And speaking of gold/brass, Homegoods is selling a lot of brass things right now - really cool trays and accessories like this brass-inlay dominos box set.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0552.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0552.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I mixed my new and old finds together on the shelves and put lots of pumpkins out and some books too. I think it's a good idea to not fill every square inch of shelf space or else it can start to feel like a store display.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo hDSC_0481.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/hDSC_0481.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0537.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/DSC_0537.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I love that piece of pottery here on the left.</div><br /><img alt=" photo qDSC_0540.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0540.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I also think it's a good idea to go pretty neutral with the colors on a display shelf. And if something is more colorful, try to group it with items in a similar color family.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0529.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0529.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aDSC_0511.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0511.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0526.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0526.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0490.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aaDSC_0490.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Can you spot the freshener below? I love how it just blends in with the decor.</div><br /><img alt=" photo wDSC_0501.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/wDSC_0501.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's the newly designed <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/products/sprays/sense-and-spray-automatic-freshener-with-new-360-design" target="_blank">Sense and Spray<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span> Automatic Freshener</a> by <a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank">Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></a> that sprays every time you walk by.  You set it to spray no more than every 15, 20 or 30 minutes, so it works perfectly in high-traffic areas just like in this hallway by our mudroom. The scent travels all around this side of the house.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0522.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aaDSC_0522.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can choose different scents (and in fact, there's a whole line of great, new fragrances), but my hands-down favorite is their <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/fragrances/floral/lavender-and-vanilla" target="_blank">Lavender and Vanilla</a>. It smells <i>really</i> good and it's a more complex scent than you normally find with air fresheners. This is a bit of a side note, but isn't it weird how houses/families have a smell? I'm always wondering if our house has a smell that I'm just used to - the idea stresses me out a little bit to be honest. I think scent is a big part of the experiencing of a home and it is a huge relief for me when visitors comment that our house smells nice. And just like putting out the pumpkins, choosing a warm, inviting scent is the perfect, simple way to welcome guests and to celebrate the season. I just popped in the <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/fragrances/outdoor/cashmere-woods" target="_blank">Cashmere Woods</a> scent yesterday to get the warm, woodsy smell happening, and now it really feels like October! :)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo jDSC_0480.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/jDSC_0480.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And it was downright genius of the makers of <a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank">Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></a> to design such a pretty diffuser. How far we have come from the days of those scent cone eye sores!</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0515.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ssDSC_0515.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">So, tell me, have you started decorating for the holidays yet? Too soon? :) Our old neighbor had a rule where as soon as she saw Halloween stuff in stores she felt she could start listening to CHRISTMAS MUSIC. That is a level of holiday commitment unknown to me! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/Untitled-1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post was brought to you in collaboration with </i><a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank"><i>Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></i></a><i>  Check out their variety of new fragrances <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/fragrances" target="_blank">here</a>. Thank you for supporting LGN sponsors.</i></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

Decorating for Fall

The holidays are practically here and I've been in denial. Suddenly the weather is starting to cool down and all the stores have pumpkin...

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