Meet Our Bloggers
Alli
How devoted is Alli to HomeGoods? She says she knows almost all of the associates by name, and took home-baked Christmas cookies in to them last year. Alli is a busy real estate broker,who recently moved to the coast in beautiful North Carolina from another part of the state. Alli says she favors a "coastal cottage" style in her home, and in her spare time, she loves decorating, entertaining,boating and spending time with her family.
Recent posts by Alli:
This is a “tried and true” recipe for a delicious cheesecake…..try it for your sweetheart at Valentine’s Day. Remember Cathy’s advice too, about the cake pedestal for gift giving presentation!
In this photo, I went a little overbooard on the decoration of strawberries….but it is just as good plain! Enjoy!
Posted by: Alli 1/20/08 at 9:38 am
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season…..all my Christmas decorations are down and packed away…..I just had to share with you a wonderful HG find. I received a gift card from HomeGoods for Christmas, and I just could not wait to go shopping!!!! I went yesterday, (New Years Eve) and to my [...]
Posted by: Alli 1/1/08 at 10:15 am
Just had to share with you some photos from my home town…..It is a small town in Western North Carolina, that becomes a “Christmas Fantasy Land” every year at this time. The streets are lined with trees that are transformed with tiny white lights, and the fountain in the middle of town looks like [...]
Posted by: Alli 12/11/07 at 5:35 pm
Finally finished decorating the tree……I had the perfect place for it this year, since I have yet to find the “perfect piece of furniture” for this spot. The tree itself is 10 feet tall, and boasts about 3000 lights……as I mentioned in a previous post, I use a “faux” tree due to my daughter’s allergies. [...]
Posted by: Alli 12/9/07 at 9:00 pm
Since you have seen the niche over my fireplace for harvest…I thought it was about time I showed you the Christmas look…. The vases flanking both sides are filled with cranberries to hold the tulips and amaryllis in place. Amazingly, they last the entire season. I have white lights on the garland and it is [...]
Posted by: Alli 12/7/07 at 7:35 pm
Just had to share two quick moments from this weekend….the first is my very favorite snowman ever!!!! He reminds me of my husband, and each year I am thrilled to be able to display him. He is sporting a fishing pole and basket for his catch…..LOVE HIM!!!
The second photo, “Dixie” and I ran across while [...]
Posted by: Alli 12/2/07 at 10:01 pm
After selecting this beautiful water globe for a very dear friend of mine……”oh no, how will I wrap it?”….. To me, part of the gift giving is the “presentation ” of the gift. I come from a family of “bow-makers”…we love beautiful ribbons and packages. Even before the country was “going green” we saved our [...]
Posted by: Alli 11/30/07 at 2:20 pm
After spending Thanksgiving at our cottage, I just could not resisit putting some Christmas decorations out….I am not going to do a big tree there, because we are pinched for space. The nautical decorations are so tempting, it is hard to hold back! I found this little “twig tree” a couple of years ago, and [...]
Posted by: Alli 11/26/07 at 8:08 pm
In keeping with Cathy’s idea of black and white,I wanted to share with you an idea that my daughter had for her new condo….she found these wonderful plates and hung them over her bed. I thought the end result was fabulous! OK call me a proud Mom, and I say “guilty”
Posted by: Alli 11/24/07 at 8:24 pm
The day before Thanksgiving:
*complete your food shopping
*pick up turkey (if you ordered a fresh one)
*check the weight of the bird and plan on cooking time
*bake cakes and or pies (yummm)
*set the table
*refrigerate any wines that need to be served chilled
*make the centerpiece for the table
*go to bed early and get a good nights sleep
Posted by: Alli 11/19/07 at 10:09 am
With the Thanksgiving holiday about a week away, it is time to re-visit our timeline…..
*A few days before the big day,read thru your selected recipes and determine ingredients you will need and cooking utensils.
*Start your food shopping
* Finish any last minute house cleaning chores and prepare for overnight guests.
*Prepare any food that can be made [...]
Posted by: Alli 11/14/07 at 2:10 pm
Don’t let the idea of the “big meal” stress you out….let this easy timeline help you with your holiday entertaining….
1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving
*confirm the number of guests (always plan for 2 more)
*determine the size turkey you will need, usually about 1/2 pound per person. This will also allow for those leftover turkey sandwiches
*plan your table [...]
Posted by: Alli 11/7/07 at 12:41 pm
I am loving having the “niche” over my fireplace……It provides such a great area to decorate!
I cannot imagine wasting this great space with a television! hahahah My husband would proably not agree…..I wanted to share with you my display for Thanksgiving. I simply took branches from a curly willow tree and added some [...]
Posted by: Alli 11/5/07 at 12:01 pm
As I was walking my dog today, I happened to notice all the beautiful fall and harvest wreaths that were adorning my neighborhood….I think it makes a nice statement to hang a wreath on your front door for the different seasons. A wreath serves as a “sneak peek” for what lies beyond the door…..a [...]
Posted by: Alli 11/2/07 at 5:05 pm
With so much of the country in drought situations as well as our dear friends in California with the tragic fires….I wanted to pass on a great little device I found. Battery operated (flickering) candles!!! They are so life like and last plenty long enough to light the way for ghosts and goblins [...]
Posted by: Alli 10/26/07 at 5:59 pm
I wanted to quickly show you my kitchen, so you can see how “blue” is carried thru my home. The top of cupboards are a great display area for lots of things….use your imagination and utilize the space!
Posted by: Alli 10/23/07 at 9:03 am
First and foremost, thanks to everyone for your comments and ideas on the “blue wall”. I have lived with the color for 2 weeks now, and I love it more and more each day. There are still things I want to add to the room, but the color was definitely a positive impact! [...]
Posted by: Alli 10/19/07 at 3:09 pm
Hi everyone, still have not completely decided on my “blue” for my great room…..I wanted to submit a photo so you can have a “before and after”. The wall I am speaking of is the wall behind the sofa…..the map prints I found at HomeGoods, as well as the lamp, and of course the blue [...]
Posted by: Alli 8/14/07 at 10:32 am
As I continue to contimplate wall colors and stripes….I thought we could move into the family room. Ladies chalk one up for our team….I convinced my husband not to put a television in the “niche” over the fireplace!!!!!!!! I am not a fan of TV, especially when we are entertaining, hence the “man cave”. I [...]
Posted by: Alli 8/9/07 at 9:27 am
as promised, more posts. This is going to be short, because I am on my way to Michael’s to get my paint for my wall color! Cathy had a fabulous tip, and I am going to try it TODAY!
OK, so far the entry way…the townhome is tri-level (love those steps…not) When you enter the front [...]
Posted by: Alli 8/6/07 at 10:23 am
…”she’s back”….sorry it has been a while since I have posted anything, but I have been somewhat “pre-occupied”. To better explain the title….my husband and I have MOVED!!!! That’s right, about 10 months ago he was offered a promotion which would involve relocation….
after much thought and consideration, we decided to take the “plunge”. It is [...]
Posted by: Alli 8/3/07 at 10:16 am
We had some very good friends over for dinner last night, to celebrate a birthday. I love to entertain, but cooking is not my forte’. Luckily my husband is a “grill-master” so I know the main dish will be great! I have over the years, worked on one single dessert….cheesecake. I have practiced so many [...]
Posted by: Alli 7/12/07 at 1:25 pm
“I love summer!” Everything is so relaxed, you can entertain on a moments notice…..simply throw something on the grill.
…just found these adorable votive candle holders at HomeGoods!
I paired them with an arrangement using limes as a base. I thought it turned out pretty well. I also plan to use these as small [...]
Posted by: Alli 7/1/07 at 8:26 am
just wanted to share a thought with you….I am in so many homes these days with “open floorplans” and I just wanted to remind everyone that furniture does not have to be touching a wall….in fact, furniture can create walls and divide rooms! Don’t be afraid to pull things away from walls, angles are [...]
Posted by: Alli 6/12/07 at 7:45 am
…just wanted to share with you a new grouping I just did…..I could not pass up these sailboat prints at HomeGoods…..
I had been looking for something between these two windows in my family room, and one day at HomeGoods I ran upon these. You will never believe the price….they had been reduced to 22.00 [...]
Posted by: Alli 5/30/07 at 5:59 pm
…from my home to yours…..
Happy Memorial Day 2007
Posted by: Alli 5/25/07 at 3:58 pm
Someone asked about additional ideas for inexpensive backsplashes……This is another example.
I work with a new home developer, so therefore our selections are pretty neutral in tone. This method works best for “spec” homes. You could easily use more color, for more “pop”…..
Hope this sparks your creative ideas!!!!
Posted by: Alli 5/23/07 at 8:23 am
…just had to share these wonderful bookends I discovered at HomeGoods! I thought they would add just the right touch on the top of my entertainment center…… You just never know what might sail into your life from HomeGoods……LOL
Posted by: Alli 5/17/07 at 7:12 am
I know that sounds a little strange coming from a HUGE fan of HomeGoods, but I just had to share one of my favorite Mother’s Day gifts. It is nothing expensive, yet money could not purchase this gift….My daughter made this for me in Sunday school when she was three. I loved it then, and [...]
Posted by: Alli 5/12/07 at 9:30 am
..living on the coast, one just never knows what might “wash up” in your yard…..This little mermaid found her way to my flower garden early this spring. I guess she mistook the purple flowers for the purple waves of the sea…..I am happy to have her as my guest!
Posted by: Alli 5/4/07 at 10:18 pm
…when I saw this litle guy in HomeGoods, I just couldn’t resist….
He is actually a windchime. I hung him on a shepards hook by the porch….. meet “Wally Lobster”……..
Posted by: Alli 4/22/07 at 4:03 am
…just had to share with you one of my favorite pieces of furniture…My parents started “housekeeping” with this little hutch 47 years ago….It was a lovely maple, but after years and years it had been retired to the garage. I asked my Mom for it about 7 or 8 years ago. I didn’t [...]
Posted by: Alli 4/19/07 at 2:59 pm
It is not always necessary to use expensive tile to achieve a “big statement” I helped a developer with this kitchen backspash; and though relatively inexpensive, the end result made a nice statement. Some of the tiles are “crackled” I am not sure you can see this on the picture.
Keep this hint in mind [...]
Posted by: Alli at 4:36 am
I gave my kitchen a little “pop” by painting just the flat panel of the cupboard doors… I decided to only paint the top cabinets, just to add a little interest. I completed the look by adding a brushed nickel knob, and for very little money I was able to get the lift I needed….
Posted by: Alli 4/18/07 at 2:07 pm
don’t be afraid to use the unusual as containers in your bath…
These great tins hold cotton balls, extra guest soaps. and cotton swabs. They are easily accessible when guests arrive!
Posted by: Alli 4/6/07 at 3:07 pm
..a quick tip…
always keep a roll of clear cellophane wrap on hand with your “gift wrapping gear”. I prefer the longer rolls. It is so handy when you need a quick gift; and you don’t have the right size box or gift bag. Sometimes for a base I will use some shredded tissue paper or [...]
Posted by: Alli 3/29/07 at 5:27 pm
..while showing property the other day, I ran across one of those great ideas that I thought you might find helpful as well. In a model home, the designer had taken a large map and cut it into 3 pieces, framed and hung over a sofa…an inexpensive way to get a great look…
Posted by: Alli at 2:44 pm
…just wanted to share a corner of my home with you, and tell you what a wonderful find I found at HomeGoods! This great mirror “fit the bill”perfectly when I was searching for something to hang over this unique bar. You will never believe the price…$19.99. I purposely left the HomeGoods sticker on, so [...]
Posted by: Alli 3/26/07 at 4:30 am
I knew that would get you attention…..I just had to share my most recent find at HomeGoods…
My master bath is pretty neutral, and I thought it would be nice to add a splash of color…I want to add glass tiles, but my husband said “after taxes” (I hate this time of year).
Anyway my solution was [...]
Posted by: Alli 3/25/07 at 5:41 pm
When we moved to the beach, I had such a hard time deciding what to use in the master bedroom. The room was painted a buttery yellow, with glossy white trim. I first thought of a print with yellow and white…then I thought I would bring in another color…nothing seemed “just right”. My daughter kept suggesting “an [...]
Posted by: Alli 3/17/07 at 3:48 pm
Sometimes I find myself somewhat intimidated with large spaces….over the years I have learned to simply “jump in” if it works, it works, if not…start over. A very dear friend of mine gave me this wonderful star last year for Christmas. When we moved, I knew the stairway would be the best place to hang [...]
Posted by: Alli at 1:18 pm
I do not know why I have this fascination with these glass domes…I am just intrigued by them. Thought you might like to see how I used one in my bedroom. This is my wedding bouquet. I did not do any special process to dry it, I simply put it away in a hat box. [...]
Posted by: Alli at 1:00 pm
..since we are all just getting aquainted, I thought it might be nice if you saw my home…. We have lived here since September 1, 2006. It has been a challenge, moving from 2600 sq.ft to 2000 sq.ft. Our new home is on the marina, and only steps away from my husbands life-long dream…his boat!
It [...]
Posted by: Alli 3/10/07 at 7:54 pm
Thought you might enjoy seeing a mirror I made for my powder room.. Just an inexpensive mirror I picked up at Lowes, I added the star fish with gorilla glue and waaaalahhh! I found the cute “beach” sign at HomeGoods, as well as the black star fish on the vanity. I was pleased with how [...]
Posted by: Alli 3/5/07 at 6:07 pm
I cannot belive it has been over a week since I have been to HomeGoods! The only reason being that my husband had back surgery….I know, no excuse. JK The store looked great! so many new things….My best friend is putting her beach condo on the rental market for the summer, so she has been [...]
Posted by: Alli 3/2/07 at 8:08 pm
Thought you might enjoy seeing a mirror I made for my powder room.. Just an inexpensive mirror I picked up at Lowes, I added the star fish with gorilla glue and waaaalahhh! I found the cute “beach” sign at HomeGoods, as well as the black star fish on the vanity. I was pleased with how [...]
Posted by: Alli 2/19/07 at 6:07 pm
I had just a few minutes today, so of course I popped into HomeGoods
I wanted to find some baskets to help me organize my home office.
I know there are lots of office type containers there, but of course I have to be different. I just prefer the look of baskets. I found a few, [...]
Posted by: Alli 2/15/07 at 10:18 pm
If you have had the opportunity to read my bio, the title will make a little more sense. I am very excited to start this new adventure. I know we will all benefit from the experience. Just meeting my fellow “bloggers” I know there is a “kinship” out there that is just waiting to be [...]
Posted by: Alli 2/14/07 at 6:15 pm
