It Saves Time and Money, But I Have One Big Regret About Online Grocery Shopping
A few weeks ago, when I saw a promotion for a year of grocery deliveries for $49, I signed up for Shipt, and so far I love it. Both of the deliveries I’ve received so far were perfect. My shoppers were communicative, accurate, and on time. And ordering groceries online forced me to meal plan. I saved money, and I certainly saved energy; having someone else do my shopping while I worked made me feel on top of it and efficient.
May 3, 2019
6 Books That Will Help You Re-Start Your Failed Resolution
Even the most focused and organized people let their resolutions slip—it’s so common that a “holiday” has even been invented to let people ditch their resolutions without shame. But we want to challenge you to try something else: Restart Your Resolution Day. Now that you’re back in a normal routine, revisit that goal that’s starting to make you feel guilty and recommit.
May 3, 2019
These Sleek Fidget Spinners Could Help Break Your Phone Addiction
Resisting the urge to swipe and scroll the day away is a battle many of us face and inevitably lose. Fortunately, Vienna-based designer Klemens Schillinger has done his part in trying to help us loosen the grips on our smart phones with the invention of five “substitute phones.” We know – who knew there was such a thing?
May 3, 2019
10 Life Commandments, Courtesy of Olympic Skater Adam Rippon
U.S. Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon is one of the 2018 games’ breakout stars, loved for his unwavering integrity, unmatched wit and, of course, his athleticism and artistry on the ice. Needless to say, we could all learn a thing or two from Adam on how to live well.
May 3, 2019
One Tiny Thing You Can Do to Boost Happiness All Weekend
Not that it should be the reason we do something good, but doing something kind for others has been scientifically proven to increase our own happiness. And, honestly, I see nothing wrong with using that information to pull myself out of a slump by doing something for someone else; it’s winning all around. As happiness expert Gretchen Rubin says, “Do good, feel good; it really works.
May 3, 2019
Why This Is The Echo Device You Should Buy On Prime Day
There are comprehensive effects to bringing good design into your life. Design propels beauty, in the most obvious way. But well-designed objects also save you time (think of a work bag with perfect pockets) and make you feel in command and in control of your life (think of the boss feeling you get from toting that same perfect work bag).
May 3, 2019
This is The Easiest Weekend Project You’ll Tackle All Year
This weekend, we're going to fill the bucket from which we pour.
May 3, 2019
Neat Freaks Might Just Be Superior Humans, According to Science
Do you have cleaning wipes at the ready at all times? Does sweeping make you feel Zen? Have you been taking flak from your friends for years for being a quote-unquote neat freak? Well then do we have some good news for you. People who like to clean are supposedly happier, according to research recently conducted by The Clorox Company (who, of course, it deserves to be noted might have a vested interest).
May 3, 2019
Does Sun Bleaching Really Work? We Tried It
Nothing compares to the smell of fresh laundry that’s been hanging outside to dry. Not only is it a fresh and efficient way to do laundry, it’s also oft-touted as a way to brighten whites without having to use special detergents or harsh chemicals. All you need is plenty of time and sunshine. First, wash your clothing as usual, adding up to ½ cup of lemon juice to the wash for an extra boost. (You can also add lemon juice to a spray bottle and spray directly on tough stains.
May 3, 2019
One Simple Hack to Break Up the Weeknight Dinner Monotony
There aren’t a ton of excellent restaurants where I live. But there’s little traffic, I run into people I’ve known all my life at the grocery store, and my friends have been my friends nearly all my life, so for what it lacks in dining, it makes up for by simply being the place I want to be. But good lord, trying to find a decent salad a shade more interesting than a Caesar is a struggle, which is why I’ve had to really brush up on my at-home salad skills.
May 3, 2019
These are the Best Houseplants for Every Zodiac Sign
Choosing the right houseplant for your space isn’t exactly a science. Also not a science? Astrology. But much like covering your apartment in greenery, exploring what your zodiac sign might reveal about your personality is a ton of harmless fun (for not a ton of money). We’ve taken the joy of mapping sun signs to their houseplant counterparts based on the traits of both the plants and the personality that will be caring for them.
May 3, 2019
10 Small Movements that Can Improve Your Mood
I always tell my kids that we don’t always get to choose our feelings, but we get to choose what we do with them. Sometimes those emotions, though, can be so strong that they feel impossible to overcome. This is where it helps to fake it ’til we make it: Acting as if we feel a certain way can cause us to actually feel that way. It’s science.
May 3, 2019
5 Instagrammers to Follow If You’re Trying to Get Better at Meal Prep
You’ve probably heard it many times before: Meal planning is a great way to eat healthier and save money. But where do you even begin? You can buy all the nice containers you want, and understand the golden rule of meal planning, but how do you actually decide what to make for the week? Meal templates are a great place to start for planning, but if you’re more of a visual person, Instagram might have what you’re looking for.
May 3, 2019
8 Eco-Friendly Things You Should Always Have in Your Bag
When you’re on the go all the time, it’s easy to be overly (almost accidentally) wasteful. Not-so-eco-friendly disposables—think plastic bottles of water, tissue, and shopping bags—often become the go-to when we’re running around in a rush. That’s why it pays to stock up on compact, eco-conscious items ahead of time, so they’re already in your bag in a pinch.
May 3, 2019
8 Streaming Documentaries That’ll Force Anyone to Watch Their Waste
A good documentary has the power to make you look at the world differently, and if it’s really impactful, might change the way you live your life. Case in point: Sustainability documentaries—like ones that educate viewers about the global effects of excessive trash and waste. Watch one stellar documentary about the importance of sustainability, and we can pretty much guarantee you’ll start thinking twice about all the stuff you throw away in a day.
May 3, 2019
What Your Bed-Making Style Reveals About Your Personality
There are a lot of ways to make—or not make—a bed. And although even the most habit-oriented among us changes up our technique every once in a while, it’s safe to say we all settle into a regular rhythm when it comes to the way we manage our sleeping abode. But what, exactly, do our sheet-folding, pillow-piling, comforter-crumpling tendencies say about the ins and outs of our lives (and our personalities) as a whole? Well, kind of a lot.
May 3, 2019
10 Smart Trader Joe’s Secrets for Saving Time in the Kitchen
Among the shelves stocked with quirky snacks, irresistible cheesesdesserts Found in the produce section, this riced cauliflower wins us over with convenience. When it’s a race against the clock to get dinner on the table, this bag is way faster than blitzing a head of cauliflower in the food processor or shredding it on a box grater. It’s also a win for the uniform-sized “grains” that keep their shape without getting too soggy or watery during cooking.
May 3, 2019
10 Ways the Smartest People Spend Their Downtime
Life can get crazy. That’s why it’s important to take mental breaks from daily stress throughout the day. And while for some of us that might mean watching a mindless reality TV show or playing a silly iPhone game, there are also some more enriching ways to spend your downtime, when you feel so inclined. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by work or family, try calming yourself down with a more cerebral distraction.
May 3, 2019
Eco-Friendly Fitness, the Swede Way: How to Get Started “Plogging”
If you haven’t already heard of the latest fitness trend sweeping the nation, now’s the time to listen up. Known as “plogging,” Sweden’s current workout craze has officially made its way to the U.S. shores, and it’s all about environmentally-friendly exercise. A mash-up of jogging and the Swedish term “”plocka upp”—which means “pick up”—ploggers make it a point to stop and collect litter during their runs.
May 3, 2019
“Someday” is Today, With Your Soul-Enriching Weekend Project
What’s the thing you would do if you “had the time”? So often, our wishes and dreams and even just our simple wants get pushed aside by the demands of everyday life. I do believe that there’s joy and gratefulness to be found in the seemingly thankless diurnal tasks, but many of us aren’t tapping into the well of enrichment that can be found in regularly doing something that serves no other purpose than making us happy.
May 3, 2019
7 Things Super Healthy People Do at Home That You Don’t
Being healthy can feel like a chore—you think that you have to cook special food or try trendy fitness classes to achieve any healthy goals. However, when I talked to some really healthy individuals—from the founder of Whole30 to a sleep doctor—none of them brought up any scary superfoods or crazy workout routines. Turns out, being healthy is just about making a few very simple, but very good, choices.
May 3, 2019
8 Instagram Accounts That’ll Help You Save (Not Spend!) Money
Let’s be real: With all of the shoppable links and decorating inspo posts filling up our feeds, browsing Instagram usually makes us want to spend money more than save it. If your swipe-up-to-buy finger is itchy, you should add a few of these follows to your feed instead. Not only are they full of money-saving inspiration, they’ll also help you learn how to better balance and manage your bank account in the long run.
May 3, 2019
5 Secrets of People Who Give the Best Compliments
Whether it’s regarding an outfit, someone’s home, or a job well done, a good compliment can leave a big—and lasting—impression on its recipient. That’s why knowing how to give a stellar compliment is a skill that we can all stand to benefit from. Thankfully, we have Myka Meier, a former member of The Queen’s Household and the current etiquette expert behind Beaumont Etiquette to call upon for help.
May 3, 2019
4 Small Efforts That Will Make You Feel In Control of Your Home
Clutter is an ever-present nemesis that we battle both daily and in larger, strategic attacks. We laud the merits of one-thing-in-one-thing-out principles. Talk (often from a privileged standpoint) about “simple” lifestyles in which we attempt to choose to have only what we need. And we toss around all kinds of tips, tricks, and lists for getting junk out of our homes.
May 3, 2019
How to Decorate Your Home to Promote Mindfulness
Being in the moment and at ease is tough, even within your own walls. But there’s really no place like home for mindfulness, which is why we rounded up a few tips and product picks to help you feel more at peace in your space. No crazy scientific claims here—just some pretty gear and strategic design moves so you can be your best self in the place that matters most.
May 3, 2019
These 5 Questions Will Help You Declutter Any Space in Your Home
Decluttering a space is a gargantuan task, no matter how small the space itself might seem. That’s because the real challenge isn’t how much stuff you have, or how messily it might be lumped around. The really tough part of decluttering is when you pick up a single object in your hand, knowing you have no good reason to keep it, but finding it impossible to let the thing go.
May 3, 2019
Here’s a New Way to Think About Your Sentimental Clutter
Emotional attachment to an inanimate object is one hell of a drug. It makes sentimental clutter especially difficult to say goodbye to. And for me, a writer who makes a living helping people with their homekeeping, it’s a very difficult thing to help you with. So I’m not going to tell you to get rid of anything at all. At least not yet. First, let’s open up the closets, drag out the boxes, and let’s find your sentimental stuff. What counts as sentimental stuff?
May 3, 2019
4 Quick Things You Can Do Today to Make Decluttering Easier Later
A less-cluttered home isn’t an item you can check off your to-do list. It’s more of a lifestyle. Something you need to practice year-round, weaving moments into your calendar where you focus your attention on keeping on top of your things and storage spaces. Spring cleaning is a great time to do some decluttering. So are Apartment Therapy’s programs like the January Cure and the September Sweep (I hope we’ll see you again next year!).
May 3, 2019
7 Things at Home that Are Killing Your Concentration
Finding it hard to concentrate on things while you’re at home? There might be some things in your space that could be working against you. To figure out what items at home could be inadvertently killing our concentration and fussing with our focus, we called on Anjie Cho, architect and feng shui educator, for help. Read ahead to see what she had to say. According to Cho, lighting can make or break your ability to focus when you’re at home.
May 3, 2019
5 Times You Shouldn’t Reach for That Cup of Coffee
You might live every day like it’s National Coffee Day, but turns out it actually only falls once a year (on September 29). From tired mornings to chaotic workdays and even the occasional late-night cup, your coffee powers you through a lot—and probably deserves to be celebrated. Since today’s the big day (and there’s free coffee all over the place), there’s no better time to reflect on the current state of your relationship with the buzzy beverage.
May 3, 2019
6 Things Healthy People Do on Their Way Out the Door
We’ve all been there. It’s Monday, 8:45 a.m., raining, and you rush out the door just in time to make it to work—15 minutes late. By starting your morning off on a bad foot you’ve inadvertently set a negative tone for the rest of your day, and by the time you get off work you’re ready to go to straight to bed and hopefully, start tomorrow with a better outlook.
May 3, 2019
21 Ways to Declutter Your Brain with Just Pen and Paper
One of the biggest reasons writing is so powerful is that it removes the swirling thoughts from our heads and puts them into a space where they’re far from lost. From the insights and resolutions that come from journaling to the highly practical peace of mind that comes from jotting down that new appointment on our calendars so we don’t have to not forget it, once pen is put to paper, something magical happens.
May 3, 2019
5 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Winter-Ready This Weekend
One of the coziest things about the temps dropping is how much more of a cocoon your bedroom becomes. Turning in early with a mug of something warm and lazy weekends nestled amongst comforters—these are the things the best winter days are made of. Apartment Therapy Weekend Projects is a guided program designed to help you get the happy, healthy home you’ve always wanted, one weekend at a time. Sign up now for email updates so you never miss a lesson.
May 3, 2019
6 Things Healthy People Do Before Halloween
The truth: Eating healthy all of the time isn’t easy. And eating well around Halloween—when candy is openly passed around and sold in bulk at discounts at the store—is even harder. That’s why we reached out to some of our favorite health, fitness, and wellness experts for advice on how to stay mindful of what you’re eating during this sugary time of year.
May 3, 2019
6 Small Ways You Can Be More Self-Sufficient at Home
Remember that time you said you were going to double down on being less wasteful at home? Good news: It doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, as long as you’re willing to add a few quick and easy skills to your repertoire. Being more self-sufficient at home starts with relying less on outside services and wasteful resources. It’s the type of change that happens when you commit to a lot of small tasks in order to make a greater holistic impact on your home life.
May 3, 2019
One Thing Everyone Should Do This Weekend to Slow Down
We're not waiting for the moments, we're making them.
May 3, 2019
7 Surefire Ways to Fail at Your New Year’s Resolution
Maybe you want to pay off debt or cushion your savings in 2019. Perhaps you want to get to that yoga class you’ve been meaning to go to, or try to cook healthier meals. No matter what your New Year’s resolution is, now’s the time to be proactive in planning: A whopping eighty percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Want to make sure you stay disciplined and dedicated to the goals you’ve set for 2019?
May 3, 2019
10 Things You Can Learn from People Who Read a Ton of Books
“Read more” is always a popular New Year’s resolution. And like all of the common resolutions that maintain their spot atop the aspirations list year after year, it’s easier said than done. From finding time to read to discovering books that’ll keep your attention, there are plenty of roadblocks that might keep you from diving into books as much as you’d like to. But fret not my book-deprived friends, there’s hope for better reading ahead.
May 3, 2019
6 New Year’s Resolutions Sure to Turn Your Black Thumb Green
Deciding you want to “be a better plant parent” is a great goal, but it’s kind of a dud of a New Year’s Resolution. The best resolutions are small, specific, measurable, and something you can write down and track. So if a green thumb is on your goals list for this year, try reframing your ambition into something more tangible. Here are a few simple-but-specific resolutions to set your black thumbs on the path to success (plus keep your fiddle-leaf fig alive and thriving).
May 3, 2019
One Good Reason You Shouldn’t Use Screen Time as a Punishment
Parenting is hard. It’s also a lot of other things, but a truer three-word sentence has never been uttered. We’re all learning as we go—reading parenting books as we encounter the challenges that make us realize why we need parenting books, and spending every evening after the kids are (mercifully) in bed wondering if we’re doing it all wrong.
May 3, 2019
5 Ways to Appreciate Your Home Right Now, Flaws and All
There’s no shortage of advice about how to improve your home. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming about your next house project, home-improvement FOMO doesn’t do anyone any favors. Enter the concept of Home Positivity: By focusing on the things that make your space uniquely home, you can cultivate contentment in it right now, without a trip to your local Lowe’s or Home Depot.
May 3, 2019
It’s Time to Marie Kondo Your Inbox—Here Are 9 Proven Ways to Do It
There’s always that friend. You know, the one with 76 unheard voicemails, 150 unread texts, and—gulp—15,964 unread emails in her inbox. (Or maybe that “friend” is you.) Either way, keeping your inbox uncluttered or even reaching Inbox Zero can feel like impossible feats of #adulting. But digitally cleaning house doesn’t have to be your least favorite chore.
May 3, 2019
Your Phone Needs Spring Cleaning, Too—Here Are 5 Things That Could be Slowing You Down
We have a step-by-step guide to get you started on a cleaner, smarter device.
May 3, 2019
2 Simple Habits to Help You Avoid Some Way-Too-Familiar Email Mistakes
While email is a quick and convenient alternative to other forms of communication (especially if you dread phone calls), digital conversations come with their own unique inconveniences. If you’ve ever sent an email before you’re done writing it, replied all when you meant to reply to just one person, or copied your entire office on a juicy, personal email, you know exactly what we mean.
May 3, 2019
6 TV Siblings Show Us Why Being Roommates with Family Can Be Wonderful
Today is National Siblings Day, a day to celebrate just how wonderful it is to have your siblings in your life, and also to post embarrassing pictures of them. For some, siblings aren’t just the people you spent your childhood with—believe it or not, some siblings choose to live together out there in the real world. Before you scoff at the entire idea, yes, living with a sibling can be hard—there can be a lot of baggage there—but it can also be wonderful.
May 3, 2019
Decluttering Emotional Attachments: Should I Keep My Mother’s Paintings?
Q: I was wondering whether you would kindly give me some advice. I’m sure my problem is common to many people, and yet it is not really addressed on the internet anywhere. My problem is that after my mum died two years ago, I, as only child, had to deal with all her stuff (most of it I have donated). However I am confused emotionally about her framed finished paintings she did – I haven’t been able to get rid of them although I don’t think I want them.
Apr 30, 2019
This Therapeutic Space in Manhattan Is Designed with Healing in Mind
Name: Alma Location: 515 Madison Avenue — Midtown Manhattan, NYC Size: Lounge/Waiting area: 800 square feet Private therapy rooms: 100-120 square feet typically Group therapy rooms: 200-250 square feet typically Interior spaces—the personal and public environments we spend much of our time in—have an impact on us. Emotionally, and sometimes even physically. You can improve and change decor elements in your home to affect the way you and others feel in your space.
Apr 29, 2019
The 9 Things You Need to Budget for If You Have Kids in School
It's the one type of expense that creeps up on me every single year.
Apr 28, 2019
Here’s How to Tell If You Need to Declutter Your Schedule
KonMari madness has taken hold of America. Purge your closet! Rid yourself of excess! Dump your bad boyfriends! Diagnosing clutter is easy when you’re being plonked on the head by expired cans of tuna every time you open an overstuffed closet—what’s more difficult to diagnose, however, is schedule clutter.
Apr 21, 2019
15 No-Spend Challenge Ideas (Plus 3 Important Rules) You Can Try to Save Money
For those times when you need a little more motivation (and cash flow).
Apr 12, 2019
20 Different Ways to ‘Break the Script’ and Make Some Memories This Weekend
Many of us thrive on routine, but when things become too cyclical, time can feel like it's speeding up.
Apr 12, 2019
Clever Green Solutions to Everyday Issues
Some of my favorite Re-Nest posts are the ones that share clever solutions to everyday issues (you know, the kind that make you think “huh, how did I not know about this?”). From removing pesky stains to keeping pests at bay and everything in between, here’s a roundup of our favorites from 2011!TOP ROW• 1 Use Citrus Peels To Start Your Seedlings• 2 Hot Tip: Wrinkles? Forget the Iron. Use a Spray Bottle.
Apr 7, 2019
The Excuse-Proof Way to Vacuum the Spots Most People Skip
I get it. You’re proud of yourself if you manage to even vacuum as many times as it says to on your cleaning schedule. Me too. My personal goal is a quick vacuum with my cordless in the kitchen every night, a thorough vacuuming of common areas twice a week, and vacuuming the bedrooms once a week. But all of this rarely happens. And you know what’s even more impossible to achieve? Vacuuming areas of the floor that the vacuum cleaner can’t get to easily.
Apr 7, 2019
This 650-Square-Foot Family Home in Ohio Is Off-Grid ‘Country Minimalism’
For the design on this off-the-grid Midwest residence, Midland Architecture’s Greg Dutton opted to stay close to his familial roots. The 650-square-foot home known as The Hut sits in the Ohio Valley on the family’s property, which they’ve owned and worked for the last four decades. To bring the project to fruition, Dutton enlisted the help of his brother Chris, other relatives and a group of friends.
Apr 6, 2019
6 Confidence-Boosting Tips to Remember The Next Time You Need to Be More Assertive
Standing your ground isn’t always easy. No matter how confident you feel about something, being openly assertive with others when communicating your needs is an entirely different beast. So we called on Antonia Di Leo, licensed therapist and clinical director of Andrea Cornell Family Therapy for advice on how to be more assertive from day-to-day.
Apr 2, 2019
This Kickstarter Solves The Most Annoying Thing About Reusable Straws
Last year, an intense political debate arose over the use of plastic straws, culminating in the #StopSucking movement that fueled even more divide between the establishments and cities that chose to adopt the anti-plastic straw stance and people with disabilities who cited the various ways in which the decision ignores their needs. Fortunately, the creators behind the Rain Straw aim to make the act of sipping more sustainable and accessible for everyone.
Apr 1, 2019
39 Ways to Take Care of Your Future Self
If you’re anything like me, you have a flurry of thoughts swirling somewhere in the back of your head—ones that whisper their contents inconveniently as you’re trying to sleep or sit and relax. They’re the voices you shush as you pick up your book or flick on the TV. Not that you should heed their every intonation, but some of these thoughts are possibly (probably?) necessary to-dos that you’ve been putting off for years.
Mar 31, 2019
All the Bathrooms at Disney World Have One Unusual Thing in Common
Have you ever noticed there's never a bathroom line at Disney World? The magic behind those disappearing bathroom queues is one simple detail.
Mar 21, 2019
The Perfect Morning Habit for Your Enneagram Type
A healthy morning routine can truly set the tone for an amazing life. Starting each morning with intention and thoughtfulness can transform your relationship to the rest of your day. Morning routines have been linked to heightened productivity, lowered stress levels, and more effective time management. Sounds great right?
Mar 18, 2019
6 Ways Introverts Want to Be Celebrated This National Introverts Week
Here are some ways to honor the powerful silent types in your life this week—especially if that person is you.
Mar 17, 2019
There’s One Kind of “Clutter” It’s Okay to Keep
There are so many kinds of clutter: excess items you think you might need someday, clutter you’re so used to having around that you don’t even notice it anymore, piles of paper you have to go through, and things you feel guilty getting rid of because someone gave them to you or you spent good money on them. But there’s one kind of clutter you should never feel bad hanging on to.
Mar 17, 2019
8 Small Ways to Enjoy Cooking and Brighten Your Outlook on Life
When I’m in a bad mood, I do one of two things: I either clean obsessively (I’m talking triple-vacuuming the rugs and dusting behind the appliances) or I get in the kitchen and make something (often while sipping a glass of wine). I’m going to chalk up the first to my German upbringing and I wouldn’t impose that on anyone, but I think the act of cooking is one of the most therapeutic things you can do. It can brighten your day—and your life! Here’s how.
Mar 16, 2019
25 Easy Tips, Strategies, and Ideas for Small Space Living
As we close out our Small Spaces & Simple Living month here on Re-Nest, we’re rounding up a list of tips and ideas provided by YOU via this post. Everyone has a bit of a different take on coping with small spaces: it’s all about purging your stuff. No, it’s all about organizing your stuff. Wait, it’s all about storing your stuff!
Mar 13, 2019
Don’t Throw Away Your Old Mascara—It Could Save a Baby Duck!
If you thought your dried-out mascara wands weren’t good for anything but the trash can, think again. Thanks to Reddit user marilynbmonroe, the web is abuzz with a surprising—and potentially life-saving—way to repurpose your old mascara wands when you’re done with them. The Wands for Wildlife initiative is asking supporters to recycle their mascara wands to help save the lives of wild animals.
Mar 11, 2019
4 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Refund, According to a Financial Planner
‘Tis the season for filing taxes and more importantly, receiving your tax refund. But before you go and blow it all on a trip to Tulum or a pricey pair of shoes—guilty!—you may want to consider some more productive ways to use your tax refund. We called on financial advisor Douglas A. Boneparth, CFP and President of Bone Fide Wealth for advice on how to smartly use our tax refunds, no matter how big or small the amount. But first: savings.
Mar 10, 2019
How to Deal With Being Homesick
We’ve all been there. Whether you’ve packed up your life for a cross-country move, or you’re just on an extended business trip, sometimes you can’t help but feel a little homesick. How can you cope when you’re yearning to be home and more importantly, what do these feelings even mean? We called on clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., to help us break down everything we ever wanted to know about homesickness.
Mar 6, 2019
The 6 Food Choices That Saved Us When My Husband Lost His Job
When my husband came home from work and told me that the next day would be his last at his job, we went into immediate emergency cost-cutting mode. And we quickly learned that the easiest place to slash the budget, in principle, was one of the most painful in practice: our food expenses. We love food—eating it, cooking it, talking about it, sharing it. And an embarrassingly large percentage of our budget went to food—good ingredients, kitchen equipment, eating out.
Mar 5, 2019
6 Things Designers Think You Shouldn’t Declutter
Marie Kondo, the organizing queen du jour, bills tidying up as life-changing. But what happens when throwing away your belongings—even the more random odds and ends—sparks anything but joy? While there’s certainly something appealing about those KonMari’d spaces peppering Instagram, the truth is this magical organizing method simply doesn’t work for everyone. For some, more really is better—even designers agree.
Mar 4, 2019
Embrace the Ease of a “Day-of” Party (So You Can See Your Friends More)
Life is stressful enough as it is—so make this the weekend you stop putting unnecessary pressure on yourself when it comes to hosting. Does your house need to be impeccably clean with a three-course dinner planned and a carefully crafted evite in order to have a good time? No. Is it easy to get swept up in appearances and pretend it does? Absolutely.
Feb 25, 2019
Why You Should Put “Clean the Fridge” at the Top of Your Grocery List
I hate to toss around tired old adages, but the truth of the matter is that taking care of a problem when it’s small is far easier than addressing a bigger problem once it’s grown. “Stitching in time” is particularly relevant when it comes to home-keeping—where procrastination, like not sweeping dirt from hardwood floors, can lead to major tasks like eventually refinishing your scratched-up floor.
Feb 25, 2019
Never (Ever!) Say This Word To Guests In Your Home
We all work so hard to make our homes beautiful, relaxing spaces where we can host our friends and family. So what if I told you that by merely uttering one little word, you could derail all the positive, beautiful attributes of your home in the eyes of your guests? Please, lovelies, never say this! “Sorry about the mess.” “Sorry it’s so hot in here.” “Sorry, we’re out of milk.” Sound familiar?
Feb 24, 2019
One Minute Tip: How to Organize Now for Next Year’s Taxes
What are the three things you can do now to organize for next year’s taxes (and keep your receipt clutter down all year)? You may not be able to do anything about last year’s sloppy accounting habits, but no better time than the present to organize for a stress free April 2015! What are the three things you can do now to organize for next year’s taxes (and keep your receipt clutter down all year)?
Feb 24, 2019