Every Day Pretty

Who doesn’t love reading about guts at 7 a.m.?

Today, we’re talking metaphorical guts (as opposed to all those past posts about your actual intestines).

What are the guts of a home?

Closets.

Cabinets.

Any space behind a closed door.

These are the spaces, in my opinion, that must be in order before you can start hanging art or laying down rugs. Or else, the foundation’s sloppy. Puttin’ lipstick on a pig, as a certain bespectacled (and rather annoying) former governor might say.

So my progress  in the new place is probably not noticeable to anyone upon first glance, but look behind door number one…

This week, I attacked the linen closet in the bathroom. I had been using it as a catchall while I moved in and it was making the morning shower routine mega-stressful.

I used several crates and baskets to corral extra toilet paper, beauty supplies and meds.

I used a deep round basket to hold curling irons, a brush (I have curly hair and only own one brush – and I honestly have never used it!) and my hairdryer.

The three-drawer organizer is stuffed with samples and travel-sized toiletries I used when I travel. I’ve got quite a collection!

Linen closet organization…rocket science? No. Something that most of y’all probably already have in your home? Most definitely.

But for me, it’s one big step toward feeling at home in my new space. Simple things like having all of my towels in one place (and not having to reach in a box to find them) mean progress. Little by little…

What makes you feel at home in a new place?

Happy Monday!

I’ve officially been in the new place two weeks.

Week one – crazy work week.

Week two – crazy work week, in Chicago!

So, I’m now back to the business at hand…decorating!

I’m looking at a few color options for the living room. These pretty swatches came from West Elm (what a happy little envelope to come home to!) but I’m looking at options from all over. Curtains and a comfy chair are high on the living room priority list.

Oh, and unpacking these boxes. Yeah, that too.

You might have noticed the rug – that came from West Elm too! I’m trying to decide whether or not I like it. I think it may take a few days of walking by it and on it to make a call.

I’ll post some better pics if I decide to keep it. If it doesn’t stick around in the living room, I may scoot it into the kitchen/office. We’ll see!

How was your weekend?

It’s Friday and it’s the last day of tip week!

Today’s tip is perfect for the weekend, because it has to do with cold drinks and entertaining.

This lovely little trick comes to us from the awesome Kate of  Centsational Girl, one of my favorite blogs. Be sure to check out all of her great tips.

If you (or your fun-loving friends) accidentally make a water ring on a wood table, don’t freak out. As Mrs. Doubtfire would say, Help is on the way!!

Cover the ring with a good amount of mayo and let it sit for about an hour. Wipe if off and poof! The stain is gone.

How magic is that?

Next time, arm yourself with a stack of coaster. I love to make these because they’re inexpensive and fast, and can be easily created to match the decor of any room.

What are your favorite DIY or home making tips?

Have a great weekend!