Day 8.

Wow…what a nice weekend!  I attended my first ever tennis match, ran in my first ever 5K with my friend Hallie (finished in 31 minutes…not bad for barely being able to run a mile three weeks ago!), watched Kansas lose to Northern Iowa (wow!), watched Wake Forest lose to Kentucky (sorry Deacs!), got a pedicure with my aunt before she headed back, spent tonight watching Public Enemies here at home with the hubby, and slept. A LOT.  I think I’ve finally recovered from my CRAZY week! So here are tips 71-80…only 20 to go:

71. Do you have hardwood floors?  Then an area rug is a must!  An area not only provides your footsies with a soft place to walk, but it will create visual interest and cohesion in your room.

72. Another way to create interest in a room? Create a stack! Use coffee table books, old suitcases, hatboxes, you name it!

73. When you see a small framed mirror, buy it.  Then paint all the frames a similar color (I love a classic black or a festive yellow) and hang them in one arrangment. Here’s an example from Martha:

74. Can’t find a bedskirt (or don’t want to pay $50 for one?  Use an extra flat sheet in a coordinating color!

75. Don’t want a bedskirt at all?  Don’t you dare leave that box spring bare!  Use a coordinating fitted or flat sheet to cover it (this is what we do in our master bedroom).

76.  Spruce up your kitchen window and save money at the grocery store.  Plant herbs in matching terra cotta pots for a Tuscan feel, or use old florists vases wrapped in heavy paper and tied with twine (courtesy of Real Simple):

77. Do you have a boring lamp?  Spice it up by painting the lampshade a bold color with acrylic paints.

78. If you have a room that is small or dark (or both) try positioning a mirror across the room from a window, this will bring more light into the room and make it feel larger.

79. Use multiple table runners across the table as placemats for two (thanks again Martha!):

80. Today’s living rooms are often centered toward the tv with all furniture facing our flatscreens.  While I understand that tv watching is a nightly activity for many families (including mine), try to make sure your furniture is also set up to facilitate other activities, like conversation, too!