Turning Caffeine Into Organization by KimberlyClaire

My latest project came from buying an espresso machine (which will be in a future blog, stay tuned). The pods or "capsules" as they are called, come in these cute little tins. The capsules aren't cheap, so after finishing off the first tin, I began to throw it away when I noticed how perfect it would be to store things in. Of course I wanted to decorate it, catering to what I would use it for. The pictures say it all. What I ended up with was an adorable little canister that can be used to store anything you want. I put this one in my laundry room to store safety pins, buttons and scissors that I always seem to need. Now that I will be ordering more of these tins, I'll be decorating and coming up with more ideas on ways to recycle and refurbish them. You don't have to use coffee tins either, any tin or can works just fine. Make it your own. -KimberlyClaire

Finished Product.

Begin with an empty tin.

 

 

Scrap paper, burlap and a glue gun.

Use wallpaper, scrap paper, or any patterned paper you want.

Find any embellishments at Michaels or Jo-Ann. You can even use an old brooch. Wrap burlap around tin and hot glue the ends together. Then glue your embellishment in the middle of the burlap.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!"

 -Romans 11:33

H.O.M.E. Sweet Home by KimberlyClaire

If I had to pick my favorite place to be, it would be my home.  I love to travel and have been to a lot of places, but I always love to come back home. My home is filled with great memories and being here makes me feel warm, safe, and secure. It's not just because I love decorating my home, it's because great things have happened here and continue to happen here. Making a home is one of the most important things a Mom can do.

Pillow: Home Goods, Similar here.

Raising 4 daughters here has brought me a lot of joy.  There have been birthday celebrations, family dinners, and high school & college graduation parties. Recently, wedding festivities that added a son-in-law to our family have happened here. It's not just about the celebrations, great friendships have developed here. Lively conversation and heartfelt talks have happened here. (Sign: Home Goods. Similar here.)

 

 

It's not always perfect and peaceful. Having a very active Jack Russell named "Max" and  a Shih Tzunamed "Lexus" can be quite loud and chaotic some days. But I wouldn't change a thing when my dogs lay in my lap at night. Those moments make it all worthwhile. A home is not always about the good times, it's about the bad times too. It's about how you get through the bad times. (Pumpkins: old. Pinecone candle: Crate & Barrel, similar here. Candy Corn candle: old, similar here.)

 
One of the greatest things about my home is that my daughters still love to come here. That just makes me love it even more. Yes, my favorite place to be is my home. The main reason that I love my home is because my best friend lives here....my husband. And that alone makes me not want to be anywhere else. This is why I love to be Home Sweet Home. -by KimberlyClaire

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

-Matthew 7:24

The Comfy Cozy Sweater

I'm from the South. Naturally, winter and me don't mix. One of the things that gets me through the cold weather in D.C., besides peppermint mochas from Starbucks, is a big warm sweater. Find a sweater that makes you warm and brace the cold weather. Stay comfy cozy.

Sweater: Urban Outfitters. Leggings: Kohl's. Shoes: Old. Bag: Schuler & Sons'. Tank: Zappo's.

Hoops: Similar here. Lips: Lancome #146. Nails: Bahama Mama & Off the Shoulder by Essie. Ring: Yurman. 

"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant."

-Psalm 119: 76

Snacking With Skinny Pop

I warned you I would blog on everything that captivates me, and today, it's popcorn...but not just any popcorn. I'm always looking for the perfect snack and I found one so good that it's worthy of it's own blog. I find that when I eat small healthy snacks throughout the day, I tend to not overindulge. Bethenny Frankel, the owner of SkinnyGirl Cocktails, says to "taste everything, and eat nothing." That is a health rule that really stuck with me and made me focus on tasting foods rather than overeating them. Although that is extra hard to do with snacking! That's why I choose snacks that fill you up, guilt-free. Skinny Pop popcorn gets it. 39 calories per cup, zero trans-fat, all natural, cholesterol free, preservative free, dairy free, peanut free, tree nut free, GLUTEN FREE, packed with fiber, and it is mouth-watering delicious. Hands down, the best snack food out there. You can find it here. Happy Snacking :)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 

-Matthew 6:25

How To Spice Up a Hostess Gift by KimberlyClaire

The Holidays are coming and that means there will be a lot of celebrations to attend as well as a lot of gifts to give. I always try to "think out of the box" when I put a gift together for someone. In this case, I thought out of the basket. One of the most important parts of being a guest is the hostess gift, and I needed to put together something for a party I attended recently. Here are some tips for getting out of the gift bag and into a thoughtful hostess gift. I make an effort to cater my purchases to what the hostess might like. This time, it was 2 monogrammed coffee cups from Anthropologie and a decorative candle - you can never have enough candles. If you're going to go for candles, stay away from strong fragrances like florals and linens. Once you have your gifts, you're ready for the fun part. -by KimberlyClaire

Be creative with what you already have at home. I chose red burlap, twine, and brown tissue paper.

The one thing you should own if you're into DIY projects is a glue gun.

Finished Product.

As you can see, I took the burlap ribbon and hot glue gunned it around the basket. The secret to a really great looking bow is a glue gun! Although I used an old basket I had lying around the house, I highly recommend Home Goods in case you need to purchase one. I also tied ribbon around the cups and then some twine around the candle.  I then placed the gifts carefully into the basket on top of the brown tissue paper, arranging them in an appealing display. Next time you give a gift, "think out of the basket." You will get more use out of a roll of twine and burlap than a set of gift bags and tissue paper. Your hostess will appreciate a gift that has that extra special touch without knowing it saved you some money at the same time.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

-James 1:17

Good Friends Are Precious Pearls

This week's pearl of wisdom comes from KimberlyClaire's best friend who we like to call Aunt Gloria. Enjoy. What are the true pearls in your life? Aside from your family, what is so precious to you that when you think of it, a feeling of peace and calm come over you? What brings a smile to your heart? My pearls are my most valued friends. I have many friends, and they are all dear to me. However, I only have a few that warrant being "strung" around my heart. Did you know that the more you wear pearls, the greater luster they develop? Well, that is the kind of friend I am talking about here. Think about the dearest friends to your heart and be thankful for the luster they add to your life! -Gloria Olson

Aunt Gloria and KimberlyClaire

 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

-Matthew 13:46

Slow Down Fall by KimberlyClaire

My very favorite time of year is Autumn. Hues of orange, yellow, coral and beautiful shades of red are everywhere. The weather is cool and crisp and the sky is cobalt blue. All of these colors should be incorporated into your closet. There are cozy sweaters, soft scarves and warm boots to wear and they all come in beautiful colors of burgundy, mustard, deep greens and multiple shades of orange. They surround us like a big warm snugly blanket and deepen our desire to sit quietly by a fire. The arrival of Fall also means it's time for PUMPKINS! Big ones, little ones, odd shaped ones and some that are white and teal. There are so many to choose from I just want to buy them all! Yes, Autumn is my favorite time of year. Slow down Fall. I want you to hang around for awhile. 

-KimberlyClaire

Pants: Ann Taylor Loft. Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft. Watch: TAG Heuer. Yellow Geometric Bracelet: Old. White Bracelet: Kate Spade. Ring: Nelle & Lizzy. Diamond Bracelet: Shane Co. Earrings: Similar, here. Sunnies: Ray-Ban.

Red Shoes: Talbots. Yellow Shoes: Talbots.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

-Psalm 19:1

Putting Pinterest Into Production

Pinterest and Addiction are synonymous with each other. I can't tell you how many times I log on after dinner and all of a sudden, it's 3 a.m. I get lost in the beautiful white couches, mismatched pillows, and bath tubs that look like a dream. Pinterest is the poor man's yoga. And speaking of..I needed to decorate my living room on a budget. Here's how I took my Pinterest fantasy and made it into my own little oasis reality.

This was the pin that I just fell in love with.

This is my own little Pinterest creation, under $717 total.

Couch: Craigslist, $65 (I actually made money on this couch because I sold my old one for $100).  
Side table: Ikea, $20. 
Coffee Table: Ikea, $20. 
Gold Bamboo Table: Haute Look, $199 (Here's one that's a little more pricey).
White Ceramic Vase: World Market, $14.
White Chinese Garden Stool: Haute Look, $65.
Mustard/Basil Accent Chairs: Joss & Main, $200 total.
Green Accent Candle Holder: World Market, $2.98.
Small Green Vase: World Market, $3.98.
Green/White Hydrangeas: World Market, $11.98
Pink Velvet Plum Blossoms in White Vase: World Market, $15.98
Mustard Velvet Pillow, Orange Velvet Pillow: World Market, $20 total.
Zig-Zag Pillow: One King's Lane, $20.
Navy Dots Pillow: Joss & Main, $10.
Rectangular Lime Green Pillow: Joss & Main, $15.
Grey Rug: Ikea, $20.
Lamp: Home Goods, $15.
Picture: Ikea, $50 (it was a gift from Brandon).

$717 total for a designer living room. 

Do:
 -Sign up for One King's Lane and Joss & Main (free) and camp out - I will never buy from a furniture store again. 
-World Market is great for accents and will most likely always have a similar version of a designer piece. 
-Home Goods is the place for lamps. 
-Splurge on a piece that's a little pricey. That was the gold accent table for me. Decorating your home is like putting together an outfit. Start with one designer piece, and work your way around, adding economical pieces around it.

 Don't:
- Don't feel like you need to get everything at one time. This took me 3 months to complete.
-Don't ever pay more than $20 for a pillow.
-Don't try to get exactly everything that's in your pin, make it your own.

"He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

-Genesis 28:17

How To Do Vintage in Your Home by KimberlyClaire

Ever since I turned 50 (a few years ago), I've tried to decorate my home with items that have meaning and good memories. Recently, I came across 2 "paint by number" drawings that my husband did when he was about 9 years old. I decided that they needed to be displayed somewhere in our home, which than began my search for 2 "vintage looking" frames to put them in. I found just the right ones at a nearby local home decor store who just happened to be having a sidewalk sale -they ended up being a really good deal. Because the drawings were smaller than the frames, I had to come up with some sort of a matting idea to surround the pictures, but I still needed to maintain that vintage look. 

After looking over my crafting supplies I found the perfect thing, burlap.  Now that's a vintage look!!  I decided on my "ribbon like" burlap and proceeded to frame my pictures.  As you can see from the photograph, I basically framed the burlap, laid the drawings on top of it, and then finished off by putting the glass in place.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out but as I continued to fine tune it a little, I ended up with just the look I wanted. The burlap matting turned out to be just what the drawings and frames needed.  I then hung them up for everyone to enjoy (especially my husband). 

I love to add these type of memories to my surroundings and by doing so...our home becomes just that: "our home." -KimberlyClaire

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

Proverbs 24:3-4

Leather and Leopard

It's that awkward time of year where it's cold enough for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but not yet cold enough for knee-high boots and jackets. I like to call this time of year, "Small." It's a mixture of Summer and Fall and can be somewhat frustrating to style yourself. Although I'll take it over the upcoming season that calls for tights any day. There's nothing I hate more than tights. Two of this Season's trends are leather and leopard. Here's how my sister, Jenny Sanford, wears it and makes it appropriate for "Small."

Skirt: The Red Dress Boutique, similar here. Sweater: TJ Maxx, similar here. Scarf: Boston Proper, similar here. Sunnies: NYX, similar here.

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy."

Psalm 30:11