Christmas is here!

With Christmas getting closer, we all have a lot to do!  Here are some ideas on how to add some Holiday Season flavor to your window coverings.  Tiebacks, use some nice thick velvety Christmas ribbon to tie back your drapery.  This will add some Christmas colour and a different look to your drapes.  Do you have blinds everywhere?  Put some small bows or bells on the bottom of the cords that are hanging down.  What about those valance boards?  Lights!  Put a string of lights across the top of the valance to add that great holiday look.  Toss pillows, this one isn't as quick and easy but it is something that I did last year and can now use every year.  I had some Christmas fabric so I made some pillow coverings for the toss cushions on my couch. Once Christmas was over I just took off the covers and put them away with the rest of the decorations.  These are just a few suggestions to help with your holiday decorating! So whatever you are celebrating this season, I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday!

What to do...

Christmas is coming... ok, so we all know it is coming.  How does this time of year seem to sneak up on us so fast. Every year I think, 'I really want to enjoy the season a little more, and not get so stressed out about getting things done.'  I have to say most of the time I am unsuccessful, the shopping takes longer than it should, the weather is lousy, the to-do list seems bigger... What's the trick?  Well, here it is... count your blessings.  That's it.  Simple right.  Well, maybe not that simple but it may be a good way to help ease the stress of the season.  This is what I did this weekend to start to help ease the pressure.  I made a mental effort to count my blessings as I am running around this Christmas season.  I found a parking spot close to the mall entrance, YEAH! Instead of parking and running through the rain, I paused and appreciated that parking spot, so when I entered that crazy mall, I was feeling just a little more relaxed.  I also tested my Christmas lights, 2 of the 4 strings weren't working, YEAH I have 2 working strings!!  Ok, I know it may seem a little silly, and a times it may be hard to look for those moments, but it's worth a try right?  It is only the middle of November and I am not sure how the rest of the year is going to go but these small little moments may be what I need to really enjoy the season.  Give it a try, it can't hurt!

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chalaine@stylit.ca

Procrastinating....

Procrastinating…

You know that one thing on your to-do list that never gets done, it’s a small thing but for some reason you just never get to it.  Mine is my kitchen window, it gets splashed all the time and always looks dirty.  Well, I did it, I cleaned it last night and when I walked into my kitchen this morning I just felt better.  My mood lifted, my cup of tea tasted better.  I can’t wait to get back this afternoon and look out that window again!

Why was it so hard to clean it?  It took me 10 minutes, and I feel so much better.  I was in a workshop one time and the instructor talk about the book “Eat the frog”, have you heard of it?  It talks about 21 great ways to stop procrastinating.  Well it definitely sunk in when I heard about it and I have to say that every once in a while I have to tell myself to ‘Eat the frog.’

If anything it is a fun way to remember to deal with those things that are nagging at you!

Here's a link that talks about the book:  http://www.briantracy.com/catalog/product.aspx?pid=465

Thinking you know better....

Remember when your Mom and Dad asked you for help on the computer, you always felt good about knowing more about something than they did.  I always thought I was pretty savvy when it came to computers... I have recently had the humbling experience of realizing that I need help!  Yes, technology changes quickly and the average 10 year old can teach me a lot, yes, the tables have turned on me now.  The good thing is unlike when I was young, I can now realize my limitations and ask for help. (Although it does hurt the pride a little to ask a 10 year old).

Don't hesitate to ask for help, whether it is for something simple or more complicated. Take advantage of those who are trained or have experience.  Even though something like buying a blind seems simple, there is a little more to it and having someone to help with the details could save you a lot of time and hair pulling.

Check out the new fabrics this fall from Robert Allen - http://www.robertallendesign.com/DwellStudio.aspx

Well, summer is winding down - August always flies by - but I am looking forward to a busy fall.  I have just booked into the Home & Design show at BC Place Stadium in October.  I have a new booth to display and am very excited to be a part of that show.  There is always lots to see and there!  I will put up more info as the date gets closer.

I was glad to be a part of the BC Children's Hospital Lottery Home again this summer.  The homes are still open so please go check them out (*pay special attention to the fun window coverings and the bedding!!*) and support this great cause.  Here is the link for the hours the house is open and the ticket info: http://bcchildren.com/.

My First Blog!

Ok, so I am new to the whole "blogging" thing, but am very excited to share some thoughts and ideas for you on window coverings!

Let's talk about needs... what do you need in a window covering.  I have people ask me about different window coverings that they have seen in this house or that magazine that they absolutely love, but when we start talking about what they need their window covering to do, the ones that they "love" does not always meet their needs.  So remember, there lot of great window coverings out there and many that will work in all different rooms... but don't forget to consider what you need those window coverings to do.  Of course, if you need help in determining those needs I am here to assist!