COOL USES FOR RETRO LABEL MAKERS

You don’t have to be OCD to love the organizational high of labeling everything in sight. And there’s something still so charming about the label makers manufactured back in the 70’s and 80’s, before digital budged its way in. Such old-school labellers are so textural, so boldly colored, so painfully retro. Score one of your own on Ebay (Exhibit A) and start labeling all kind of things besides just cupboards, files, etc.

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Wine Glass Markers: Even those wine glass bangles start to look alike after a few. Labeling party guests’ glasses with their own name leaves little guessing work.

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Tiny Door Labels: Dress the doors in your home with colorful—albeit elfin-sized—labels. This helps guests differentiate between a bathroom door and a closet door without helping them too much.

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Last-Minute Greeting Cards: Label makers are especially great for whipping up a birthday or get-well card in a jiffy. Simply type out the subject (i.e. “Sorry you broke your leg, you big klutz!”), stick it on the front of a blank card, scribble a heartfelt line or two within and voila. -4

Book Labels: Never let book borrowers doubt for one second who that book belongs to by plastering your labeled name inside each cover. Pseudonyms are fun too.

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OUT WITH THE ORANGE, IN WITH THE NEW

Pantone, the authority in all things color forecasting, has bid adieu to the tangelo color of 2012 to welcome in Green upon the New Year. With its light and bright tone and welcoming hue, we’re sure you can find a special place to showcase 2013’s Color of the Year.

Try a trio of these adorable tea light candle holders. Geez…for $1.99 try a whole collection.

$1.99 at Ikea

$1.99 at Ikea

 

What’s a space without some occasional tables? Try this one for under $50.00!

$49.99 at Target

$49.99 at Target

 

For those of us who are strictly frugal, I have found you the gem of all green side tables for less then you spend on lunch.

$7.99 at Ikea

$7.99 at Ikea

 

Oh how I love a good throw pillow. With the color variation and trendy geometric print on this baby, we’re sure you’ll be able to find a sofa or side chair just waiting to welcome this pillow in satin.

$12.99 at Target

$12.99 at Target

 

I also found this very cool, oversized, polyresin chain link. I can’t say what its intended use is which makes it even better. I’d love to see a length of it stretched out on a dining table or a bunch of them hung together as a room divider.

$12.99 at Target

$12.99 at Target

 

Finally, for just a touch of green, check out this adorable print, aptly titled “Sit Down.”

$36.99 at Target

$36.99 at Target

 

Wishing you all a happy 2013. Cheers to going Green!

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SIDEWALK SCORE OF THE WEEK

Find: Small wood dining dining table

Location: My apartment

This week my “score” was basically handed to me. It had been left in the apartment I was renting by the previous tenant and was just begging for some DIY. It is the perfect size for the space we are in and I was drawn to the detail of the table (and you can’t beat free). I kicked around a couple different ideas and in the end I went with a fresh paint job to brighten up the whole room!

Table in original state

Table in original state

I kind of love the idea of painting the entire table set the same color. Painting the table, bench and chair the same color the same great shade of green does such a great job of brightening up that space and giving a fairly rustic dining set a little edge.

Farm Table seen on Remodelista

Farm Table seen on Remodelista

Painting the table with a lace pattern is something I’ve always wanted to do and never had the chance. I decided against doing it on a dining table due to the current state of the table top as well as the wear and tear it will get currently being our only table in that room! This DIY is super simple and I will definitely be tucking this idea for future end tables etc.

Lace painted table at A Beautiful Mess

Lace painted table at A Beautiful Mess

If the wood on this table were a little better I could have done a nice sand and stain to keep it simple. It would have need a LOT more sanding then I would have felt comfortable doing indoors. With the type of legs the table has, sanding and staining evenly would have been really difficult and I imagine I wouldn’t have been as thrilled with my final result. This is a good DIY for those looking to keep it simple.

Wood staining DIY at familyhandyman.com

Wood staining DIY at familyhandyman.com

I am obsessed with the table now that it has a bright, BRIGHT turquoise paint job, with metallic bronze details no less.  After throwing a bright pink linen table runner on it for protection I loved it even more, which is kind of weird. I love how it injects some color into the living room/kitchen area and it has since given me a ton of inspiration for ways to build around it!

Final Product!

Final Product!

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YOUR NEW YEAR’S WORKSPACE

When I woke up this morning, greeting the new year, I immediately started going over my work schedule in my head. Referring to the iCals on my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, I realized that 2013 is already begging me to get ultra-organized. Knowing other’s may have the same resolution, I thought this the perfect time to write a post inspiring us all to makeover our home offices. I hope these stylish and practical items motivate all you hard working women to create the workspace that you and your careers deserve.

Recently, I read an interesting fact: the color green helps you focus and should, therefore, cover the walls of libraries and offices. Pick your favorite of these viridescences and get to work!

Benjamin Moore Paints

Benjamin Moore Paints

 

Of course, you cannot call it a home office if it’s without a desk! This handsome piece with its two shelves and vertical design is perfect for a small space.

Wood & Metal Desk, World Market, $299.99

Wood & Metal Desk – World Market, $299.99

 

Are you a designer, needing more than just a computer desktop desk? Don’t worry! World Market also offers this beautiful, adjustable drafting desk. What I love about this item: when you’re done with your drafting, throw a fun vintage tablecloth atop it and you have yourself a very handsome dining table. You’re welcome…

Drafting Desk - World Market, $223.99

Drafting Desk – World Market, $223.99

 

Whenever a friend or client of mine says they want a “big comfy” office chair, I always tell them, “Why get one of these cumbersome (and typically ugly) super comfortable chairs when you already have a couch, bed, and armchair?” In my experience, opting for the “simple” chair for your workspace is always the smarter choice. More work gets done, more space is saved, and your hardwood floors are spared the many scratches that come from the rolly chair. Though it’s a bit of a splurge, I just love the classic and surprisingly snug ghost chair. 

Ghost Chair - InStyle Modern, $115

Ghost Chair – InStyle Modern, $115

 

It’s a rough life for those of us who just can’t live without our iPads but have a fondness for the past, always purchasing antiques and adorning our homes with decorative old phones and typewriters. But now, thanks to “a revolutionary advancement in the field of obsolescence” our two juxtaposing loves can come together, giving our decorations a utilitarian makeover while staying oh so aesthetically pleasing.

USB Typewriter, DIY Kit - usbtypewriter on etsy, $49

USB Typewriter, DIY Kit – usbtypewriter on etsy, $49

 

While searching for the rare, stylish bulletin board, I was thrilled to find the following item. The fabulous fab.com doesn’t only sell pin boards featuring the map of London (in both blue and black), but of Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Manhattan.

Pin City Map of London - Palomar, Fab.com, $45

Pin City Map of London – Palomar, Fab.com, $45

 

Another difficult find is the nice-looking, long-lasting desk lamp. It’s alright, I’ve found it for you! For just $40, this Ikea lamp is sure to illuminate your space all year and for those to come.

Ardod Work Lamp - Ikea, $39.99

Ardod Work Lamp – Ikea, $39.99

 

A great room is always made perfect by the detail. Don’t overlook the chance at spiffing up your station with unique stationary or colorful paper organizers. These floral file folders are model examples, adding the perfect pop of color and character to your desk.

Wildflower Folders - Office Max, $5.99 for nine

Wildflower Folders – Office Max, $5.99 for nine

 

Don’t let your files be the only sign of nature in your office. Make the smart addition of greenery to turn this study room a home.

Table Top Terrarium - chive.com, $23.10

Table Top Terrarium – chive.com, $23.10

 

Earlier, I mentioned something about the importance of detail. Now I cannot say that without sharing this gem of a find from Paper Source. This particular eraser says it all for you, so you don’t have to…

Sh*t Eraser - Paper Source, $4

Sh*t. Eraser – Paper Source, $4

 

Happy organizing, happy resolving, happy working, and happy New Year to all you Frugal Materialists!

 

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HOT HOLIDAY HOOKUP: TARGET + NEIMAN MARCUS

Target is already applauded for its fun high-fashion collaborations, but they’ve been kicking it in the home department lately as well (Exhibit A). They’re partnering with luxury retailer Neiman Marcus this holiday season, offering up a pretty awesome assortment of gift-worthy décor from the likes of Caroline Herrera, Rag + Bone and Rodarte. Here are our favorites.

Target + Neiman Marcus

You probably can’t afford to buy your best friend a dreamy Rodarte cocktail dress, but whatever you do get her should be wrapped in this trippy Rodarte moon paper. $3.99 for 4 oversized sheets.

 Rodarte Wrapping Paper

Rodarte Wrapping Paper

 

These colorful Tracy Reese dessert plates would turn even the blandest store bought pie into something glamorous. $19.99 for a set of 4.

Tracy Reese Dessert Plates - Set of 4

Tracy Reese Dessert Plates – Set of 4

 

This Caroline Herrera stationery set has “mom” written all over it. $9.99.

Carolina Herrera Stationery Set

Carolina Herrera Stationery Set

 

The Oscar de la Renta dog bowl: Because dogs just know when they’re lapping up water from something unstylish. $14.99.

Oscar de la Renta Pet Bowl

Oscar de la Renta Pet Bowl

 

If looks could kill, this stunning Eddie Borgo letter opener would get you right in the gut. Seriously though—this functional desk décor should probably be handled with care.  $17.49.

Eddie Borgo Letter Opener

Eddie Borgo Letter Opener

 

Normally, the Tory Burch logo makes me kind of nauseous, but even a hater can’t hate on this undeniably cute thermos. $12.49.

 Tory Burch Printed Beverage Container

Tory Burch Printed Beverage Container

 

The perfect last-minute gift for your fashionable friend who likes to drink: nickel-bottomed Rag + Bone shot glasses. $9.99 for a set of 4.

 rag & bone Shot Glasses - Set of 4

rag & bone Shot Glasses – Set of 4

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SIDEWALK SCORE OF THE WEEK

Find: Shipping Pallets

Location: Construction Site on 11th street.

There is a house down the street from me that has been doing some sort of remodel for at least 3 months.  There is constantly a crew bringing materials in and out of the house and I have been keeping an eye on the dumpster at the curb, hoping some interesting finds make there way out there for me to snag! A few months ago I came across a DIY post (featured below) that used shipping pallets as paneling for an accent wall. The end result was so warm and interesting I made a mental note to incorporate that into my home one day. While out and about the other day I came across a lone pallet inside the fence of the construction site.  I love the bright yellow strip of color on the pallet and it has the perfect about of distressing. I’m hoping that it makes its way into the dumpster soon and I can make myself something fun! In the meantime, here are some options for those lucky ones with shipping pallets lying around.

This DIY is a dream project for me! I love the perfect weathering of the wood they have and the way the wood adds warmth and texture to their bedroom. They do a great job of explaining the process step-by-step, with care to explain any obstacles you might come across. I love the imperfections and character the wall has and cannot wait to try a project similar to this one.

from Justagirlblog.com

 

I love how this winery re-purposed their shipping materials and wine casks to make shelving in their tasting room. Stacked pallets, with a little stabilization, would make a great counter space and shelving unit.  If you do not have/want a counter the depth of the pallet, there is always the option to cut down the pallet to the size you want and continue on as planned with the DIY. With a little creative woodworking and crafting you would be able to turn this into a great little bar/wine shelf!

creative winery shelving

 

This is what I am hoping to do with my pallet. I love the idea of a rustic coffee table, especially with wheels! The natural wood would look great in my living room and the bright yellow stripe on the one I want (or added to any pallet) would make a great pop of color.

outdoor pallet table from Joy Ever After

 

Now that I live in a city, I am drawn to any and all urban gardening DIY’s. This would be a great project to add some green to any apartment patio!

urban gardening ideas from life on the balcony

 

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