A Little Idea... Stylish Use for a Fine Toothed Comb

Sweater season is upon us. With below freezing temperatures almost every day there is nothing I love more than throwing on a comfy sweater to lounge around in. However, on the flip side, there is nothing I hate more than buying a sweater and after wearing it a couple times it is covered in little fuzz balls. Do you know what I am talking about? At first I thought it was because I was buying a low quality sweater, so I splurged on a couple nicer ones only to have the same problem once again. And then I discovered this amazing little trick to remove the fuzz balls and keep your sweaters looking neat and new.

Take a fine tooth comb and quickly brush it over the fuzzy areas about 10 times. It will remove the fuzz balls and smooth the fabric. Rocket science, right? Try it, love it and thank me later!

 

A Little Decorating....Framed Fabric

Nate Berkus totally copied me!!! I am absolutely positive we telepathically linked somehow, despite the distance between NY and Utah, and he sucked my design idea out of my head and featured it on his show yesterday. Don't worry Nate, I will forgive you this one time as long as you give a shout out to your homegirl in SLC next time you steal my idea! So here it is...framed fabric.

Every time I go into a fabric store I end up finding a piece of fabric I love. However, I never buy it because I know I will never get around to making something with it. The other day I found this darling fabric that I thought would be perfect for my playroom (perhaps a cute pillow, maybe some drapes). Just as I was putting the fabric back, while lamenting my lack of time and lack of sewing skills, I had an epiphany. Put it in a frame and hang it on the wall. That way I can still enjoy the beautiful fabric with no sewing required. A very complex idea indeed. There is no way anyone else has ever thought of this idea also, Nate Berkus included. (insert sarcasm here)

A Little Cleaning…Starfiber Mops

If bestest was a word…it is the word I would use to describe this fabulous mop.  Because I have bought/borrowed/thrown away the restest and still, this one is the bestest. 

When we remodeled our house there was one thing I was absolutely sure of.  I had to have dark brown chocolate colored wood flooring throughout my entire main floor.  I vaguely remember my mom trying to talk me out of it. She said that it would be impossible to keep clean, but I convinced myself that no amount of scrubbing would cancel out the joy this flooring would bring me.  Boy, was I wrong.  

Enter the two year mop search.  Let’s see… I tried all the Swiffer mops, they left streaks.  I tried doing it by hand on my knees, that left bruises.  I bought some fancy vacuum/mop, it left too much water behind.  I finally settled on a traditional microfiber hardwood floor mop that looked something like this…

  

I used it in conjunction with a spray bottle of water and it got my floors looking nice, but it was difficult to maneuver and it made my arms sore because the large head created so much friction of the floor.

Then one happy day while enjoying the St. George home show, I met a vendor selling the starfiber mop.  Her demonstrations were impressive, but what really sold me was the fact that two separate passersby stopped and told me that it was the best mop they had ever owned.  So for under $40 I became an owner of the bestest mop ever made.

  

Here are a few things I like about this mop:

1.       The microfiber picks up the dirt instead of just pushing it around.

2.       You can wash it in your clothes washer, but AVOID fabric softener and dryer sheets (they ruin the microfiber)

3.       The smaller head makes it easy to push and the angled corners fit into every space.

4.       No harsh chemicals are needed, plain water is enough.

5.       It is light and the handle extends for other cleaning purposes (I used it the other day to clean the outside of my windows)

You can buy different types of mop heads to go with your Starfiber mop.  My favorites are…

The regular mop pad.  It is great for mopping hardwood and it can be used wet or dry.

  

The dust pad.  This is a must have for dark flooring.  I use it almost every day to pick up any dust that accumulates throughout the day.  It takes about 3 minutes to run it over the entire floor and leaves it looking like it was just mopped.  

  

The chenille pad.  I use this one for mopping tile.  The little “fingers” reach down into the grout space and clean better than a traditional mop.

Links below if you want to check them out.
Happy Mopping!

  

A Little Decorating...Vinyl Headboards

Thank you Blik for creating these clever vinyl headboards to satisfy the recessionista in all of us.  I must admit… I am not usually a huge fan of vinyl decorations, but these neat headboards have changed my thinking.  When used correctly, they can add a fun and stylish touch to any bedroom.

A few suggestions if you choose to decorate with a vinyl headboard:

1.       Order your headboard in a color that is an accent color in the room (For example: if your bedspread is orange and white and you have one green accent pillow on your bed…choose a green headboard.  Get it?).  This will make the headboard pop and make it look more funky/chic and less cheesy. 

2.       Limit yourself to one vinyl decoration per room.  Too much vinyl will cheapen the look of the room.

3.       Don’t be afraid to be creative and alter the look of your headboard.  You could paint the inside of it or even put up a funky damask wallpaper to change the look.  The headboards can also be used as a pattern and removed once you have added your personal touch.

This is also a great and easy way to make your space uniquely your own in apartments (where you are limited on furniture space, painting options, etc.), college dorms, rented houses, or for the frequent mover!!! 

 

 

A Little Decorating... 5 Things to Buy at Ikea

photo:  channel4.com

Next to the day I met my husband and the day my daughter was born, IKEA coming to Utah just may have been one of the best days of my entire life.  So, you can imagine my surprise when I hear people say they have never been or they went once when it first opened. I know it is a huge store and it can be overwhelming, but there is definitely something there for everyone.  Whether your style is contemporary or traditional, IKEA has what you have been looking for (and for probably a lot less).  For those of you who don’t find the IKEA experience as calming as I do, I have compiled a short list of products that remind me why I love IKEA so much.  Hopefully, this list will give all of you a little direction the next time you take a little trip to the decorating haven most graciously bestowed upon us by our Swedish neighbors to the east.

1.       Picture Frames-With the exception of occasional odd sizing, IKEA is the very best place to find inexpensive picture frames.  They have all shapes, sizes and colors for a fraction of the price you pay at other stores.  When looking for a picture frame, I always check IKEA first because they always have what I need and it is dirt cheap.

 photo:  channel4.com 

2.       Kid Toys- I love to buy toys at IKEA.  They are well-priced, well-made and don’t require batteries (Yippee!).  Their toys are very similar to “Melissa & Doug” toys.  Same vintage feel, for the same price our parents paid in the 70’s.

 

 3.       Expedit Bookshelves- This line of bookshelves from IKEA comes in all shapes and sizes.  Pieces from this line can be used in offices, libraries, living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, entryways (see Aly’s post a little decorating…entryway storage).  Pretty much anywhere you can fit one is a good place.  I especially love these bookshelves in playrooms and children’s rooms because they are great for storage.  Just slide a few baskets in and hide all those unsightly toys.  

4.       The Mongstad Mirror-This is a random one, but I am absolutely in love with this mirror from IKEA.  It is sleek, stylish and only $99.  Yes, that is right. Only $99.  

 photos:  ikea.com

If you don’t like the IKEA version, you can buy an almost identical one from West Elm for $399.  Tough decision…..

5.       Hmmm….- I know I said 5 things, but I can’t narrow it down.  There are so many things I love.  Kitchen items, storage solutions, vases, candles, drapes, rugs…..there is just so much to love and so little space to put it in. 

editor's note:  I have owned the Ikea Mongstad Mirror now for 7 years - even toted it all the way here from Seattle, and I have never regretted that $99.  Good recommendations Courtnie!

A Little Insight... Finding Good in Life's Trials

If you would have asked me two weeks ago to describe my life, I would have told you it is fairly normal.  We have a dog, a healthy daughter, good jobs and a home we love.  None of this has changed, except for the fact that the past couple of weeks have been nothing but normal.  Better words to describe my life would be tired, worried, and exhausted. 

Two weeks ago my husband ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing basketball with friends.  Until two days ago his injury required him to be completely flat in bed, leaving me to take care of him and my family all alone.  Although I spent the majority of those two weeks feeling bad for myself, I recently discovered that even though this has been a trying time, I wouldn’t trade it.  This has been a humbling experience and I feel like we have learned some very valuable lessons as a family.  Here are a few things I learned….

1.       Complaining doesn’t make you feel better.  It only makes you feel bad for yourself and it makes you an awful person to be around.

2.       We are so lucky to be healthy the majority of the time. 

3.       Modern medicine is amazing.

4.       Sometimes, we can’t do everything on our own.  It is okay to let people help.

5.       Single parents are super heroes.

Here’s a poem a friend shared with me about life’s up’s and down’s.  Hope you like it.

Good Timber by Douglas Malloch

The tree that never had to fight

For sun and sky and air and light,

But stood out in the open plain

And always go its share of rain,

Never became a forest king

But lived and died a scrubby thing.

 

The man who never had to toil

To gain and farm his patch of soil,

Who never had to win his share

Of sun and sky and light and air,

Never became a manly man

But lived and died as he began.

 

Good timber does not grow with ease;

The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees;

The farther the sky, the greater the length;

The more the storm, the more the strength.

By sun and cold, by rain and snow,

In trees and men good timbers grow.

 

Where thickest lies the forest growth,

We find the patriarchs of both.

And they hold counsel with the stars

Whose broken branches show the scars

Of many winds and much of strife.

This is the common law of life.

{Read all posts by Courtnie}

A Little Decorating... Painted Ceilings

Here’s a fun idea that a friend introduced me to.  Painted ceilings.  I know what you are thinking…..painting a ceiling anything but white is a fashion faux pas.  But trust me, this totally works.  Take a look at these pictures and see for yourself…

This one is my favorite.  What a fun idea for a nursery or children’s room.

If done correctly, a painted ceiling can add dimension and style to any room.  Here are a few suggestions if you are considering this project for yourself:

·         Choose a color that is an accent color in your room, not one of the main colors

o   For example: if your room is predominately orange and brown with a green accent pillow and a green lamp, green would be a good choice for the ceiling color.

·         If you do a colored ceiling, keep the wall color neutral (white, light tan or light gray)

·         Ceilings with architectural detail (vaulted, beams, recessed lighting , etc.) will look better than flat ceilings

·         The taller your ceilings are, the happier you will be with the final result.

 {Read all posts by Courtnie} 

A Little Green... Thoughts on Recycling

Over a year ago, I was watching the news and a story came on about local citizens who were filing a complaint to the city about the smell of the local landfill that was now infiltrating their quiet neighborhoods.  I couldn’t help but laugh as I wondered if these citizens had ever taken a moment to consider whose garbage it was that was causing the awful smell and, consequently, whose problem the smell really is...

 Ever since that day I have tried to make a conscious effort to recycle everything that I can in hopes of helping with the “landfill problem” and keeping my neighborhood smelling nice and clean.  In just one week, I was amazed to find that my usually packed full garbage can was only half full and my recycling can was overflowing by garbage day.  Before my epiphany, I was recycling if it was convenient.  Now, I try to make an extra effort and make sure everything that can be recycled ends up in the right can.  So, here’s my challenge……try it out for one week.  Make sure everything that can be recycled ends up in the recycling bin and sleep “a little better” knowing you are now “a little greener.”

Having a hard time figuring out what you can recycle?  Tape this handy-dandy little list to your fridge for a quick reference.

  {Read all posts by Courtnie} 

A Little Decorating... Designing a Room you Love

Having trouble coming up with a design plan for a room in your house? Don’t feel alone. The majority of people struggle with this. Just deciding on colors and style, can be enough to make most people give up and concede to living a few more years with the hand-me-down couches from their in-laws and the sub-par artwork they bought at a garage sale last summer. Well…..don’t give up quite yet. I have a fail-proof trick that will get you off on a fresh start to designing a room you will love.

Photo: Pottery Barn

The secret is simple…go shopping. Find something for your house that you love. I mean really love. Not just something you think is cute. It needs to be something that you can’t stop thinking about because you LOVE it so much. Don’t buy something just because it matches what you already have. Buy something you are naturally drawn to. It can be anything: a rug, a painting, a vase, even a dishtowel would work.

A Little Decorating... Picking the Perfect Paint Color

by Courtnie

Paint is one the greatest tools we have as do-it- yourselfers to reinvent a space for minimal cost. Unfortunately, all too often, what originally was to be a $30 project is now a $500 project because the paint you bought that was originally called “desert sand” now looks like “perfect peach” in your house and five buckets of paint later you give up and hire a professional painter to come back and repaint the entire room in the original color because between the paint fumes and your kinked neck you can’t stand to pick up another paintbrush. 

Well... I have a little secret for you that will resolve all your painting woes.