Mid Summer Lagniappe

Since you've been so patient with my MIA on the blog this summer, I thought a giveaway was in order!  Shabby Apple has been a sponsor of Musings for quiet a while - I simply love their offerings.  Most of you are familiar with this amazing company.  But for those who are not, Shabby Apple is an incredible online resource for unique women's fashion.  Their vintage clothing strikes this wonderful mix of hip and classic style.  For this giveaway, Shabby Apple ask me to select the dress!   With all their amazing styles, I don't mind telling you it was not an easy task.  They have so many to choose from, it's insane.  But I managed. :)  

As with my approach to interior design, I always try to find great basics to build upon with accessories.  So, here's my pick for the giveaway.  This is the perfect dress to take you from late summer all the way into the cooler months and then back into Spring.

It is a classic shape which will never go out of style.  Also, I think it will flatter all figure types.

OK, so now for some fun.  As you can see in the above pictures, this cute dress is styled for summer and looks amazing.  But let's fast forward a few months.  Look how great it could look styled for early Fall.  You know, when it's still hot outside, but the leaves are beginning to change colors and you want a more seasonal look.

The accessories shown here are all from Shabby Apple.

So, now that I've got you thinking.  Let's talk about what it's going to take to win this "perfect" dress.

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to www.shabbyapple.com, look around, then pick your favorite items AND come back and leave a comment about it!

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- like Shabby Apple on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791)
- tweet about the giveaway with the hashtag #shabbyapplegiveaway
- or if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry (up to 4 entries) including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Friday, July 12th at 5:00 PM Central.

Good Luck and Happy 4th! M.

A Little Something Special

With all the things on your plate this time of year, I thought it would be fun to give you a little something special.  Shabby Apple, one of my favorite online boutiques, has graciously offered to give one lucky winner a $50 gift certificate.  In addition to the one lucky duck who gets the $50, they are offering a 10% discount to all Musings readers for the month!  Woo Hoo!!!  All you have to do is use this promo code at checkout: interiordesignmusings10off and your discount will apply! 

If you are not familiar with Shabby Apple, I'm about to change your world.  Whether you're looking for vintage dresses, unique bracelets, shirtdresses, cozy scarves, lace dresses, chic sling backs, and even maxi dresses, Shabby Apple is THE place.

Here are just a few of my favorites as of late.

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Also, many of you have mentioned to me when I've hosted giveaways, what's the catch?  I think some of you have been burned by sweepstakes entries where you get on every single mailing list imaginable after entering.  Well, that's not the case here.  There is no catch.  Just an effort to connect you with some wonderful companies you may not be familiar with on the web.  So, I encourage you to give it a try!  I promise it will not disappoint. 

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to www.shabbyapple.com, pick your favorite item AND come back and leave us a comment about it!

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- like Shabby Apple on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791)
- tweet about the giveaway with the hashtag #shabbyapplegiveaway
- or if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry (up to 4 entries) including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Wednesday, December 19th at 5:00 PM Central.

Good Luck and Happy Wednesday! M.

Back to School Giveaway

Since going back to school can feel a little depressing . . .

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I thought a happy was in order!

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I'm so thrilled to be teaming up with Novica who is working in association with National Geographic to bring some of the most amazing handcrafted items to the world through their online shop.   

When Novica contacted me and asked if I would be interested in a $50 gift certificate for me to personally use as well as an extra one to give away on the Muse to one lucky reader, I jumped at the chance.   Here are few items I'm considering for my gift certificate.  

I adore the crackle finished celadon green ceramics.  They are such a beautiful subtle color and work in so many places.  I could see this filled with white hydrangeas on any table top in my house.

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For those who are not a fan of Big Al, here is another option!  With this style vase, it looks just as pretty without flowers and tucked into a bookshelf.

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I could use a pair of these soap dishes in my master bathroom next to our sinks.  With this price, I could even get something else!

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A small jar like this can be placed in so many different places.  Such a wonderful accessory.  I know you are seeing a pattern here - Celadon Green!  

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To switch gears, I have lots of dark wood furnishings.  A white accessory like this one really gives you fabulous contrast on the table top of dark wood. Love this hand carved soap stone jar.   

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These glossy boxes give a space some much needed sparkle.  Their scale works so well on a small side table next to a sofa or chair.

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Although I am considering items for the home, Novica has lots fabulous jewelry (like these bracelets and earrings), amazing dresses and tops, and even something for the man in your life (if you want to be extra generous).  So, let's talk about what you need to do to win the $50 gift certificate.  

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST "follow" Interior Design Musings on Facebook, Tweeter  or subscribe to my emails (all these options can be accessed on the menu bar just below my logo) AND

2. After you've "followed" the Muse, come back here and post a comment telling me which is your favorite item on Novica's website, click here to check it out.

Extra Entries (increase your odds, people!):

- Blog or Tweet about this giveaway, linking to my post.

- Include Interior Design Musings on your blog's roll.

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Thursday, August 23th at 5:00 PM Central.

An Inside Tip for You!!

Ok, as most of you know, I rarely post on Sundays, but this giveaway hosted by Splendid Sass was simply too good not to share.  Teresa has partnered with Barn Light Electric and is giving, yes I said GIVING away two separate gift certificates.  One for $1,000.00 and another for $500.00 to two lucky winners.

I know exactly what I would do, if won either gift!  I would order four of these yummy sconces.

Exeter Wall Sconce

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And I would use them as library lights over our bookshelves.  I've been thinking about doing this for quite some time.  But, they are expensive; and there are so many other things on the list.  But if someone is going to give them to me!! Well, what can I say -  this giveaway, has certainly encouraged me to post about it!  

Here is a picture of our bookshelves.  I would place each of the sconces at the top of the four arches.  I think this would give that area a much more purposeful look.  

Here are a few images that inspired me to consider library lights for our bookshelves. 

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So, that's what I would do with the gift certificate.  Now, here's how you can enter to win too!

1.      Look around Barn Light Electric and pick lights you’d love to own.

2.      Feature your lighting picks on your personal blog, and link to the lights if you can!

3.      Copy/Paste these rules at the bottom of your blog article.

4.      Once your personal article is up, you must email your blog link to:contest@barnlightelectric.com to be qualified to win. The contest ends October 12^th, 2011.

5.      Don’t have a blog? Find out how you can enter by visiting their website.

Good Luck! M.

It's a Giveaway!!!!

Let's get this week off to a great start with a giveaway being hosted by CSN Stores.
Today, they are offering one lucky follower a $25 gift certificate to use on any (yes, I said any) item they have available online.

A little lagniappe just in time for Spring!

If you haven't heard of CSN, I am about to change your world.  They are one of the best Internet resources around.  In fact, while I was on their website sourcing LCD TV stands for a client a few weeks ago, I got totally side tracked and found all this fabulous stuff.  So, here are just a few items I would consider, if that gift certificate were mine!  

Here's how to win the $25 gift certificate.

1. Become a follower of Interior Design Musings and comment on this post (any comment will do!).  If you are already following, just leave a comment!

3. Extra Entry: Comment about this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter.

4. Extra Entry: If you are a blogger, post about this giveaway and link to my blog on your post.

5. Double Credit Entry: Include my blog on your blogroll. 

Remember to post a separate comment for each extra entry.  The winner will be selected using random.org and the deadline for entering is this Thursday at 5:00PM(Central). Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents.  

Good Luck!  I will post the winner on Friday! 

Valentine Find for You!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend so far.  Just a quick post on this amazing giveaway for you!!  I thought about keeping it to my self to better my odds, but then just could not bear the thought of you not getting a shot at it.  

Karena over at Art by Karena is giving away this necklace on Valentine's day!

This amazing giveaway is being hosted by Splendarosa which is also a really interesting blog that is worth checking out.  So, don't say I never gave you anything. Click over there and enter to win it.  Good Luck!  M.

Find of the Week (and Giveaway Winner)

OK, first things first.  We have a winner of the pillow giveaway.  I went to random.org, and they selected the number 10 who happens to be Kim Davidson.  As she mentioned in her comment, the pillows will live in her bedroom!  I am so glad they are going to a happy home!

Thank you to everyone who commented on the pillows and post.  You have definitely made my week! AND I promise to do another giveaway soon!

  Now, on to my "Find of the Week."

Find of the Week

I was looking through a stack of catalogs we receive and noticed this very small West Elm "Festive Edition" catalog [pamphlet really].  I was amazed at all the incredibly wonderful accessories and gift ideas in this little catalog! The prices simply can not be beat for such chic items.  Also, the large majority of these have free shipping!  So, note to West Elm, "I would love a check for all this free advertising!" 

Here are my favorites.

Lacquered Boxes 

(I know this one surprises you.)

I have never seen lacquered boxes at this price point and such variety (there are still more on their website).  I have put one on my wish list!

Mercury Glass Birds

These are so sweet and would add a much needed touch of sparkle to any room.  Also, 50% of the purchase price of each bird will to to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital! ($12 small & $16 large).

White Chic Nutcracker

This, too, is a St. Jude's gift with 50% of the price going to the hospital. ($24 for the small and $59 for the large)

Music Balloons

What a fabulous stocking stuffer!  My kids would love this one. ($45 each)

Cast Animal Bookends

These are being marketed as bookends, but they are sold separately ($24 each) and one would make a really cool sculpture for a bookshelf.  In our staging company, we try to always include dark colored accessories on light or white bookshelves.  So, if you  have white painted bookshelves, this would be a great addition. 

Porcelain Perfume Bottles

The opposite is true for dark furnishings, like an English Country secretary or chest.  It really looks great to place white accessories on these items to allow them to show up.  The contrast trick really does work! These are only $19 each.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  See you Monday. M.

Pillow Giveaway!

It's here!  My very first giveaway.  I decided it was time to give all those who follow my blog and little thank you.  Also, for all those of you who visit me each day, but have not signed up as a follower, now is the time!  I'm hoping to draw you out with this giveaway!  

I am giving away a pair of custom 8"x15" lumbar pillows in a woven [not printed] chocolate and cream fretwork with a silk inner lining and natural leather tie details along with the feather down inserts.  

These are the perfect little accent for any upholstered piece.

Here's a close up of the fabric.

And a close up of the silk lining and leather tie.

  If you recall awhile back, I was smitten with a similar pillow I saw in New Orleans.  I loved this pillow so much that I decided to try my hand at making a pair of them.  

So, to win the pillows you need to:

1. Sign up as a Follower on my blog (if you have not already)  and
2. Post a comment telling me which room in your house is your current favorite (be sure to include info that will allow me to contact you should you win).
3. Extra Entries:

• If you blog about this giveaway and link to my blog in the post, you get one extra entry.  
• If you include my blog on your blogroll, you get two extra entries.  
• If you share this post on Facebook, you get one extra entry.
• If you Tweet this post, you get one extra entry.  

Remember to post a comment for each extra entry.  All entries must be received by this Thursday, November 18th 5:00 P.M. Central time [which is when this giveaway ends].  The winner will be selected by www.random.org.  This giveaway is open to all U.S. and Canadian residents.  Good Luck and thank you again for following my blog! M.