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Three Cool Ways to Display Houseplants

December 29, 2015 by

Looking for a fun way to display your houseplants? Think outside the pot and check out some cool and creative ideas from your favorite home goods stores. From wall planters to test tube-style vases, these are just a few great new ways to show off your green thumb.

Glass Wall Vases [cb2.com]
Turn your plants into something inspired by a science laboratory with these modern glass wall vases. CB2 offers versions in test tube and teardrop shapes, and they all mount right on to your wall for easy hanging. Pop in a flower, a piece of bamboo or a leaf from outside to create a truly unique display.

Pyramid Wall Planter [westelm.com]
West Elm’s pyramid-shaped wall planters can be used alone or hung in a group to create a display in a completely custom size. Just place the plants of your choice inside the pocket and the galvanized frame will hold them all together.

Succulent Living Wall Planter [uncommongoods.com]
Turn your favorite succulents into living art with this photo frame-inspired planter. The exterior is lined with rustic wood in a square shape, while the interior contains water-preserving moss and light mesh that holds the plants inside, even when you hang it on the wall.

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How to Take Your Couch From Furniture to Focal Point

December 22, 2015 by

Your couch is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home. It provides a space to curl up and watch a movie, to catch up with a longtime friend, and even to share a meal during those weekend take-out nights. If you want to make your sofa more of a focal point, these smart tips will show you how.

  1. Update your throw pillows. The easiest way to take your sofa from basic to stylish is by adding fun, vibrant throw pillows. Choose a few in complimentary colors, mix and match patterns or even go with a geometric, black and white scheme for a hip, retro, look.
  2. Add a blanket. Take a tip from the pros and casually drape a throw across the ottoman or folded on the back of the sofa. Choose something that pairs well with the rest of the room’s color scheme, or go with a classic knit throw for a cozy feel.
  3. Switch up your rug. Choose a vibrant area rug that extends a few inches wider than your sofa, and make sure that it’s large enough to tuck under the sofa’s front legs.
  4. Add a gallery wall. Finally, create a designer-worthy gallery wall directly behind your sofa by framing your favorite family photos, wallpaper swatches, and art prints.

Before & After: How to Style Your Sofa [Elle Décor]
Style a Sofa 5 Different Ways [HGTV]
How To: Style A Sofa [Glitter Guide]

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Follow These Tutorials to a Cool and Kitschy Macrame Plant Hanger

December 8, 2015 by

Macramé may have originally gained popularity back in the 1970s, but the kitschy weaving craft is coming back in a big way. If you love plants and you’re always looking for fun new ways to display them, you may even want to try making a macramé plant hanger of your own. Here are a few tutorials to help you get started!

Colorful Polyester Rope Hanger [hgtv.com]
With this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a macramé hanger using only a few colors of polyester rope, a carabiner, and a screw hook. The actual plant hanger itself is fairly simple, but wrapping the multicolored string around the top adds a fun pop of color.

Sturdy Macramé Plant Hanger [lowes.com]
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit sturdier to hang a particularly heavy plant, this is a great tutorial. It uses clothesline instead of the usual yarn or polyester rope, as well as 18-gauge steel wire and a chain ring for added reinforcement.

Mini String Planters [blog.freepeople.com]
For something quicker and easier, this cute tutorial from the Free People blog uses standard yarn that you might already have stashed away at home. This is a fun tutorial to do while you relax in front of the TV, and the finished product is a great way to hang small air plants or succulents in miniature pots.

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Pro Tips for Keeping Your Bedroom Neat and Organized

November 24, 2015 by

​Even if you’re not a particularly neat person by nature, it’s important to keep your bedroom organized in order to promote a better night’s sleep and help you to get ready faster in the mornings. Here are a few smart tips from the pros that will show you how to make your bedroom look neat and tidy by bedtime tonight.

  1. Clear out anything that isn’t meant to be there. Many people fall into a habit of dragging unused belongings into the bedroom (or the bedroom closet), and putting them in their rightful places will leave you with a blank slate.
  2. Take a peek into your closet and consider the storage options. Add additional shelving, drawers or storage bins to make your closet work better for you—and your wardrobe.
  3. Invest in a hamper. If you don’t already have a designated space for your dirty laundry that you can easily reach for, get one. In fact, get two hampers so that you can separate your lights and darks as soon as you take off your dirty clothes.
  4. Minimize furniture. Most people have far too much furniture in their bedrooms, so get rid of anything that you don’t actually need. You’ll be amazed at how much extra space you have!
  5. Make the bed. This is one of the quickest and simplest things that you can do to create the illusion of an organized bedroom.

7 Tips to Keep Your Bedroom Clean and Organized [Eversave]
Achieve Better Sleep: 7 Tips for a Cleaner and Healthier Bedroom [HuffPost Healthy Living]
Tips for an Organized Bedroom [One Good Thing]

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Tasty Turkey Alternatives for Vegetarians

November 17, 2015 by

Thanksgiving isn’t traditionally the most vegetarian-friendly holiday, but there are now a number of ways to make your feast enjoyable for vegetarian guests. These meat-free alternatives to the usual Thanksgiving turkey are both delicious and easy to make.

Acorn Squash Over Penne [health.com]
Who says that you can’t have pasta on Thanksgiving? This autumnal entree includes sweet acorn squash and nutrient-dense kale seasoned with crushed red pepper for a bit of warming spice, and it is served with whole wheat penne for a boost of fiber.

Glazed Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf [ohsheglows.com]
Although this hearty vegetarian dish seems more like meatloaf than Thanksgiving turkey, it’s so delicious that your vegetarian guests won’t mind one bit. Lentils and breadcrumbs give it a texture that’s much like meat, while the unique balsamic apple glaze is perfect for fall.

Ricotta and Fontina Stuffed Shells [foodandwine.com]
This veggie take on traditional stuffed shells is made with two types of rich cheeses and more vegetables than you can count. Simply pop the whole pan in the oven for 40 minutes and you’ll have a quick and easy entree that vegetarian guests will love.

Roasted Parsnip Bread Pudding [marthastewart.com]
Instead of the usual stuffing, which is usually cooked in chicken broth, this vegetarian version is seasoned with grated cheese and fresh thyme. Use it to stuff the Thanksgiving tofurkey and you won’t miss the meat at all.

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3 Interior Decorator Secrets Everyone Should Know

October 27, 2015 by

So you’re not an interior decorator by trade? No sweat! When it comes to decorating your rental, all it takes are a few tricks from the professionals to make your home look like it belongs on the pages of a design magazine. Here are a few secrets that interior decorators don’t mind sharing.

  1. Arrange furniture in the way that makes the most sense. If you’re constantly tripping over furniture or struggling to reach things on shelves, you likely don’t have your room arranged in the most functional way. Don’t be afraid to rearrange the room until it works — or even to get rid of pieces that you don’t really need.
  2. Add good lighting. If you’re lucky enough to have lots of windows in your apartment, play up the natural light with sheer curtains or neutral-colored blinds. If you don’t have much natural light, fake it with daylight-imitating light bulbs.
  3. Use light or neutral colors. Choose furnishings in light or neutral colors to create an airy, open feeling.
  4. Add art. Adding framed art to every wall is a great way to decorate your apartment without taking up precious space. Create an eclectic gallery wall or add a series of three large frames to create the illusion of depth. Don't forget to add mirrors!

11 Foolproof Decorating Tips [This Old House]
20 Decorating Secrets [House Beautiful]
9 Interior Decorator Secrets [Woman’s Day]

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How to Make the Perfect Apple Pie

October 9, 2015 by

New to baking? Keep these smart techniques in mind the next time you make an apple pie from scratch, and your dinner guests will be none the wiser!

  1. Keep the crust ingredients cold. One of the most important things to do while mixing and rolling your pie crust is to keep all of the ingredients cold. Your crust will only become dense and flaky if the butter is kept in chunks rather than melting, creating layers between the flour and water mixture.
  2. Use real butter. Dessert is not a time to worry about your diet. Make sure that you always use real, full-fat butter (instead of margarine or another butter alternative) to achieve the best results possible.
  3. Use your hands. While kitchen stores boast a wide variety of tools for creating the perfect pie crust, the best thing to use is your hands. Knead the dough between your fingers to get it to the perfect consistency, and don’t forget to lick your fingers to make sure that it’s not too salty or too sweet.
  4. Let the filling sit overnight. To get the best taste out of your apples, let them sit overnight with the rest of the ingredients to really draw out that lovely apple flavor.

The Food Lab's Top 9 Tips For Perfect Apple Pie [Serious Eats]
Your Grandma's Apple Pie Recipe Is Good. This One Is Better [Bon Appetit]
How to Make the Best Apple Pie Ever [Good Housekeeping]

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Where to Shop Industrial-Style Furniture and Decor Online

September 28, 2015 by

Want to get in on the industrial-chic trend? You can inject the cool, hip home decor style into your space at Portofino at Biscayne with help from these popular retailers. A bit of distressed metal here, a dash of reclaimed wood there, and your cozy rental will take on the big-city loft vibe that you’ve always wanted!

Dot & Bo
Although this popular online home goods retailer is best known for its affordable selection of mid-century modern furnishings, it’s also a great resource for finding industrial furniture pieces that look like they came straight from a converted warehouse. Browse metal pendant lights, concrete planters, and even Parsons desks with perfectly weathered wood tops.

World Market
This affordable, eclectic housewares store offers an impressive selection of industrial-inspired furniture items that includes wooden beds, coffee tables on rolling casters, and metal bar carts perfect for entertaining.

Industrial Home
The name says it all at this popular online retailer. Industrial Home carries what it describes as “a vintage twist on modern industrial living,” which includes a great selection of antique-inspired light fixtures, warm leather sofas and rugged, wooden dining tables that offer that signature loft feel.

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Ceviche Recipes You Need to Taste to Believe

September 17, 2015 by

Traditional ceviche is a popular Latin American dish, but the citrus-marinated fish dish has also become popular among ethnic restaurants all over the world. It can be made with a variety of different ingredients, though the flavorful combination of raw fish and lemon or lime remains virtually the same. This trio of creative ceviche recipes is perfect for the adventurous at-home chef.

Halibut-Mango Ceviche [MyRecipes]
Mild halibut is perfectly seasoned with the sweet taste of juicy mango and the spicy kick of jalapeno in this tropical ceviche dish. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and it pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips or tostadas!

Coconut Lime Ceviche [Cooking Channel TV]
The meaty cubes of coconut replace the traditional fish in this unique ceviche recipe, but the tart lime juice still adds a refreshing burst of flavor. It’s also seasoned with a wide variety of herbs and spices to add an even more intense taste.

Snapper Ceviche with Chiles and Herbs [Chow]
Both lime and orange juice create a wonderfully acidic reaction with the flaky snapper in this spicy ceviche. The traditional blend of chiles and herbs is also on par with the authentic Latin recipe. Be sure to ask for a top-grade cut of fish since you’ll essentially be serving it raw.

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How to Master the Art of Conversation

August 31, 2015 by

Whether you'd like to be less shy or you want to make meaningful connections for the sake of your business, there are a number of reasons why people may want to become better conversationalists. Here are a few smart (and sincere) ways to become better at making conversation.

  1. Do some research beforehand. This may seem like a bit too much if you’re on a first date, but if you’re speaking to someone for the sake of business, it always pays off to know a few things about him or her before meeting.
  2. Really listen. Instead of thinking of the next point that you want to make—which is often very apparent to the other person—really listen to what he or she has to say. The person you’re talking to won’t mind waiting for your thoughts to catch up if it seems like you’re really engaged.
  3. Ask questions. You might even want to encourage the other person to keep talking by asking thoughtful questions. This shows that you’re interested enough that you want to know more.
  4. Keep things short. You don’t have to talk for hours to seem like a good conversationalist; in fact, both parties will likely feel relieved to leave when the conversation naturally dies down.

13 Simple Ways You Can Have More Meaningful Conversations [Forbes]
5 Secrets That Will Help You Master Conversation Skills [TIME]
Making Conversation: A Skill, Not an Art [Psych Central]

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