June 2020

IT'S Almost Summer...
​ALWAYS Shine Bright!

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Summer's a fun time to relax, spend some much needed time with loved ones, & get away from the day to day grind...However, this year is very different with Covid-19 keeping everyone quarantined & social distancing.  So stay healthy by following CDC guidelines, but get out & enjoy the changing weather.  

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DECORATING for Summer...

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Everyone knows the basics of Spring & summer styling, right?  Light, bright, & open spaces with pops of contrasting colors...but nobody ever talks about the fireplace because it's no being used; so out of sight, out of mind!​

Let's face it, cleaning isn't the fun part of decorating, but it is an important part of decorating.  The fireplace is especially important to keep clean for safety.  According to professionals, you should get an annual inspection. Late spring or early summer is a great time to get one because it's after fireplace season & before the next time it needs to be ready.  No matter which type of fireplace you have (gas or wood burning) or even if it's rarely used, critters can build nests inside causing damage or hazards.  For more info click CSIA.

Back to the good stuff...decorating the fireplace!  Fresh flowers or potted plants on the mantel is a great choice, but once the inside is cleaned out, you can style the inside with plants as well!  Adding back lighting to the plants to enjoy a late night with your loved one by the fireplace.

With Lights

Without Lights

Adding candles will give you that glow you may love on date night, but consider the heat they put off if you have plants mixed in between.  Try faux candles that come with a handy remote & with a flick of the switch, you can enjoy a candle lit evening.  

Dimension is created by combining a variety of textures, height, or color...play around with a few different items to get the style that speaks to you.

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ORGANIZING for Summer...

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Hooks & peg boards help organize large & small items along the wall it tight spaces.

Adjustable shelving grows & adjusts with your lifestyle making it a long lasting option...

Take advantage of the nice weather...Time to tackle that shop or garage you've been putting off for sooo long!   

First, start with pulling everything out & creating piles/categories.  One of the advantages of taking out everything is that it allows you to clean out the space, as well as assessing the items necessity.  Another great advantage is that you get to see the best use of the space for the items you intend to keep.  If you intend to install a system to organize all of the items & that will take longer then a day, you may want to consider a storage unit.

Next, sort through the piles to determine what stays & what goes.  When you take the items out, consider what pile/category they should be in to minimizing the time spent going through the piles later...that being said, if you are having a hard time making decisions quickly, hold off on all decisions except trash till after it's empty.

Then, you'll know what & how many items need a place to be stored.  Inspect items thoroughly & determine if they can be fixed, if broken, or are still of use.  Knowing the amount of space you have available & the items in need of storing, will help you determine the type of containers & storage needed.  Sometimes stackable, plastic tubs are just the ticket for small spaces.  Other times, a complete system is needed.  Still yet, a separate storage unit may be the key to more space.

Finally, put the items that need containing in containers & place them on shelves or a storage system personalized for your needs.  Once everything has a home & can be easily accessed, you'll be living with less stress!

Containers tucked away in cabinets out of sight.

Plastic tubs are stackable or easily stowed away on the shelves.

A personalized organizational system is a great option for perfect storage with style.

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​ART for Summer...

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Journaling is a relaxing & creative way to keep up with your goals or thoughts.  Try creating your own journal with simple items you can recycle in your home...

Utilize some of that cardboard that comes with online purchases.  Cut the cardboard down to the size you choose for the front & back covers.  Next, wrap the cardboard in paper, fabric, etc.  Adhere the material securely.  Create a spine to join the front & back covers with your choice of material.  

Create paper packets with copy paper, construction paper, or drawing paper.  Bind the paper packets by stapling, sewing, or gluing.  Once your packets are bound, connect the packets to the hard covers to create your journal.  This can be done in several ways...a flap, ring clips, etc.

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