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I’ve told you before how I love find new ways to use ordinary things I have in my home. Today I’m going to share a few more with you, though I can’t claim credit for them. These are things I’ve seen in magazines, on the Web, even in my friends’ homes - and I just couldn’t wait to try them in my home.

The first is using a toothbrush holder as a flower vase. Use a toothbrush holder with a covered top that has four holes in it. Stick a flower in each hole and voila, instant flower arrangement. Of course, before you try this you’ll want to make sure all of the dried toothpaste is scrubbed off the holder.

The next idea is using wineglasses as candle holders. Using glasses with a thick wall, place votive candles inside. Use sand or very small pebbles to create an earthy bed for the candles to lie in. The look is interesting, elegant and romantic.

One unique idea is to use binder clips to display photos or postcards. You can either stand the clips on their metal legs and insert the picture into the clip, or have the clip lying flat-side down with the pictures in between the metal legs. This has a very modern look to it. You will want to use smaller pictures, as large ones would fold over.

And you know those bulletin board squares you usually use to tack up notes or bills on? Repurpose them into jewelry holders. Decorative push pins add some glamour, and then you can hang up your necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

So there you have it, just a few of the creative ways you can use everyday items. Cheaper than buying the real thing, and you’ll feel so decoratively clever, even if the ideas did come from a magazine or website. I won’t tell.

Happy decorating, Amy

Sharing decorating ideas with friends, reading blogs or poring over your decorating magazines are great ways to get home design and decor ideas, but sometimes you need real inspiration. One of my favorite spring and fall events is our local parade of homes. I can’t wait to walk through these showplaces, admiring the lush decorating, fine details and better-than-last-year’s floorplans. What better way to get ideas first hand?

If you’re not familiar with the “Parade” idea, it is generally something like this — builders offer up their model homes to be part of a parade so that potential buyers and looky-loos walk through the homes. The builders only pick their best work for the parade and these homes are decorated to the nines. It is a perfect to way to experience the new trends in decorating and building. Many civic organizations do similar events with home or garden tours for fundraisers throughout the year. Those are also a great way to become inspired.

Here are a list of some parades and tours around the country. I’m sure your area has one, too. Have fun looking and regards!

Central Oklahoma: http://www.paradeofhomesok.com/

Central Pennsylvania: http://www.paparadeofhomes.com/Details.aspx

Dallas: http://www.paradeofhomesdallas.com/

Denver: http://www.paradeofhomesdenver.com/

Kansas City: http://www.kchba.org/shows/shows.shtml

Key West: http://www.oirf.org/events/tours.htm

Minnesota: http://www.paradeofhomes.org/parade-home/parade-home-search.aspx

Northern Virginia: http://www.vaparadeofhomes.com/about_parade.html

Orlando: http://www.paradeofhomesorlando.com/parade.cfm

West Texas: http://www.lubbocknewhomes.com/Parade08/

Hello all! I am excited to get my blog started to share some of the great items I have found over the years which may help you get started on your next decorating project. I will be covering items inside and outside the house and hopefully providing valuable decor ideas. Some of the upcoming posts will include items such as contemporary kitchen designs, living room decor and even kitchen remodeling. But before I get too far, one of the next posts will hopefully be very valuable to you - a few of the best places to buy high-quality housewares and decor on a budget. I look forward to interacting with the readers of this blog and sharing great ideas.