Color and Pattern Trends

The Pantone Color Trends 

I have to say I am a little disappointed. The 2012-2014 color trends have a  few hue/ shade variations but nothing new or exciting. I guess this okay since our accessories, fashion and home decor will be safe for a few more seasons.

Here was the color trend for 2012

Here is the color trend for 2013

Here is the expected forecast for 2014

2012 was a crazy year of big bold graphics (color blocking), florals and sprinkle in a little tribal print for added kick. I have to say there wasn't very much that I was in love with in either pattern or color.  But then again I am not exactly on the cutting edge of fashion nor am I particularly stylish. I am lucky most days to have matching barrettes, pants that aren't wrinkled and shoes not chewed by one  (or all three) of my dogs. And most days in my house there is dog fur (aka tumble furs), nose prints and a dog (or three) lounging on my furniture (or tables).

Color Blocking

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Florals

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Tribal

2013 is going to be an eclectic year of  stylized florals,  variations of abstract camouflage  deconstructed patterns, mixed prints and optical geometric's. Hmmm, that should make for interesting home decor...

2014 is futuristic. Great for modern and contemporary design/ decor

You can read more HERE about the upcoming trends.

Are you a trend setter, fashionista or design maven? Do you update your home and wardrobe with the latest must have items?

O Christmas Tree--where art thou?

It seems the hubbs has a case of  forgetting stuff!

As in he has "misplaced" my Christmas topiary trees (One which is shown in the picture below). The ones I bought last year. The ones I carefully boxed and wrapped in plastic to protect from vermin. The ones I said please put this away for me.

Well he did and now he doesn't know where. It isn't like I have a big house or infinite storage How can he not find it? I am beginning to wonder if he accidentally threw them away.

Ok, deep breath. No problem, I have several trees I will find one that works. How hard can it be?

The 3 foot tree is missing the stand, this was put back in the tote until I can find a replacement stand or make one.
My 6 foot tree fell apart when I pulled it out if the storage tote.We had it about 14 years and it survived 4 dogs, 4 cats and 3 moves. In the trash bin it went.
The 7 foot tree had a family of mice--so it was also tossed in the trash.

3 trees and I don't have a single usable one!?

Off to Home Depot I went for a cheap-o tree.

5 ft. pre-lit and for $36 (on sale!). Good enough. I have to tell you at this point I was no longer in a festive mood. I was in a mood that involved words with the letter F....

Then I took a moment to center myself and realized it isn't about the stuff. It isn't the lights, decorations or even brightly wrapped presents that make Christmas. It is the feeling of joy and enjoying a few blissful moments with those you love. Christmas is in your heart.

I soon found myself smiling despite my crankiness. And I must admit this is the easiest tree I have ever assembled. Slide the little feet onto the stand, fold down  the lower branches, add the top piece, and fluff all the branches. No more guessing if the missing color coded tips are in the right section and no fighting with the lights.

So I won't have a tree in every room this year. It is ok!

Sometimes the simple things are the best!

Countin' down to Christmas

That's right...

 You only have this many days until Christmas!

Countdown

What is your plan for Christmas? Do you make gifts? Or are you buying gifts?

Speaking of buying stuff...make a point to buy American made items!

This video is from last year but is wise advice for our current economic situation.

1 US made product=200,000 American jobs!

Christmas Made in America

So ask yourself...

ARE YOU IN?

Make a point to buy American and support your local businesses.


Here's is a list of good resources

. Click the master list tab to see categories of items Made in America
2012 Made in the USA Challenge

Americans Working

Made in USA products store