What I'm Reading

Finally got "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and it's been fascinating. I have wanted it for so long and now that I've read it, I seriously want to purge all my stuff! The main idea is to get rid of things by category, starting with clothes, then books and move on to papers and mementos. Touch and hold everything you own and if it sparks joy then keep it, if not get rid of it. I enjoyed reading all the things that don't work and why & hope now that I have a little time in the mornings to get things done I can truly get my home in order.

A better kitchen today

I have a rented kitchen. It's ugly. Not much I can do to make it better, but because I spend 90% of my life in that room I just want it to be better than it is.
When we first moved in it had hideous yellow flowers that I couldn't handle...it was just too awful.  I hired a friend to put down this peel and stick. Love it then and I love it now. It was featured in Caitlin Wilson's home a while back so I found it through her blog (Lowes, Armstrong Crescendo 12x12).

I still wanted a special little rug for the sink area and it's been over a year since I've stood to wash all my dishes (no dishwasher) without anything comfortable to stand on. Finally last week I sold some stuff in my garage and had the money to get what I really wanted. It's on its way and I can't wait!

I think it's easy to grab sometimes what's cheap and available instead of waiting for something a little more special.
For a quick and easy fix run to tj maxx right now (or homegoods) and scoop up some cute Turkish towels. They run 4-5$ for 2 pk and look great, nice and soft & wash great. You can also use them in a bathroom as well.

Something that you can do that improves a kitchen and costs nothing is just a good cleaning. When I've scrubbed all my appliances, the floor, cleared off the counter and washed the windows the room immediately feels better.
Lastly, after a good cleaning light a candle! Something about a yummy smelling room just makes it more appealing. My favorite candles are yankee and bath and body works but unless there's a big sale, my budget allows a small cheap DW candle from tj maxx, homegoods or marshalls. They are usually between 7-10$ and I love them.

3 Favorite DIY's

A simple project can be really rewarding to try. Here are three of my favorites via Pinterest under my DIY board...

Take any pretty wrapping paper (or you could grab some acrylic paint and poster board and do ombre look yourself)  and put it in a simple white matted frame (I love Target or Ikea's) and you've got a pretty piece of art.

There are some really cute planters out there but it can get expensive at times. Easy to grab a can of spray paint and some tape and let your imagination run wild. Or just copy one of these cute ones :)

Paint can change furniture so quickly. I like this unusual look. If it's to crazy for you it's also a fun solution to just paint the drawers and leave the top and side as is.
So, what are you painting today? It's been non stop rain here so I'm not much in a painting mood lately - but once that sunshine makes its way back to Florida I'll be planning out my next project very soon!