Give…to Get a Response

There are many occasions to give a gift – sometimes too many.  Birthdays, Mother’s & Father’s Day, Christmas, graduations, new baby, weddings, Eagle Scout awards, etc.  I have such a hard time getting new ideas for gifts that mean something especially for the person that has everything.  We at Memoir have made it easy for you.  We provide a beautiful “gift” album that includes fifteen 8”x8” custom-designed pages.  Those photos you took while on your weekend trip to the Grand Canyon would make the perfect gift for your best friend on her birthday.

Email us at info@memoirbyamy.com to get pricing and design information.  Then watch the awesome reaction you get to this stunning gift.

Who Doesn’t Love Fresh Flowers?

Why, as women, do we just die when someone sends us flowers?  I love the line in You’ve Got Mail where Meg Ryan’s character says, “Don’t you think that daisy’s are the friendliest flower?”  I think they evoke joy in me.  When I look through my design magazines (see Guilty Pleasure…Anyone?) I take note of the way the rooms are staged.  Have you noticed that in the kitchen they always set the table with beautiful china and what else…fresh flowers.  I remember watching MTV Cribs years ago and they showed Pamela Anderson’s shabby chic beach house.  She mentioned that fresh flowers are delivered every week.  While that may be a little excessive for most of us, I think a great  floral display in your main room and maybe one in your bedroom is just enough to keep you smiling all day.

These arrangements are from Utah Style & Design.

Let’s Talk About Photos

I adore photos – simple as that.  And the idea of surrounding myself with all my favorite photos makes me so happy.  It’s this love of photos that pushed me to start Memoir.  Designing beautiful places for wonderful photos to be displayed and looked upon often is truly rewarding.  Try something new with your photos, put a glass cover over your desk or coffee table and stick random snapshots under the glass.  It’s a fun way to keep memories close to you.  Enjoy…

Sweet Factory

All I can say is ‘It’s not my fault!’ I have a serious sweet tooth that was no doubt passed down through the generations, given to my mom by my grandma and then finally ending up with me. I have learned many things from my mother but none so important as how to eat a balanced breakfast of vanilla coconut frosting off last night’s cake. I still don’t understand why she wouldn’t want the cake with the frosting but that’s how she worked. In my family, we never skimp on the dessert – case in point the fifty-dollar Godiva chocolate cheesecake – so rich I seriously can’t eat more than one bite. Although my mother loved her cakes and frostings my vice is CANDY. Mostly sugar, sour gummy candies. My favorite thing to do while I am shopping is stop at a Sweet Factory or anything like it and get a “goodie bag” (who says they are just for 5-year-olds). I keep it in my purse for a couple days and just snack here and there. I’m telling you there is nothing more heavenly than candy, so go ahead and try some of my favorites.

Dylan’s Candy Bar has some great packaging and fun favorites and they ship it strait to your door…what could be more delightful!

Harry & David has tons of gift packages and amazing popcorn (Moose Munch) I love sending these as gifts and it’s even better receiving them.

Haribo candies are divine; I love the fruit salad and peaches!

Sweet Factory, you have to check out this wonderland of a store and get your own “goodie bag.”

A Grand Effect

How amazing is Photoshop…amazing enough that I can’t live without it! It is so great to take regular photos and give them that extra oomph that literally turns them into a work of art. Check out these before and after photos then click on the title to get a step-by-step tutorial.

SELECTIVE SEPIA

MYSTERIOUS LIGHTING

GRITTY EFFECT

MOVIE EFFECT

Now that you’ve learned how to create these great effects experiment with your photos, there is no wrong way. Cheers!

Click here for other great Photoshop effects.

Fall Fashion

I absolutely love clothes – what women doesn’t? And now that fall is upon us it is time to update our wardrobes with a few key pieces. Through many hours of browsing magazines and catalogs I have found my favorite looks for fall 2009. Remember any fashion can be adapted to your own personal style and comfort level, don’t be intimidated by new styles embrace them. And why you are embracing new styles try these trends for something different…enjoy!

TIGHTS – I love the idea of tights with shorts. We all have a pair of plain black tights for winter but now it’s time to grab a unique pair and wear them with everything. These are all from J.Crew.

DENIM – Yes, I know that the 80’s are over but these aren’t bejeweled, ripped or acid washed jeans (although you can find those out there) these embody the entire world of classic denim. Dark and skinny are my favorite but straight leg look good on everyone. Roll the bottom a few times for a more relaxed look and don’t be afraid of the jean jacket – just don’t wear it with jean pants, try black leggings or a casual dress. These are from Urban Outfitters and Shopbop.com.

BLAZER – Every woman has to have a blazer! The great thing is that you can literally pair them with anything and it instantly makes jeans and a t-shirt look chic. Roll up the sleeves to be a little more urban. These are from Anthropologie & J.Crew.

Wallpaper, Frames, Photos...Oh My!

I found this frame wallpaper online and think it is fabulous. Basically it is just empty frames and you can add any photograph, artwork, or color you want. Talk about a unique and creative way to decorate a space. The best thing about this paper is that it allows you to display your favorite photos all over your wall – it doesn’t get much better than that! I love the way they used this wallpaper in a small bathroom, sometimes bold decorating ideas shine in the smallest spaces. So now we can all redo that bathroom that has been desperately needed a makeover. Check out this link to get more info and see more photos.