New Member of the BBB

Now that I have officially joined the business, my grandmother, Julie Ballard, has placed me in the perfect position for me, Vice President of Social Media! My first project is to make our facebook page. (Like us on facebook)

-Andrea

Slip Covers Can Change a Room

So many people are calling about slip covers. For a long time I referred them to other sources and then got to thinking.....hmmmmmm.....why can't I do them ? Couldn't think of one single reason I couldn't and so began the making of many slip covers at Ballard Bunting Boutique.

I started with just doing some small chair cushions, but realized the need is out there, so I felt I had to expand my creativity and tackle this new area of home decor. Many people don't want to buy new furniture because what they have is either comfy, fits their space, or it's just too expensive to replace existing pieces.

So now redo the whole room with new slip covers, some co-ordinating colorful pillows and finish it off with a great window treatment to keep the flow moving around the room. Using colors more than once in the room makes it all look so much more put together.

Happy New Year 2011

It's the new year and time to clean out the old and bring in the new. It can mean something as simple as cleaning your closet or something a little bigger like reorganizing a room. Either one can be a daunting task unless you do a little at a time.

When beginning to clean, make a plan and do one section at a time. For instance, with your closet, you could start by just clearing the top shelf. Put things into piles 1. give away 2. keep 3. maybe and then put back neatly what you definitely want to keep. Next go to the bottom and do the same. The bigger task usually being what's hanging. Things that are in the 'maybe' pile can be put in a bag and stored. If you go hunting for something in that bag, it may end up in the 'keep' pile but if you don't open that bag for 30 days, it should go to Goodwill, Purple Heart, etc.

My bet is once you start with your closet, you'll soon move on to other areas of your home. It's a good feeling and in the process you help others by donating your still very usable items.

"Start with something you love"

Finding it difficult to start your room design? Start with something you love.

It can be as simple as a piece of art or furniture. Use the color palette and design to help you with the rest of the room.

If you are designing a childs room and choose whimsical art, make sure you are consistant with the style of your furniture and bedding. But don't play it too safe, have fun.

Mix different patterns and colors to add dimension to the space. Stripes and plaids work great with animal designs. Just make sure you select different size patterns. For example: If you use a small plaid, pick a print with a larger design.

Weddings, Weddings and more Weddings...

This is the season for weddings and we are getting our fair share this summer. I am proud to say that we have been fortunate to either be found online at our website, ballardbunting.com, or have been referred by previous brides that were pleased with our service.

Every bride is special to us and we are not limited to just altering the gowns worn on your big day. We can also help with ideas and tips on how to make it a beautiful day.

I often find myself chatting with brides about what they still have left to do and if I can, I point them in the right direction to finish last minute details. There's always something that needs to be done.

Of course, my favorite advise is to make a list and be organized. And don't be afraid to ask others for help. Keep track of who is doing what and follow up with them.

Weddings are all about the bride and helping her in any way we can to make her day the best that it can be.

Facebook, twitter, blogspot....

My son told me I needed a website, my daughter told me to make a facebook page, my granddaughter told me to tweet and now everyone tells me I should blog! My question is what to blog about? I asked my daughter and she said, "blog about whatever you want. It is supposed to be fun. You've been around a long time and know a lot of stuff- talk about it."

Is that a compliment or does she think I am old?