Domestic

Never in a million years would I thought I would have missed the classroom, but being out of school for 3 years has really reminded me how much I miss  learning.

Since I’ve started this new hobby (blogging), I started from ground zero – no camera experience, no real writing experience (I did when an essay contest in 6th grade though!), and no real idea what I was doing whatsoever.  It is so great to buy books and read up on how to use my camera, or scour the internet for tips on SEO, and I realize how much I miss learning – taking notes, applying knowledge…

So, when I stumbled across Minimalist Baker – an amazing food blog, I was overjoyed to see they had a food photography e-course available.  I’ve been meaning to take a photography class, but with work, life, etc. it can be really hard to get away, and there is something so awesome about learning with your laptop in your cozy bed and a cup of tea. Insert – the joy of an online tutorial!

Their course is broken into 15 sections and contains a ton of great tips on basic camera tips, styling, composition, lighting, etc.  I learned so much and wanted to share it with you… I know this is a very niche class, but there was a ton of great info and for $20?! Check it out – Minimalist Baker Food Photography e-Course!

Image: MinimalistBaker.com

I’ve posted my love for Pop Sugar’s Must Have boxes before, and after getting their Special Edition Summer box this past weekend, I will do it again!  For $100 I got:

1. House of Harlow Sunglasses ($148)
2. Henri Bendel Candle ($30)
3. Swell Water Bottle ($35)
4. Truffle Clarity Pouch ($38)
5. Starbucks Coffee Refreshers ($8)
6. Vitabath Exfoliating Sugar Scrub ($18)
7. Sachin and Babi Sarong  ($70?)

Total Value: $347!

Thoughts:

•  The sunglasses are not really my style but are great to wear boating or to the pool or when I don’t want to wear expensive lenses.
• I am obsessed with Henri Bendel candles and buy these regularly anyway, so this was a win!
• My mom filled me in on the joys of this bottle – you can put either hot OR cold beverages in it and the best part… it’s double insulted so it won’t sweat in your purse!
• The Truffle pouch is awesome… way too overpriced for what it is but I’m already using it and it makes swapping purses so much easier!
• OBSESSED with this scrub.  My hubby even noticed how soft my skin was and I didn’t even say anything about this scrub.  Super nice and great for daily use.
• I am beyond excited for this sarong.  I’ve misplaced mine somehow and the fabric is gorgeous on this!

Overall: I’m super happy I ordered it.  I wish I LOVED the sunglasses, but with the sarong, candle, pouch and bottle it’s a success for me.  If I’ve convinced you to take the gamble click HERE to order your own!

I’ve had this bookshelf since college and it still hasn’t let me down.  Here are a few of my tips on decorating it…

I bought a leather magazine holder at Pottery Barn and use it to store my favorite editions of magazines.  I also use my bookshelf to store smaller pieces of art and this great butterfly I picked up at Paxton Gate.  If you don’t want to splurge on “art,” head to Papyrus and buy a gorgeous card to frame.  I also love displaying diffusers on a bookshelf.  Candles are tricky because of the whole “flame catching the next shelf on fire”, but diffusers are a great way to incorporate scent (just make sure to not let the oil touch any wood finish!).

I love to store Jeremy and my books on one shelf.  Only here can you find a biography on the Gucci family and an automotive management book next to each other.

We picked up this great piggy bank at Z-Gallerie and use it to hold our spare change/dollars that we have titled “Our Vacation Fund.”  Each year we frivolously spend our savings on a fun adventure or a lavish dinner during our annual trip.

I love bringing nature into as many elements of my home as possible, and as much as I love the idea of changing fresh flowers weekly, I don’t have the funding or time. The best cheat tip? Gumps floral department!  They have the best faux blooms… you pay for them but I can’t tell you how many times people think their arrangements are real in my home.  Check out their line-up here (PS they often have 20% their florals, so if you aren’t in a rush I’d wait for the deal!).

You can’t forget the best part of bookshelves… pictures! Put your favorite moments on display in fun and quirky frames.  Costco is a great place to get photos printed for cheap and they can do them same day if you pick them up (I love Shutterfly too… but it takes a week or so).  I also collect designer coffee table books, and enjoy displaying some of them here.

What do you have on your bookshelf?

Here are some things making me happy right now:

Flowers from my boss for Administrative Professional Day

Some gorgeous Wisteria growing in my backyard.

Wishing I was back on the beach in Hawaii.

Some coloring books my husband surprised me with (I swear I’m not 12).

Afternoon cocktails by my parents pool.

A simple yet gorgeous bouquet with roses from my mom’s garden (can you tell flowers make me really happy)

So I am like… a month late, but with Spring here (and the weather reflecting it), I have transitioned my wardrobe from Fall/Winter to Spring/Summer.

Due to lack of storage, during the winter I store my summer dresses/beach hats/shorts in the attic.  Come the warmer months I swap that bin out for my larger knit sweaters/heavy pants/sweats.  I also put my winter boots in a large container, and store my winter coats on a clothing rack in my garage (work with what ya got).

I also use this time to sort through (keep, donate, trash) my belongings and see if I can find them better homes.

Before:

After:

Fun colored skirts!

Floral prints, linen, and bright colored short sleeve tops!

I was able to move my sweaters out and swim suits in!

I store my flats and hats in a small hanging organizer. I also have a hanging purse organizer that I tucked in the back to store my totes.

Don’t forget to check out some of my past Spring Cleaning blog posts:

• Closet Organization
• My Cleaning Schedule and Chart
• Fridge Cleaning
• Cabinet Organization
• Spring Cleaning Tips