Have you Seen This???

So, here we are, a new year!  My husband and I were watching something on TV last week about folks discussing their resolutions and how, this year, they would do things differently.  My husband made a valid point. “It’s just another day” he said.  “If you didn’t do it on December 31, what makes you think you will do it on January 1?”  I thought, yes, that’s probably true, so rather than make some grand proclamation about this or that and what I plan to change, I will just simply say I hope that I can be a better blogger in 2011.  Okay, now that I have that out of the way, let’s get moving!

I have been compiling things that I happen upon in magazines, on the internet or otherwise.  I would like to share these things that I think are innovative, fun or just plain cool.  Hope you enjoy!   Here’s the first…

As I am often referred to as the “monogram queen” what I saw in the December issue of Southern Living Magazine was very exciting for me and just simply put a smile on my face.  Flipping through the first couple of pages, I saw it- custom monograms attached to beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts!  What a novel idea.  I thought “this is the kind of thing that makes gift-giving extra special!”  I jumped up and ran to my computer to do a quick search for “Southern Proper Monograms”  Check it out: www.southernpropermonograms.com. 

Southern Proper Monograms, by “Mark it with a "B” is a company that makes custom, wooden monograms.  The monograms come in different sizes and font styles.  In addition to the large monogram (seen in the wreath above) the company also offers individual letters.  Your monogram arrives to you in unfinished wood so that you can further personalize with the color of your choice. 

I was so excited to receive my little surcie;  I opened it up like a little kid!  I couldn’t stand it until I got outside, spray paint in hand, to complete the little Christmas gift to myself. Once painted, I happily placed the monogram on the mirror over my fireplace.  I stood back and said, “Gosh, it’s just the simple things in life that make me smile!”  Josh, my husband, chimed in and said “Well, I really got jipped…I could have gotten out much cheaper for Christmas had I known a wooden monogram would please you so much!”  After receiving “the look” he kindly disappeared…Ha!!

I have great plans for my little monogram.  It will be proudly displayed this Spring on my front door, in a fresh lime green, I am sure!  Can’t wait!

Stay tuned for more fun things….

My 15 minutes…

I have now had my 15 minutes of fame!  Yesterday, Monday November 15, I appeared on “Charlotte Today” a local mid-day show that highlights life and lifestyles in the Charlotte area.  I was asked to come on the show to decorate a tree and give holiday decorating tips.  It was a fun and interesting experience!

I hardly slept the night before the show.  Not because I was nervous about being on TV, but so afraid that I was either going to oversleep or forget something that I needed for the tree.   Laying in bed, at 3am, my mind was reeling.  I was going through the trunk of the car in my mind.  Was I sure that I put extra floral wire in a bag?  What about extra extension cords?  I did check those lights to make sure they worked didn’t I?  Ugh!  I needed rest and my overworked mind was not going to allow it!  I am sure you have been there…

So, my elves  and I arrived EARLY (something that usually doesn’t exist in my world) and got right to work.  Just as planned, we got the lights on the tree (they did work, thank goodness) and I positioned the tree topper and wired it into place, with the floral wire that I did remember to put in my bag!  This part of the process was videotaped to be shown during my interview. 

Once this part of the process was complete, we were able to just hang out and wait.  It was interesting to watch everything going on around us.  John Wendel, the meteorologist for the station, was  doing weather updates.  And yes, it’s true, there is no real map- he stands at a blank, green board and gives his report.  Very cool.

Once air time was upon us, the staff was so great.  They let me know exactly what to do and when to do it.  They made me feel very comfortable on the outside, although on the inside the anxiety was beginning to build a little. 

As soon as the interview began, I really forgot about being nervous and just started answering questions.  I mean, why be nervous about talking about decorating a Christmas tree?  It’s something I love to do and have already decorated 7 in the past 2 weeks! 

Colleen Odegaard and Rob Tanner, the hosts of the show, could not have been more accommodating.  I felt that I was just talking to friends in a room that just happened to be full of lights and cameras!  Mary Alvarez, Executive Producer of Local Programming for the show, was wonderful.  She went over everything with me beforehand and gave me very detailed information that made me feel well-informed and prepared for the interview.

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.  In the end, all the nerves and anxiety were really for nothing.  Things worked out without a hitch, which doesn’t surprise me.  You see, this was in the works for me long before I could even think or imagine it.  I have Someone who is working things out, behind the scenes on my behalf.  His favor on my life makes me realize how small I really am and how big He really is.  How awesome!

In  case you missed the show, I have included a link to view the video.  Enjoy!  Thanks for taking the time to read about my fun day!  http://www.wcnc.com/charlotte-today/Take-the-hassle-out-of-tree-decorating-108191789.html

I can’t close without thanking my “elves".  My mom and best friend were so gracious to rearrange their days to help me.  I could not have done it without them and I owe them BIG time!  Much love and thanks to them both!

Just Checking In…

Things are in full swing…my room at the Christmas Show is complete- Whew, what a relief!  Lots of work in just a few days.  The show begins tomorrow and I am ready to meet and greet!  Please stop and say hello!

In my last post I mentioned the exciting news I received about being on “Charlotte Today” with Colleen Odegaard (Channel 36) next week.  I found out that the show will air live next Monday November 15 at 11:00am.  I am so honored to be apart of the show and look forward to the experience! 

I will keep it short and sweet today.  Thanks for stopping by!

It’s Election Day!

Today’s the day to get out and do our civic duty- VOTE! 

As I entered the “booth” to cast my vote this morning I thought about how lucky we are to live in a country that allows the people to speak via a voting ballot.  There are so many in our world that don’t have that luxury and are often punished if they try to voice their opinions!  I feel so blessed to be an American!  No matter your party affiliation, I am sure we can all agree with that statement!

On a much different note,  I received some “fun” news last week.  I will be appearing on “Charlotte Today,” a mid-day show that airs each day on Channel 36 (WCNC)  from 11:00am-12:00pm.  I  will be offering decorating suggestions for the holidays and will also be decorating a tree.   I will do the taping on November 15 and will be sure to pass along the air date as soon as I find out when it will be!  I am very excited!

If you have any questions concerning holiday decor, please feel free to email me at tammy@tammytaylorinteriors.com.

It’s Christmas in Cramerton!

Yes, that’s right- Santa is early this year!  Well, not exactly…I am just ready for his arrival early!! 

The shop has transformed!  I love Christmas and couldn’t wait to get all my new goodies out to share.  Trees, ornaments, ribbons, wreaths, garland, and all the trimmings are here, at your fingertips!

The first night of my Christmas Open House was on Tuesday and I had a wonderful time sharing ideas and helping others catch the Christmas Spirit!  The second night is TONIGHT at 7pm.  Hope you can make (quick) plans to bring a friend and have lots of fun!

Moving from one Christmas event to another, move in begins for the Southern Christmas Show next Saturday, Nov. 6.  The show officially starts on Thursday November 11.  The Show is such a great tradition in our area and I hope you have a chance to attend. 

Wishing you a Happy Halloween and BOO to you!  I look forward to having some friends over to celebrate on Saturday… Some fun and good laughs are in order and I plan to do plenty of both!

Happy Saturday!

I said in the last post that I would be blogging a little each day….that was Tuesday…today is Saturday….Point made and proven!!!

I had a very busy week.  I am continuing a project with a client that has been going on for about 3 months now.  We are gearing up for another round of window treatments and furniture.  It has been a great project and I am very pleased with the way things are coming together.  I am also very thankful to have such a large project at a time when the economy is so sluggish.  God is good!

I am also preparing for the Southern Christmas show.  It’s hard to believe it is already that time again.  I have decided to go in a very different direction this year.  I am steering away from the whimsical lime green, red and white, of which I have used over the past couple of years.  I have to admit it is hard for me to wander from this color combo.  To me, it is so much fun and truly represents  Christmas.  But, I think it is important for people to know that I can accommodate many different tastes and styles.  I never want to back myself into a “one kind of style” corner!  I hope my space is well-received.  I am looking forward to meeting new people, seeing old friends, and ushering in another Holiday season! 

The project list continues as I get my shop spruced up for the Season.  Ornaments, ribbon, wreaths and garlands have been arriving daily!  I will be preparing for my “After Hours Christmas Open House” coming up on Tuesday October 26 and Thursday October 28.  Choose  your night, show up around 7:00pm and have a fun night out with the girls!  And, of coarse, I will have some goodies to nibble on as you choose your special Christmas treasures!

As I have been typing away, my husband and his brother have disappeared off to Linville Gorge for a day hike.  I am sure the scenic views and the quiet wilderness will offer them a day of much enjoyment.  I, on the other hand, am enjoying sitting on my sofa, finishing my last sips of coffee, peering out the back door at the sunshine and completing a blog…Ahhh.  I am relishing the moment, as I know it will soon be time to get my elf suit back on and head back into the workshop!

Making a Change

Change is happening.  The seasons are changing.  The leaves are changing, the plants and flowers on my front porch are changing.  I also need a change….Let me explain.

In regard to Blogging, it seems to always be a challenge for me to complete a Blog.  I put a lot of pressure on myself to find just the right content, to express the content in a  pleasing manner, and to create almost a masterpiece of text and pictures.  I have come to the conclusion that my Blog has become a thorn in my side and I was almost ready to close the curtain never to return!  Alas, I decided that maybe a change is in order. 

SO,  rather than face putting this so-called “masterpiece” together once a month as I have been attempting to do (once a month because I was trying to avoid it!), I want to try to blog a little each day.  Content may or may not be design-oriented, but will hopefully be a happy, easy read and also a much simpler, more enjoyable approach to the process for me!  My blogs may be very personal, but I am a “personable person”, so I think this will reflect who I am, and in essence, that is exactly what I want my blog to be.

Tomorrow is the first day of the “changing of the blog guard!”  I hope you will enjoy the changes and I look forward to a new, relaxed process!

Whew!  I feel better already!