About House & Home: Let the Stars Shine

If you can't see this email, click here

House & Home From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor This Sunday evening, many of you will be sitting on the edge of your sofa waiting to find out if The King's Speech will triumph over Black Swan or just to see what some of the stars will be wearing (actually, that's why I'll be watching!). But letting the stars shine doesn't need to stop once Monday morning rolls around. We have what you need to ensure the twinkling never ends. Host a Glamorous Oscar Party If you're going to be watching the stars, why not treat yourself and your friends like the stars that you are by hosting a glamorous Oscar party. It's easy. All you need is this guide. Oh, and don't forget the dress! See More About:  academy awards party  academy awards menus  academy awards Be a Star with Your Own Home Theater While having your very own home theater is the perfect way to see the stars up close, it can also serve your home movies well by casting everyone as a star, with dazzling colors and sound to match. It's easier than you think. Check out this free how-to video to find out more. Free Evening Star Quilt Block Pattern If you're not planning a Oscar party, you can still enjoy the ceremony while cuddling beneath a beautiful star quilt. With this free pattern, you can create your own magic to let your star shine brightly all year long. And for inspiration, check out this gallery of gorgeous quilts made by our very own readers. See More About:  star quilts  quilt patterns  color value Let Your Pet's Teeth Shine For those of you who are lucky enough to have pets, you know they really are the stars of your home. So if you haven't already booked in a dental for your cat or dog, now's the time to do it. With February being dental health month, many vets are giving discounts on everything and anything to do with teeth. See More About:  dog dental health  cat dental health  dental cleaning in pets House & Home Ads Lyrics Shine Artist Song Lyrics Fix LG Shine My House Lyrics Featured Articles Hollywood's Green Celebrities All About Maple Sugaring Supplies Doing the Final Home Inspection Winter Warming Tips Trash Tips Healthy Alternative Paints   More from About.com Discover the Disney Dream Disney's newest cruise ship has something for every family member, from the Aqua Duck watercoaster to adults-only lounges. More> Cruise the Celebrity Eclipse The Eclipse features luxurious interiors, a spa, and the "iLounge" where guests can check email and create their own photo books. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement

About House & Home: Create Your Very Own Dream Home

If you can't see this email, click here

House & Home From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor This week's inspiration comes from the thought of winning a dream home, and how, with a little bit of help, you can create the perfect space right where you are. No contest entry required. HGTV Dream Home 2011 Creating a dreamy space is a little easier when you can see what the ultimate dream home looks like. You can do that with help from the About Guide to Furniture. Personally, I love the idea of a ski-lodge room for guests. Now, if only I can convince my husband to give up his workshop... See More About:  hgtv dream homes  ethan allen  Bedroom Bliss on a Budget It's so true that most of us neglect the bedroom in favor of creating dream spaces in the rest of the house - rooms that are more open to public scrutiny. But why shouldn't our bedrooms also give us bliss? And if you can create that bliss on a budget - even better! World's Most Romantic Castles If you're looking for more inspiration, check out these romantic castles and the stories of the people who built them - like Mad King Ludwig or the tragedy at Boldt Castle. Not all fairy tales have happy endings. See More About:  castles and palaces  stone buildings  medieval architecture Dream Home Organization Guide I often think that my home could be a little more dreamy if it were organized. Most of my frustration comes from not being able to find things or not knowing what's inside the front hall closet because I'm afraid of opening the door. If you're in the same situation, find out how to organize every room in your house (including the hall closet) in this easy-to-use home organization guide. See More About:  organzing tips  home organization  clothes organizing House & Home Ads Bedroom Furniture Modern Furniture Decorating Rooms Bedroom Design Bedroom Closet Featured Articles DIY Seed Pots Westminster Dog Show 2011 Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons Top 5 Online Room Planners Winter Bug Proofing Make an Easy Rag Quilt   More from About.com Discover the Disney Dream Disney's newest cruise ship has something for every family member, from the Aqua Duck watercoaster to adults-only lounges. More> Cruise the Celebrity Eclipse The Eclipse features luxurious interiors, a spa, and the "iLounge" where guests can check email and create their own photo books. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement

About House & Home: Flowers, Food and Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day

If you can't see this email, click here

House & Home From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor Whether you've been together for a long time or have just met, and even if you're celebrating Valentine's Day with friends or family, there are lots of do's and don'ts when it comes to matters of the heart. To enhance the love quotient, we're providing some great resources that even the most romantically-savvy can learn from. For instance, did you know that red tulips are an outright delectation of love? The Language of Flowers While you might think that a bouquet of flowers is just pretty to look at, there are hidden meanings in every single stem you select. So it's good to know what you're saying before you say it, just to avoid any miscommunication. See More About:  flower gardening  cut flowers  choosing plants Setting the Mood with Food on Valentine's Day Nothing evokes feelings of love like good food prepared in your own kitchen. Seriously. So if you want to show your absolute dedication and devotion, along with your passion and culinary skills, stir up some romance in the kitchen with these aphrodisiac creations. See More About:  valentine's day  aphrodisiac food  dinner parties Valentines Day Soaps & Candles Once you've bought the flowers and planned the menu, the next thing on your list should include ways to set the right mood. Like cocoa butter massage bars. Need I say more? Heat Things Up with a Hot Tub for Two The perfect nightcap to the perfect romantic evening can be had no matter what your budget. For me and my budget, I just love the idea of an inflatable tub that I can put on the back balcony on a cold winter's night or the living room floor in front of a roaring fireplace. See More About:  hot tubs and spas  small pools  hot tub therapy House & Home Ads Flowers Flowers and Roses V Day Flowers Pictures of Flowers Photos on Flowers Featured Articles Romantic Postcards for Valentine's Day Top 12 Home Theater Gifts For Lovers Should You Buy Organic Chocolate? How Long Do Horses Live? How To Read a Tape Measure Knit a Springtime Ruffle   More from About.com Discover the Disney Dream Disney's newest cruise ship has something for every family member, from the Aqua Duck watercoaster to adults-only lounges. More> Cruise the Celebrity Eclipse The Eclipse features luxurious interiors, a spa, and the "iLounge" where guests can check email and create their own photo books. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement

About House & Home: Celebrate Chinese New Year

If you can't see this email, click here

House & Home From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor To celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, we're spending Chinese New Year with my brother-in-law's family, where we'll be treated to incredible food and family tales of growing up in China and Singapore. While I'm not of Chinese descent, I so savor the richness of the New Year traditions that celebrate family, friends and good fortune. The Best Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year If you're new to the Chinese New Year festivities, then this article is for you. With tips on how to prepare, including traditional recipes, customs and home decor, you'll find everything you need and more to make the most of your celebrations. See More About:  feng shui tips  feng shui cures  classical feng shui Chinese New Year Crafts for the Whole Family Check out these easy-to-make crafts that will not only add some color to your celebrations, but will ensure the whole family gets involved. My favorite? The paper lanterns that often decorate our family's holiday table. See More About:  chinese new year  multiculteral crafts  holiday crafts 15 Ways to Make Time to Clean When I asked my brother-in-law's mother the best way to bring luck in the new year, she told me to clean the house, then clean some more. When I confessed to not having the time or patience to clean that much, she shrugged and said I would be very unlucky in the new year. Full stop. I immediately got out the vacuum cleaner. See More About:  speed cleaning  cleaning schedules  time management Is a Rabbit the Right Pet for You? We're coming up to the Year of the Rabbit, which begs the question: Is a rabbit the right pet for you and your family? If you're considering adding a new member to your family, find out what to expect, where to adopt and how to care for your long-eared friend. See More About:  rabbits  choosing a pet  rabbit photos House & Home Ads Chinese New Year Chinese Celebrations Chinese Traditions Chinese Calendar Chinese Zodiac Featured Articles Laundry Tips for the Chinese New Year How to Grow Lucky Bamboo Throwing a Super Bowl Party? Good Neighbor Tips How to Economically Fix a Car Dent Home Furnishing Trends for 2011 How to Declutter in 2011   More from About.com Over the Counter Cold Medications How to choose the right medication for your cold and flu symptoms. More> Should Kids Get Flu Shots? Think your child is too healthy to need a flu shot? Think again. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement