Thursday, February 3, 2011

New Year Home Detox 101: Part 1 of 5

So for the new year I decided to get rid of all the crap I've accumulated over the span of my 20's. I seriously don't understand how I've accumulated so much, and I quote, "SHIT!!" Because that's exactly what it is!! Shit taking up my precious and very limited space.
Excuse my profanity but there is no better way to explain it! How in the world does all this crap fit inside of my apartment??
Any who... I committing to a complete Home detox. It's time I orgainize what is now my older adult life!! You should join me! It's quite liberating! Throwing out that cute dress that I haven't donned since I was 21 never felt so good. Goodwill should give me some kind of award for all the goodies I'll be dropping on their doorstep! Think I'm exaggerating? See for yourself!!!

detox 101
3/4 is for Goodwill and the rest is for Consignment!

Now... Let's get started :O)

Rule #1. Stay Focused on the Task at Hand!

The hardest part was deciding where to start and staying focused. I'd start in one room, move something to another room, see something in that room that I want to fix, and the cycle continues until the entire house is in complete disarray! I'm driving my poor husband crazy!!!
I'd suggest starting with the smallest room. Your closet. Pull EVERYTHING out. Yes. EVERYTHING. I tossed it all on my bed and designated 5 piles. 1 for keep. 2 for think about it. 3 for consignment. 4 for Goodwill. And 5 for toss (have a big trash bag ready!).
Go through it ALL even if you always wear it. Try it on. Inspect it for damage. Will a little TLC bring it back to life? Is it still as cute as it was when you bought it? Is it still in style? Consider all these things before keeping it.
Now go through your maybe pile. Give each piece a second or third look and toss it into the necessary pile. Donate the older but still intact items to goodwill and toss the rest (or make yourself some handy dandy rags).
Why not take everything that doesn't fit and is still cute to platoes or your local consignment shop and get some cash to add to your soon to be newly roomy closet! Return all the keeps back to your closet.

Now that you can actually see in there let's spruce it up a bit. If your closet feels more like a stylish dressing room, you'll be more likely to keep it organized! If you have wall space add a piece of art or a floor mirror. Even throw in a cute rug! Add some sassy storage boxes or baskets to hide the small stuff like your scarves, hats, and belts. Find an attractive little shelf to keep all of your shoes on and update your boring light fixture. If you really want to get ambitious, why not add some snazzy wallpaper! Now stand back and enjoy the refreshingly organized view! But don't swoon to long... We're tackling the storage room next! Stay tuned.


Sunday, January 23, 2011

I'm Baaaaaaaack!!

Ok... So I know I've been neglecting my blog lately. I'm sorry. Between my wedding, Thanksgiving, Christmas, my birthday, my new job, and new years organizing I just haven't had the time to sit and enjoy my blog! But now that all the hoopla is finished... I'm back. I've got some good things up my sleeve too ;O) How bout a little feature??? I have one in the works about a very talented photog friend of mine. Also, a little bit on organizing for the new year, being that I'm an expert on that now. There's just soooo much to talk about! Stay tuned for some yummy stuff!!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Just Cause: The Apple Board

Now This is something my good friend Jason Cueva can appreciate!  I bet you want one don't cha Jason....

Complete with it's own little mock Apple logo, yes folks, it's a Mac Book inspired cutting board.  It's called the Apple Board and get this, it's made from the wood of  the, GASP, apple tree. Because there are so many Apple geeks roaming the world, this applely little bugger is completly sold out.  But don't fret.  They'll be back in November!  Take a trip over to Design Spray to get your very own!  Or not.



Laughter Therapy

Laughter Therapy

Laughter Therapy

Laughter Therapy
Apple Board

All photos from designspray.de/

Alternative Medicine: Laughter Therapy

Funny furniture!

Laughter Therapy
Bad Table! by Straight Line Designs (Photo from thislittlecity.com)


Guess How you turn me on...

Laughter therapy
Photo from pollsb.com

Love at First Dose: Banana Pillow by Jonathan Adler

And this (cheesy smile)!!

Jonathan Adler

Design Rx: Functional Furniture by BoConcept

So, If you know me, I usually describe my way of living a "organized chaos." At home I'm messy but I seem to know just where everything is.  At work, I'm the definition of organized.  Weird. I know.  The problem is I want my home to look good for my guests at all times so I need some clever hideaways for all my junk!  Many of you know that my first job out of design school was with BoConcept (totally miss that job (sad face)).  BoConcept is, by far,  one of the best places to snag unbelievably stylish yet functional contemporary furniture, most of which is customizable.  How smart! Now, I wanna have a little fun with this.  I'm gonna describe a scenario in my house and then I'll give myself a solution from the design genius of BoConcept (but really I'm giving you the solution!).  Here we go...

Senario 1:  Oh dear!! My coffee table is swimming in a sea of stuff! What in the world will I do???  Wait a minute... What's this. Wow! It's functional coffee tables by BoConcept! (Hey, it's my blog.  I'm allowed to be corny!)

BoConcept
Occa Functional Coffee Table

BoConcept
Occa Functional Coffee Table


BoConcept
Occa Functional Coffee Table (squares pull out like drawers!)

Senario 2:  Ugh!!  How long do I have to look at these smelly friggin shoes at my door!!  I can't even get the dang door open!!!  Oh my!  Would ya look at that!  What cool shoe cabinets these are!

BoConcept
Metro Shoe Cabinet

BoConcept
Metro Shoe Cabinet


BoConcept feature
Metro Shoe Cabinet with Mirror and coat rack

BoConcept
Metro Shoe Cabinet with Mirror

Senario 3:  Where oh where are all my house guests suppose to sleep?  They certainly can't sleep of the floor and our place is to small for more beds!  Ahh! BoConcept! What dreamy sofabeds you have!

Boconcept    BoConcept
Terni Sofabed with Airmatress


BoConcept feature     BoConcept feature
Melo Sofabed


BoConcept feature
BoConcept feature
BoConcept feature
Xtra Ottoman(bed)

Now that's what I call smart furniture!  Oh, how life would be so much better if our furniture worked for us!  Well, it can. This is only a handfull of multi-functional pieces offered at BoConcept.  There are also wardrobes, wall systems with hidden desks, beds with hidden storage, and oh so much more (I sound like an add, but I love them so that's okay).  It's like one big treasure chest! You should seriously head over to their website and find out what will work for you!  Happy hunting!

All photos from BoConcept.com

Monday, October 25, 2010

Love at First Dose: Banana Rug by Jonathan Adler

Yeah.  This too!


Jonathan adler
Photo from JonathanAdler.com

Design Dose : Banana Bud Vase by Johnathan Adler

Two things you should know about me. Number 1, I LOVE Johnathan Adler. He's my favorite designer, smile. Why you ask... because he makes me happy. His designs are so quirky, cheerful, colorful, and sometimes hilarious. I love his philosophy and creativity. Number 2, I'm obsessed with BANANAS!!! WTH? Bananas. Really? Yes, really. I can't get enough of them! Anything made with bananas I'm there. Banana flavored, there too. So imagine my extreme excitement when my favorite guy made a bud vase inspired by my favorite fruit!


Johnathan Adler


OMG. I want it soooooo bad! Yeah, Yeah... I can hear all you J. A. fans saying this vase has been around for a while now. I know. But now I have a blog to rave about it on! This lovely little sucker comes in black, white, gold, or platinum and I want one in each color! Though, I don't know if I'm ready to drop $235 for all 4 yet. Christmas gifts, anyone???  You can get it for me here!



All photos from JonathanAdler.com

Monday, October 4, 2010

No Side Effects: All Natural Design

So yesterday, I came across a neat little website called Branch. Can you say IN LOVE?!?! It's filled with some very impressive design from furniture to dog toys but the best thing about Branch is it's all eco friendly and sustainable design! Another plus for this enviornmentally friendly site is that they support fair trade ( What Is Fair Trade ). Each product has a description of what materials were used in the production of the item and where it was manufactured along with a little background on how the design came about. And did I mention the products are awesome! Definitely check them out. Here are a few of my favorites:

Fjord Pillow
Fjord Pillow

Cortica 
Chaise Lounge
Cortica ChaiseLounge

Branch Feature
RD4 Chair

Branch Feature
Isometric Table and Chairs

Branch Feature
Georgie Table

Branch Feature
Vintage Belt Mat

Branch Feature
Relief Chair

Branch Feature
Dog Head Chew Toy




All Photos by Branchhome.com