Oh Happy Day!

I know this won't be life altering for anyone, but my new chalk pens made my day yesterday.

I bought these chalkboard labels awhile back and didn't love the combination of chalk + my less than stellar handwriting.  After I finally found a set of chalk pens online, I knew it was a match made in heaven.

via

via

It's the little things, right?!?

Cheers,
Jessie

Whatever Wednesday!

I don't know if it is the weather or just wintertime blues in general, but I'm dreaming of warm sandy beaches and evenings out in adult clothes with long lingering meals.  So in honor of my fantasy world, let us dream together...

If we are dreaming, we may as well dream of my beach ready bod!

via

via

WAY above my pay grade, but I still thinking I could seriously rock it!

via

I'm not sure if I love the top/ jewelry combo most or her tan?!?

via

Oh well, back to reality, I promise to get out of my funk soon... or just book a vacation!

Cheers,
Jessie

And The Winner Is...

I'm sure you have all seen by now that Pantone named Emerald Green as THE color of the year for 2013.  Anyone else curious about what the heck that means?

via

Should I remove all other colors from my wardrobe?  Or go out and buy all new emerald decor?  (I can hear Hootie cursing under his breath right about now.)

While I do generally gravitate towards green, I also hate to be too trendy in my home selections.  However, we can only assume that I will purchase a few items over the next 12 months in the beloved color of the moment.  Here's to wishing I could take it to the extreme...

via

via

via

I guess what this really means is I'll need a new pair of colored jeans in Emerald green!

Cheers,
Jessie

I'm Stuck!

I'm thinking of making the switch to a magnetic knife strip and I'm a little perplexed... not sure if this will help us save space, cause more clutter or just give me one more reason to be anal about displaying things.  Hootie is terrified that knives will just fall from the wall, but I find that hardly unlikely.  

via

Right now, we are stuck with the giant knife block that was basically a starter set for kitchen newbies.  I don't love the way it looks, but it functions just fine so do I forgo the block or maybe paint it a fun color?  I don't think we need to hold on to all of them especially when valuable counter space is being compromised.

via

The other problem is what to choose... does Ikea work just as well as Williams Sonoma?  Do we want a metal finish as opposed to adding a little flair with wood or a pattern?  The choices are endless.

via

via

via

Anyone out there have a preference one way or the other?  Do you have a magnetic strip that you love? Or think it is more hassle than it is worth?  Of course if we go the magnetic route than I for sure need a new utensil holder and I LOVE this one!  Decision, decisions.

via

Cheers, 

Jessie

It's Easy as... ABC

I've only ever had this feeling one other time... it was the first time I stepped foot into an Anthro and I was immediately in love.  Well, it happened again in NYC, but this time at ABC Carpet & Home.  To be fair, I had visited the store once before many moons ago without the same reaction.  Something was different this time... something magical!

via

Obviously, the giant sale sign had something to do with the experience, but SIX floors of beautiful home decor put me completely over the top!

Due to a certain husband that wasn't quite as enthused as I was, we only made it to the first 3 floors... but I'll definitely be back.  If you haven't been, the store has everything you can imagine and more.  I loved the Tibetan Art & Crafts area.  

And there is a section dedicated to vintage mid-century modern furniture.  I guess they're the ones snatching up all the good stuff on Craigslist!

via

Despite my stellar arguments for a new dining room table, Hootie was not sold on the $10,000 one I had selected.  (Remember - you don't ask, you don't know.)

via

If you are ever in NYC, I highly recommend going to ABC Carpet & Home just for the experience only even if you aren't buying.  They have done an incredible job of combining vintage with modern, sleek with rustic and awesome with more awesome!

via

via

via

Cannot wait to go back (and buy more than my 3 small vases)!

Cheers,

Jessie

PS - As a small side note, I did lose my iPhone while wandering aimlessly through the store, but due to excellent customer service and my superstar sister the phone was retrieved and disaster averted (unless you count the fact that we didn't get to hit up the Anthro in Soho).  

You Want How Much... ?!?

Apologies to my adoring public, I didn't mean to take such a long break last week, but man did I need it. NYC was fabulous. We ate, we slept, we argued with street vendors... and I couldn't get enough. I know it isn't for everyone, but I LOVE to haggle.

We hit up a few flea markets while we were there and I put my skills to good use.  I like to do an initial sweep of the merchandise and then come back in for the kill.  Yes, I can be competitive and yes, I certainly like to win.  My personal favorite was an open air market in a small parking lot.  While I spent my time searching for hidden gems, Hootie spent about 30 minutes searching for bobble heads and a VHS tape of Rad.  (He had zero luck with either.)

Not exactly sure what is being sold here, but I needed a picture regardless.  

We also made our first journey to Brooklyn which I highly recommend.  We visited the Brooklyn Flea which is housed in an old bank and is what you would imagine if Etsy was an actual store.  Awesome!

When all was said and done, I added these little treasures to my collection...

Love that enamel bowl and love my ABC Home vases too!

You might notice I was in the mood for boxes.  I guess I inspired myself during organization week.

I'm not sure why our bathroom feels more sophisticated with a matchbox cover, but I like it.

Using this little number to house a Christmas present of Hootie's.  I guess you could say I bought a present for my present.  Win-win!

I've got a special project in mind for this little guy... if only I can get my act together.  (PS... It actually came with the dried mustard. Gross!)

My pride and joy... I bargained hard and the dealer only gave me the stink eye once, but this beauty came home with me.  Too bad that I bought it first thing in the morning and had to carry it around all day.  

I can honestly say that I didn't think I would be coming home with a matchbox cover and assorted tins, but that's the beauty of the flea market (and tough negotiations).  Happy scouring!

Cheers,

Jessie

Who's Cool? I'm Cool!

Hahaha!  I couldn't resist... I so rarely do cool things these days that I have to gloat when I get to spend a long weekend in NYC with Hootie and NO Monster!  Obviously, I miss my little crazy man, but it is great to not be on a schedule.  Can I get an AMEN?!?  Holla!

Assuming all goes well, I'll have some great info on NYC flea markets later this week!

via

Cheers,

Jessie

Work It, Girl (or Guy)!

All right, we have come to our final lesson for organization week.

Rule #4. WORK IT!

I hate to point out the obvious, but all your hard work chunking (sorry!), sorting and organizing will be worth zilch if you don't stay consistent.  We've looked at a lot of beautiful spaces this week (including our garage) so today I'm focusing on how I keep our system at home working for us.

The dreaded back door depot... Not everyone has the space for the beloved mudroom, but by adding a few fun hooks we've been able to corral purses, bags, jackets, etc to the spot where they need to be.

What about all those black tie invites kid party invites, toddler drawings and general junk you gotta hold onto?  Think cork board.  It's a one stop shop.  If you don't have the wall space, think about adding a piece of cork to the inside of your kitchen cabinets.

via

I've been asked this question many times, "Where is your junk pile?"  We certainly have one, but it's been relegated to the corner... across from the recycling bin.  See how this is all coming together?!?

But what about all that kid crap stuff?  I recommend allocating one piece of furniture, a giant basket or whatever you have handy and making that toy land.  Plus, the kiddos know that space belongs to them and they know where to put things when cleaning up (assuming you can get them to do that)!

Anybody else have a box of old photos lurking about in the closet?  Are you really going to scrapbook them from 10 years ago?  If not, put them on display.  Our newest fascination is this little box we added that houses all old photos from the last 10+ years.  It's great to see people come over and peek inside. (We're all nosy when we can get away with it.)  But we dig through, laugh at ourselves and enjoy taking a mini-trip down memory lane.

I'll be completely honest.  Our organization definitely wavers from time to time, but as a whole I think keeping an organized home has meant a more organized family and who doesn't need that?

Cheers,
Jessie

Baskets Are A Girl's Best Friend!

I know that is not how the phrase goes, but in this instance it could not be more true... 

Rule #3. BEAUTIFY!

Now that you've chunked (poor phrasing, I know) and sorted, it's time to make a pretty little home for all that stuff.  Let's be honest, does anyone ever really have enough storage space?  And aren't we all jealous of those Pinterest images of built-ins and custom cabinetry... but let's get real.  That's expensive. I know.  I'm dying for built-ins in our bedroom.

via

There is no point in hiding kid toys or dog toys or everything in-between.  The key is to find affordable solutions that are both functional and nice to see.  Hence, the baskets!  And at the end of the day, it makes clean up a breeze.  

via

via

What about all those pictures that don't have a home in an album?  Find a cool box or a large bowl and throw them all in there.  Make it an artsy focal point rather than hiding them in a closet where you will never look at them.  

via

Have a beautiful serving tray that is taking up too much space in the kitchen?  Than get that bad boy out and hang it on the wall for all to see (and compliment you on your fabulous style).  

via

via

Think outside the box.  You love your stuff for a reason so think of a cool way to show it off!

Cheers,

Jessie