DECORATING WITH JEANIE -- QUICK 'N EASY AUTUMN CENTERPIECE

Today decorating editor Jeanie Sims tells you how to make an autumn centerpiece if you have little money and not a creative bone in your body. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia! One of the quickest ways to spruce up your home for any holiday is with a theme-inspired centerpiece. However, many people cringe at the thought because for them it means spending a fortune on a pre-made centerpiece from the florist, craft, or gift shop. They think they can’t possibly create something on their own and therefore, never try.

Frankly, this is one of the easiest decorating tricks in the book and takes absolutely no talent. Really. Even if you’re all thumbs.

Here’s how you make the autumn centerpiece shown in the photo or one similar to it:

First, find an appropriate container. You don’t have to spend a dime. Everyone has baskets sitting on a shelf in the basement, in a closet, or up in the attic, right? Don’t have one the right size or color? Think outside the box. Literally. Cover a shoe box with wrapping paper. Use several clay flower pots grouped together. Even a serving bowl will work.

Next take a trip to your local crafts store or big box store. Purchase an assortment of fake leaves, greenery, and gourds. Or pick some autumn leaves, pine cones, and evergreen branches from your backyard and buy some real gourds at the supermarket. However, if you buy the fake stuff, you’ll be able to reuse the items year after year.

Now, here’s the easiest part -- take what you purchased and fill your container. Just dump the stuff in. That’s all there is to it! Don’t believe me? Give it a try. You’ll wind up with something that looks like you spent $50 when you really only spent around $5.

Want to craft a centerpiece without spending even that much? The next time you go for a walk around your neighborhood, take a bag with you and collect the pine cones strewn over the ground. When you get home, fill a basket with them. Voila! Instant, cost-free centerpiece! Want to jazz it up a bit? brush the tips with white paint and sprinkle on some silver or gold glitter.

Thanks, Jeanie! What great ideas! So readers, how many of your are going to give these simple decorating tricks a try? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment to be entered in this week’s drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

FASHION WITH ERICA -- LEOPARD PRINTS

Assistant fashion editor Erica Milano joins us today to discuss one of fashion’s latest trends. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. Have you noticed that everywhere you turn lately, it’s leopard this and leopard that? Leopard prints are once again a sizzling fashion trend. I don’t mean real leopard fur, mind you. The world doesn’t need the demise of another glorious species. I’m talking about leopard prints. 

They’re everywhere! From couture to K-Mart. And not just for women’s fashions. Guys are wearing leopard. Kids are wearing leopard. 

You’ll see leopard print accessories on everything from handbags to umbrellas to costume jewelry. Nail salons are featuring leopard print nail designs.

Even our homes are wearing leopard. Designers have embraced the leopard print with a passion rarely seen for any other decorative print. You can now find it in everything from wallpaper to lampshades to USB jump drives.

Want to be a fashionista? Think leopard the next time you’re out shopping. You’ll be the height of fashion.

Thanks, Erica. I know I’ve seen leopard everywhere lately, too. What about you readers? Are you partial to leopard prints? Where have you seen them? Have you bought anything with a leopard print design? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment this week to be entered in the drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

FASHION WITH ERICA -- FALL FASHION TRENDS

Assistant fashion editor Erica Milano is back today with some of the hot trends you’ll see in fashion this fall. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia! I know it’s still August and probably 90 degrees in the shade wherever you’re reading this, but in only a few weeks you’ll be dragging those sweaters out of the closet and heading off to the mall to spruce up your wardrobe for the cold months ahead.

In fashion everything old is new again, and that’s so true for this year. Military fashion will be all the rage throughout the autumn and into the winter, but this is not your mother’s or even your big sister’s military inspired clothes. I’m not talking about those overly decorated military fashions of yesterday inspired by the Georgian and Victorian periods. Today’s military fashion takes its inspiration from the 20 ^th century. Styles will be functional and understated.

Some of the trends you’ll be seeing in stores are lots and lots of army green, some navy blue, military style jackets (especially leather aviator jackets,) and shearling used to accentuate collars and adorn boots. And speaking of boots, the hottest trend in boots will be the over-the-knee and thigh-high styles.

Thanks to pauperdom, I’ll be making due with what’s in my closet, but thanks for the trends report, Erica. I’m sure many of our readers will be sporting new military garb in offices throughout the country. Let's hear from you. Post a comment to be eligible for a free book this week from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP