Archive for look
A New Look and A New Journey
Posted by: | CommentsHi everyone! I’m back after a much needed break from blogging as well as a major reassessment of why I want to blog. Thanks to the fabulous Nicole Bateman of the Pixel Boutique for my beautiful new banner.
I began blogging about three years ago with the idea that I’d have content to support my business. A few months ago I was left feeling that I wanted to blog for different reasons. Mainly, I love to have the creative outlet and I want to inspire myself and others.
I was really having trouble deciding how to approach a new format and a series of short chats with my very wise friend Karla helped it take shape. We were discussing our kids and that I’m amazed with how quickly my girls are growing and how many things I feel like I still need to teach them. Thinking about it later, I decided that there is absolutely no way I can teach my girls everything they need to know. However, what I can show them is a love for learning how to do new things, a love for being inspired by something small and not being afraid to let it take you someplace new. I can teach them that trying something new might not be a perfect path, but one worth taking nonetheless. This is the path I want to take for myself and for my girls.
This new format is also a place for me to find that wonderful 20 something fearless energy. A place for me to try new things just because I want to. It might be something as simple as discovering (or rediscovering) music and art, or maybe a new adventure like a cooking class. I’ll still give new ideas for inspiration around the house but I’ll be challenging myself to do more and discover more. I hope that I can inspire you to try a few new things along the way.
Please share your discoveries with me and send me your ideas for new things to try.
Best,
Kristin
There’s an App For That – Wellness
Posted by: | CommentsIf a healthier lifestyle/mindset is on your “to do” list for 2012, then take a look at this informative and inspiring application from Cleveland Clinic.
Find quick ideas for a fast paced world. Enjoy wellness on-the-go with their award winning and FREE iPhone app! I have this on my phone and I must admit it is fun to read them while waiting to pick up the kids.
Daily Tip
Or, Experience a calm mind amidst an active lifestyle. This app is currently $1.99. Let me know if you try them!
Stress Meditations
Wine Rack Towel Holder
Posted by: | CommentsA wine rack as a towel holder is a very clever solution for those of us out there with small bathrooms. It is also a great solution for a guest bath or kids bathroom. Take a look at the clever ideas below and get inspired!
First via Sundance catalog – this version is no longer available but I’m certain you can find something similar
Thrifty and Chic has a wonderful DIY wine rack towel holder, so swing by for directions
Another great option via BHG
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/budget-decorating/cheap/free-decorating-for-every-room/#page=24
Clever Ideas for a Simple Tension Rod
Posted by: | CommentsI love new and creative uses for simple household items. Who would have thought that a tension rod could be so versatile? Something traditionally used to hang curtains can support cleaning solutions, photographs and pans. Take a look and let me know your favorite.
Tension rod to support baking sheets
Tension rod to hold cleaning supplies
Source: smg.photobucket.com via Kristin on Pinterest
Tension rod for hanging photos
Source: crissyscrafts.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest
Tension rod to hold ribbon
Source: miscellaneousme.wordpress.com via Kristin on Pinterest
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Posted by: | CommentsI love Mother’s Day. In my home it is not about lavish gifts or expensive jewelry. It is all about what the kids, (and my hubby) come up with as a simple and handmade surprise. The proud look on my girls’ faces when they present their creation is priceless and THAT is what Mother’s Day is about for me.
My husband can’t cook….at all. Last year my breakfast in bed consisted of Dunkin Donuts, coffee, fruit and cereal. The girls were so excited, so I ate all that sugar and washed it down with all that caffeine and it couldn’t have been more wonderful. My gift was paper flowers that they made from a Paper Source kit and they put them in a beautiful vase. The flowers are still displayed, that’s how much it meant. Actually, the best part was listening to all of them giggle as they assembled the flowers in the next room.
I have a few low budget and simple ideas for you below. Some are handmade ideas and some are fun things to purchase. Remember to keep it thoughtful and let the kids gets get involved. For more ideas please visit my Mother’s Day board on Pinterest.
DIY Vases
Source: modernparentsmessykids.com via Kristin on Pinterest
Name Stones
Make your own sachet
I love this tote bag idea from Martha Stewart
Source: marthastewart.com via Kristin on Pinterest
Adorable key chain pouch from Waterstone Jewlery – Honey, are you reading this??
The Perfect Hanger
Posted by: | CommentsI just performed a little closet face-lift and I couldn’t be more pleased. My closet was not in bad shape. I had all of my clothes relatively organized. All of my sweaters, tops and blouses were arranged by color and very easy to find. However, I still had the clunky white plastic hangers and so it just always looked messy to me. I’ve had my sights set on these little Huggable Hangers from the Container Store, but they seemed a little pricey. I found a very similar hanger at HomeGoods and they were less expensive. I’m thrilled. An inexpensive way to spruce up my closet. Believe it or not, I created more room by just changing out the hangers and the uniform look that it gives really makes my closet look more organized.
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- Closet Before
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- Closet After
Perfectly Savvy Finds
Posted by: | CommentsThis week I’m asking you to take a look at your bedroom. Of all the rooms in your home, the bedroom should be a haven or place of calm and rest. One easy way to achieve this is to reduce the clutter. Begin this weekend by cleaning and clearing out your bedside table or nightstand. I love the look of a nightstand with only one drawer and very limited items. Lamp, book, clock, candle and lotion. What else to you need before you go to bed? Take a look at some of these fun options, especially the wall mounted version from Ikea – very clever and cool.
Christmas? Really?
Posted by: | CommentsI spent a relaxing morning catching up on some work and reading blogs, email, Facebook etc… My jaw about hit the floor when I stumbled upon a post where the blogger was urging their readers to begin planning for Christmas. Trust me, I’m all for thinking ahead and planning, but Christmas? Certainly there might be situations where you need to begin thinking about the holiday season. If you travel then it might be wise to look for airfare, or perhaps setting aside a date for your party. This particular post was focused on party and meal planning for Christmas and I do feel that for most people this is too far ahead to begin planning. Back to school and a busy fall are enough for me and I certainly do not need to add holiday pressure to the mix.
Here are a few suggestions for dealing with the present while still being able to keep an eye on the months ahead;
1. Sit down at the start of each school year and make certain all the dates are entered into a family calendar. Most schools have an online calendar to reference so that you can enter school events, holidays and conference dates.
2. Toward the middle of each month, take time to look at the month (or two) ahead. Are there special events that need to be planned, do you need a sitter, do you have conflicting dental or after school appointments? Make a list of everything that needs to be sorted/fixed for the upcoming month.
3. SYNC – my husband and I are able to sync our calendars. I have his work calendar and he has our home calendar ALL TOGETHER. The sync happens automatically (MobileMe I love you) so it is one less thing on my list.
4. Every Sunday look at the week ahead and every night look at the day ahead. There’s still time to put out the fire if you double-check what lies ahead.
What happens in your home? Do you plan way ahead, or take it a month or two at a time like us? Keep in mind that planning is a wonderful skill to have, but you also need to able to roll with the changes and let life happen.
Fashion Sense – A Savvy Interview
Posted by: | CommentsIt is a very exciting day at the Imperfect Home – my first interview. Kathie Bortnem, a Minneapolis based fashion consultant and style expert has been kind enough to answer a few of my burning questions. Kathie has just redesigned and refocused her site and we recently sat down for a chat. LuLu’s Webtique is a site devoted to women, health, beauty and fashion. I wanted Kathie to address ways to streamline a closet and to focus on how we can buy fewer items instead of filling our closets with items we never wear. Please check out her site this week and I hope you enjoy the interview!
Kristin: What do you consider versatile pieces of clothing? Are there certain items that work well with most wardrobes?
Kathie: The most important (versatile) pieces in a wardrobe are unquestionably premium jeans, a great jacket and a crisp white shirt. If you have these 3 items, you have covered all your fashion bases. By that I mean…a great fitting (premium) jean simply shows that you “get” fashion and the fit on them is superb! A great jacket adds pizzazz and elevates your look.
Kristin: What are some good questions to ask when organizing and streamlining a closet? How can we determine what to keep and what should be donated?
Streamlining your closet is easy but usually with the help of a pro. Why? Because we are either attached to the wrong clothes or attached to the money we spent to get them. If you haven’t worn something in a couple of years…put it in the Goodwill pile. Now, of course there are exceptions, but generally there are good reasons why clothes collect dust. Maybe you bought it because it was on sale and it goes with nothing! Or, you bought it for the weight were going to be? Whatever the reason, donate, you’ll feel better.
Kristin: Not everyone can afford designer clothes. Do you have any tips or tricks that can make clothes from Target or other retailers look more high-end?
On a budget but want the latest looks? Thank goodness for Target! They have all the latest styles for a fraction of what you’d pay at traditional stores. Here’s the deal…do your homework (or hire a shopper) and go through several fashion magazines and identify a look that you want and go for it! Target has great tee’s and tops to go with your Premium jeans and jacket. Target is also a good store to buy leggings and over-sized tops. I love this look but I don’t spend big money for it. Too trendy! Spend $ on things that are classic that will outlive the latest trends. Here’s my list: designer/premium jeans, a nice handbag, a great jacket, a white shirt, black boots and a classic trench coat.
Kitchen Binder
Posted by: | CommentsI love three-ring binders. They are a fantastic tool for organizing papers and maintaining easy access. I love the portability and flexibility of a binder and they have endless possibilities for helping to organize a home or office.
Let’s take a look at how you might be able to use a binder in the kitchen. I use my kitchen binder to collect and contain all of my take-out menus, most used and loved recipes and kitchen user/owner manuals.
First up – the take-out menus or as I like to call them, Mama’s sanity savers. A little folder in the binder keeps them all contained in one place. No digging in valuable drawer space or searching throughout the house.
Next, my favorite recipes. I love to find recipes off of the Food Network. A quick print and then they go into a protective sleeve. I can then take them out and post them on the fridge while I cook and pop them back in the binder when I’m done. The binder also allows me to move the recipes around so I can keep my favorites up front, or categorize them.
Last, what should you do with all of those little owners manuals that you “might” need? Answer, pop them in a sleeve and keep them in your binder.
I’ll see you on Friday with some Perfectly Savvy Finds. Any suggestions?
