jessysblindstyle.com

I can't stop thinking about roman shades.  Last week, I was asked to write about how these roman style blinds came to be so named.  Easy enough, I thought, as I began searching online for things like the history of roman window treatments.  My boyfriend often teases me about my ability to find anything online, so you can imagine my surprise when I found absolutely nothing about the naming of roman shades.

It's been a week and I still can't get these shades that are roman style out of my mind!  I'm considering shopping for cellular shades to replace the roman ones I have in my office -- I can't bear to look at them anymore.

How did roman shades get their name?  Do you know?  Please, clue me in!

jessy @ 07:36 | comments(0) | Permanent link

The environmentalist in me was thrilled to discover Great Green Goods and Great Green Gadgets this weekend.  These two terrific (and nature-friendly) blogs feature an array of products that are produced from recycled items or designed to lessen our impact on the environment through daily living. 

If I were a rich girl, I would happily buy one of every item featured here.  I especially liked the flat-bags, made from recycled bicycle inner tubes and the large drying rack.  That one would be perfect for sunning the stains out of my son's diapers this summer.

Oh, and if I ever move to the UK, I'm telling my family to bury me in an Ecopod coffin.  Maybe that's a depressing thing to think about, but it sounds a lot better than being put in a steel vault and never having my body turn into worm food the way nature intended!  It's also pretty neat looking -- almost reminds me of a kayak!

  Do Mother Earth a favor and go green whenever you can!

Jessy @ 06:36 | comments(0) | Permanent link

If you're interested in decorating your living room, bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen, HomeUno is the site for you!  You'll be able to find very specific advice regarding each room of your house, so that you can come up with a design that is both unique and practical!

Broken down into three simple steps, this website will help you create the perfect design for your environment.  You'll choose colors, fabrics, and styles that suit your tastes, while always being reminded to "keep it vibrant" -- advice I really love!  Check out the living room decorating section for suggestions on getting a "bird's eye" view of your space.  That makes such a huge difference when coming up with interior design solutions!

If you're craving even more expert advice from HomeUno, be sure to visit the HomeUno Blog, which is updated frequently for your enjoyment!

jess @ 06:33 | comments(0) | Permanent link

I decided to try out the new ad service to see how it works on my blog.  I would really love generating advertising income for my website, and who knows?  Maybe I'll be rich and famous soon!

I'll let you know how it all works out!

Oh, and if you're so inclined, you can click here to advertise on my home and garden blog.  I'm always trying to promote this site, so over time, your ad will receive plenty of exposure!

jess @ 19:34 | comments(0) | Permanent link

I decided to spend some of my tax refund on fun stuff for the house, so I went shopping at Coconutz Home and Garden online.  Usually, I prefer to shop in brick and mortar stores so that I can see what I'm buying up close, but the products I found were just too good to be true!

The first thing I bought was the Pappa Rocking Beach Chair.  It's described as being very comfortable and relaxing. The padded armrest and the polycotton fabric provide you with exquisite support, while the pillow headrest and extended footrest add extra comfort. The chair is constructed from a black baked enamel steel frame designed to withstand all the elements. The gliding configuration allows for smooth rocking. And best of all, this chair folds flat, enabling beach goers to carry it anywhere they desire.  Since I have an infant, I think this chair will be just perfect for nursing on the beach and by the pool this summer.  I can't wait to try it out!

I also shopped around on the hammocks category page because I think my boyfriend would really enjoy relaxing with one of those in the yard.  They're supposed to be excellent for back and neck pain.  From what I've read, lying in a hammock perpendicularly can help relieve some of the pressure off your muscles. The hammock adjusts and molds to the weight and shape of the body perfectly, providing support to the body and removing pressure points.  In addition, the swinging motion and spinning motion of the hammock stimulates the cerebral cortex, therefore increasing a person's ability to focus and concentrate.  I could also try the hammock out with my yoga and meditation routine.

Before I finish my shopping spree, I'd love some feedback on the selections on the barstools category page.  I wrote to the company to ask for more details on the stools, and this is what their representative had to say, "All the bar stools are sure to spice up any home or business decor. Their stylish sleek look will definitely impress friends and family. The bar stools are designed for comfort, safety and durability. All their bar stools are built with an oversized seat constructed well to provide you with strong and sturdy support. The bar stools are built with an adjustable seat that is activated by a piston hydraulic lever, giving you the option to smoothly lower or boost the chair to the height of choice. The bar stools are built with a raised metal footrest to provide with a place to put your feet and enjoy maximum comfort."

They sound like well-made, durable products, but as usual I'm having trouble picking a favorite design.  Help me shop? 

jess @ 17:51 | comments(0) | Permanent link

I always have fun reading about what my fellow home decorating bloggers have been up to lately.  Just the other day, I found Kenneth Ocklund's excellent Interioer Blog (and no, that's not a typo; the author is based in Sweden). 

He has some very unique ideas for the home, including wall graphics that add an artistic flavor to any plain painted wall.  I would love to give them a try in my living room or rec room since we have very few pictures hanging and are desperately in need of a little flair. 

Of course, there's unique and then there's just plain wild.  I think the idea of Lord of the Rings themed furniture is enchanting, but probably not right for my home.  Even if you're not an LOTR fan, there's sure to be several ideas in this blog that you could easily implement in your own home decor. 

Go check it out, and starting changing things around in your "interioer"! 

jessy @ 16:24 | comments(0) | Permanent link

I spent more time reading blogs today and happened upon another one from the same editor of the home improvement blog I mentioned earlier today.  It's also in its beginning stages, but the Interior Design Advice Blog looks excellent as well!

I love the idea of incorporating appliances into your home decor.  I'm one of those unusual people who enjoys spending time in the kitchen, and sadly, my kitchen has never received the proper decorating that it deserves.  I have a mix of appliances in all different colors and styles, and it would be wonderful to pick a color or type of finish and coordinate them all.  It won't be cheap, but it certainly will make my kitchen more inviting!

I'm looking forward to checking this new blog every day for more advice.   

jess @ 12:44 | comments(0) | Permanent link

I just discovered a new home improvement blog this morning.  The authors are just getting started, but they already have some terrific articles posted.

I especially liked reading about how to save money on energy costs.  I recently found out that I'm going to be paying $3.19 per gallon of propane next winter -- almost two dollars more than we have been paying -- so any suggestions for improving energy efficiency and decreasing costs sounds good to me!

The article on finishing your basement was excellent as well, even though we accomplished that a few months ago.  It's always nice to hear that we made a good decision for our home -- and so far, we're really enjoying that new living space!     

If you're looking for home advice, keep checking out that blog.  I have a feeling it's going to end up full of wonderful tips and tricks in no time!

jess @ 05:48 | comments(0) | Permanent link

I was browsing around today looking for a new bedroom set for my daughter, since a room makeover is going to be one of her presents when she turns four in October.  It's good to start looking early and know what's out there!

Though I didn't really find anything that struck me for her, I did find an adorable skateboarding room theme that would work perfectly for my friend's son.  Since my friend has been skating since he was a teenager and his son is currently starting to compete at the local skate park, I think this would be the perfect gift for them.  They have a skateboarding comforter set, complete with matching pillow shams, and even a wall border!  The primary colors in the set are blue and green, my all-time favorite combo! 

I'm definitely going back to Artistic Sensations when it gets closer to my daughter's birthday.  I bet we'll be able to find her a great new room theme there!  

jessy @ 16:10 | comments(0) | Permanent link

I just found this terrific e-book that teaches how to sew roman shades.  I've got a fairly good sewing machine and I always find such fun, colorful fabrics at my local craft store, so this sounds like the perfect thing to try!  I think I'm going to start with my newly painted bedroom and a retro print that I discovered last week.

Once I get some practice, maybe I'll even be able to sew window treatments for my family and friends.  I enjoyed making basic curtains for my living room, and I'm hoping that this new project will be equally as much fun. 

I'm glad that the author seems to really stand behind her work.  I know making roman shades won't be easy, but I feel like this will be a good resource and definitely a useful thing to learn!  Check back and I'll update you on my progress!

jessy @ 15:14 | comments(0) | Permanent link

from my home decorating ramblings, head on over to my new journal where you can read about all the other goings-on in my home.

You can expect to read about my family (one boyfriend, two kids, one cat and soon to be three goats), my work, and all the other news that's fit to print!

And have no fear, I'll still be updating here frequently. 

jess @ 15:14 | comments(0) | Permanent link