Noteworthy
Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Ours was busy and crammed full of projects, but we made time for some fun and relaxation too… the best of both worlds! I figured I was due for a Noteworthy post since it has been awhile. I’m sharing renovation updates (including more on my mini $300 laundry room makeover), inspiring links, things I’m loving lately, recent purchases, and details on how I’m slowly easing into holiday decorating. Click through to read about all the things…
Let’s start with the renovation updates. As you know, our One Room Challenge space, the formal living room, is still very much in progress. Emmett is still working on laying those pesky herringbone hardwood floors– they look amazing, they’re just time consuming! He also has been busting it on getting the built-in finished. I’d say he’s about 75% there, but it’s looking incredible. I can’t wait to share our Week 7 update on Wednesday with you.
As for me, I tried to stay out of his way in the formal living room this weekend (too many cooks in the kitchen sort of situation), so I started a quick, budget-friendly ($300) laundry room makeover. I still have some painting and styling to do, but I’ll be sharing the finished space, resource links, and details in a big blog post this Thursday! Definitely come back for that and see how it turned out. In the meantime, all the details and video updates on saved on my IG in a highlight titled “laundry room”.
If you’re already into the holiday mindset (for those of you who are early birds), I started adding gift ideas to my Amazon Storefront! You can shop gifts personally curated by yours truly (aka- me), in the following categories:
- Stocking Stuffers
- White Elephant Gifts
- Tech & Smart Home
- DIY & Home Improvement
- Dogs & Pets
- Home Decor & Accessories
- Exterior & Outdoor Living
- Kitchen & Serveware
- Furniture
- Plants & Gardening
- Camping & Adventure Gear
- Bathroom Decor & Accessories
- Blankets & Throws
- Fashion & Clothing
- Area Rugs
- Travel Items
Speaking of holiday gift giving, I’ve been planning some fun holiday giveaways for you guys that will start in December! I probably don’t tell you enough, but I so APPRECIATE you all showing up to read, comment, and offer encouragement. I’ve made so many friends through the blog. Can I also take a quick minute to send a special shoutout to an incredible blog friend who shows up every single day to chat with me… I’m talking to you Peggi! This amazing soul wakes up early, reads every single blog post, and leaves a comment each and every day. That kind of commitment, encouragement, and support deserves an award. Seriously. I wake up, sit at my desk with coffee and look forward to reading her thoughts every single morning. It’s truly the best!! Peggi… I’m going to need your mailing address, because I’ve got a little something special for you! Look for an email from me.
This article put a big smile on my face… a homeless Detroit man bought an abandoned house for $1,500 and spent 10 years renovating it for his wife. It’s a win / win story of love- the neglected home was restored, a family has a charming place to call their own, and dreams turned into reality for a sweet couple.
Last 5 purchases? Thanks to our recent renovations and European vacation (linking travel guides & vacation recaps if you missed them!), I overspent the last two months- oops…
- velvet ribbon for holiday packages & decorating
- busts for our fireplace mantel (as seen in this post)
- these side tables (also for our formal living room)
- these sneakers (for lots of walking in Europe- they fit my wide feet and are so comfy)
- a small flocked Christmas tree (for our entryway- of course it’s on sale now, right after I bought it)
My plan for holiday decorating is to start small and do a little each week (as you can see in the photo in the intro). I want to enjoy Thanksgiving before I go full-blown Christmas. So far, I just have greenery on the front porch. I’ll add bows, additional holiday wreaths and lights after Thanksgiving! I bought two wreaths for our new front doors, and swapped the mums for pines & greenery. I’ll show you very soon! Speaking of… just how soon would you like to see Christmas decor and posts? I don’t want to skip Thanksgiving, but I know lots of you like to get a jump start on ideas! Let me know in the comment section, please and thank you.
I’m sure many of you have heard about the new changes Instagram is rolling out today and this week… check out this article. Although I should probably be more concerned since it’s a large part of my business, my mindset has always been this: share quality authentic posts, be honest, make friends, be open minded, and do my best to share original inspiration every day. I hope you guys notice that if you follow along on IG! My theory is this… if my posts are beautiful, truthful, and come from the heart or a place of passion- others will notice and I’ll continue to see growth. Isn’t that what social media platforms are all about anyway? Connecting. If Instagram is also a big part of your business or lifestyle, don’t fret about the algorithm or any other experiments or changes they roll out. It will all work out, friends!
Nate Berkus says there is one kitchen trend that will never go out of style… it’s in this article, along with tips for decorating a kitchen from the master himself. There are some good tips in this one if you go this route!
Well that’s all from me for now! I’m off to finish the laundry room so I can share that later this week. Everyone have a wonderful day and a great work week! PS… if you are on the holiday decorating train, dropping some finds below:
