I'm lazy. 

::gasp::

But I love pretty things. So what's a girl to do? Pretty + No Work = Quite a Dilemma.

Enter Beatriz Ball.

It's silver. But it never needs to be polished.

Yeah. You read that correctly. Never. Ever.

Did I mention that you can bake in it? And put it in the refrigerator? Because you can. 

It's handmade and it's at Total Bliss. Perfect for a lazy girl like me :)

- Kate

Hi, Kate.

If you're like me, then you do it too. Do you have one of these areas in your home/garage/store?

Yeah. I do too. It's difficult to find that perfect shade of paint. And even more difficult to estimate how much the project will necessitate. And it's nice to have a little left over (not that I ever smudge walls - or worse, cause that unsightly divot when I move furniture around and smack into the wall.) But space is precious in my house. So I say, "Let's stand up and reclaim our paint closets/shelves/etc! Are you with me?!?!"

Ok. That may have been a bit dramatic. But you get the idea.

Brooklyn Limestone posted this great project. Yes, it may be time consuming but it's worth it. Pros: A) Going through "the stash" helps decide what needs to be kept and what can be discarded.* B) Taking the time to touch up all of those smudges and dings around the house. C) Reclaiming that "lost" area of your home. Now the paint cans are smaller (and therefore take up less room) and pretty enough to be kept in plain sight. Double Bonus: Now you have more room to store all those other craft supplies (You know - the ones you're too embarrassed to show your significant other/roommate.)

*If you decide to purge that paint, please do it responsibly. Here are some tips.

- Kate

paint storage - Here

I know; I know. I'm 22 years old. I recently graduated college. And what do I want? Cross stitch. In my defense it's in my blood. My grandmother won awards for her beautiful embroidery work. She did countless pieces, all of which are treasured possessions. But the stuff I'm after is a tad bit different.

Now don't get me wrong - I love a good sampler. I'm serious; no sarcasm intended. Nevertheless I continue to see these fun (almost mischievously so) needlecraft pieces. I love how they flirt with such a traditional concept.

1. Fawn and Flower Wall Wear - neawear 2. Chair Silhouette Applique - crazybutcute 3. Tree Stump - miniaturerhino 4. Jellyfish Brooch - HareandDrum 

And my favorite...

Sorry guys. This one's not even for sale. LaGidgette

- Kate

- Kate

BR Vintage Logo Tote - Here

Most everyone has these thoughts. We want a change but then we get to a store and are overwhelmed. We like everything and suddenly our plan is out the window. 

May I make a suggestion?

Make an inspiration board! It sounds much more intimidating than it is, trust me. An inspiration board is a collection of magazine clippings/fabric samples/paint chips/ANYTHING that inspires you. It's called a board because some people attach them to cork boards. That's not a requirement though. My favorites are taped to the back of my bedroom door. I've seen some glued into legal file folders. That part is up to you. 

So how do you make one? It's easy. When searching online, through magazines, and photographs, save things that inspire you. Doesn't go with anything you currently have? Don't like the colors of the sofa but love the lines? Save it! It doesn't matter. It inspires you.

Now, next time you're ready to make a change (small or big) to your home, reference these items. Do you notice any trends? Lots ocean views? Maybe you should try some relaxing blues paired with crisp, clear glassware. Lots of natural light, fresh flowers, and layers of soft linen? Perhaps you like the classic look of country cottages. Whatever the style, you'll be at ease because you have examples to (1) look back on and, (2) show others - like designers and store employees. 

- Kate

Board 1 - Here

Board 2 - Here

Board 3 - Here

Such a great DIY! Branches are hung from string attached to eyehooks in the ceiling. Favorite necklaces then can be displayed when not being worn.

Less of a DIY but breathtaking nonetheless. 

I splurged on this modern, lucite jewelry holder earlier this year. 

- Kate

Hanging Branches Jewelry Holder - Here

Branch Jewelry Stand - Here

Lucite Branches Jewelry Stand - Here

But seriously. It's snowing.

- Kate

"Since I was a young girl, I have been obsessed both with collecting and with arranging, organizing and displaying my collections. This is my attempt to document my collections, both the real and the imagined....The only rule is that I must photograph or draw a whole or part of a collection each day for 365 days and post the result here on this blog."

I love this idea.

- Kate

Because…we do. 

It’s hanging in the front window, draped through a metal screen, and spread across multiple tables. It may sound crazy but I promise it looks good. Even (dare I say it?) elegant.

Paired with fresh botanicals, rough woods, and glass it lends sophistication to a “garden/cottage” look. 

Stenciled with a fleur-de-lis or used as the upholstery of a Louis XVI chair, it playfully loosens the tie of an otherwise stuffy room.

Can you tell how much I love this trend? Seriously. Stop me before I buy these.

- Kate

*Burlap Chair seen here - DesignSponge

-Kate