Classic, Elegant Christmas Decor Inspiration and Ideas on a Budget

I’ve been sneaking Christmas decor out of the closet, but I guess I’m not super stealthy. The thing is, I don’t have a lot a lot of energy, and I really have to pace myself. So, if everything but the tree is up before Thanksgiving, so be it. This is my favorite time of the year, and the little white twinkling lights just give me the Christmas feels! So, here is what I have done so far:

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

The exterior: If it was up to me, we’d be done. I have wreaths with red ribbons and window candles with automatic light sensors and flickering flames (for about $5 each, I thought these were a steal). Okay, maybe some lighted garland around the porch would be cool, but, we’ll see. Clark Griswold is already harassing me about adding more lights, but I’m standing my ground.

Classic Christmas Decor
Classic Christmas Decor: Wreaths with red ribbons in the windows and window candles

 

This is a great example of the unpredictable weather in Coastal NC: My roses are still blooming, my hydrangea leaves haven’t wilted yet, my Christmas stuff is out, and there are still tons of leaves falling.

Classic Christmas Decor
Classic Christmas Decor: Individual window wreaths with red velvet ribbon, pink roses, and a stacked stone garden.

 

This is a close up of the basic wreaths: Very basic but should hold up well outdoors, and they were cheap enough that it won’t break my heart if they’re ruined. They’re perfectly matched with the window candles!

Classic Christmas Decor
Classic Christmas Decor: Window Wreaths and Flickering Window Candles

 

This is a great example of “be where you are.” I am not in love with my fireplace set up currently, but it’s where we are, so I just decorated the crap out of it. I am REALLY proud of my garland I put together, with a willow/eucalyptus garland combined with a basic fir garland (if you don’t have any of these, go to Michael’s after Christmas when they’re pretty much giving them away. They’re on racks on the wall and I got the basic lighted garlands for about $5 each. The faux silver dollar eucalyptus and preserved roses arrangement I added as an afterthought and I love the combo. (Check out our great post on how to preserve roses!)

Classic Christmas Decor
Classic Christmas Decor: Eucalyptus/Willow Lighted Garland, Christmas Eucalyptus and Preserved Roses Arrangement, Classic Candlesticks and Candlebra, and Classic Oversized Ethan Allen Vase with Faux Cranberries

 

This awesome Ethan Allen Vase I use for every season with different stems because I ADORE it! The faux cranberries make a gorgeous, simple seasonal arrangement (tip: open them outside and let them air out a little… they have a heavy chemical scent but are beautiful once they’ve breathed a little they’re great!).

For the story of why our turtle inspires us, check out the story on Our Instagram!

Classic Christmas Decor
Classic Christmas Decor: Our Ethan Allen Vase with a faux cranberry arrangement and our trusty Mr. Turtle the tortoise feeling festive!

 

And finally, I’m still in work on these faux eucalyptus mixed garlands, and there is a great garland tutorial on our blog so you can make your own much more cheaply than buying them! And I’m just loving the cool led cork-bottle fairy lights, if you’re looking for what to do with all those bottles you saved.

How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price

 

I would love to hear what you think about our Christmas style in the comments below! Do you have any Christmas decor traditions at your house?

Check out more of our decor and project inspiration over on our blog.  Cheers!

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it.  I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.  Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale.  Amazon links are not “pay per click.”  If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate- A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana

I fell into a deep state of depression when I saw that this place sold in December of 2018. My dream of winning the lottery and buying my dream home were put off for the foreseeable future. I still want to share it with you, because it is truly unbelievable. I mean, it’s on it’s own island, as in only accessible by boat, and it’s about as remote as it gets. Yes, I’m in love.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

First the stats: built by commercial real estate mogul Donald Abbey, this monster is 32000 sq ft and sits on 24 private acres. It neighbors Glacier National Park, so the privacy and solitude is unprecedented. The lake is one of the three cleanest lakes in the world. The main house has 5 bedrooms and 8 baths is 24000 sq ft and 10000 square feet of outdoor entertaining spaces, some heated. The entire structure sits on a granite foundation.

He originally listed it for $78 million but it was reduced over the years to just under $14 million.

The main house has a home gym overlooking the lake, an unbelievable wine room, is bathed in hand carved mahogany, natural stone, and, Dude, it has an indoor gun range. A big one.

There is a utility building and an 1,800 square foot workshop on the property that is styled the same as the main home and guest house. The total building space on the estate is more than 44000 square feet, with space remaining on the island for three more compounds.

Photos are from privateislandsonline.com.  Check it out!

Views of the house and island:

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Dock Space at Main House and Private Heated Boat Garage

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Rail System Leading to Heated Boat Stall on Ground Floor of Main House

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, View From the Lake

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Aerial View of the Main House

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, View from the Island Side

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Aerial View of the Island

 

The guest house/boat house has two additional bedrooms and four bathrooms and houses another double boat garage. Before I skim over that little fact, let me tell you… There is a rail system that takes the boat from the lake directly into the boat house with a garage door that drops guests INSIDE the house. Seriously? Coolest thing ever. The guest house is 5289 sq ft with nice amenities like two granite fireplaces and a steam room.

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Guest House Dock Space and Boat Rail Systems

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Guest House Docks and Rail Systems

 

Main House Exterior Spaces:

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, 10000 Square Feet of Outdoor Living Space at the Main House

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Outdoor Entertaining Space at Main House

 

The copper conservatory:

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, The Copper Conservatory Overlooking Outdoor Living Spaces and the Lake

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Copper Conservatory

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, View of the House Overlooking the Lake

 

Living Spaces:

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Soaring Ceilings in the Main Hall, Wrapped in Mahogany, with Custom Railings and a Limestone Fireplace

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Main Hall and Living Space

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Custom Iron Railings Detail Leading to Main Hall

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, View of the Main Hall From Above

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Inside the Copper Conservatory

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Inside the Copper Conservatory

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Ceiling of the Copper Conservatory

 

The Kitchen:

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Double Islands, A 60inch Professional Viking Range, Double Ovens, and Mahogany Cabinetry

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Breakfast Nook With a Lake View

 

Office (Part of Master Suite):

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Limestone Fireplace and Mahogany In Office

 

Formal Dining Room:

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Formal Dining Room

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Dining Area in Guesthouse

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, View From the Formal Dining Room Overlooking the Lake

 

The Wine Room:

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Wine Room on the Ground Floor with Natural Granite on Floor, Part of the Home’s Foundation

 

Cool Features:

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Commercial-Grade Elevator Serves All Floors of the Main House

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, 1,200 foot utility building with 100 kW diesel generator and electrical panels.

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Utility Room With Shower and Commercial Stainless Sink

 

Main House Boat Garage:

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Ground Floor, Main House, Heated Boat Garage

 

The Master Suite:

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana. Master bedroom with Mahogany Bed and Fireplace, Wraparound Porches and Porticos

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Master Bedroom With a View and Outdoor Living Space

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Mahogany and Carrera Marble Master Closet with Refrigerator

 

House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Mahogany and Carrera Marble Master Bath With Copper Tub

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Master Bath with Steam Room and Shower

 

Additional Guest Spaces:

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Guest Bedroom with Mahogany Furnishings

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Guest Bedroom With Stone Fireplace

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Guest Bath with Copper Tub and Carrera Marble

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Guest Bath With A View From the Clawfoot Tub

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Guest Bath

 

The Devil is in the details, and they’re AMAZING:

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Mahogany and Granite Details on Fireplace

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Domed Ceiling and Hidden Lighting Details

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Coffered Mahogany Ceiling Details

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Limestone Fireplace Details

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Sink Fixture, Stone, and Mahogany Details

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Carrera Marble Details

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Architectural Molding Details in Ceiling

 

House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana
House Porn: Shelter Island Estate-A Private Island Mansion on Flathead Lake in Montana, Stone Sink and Mahogany Details in Bath

Maybe one day it will be back on the market again someday… I could definitely see myself living here.  Could you?  Tell me your favorite part of the house in the comments below!

Check out more of our great content on our blog!  Cheers!

 

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it.  I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.  Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale.  Amazon links are not “pay per click.”  If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

House Porn: An Artist’s Masterpiece in Alabama

I have a confession to make: I’m bored to tears with white.  There was a time when texture and color were okay, and i desperately miss those days. I recently found a place where every surface: every wall, floor, fixture, and cabinet door has interest.  Like a breath of fresh air: hand carved details, custom wall finishes, hand hewn floors… I love it all. Check out the home tour in photos below.

The listing, at 2740 Abingdon Rd, Mountain Brook, AL is 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and a sprawling 4337 sq. ft.  The listing photos are the property of the Realtor, Brooke Wahl, at ARC realty and can be reached at 855-822-3469 for anyone interested in purchasing.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

The exterior:

A two acre lot feels big and is beautifully manicured, perfect for outdoor entertaining and family time.  Sculptures are placed throughout the landscape, rolling hills, and stone gardens and patios.  The pool is a tasteful addition and blends with the rest of the exterior seamlessly.

 

Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Exterior stone, chimneys, and descending rooflines
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Incredible lush, sloping lawn with mature trees
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Curb appeal, view of the exterior
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Leaded glass windows with stained glass inlays, sculptural detailed window crowns, blue stone patio, stone containers and wrought iron lanterns.
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Sweeping stone patios with a firepit and custom hewn log furniture
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Extensive stacked stone garden walls
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
View of the outdoor entertaining area with large sculptures flanking the pool
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Large sculptures outside Birmingham home flanking pool
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Incredible stone tiered outside patio terrace leading to incredible pool with bluestone pavers
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Pool with sculptures and blue stone pavers
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Beautiful pool with bluestone pavers
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Outdoor volleyball court between stone walls
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Entrance walk leading up to the house

 

Special spaces:

I felt like Alice in Wonderland exploring this place, and the details are incredible. One of my favorite places?  The art studio.

Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
The side entrance leading to the art studio.
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Side patio leading to art studio, with custom iron railings, tiered stone patio, and custom hewn log furniture
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Interior art studio, light and bright with tons of space and track lighting
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Interior shop and art studio

 

The interior:

Deep autumn hues wrap the entire interior in a warm, homey hug, yet it’s sophisticated and creative.  Extensive recessed lighting, and warm wrought iron fixtures and chandeliers, ensure that it’s still bright even with the maximalist style and textured walls, ceilings, and floors.

Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Front entrance with rustic wood doors and inlaid leaded glass, textured walls with a sheen to maintain cleanliness, crystal lighting, walnut floors, custom wooden railings, and stacked pews.
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Custom leaded/stained glass windows, textured walls, wooden ceilings, stone floors, modern lighting, cast iron railing, and carved wooden crest
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Properly scaled, massive metal hood with an aged patina over 60 inch gas stove, flanked by wooden cabinetry with hand carved doors
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Two islands in a rich, multi-texture kitchen with modern and period lighting
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Kitchen details: antique glass in cabinet inset with electric sconces and leaded glass grid windows and marble
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Rich drapes and sculptural details around a one of a kind wooden mantel
c2505216b535fd30653e6ae2d622f3b2l-m11xd-w1020_h770_q80
Living area with real wood paneling, beams, and modern lighting
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Living space with wood walls and details
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Incredible arrangements, unique light fixtures, and professionally done draperies
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Cozy reading nook with textured walls and wooden builtins
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Living area looking through to the front hall
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Study with walnut paneling, custom wood burning fireplace, textured ceilings, and soft golden lighting
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Majestic dining room with properly scaled art and furnishings and grand, tall leaded windows
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Large leaded grid windows surround an informal dining area, bathed in natural light
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Twin beds upstairs in a guest bedroom
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Master suite with crystal chandelier
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Rustic wrought iron chandelier and sconces, textured walls, and wooden ceiling paneling in an alternate guest bedroom
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Guest bedroom with a view, out leaded windows
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Another unique large scale bedroom
c2505216b535fd30653e6ae2d622f3b2l-m33xd-w1020_h770_q80
Guest bathroom with marble and glass shower, iron sconces, textured walls, and wood plank ceiling
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Marble tub surround with textured walls, built in shelves and window
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Marble shower with bench
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Additional bath with marble, planked ceiling, recessed lighting, textured walls, and iron sconces
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Half bath with custom carved vanity, textured walls, recessed lighting, and wooden builtins
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Custom, carved vanity
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Half bath with stone pedestal sink, textured walls, gilded mirror, and iron sconces
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Marble shower with glass door and textured walls
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Guest bath with marble, glass, wood molding, textured walls, plank wood ceiling, and iron sconces
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Laundry room with beautiful wood cabinetry, custom door, and marble counters
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Office nook with textured ceilings, hand carved light fixture, and leaded glass window with crest inlay
Birmingham Alabama artist's home with incredible textures and finishes
Hallway with textured walls, wooden floors, wooden hand railings, leaded and stained glass windows

What do you think?  Are you ready to ditch those boring white walls for texture and layers of color?

Thanks for checking out our post!  Get more awesomeness on our blog.  Cheers!

 

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it.  I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.  Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale.  Amazon links are not “pay per click.”  If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

House Porn: A Birmingham Home Sexy Enough For Vampires

Every once in a while you stumble across a home that absolutely takes your breath away.  I had no idea, until we attended an event there last year, that Birmingham, Alabama has some unbelievable real estate.  This particular place is downright sexy.  It has everything: adult entertaining spaces, a gorgeous stone exterior, and stunning panoramic views.  For a cool $2.4m you can own this little slice of heaven, perched on the side of a mountain, overlooking the city.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

All photos are the property of the listing agent Stephanie Robinson, with Realtysouth at 866-243-8436.

This home tour begins with a stunning stone exterior, custom windows, amazing curved rooflines, and incredible views.

Front entrance
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Drone view of stone Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Side view of stone Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Front entry, stone house in Birminghan
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Driveway approach, stone home in Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Stone patio with wrought iron railings overlooking Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Stone wrapped patio overlooking Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Outside entertaining space overlooking Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Outdoor entertaining space overlooking Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
View from the back patio into Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham

 

Inside, the common spaces are elegant and thoughtfully designed.  Exposed beams, soaring ceilings, exquisite light fixtures, rich hardwood floors, and crisp clean lines define the home.

Interior entry way, stone home in Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Interior entry way, stone home in Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Soaring windows and ceilings, stone home in Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Arched ceiling beams, soaring windows and ceilings in living space
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Common space in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Common space in stone Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Birmingham stone home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
View into kitchen with exposed beams
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Kitchen island, exposed beams, butcher block
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Kitchen with exposed beams and subway tile
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Kitchen and steel and glass windows
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Kitchen, breakfast, and keeping room
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Breakfast nook with steel and glass windows
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Cast stone mantel, soaring ceilings and windows, beams, and natural light
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Keeping room with custom windows, soaring ceilings, and exposed beams
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Half bath with one of a kind fixtures and mirrored wall
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham

 

The master suite is generously sized and features a flowing and open floor plan.  It’s absolutely stunning.

Walk in shower with stone walls
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Master bath in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Master bedroom in stone Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Master Suite in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham

 

The home office is absolutely dreamy and filled with light.

Gorgeous traditional home office with natural wood paneling
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Home office in natural wood paneling with exposed beams and tall custom windows
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham

 

Guest spaces are welcoming and luxurious.

2nd Bath in Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Guest bedroom in Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham

 

The downstairs entertaining areas are my favorite part of the house and are just as beautiful as the upstairs.

Downstairs entertaining area in Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Pool table in entertaining area in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Pool table and stone staircase to entertaining area in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Stunning circular stone staircase in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham

 

More stunning spaces:

Bath tub in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Hall spaces in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Bath in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Guest bedroom in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Bath in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Guest bedroom in Birmingham
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham

 

And what entertaining mecca is complete without a fantastic wine cellar?

Wine cellar in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham
Downstairs living space in Birmingham home
Vampire worthy stone home in Birmingham

How much would you pay for a place this awesome?  Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Thanks for hanging out and check out more of our projects and DIY on our blog.  Cheers!

 

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it.  I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.  Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale.  Amazon links are not “pay per click.”  If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

House Porn: Epic Charleston Historic Property on Legare Street

I have a confession to make: I’m addicted to beautiful homes.  I especially love old homes, updated with modern conveniences, but disguised with original charm.  What we’re missing in the United States is the REALLY old world charm you can find in Europe and beyond, but we do have our own type of royalty.  We have areas with wonderful historic districts, and when people list their homes, we get a glimpse of the type of artisanship possible even here, and distinctive in it’s Americana.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

One of my favorite places to stalk Real Estate is in Charleston, SC.  If we ever had royalty, it would’ve been here.  Enter this stunning estate on Legare Street, which, for a cool $15 million dollars (ish), you can live like a baron.  Check out the following photos (photo credits to the listing agent).

Iron gate with brick wall
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Start with the ornate, iron gates, massive gas lantern, and amazing brick privacy walls.

 

Stone courtyard
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Courtyards are an integral part of any palace, and this gorgeous estate is no different.

 

Brick carriage house with barn doors
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Pathway that  leads to the exquisitely redone carriage house.

 

Traditional home staircase
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Traditional moldings, columns, and a wedding-portrait ready staircase.

 

Southern wrap around front porch
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Southern front porch style: ready for afternoons with a cold sweet-tea.

 

Traditional southern living room
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Elegant, nautical-inspired formal spaces.

 

Southern foyer with nautical ship paintings
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Another great view of the entrance.  I wonder if you get to keep their collection of ship paintings?

 

Southern dining room with hand painted mural
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

I have no idea if the mural is original, but it is amazing and blends seamlessly with the rest of this beautiful home.

 

img_2459-1797331452-1562614747812.png
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

A properly scaled, magnificent chandelier in the main living space.

 

Traditional southern living room
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

I’m sure it has been nothing less than an art keeping the moldings repaired and authentic.  I love the floors, kept in original condition.

 

img_2461-1322762765-1562614782257.png
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

I would LOVE to see a repro on this as a cast stone replica.  Really nice work and styled professionally.

 

Historic home with butcher block island
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

The kitchen is usually where these places lose me… but I sort of adore this one.  It has all the makings of a place where you can prepare incredible meals, professional grade appliances, and a homey feel with plenty of prep space.

 

Stove with copper hood in historic home in Charleston
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

 

I love that the stove and hood experience wasn’t overlooked… Nothing chaps me more than seeing multi-million dollar properties with chincy kitchen appliances.

 

Curved kitchen cabinets in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

This is SOOO cool.  Rainman would kill me if I requested curved cabinets.

 

Traditional home hallway and staircase
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

It’s so weird that I love this, because I generally despise any kind of wallpaper.  But, this is just beautiful.

 

Study and den with traditional wood panel
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

The ultimate man den with wood panelling.  I can almost smell the cigars.

 

Traditional bedroom with canopy bed and fireplace
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

 

That bed is SO awesome and the wood burning fireplace seals the deal.

 

Historic home dressing room
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Off the bathroom, the dressing room is absolutely spectacular.

 

Historic home bathroom with fireplace
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

And this bathroom is perfect.  I keep arguing with Rainman that we need seating in the bathtub so I don’t have to sit on the sink while we chat.

 

Green bedroom in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

This was common to do color themed rooms.  “You’ll be staying in the Green Room while you visit.”  Although I don’t do it now (I find abrupt color changes distracting and uncomfortable, and ultimately lacking in cohesion), I love it in this space.

 

Green wallpaper bathroom
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

With it’s matching green bathroom.

 

Pink toile
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

And the pink toile room.  LOVE the toile.

 

Pink wallpaper in bathroom with marble in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

With it’s FANTASTIC matching bathroom.  Looks like a Williams Sonoma style vanity with traditional carrera marble.

 

 

Back staircase with ancestor wall
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

With pictures of ancestors going down the back staircase.

 

Attic with exposed beams and wallpaper in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

I love that the attic was formalized and finished, as I’m sure it was NOT in its hayday.

 

Carriage house bathroom in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

The tub tile is great here and I do adore some Victorian Cameos.

 

Attic in carriage house in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

This is a great mini apartment in the attic.  I love the angled walls.

 

Carriage house formal room in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Of course, I adore the Chesterfield sofa in linen and the trunk.  What a great, cozy space.

 

Charleston roofline
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Overlooking the Charleston rooftops.

 

Charleston courtyard in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

The value of outdoor space always baffles me.  The incredible, manicured gardens and stone and brick walkways are impossible to put a price tag on.

 

Outdoor patio with garden wall in Charleston
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

This is another fantastic outdoor space.  What a great garden wall.

 

Builtin courtyard hottub in charleston
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

This is an incredibly disguised hottub.  It fits in seamlessly with the rest of the exterior spaces.

 

Greenhouse in courtyard Charleston
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

What an exquisite greenhouse with amazing brickwork and sculptural boxwood hedges.

 

Reflecting pool in Charleston courtyard
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

The design of this reflecting pool and the architectural interest is really second to none.

 

Courtyard in historic Charleston
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Of note here is the copper lean to roof that creates a little bit of protected space close to the wall of the house.

 

Carriage house with brick walls in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

I love that they kept the brick wall in the cariage house.

 

Antique stove in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

And the repro antique stove in the carriage house kitchen is a super nice touch.

 

Carriage house bedroom in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

Once again, maintaining the rustic brick really adds a nice touch.

 

Carriage house bathroom in historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

I adore the carriage house bathroom with the gilded mirrors, wallpaper, and especially the travertine tile.

 

Night exterior historic home
House Porn, Legare St, Charleston, SC

The exterior lighting updates were well done and really make the exterior spaces welcoming in the evening.

If you’re ready to drop some serious cha-ching for a historic favorite in Charleston, this estate is listed by Debbie Fisher at Handsome Properties, Inc in Charleston, SC.  They’ve dropped the price from an initial listing in 2016 at $19,500,000 so I’d guess this is probably bargain pricing for this type of place.

Grab a glass of wine and join us for more house porn and DIY projects on our blog!  Cheers!

 

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it.  I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.  Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale.  Amazon links are not “pay per click.”  If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

How To Preserve Roses

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses, Preserving Roses

I’m so excited. I got BEAUTIFUL roses for my birthday. I know we’ve all lied to our significant others at some point, and told them we didn’t like flowers, but if they were smart, they knew it was a lie and bought flowers anyway. Because there are significantly fewer tears that way.

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see the full disclosure at the bottom of the post.

We won’t talk about that time that I cried like a little girl because, even though I had dropped copious hints, I didn’t get flowers for my birthday. We’re complicated creatures, women. Poor Rainman.

Yeah, I’m that girl. (If you are in the dog house, and need to buy flowers, this is a great service).

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses, Roses on the Sewing Machine Table

Ugh, they’re just gorgeous from every angle. But, I have a secret. These are in the process of “preserving”. Did you know that you can prevent those gorgeous roses from keeling over on you?

There are two really good methods for doing this and I’ll go through both!

Method One (best for roses that you want to use in arrangements later… more finicky than method two):

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses, Beautiful Roses for My Birthday

 

This is pre-preservation. I always love the arrangement from our local florist, although I don’t love their choice of cheapo vases. Even the “budget” line shouldn’t be a throw away. Anyhoo, when I get to the preserving phase, I’m really only interested in the roses. I love them at Christmas for their deep red and am looking forward to bringing them back out.

 

How to Preserve Roses
How to Preserve Roses: Red rose bouquet with preserving supplies: scissors, vegetable glycerin, and a hammer.

You really only need a couple of things to do this:

  • Your preserving vase (mine is an antique but I have these also, which are super cute and very reasonable)
  • Florist shears/ scissors (as you can see, I was using the poultry shears instead of going to get my nice florist shears which drives Rainman totally NUTS)

Fill your vase with about 1.5 – 2 inches of glycerin.

I start with the longer roses in the arrangement. Holding the vase next to the edge of the counter and the rose stem next to it, I eyeball where I want the cut. Snip! Take your little hammer and flatten the end of the stem. Roll it and flatten again. Mash it up so it opens up (this helps the glycerin get into the stem).

I do the center (long pieces) first, then fill in around the edge with the shorter stems. For mine, I remove all of the leaves and toss everything other than the roses.

Move them to a location out of the sun to start the preserving process.

Preserving Roses
Preserving Roses: Red rose bouquet, beginning preservation.

I have to be honest: I adore how these are turning out. They will be gorgeous for my Christmas scenes. These can possibly last years if handled carefully and are such a better option than silk!

Tip: Make sure to add glycerin over several weeks until the stems stop absorbing, then dump out any excess (the glycerin will start gelling on the petals and getting goopy if you leave it).

Preserving Roses
Preserving Roses: Preserved red rose bouquet ready to WOW.

 

Method 2 (My Favorite):

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

This is the PERFECT preserved roses in a hatbox method!

You’ll need:

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

Step One: Snip off the leaves

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

Step Two: measure how long to cut your roses!  Then cut them at that height at an angle (check your height by putting it in the box).

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

Step three: Remove the three outermost petals on your roses.

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

Step four: Put your roses into the bag and pour the silica beads over it. Gently shake it to completely cover and get it inside the petals. Once they are covered, put them into a cool dark place for about a week. (Don’t worry about using all of your silica, you can re-use it!)

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

Step Five: Once all of the petals are preserved, shake the silica off carefully, and place them gently into your hatbox. These can last more than a year if you preserve them correctly!

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

How To Preserve Roses
How To Preserve Roses

 

Thanks for checking out our little tutorial! Feel free to comment and ask questions below and check out more of our great projects here! Cheers!

 

*Affiliate Disclosure:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it.  I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.  Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale.  Amazon links are not “pay per click.”  If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

Taking A Stand On Fake Book Decor

Okay.  I briefly considered titling this blog post, “the death of all that is good and Holy,” or “things that make you want to start drinking before 5 PM.” But, I thought it might isolate some readers. This isn’t something I would normally do, but I feel the need to take a stand AGAINST a trend. I started seeing things pop up on my Pinterest feed with books in bookcases BACKWARD.  “What in the world?” I thought to myself.  So, I looked it up.

Books turned around backward for preferable “style” in Atlanta Homes Magazine

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see the full disclosure at the bottom of the post.

It turns out, if people’s books don’t match their decor, or the book jackets are too colorful, PEOPLE ARE TURNING THEM AROUND TO MAKE THEM LOOK NICER.  And people are like, “yeah, that’s so AWESOME, what a great idea.” I’m going to stop right now.  I’m taking a deep breath. I’m going to my happy place.

From Domino.com

I’m finding tutorials on how to turn YOUR books around and tales of designers conquering their client’s ugly book collections by doing so.

This one from houseofpictures.com is especially stark.

Let me take a step back. I understand the need to have a nicely styled bookcase.  I GET IT. My bookshelves in common areas are grouped in muted color families and they look fantastic (if I do say so myself). I have some really NEAT books. I have collected them over the years. I have a true vintage/antique book collection. I love it when people ask me about them or where I picked them up. I’m proud of my collection. We might be the only freaks left in the country with bookcases that hold real, actual books.

Please excuse the unfinished bookshelves.

But, I have to be honest: it actually makes me ANGRY to see books reduced to shelf decor.  I see ads everywhere all of the sudden for FAKE BOOK SETS. Yes, I said FAKE BOOK SETS. Restoration Hardware (which I normally love) has entire collections of blank-paged books which you can get for the bargain price of hundreds of dollars. Are you freaking kidding me? Books filled with blank pages. That people buy.  To look like they have real books. This feels really, really fraudulent. WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? ARE THEY WALKING AMONG US?

Hello, pretty, muted blue collection.

Can you imagine going to a friend’s house and seeing your favorite book on a shelf only to find it’s empty? As you pick it up and open it, you exclaim, “I had no idea you were a Jane Austen fan! I just love her, don’t you?… What the…” The pensive, confused, awkward silence that followed would be embarrassing for everyone involved.

Look, in the event you absolutely have to have some “book decor,” I have an idea: Go to a damn used bookstore and pick out some books! You don’t even have to read them, just pick out titles that seem interesting to you. That way, in case of apocalypse, or GOD FORBID the wi-fi goes down, you can leaf through something interesting. Used books are WAY cheaper than buying these ridiculous blank page book sets and they inspire far less anger in people like me. I know I’m responsible for my own emotional stability, but for the love of all that is holy, have a heart.

Carefully selected titles, in a warm rhinoceros sandwich.

How in the world are people supposed to judge you by your books if they’re backward in your bookcase? How are they supposed to know what kind of person you are if they can’t see your carefully selected and displayed titles?

What if they opened one of your books and found the pages blank?

Don’t let your visitors find out that you’re 1) Intellectually void or 2) As empty and soul-less as the blank books masquerading on your shelves.

Real, actual books.

I’m being a little cheeky here, but, seriously… It makes me sad.  I was a bookworm as a kid and I’ll admit I’d probably be bingewatching netflix on my smartphone like every other teenager if I were young today.  But, it makes me sad.  It makes me scared for our future as a society if books are just something we dress builtins with and dust once a week.

Please, please don’t do it.

Isn’t this the coolest? Also, real, actual books.

If I may, and you’re feeling REALLY uncreative, here are some options that won’t make your Academic-Snob friends cringe quite so much:

But seriously, you really should take an afternoon, find a book shop and pick out some neat books. Smell the dust. Take your kids’ smartphones away and drag them with you! Experience the thrill of the hunt! The satisfaction of the kill! Get out. Discover. Explore. Read. I highly recommend it.

Aaaaaaaand, I’m off my soapbox.

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to leave comments below and check out more of our fun blog posts here.

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it.  I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.  Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale.  Amazon links are not “pay per click.”  If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.