Happy Holidays!!

Wow, it's been quite a month! Christmas is right around the corner. I still have so much shopping to do! Not to mention cooking and entertaining! What a fun and exciting month December always is. It can also be very hectic, so make sure you take the time to just be with those you love, doing the things that you love to do. My house is all decorated, thank goodness. This year, I decided to go with a more natural theme. Lot's of greenery, pine cones, warm tones and of course I (as my Mom would say) "poked a little red in". Red berries scattered along the tops of my kitchen cabinets, and in a garland along my mantel. Just to get that "pop". Decorating in a "natural" way is so easy and fun. Any color mixes is nicely with greenery and pinecones.

As most of you already know, we've closed our Cedros store in Solana Beach. While sad to say goodbye, we're excited to move on to new and exciting ventures. Keep tuned in, there's lots in store. Make sure you visit us at our old Poway location at 14149 Twin Peaks Road in Poway. We've been having our "Deals & Steals" over there for the last three Thursdays and there are some great buys! The last one for December will be next Thursday, the 18th. Call for future dates. Remember, we're here for all of your interior design needs.

Last night At Home with Laurie Ann had our annual holiday dinner. Here are just a few photos we wanted to share with you.

Renee, Jenn & Erin

Laurie & Charlotte

Renee, Laurie, Erin, Jackie, Charlotte, Allison & Stephanie

Jenn

Hannah, Jenn, Patrice & Chummy

Charlotte & Stephanie

Laurie & Renee

GIVE THANKS

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence. ~Erma Bombeck

An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. ~Irv KupcinetKup's Column~


Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often. ~Johnny Carson

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! A time to reminisce on the year, give thanks for all that we are fortunate to have and that special family time that has become so rare. I've always loved to cook and preparing Thanksgiving dinner is something I look forward to each year.

I want to wish each and everyone of you a very blessed Thanksgiving. Enjoy your family and friends.

FALL INTO DECORATING!

BOO! Can you believe that Halloween is just around the corner? Before you know it, we'll be feasting on Turkey and decorating a Christmas tree! I swear it was just January! I just love this time of year. The colors of the fall, the chill in the air, holidays with family and friends, (the food!!!) and most of all, decorating! Speaking of decorating... is your Halloween wreath up yet? Spiderwebs strewn across the front porch? Orange lightbulbs in your porch lights? Pumpkins scattered around? C'mon, don't fight it. I know it's work, but afterwards you'll be so glad you did.

Here are some fun Jack-O-Lantern templates that you can print out, transfer onto your pumpkins, cut out and impress all of your friends! :)

http://images.allrecipes.com/images/pdf/PumpFaceV1_4temps_cat.pdf

http://images.allrecipes.com/images/pdf/PumpFaceV3_4temps_happy.pdf

http://images.allrecipes.com/images/pdf/PumpFaceV2_4temps_lopsided.pdf

http://images.allrecipes.com/images/pdf/PumpFaceV2_4temps_whiskers.pdf

http://images.allrecipes.com/images/pdf/PumpFace4_evilgrin.pdf

ENJOY AND HAVE A HAPPILY HAUNTING HALLOWEEN!!!

Reminiscing on Summer

Is it me or was summer way too short?!?! However, this was one of the best! In July I took a two week road trip with my daughters from San Diego to Bend, Oregon. We had the time of our lives. Have you ever really gotten out and experienced the California coast? It was the most beautiful drive I've ever made. I don't think I've ever been as relaxed and content in my life. I had such a great time bonding with my girls. I hope it was an experience they'll never forget, I know I won't.

We also had three fun filled horse camps this summer at Chasteco Ranch in Poway. Every day was jam packed with horses, arts and crafts and water play. Each camper left with new friends and a greater knowledge of grooming, feeding and riding horses. Thanks Becky!

To stretch out the summer, I think we need to squeeze in one last beach barbeque before the summer's officially over. Kids start going back to school in a week - how crazy is that?! There is still so much I wanted to do! I've always loved to entertain and nothing beats a day filled with friends and family in the sand and sun!

As for decorating, it's time to start thinking about Fall and the warm hues of golds and browns. Right now I'm into a very natural look. Twigs, seed balls, earthy decor. Come take a look at our Cedros Avenue store in Solana Beach to see how to incorporate the look of nature indoors. We have something for everyone in our cute cottage. Thanks for checking in, we look forward to seeing you!

Laurie Ann

Is Your Home "Back to School" Ready?

Yes, it's almost that time again! Time for school to begin. Summer's winding down and it's time to get back into a routine. Are you ready? If not, here are some helpful tips to ease the process...

Where do the backpacks go when the kids get home? Where do all the school papers and art projects go? In my house, we have a very functional halltree. Hooks at the top for backpacks and jackets, a seat to sit down and take off shoes and cubbies for each child's belongings. ie: Soccer gear, lunch boxes, etc. It's a real timesaver, not to mention peace of mind keeper, when things are kept in their place and easily found. How many times are you running late out of the house and someone can't find their shoes or a school paper that's due? A practical piece of furniture next to the front door really helps. If you don't have a lot of room, even sturdy yet decorative hooks and baskets will help keep things tidy.

Another important area is the homework station. There should be a designated place for kids to do their homework. Somewhere away from distraction, yet close enough for you to answer endless questions! If they use a desk in their room, make sure it's a clutter free zone and supplied with all of the appropriate necessities ie: pens, pencils, paper, etc. A bulletin board or a magnetic chalkboard is a great accent piece for them to post important information or simply display their artwork.

Hope these few ideas help you create the perfect "Back to School" atmosphere in your home that's right for you.

Summertime Fun!

School's out, 4th of July has passed...it's time to just relax and soak up the remaining summer hours before the rush of Fall begins. There's something about this season that brings people together. It's about enjoying our gorgeous San Diego weather. It's about time with family. It's about picnics and barbeques. It's about the beach and the river. It's about vacations and kids. In Del Mar, it's about "Opening Day at the Races!"

It's also about summer decorating. Lighten up your home with the colors of summertime. Just imagine the blues of the ocean, the yellows of the sun, the whites of a breeze and the greens and bright colors of beautiful foliage. Slipcovers are a practical, quick and easy way to change the look of a room. Add in some bright colored throws and pillows.

Create an outdoor living space. Be sure to put some bright pillows on your patio furniture and spruce up your planter beds and containers with fresh colors. At night, light candles and lanterns.

Don't forget to bring the outdoors in. It's the perfect time to have fresh herbs growing in your kitchen window and a bright sunflowers on your dining room table.

4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to all of you! We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday weekend with your friends and family. In observance of Independence Day, At Home with Laurie Ann will be closed Friday, July 4th. On Saturday, July 5th, we will be open from 11-2 p.m.

4th of July decorating can be so simple, yet effective. Pull out all of your red décor from other holidays, such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas, candle holders, chargers, dishes, throws, pillows, etc. Mix in white and blue and you’re all set! Simple floral centerpieces with red, white and blue flowers are always a hit. Sprinkle silver stars on the red table cloths. Don’t forget to put flags everywhere!

Holiday Flag Trivia:

What do the colors in the American Flag symbolize?

The Continental Congress left no record of why they chose the colors. However in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the great seal of the United States and listed their meaning as follows: white to mean purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. According to legend, George Washington interpreted the elements of the flag this way; the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country. However there is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag.

Oprah’s Favorite Pomegranate Martini!

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
2 oz. Absolute Citron vodka OR white tequila
1 oz. Cointreau liquor
Cup of ice
Optional: Splash of sparkling water
Optional: Squeeze of lemon

Shake ingredients in a shaker and put in chilled martini glasses. Put pomegranate fruit into glass as garnish.

Memorial Day Weekend

At Home with Laurie Ann on Cedros and The Living Room Boutique at The House of Fitness hope you have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend.

Don't forget to decorate for the fun patriotic holiday this weekend. Whether you are having a BBQ in your backyard, going to the beach with your family and friends or attending the local neighborhood party you can always celebrate in style. Here are some ideas to help you decorate:
*** Place American Flags and red, white and blue bunting in your front yard for your neighbors and guests to enjoy.
*** Use red, white and blue plates, napkins and cups to add the festive flare to your BBQ.
*** If this rain doesn't clear up, bring a red, white and blue umbrella to the beach and show your American pride.
*** Never arrive empty handed to your neighbor's home- bring them a vase of flowers with small American flags in the bouquet and a ribbon wrapped around the vase to make a fabulous centerpiece.

Some other traditional ideas on how to spend your Memorial day

*** Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
*** Visit memorials.
*** Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
*** Fly the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
*** Participate in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
*** Renew a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Whatever you do, please be happy and safe. Don't forget to come and visit us next week.

The Living Room Boutique @ The House of Fitness

If you haven't been by The Living Room Boutique at the House of Fitness lately, you're missing out. Laurie was there just this week redecorating and adding lots of new fun things. Stop by, have a cup of coffee or tea, take a class and check out The Living Room Boutique.

Welcome to Laurie Ann's World

Welcome to the At Home With Laurie Ann diaries. At Home with Laurie Ann is a team of designers who are passionate about decorating. They encourage their clients to develop their own personal style. Owner, Laurie Ann Ray has more than 25 years' experience in the interior design business. Starting out in the model home decorating business with her father, well-know San Diego builder Corky McMillin, Laurie soon realized a natural talent for blending an eclectic style into warm, balanced living spaces. Laurie has two locations, her coastal location on S. Cedros in Solana Beach and her At Home boutique located in The House Fitness
“Home is Best," says Laurie. She is passionate about that and so is everyone at At Home With Laurie Ann.