I'm Really Rosie, and I'm Rosie Real

Who doesn't like roses? They are just one of those things that make everything around them look, well, just look better. Kind of like rose-colored glasses. Huh... look at that. Funny how that works isn't it? Roses, rose-colored glasses. Go figure.

Be that as it may, sometimes you might find that roses in a vase in your home don't keep things looking better as long as you think they should - they get all droopy and brown and all in all, not very inspiring. Sometimes that could be a function of the quality of the roses, but sometimes it could be the processing. Seriously, roses have a process. And, get this, the better the process, the better the roses. You thought it was all just a bed of roses, didn't you? Didn't you?


How to process cut roses so they last:

1. cut your roses about an inch longer than you want them
2. in a bowl of water, submerge the stem and with it completely underwater, cut it to the right length
3. then, keeping the stem under water, pierce the stem about an inch from the end with the point of the scissor, making a hole in the stem
4. lastly, arrange the roses in your vase
5. every other day, change the water

Next week - the secret to raising roses from the dead. Really. Really rosie. (I couldn't resist.)

Ribbons upon ribbons

You would be amazed at what you can do around your home with ribbon. Especially when you don’t use ribbon for the ribbon. Often times a length of nifty fabric can do the trick just as well. Sometimes even better. The key, I’ve found, is to fold, roll or bunch the fabric to make your ribbon – if that’s going to be too unwieldy, then go ahead and use proper ribbon.

Having a dinner party? Use “ribbon” to tie a square knot around rolled napkins and place them on the plates at each setting. Cut the fabric three times as wide as you want your ribbon to be, then fold the edges in twice, until you have a flat ribbon, with a ‘seam’ down the middle of the underside. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, a few dots from your hot glue gun will secure the seam. Or use ribbon to tie a pretty bow, its ties trailing on the floor, around each seat back. Cut the ends of the ribbon in an inverted triangle.

Having people over for cocktails? Use different colors or patterns and tie short streamers around the stems of your wine glasses (help your guests help themselves to remember which glass is theirs). Wrap a ribbon around glass votive holders – tie them in a bow, or use that handy glue gun and (after folding the edge under) glue the folded edge to the other end beneath.

Use ribbon to hang holiday cards or postcards or photos – staple or glue (or punch two holes in the card and thread the ribbon through) the cards to the ribbon. Hang the ribbon over a door – showing your items coming and going, or hang it on the wall, or from a hook on the ceiling.

Change a lamp shade, change your life...

Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, BUT... I do believe that small changes make big differences.

A new lampshade (or a whole new lamp) next to your sofa or on your night table can brighten up the room and bring a smile to your face every time you turn it on.

Ivory shades are great, don't get me wrong - they're versatile, classic, boring, neutral, safe, boring, easy... well, you get the point.
A colorful lampshade (like this one from Slip) is a great way to bring some color, some pattern, some oomph, into a room - without an enormous investment. You could say it's interior design for the commitment shy.

On the other hand, if you're married to that ivory shade, think about a great new lamp base. Tracy Glover makes beautiful hand-blown glass lamps - complete with, yup, you guessed it, a range (bestill your heart) of beige, ecru and taupe shades.

If you're ready for a small change to make a big difference - shed a little light and brighten your room and your day.