5.24.2013

so what's in MY toolbox?

hi readers!
I'm such a sucker for magazines- be it home decor, tabloids, fashion, etc... I love them all! One of my favorite features in celeb magazines is when they reveal "What's in the Celeb's purse?"
Call me crazy... but I really DO want to know what kind of lip balm Sandra Bullock is carrying in her bag. :) 

So today, I'm revealing what's inside MY toolbox (trust me, it's much more interesting than the candy and wet ones in my purse.) 
EVERY designer, decorator, crafty gal, and homemaker need a well- equipped toolbox! 

Here we go! 
A. A really good pair of scissors. This seems obvious- but we all have one terrible pair that needs to be tossed.
B. Heavy duty picture wire- this is handy for large mirrors and artwork.
C. Pencils for marking the spot!
D. A skewer. Yes, I'm serious... Y'all these are handy for SO much! Clogged vacuum hose- bam. You can thank me later. :)
E. Command Strips and hooks- various sizes. Handy for so many things!
F. Drywall anchors and screws- great for hanging drapery rods!
G. Nails- various sizes!
H. Wall hooks- the BEST kept secret in my toolbox! Instead of hammering nails into your walls, you can simply stick the straight end of this hook into the wall and twist it into the drywall. It's literally amazing- and some of these will even hold 50 lbs! 
I. Felt pads- great for under furniture so that your wood floors don't get scratched! These are also great under your tv to keep your entertainment console safe from scratches.
J. Goo Gone- for sticky and stubborn messes.
K. Your favorite tape measure- look for one that's at least 25' long and has clear markings.
L. A hammer... with a claw. One without the claw is basically useless.
M. Pliers- great for wreath making and floral arrangements.
N. A Level- this one is a laser level but old school levels are fool-proof! (and cheap).
O. Screwdrivers- and lots of different sizes!
P. a Sharpie. I literally always have a sharpie with me. Call it an obsession :) 
Q. A Notepad- always always have one in your toolbox! I try to surround myself with something to take notes on.
R. Clothespins- perfect for tapering back draperies that just won't stay put... but use caution- place the pins discreetly enough so that you cant see them on either side of the window.
S. Diaper Pins- I have found so many uses for these babies- they are just oversized safety pins but can be a lifesaver!
T. Floral Wire- handy dandy for wreath making, party decor, etc.
U. Wire cutters- well of course! I think I use these more than anything else! 
and of course... you MUST have a good looking toolbox!
These are some great choices: 
How fab is this? Design Within Reach nailed this chic toolbox design! 
This blue Trusco toolbox makes me think of my makeup caboodle!  

If a tool bag is more your style, check out these on Amazon! Love this one! 
Ohhh y'all. I am smitten with this little jewel from Trina Turk... just precious! 
and of course... my toolbox :) 
gotta love polka dots!
I hope I've inspired you to stock your toolbox with everything you need to keep your home running smoothly (and make it a little more lovely in the process!)
 Have a great week everyone! 

until next time, 
let your light shine!
jessica

5.15.2013

crazy little thing called LIFE.

Hi everyone!
Don't worry, I haven't abandoned my little blog- I've just been BUSY! It's safe to say that life has been (good) crazy the last few weeks! Here's a quick recap! 

1. High Point Market
(the disney world for designers, FYI)
Market was full of some beautiful things... but these were my favorites! It's safe to say that our style forecast is full of COLOR! 
Yall... these chairs!! One of my favorite things about La-Z-Boy is their ability to take something durable and comfortable- and can still make it look this good!! I'm in love. Furniture love. It's a thing- look it up. :) 
I've been a little hooked on industrial pieces lately... so when I saw this little guy from Palacek-  I was giddy! Oftentimes, people get hung up on a certain style... You don't have to be married to it! It's perfectly acceptable to add in pieces that you "just love" to your existing decor! It's what makes your home- YOURS! 
I am obsessed with this exaggerated wing back chair... and I am loving the funky stripe fabric! This is a perfect example of a traditional frame turned contemporary! SO bold! 

Yes, this is a rug.Yes, it's made of recycled neck ties.YES... we ordered it. I cant wait to use this in a masculine office or large walk in closet.... These are truly works of art! Thanks Dreamweavers!

If you haven't jumped on the Pouf train... get on! These poufs are fabulous! They're cute and add color to your space, and they can be used as additional seating or a foot stool!

A mirror fit for a queen! Well done American Drew!

2. New house updates!
We LOVE our builder and cannot get over all of the progress!! It's beautiful! 
the front! 
This is the view from the living room to the kitchen and breakfast nook! 
3. last but not least. 
I have the BEST friends in the world... hands down! We gathered at the lake a few weekends ago to celebrate one of our own getting married and even got to celebrate a recent engagement!! I am truly thankful for each and every one of these ladies!! :) 
so yeah...
life has been wild! 
Tune in next week for some of my best kept secrets that YOU should be keeping in your decorating toolbox! Have a great week everyone! :) 

until next time, 
let your light shine
jessica