A housekeeping peeve

Trash cans should have liners.

Wastebaskets do not.

No.

Wastebaskets are not receptacles for wet, nasty stuff thus no liner necessary. A cheap plastic wastebasket ruins bathroom decor in a second. Add a plastic bag or worse, a plastic grocery bag knotted on the outside rim and prepare for me fling it down your hallway.

My fancy friend has a large Waterford crystal champagne bucket and for 11 months out of the year, it serves as a wastebasket near her make up vanity. For her big Christmas soiree, the crystal bucket is filled with cranberries and water to anchor fabulous red roses. I know, I know, I hate red roses too but I gotta admit, with the right flower it's beautiful.

Anywho, wastebaskets.


Keep it classy, people.

Because I didn't prepare today,

here's a pic for ya.
Though not a new decor concept, I do love an exterior light fixture used indoors.
Please to enjoy.

Check out the whatnot at Project Parsonage

She calls herself a lazy Martha and this chick creates an "illusion of permanence" since she and her husband move often. She shows her tricks to selecting pieces of furniture for multi-functions and demonstrates the power of paint on her new blog Project Parsonage.
A little shabby, a little refined = after visiting her home, I am always inspired to enhance my own.

A decor rant

Chrysanthemum and I have had mean laughs at a nameless person's expense because we think their house is decorated like the lobby of a Hampton Inn. Perfectly neat, all new furniture, everything matches but devoid of personality and absolutely without soul.
I like interiors that reflect the owner with little clues about their passion or interest. Clues, I tell ya, not over-the-top advertisements.
When Sammy the cat came to live with me, also came feline themed gifts. If there is anything I've learned, it is this: cut off the unintended collections that one or two items might infer. Hey, I have a cat so why hell do I need to decorate my house with cat motifs? The real thing is enough.



Conversely, if you have children/motorcycle/sports interest, it is NOT a clue to a decor theme.

I've seen enough of the blog world's amateur attempts at home decor and the narcissism it illustrates. How many family photos is too many?
Seen far too many "Family Rules" plaques ~~~~(image deleted)
Thinking it is a byproduct of the crazed mommy scrap bookers running out of paper and considering their house an extension of the endless photos of the same kid, in the same pose, in the same outfit. Andy Warhol they are not. He understood repetition. Everyone else should step away. And Ann Geddes created enough havoc on her own, really, no needs to emulate her brand of cutesy puke.

And if I see one more shitty-assed burlap wreath, I'm gonna douse it with kerosene.
(image deleted)

Call it a hate crime because it is established that I hate all manner of cutesy and have kept my mouth shut for far too long.

Hey lady, your wreath is on fire.

Christmas decor on the cheap

Tree branches painted white.

Tree bases made from plaster of Paris set in plastic bucket with PVC pipe in middle.

Branches stuck into pipe.

Inexpensive white lights strung on branches.

Gold spray painted Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling.

Glass crystals hung from ribbon.

Christmas Decor, according to SkitzoLeezra

You gotta know the rules to break the rules.

White lights everywhere for Christmas decor - it is nice, it is tasteful. And kinda dull. Sometimes good taste can be boring.

• Big retro color bulbs - good.


• New pastel twinkle lights - a nice change.


• Chaser lights - HORRORS! Stop that! Don't you know those things can send some folks into an epileptic seizure? For shame!


• Inflatable yard decorations - yuck. They look like giant discarded condoms when not inflated.


• Snowman themed decor in the South - just plain ol' stoopid.



YUCK


• Wired ribbon cascading down the tree - unless placed by a gay man, don't even bother because you will never get it right. Instead drape ribbon around the tree, tucking ribbon in tree branches for less rigid look. Nah, call your gay man friend for that too.


• Light projected Christmas images - rarely look good.


• Green garland - always a yes. Even better when placed in an unexpected area, like tree houses, dog houses, etc.


• Red pre-tied velvet bows sold at Walgreen's, WalMart - so cheap looking.


• Smocked clothing on a boy older than 6 months - sissified.


• Fiber optic - why?


• Your collection of Santas or Christmas tree figurines or nutcrackers or ONE theme - neat.


• Your collection of every damn holiday thing ever on every surface - disturbed.

Here are some break-the-rules ideas. Just make sure you ask a trusted friend if your version works or if you should just stick to tasteful and safe. OR send in your photos! The Skitzo community will tell ya what we think.

• One strand of color lights wrapped around the trunk of the tree with white lights on branches.


• Shiny stuff hanging from your outdoor trees.


• Updated color combination. Red and green is just so predictable. How about bright pink and lime green? Copper and verdigris? Red and orange?


• Funny holiday clothing on your dog(s).


• Themed ornaments hanging from your chandelier.


• Cookie cutters on garland/wreath in the kitchen.



• Little trees in the children's bedrooms.


• Black Christmas tree - why not?


• Tinsel tree - shiny stuff!! Caw caw!! Me like-y!


• Your decor should represent you.


• More is more!