ABODE-acious

Homes without books seem like icky soulless spaces. I only hope those people have worn out library cards. "Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house," said Henry Ward Beecher. I agree. Whether you're a big reader or not, books are a must-have decorating accessory to create coziness. Pick up bargains at thrift stores and garage sales.

Turn the page on how you store your books. Ditch the dust covers and let the beautiful bindings and covers show. The metallic ink against matte-colored covers offers an elegant library look to your collection. Vary stacks horizontally and vertically by subject matter to create visual interest and organization. Stash those Harlequin romances and other paperbacks in decorative boxes on lower shelves.

Displaying books in unexpected places adds panache to your home.

"Let books be your dining table,
And you shall be full of delights
Let them be your mattress
And you shall sleep restful nights."
~Author Unknown

That quote inspires a few design options. Consider adding built-ins to your dining room to create a warm library lounge atmosphere. Pass the brandy, please. If that's a budget buster, the same look can be achieved by lining a wall with freestanding bookcases.

Don't just stick to shelves. Let your books be free. Stacking a few larger ones on a short side table can elevate a lamp to the right height for reading all the other books. They can even be piled high to create a table.

My books seem to be giving birth faster than the bunnies out back. Too much of anything creates clutter. Edit your collection and donate the overflow to your local library.

A good book has no ending. - R.D. Cumming
Good decorating has no ending. - Me

Diaper duty just got an upgrade. Funky animals turn any baby wipe box into fun decor and a dandy distraction for baby during changes. They are created from soft foam and are easy to assemble. The Baby Wipe Huggers collection includes this monkey and a groovy giraffe. Created by Jenny and Jeff Designs, you can purchase them at tissuehuggers.com ($5.99)

I'm an out of sight - out of mind gal when it comes to my jewelry. After I began stashing my necklaces and pins on a cloth-covered mannequin, my style factor went up several points. It stands right by my closet for easy viewing when I'm choosing my outfit. I found my black dress form on Ebay. It has a pretty wooden base that makes it more decorative, rather than strictly utilitarian. Do you have creative ways of storing accessories? Send them to me and I'll share here.

The most sought after architectural detail can also be the biggest eyesore in a room. Is your fireplace looking a bit frumpy? Remodeling can be messy and expensive. A great new firescreen is the easiest way to update your focal point. It will hide a multitude of sins while still offering you the warm glow of your fireplace. There are a variety of styles, finishes and sizes from which to chose. I just found a traditional gem at Plow and Hearth (available by catalog and online). It's an often overlooked accessory that packs big impact with little investment. Get glowing!

Many are skeptical when it comes to buying high thread count sheets. Rightly so. Some linen companies use creative calculations when achieving their figures. For instance, they may count a 2-ply thread twice. Sneaky sheet people. Read the label carefully.

Luxury begins at 300 and can go higher than 1,000. The higher the thread count the heftier the sheet. You're packing more threads into every square inch of fabric. That weight is craved by some but considered tarp-like by others. It will have a smooth hand but feel fairly stiff and substantial.

If it's a thinner, silkier fabric you're after, stick with the 400-700 range.

Typically, the higher thread counts wrinkle more. More cotton - more wrinkles. Beware of sheets that claim to be wrinkle free. They could be coated with a spray on treatment that washes out over a short period of time.

The higher thread count will also give you increased durability. A longer lasting sheet set is good justification for paying a little extra.

Softness and durability don't mean diddly if the sheets don't fit your bed. If you've got a big mattress and featherbed, make sure the fitted sheet has deeper pockets and elastic all the way around. An oversized flat sheet and pillowcases are nice touch, too.

Sweet dreams.

If you're not getting the support you need, it might be time. We sleep about 3,000 hours per year. That's a lot of mileage for your pillow. They have a life span of two to four years. After time, they fill with dust mites and break down. How can you tell if your pillow is broken? Fold it in half. If it doesn't return to a flat position quickly, then it's time to shop. Try Northern Nights or Sealy on QVC.com or my shop below.

I've caught TLC's "Take Home Chef" a couple times. I'm not a cooking show fan, but this one has a fun premise. Saucy Aussie Curtis Stone hijacks unsuspecting ladies as they cruise the aisles at their local supermarkets. After a stop or two at specialty stores, he takes them back to their homes to cook up a delectable feast. His accent and charm spice up every dish.

Typically, an oblivious husband stumbles upon the scene just as the candles are lit and the temperature is rising. I'm quite sure a few of the mommies have prayed for traffic tie ups so that they could slurp their steamed mussels alone with Curtis. Three is a crowd when there's chocolate souffle with a melting chocolate center.

I watch hoping the show will devolve into some version of 9 1/2 weeks. But all I'm left with is cooking tips I will never employ. Do microwaved chicken nuggets taste good drizzled in white wine and lemon?

At the supermarket tonight, I hoped that a "Take Home Bartender" show would commandeer my cart and I would be forced to go home and sample martini recipes. It would be just like the movie "Cocktail" but in my kitchen and without Tom Cruise.

Left to my own devices, I've come up with a refreshing summer beverage sampler - Lychee martini (cocktail), Sancerre white wine (during dinner), Pastis (after dinner) and white tea (healthy and no alcohol). These pair nicely with any light dinner menu.

My picky eaters do love their filet mignon. But when it's bitter cold out, the grill isn't a welcoming option. If I broil, I have to make enough to feed the fire company volunteers who will show up when my smoke detectors go off.

A super expensive fancy hood and ventilation system has not solved this issue. So my solution is to make steak in cabernet sauce on the stove. It is delish and super easy.

The recipe is my variation on one from "Now You're Cooking: Everything a Beginner Needs to Know to Start Cooking Today," by Elaine Corn. My mom gave me this book back in the early 90s after a culinary catastrophe. I'll amuse you with that tale in a future blog. In the meantime, enjoy the great indoors.

You'll need the ability to sauté, a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick), wooden spatula and tongs.
- 4 filet mignon, about 1 inch thick
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup good red wine (drink the rest... after you cook! I don't recommend cooking with wine you wouldn't drink. Even though it cooks off, you want a yummy flavor left behind.
4 tablespoons butter (It won't kill you. Get over it and get on to a treadmill if you must.)
2 additional tablespoons of butter (Don't even try to skimp)

Salt the steak on both sides. Put 2 tbsps of the butter in skillet on high heat.

When the butter sizzles, lay the steaks in the skillet. When it gets hot again, turn the heat to medium.

Saute the steaks, moving them with tongs so they don't stick, for about 6-7 minutes per side.

When the steaks are done to your liking, take them from the pan with tongs and place them on dinner plates and pepper to taste.

Add the wine to the skillet. While the liquid boils, use a wooden spatula to unstick and stir any steak on the bottom of the skillet. Let it boil down to about 1/2 cup.

Remove the pan from the heat. Add the last 2 tablespoons of butter and mix by lightly swirling. Pour sauce over meat.

Recommended fast sides - steamed microwave veggies and microwaveable mashed potatoes. The prepared potatoes are usually available in dairy aisle. They are easy and taste really good but are high in trans fat. If you're cutting back on calories, do it here and not with the blessed butter. Have wild rice instead.

Is your table setting as plain as a pilgrim? If you're looking to add a little "Ta da" to your Thanksgiving meal, I've got two inexpensive ideas that don't involve any cooking. Grateful, yet?

Pumpkin & Fall Flower Centerpiece

What you'll need...
Large, good-looking pumpkin
Sharp knife
2 fall flower bouquets from the supermarket or produce stand (bittersweet branches are a bonus). Don't skimp and just get one bouquet. Think abundance.
Floral shears
A vase that can be concealed within your pumpkin or floral foam for fresh flowers (not dried). Floral foam is available at craft stores.
H2o
a glass of wine

Floral arrangement prices can be outrageous and this stylish solution requires little skill. Clean the outside of your pumpkin thoroughly with soap and water. Cut the top off in an even horizontal line. Scoop out the insides and discard - unless you're way more ambitious than me and want to make a pumpkin pie.

If you're using a vase, fill it with water and place inside the pumpkin. Or, soak your floral foam and place inside the pumpkin on a small plate. DO NOT ever fill your pumpkin with water. It will rot through the bottom, ruin your antique table and give your family members something to tease you about for years to come. Just ask my friend Marianna who duplicated mine without knowing the inner workings. Ironically, she went on to become a florist.

Cut your flowers varying lengths but so that no stems can be seen. It should look as it your pumpkin is bursting in bloom. Vary color and texture throughout your arrangement. The bittersweet branches can be a bit longer for visual interest. Tuck some colorful fall leaves in, too. Check them first! You don't want a stinkbug to end up on your mother-in-law's mashed potatoes.

Place in the center of your table or on your buffet and Voila. Now, drink that glass of wine.

Pumpkin Soup Bowls

What you'll need...
pumpkin(s)
knife
lemon
soup
a glass of wine

Whether the meal is catered or home cooked, you can add panache along with salt and pepper. Use small pumpkins as individual soup bowls or one large pumpkin as a soup tureen.

Unless you're a sadomasochist, the soup bowl option works best if you're serving less than 10 guests. Otherwise, go with the easier and just as impressive tureen option. Thoroughly clean the outside of your pumpkin(s) with soap and water. Cut an even horizontal line across the top and scoop out the insides. Rub fresh lemon wedges along the inside of the pumpkin(s) to prevent browning (which looks rather unappetizing) and refrigerate until an hour before dinner. You'll want them to be room temperature to keep the soup hot.

That's soup to not-so nuts! Move over Martha. Drink that glass of wine.

Please note: All my projects require wine. Stock up.