Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – SWIM!

Press registration now.

As for volunteers, all resumes must be received by June 15th, 2011 in order to be considered for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 Collections, taking place July 14-18, 2011 in Miami.   E-mail them to:  MBFW_Volunteers@imgworld.com

Letia  🙂

Guest Bathroom Napkins Alternative!

Having visitors at your house or even a small party!  Your first worry comes to mind is about the powder room!  Although you place guest bathroom  napkins; with the wastebasket placed strategically close by – it never fails they may be flushed in the toilet!   Too much paper down the toilet and you will have more than a great party; but a major plumbing problem.

So why not take a different approach?

Here’s what I do!  Look around the house for a basket, I’m pretty sure you have one around from a gift basket you received and another large basket (like a laundry basket) to place on the floor.   Then go to Bed Bath & Beyond and buy 12 white washcloths (more if your party is large).  If this store is not your choice, Marshalls® or the clearance section in one of the bargain stores near by is great too!

I usually give the washcloths a wash in the quick wash choice of my washing machine with extra fabric softener.  After drying, take one and leave to the side.  With the remaining, take each washcloth and roll them the longest length; placing them in your basket.

Keep placing the wash cloths; until the basket is filled or you have reached the desired amount.   Now in the powder room or bathroom; place the basket right next to the sink on the counter.

If no room; it can sit on top of the toilet tank.   Take the large basket and place on the floor near by and throw in that one washcloth you’ve left to side.   Fill your soap dispenser or have a nice bar of soap at hand.

Remove all paper products from the bathroom; except the toilet tissue!  <smile>

If you have more than one bathroom, then follow the same steps in each.

Once the evening is over, you just take the large basket and pop the washcloths back in the washer machine and store for the next time!

Now your guests will love the fact; you have nice scented towels at hand and YOU don’t have to worrying about the plumbing!

This is a great idea; for your daily face rituals too!

Try it and let me know how it turned out!

Letia 🙂

P.S.  You can always use a beautiful hand towel; if you have no room!  However, keep at least two more handy; to replace throughout the evening!

Kips Bay 39th Annual Decorator Show House 2011

I made it!  Where?

Kips Bay Boy & Girls Club’s 39th annual decorator Show House, that’s where!

This is where designers, textiles and companies donate their time; with a challenge to transform a selected home; from the basics to extra, extra extraordinary!  Stretching their vision to the ultimate!

Kips Bay addresses many critical needs of children, adolescents and young adults:

• a safe place where they can “belong”
• a place to play and grow socially with peers
• adult mentoring
• a place to challenge oneself physically and intellectually and be recognized for accomplishments, and opportunities to give back something to others.

It’s great opportunity for the designer to have their vision shown.  All articles shown can be purchased, where all proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club! A lot of work, but all done for their love of the club.

Well the show house did not open its doors until Noon!  So I was an 1 hr early and decided to dine at the Ritz Diner.  A small diner, at 62nd st on 1st Ave.   I had a broccoli & cheese COMBO omelette; with a cup of coffee!  It was wonderful!  www.ritzdinenyc.com.

Ok!   Now, this year’s choice is a 1919 brownstone, designed by the architect Frederick Sterner on a historical New York City block, 63rd Street.

There are quite a few celebrities which live in the area, (60 -68 th Street) like Bill Cosby and Sting to name a few.  Central Park is nearby, the 59th Street Bridge is close by for a quick hop to the borough of Queens and a slew of restaurants you could ever imagine…Greek, Italian, Indian…you name it,  it’s here!

Still returning a little early, I waited with this lovely woman, who has convinced me that I must see Morocco!  Which I have indicated before in one of my earlier posts that I have to go!

The doors opened, I was the 3rd person to enter and was so taken back about the entrance.  I began snapping pictures, until one of the volunteers said “You are not allowed to take photos”.  Oops!  I’d taken about 10 -15 already!  “Sorry” I said.  So, I only got a few to share with you!  But more importantly it is about the cause!

Ever think about having pinstripe gray flannel walls?  How about turning your laundry room into a bar with neon lights!  Designer Stephen Fanuka thought, why not!!!!  Oh, instead having a huge flat screen TV – a mini Sony  ® Internet TV with Concierge, so quaint for any room.  A copper inspired kitchen by Bilotta.

How about, making a fish net into a shower curtain!

What being part of a Zen garden with a Buddha right behind while meditating?

Oh! Remember last year, I’d talked about Interior Design Magazine’s cover with a giraffe, well a baby giraffe was found lurking around!!! LOL

Such creativity!  Such Fun!  Whether your home is big or small, you can do with it, what you may!!

So if you are on Facebook (who isn’t), you can see more pictures  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kips-Bay-Boys-Girls-Club-Decorator-Show-House/127163207319000

Well I ended the day at their POP UP Shop; which has wonderful items!  I was looking for their fragrant candles, where I was told that they are on hold; until their supplier can find a sponsor.   I luckily have one left, but will be checking to see when they’re in stock!

Oh! Gilt Home will feature some of the items shown at the Show House for sale.  If interested join Gilt Home at www.gilt.com/kipsbayshowhouse

If you would like to know more about The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, go to their site: www.kipsbay.org

I had such a wonderful day!   With keeping Kip’s mission in mind, the Kips Bay’s Designer committee is still working.  As soon as this year’s event has ended, they begin planning next year’s!  So if you are NYC next year, during the month of May….do make plans to see it!

Letia 🙂

Images provided by Kips Bay Decorator Show House, You Tube video by LM LifeStyle & Design.