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Everything Green is New Again With These Cool Ways to Display Houseplants

August 2, 2016 by

Instead of the usual terra cotta pots and windowsill planters, why not try displaying your houseplants in a new and innovative way? If you're feeling a bit blue about the current state of your in-home greenery, try out one of these fun and stylish ways to show off your plants.

  • A hanging air plant. Air plants are truly unique, as these spider-like greens require absolutely no soil to grow. Because of this, it's easy to display them just about anywhere you like! Search the web for hanging ceramic planters that dangle from the ceiling to display your air plants.
  • A framed wall hanging. Love succulents? Rather than displaying them in the usual pots, line a picture frame with chicken wire and moss and grow a succulent garden right on your wall.
  • A zoo of planters. If you're a fan of all things fun and whimsical, create your very own "zoo" of clay plant pots. Browse stores or websites for planters in the shape of animals (you might be surprised just how many you find!) Fill them with succulents, cacti, or small plants and arrange the whole gang on a tabletop or sunny shelf.

Planters [Etsy]
20 Unforgettable Indoor Plant Displays [Decoist]

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Breathe New Life Into Your Bedroom’s Decor With These Simple Tips

June 14, 2016 by

Your bedroom should be a place of rest and relaxation, but in your effort to keep things understated and minimal, you might make the décor seem a bit boring. Here are some ways to breathe new life into an outdated bedroom—while still getting a good night’s sleep.

  1. Switch out your side tables. One of the most affordable ways to update your bedroom is by switching the side tables with something unique. Opt for slim shelves mounted right to the wall if your room is small, or go for something larger than a nightstand, such as a full-sized desk, if you have the space to spare.
  2. Add a duvet cover. If you want to change your bedding without investing in an entirely new set, cover your existing comforter with an affordable duvet in a bold, fun print or spa-like white.
  3. Add a headboard. If your current bed doesn’t have a headboard, create one using a large painting, a rectangular tapestry or even an antique door.
  4. Put some art on the walls. Many people forget about decorating the walls in the bedroom, but it can make all the difference. Frame some black and white family photos or even pretty vintage wallpaper squares in colors that match your décor.
  5. Switch the window treatments. Brighten up a bedroom with sheer curtains—it may even help you get out of bed in the morning.

5 Decorating Ideas for Bedrooms [Real Simple]
5 Small Ways to Give Your Bedroom a Big Boost [Oprah]
Freshen Your Bedroom with Low-Cost Updates [Better Homes & Gardens]

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Calling All Teachers: These Pinterest Boards Are Head of the Class!

May 3, 2016 by

Being teacher is an incredibly fulfilling job, and Pinterest is one of the most beneficial tools on the Internet to help make the most out of your classroom. From funny quotes to creative lesson ideas, the Pinterest teaching community offers something for all types of educators. Here are three of the best teaching boards on Pinterest.

Classroom Management
Teaching a class isn’t all fun and games, and this helpful board offers a number of tips and tricks for organizing your classroom and keeping everything running smoothly. Here, you’ll find creative ways to motivate your students, plus fun decorations that double as educational resources and printable worksheets to bolster your lesson plans.

Classroom Organization
Any teacher will tell you that staying organized is the key to a happy classroom, and this board is filled with ideas to help you do just that. Creative sign-out sheets will help you to keep track of all of your students, while bins and cubbies make great spaces for organizing all of your classroom supplies. There are even printable labels, worksheets, and calendars that all teachers will love.

Teacher Quotes
At the end of the day, teaching is all about maintaining a sense of humor. These inspiring and often hilarious quotes are filled with inside jokes that only fellow teachers will understand.

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How to Create an Orderly (Yet Still Stylish!) Kitchen

July 7, 2015 by

Want your kitchen to look stylish — without giving up its functionality? It is possible to make your kitchen both chic and tidy, and these smart tips will help you to get started on your kitchen re-do.

  • Add open shelving. Take the doors off of your kitchen cabinets to store attractive plates and bowls in a way that doubles as a design feature. The more eclectic the better, so mix and match to your heart’s content.
  • Take advantage of countertops. Store the items that you use most in attractive jars along the countertops. Use mason jars or colorful containers to store utensils, coffee, and even dried pasta.
  • Add magnetic strips. Use magnetic strips to keep knives on display against the wall, or use them to organize metal spice containers.
  • Purchase hanging rods. Most home goods stores sell rods that come with numerous S-shaped hooks that you can use to hang things like can openers, measuring cups, and even coffee mugs.
  • Add artwork as a backsplash. Create your own unique backsplash by stacking vintage frames or colorful prints against the wall.
  • Use Lazy Susans. Lazy Susans are some of the most essential items for organizing a smaller kitchen. Use them for spice jars, baking supplies, smaller glassware, and anything else that you can’t easily reach.

How to Style Kitchen Countertops [The Everygirl]
How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets [Better Homes and Gardens]
Why Didn't We Think of That? 18 Genius Kitchen Organizing Tips from Our Readers [The Kitchn]

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Read All About It: Nifty Ways to Reuse Old Magazines and Newspapers

June 2, 2015 by

You love reading magazines and newspapers, but you don’t love having to throw them out after you’re done reading. Instead of tossing out your old reading materials, use these creative tips for making something new and exciting out of your favorite periodicals.

Starburst Clock [happinessisblog.com]
Use this surprisingly simple DIY project to make a gorgeous mid-century modern-inspired clock that actually works. Simply roll the pages of magazines into small tubes, string them together using sturdy twine and attach some attractive hands to the center.

Recycled Gift Bows [craftingagreenworld.com]
Instead of purchasing pre-made gift bows for birthdays or holidays, make your own out of colorful magazine or newspaper pages. Cut the paper into strips, do some crafty folding, and glue it together to create a bow that looks just like the ones from the store.

Woven Magazine Basket [niftythriftythings.com]
Weave a cute and quirky basket by folding the pages into accordion shapes and securing them with a bit of string. These can be used to hold knick knacks or brighten up an empty shelf.

Nail Art [fashionandpoise.blogspot.com]
Press old newspaper pages onto your fingernails for a unique manicure that you won’t find at the nail salon. All it takes is some nail polish, rubbing alcohol, and a few pages from an old newspaper.

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Get Crafty: Learn Embroidery From These 2 Online Tutorials

January 6, 2015 by

Embroidery used to be something that you associated with your grandmother, but lately it’s become a popular hobby for young people, as well. There are a wide variety of fun, cheeky embroidery projects floating around the Internet, and these simple online tutorials will show you how to get started creating your own silly embroideries.

Embroidery 101! [Instructables]
This fun Instructables course uses simple, easy-to-follow guidelines to show you the very basics of embroidery. It offers high quality photos of each step along the way, and it also provides a detailed list of the tools you’ll need to make the process as convenient as possible. The Embroidery 101! lesson even shows some humorous and hip designs as inspiration for your project.

Start Stitching! A Beginner's Embroidery Tutorial [Pretty Prudent]
Pretty Prudent is another wonderful online embroidery website. The site’s tutorial shows you how to sketch a simple design onto your embroidery hoop and fabric, and then how to properly stitch and execute the design. It also provides links to DIY embroidery ideas for other designs.

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4 Must-Read Tips for Becoming a Better Public Speaker

October 7, 2014 by

Public speaking is a dreaded task that many people hate, and if you’re faced with speaking in public at work or at school, it can put a great deal of stress on your shoulders. These four smart tips will help you to shake your fear of public speaking—and maybe even become quite skilled at it in the process.

  1. Start from the ending. Though this may seem counterproductive, it’s very important to keep your end goal in mind before speaking in public. How do you want your audience to feel when your speech is over? What is your main idea? Once you decide on these things, it will be much easier to stay focused during your presentation.
  2. Simplify. Don’t use big words or elaborate phrases in your speech in an attempt to sound smarter; it will only make you sound flustered and, most likely, make you more nervous. Deliver concise, clear thoughts using basic language.
  3. Tone down your visuals. If you use PowerPoint or another visual aid in your presentation, keep it minimal. You don’t want to rely on reading off of your slides, and neither does your audience.
  4. Practice, practice, practice. The only real way to prepare for public speaking is to get a bit of experience under your belt. Don’t just read your speech in front of the mirror, give a mock presentation to friends, family or close coworkers. This will help you to shake the nerves once the real thing comes around.

Want to Be a Better Public Speaker? Do What the Pros Do. [Forbes]
Seven Principles of Effective Public Speaking [AMA]
5 Ways to Become a Better Public Speaker [The VAR Guy]
10 Tips to Be a Better Public Speaker [CBS News]

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How to Fold a Fitted Sheet Without Frustration

May 6, 2014 by

It's the most dreaded task of laundry day: the attempted wrangling of the unruly fitted sheet. You might think it's impossible to get this oversized, elasticized piece of fabric into a shape that's nice and neat, but it can be done! These three steps take the mystery—and frustration—out of folding fitted sheets.

1. Take the sheet out of the dryer as soon as the buzzer sounds; this will prevent wrinkles and make the task of folding a little easier. Then, lay the sheet on a flat surface, like a table or your bed, and fold it in half width-wise. (To make the corners line up, flip the bottom corners inside out and tuck them inside their corresponding top corner.)

2. Now that you have somewhat of a square shape, fold the sheet in thirds by flipping the bottom (closest to you) up toward the middle of the square. Flip to top down on top of the first fold. Be sure to "crisp" the corners as you proceed.

3. At this point, you should have a rectangle shape. Fold the sheet in thirds again: Bring the left edge of the rectangle to the center, then bring the right edge of top of that. Voila! You should have a perfect square.

Do you have another method for folding fitted sheets? Let us know!

Living Well: 6 Secrets To Folding a Fitted Sheet [Design Mom]
How to Fold a Fitted Sheet [Martha Stewart]
How to Fold a Fitted Sheet into a Nice Flat Rectangle [Lifehacker]

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4 Tips for the Perfect Pour of Wine

January 7, 2014 by

Pouring wine is more than just tipping a bottle over a glass. Certain wines need to breathe before drinking, and pouring the right amount is essential. Check out these four great tips for pouring the perfect glass of wine.

  • Not all wines are served cold, so be sure to keep bottles at the correct temperature before pouring. White and sparkling wines are best served between 40—50 degrees Fahrenheit; full-bodied whites and light, fruity reds, 50—60 degrees Fahrenheit; full-bodied reds and Ports, 60—65 degrees Fahrenheit. Invest in a thermometer to be sure you have the right temperature.
  • Give the bottle a quick taste test before serving. This will give you an idea of its temperature and familiarize yourself with what you're pouring.
  • The right glass gives the wine room to open up its flavors. Tulip-shaped glasses are ideal and be sure they are clean, as musty or grimy glasses can ruin a wine flavor.
  • If serving a red wine, pour it into a decanter first to let it sit for an hour before serving. The full flavor of the wine will be evident on the first sip.

How to Serve Wine 101 [Wine Inspector]
Organic Wine Serving Tips [Frey Wine]
25 Tips on How to Serve Wine [Bauduc Blog]

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