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HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY

I think today is the scariest day of the year, even more terrifying than Halloween. I just avoid going out at all. I have never shopped a Black Friday in my life and I hope to keep it that way. But I get it, you can buy toys, clothes, and gifts for deep discounts, on a small budget you can get a lot for your money- and if you have a large family you can stretch your dollar farther. If you do venture out today in search of great deals think about investing in local businesses and keeping your money close to home.

Almost anything you can buy from a big box store can be found at a local mom and pop shop.  Those same vendors you saw selling jewelry and hats at the Farmer's Market will likely still have inventory to select from. If you are shopping for someone who "has everything" try donating to a charity in their name. Give gift certificates to local restaurants, and shops if you are unsure of what to stuff stockings with. You won't regret investing in your local infrastructure, I promise. If you just can't find the perfect thing try sites like Etsy, where you can select from many vendors of homemade and vintage goods. Good luck on this day, shop smart, and shop wisely!


SO THANKFUL

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Holiday weekend, and a Happy Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for all of my readers. I couldn't have imagined having this many followers and loyal readers in such a short amount of time. I love all the emails you send me, and have loved working with some of you on your home projects. In the next few weeks I will be sharing some holiday gift guides and tips on hometown holiday shopping and decor.


THANKSGIVING TABLE INSPIRATION

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week, and whether your taste in tablescapes is subdued or sumptuous, get ready to give thanks in style. Check out this collection of photos of beautiful Thanksgiving table settings, centerpieces and accessories for ideas and inspiration.

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HOW TO STYLE YOUR SOFA


One of my design pet peeves is when a homeowner buys a sofa, and it sits in their living room with the matching pillows that it came with. But I can sympathize, you take time selecting the perfect piece at the right price, and you have been convinced that that is how it is "supposed to look." It is hard fore many of my clients to see that it is okay to replace those pillows with some new ones that coordinate with their sofa and the decor in the room. In fact, many times you can just take off the cover that came with the pillow and purchase/make a new one. So here are a few tips on how to style your sofa.



Select a matching pair of pillows that are either 24 or 22 inches square to place on the far right and left of the sofa, I like to call these the "anchor" pillows.  Work your way to the center with a set of slightly smaller square pillows.

Mix and match your fabrics, sofa upholstery and pillow fabrics should never be the same. If you have a solid fabric on your sofa use a print on your anchor pillows to ground other pillows, and vice versa. Limit patterned fabrics to one set of pillows per sofa.

I don't like to have more than 5 pillows on a sofa, I think it just gets too cluttered after that. If you want to add an odd shaped pillow to the mix to keep the look from feeling too symmetrical, include a smaller, rectangular pillow made from a third fabric that's different but coordinates.

I like to use down inserts rather than polyester inserts. They are more comfortable and better looking. If allergies are a problem, try high-quality, hypoallergenic down.When you fluff the pillows give the top a gentle karate chop, just to get the slight "v" shape. (its hard to do this with polyester filled pillows)

If you stick to those simple rules you will be headed in the right direction, and take it from me- as long as your sofa doesn't have built in cup holders, you'll be miles ahead of the curve. 

Here are a few of the rule breakers and why its okay:


In this sofa they stacked the tallest pillows in the middle and the shortest on the edge. Its okay because the pillows on the ends are the same size and they alternated the color and patterned pillows.
In this room they left matching pillows on the sofa. In this example they placed a matching pillow next to a solid pillow to vary the layers. If you want to keep your matching pillows, try layering them on the inside and using a contrasting pillow as the anchor. If your matching sofa pillows coordinate with other upholstered pieces in the room try putting them on those pieces.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

Welcome to the new look of Style Me Green. It hasn't changed a lot, we just got a mini face lift. I was inspired over the weekend to change the signature green to more of a deep teal green. Where did I find the inspiration you ask? My Pinterest page of course. While "watching" the Bears beat down on the Titans on Sunday (my Fantasy team killed it by the way)  I was perusing my living room boards and was surprised at how much blue/green was there. (I am a notorious grey/white girl) But maybe secretly I'm in love with Jade and Teal. Just take a look for yourself.



I am pretty sure that this is a subtle sign that I need a new sofa, because I had pinned this image twice! I love the long pillow on the front of the sofa.



So while I watched the electoral votes roll in I pulled together a new color scheme and just rolled with it. Like a new haircut I am still living with it, but loving it so far. What inspires you?

GIVEAWAY WINNER

 Don't forget to go Vote Today. If you need to know your polling place or how to register please go here.



Congratulations to Ellen Bush, the winner of the Pink Collar Shop Giveaway!


HEALTHY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Loving these peanut butter cookies and only 36 calories per cookie! You can't beat that, they are even better if you make your peanut butter from scratch. Enjoy!



Ingredients:
1 Cup Peanut butter
1 Cup Sugar
1 TSP baking soda
1 egg

 Mix the peanut butter and sugar first then add in the egg and baking soda. Bake for 10 minutes on a lightly greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees.

HIGH POINT FAVORITES

I finally got around to unloading my ipad and phone of all the shots I snapped at High Point. Here are some of my favorites.I had so much fun, my feet were killing me, but it was all worth it. There was so much inspiration, and I was able to source a lot of things for current projects.


 I love this bed, I'd even take it in the display size


 This carved lamp was so gorgeous in person, the finish was amazing and they had the perfect cream linen shade to top it off.


These framed intaglios were a highlight for me. We saw them at quite a few showrooms and I think they look so sharp framed in the gold with the detail on the edge of the mat. 
 


 I not only love the shape of this nightstand, but the hardware was perfect. I am a sucker for a great tassel or ring pull and these were the perfect addition to this feminine silhouette.


 This pillow was one of my favorites at market, I've seen this detail done on pillows before but these guys did them so well. If there was a heaven for pillows you'd see it below.



The re-CYCLER had all these great bikes hanging on display, I thought it was so funky.


Love this finish.
 

This table is one solid piece of carved stone, beautiful! I also loved the cabinet behind it.