Mass-produced merchandise for home décor may not strike your fancy or lacks the pizzazz you want in a home accent. When you shop from an Etsy business, you know you’re buying a one-of-a-kind design that can be funky, classy, edgy, or practical. That’s why I like being part of the Etsy family of designers. Not …
Gold. It was the dominant color I planned to build my cozy corner around. Scouring local shops for the right chair, lamp, side table, ottoman (a vibrant aqua to add a splash of color), and a throw blanket, I steadily put together the perfect spot to read, pray, and relax. The crowning touch to my …
Fireworks and the 4th of July go hand-in-hand, but did you know the use of fireworks for the first Independence Day was the new nation thumbing their nose at the British? Fireworks were used by the British to celebrate the birthdays of kings and queens and in an act of defiance, America set off fireworks celebrating …
Since the years following the Civil War, the United States has celebrated Memorial Day, once known as Decoration Day. Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans mark the day by placing flowers, flags, and other mementos on the graves of veterans. Parades and family …
Emerald Isle (Ireland) and Emerald City (from The Wizard of Oz) conjure up images of lush, rich locations, an apt description for a gem that is one of only four precious stones (diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are the other three). Emerald is considered “The Jewel of Kings,” is a symbol of hope, renewal, and growth, and …
1. Baskets are tailored to a theme 2. Every item is carefully selected to tie-in to the theme 3. A gift basket shows your thoughtfulness 4. A gift card may be perceived as impersonal, but never a personalized gift basket 5. A basket is an overflow of generosity, with many gifts to use over time 6. Each gift basket has to …
10 Reasons to purchase a gift basket created by Designs by Alfreda Read More »
I frequently walk in my neighborhood, giving my muscles a good workout on the hilly terrain. My senses also are awakened with the delights of tulips, forsythia, crabapple, pear, and redbud trees in peak bloom. Springtime in Michigan is bursting with hope and expectation. The season changes have a way of wiggling into my soul …
Mother’s Day has been an annual tradition in America since the 19th century, with variations of celebrating the day evolving over the years. The “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” were formed after the Civil War to teach young women how to care for their children. The work clubs segued into “Mother’s Friendship Day” to gather mothers of …
Warmer temperatures, budding trees, chirping birds, and the sound of lawnmowers mark the spring season. It’s a perfect time to hang a wreath bursting with colors on your front door or above your fireplace mantel to declare a new season. A wreath created by Designs by Alfreda has handcrafted bows, carefully arranged life-like floral, and adornments that …
We all can agree that the pandemic has taken a toll on us. There are limits on where we can eat or were we can go. So for the most part we are spending more time at home. Have you tried rearranging a room? Are you working from home? Are you looking for certain items …
