Filed In: advice
back to school | online classes and resources to upgrade your creative business skills
Back-to-school is typically about the kids, but it’s also a great time for adults to think about their own educations, too. The options for brushing up on old skills or learning new ones are cheaper and easier to access than ever before, so let’s start off the school year by taking our own skills to the next level. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of my favorite online resources for learning everything from branding to blogging, programming to photography.
If you haven’t tried an online course or webinar before, you’re in for a surprise. They can be a cheap, sometimes even free, way to grow your skillset right from your home or favorite coffee shop. Many of them allow you to move at your own pace meaning you can work it into your schedule and not the other way around. Plus, the variety of courses available is basically limitless. Let’s get started – Read More
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Share on Twitter8 diy storage ideas for kids’ rooms and nurseries
The best kinds of DIY projects are the ones that don’t look handmade. They’re the ones that blend in so seamlessly and look so natural that you’d think they were purchased from a store. Everything in this roundup is inspired by wood and simple in design, which is generally what I’ve been gravitating towards for my own nursery decor. Take a look around and see if there’s anything here that might inspire your decor or next DIY project. Read More
setting a fall table + entertaining tips
Setting the table ranks right up there as one of my favorite holiday activities. This year I wanted to create a comfortable and carefree vibe that felt fresh and modern yet had enough fall tones and autumnal motifs to make it season appropriate. Instead of the usual warm reds, oranges, tans and taupes, I was inspired to switch it up with plum purple and yellow. I also paired natural materials like wooden bowls and trays with shiny elements like polished silverware and mercury glass votives. 
Forget the fancy centerpiece and try a fresh floral garland instead. It feels festive and fun, and it will last throughout the holiday season. Nestle smaller floral arrangements, white pillar candles and wooden candle holders with white tapers around the garland. Scatter acorns to fill in the gaps. Incorporate seasonal fruit or vegetables when possible. This time of year I love persimmons. They add an outdoor vibe and a pop of color. Read More
travel essentials
We leave next week on our European adventure and it’s time for me to start packing. My requirements for the ultimate travel uniform are simple – comfort and warmth. I start with a comfortable pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt then I toss on a jacket for those unpredictable temperatures, a versatile scarf and a nice pair of flats that are easy to walk in – flats are also great with a skirt or a dress on another day. A few other things I never travel without – a cute pair of sunglasses, my Kindle because I really like to use the quiet time on long flights and train rides to catch up on my reading and a bag that is roomy enough to carry all these items plus snacks, my iPhone, a map or small guidebook, my DSLR camera and a notebook for jotting down directions or must see spots. I also never forget to leave a little room in my suitcase for all the treasures I hope to find along the way. Do you have any must have travel essentials or packing tips? I’d love to know!
scarf | sunglasses | backpack | sleep mask | jacket | flats | iPhone case | shorts
for your home | fresh ideas for wall treatments
Whether it’s a bathroom, living room or a bedroom, I’m always looking for ways to spice up our space, and a unique wall treatment can be a great way to do just that. I’m really drawn to the geometric painted walls, but more realistically I’m thinking a simple black and white pattern like the polka dots or the triangles might be a better, more timeless option. So do you too have a white wall that needs a little something? Take inspiration from these fresh ideas for wall treatments –
Half-painted walls are a good way to experiment with adding color to a room without committing to painting the entire wall. It gives you a splash of color while still leaving some white space to play with, and it’s certainly less dramatic than four hot pink walls.
How about an accent wall completely covered in reclaimed wood? Salvaged, stained, weathered or distressed, wood planking on a wall can add a rustic look to any space. This is a great project for anyone who wants to add warmth and texture to a room and can embrace the natural imperfections of the wood.
Transform white walls into a small art gallery with a mural. Fill up the whole wall or accent a piece of furniture like they did with this headboard. I’m particularly drawn to linework murals like these because they are simple and classic and aren’t shaded or colored in.
Bold accent walls are very popular these days. It’s the easiest way to turn a boring wall into a feature wall, but let’s think outside the box a little. Use different colors to create unexpected borders, accent doorways or windowsills, invent new lines or shapes and don’t stop at the ceiling or the floor, keep going!
Jazz up a small bathroom or a wall in a bedroom with a pattern. If you have a bold colored room, patterns can help to break it up a bit, and if you have a neutral palette it can add some interest. They can be fun and funky, cool and classic or modern and minimalist. I especially like polka dots, which seem to be popping up everywhere and are one of my favorite current design trends.
Geometric walls are abstract, energetic and can bring a variety of colors into a space. I love the idea of creating a unique and customized wall paint pattern. You can get this look with wallpaper but painting it yourself would be less expensive and much more fun!
I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feature maps. I think it adds a fun and whimsical touch especially in a kid’s room or playroom and creates a great focal point in an office or dining room. Consider picking out a map that has meaning like your favorite vacation spot, your hometown or family origin location and then it will always have a place in your home.
There are some amazing options out there. I’m curious, what have you done or what would you choose?
