LIFESTYLE Just some tidbits on the non-house related stuff we got goin' on!
Deal of the Day Shopping for Moms and Kids!
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October 12th, 2012 I can’t believe we’re almost half way through October and I have not yet talked about fall home decor. I’m going to blame it on the fact that summer was seriously just like two minutes ago, right?
So I personally lean more towards the understated look when it comes to placing seasonal decorative items around the house, otherwise I feel like it’s a constant announcement that “Thanksgiving is upon us!!!!”. However I have seen a few in-your-face yet amazing ideas on good ol’ Pinterest, so no judgment here.
But if you don’t have the energy, money or storage space to go crazy, here are a few simple ideas to add a bit of holiday and season to your house!
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“Step” it up a bit with simple pumpkins and mums!
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I might throw a Halloween party just so I can do this.
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Orange not in your color pallet? No problemo.
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Who said you needed to stick with spooky faces? Let’s get classy with our carving!
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Or involve the kiddos! Collect leaves and display (and reuse the frames once the season is over)
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Better here than in my belly 
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So now I want to know… What do you do for fall decor in your home?
October 11th, 2012 If you read a lot of home decor blogs, this probably isn’t news to you, but just in case you didn’t hear the great news… Zara has launched it’s home decor line!
I already love their clothes, so wasn’t too surprised that their home line is pretty freakin great too. And a lot is super affordable!
Head on over to see for yourself: Zara Home
Or feast on some home eye candy right here.
Source: Zara Home
October 10th, 2012 Fall has arrived, which means it’s finally boot season!!!
I have a slight boot buying problem (thank god The Cleanse is here) and so I was super excited when I saw this simple yet genius way of keeping my boots looking good all season long. Check out the Pin & Tell Party (and submit your own ideas!) for more info on this simple organization solution, by clicking here.
And here is the idea in action!
Before, sad boots….
After, happy boots!
Tools needed? Manilla folders, and 10 minutes!
BAM! Bring on the boots!
October 8th, 2012 This one is for all the DIY guys and gals out there!
Albeit expensive, purchasing quality power tools is usually a great investment for tackling house projects, as it often saves you boat loads of time and energy. However with many of us now turning first to online stores to make our purchases, how do you know what you’re getting is what you really want?
Insert Gizmodo’s 9 tips on “How to Buy Power Tools Online without Getting Screwed”
I believe the pun is intended.
Click here for the tips.
Click here for other Tips from the Man Cave!
Brought to you by Dr. T.
October 5th, 2012 After hours of craigslist searching, way many trips made to Ace Hardware and Home Depot, and countless evenings in the basement sanding, staining, drinking wine, stripping and painting, my dream dining room set is done! And well…
I. Am. Hungry.
Let’s recap quickly.
1. First came the table. Check out the shady quest and DIY instructions here.
2. Next it was the bench. Read all about its journey from Craigslist to my basement, to my dining room here.
3. Then of course, it was the chairs…. those (bleepin) chairs that I thought would be an easy completion to my vision but turned out to be quite a project. Read about the trials and tribulations of online deals, turned project here.
And the result? Blog drum roll please….
My farmhouse style dining room set!!!
We will eventually buy (or refinish) two end chairs, but that is not on the short list of projects, so for now it’s time to just enjoy!
Compared to this Pottery Barn table, which goes for $1600 with OUT the chairs??? I’m pretty happy.
Alright, who’s coming for dinner?
October 3rd, 2012 Anyone need a TV stand? Because apparently we are now “too cool” to have our TVs anywhere near the floor and have a few to giveaway. Also my husband found this super secret website that sells TV mounts for “wicked” cheap… So of course we need to buy one for every TV in the house.
FYI: The website is monoprice.com.
Wanna see? Of course you do!
Here is the TV area of our bedroom before we got super slick and upgraded to a flat screen. This is also before we had window shades. Hello neighbors!!!
And here is the new TV being mounted on the wall…. It’s Mr. TV Head!!! I was dying laughing while taking this photo. Meanwhile poor Tony was doing all the heavy lifting on what also happened to be the hottest day of the summer…
And here is the final product! In addition to getting rid of that clunky TV and stand, there is now ample space for Roxy and her dog bed. I mean, priorities people.
Oh wait, why stop there? Yeah, we are now the official TV mounting capital of greater Boston.
Living room:
Kitchen:
Now what to do with all of this extra floor space?
October 2nd, 2012 Welcome Jackie and Rachel to The Cleanse 2012 Challenge!
I am so excited to have a whole group of dedicated ladies this year who will be taking on the challenge with me. I know it’s only been one day, but how are you all doing so far? I personally find the temptation to be the hardest part, especially as my inbox floods with “deal of the day” emails, which of course all seem to include that “perfect item”. Damn.
So here are a few tips I learned last year that will hopefully help you get through the next 30 days!
1. No “window shopping” – even the online kind! Don’t tempt yourself… Use that time to take a walk, read a book, or catch up with old friends!
2. If you find a “must have” item, write it down! In 30 days, if you’re still thinking about it (which you likely won’t be) buy it! Hey, it might even be on sale then!
3. Rethink what you already have! A can of spray paint and a needle and thread can go a long way, so be creative with updating items already lying around the house!
1 down, 30 to go (Yes, October has 31 days!)…. So what cleansing tips work for you?
October 1st, 2012 It’s time people!
I’m so excited to have a handful of ladies who will be participating in the October cleanse!
Note: Kelly gets a free pass to buy a Halloween costume for her new baby!!! Check him out here, he is seriously the cutest.
I will be checking in with you all throughout the month here to see how you’re doing, but don’t hesitate to leave comments, vent sessions, or words of wisdom here on the blog!
For those just tuning in who have no idea what I’m talking about, click here to join the fun! It’s not too late to participate… Leave your name in the comments below if you want to join the party!
We can do this!!!
xoxo
Jenny
September 28th, 2012 I am beyond excited to spotlight Etsy shop owner Alexis today, who is the artistic genius behind My Urban Cabin. Her eye for decor is not only on trend, but incredibly meaningful, and I am this close to purchasing just about everything from her shop. So while I try and evoke some self-restraint, let’s check her out!
 
Inhale deep. Take a really good whiff. Do you smell that? I do. It’s the sweet aroma of antique wood in all its glorious mustiness. It’s been my favorite scent since I was five years old and over the years has entranced me time and time again.
Greetings! My name’s Alexis and I am wild about frequenting every estate sale, antique store, flea market, thrift store, street corner, and friend’s mom’s friend’s basement in my path. I am always out for the same pursuit- to continue collecting; lovingly cramming my small New York City apartment with items I believe possess a soul. I love wondering where an old coffee mug has been and where it will sail to next. I love telling someone “I found that on the side of the highway on a road trip down to Florida.”. But most of all, I love when something special passes through my hands and I have the opportunity to share it with others. Enter the newest form of therapy- My Urban Cabin- my personally curated online store of vintage home items that make me smile, powered by Etsy (conveniently my other obsession).
While I have an undeniably strong attraction to just about any item that brings me back to the days of summer camp – think carved wood and handmade pottery, I am also totally inspired by sleek modern treasures. My love affair with lucite started back in 2003 after a fluke run in with the most beautiful serving tray I’ve ever laid eyes on. “It’s lucite, ya know?” the sales lady at the Salvation Army thrift store said to me quite casually as I ran my hand over the slick edges, mouth wide open, heart captured. “Lucite.” I repeated nodding slowly. I didn’t buy it, as I was in college and likely on a hunt for some appliance I was in desperate need of- maybe a used coffee maker or a George Forman grill?- but that encounter with my beloved thermoplastic will forever capture my heart. Today, I am happy to report I almost never pass up anything that brings me that same joy and I couldn’t be more proud to share the finds with the world through my shop. Stop by some time and check out what makes me beam ear to ear every day.
Just a few of the gems currently in her shop…
  
You love her too, right???
Well lucky you because now through the end of November all HFoP readers will receive 10% off the order from My Urban Cabin!
To receive the discount just enter the code HFOP10 at checkout.
Thanks for stopping by, Alexis and can’t wait to see what goods you find next!
September 26th, 2012 [Sorry for those who received this post earlier last week... technical difficulties here!!!!]
I love it when people come up with the simplest “why didn’t I think of that” solutions to your every day problems, and this closet organization trick from Ray and Jen gave me a serious “ah ha” moment. And since next month starts the The Cleanse again, I thought what better time to talk about clothing giveaway strategies?
So these adorable bloggers came up with this genius plan to easily sort out the clothing they wear (keep) and the stuff that just sits there looking pretty on the hanger (giveaway).
Start by turning all of your closet hangers backwards. This will take you all of 2 minutes. Just do it. Then when you wear an item, return it the right way. And no cheating! Wearing means putting on the garment and leaving the house, so those pre-going out fashion shows you put on where you try on everything in your closet (guilty) do not count!
Then every 6 months, year, or even season, take whatever is still backwards in your closet and march it right on down to Good Will!
Here is proof of Ray and Jen’s trick. Check them out HERE!
So what clothing organization or giveaway strategies work for you?
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