I may have told you this already, but my husband and I recently took on a second property abroad. No, we're not rich -- we just live as simple as possible, own only one car, arranged things so that we can both work from home nearly full-time (sharing the same office!), and have gone from visiting Starbucks once a day to twice a month. We also decided to wait on having pets and children (a huge sacrifice) until we could realize our dream of living between two countries. Oh yes, this shows dedication to a budget!

Our goals to get back to the motherland have stayed strong since we married nearly 7 years ago. My husband was raised in Germany and relocated here to the states when he was in his late 20's to marry me. And together we vowed that one day we'd live between America and Germany and this year that dream has come true, as of April 1st to be exact. It feels really good to be where I stand today because a year ago I was still wondering how in the world we were going to pull it off and was beginning to feel like it would never happen. I was getting tired of putting a hold on my life. I want pets. I want kids. But now, things are looking up.

What's the point of this post? I need your advice this time around. We leave the states in August and will stay in our new place until the end of the year but currently the new digs have zero furnishings. We don't even have kitchen appliances or cabinetry because German apartments don't come equipped with them in most cases. The apartment was just gut renovated so the hardest part is over, now it's time to wallpaper, install lighting (5 pendants to be exact) and to get everything we need to maintain a home there. I've never done this before -- starting from scratch. How does one even begin?

So currently I'm devising a plan. I'm trying to figure out how to pull everything together from the floor up. From towels to toilet brushes, shower curtains to a sofa, I need it all and I pretty much to purchase a bulk of it when I arrive there in August. I just don't want to make expensive mistakes, buy for the sake of having, and in the end I've furnished my home but it's pretty much all from IKEA.

Have you ever moved into a home with nearly nothing but the shirt on your back? Any tips for me? I can't bring much with me in my luggage when I go over, so I'm starting at zero. What things should I consider taking with me? I'm thinking of prints from Etsy (lightweight, easy to frame as art) and personal items like photos to keep me grounded so my place feels personal a little quicker. And of course DVDs and CDs. It's odd moving to a new country when I'll only be living their part-time, but extremely exciting. I'm up for the challenge.

Any tips on how to start your life from scratch in a new land? Any expats out there living abroad? How do you get started from square one?

(image taken by holly becker)

My brother is a long-haul truck driver. His residence is the 264 cubic feet cab of his Volvo VN 670 semi. To put this in perspective, the cab of his truck is smaller than a cell in a U.S. maximum security prison.

Imagine for a moment that you lived in a space that small. What would you keep? What would go? How much of any one thing would you buy? Could you live that way?

I thought that you might be interested in learning about what he does keep and how he lives with so few material possessions. It's a great lesson in reminding us that to be happy and healthy we don't need a lot of stuff.

• Clothing: He has five t-shirts, three pairs of jeans, seven pairs of underwear and socks, two polo shirts, a sweater, two stocking caps, a winter coat, a sweatshirt, a pair of shorts, a pair of khakis, two sets of work gloves, a pair of coveralls to wear when he's working on his truck, a baseball cap, a white dress shirt, a tie, cuff links, and a suit. He wears a pair of black leather Dr. Martens, and keeps a pair of dress shoes that match his suit and a pair of flip flops to wear in the shower. He also keeps a bottle of laundry detergent and a box of Bounce dryer sheets.
• Linens: One set of sheets, a blanket, two pillows, and two bath towels. He also has two small towels he uses on his truck.
• Entertainment: He has a single, foot-long bookshelf with audio books, paperbacks, and DVDs he checks out from the library near his company's headquarters, a small television and DVD player, and a stereo built into the dash of his truck. He has a cell phone with charger, a digital camera with charger, a deck of cards, and a GPS unit specifically designed for trucking. He also has a guitar in a soft case and a laptop computer with carrying case (his two "luxury items," as he calls them).
• Food: He has a mini refrigerator, a microwave, and a small cabinet of food. Under his bed he stores two flats of bottled water. He also has a roll of paper towels, a can opener, two plates, two bowls, two glasses, two sets of utensils, three kitchen knives, plastic mixing bowl, and a bottle of dishwashing detergent.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, paste, disposable razor, shaving cream, soap, an emergency roll of toilet paper, and small bottle of lotion. My brother is bald, so he has no need for shampoo or a hair brush.
• Other: A tool box full of tools, a three-ring notebook with personal papers (make-shift filing cabinet), a notebook with work-related papers, five pens, two pencils, a box of envelopes, a book of stamps, three legal pads of paper, a pair of scissors, three different kinds of tape, a stapler, a highlighter, a handful of paper clips and safety pins, a zip-top bag full of rubber bands, a bottle of pain reliever, a bottle of antacids, a thermometer, an extra pair of glasses, a pair of sunglasses, a bottle of sunscreen, a scrapbook, a duffel bag, a bucket, a bristle brush, a telescoping window scraper thing, and a box of trash bags.

Now that you've seen the list, could you live in such a small space with so few material possessions? I have to admit that it would be difficult for me, but I know that it's possible and helps to keep things in my own life in perspective.

Image from Volvo Trucks of North America

Design magazines may be inspiring, but I often turn to illustration for inspiration, too. From graffiti to prehistoric cave drawings and colorful Target gift cards, artists and illustrators are doing their part to influence how we see the world. I always look forward to viewing illustrations in magazines like Real Simple and particularly enjoy looking at book covers -- some are just gorgeous.

I find myself inspired by these creative souls so often, I refer to their work whenever I feel like I'm stuck in a creative rut. How?

Illustration by Linda Ketelhut represented by Lilla Rogers Studio.

Usually my creative rut centers around developing new color palettes as I often tend to lean on my favorite combinations whenever I decorate a room. Do you do this too? Currently, I'm decorating a small apartment and I'm looking to use color in a new way -- one that breaks me of my color comfort zone while still being uniquely 'me'. I turn to art and illustration to help me in this respect. I've been tearing illustrations from magazines like a mad woman lately and putting them together in a journal with notes so I know exactly what I like about the palette and the feelings that the colors evoke. It's a fun exercise that you may even want to try.

Illustration by Lisa DeJohn represented by Lilla Rogers Studio.

Book covers, greeting cards, posters, gift cards, wrapping paper, children's books, there are so many places to find beautiful illustrative work -- allow yourself to be inspired by it. You may even want to do a little doodling yourself, it's fun and releases a lot of emotions and ideas - experimenting with color in this way can unlock a new idea or two when it comes to decorating. Here are a few places I turn to for illustrative inspiration.

• Illustration Friday is a website started by illustrator Penelope Dullaghan that draws together artists of all skill levels and asks them to get involved and create together on a weekly basis around a theme, or if one prefers, simply observe the works as I do here on the IF blog.
• 3x3 is a magazine devoted to contemporary illustration that I really like.
• I love to visit Lilla Rogers who represents lots of illustrators and I adore browsing the online portfolios, amazing work.
• Scott Hull Associates - Another rep website with portfolios that I just love to browse, great colors!
• Illustration Mundo is a website with loads of creative eye candy.
• Drawn! is an illustration blog.
• Fecal Face - The user galleries are fun to browse.

Though I find satisfaction in viewing beautiful work, I often challenge myself when I look at pictures so that I'm not mindlessly scanning pretty pictures only for relaxation and pleasure. Though pleasure is part of it, I often study what I see -- I view how colors are combined, their strength, how they relate to the other colors in the drawing, how often they are repeated in the work, etc. I often remove the images I see in magazines and paste them into a journal and make notes. I ask myself Why? What? How? Why do I like it, What grabs my attention? How does it make me feel? I also list the colors used in the piece. I try to group images within a similar color palette in the same section of my journal so I can see how the same palette appears simply by altering how the colors are used (in one composition, pink may be strong but in another, the weakest color in the piece).

So whenever you see a drawing that you like in color, or anything else for that matter (fashion imagery, photography, whatever), start questioning Why? What? How? etc. and put together a little inspiration journal of your very own. Over time you'll start to see a trend in what you like, you'll discover your own style, and you may even find color combinations that you love that you would have never dreamed of putting together on your own -- which can equal inspiration for your next bedroom redesign. That's how I allow all the beautiful illustrative work I see to inspire my decorating choices.

(images from lilla rogers studio)

I have this thing for animal motifs, maybe you do to? Take these wallpaper animal silhouettes from Inke in the Netherlands for instance. Love 'em. The first time I saw them was back in '05 in a German magazine, then a year later I spotted them in a little shop in Hannover, Germany while on vacation. I loved them instantly, I think they are so clever and unique. They're made using vintage wallpaper and there's more than wildlife silhouettes, Inke also has trees and imagery that is more 'adult-like' such as lamps, chairs, and table silhouettes as well. There's a little something for the nursery and the living room!

Photo: Inke giraffe silhouette, March '07 issue of Domino Magazine.

Inke Heiland is a Dutch artist/designer who graduated in '02 from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. Inke "wildlife" wallpaper was an idea she had for her son's bedroom which then gave her the idea to produce them as a product. In '04 she presented them at an exposition for new design in Amsterdam and from there she expanded her collection to include tree and furniture silhouettes. Inke is mostly known in Europe with an expanding client base here in the United States thanks to design blogs and magazines.

Photo: Inke tree via Lille Mandarine.

Photo: Inke tree.

Each silhouette comes on a roll much like gift wrap and is made out of genuine vintage wallpaper from the 60s and 70s, all handmade in the Netherlands. Each roll comes with a do it yourself kit that includes adhesive, a brush, and installation instructions. Sounds like an easy afternoon project!

What do you think? Is this a look you'd like to try at home? I'd love to see one of these in a shop, perhaps a pretty stationery store or book store... Even a pediatrician's office -- now how cute would that be?

(images all linked to sources above.)

I was 20 years old the first time I had fresh garlic. My friend Ann had roasted some, smeared it on a slice of bread, and told me to try it. I ate it and fell in love.

Both Ann and I grew up in households where Lawry's Seasoned Salt was the preferred spice of choice. Our mothers were utilitarian chefs, and had kept things simple when teaching us cooking basics. It wasn't until we started making our own meals that we discovered flavors like thyme, garlic, and coriander.

Today, I treasure going to my local Penzeys Spices shop. Fresh spices of all kinds line the shelves and call to me to give them a try. I sort of understand now why nations went to war over spice trade routes.

When I was writing the entry last week on how to organize your pantry, I started thinking about how to specifically organize spices. If you're looking for an out of the box solution, here are a number of options I've found that I think could work wonderfully in many pantries.

Tin Magnetic Spice Rack

Spice Clip Set

Pull-Down Spice Rack

Expand-a-Drawer Spice Organizer

Spice Stack Cabinet Spice Rack

Feeny 4 Tier Spice Rack

Do you use any of these solutions? I'm eager to learn about your organization method in the comments.

There's a lot of truth to those silly eBay commercials highlighting the sheer thrill of shopping victoriously. Just recently I scored a vintage owl umbrella stand in white ceramics (view it here) that was even better in person than I had imagined -- and I definitely felt a sense of victory and pride over my win. From Blythe dolls to Hollywood Regency foo dog bookends, there's something on eBay for everyone. Problem is... There's a little too much. Need some help? Here are a few sellers that I watch on a regular basis for home decorating items so that you can shop victoriously, too.

Pair of faux cane chairs, $395 Buy It Now.

• Grey Gardens 101: Hollywood Regency style, mostly furniture and lighting, excellent selection.
• East Treasures - Watch them for suzani throws and ikat robes.
• Foster Pink 217 - Jane Foster screen prints her own line of textiles, beautiful things and you can sometimes find them in her store, although lately she's been listing lots of vintage textiles which are equally lovely.
• Posh Princess: Decorative collectibles, lots of modern glamor here.
• Vintage Rockford: Mid century modern finds.
• Home Republic - Great modern accessories for the home.
• Interiorz: Lovely designer fabric wall hangings, lamp shades, cushions and fabric made from Florence Broadhurst, Marimekko and Missoni fabrics.
• Capitol Salvage: These guys salvage it all. One of their latest finds includes an old roadside sign from a fruit stand that reads, "Big Melons".
• Daily Painters Gallery - Such a cool concept. Brand new paintings are listed here daily that you can bid on via eBay. Nice!
• Vintage Retro Store - Based in Germany, this man ships all over the world and has a great selection of retro everything from lighting to wallpaper and the prices are great.
• Blue Rocket Modern - More mid century modern goodies.
• DestinASIAN Home - Gorgeous Asian finds, antiques, porcelain garden stools, and more.
• Marie's Cosy Cushions - Retro pillows, brand new, mod patterns. All pillows, all the time!
• E Chic Boutique - Modern furnishings for the home at great prices.
• Looking for Mod: More mid century finds with a touch of Hollywood glam. I love this headboard.
• U Turn Vintage Wallpaper - They have the BEST selection of retro patterns - wow!

Now it's your turn... I showed you mine... Now let's see your favorite sellers, please share in the comments section below.

(image from grey gardens 101 linked above)

People move and change jobs so frequently that you probably receive notifications of address and telephone changes on an almost daily basis. It's easy for the information in your address book to become inaccurate and out-of-date in just a short period of time.

To stay on top of this constant stream of information, I recommend the following method for organizing this data:

• The first step is to have a computer and handheld device that talk to each other. I have Bluetooth capabilities on my computer and cell phone. A USB or WiFi connection also can transfer information, just be sure that you have the proper communication software on both devices to allow for transfer and syncing of address book data.
• Once these two devices can speak to each other, you'll want to create a single, master address list that is void of duplicates and inaccurate data. This will be the most lengthy stage in the process, and I recommend creating the master list on your computer instead of your handheld (this isn't the time to stare at a tiny screen, you'll just get frustrated). Both Macs and PCs come with address book software installed with their major operating systems, and I've found that they're intuitive and robust enough for most people's needs.
• When creating your master list, don't forget to add businesses that you frequently contact, like your doctor's office and your children's school. I also create files for businesses where I have membership cards and then enter my membership numbers into the notes fields. It can be wise to put the "lost card" telephone numbers off of the back of your credit cards in case your wallet is stolen, too.
• Allow only one entry per person that includes work and office information. In some address book programs, you can link couples and businesses with individuals so that you can see (but not edit) group data in a single entry. The program I use, Address Book for Macs, also lets me create smart groups.
• With a master list on your computer full of good data, you'll want to sync it back up with your handheld. Be sure to overwrite the data on your handheld so that you don't reintroduce bad data into your system.
• The next step in the process is to backup your computer's hard drive. We all know that hard drives fail, so take the time now to prevent a headache later.
• At this point, I also would recommend opening up a Plaxo account online and uploading your address book. Some people dislike this option because they're uncomfortable knowing that their data has a slim possibility of being hacked. In my situation, the advantages of an online service like Plaxo outweigh my fears of my information being accessed. The best parts about Plaxo are that my friends can change their own information, and Plaxo syncs up with my address book on my computer's hard drive. Ultimately, Plaxo helps me to keep my information current with very little effort.

Now that your information is organized, backed up, and easily accessible on your computer and handheld device, enjoy the benefits of your time investment. Throw a party, and send invitations knowing that they will arrive at the right address!

Image from apple.com

Last Friday we discussed Cutting Through Design Blog Smog and I promised that I'd reveal my daily reads to you today since you want to know. These are the design blogs that I don't miss at the end of each day when I've finished writing decor8 and have a moment to kick back and enjoy the voices of my bloggy friends. Of course, there are other blogs that I read via RSS feeds each week and others that I won't list because I consider them a bit more personal (blogs authored by family members and close personal friends, for example) but here is a grouping of reads that I refer to on a daily basis.

Delightful Blogs is a wonderful source for finding blogs organized by topic with an edited directory of 3,200+ blogs! Be sure to check it out to find blogs that you feel a connection to.

Here's some of my daily reads for design and a tad bit of fashion, too! Everyone has a different list of daily reads, so please share yours below.

• Creature Comforts - Founder and editor Ez out in Southern California gives me my daily dose of fashion and interiors inspiration, and I love the content and voice behind it. I also adore how well everything is laid out.

• Style Files - I met this blogger, Danielle, a few times already. We attended a design fair in Holland and another in Sweden a year later where we spent the weekend shopping, eating, and meeting readers who follow our blogs in Sweden -- exciting! I feel especially close to Danielle because she's more than a blogger to me, she's a friend now and I think that's pretty special. She also lives in Holland and is Dutch, so I really enjoy her perspective on design and her sense of style -- it's very clean and uncomplicated. Plus her blog is truly lovely.

• Making It Lovely - Nicole is a graphic designer and she loves to decorate, so I get my graphic design and DIY fix daily from this girl. She is a new homeowner and lives with her husband in Chicago in the cutest bungalow. It's fun to peek in on what she's up to next. Another thing I love about Nicole? She's humble. She asks her readers for decorating feedback.

• Emmas Designblogg - Another blogger that I met in person, Emma actually showed me around Stockholm last year that included cocktails and a beautiful organic buffet brunch. She has the typical Scandinavian style that I love and a genuine and sweet spirit about her. I like the products she finds because they're not typical to what I find here in American stores and magazines and because what she writes hasn't been all over blogland a thousand times already.

• SF Girl By Bay - Victoria is the big sister I never had but have always wanted. She's stylish, has a great sense of humor, and lives in San Francisco, a city that I would never live in (too expensive) but secretly wish I could. So everyday I live through Victoria instead. And I love how she decorates, it's Stockholm meets San Francisco with a dash of Sydney - fresh, white, jolts of energetic color, and vintage finds mixed in with modern pieces from affordable stores like Room & Board and IKEA -- so it's within reach. Plus Victoria has a good spirit, she's real and approachable. I really value her voice in the design blogging world so much.

• My Marrakesh - Who wouldn't love a blog authored by a savvy well-traveled American who is not only a mother and wife, but works as a specialist in human rights and democracy and is diligently working alongside her architect husband to build and soon open, a lovely hotel retreat in Marrakesh called the Peacock Pavillions. You can gaze in on her beautiful world via her blog and watch the progress she's making with the building project. I hope to visit Maryam in 2009 with my husband, too. We've become great friends through our blogs over the past few years.

• Absolutely Beautiful Things - Authored by Anna Spiro, would has exceptional style, this blog oozes with class and color. Anna lives in Australia and has impeccable taste, and she should, she's an Interior Designer and design shop owner. Love this lady!

• And Bloesem because Irene is just so lovely and down-to-earth and she blogs about some of the most beautiful handmade crafty things ever. She's a wife and mom and all around great lady.

The design blogs that we read reveals a lot about our personal style. When you look over the above list, it's clear that I love European life, am dying to visit Australia and Morocco, adore California (my favorite U.S. state), and love design that's a bit exotic and colorful, modern, lots of handmade tactile things, clean but with character, mostly neutral base with bright colors as accents, and enjoy being around laid back easy-going none over-achiever types. Not to say that these ladies aren't doing a lot in their life, they are, but they're balanced and live a life that I enjoy sharing with them daily through their blogs. They aren't just bloggers, they are mothers, business owners, wives, and extremely inspirational women that I've grown to adore. That's why these particular blogs click with me. Of course you are different, you may have your own list and by sharing mine I'm not stating these are the only blogs online worth reading. There are thousands.

If you'd like to find more lovely blogs, here's my own list of favorites right here: decor8 Links. Y

And a little note: these reads aren't the only blogs I'm looking at, I check out Apartment Therapy, Delicious Days, Dooce, Hatch, Hue Consulting, Turquoise, Unclutterer, Print and Pattern, and many others on a weekly basis -- lately the best time for that is on Friday afternoon after I've wrapped up everything for the week - my end of week reward. I find it a nice way to kick off the weekend too.

Who are you reading?

(image from delightful blogs)

So many blogs, so little time. How does one cut through the blog smog? As a blogger and a blog reader, you may be surprised to know that I read less than 10 blogs per day! In addition to Simply Stated of course. :) Sure, I scan a few others here and there, but that occurs less than once a week and takes me about an hour total.

A design blog article I wrote for a real estate journal back in 2006 pointing potential home buyers to some of my favorite reads on the web.

Why do I practice portion control when it comes to blog reading?

Mostly due to lack of time. Like so many of you, I have a life off-line that demands my attention in addition to my online responsibilities to my dear readers over on decor8 and here at Simply Stated. There are thousands of bloggers out there and more are joining the ranks each day, how could I ever keep up if I didn't exercise some self control? Plus I want to surround myself with people online who are making progress in their own life and through their blogs, they are not only sharing that progress but giving me encouragement and inspiration whether they realize it or not. And because anyone can start a blog also means that anyone will -- so you need to watch what your reading and make sure that the blogger isn't feeding you what they've either stolen off the web elsewhere and that they're walking the talk in their own life. Ask yourself:

• Does the blogger have their full name and complete bio readily visible, or at least their email address so you can ask them?
• If they are offering advice, do they have the credentials to do so? And when I say credentials, I don't mean they need to have some fancy background, I just want to know why they have a blog in the first place, what life experiences give them the 'right' to an audience so to speak.
• If they show photos on their blog, are they crediting their images giving the source full credit?
• Do they write well?
• Is their content consistent?
• Do they answer comments left on their blog?
• Are comments made by fellow readers constructive or are they snarky and bitter?

I think all of these points are very important things to consider because you want to make sure that what you're taking in is worth your precious time.

When I read a design blog I have to 'click' with the author. I need to like them.

If they are show-offs, snarky, rude to others, don't bother to reply to comments left, or lack a genuine warmth I don't bother tuning in regularly. My rule is that if I wouldn't consider having them as friends in my 'real' life, then I certainly don't want to associate with them online. Plus, it soaks up time that I could be spending on projects, exercising, or giving attention and care to my family -- my husband is precious and I never want him to take the back seat to over consumption when it comes to online recreation.

This is something I think everyone should consider. How much time are you spending reading blogs? Are they benefiting you in some way? Do you genuinely like the author? Is the message giving you feelings of hope or draining you? All valid things to consider.

I suggest making a list of your daily must-reads and sign up for their RSS feeds. That's what I do now and it really makes a difference in how I'm spending my time. Just as I wouldn't sit on the sofa for hours to watch television, reading blogs and surfing the net isn't something I do 24/7 either. There is such a thing as to much of a good thing. Whether it's cupcakes, sex, or blog reading, you can't do any of it constantly and not eventually tire out.

Of course, as my interests change, so does my list of must-read blogs for the day. I'll share my blog reading list with you on Monday.

If I didn't author a blog myself and write here for Simply Stated, I would read around 20+ blogs daily with no problem... But the 10 or less rule works for me and I'm quite happy with it. Everyone is different of course, you do what works for you.

I'm also not walking away over-stimulated and frustrated each day from over consumption. I believe that the time you spend on every activity should be as good as you can possibly make it. Even a mundane shower should be fun -- wash with your favorite soap and listen to a great CD and sing your little heart out. If you are consuming too much information daily, try to curb things a bit, reel yourself in, make an honest assessment about your blog intake, and then do something to shorten your list of reads so that you're spending more time enjoying the blogs you love, commenting on them, and showing the author that you appreciate their hard work so the good blogs stick around and continue to thrive.

If you have any blog reading tips to share, or if you'd like to tell us what blogs you read daily, please comment below!

(image: holly becker)

A good friend of mine currently has a job she hates. The hours are awful, the topic of the work is mind numbing, and a few choice employees are toxic and insist that every situation is an emergency. On the upside, though, the job pays extremely well and is less than a 15 minute commute from her home. Additionally, she knows that she is lucky to have a job at a time when a lot of people can't find work in her industry. She's been at the job for five months, and she's decided that for financial and professional reasons she will wait until January 2009 to start looking for a new gig.

Surprisingly, even though my friend has a job she can't stand, she is one of the happiest people I know.

How does she do it?

1. She doesn't let her job define her. She thinks about her job the way a teenager might think about his after-school stocking job at the grocery store.
2. She has a rich, active life outside the office. When she isn't at work, she fills every minute doing things she loves. She doesn't sit at home on her couch thinking about how awful her job is.
3. She views the position as a temporary state. She attends networking events and keeps the channels open so that when she goes back on the market, the transition will hopefully be a simple one into a new job.
4. She throws herself into her work when she is at work so that she never has to take anything home. In short, she does her work every minute she's at work, even though she dislikes it.
5. She organizes her day by doing the tasks she loathes the most first thing in the morning.
6. She tries to be a psychic and prepare for every possible, wacky situation her colleagues might put her into next. Even if she isn't successful at predicting their ridiculous demands, at least she is prepared for things not to go the way she would have done them.
7. When she's at work, she acts as if she loves her job. It's the ol' "fake it, until you make it" mentality.

My advice to her months ago was to quit the job. I've always been of the opinion that life is too short to have a job you hate. I have come to understand her reasons for keeping the job, and am even more impressed by how she is handling the situation. So, if you find yourself in a job you can't stand and leaving it isn't an option, try following her lead. Your home life will be more enjoyable for it.

Here's a creative exercise for you, especially helpful if you're trying to decorate a room and you've narrowed down your color choices but cannot make a final decision, or if you have no clue what colors to even start with. Train your eye and develop a stronger color sense (and sharpen your direction) by using a digital camera. When you're out and about, take photos of color combinations that you like, for instance a pattern you see in a clothing store or a painting in the lobby of a hotel. Capture things you like without concentrating on what you're photographing -- that's not important. Color is what you're after here. Whether it's the top of a building or the carpet in a waiting room. You can even set up a home photo shoot and experiment using fabric, clothing, art, dishware, magazines, photographing current items in your home that you really love. A good start is your closet and accessories like jewelry and handbags. The only rule is to make sure that everything you're photographing has colors that you love. Now for the next step...

Example: A purple color folder where I quickly noticed a trend. I like purple when it's more of a pastel paired with soft green. I also like lilac paired with gray and silver.

Okay, so you're snapping photos like crazy, now what? You'll need to store them in a place where you can easily view them all together and create folders to organize your color groups. I highly suggest using a free photo management site like Flickr to upload them. In Flickr, you can arrange your photos into sets, or folders according to color. Title your sets accordingly, "purple", "white", "green", etc. Try this experiment for a few solid weeks so that you have enough photos to make a solid decision. Spot a trend? Maybe your green folder is nearly empty but your reds are overflowing. Now look at your reds. Do you see a trend there? Not all red is created equal, nor any color for that matter. Perhaps you'll see that you have a strong leaning towards a tone of red you currently aren't using in your home. It's time to change that because you should be living around color you love and are naturally drawn to, right? Makes sense to me.

Over time, you'll not only build a fantastic image collection, but again -- you'll start to see a pattern in what colors dazzle you the most AND what combinations of colors (color schemes) that you like.

Group images into folders on sites like Flickr, for instance.

Example: A green color folder. I learned from my study that I tend to lean towards either kelly green paired with crisp white and chartreuse.

Outside of learning more about yourself and what you like, building an online color portfolio is just plain fun because it's on the web so you can access it from anywhere and share it with others, including fellow Flickr users or the decorator that you're working with (decorators and designers will love you for this, trust me!). Of course, you can arrange things however you'd like in your folders, this is merely a suggestion based on my own experience, but I think it's a great way to boost your color confidence and make new discoveries.

One last bit: I've experimented with Flickr, Photobucket, and Shutterfly and Flickr always comes out on top for me. Do you have an online photo management and sharing application that you can suggest as an alternative in case someone reading is not keen on Flickr? Thank you!

images: holly becker for real simple.

The kitchen pantry says a great deal about a family. One quick look inside and you can often tell the ages of the people who live in the house, gauge if they like to bake from scratch, estimate how often they eat at home, and instantly know if they are vegetarian or have dietary restrictions.

What does your pantry say about you? My pantry says that I love to cook Southern Indian food, I eat a lot of whole grains, I either have a love affair or hatred for olives (there are five jars in there currently -- and it's love), I bake a great deal, I don't keep chocolate or nuts on hand, and nothing has passed its expiration date. Another tidbit you can discover in my pantry is that I'm organized.

If you're interested in having an organized pantry, too, here are some suggestions for whipping your space into shape:

• Go through your pantry and ensure that nothing is expired. If you're having difficulty deciphering the date code, you can go to the manufacturer's website and find out the shelf life of the product. If you're wondering about spices, check out this article for more information.
• If you have children, consider labeling the lips of your shelves. "Cereal," "Pasta," and "Sandwich Supplies" are a few I'd suggest. Younger children can see where things belong, and older children won't quickly complain there's nothing to eat.
• Depth of shelves can sometimes be a disadvantage because smaller objects may get lost or out-of-sight items forgotten. In cases where shelves are very deep, I recommend installing ones that pull out on rollers. The Container Store has a nice selection of these rolling shelves.
• Tall shelves also can be a disadvantage in some situations. If this is a problem for you, consider using shelf inserts that double your shelf space. A good rule of thumb is that if you can't see it, you probably won't use it.
• Think outside the box when it comes to organization supplies for your pantry. An index card file works wonders for wrangling seasoning packets. An over the door clear shoe bag can be used to hold cans of soup and smaller jars. Small bins you might use on a workbench can be repurposed for small bottles of food coloring and candy sprinkles.
• Try to group items by type. All of your flours, sugars, and baking supplies should be in the same area. Boxes of pasta and other instant meals should be in close proximity with each other. Spices should be grouped together and arranged in a way that makes the most sense to you.
• Additionally, organize these groupings of products by frequency of use and weight. Items accessed most frequently should be the easiest to reach. Storing cans above shoulder height usually isn't a wise choice, as if you accidentally lose your grip, you can wind up with a nice knot on your head. I put chips and similar, light, junk food on the highest shelves in my pantry to keep them away from eye level and if they fall it's no big deal.

Good luck with your pantry organization endeavors! I'm eager to hear from you in the comments about what you do to keep order in your pantry.

As founder/editor of decor8, I'm approached daily by readers looking to locate everything from rugs to lighting. It's so much fun when I can seek and gather for them, I view it as an exciting treasure hunt. I was recently approached by a reader in Atlanta on a quest for modern outdoor fabric so I compiled an extensive list of resources. After sending them to her I realized that my Simply Stated friends may benefit so this post is for you. I think it ties in rather nicely with Patio Spruce Up: A Few Great Shops from last week. And since many don't have time to sew, I've included stores that sell plenty of pillows, cushions and in some cases, drapes too. Ready for a little patio redux?

Angela Adams outdoor fabrics. I think these are super crisp and fresh.

Outdoor pillows from SCAD's Working Class Studio.

Links to bookmark:

• Outdoor Textiles
• Kingsley-Bate
• Tropitone
• Warp Weft Co.
• Grandin Road
• Arthur Lauer
• Frontgate
• Ballard Designs
• Restoration Hardware
• Lane Venture
• Designer Fabrics
• Sunbrella
• Crate and Barrel

Juicy colors and ethnic patterned pillows from West Elm.

This geometric Robert Kaufman design is superb from Hancock's of Paducah.

Three of my favorite patterns over at Calico Corners (I love their stores).

And who can forget Pottery Barn, they are totally rockin' it this season with a hot collection of outdoor fabrics, accessories, and furniture. I'm crazy about this outdoor area with the low comfy seating, this looks like a sweet spot for grillin' and chillin'. The view isn't bad either. I lived oceanfront only once in my life and it was enough to make every home since not quite good enough. I loved all the entertaining my family did and falling asleep to the sound of waves at night. Take it from me, don't ever live on the beach if you don't intend to stay there for the rest of your life because it's the ultimate curse. I digress...

So ladies and gents, show of hands... how many of you have an outdoor space to decorate? Do you treat this space as an extra room in warmer months or do you tend to neglect it? Where do you shop for your fabrics, any good finds we don't know about yet? 

(images linked to their sources above)

From dressy boxwoods to casual wildflowers, there are so many plants and flowers to choose from to dress up your outdoor space. Whether you have a sprawling patio or a tiny balcony your options extend beyond greens and blooms to include furniture, outdoor fabrics, lighting, flooring, patio umbrellas, planters, garden tools, all depending on your needs and budget.

So tell us, where do find the good stuff?

All items shown above can be purchased here in the NYBG Shop.

Here's where I find some of my favorite things in addition to Target, Anthropologie, and Homegoods:

• Fat Finch
• Windowbox
• Grandin Road
• Ballard Designs
• GRDN
• Frontgate
• Smith & Hawken
• NYBG Shop
• Restoration Hardware

Lattice patio umbrella from Warp Weft Co., Swaziland Garden Pot from Anthropologie, campy planters from perch, simple spring plant and planter from Jayson Home & Garden, bead canvas sun hat and lilypad camp stool from Hable Construction.

Where do you shop? Any great stores to share that we don't know about? Do tell!

(images linked above to their source.)

E-mail is an incredibly useful tool that allows me to do my job more efficiently, and is also a major distraction and headache. I can drop my mom a quick note in between phone calls, which is an inexpensive alternative to long distance charges, but I also can waste 20 minutes weeding through spam and advertising.

My assumption is that most people who interact with e-mail have a similar love-hate opinion of it.

Hand's down, the best e-mail client on the market is Gmail by Google. Google is constantly working to keep spam out of your inbox, and offer a number of useful features -- the best of these are tagging and searching. If you don't have a Gmail account and want one, go here.

If you're like me, though, you can't process all of your e-mail through Gmail. You might have a Gmail account for your private mail, but at work you need to use Outlook or Noteworthy on company time. And, unless you work in an environment with a dedicated e-mail technology staff member, you probably have a few headaches when it comes to your work e-mail account.

When handling e-mail, I try to think of it like good ol' fashion regular mail sent through the postal system. For starters, my mail carrier doesn't come to my house every few minutes, so I don't constantly have my e-mail client open. If you work in an office where responding to e-mail is a must, set a timer so that you open your e-mail at the top of every hour and process it for no more than five minutes. You'll be able to get through the "must reads" in five minutes. Then, schedule yourself 45 minutes during your least productive time of the day (for me, this is after lunch), to dedicate to lengthier responses and handling of e-mail action items. I work in a job where accessing e-mail every hour isn't a necessity. So, I set aside three 30 minute periods for e-mail -- 8:00, 1:00, and 5:30.

Secondly, when postal mail arrives in my house, I immediately process it. I complete a similar system with my e-mail. If an e-mail is junk mail or spam, I instantly delete it. If I can respond to a message in 15 seconds or less, I respond and then archive the message that was sent to me by placing it in a folder labeled "Archive." If a message requires further action on my part, I move it into a folder I have labeled "Further Action." After all of the messages are either deleted, archived, or moved into my Further Action folder, I then open my Further Action file and process as many of these tasks as I can until my timer sounds and I close my e-mail client. When an item is completed, the corresponding e-mail is moved to the Archive folder. (When working in Gmail, you can tag the messages Archive or Further Action instead of moving them into folders.)

Finally, I don't use the postal service for all of my communications, and I don't see e-mail as the only communication method, either. Often times, it is more efficient to pick up the phone and call a colleague than it is to exchange numerous e-mails. A three minute phone call can replace 40 minutes wasted on e-mail. Also, intent and tone are often difficult to interpret over e-mail, so it's better to pick up the phone when handling delicate and extremely important matters.

Treating e-mail like postal mail will help you to be an organized and productive user. Have a set time to access your e-mail, process your mail immediately out of your inbox by deleting it or moving it to "Archive" or "Further Action" folders, and use other forms of communication if appropriate. Good luck, and I'm interested in reading about how you organize your e-mail in the comments to this post!

This isn't a post dedicated to all the latest doggy gear but a story about how a lost dog found her home that helped lead a young couple to their home too. I guess you can call this a story of three strays and how each found what they were looking for -- and more. Meet Stray Dog Designs.

  A lamp finial, bird as decor, faux bois mirror and a pendant all from Stray Dog Designs.

It was 1994 in Mexico, beautiful  San Miguel de Allende to be exact, where mountains rise over cobblestone streets, the sun never ceases to shine, and the night sky spreads a blanket of stars before your eyes each night. Newlyweds Bill Pritchard and Jane Gray were just kids, expats who ran away from their life in America to explore new beginnings. A couple in love. But like all couples, the need to expand the family comes sooner or later, they just didn't realize that sometimes family comes to them simply by leaving a literal door open. And so came La Princessa, a stray dog that wandered in through their door one day that resembled a bat, all in black with dots of tan over her eyes and ears that stuck straight out as if she could fly. And fly she did, straight into their hearts as La Princessa became a new part of Jane and Bill's family.

As any newbie in an exotic land can confirm, there comes a point when the vacation is over and 'real life' kicks in. You need a job. Together, along with La Princessa, the couple scoured hidden corners to find unique pottery to import back to the states. After awhile, pottery wasn't enough -- they had bigger dreams since Jane had an eye for design and Bill had the energy to propel a business to the next level. With their beloved pet in tow, they discovered Guadalupe Alvarez and his tin workshop where together, they merged their talents to design a collection of whimsical lamps, urns, mirrors, and more that Jane sketched for Guadalupe who was able to transform her ideas into real, living objects. And with that, Stray Dog Designs was born.

A year later, the couple with big ideas relocated back to the states with their beloved fur kid and premiered Stray Dog Designs at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta, Georgia in 1995. And people came, and purchased, the good news spread, as it always does when you design a product from your heart. It shows.

  Sherry Etagere from Stray Dog Designs, $600 on sale.

Fast forward to 2003. Long time friends Robert Pregulman and Randy Hale were so impressed with Stray Dog Designs that in '06, they became partners. The little family of three grew to five.

Stray Dog Designs now includes lighting, tables, beds, stools, shelving, mirrors, storage, organizational items, and beyond with delightful lamp finials that are unique and fun. All in their signature color palette that radiates joy topped with a huge dollop of whimsy.

  Sconce, stools, and a trash bin by Stray Dog Designs.

Today Bill and Jane live on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, with their three children and small zoo of cats, mice, fish, and their Great Dane, also a former stray dog. Robert and his wife Randy help run things from their office in Seattle. And though La Princessa may have passed, she will always be cherished as the stray dog that inspired two kids in love to follow their hearts ultimately leading to a thriving family life and business. Man's best friend indeed. So much can result from the love of a little dog.

This story inspired me so much today. I'm an animal lover and have experienced the power of pet ownership firsthand. Do you have a stray pet story to share? It's amazing how pets can heal, motivate, and bring so much joy. I have a few stories to tell, but someone has to go first by sharing yours because I'm tired from all this typing. Your turn. :)

(images from stray dog designs)

Baby showers can be fun, especially for first time parents who are bubbling with excitement. Here are some tips for throwing a shower that doesn't leave the parents-to-be overwhelmed with clutter.

1. Create a practical and focused theme:

• Dynamite Diapers! Encourage guests to bring cloth or disposable diapers in many sizes so that the new parents will be exploding with diapers. Since diapers are consumable, guests will be helping the expecting couple save money on very useful products.


• Little Librarian. Encourage guests to bring their favorite book from their childhood to stock the child's bookshelf. This limits the range of gifts to books, and so the parents will quickly be able to store the presents.


• Charitable Caring. If the happy couple are already parents, they may decide that receiving more stuff is unnecessary. In these cases, guests can be encouraged to bring a present to help a local hospital or women's shelter. This is a terrific option for parents traveling overseas for an international adoption to provide toys and goods for children in the orphanage who have yet to be adopted.

2. Encourage the new parents to create a gift registry. Yes, some people view this as extremely tacky. However, the new parents are not benefitted by receiving twelve diaper pails. In the last few weeks of a woman's pregnancy, the last thing she probably wants to do is go and stand in lines to return items at three different children's supply stores. Registries can be stress relieving for the buyer, too, since the gift giver knows that the parents want the gift.

3. If you're hosting the baby shower, find a way to ask guests if they're okay with a thank you card amnesty for the new parents. Receiving thank you cards feels good, I admit. If all of the guests are okay with it, though, letting the new parents off the hook for thank you cards is a great gift for these stressed individuals.

4. Ask the parents-to-be if they really want a shower. They may instead prefer a wine and cheese party at their favorite vineyard or a meet-the-baby reception a month after the child is brought home. An afternoon at the spa for a woman who can barely see her toes is also a good choice. Just because everyone else is having a baby shower may not mean that it's the preferred choice for the guests of honor.

5. If you're attending a baby shower without a theme or a gift registry, remember that you can't go wrong by:

• Providing a gift receipt
• Providing something consumable

Image by Formula Z/S

I don't know about you but our local stores were mobbed this weekend! Everyone was optimistically carting out everything from rakes and garden hoses to storage bins and cleaning supplies with a mission in view - clean and organize! With so many participating in the annual Spring Cleaning, and with Erin's informative posts on how-to get started, I thought I'd cover a few cleaning supplies that I use around the house that are not only effective, but are pretty nice to look at and in most cases, eco-friendly.

Above: Products by Method.

I decided a little over a year ago to take an honest look at my cleaning products and try to make better choices for not only my health but also for the environment. While the products I use aren't all eco-friendly, most of them are which is a huge accomplishment because I was chemically dependent -- addicted to all those chemical-loaded overly-scented cleaners because I didn't realize that good green choices existed. When I started discovering more of them at the stores I frequent, I realized most aren't any more expensive than their chemical-loaded shelf mates and they worked just as good and even smelled better -- more natural and refreshing. Another huge perk, especially for those who think/care about product packaging, many of the green products I'm finding lately are packaged really well and in some cases the logos are pleasing, the colors nice, and the graphics and simple yet pretty. No bold neon orange or obnoxious exploding graphics. It's okay to want to use products that are both safe and pretty. Makes cleaning less of a chore when your products look great, smell great, and do the job.

Above: Products by Caldrea.

What's in my cleaning caddy?

• An old favorite passed down from my mom for wood floors and cabinetry is Murphy Oil Soap.


• For wood furniture, I splurge on Caldrea furniture cream in lavender pine scent because it's a-maz-ing from scent to the gorgeous job it does on my teak and cherry. You have to look into Caldrea because although they are priced a little higher than your average cleaning products, they are biodegradable, use plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, and are not tested on animals. Their citrus mint yling ylang countertop cleanser is heaven and works wonders, not to mention how attractive their packaging is.


• I swear by Method foam hand soap, in fact the entire line of Method products are quite good and available at your local Target.


• O-Cel-O sponges are another must-have and just launched a new collection called Expressions for the design savvy crowd flaunting modern graphical prints.


• For dish soap, Seventh Generation lavender floral and mint is my pick, and for clothing I use their laundry detergent.

Most of my weekly stops like Target and the organic section in my local grocery store carries everything I need so shopping green doesn't require me to go out of my way to some special health food store. I can even purchase everything I use online. Talk about convenient!

Above: New "Expressions" collection from O-Cel-O available at Target.

So what do you use? Have you considered looking for more products that are better for the environment? Any tips on good eco-friendly products?

(images from caldrea, o-cello for target, and method)

Great decorating need not put you in debt. If your wallet is slim don't worry, I have a 10 step budget-friendly program that will make you feel better about your finances and your home. Here are some tips that come to mind the second I'm asked to help decorate on a budget, in no particular order...

A vintage dish from an antiques store for $1, a $7 vase on sale at Anthropologie, and an inexpensive photograph from Alicia Bock in a $10 Target frame is the perfect little budget ensemble in my bedroom. Fresh flowers and plants are great for those on a budget since they add texture, color, and often scent that fills the room with so much beauty.

1.) Paint: Ah, the power of a $20 can of paint. A new color can make such a dramatic difference.

• If you really want to save money, head to any home store (Lowe's, Home Depot, local paint shop), and ask where they keep cans of paint that customers didn't end up taking or returns due to incorrect color choices. You can often walk away with an entire gallon of $20-30 paint for under $5 and quarts for as low as $1! Just because it wasn't the exact color sage for someone else doesn't mean it won't be perfect for you.



• Try painting a dresser or something else in your home that needs freshening up (see Tip #3 for more on furniture). If you find the perfect bargain can of yellow paint for instance, paint your wooden curtain rods in a bright yellow or whatever color complements your space. Little bursts of a happy hue can work wonders if you don't feel up to painting an entire room. Which leads me to add...



• Who says you have to paint an entire room? Get creative. Paint one wall (behind your bed for instance) in rich chocolate or another bold look. Use a color you love that you aren't daring enough to use in an entire room. You can even go a step further and stencil your newly painted wall to mimic wallpaper. I have been stenciling for years and it's super easy to do. I don't mean rooster motifs either, I gravitate towards mostly modern designs like organic circles, geometrics, and florals. Try Lotta Jansdotter's new book, Lotta Prints: How to Print with Anything, from Potatoes to Linoleum for tips. It's only $14 and includes instructions and stencils that you can cut out and use for your next project.


 
• Need color help? I highly suggest reading this article, "Color Commentary: Consumers are looking to cyberspace to help them choose paint colors" that appeared recently in the Washington Post. You can directly access color experts on the web and often they will give you advice at no charge. One blogger who is not only a color maven but a great person (I've worked with her), is Rachel Perls of Hue Consulting.

2.) Wallpaper: A spare roll can be all you need to transform a single wall, place on the exterior of dresser doors using Mod Podge, line shelves, a bookcase, or line the interior of a glass cabinet. Paint the exterior of the cabinet in a fresh new color, and viola! you have a brand new piece of furniture. With an exacto knife you can cut out a headboard silhouette using your favorite paper and place it on the wall behind your mattress if you don't already have a headboard. Wall decals are another affordable option.

3.) Furniture: If you need new furniture, head over to Craigslist and search under furniture in the city nearest to you. So many people sell items there and I've not have a negative experience yet. Just last year, I sold several items that were valued at well over $2,000 for under $300 just because I wanted to get rid of them quickly with as little effort as possible. Having someone come to my home and pay me to take something away was far easier than going through the hassle of selling it on eBay or hauling it to a consignment store. Many others feel this way to, that's why Craigslist is such a gem for seller and buyer alike.

• Shop eBay, factory outlet stores, search online for your local furniture consignment shop, head to sites like Overstock.com, and attend flea markets, yard sales, and estate sales. It's amazing what you can find if you are patient.



• Try those unfinished furniture stores and pick up new pieces and just stain or sand them yourself.

• If a hotel, restaurant (tables, chairs, light fixtures), schools (card catalogs make great storage in the craft room), even a laundromat is going out of business, ask them if they have anything they'd like to get rid of. Some laundromats have the best mid century modern plastic seating ever! And hotels can yield lamps and writing desks in near new condition. I always pay attention to signs when I drive, get into this habit. Follow arrows that say "going out of business sale", "estate sale", "store closing" and check them out. Leave those credit and debit cards behind and bring cash so the next guy doesn't beat you to a good deal. Most of these sales do not accept credit cards.



• And of course, you can't forget IKEA because that is one big blue box of heaven whether you are on a budget or not.



• Remember, anything you find need only have good bones. Paint, new uphostery or different legs can often make all the difference. You can replace traditional coffee table legs with industrial wheels for instance. Get creative!

4.) Clearance Sales/Discounts:

• Let's say you love Anthropologie but there is no way you're going to pay $80 for a vase or $120 for a throw pillow. You don't have to. Either get a job there part-time (I'm kidding but some people do this just for the discount) or call the store and ask when their next sale will be on home items and arrive on that very day the moment doors open. They often have sales like 40% off already marked down merchandise and that is where you really score the good stuff. I picked up the yellow vase shown in the above photo for only $7. Make a list of all the stores you love and call them to find out when their next sale date will be. It's okay to ask, no shame in that -- they want to sell because it's less work for them to have less to box and ship back so they're happy to share this information with customers.



• Coupons. Okay so the United States Postal Service will hate me for this but whatever. Go to the post office and ask for a moving kit (often you don't have to ask, they are laying around). Grab one (they are free) and search the package for coupons. I once found a 30% off coupon for Homegoods and proceeded to score a new chair for a great price. It's also okay to ask a cashier in certain chain stores known for having regular coupons if they have any coupons hanging around that you can use. This is a regular habit of mine at certain stores, like Macy's, Michael's and A.C. Moore craft stores. I almost always get a percentage off when I ask. Ask nicely. Get in line where you see friendly cashiers and avoid grumpy ones.



• Email coupons. Yes, more mail for your inbox but it's all good when it could mean a potential savings. I'm on every email list imaginable -- if I shop at their store, I sign up for their updates. Also sign up for Daily Candy Deals.

5.) Window Treatments: Often you can alter curtains in ways that transform the entire room. Add a thick red or patterned border to creamy white drapes. Paint a wooden curtain rod bright yellow. Locate a single piece of bamboo (Pier One usually has them) and cut it to size to use as a curtain rod. You can leave it natural or lacquer it in bright red or turquoise for a shot of color. Swap boring vinyl shades or blinds with bamboo roman shades - a decorator's staple, you'll notice them in many homes in your favorite shelter magazines. Target has some great sales on curtains and shades, I frequent their store to see what's been marked down or I call them directly. That's where I always find the best bamboo roman shades on sale.

6.) New Fixtures, Hardware: A new pendant light for the dining room, a new faucet in the kitchen, lighting over the sink, if you know how to install it yourself you can easily make a positive change on the cheap. You can find lighting in almost all the stores listed above (see tip #3). If your bathroom is dated, replace your faucet, towel rack, and other small fixtures with new ones, swap your hardware out for something more modern, paint the walls, and remove the medicine cabinet and add a new one or a simple framed mirror which can be found anywhere these days for under $50. You can also swap out hardware on furniture and cabinetry in the kitchen to update on a budget. New hardware can really alter a piece more than you realize.

7.) Fabric: You can shop online for it or head to your local fabric store during sale time to score major deals. Fabric can be transformed into so many things, from trim for the towels to framing as art or stapling over a canvas and using as a focal point on the wall. You can even use Mod Podge and stick it to surfaces like doors to give the interior of your closet a new look. You can never go wrong with a new table runner, placemats, or a simple cafe curtain. Most of these projects aren't that complicated and depending on the fabric you purchase, can be a great budget option. Even better if you can use fabric you already have or repurpose a sweater into a throw pillow. If you can't sew, go to the craft store and pick up some no-sew fusible tape to make a simple pillow cover or rod pocket curtain. Although I sort of cringe as I type that because I think having a sewing machine and knowing how to use it is actually the wisest choice you can make on a budget because you can save so much money if you know how to do basic hems and such. For instance, you can transform flat sheets into roman blinds or shower curtains so easily if you just know how to sew. Which leads me to #8....

8.) Tools. Always make sure you have some of the most basic tools on hand because when you're living on a budget, you'll obviously need to do some things for yourself to save cash. Buy a staple gun, staples, hammer, nails in at least 3 sizes, tape measure, leveling device if you can afford one, power drill (worth saving up for), screwdriver (flat head and phillips head), sand paper, paint brushes, rollers, paint stick (those are usually free at the paint store), and a jar of Mod Podge.

9.) Design Blogs. Read 'em regularly for inspiration, to train your eye, view trends, DIY ideas, connect with others by leaving comments, and search your favorite blogs using search terms like DIY and BUDGET. What else can blog reading do for you?

• Free advice. Send your photos to Apartment Therapy for instance and they will post your photo and dozens of readers will chime in with their most honest advice (sometimes painfully honest) on how you can solve this or that dilemma. The beauty of the web is that you can remain somewhat anonymous so who cares if a few jump in calling your living room a horror show. You can then reply, "I know, got some decorating advice for me?" and for no charge, you can have an entire decorating session all in your honor.



• Some blogs, like mine (decor8.blogspot.com) posts discounts for readers from time to time, especially between November - January for usually 20% off at a favorite store.



• Look for blogs sponsoring contests because you just may win a great prize! decor8 will team up with Amy Butler Design in May to give away Amy's books, fabric, and her handmade bags in her latest fabric to select readers. Entering is fun and free.



• Refer to our blogroll in the right column here at Simply Stated to get you started.

10.) Art. I'm such a fan of art and places like Dawanda, Trunkt, Andyland, BlueFlip Art, Tiny Showcase, Etsy, even sites like Art.com have some nice prints that are affordable (at Art.com opt to frame a print yourself for a huge savings). You can find inexpensive frames in most of the stores listed in tip #3. You can also make your own art, get creative and have some fun. Visit your public library and check out some Art How To books and give it a whirl.

And don't forget, if you're on a budget then why not earn a little extra cash by selling some of the things you currently own but no longer need. Recycle by hosting a yard sale or by selling things online. And of course, the best things in life are sometimes free so before you embark on decorating, give your home a thorough cleaning (move furniture, clean window screens, etc.) and organize closets and tame that clutter. Decide what your budget is and make a list with two columns - wants and needs. When you are shopping, purchase all of your needs first and use whatever money you have left for wants.

You can design on a dollar - so go get 'em decorators!

(image from holly becker)

The warmer weather has brought me a giant lump of wanderlust this year. My thoughts keep turning to the French countryside or hikes up a flower lined trail in the Rockies or sipping umbrella-clad drinks on the patio of a Hawaiian resort. Sigh.

Since I can't pack a bag right this minute and head to the beach, I can at least write about traveling. Here are 10 tips for being an organized traveler:

1. Assuming that you know where you're going and how you're getting there, your next step is to consider your luggage. You want something that is durable, spacious, and will fit your needs during travel. Check out this buying guide for information on what brands will last you through years of adventures. This is an instance when I recommend buying for quality. You'll spend more in the short term, but over the long haul you'll save yourself money and sanity.

2. If you're staying in a hotel, don't pack shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or soap since all of these will be provided to you at no additional cost. Call ahead and find out if the hotel provides a hair dryer in the room, too. If your lodging is more adventurous, bring along Wonder Wash. You can wash pretty much anything -- you, your hair, your dishes, your socks -- with just this one environmentally friendly cleaner.

3. When flying, travel like a consultant. Wear shoes that easily slip off, have your identification out before you get to a ticket window or get in line for security, have all of your liquids in 3 oz. bottles inside a zip-top bag, don't carry any drinks with you before going through security, and don't lock any of your suitcases. You should also check the TSA website before you fly just to make sure no new restrictions have been implemented. If you have a metal plate in your leg, bring along appropriate documentation. (Updated: A reader tipped us off to TSA-approved "safe skies" locks that can now be purchased at most superstores.)

4. If traveling abroad, have some currency exchanged before you arrive in country. ATMs will usually give you the best exchange rates in country, but you don't want to flag yourself as a tourist in a foreign airport by standing in line to use one. It's best to have a little cab money on you and then use your credit card or find an ATM once you get out of the airport mess. There are exceptions to this, but it's usually a good rule of thumb.

5. Advice for traveling with children could be an entire post on its own -- or even a whole book. I couldn't possibly cover it fully, so here are a few of my favorite suggestions: Tips for traveling with a baby, taking road trips with children, flying with children, and planning trips with teenagers.

6. Consider mailing clothing to your destination before you travel. If you're a new parent taking your child to meet his grandparents for the first time, it will be nice not to have to worry about bags other than a diaper bag and a simple carry-on.

7. If traveling someplace for more than a few days, pack half the clothes necessary for your trip and do laundry half-way through your journey. Often times, three hours at a laundromat is more convenient than having to carry an extra bag of luggage with you. I try never to take more than one bag with me when I travel -- even when I'm going overseas for many weeks. Checking baggage is a pain, and, when in a jam, you can always buy more underwear.

8. Pack clothing in a color scheme with either brown or black as the base. The pair of shoes, belt, and earrings that you wear en route to your destination will work with everything packed in your luggage.

9. Call your cell phone provider before you travel to ensure that you will have access to phone service in an emergency. You can opt in and out of monthly service plans that extend coverage beyond your normal contract. In most cases, a month of world-wide service is less expensive than making a few calls while your phone is roaming.

10. Don't forget that sometimes it is easier to leave the planning up to a professional. Since booking a trip over the internet became such a cost-effective endeavor, people have cut back on using travel agents. They're still out there, though, and they can help alleviate your planning stress.

Being an organized traveler means that you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Please leave additional suggestions for how to be an organized traveler in the comments! I'm looking forward to reading your tips.

Time to undress! Your bed that is. It's Spring, the perfect season to ditch that heavy duvet and lighten up with something fresh and fun. As a New Hampshire transplant raised on the sunny shores of South Carolina, I'm not too keen on winters up here. That's why I spin through my home like the Tasmanian Devil at the first sign of Spring to clean, shine, and prep things for the new season. After cleaning everything imaginable (I love to clean so I actually enjoy this part) and storing all of my winter clothes, I start swapping some of my soft furnishings with textiles that are lighter and brighter for the season -- especially in the bedroom. Would you like to know where I shop online for amazing bedding?

Of course you do. You're a decorating addict just like me.

Bedding from Pottery Barn and John Robshaw.

Tip 1: To update things from Winter to Spring, you can fold your duvet and place it about 3/4 down on your bed and replace the duvet with a coverlet or quilt. If your duvet isn't down-filled, you can purchase a new cover for it if your budget allows - look for colors that make you happy, whether that's yellow or blue, go with a color that soothes and relaxes you.

Tip 2: To add interest, you can mix and match your bedding using various prints -- striped sheets with floral cases, large florals with smaller ones, green with teal, etc. You don't have to own bedding from the same collection to make a pretty bed -- there's no rules -- do what looks right in your eyes because your opinion is the only one that matters since it's your home.

Tip 3: For a modern look, opt for clean, bold, and uncomplicated. If you're a bit of a romantic like me, look for pretty details -- I love grosgrain, eyelet, crochet or ruffled trims on pillowcases. Identifying exactly what you're looking for before you start shopping is a smarter way to shop.

DwellStudio collection for Target

Ready to check out some great shops? I tried to round up a little something for everyone:

• Ouno Design salvages vintage and remnant materials with beautiful bohemian modern results.


• DwellStudio is a fave of mine, I own some of it myself so I can stand behind the quality. If you're on a budget, their new collection for Target is a great budget version.



• Colorful happy Missoni bedding at Auto.


• Designers Guild (USA) has an extremely fresh palette and are known for bold large-scale prints. Gorgeous.
• 
  I never tire of the ethnic flavor found over at John Robshaw, his bedding is ridiculously beautiful.


• Shabby Chic is another favorite. I've been purchasing Shabby Chic bedding since the 1990's, so I guess you can call me a fan. I even had the honor of meeting Rachel Ashwell in L.A. a few years ago. More on that here. If this brand is also out of your price range, opt for her Simply Shabby Chic line also available at Target.


• I love the bedding at Pottery Barn this season. It's fresh, modern, clean, and affordable. How can you go wron