Movie night at home!

I know there's nothing quite like going to a movie in theatre; the huge screen, the booming surround sound, the snacks and the ambience, but sometimes it's nice to curl up on the couch and enjoy a movie in the comfort of your own home.

Instead of laying in bed watching a movie, why not plan a movie night with your friends? The idea is really simple, all you need to do is:

Call your friends and invite them over.

Arrange the seating beforehand and make sure that everybody would have a clear view of the screen.

Bring extra bean bags, floor pillows, blankets and throws.

Test the movie before your guests arrive.

Set a snack bar of all the classic movie snacks; popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, taquitos, hot wings, corn, chips, candies and soda. Take-out is also a good option.

Before starting the movie, make sure everybody would turn off their cell phones.

Make sure you hit the pause button half way through the movie so that your guests would get a chance to chat, go to the restroom or make phone calls.

And finally, turn off the lights, sit back, relax and enjoy the movie!

Something for every home!

http://www.horchow.com/ is one of the best online shops for elegant furniture and exceptional home decor accessories.

Horchow offers a variety of items from fine furniture and luxury linens to distinctive tabletop designs, rugs, beddings and antique collectibles! It simply brings the best of everything in every style and trend.

I've checked alot of online furniture stores but honestly no one came close to Horchow.

Decorating a teenager's bedroom

When decorating teenagers' bedrooms, we should put in mind the fact that their age is really sensitive, that they're going through many physical and emotional changes and that they're trying to figure out who they are and what they want to become.

They have enough issues to deal with so instead of giving them a hard time, parents should allow their teens to express their personalities, interests and tastes through their bedroom decorations. Let them choose the color, theme and style even if you hate it! Afterall, it's their hide out, their space and it should reflect their individuality and creativity.

Consider it a great chance to work together as a team. Make a few key decisions together regarding color, prints and decorative accents but make sure that your teen plays the predominant role in making such decisions. This will definitely help build up your teen's confidence.

A little tip: The most important element in a teen's bedroom- in my openion- is the STORAGE SOLUTIONS! Teens usually have alot of CDs, magazines, toys, books, electronics, makeup, clothes, shoes, bags...etc. If your teen prefers having everything out where he/she can see it, then use open storage solutions like shelves, bookcases, wall cubes, organization boards and hooks. If he/she prefers everything neat and hidden, use closed storage solutions like under-the-bed storage bins, corner cabinets, drawer units and baskets.

Pottery Barn came up with a fun line of exclusive furniture and accessories created just for teenagers. So cool!

Check it out: http://www.pbteen.com/

Protect your sweet baby legs!

As a new mom, i always try to discover what's new and hip in the baby department. Today, i found out about Nicole Donnely; the owner of http://www.babylegs.com/ who makes the cutest ever baby legs!

The uses of baby legs are numerous; they keep your baby's legs warm, allow diaper rashes to heal, make diaper changes quick and easy, keep your baby's knees protected while crawling, provide sun protection and beyond all these benefits, they're a hot new fashion trend!

Baby legs are stretchy enough to fit kids from newborn to size 10 and they come in vibrant colors and super cute patterns.

Baby legs are definitely a must-have accessory!

Watch the game!

The simple act of gathering with friends to watch sports on tv. is fun but you can make it even more fun with these simple ideas...

First, make sure your tv. room is comfortable; bring extra floor pillows and bean bag chairs to make the room cozier.

Put the fragiles and breakables away; die hard fans can get really rowdy when the game doesn't go as they wish :)

Set the party mood by decorating the room with your team's colors. If it's going to be a mixed crowd, decorate opposite sides of the room for each team. Throw in anything with the team's logo; banners, pennants, blankets, foam fingers, balloons...etc. You can also use similar color paper plates, glasses and napkins to enhance your decorations.

Make it a fun night and have plenty of noisemakers (clackers, whistles, horns...) Also make sure that your guests would come wearing their favourite team's t-shirts or jersies and hand out funny hats for them to wear during the game.

This is a casual and laid-back gathering that's why it's better to serve food that's easy to eat. Finger food like mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, nachos, chips and dips would be great. Pizza and mini burgers would also work!

One more thing... don't bother inviting anyone who doesn't care about the game! I'm sure your guests won't appreciate any silly comment regarding the players' outfits and hairstyles :)

Day to night transformation

A tip from Collin Cowie:

"Transform your table from daytime to nighttime effortlessly. By daytime, fill a decorative glass bowl with lemons, coconuts and white coral – all elements that won't spoil in the summer heat. "

"At nighttime, take the same bowl and fill it with water and float a couple of flowers and candles for a romantic centerpiece. For added glamour, add votive candles. There's no such thing as too many. They make us look younger and add an element of sensuality and drama to the table."

An Indian summer

http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.com/ is an amazing blog about Indian and Asian intertior design and living.

The site features exquisite furnishings and fabrics, rich textiles and gorgeous arts and crafts that literally reflect the ethnic and cultural identities of Asia.

I really encourage you to visit this blog and you will definitely be inspired by the beautiful and eye catching colors and designs of India and Asia!

Unusual and unique hotels!

Today i found out about a cool site that goes right on top of my list of favourites!

http://www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com/ is an online guide to unusual and unique hotels around the world. This is a must-visit site before you plan your summer vacation!

Here are some pictures of cool hotels featured in this site...

The Pavilion
London, UK
Funky Rock'n'Roll hotel in Central London

VERANA
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Floating above the Bay of Banderas and embraced by the mountains of the Valle de la Sierra Oriental rests VERANA.

Hotel de Glace
Sainte-Catherine-De-La-Jacques-Cartier, Quebec, Canada
The Ice Hotel: an exceptional winter event that is unique in America

Non-floral centerpieces

If you're looking for something creative and original on your tables other than flowers and candles, i think you'll love these ideas i gathered from different sites and blogs.

Click on the image to see a larger version...

Serving appetizers

Here's a great tip about serving appetizers from the style icon Collin Cowie:

"When serving appetizers at a cocktail party or before a meal, think outside the box. No need to have a basic platter of cheese on the side table or waiters passing food on silver trays for guests to take with their hands. Instead, make it young, fun and fresh by presenting food in different ways. It’s amazing how a stick or a spoon can take a one-bite treat and make it something extra special. It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as the images shown. A tray with spoons topped with a delicious mousse, wonderful sashimi, or delicious marinated olives lined up on a tray looks elegant and is easy to eat. No matter what or how you serve an appetizer, make sure it’s bite-size. There’s nothing attractive about seeing a guest juggle bite into an appetizer that’s really a small first course!"