Home & Garden
File in Style
Oh Joy!‘s file folder in Woodcut Floral just re-ignited my penchant for pretty office supplies. Not all office supplies are blah. Another of my favorites is by Galison. The site of these lovely things brighten my day no matter the mundane tasks ahead.
*Photocredit: Oh Joy! & Galison/Mudpuppy
American Country Home Store
I was looking for Comptoir de Famille table linens a couple years back and discovered American Country Home Store was one of their many stockists. I also love ACHS’ beautiful yet quaint cottage furniture. Their website is definitely worth a gander.
*Photocredit: American Country Home Store
Hillhouse Naturals
I always find wonderful little treasures at the New York Botanical Garden’s book/gift store. This time I picked up a Hillhouse Naturals Bloom sachet for my closet. It’s an enduring floral fragrance. Love it! It’s the best sachet I’ve ever purchased. Please visit their website. They carry a wide selection of home fragrance products such as potpourri, candles, oils, fragrance mist, sachets, pillar candles, and even have a body care line.
*Photocredit: Hillhouse Naturals
Springtime Herbs & Blooms
This year I just couldn’t wait to rush down to our local nursery to buy herbs for my window boxes. It was still quite chilly and windy that day but a few days later, true Spring weather began, to my relief. Herbs are so thirsty for water; they practically should be watered daily and of course they enjoy as much sun as they can soak in! I bought a variety of mints (planned for teas), chives, lavender, parsley, etc. Someone recommended to grow cilantro and arugula from seeds. They are gradually growing but really behind the curve so I’m a little anxious and hope they will turn out okay. Of course I’d rather see them flourish. I’m always so happy at the sight of the first little blooms after winter. My crocuses and hyacinths are always the first ones to return. There’s nothing quite like looking out the window and spotting an exciting new bloom. This year was especially a treat because my lilac plant of five years finally had its very first flower. I’m still waiting for the peonies to bloom. They will eventually… Patience. I know they will.
*Photocredit: NYCupcake
Dream Closet
I actually overlooked posting about my dream closet. These are similar to Rachel Ashwell’s French armoire. If you are lucky enough to have high bedroom ceilings, love French or shabby chic furniture, and are able to splurge on luxury I’d definitely say run out and get this! I’ve been told by antique dealers that these armoires are hard-to-find and can cost $3500+ but don’t let that hinder you =) The first picture (armoire with exterior mirrors) is my favorite; a two-in-one. The last closet pictured with wood frame and see-through glass details I’d imagine to look beautiful filled with neatly folded pastel linens and things.
*Photocredit: Various Resources
Hair Barrette & Jewelry Organizers
Great organizers/holders from Household Essentials for hair barrette and jewelry storage. The pocket holders protect from dust and prevent tangle with other accessories. The HE organizers can easily be hung in your closet, on your rolling rack, or behind any door using a hook or over the door hanger. They look neat, are awesome for small living spaces, and are very affordable. So worth it; love them!!! Jewelry trees and dishes are another great idea if you have lots of tabletop space (which I don’t have). Besides Amazon, I’m pretty sure another retailer like The Container Store would sell something similar.
Household Essentials 80-Pocket Cotton Canvas Jewelry Organizer
Household Essentials, Necklace Bracelet Organizer, Hanging
*Photocredit: Amazon
Library Desk Viva Terra
While perusing through the new Viva Terra catalog, I saw the most clever desk design… If you’re like me, you have a mini library on your desk too. Mind you, I would never trade-in my stealth bomber of a desk but this library desk design is so pretty and just makes lots of sense…
*Photocredit: Viva Terra
Makeup etc. Re-Organization Ideas
My efforts to re-organize have been long overdue. I used to keep my makeup in train cases or plastic boxes… An okay solution if you have ample living space. Since my area isn’t spacious, I had to rely on vertical storage. I found a fairly reasonably priced storage unit (Castela) on Target’s website that’s perfect for small spaces and apartments, that’s also attractive to help store things like makeup, nail polish, socks, backup toiletries etc (small items). It also protects my things from getting too dusty. I used small box lids to act as dividers. It’s been working well so far in keeping everything neat, colors and labels visible. I’ve placed books on top so I cut-to-fit a brown drawer/shelf liner to protect the wood from scrapes. Just wanted to mention that the Castela is pretty small (sort of like the size of children’s furniture). If you need a big shelf with drawers, you may be disappointed. For eye pencils, mascaras, and the like, I used an old Pottery Barn spinning desk organizer to keep similar items together (I will include a pic when I get a chance). I suggest places like Target, Marshalls, Michaels/craft, The Container Store, Ikea, office supply, 99 cents/dollar/discount stores, and eBay to look for inexpensive storage solutions. Please comment if you can recommend any others I have not covered. Thanks to all the numerous You Tube makeup and organization gurus who have inspired me. I dedicate this blog post to you.
*Photocredit: Target & NYCupcake
Symphonie Etched Glass
Love these etched glasses by Comptoir de Famille! I don’t believe that casual diningware or the like must match. I already have the ones by Tord Boontje and wouldn’t mind owning these as well. Both are handwash only, which doesn’t matter to me since I get to enjoy their beauty- well worth it!
*Photocredit: Cambria Cove
Tivoli Songbook
I recently purchased a Tivoli Songbook in green, specifically meant to play relaxing spa music in my bathroom. This was a Ruelala sample sale purchase. DH introduced me to the wonders of Tivoli. I bought him a brown PAL and clock radio a few years ago as gifts. Tivoli consistently offers great sound and design. I was lucky enough to find the Tivoli Audio Music System on sale in 2006 due to a local store closing. I can definitely attest to its quality. I’ve owned Aiwa, Sony, and Panasonic previous to owning Tivolis. The only one I was very happy with before Tivoli was the Panasonic stereo system (parts of the exterior were made of wood, sorry can’t remember the exact model), which I bought in 2000 (my mom has it now). I highly recommend Tivoli if you are looking for a small system. Tivolis have great sound quality and power for their small size, as well as a sleek classic design. If you are looking for a more serious sound system, check out Linn, B&W, Rotel, and McIntosh.
*Photocredit: Tivoli
