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Thanks for joining us again this week. We’re so happy for this springy weather for our walks — it’s easier to focus on the talk part of the “walk and talk” when your hands aren’t freezing!
Walk and Talk (and Decorating Projects)
Our weekly walks are a fun time to share ideas for quick decorating projects around the house. Between us, there always seems to be some kind of home improvement or new decorating projects happening. It’s always nice to get a second opinion, share tips with each other, and find the best places to shop. This week, we’re sharing two quick decorating projects we’ve been working on around our own homes. You can seriously start these decorating projects and finish same day. Who doesn’t love a quickie!
Megan’s Decorating Project
MEGAN : I saw this amazing centerpiece on the Horchow website and could NOT believe the price. Immediately my brain started to run wild with thoughts like, “I can totally make this for way cheaper”. And you guys, IT WAS SO EASY! Seriously, the hardest part of this project was finding a parking spot at Michaels.
I started with a chinoiserie bowl (the lid is unnecessary) that I picked up on a trip to Home Goods. (HG’s stock turns over so quickly – I can’t link the exact piece I bought, but here is another version from Amazon.). Michaels was next for moss and twigs. To be honest, the twigs were a total waste. Save your money and just clip a few off branches in your yard. Last stop Trader Joe’s for the actual orchids. (The kind man at TJs didn’t charge me for one of the orchids because the ceramic pot was cracked.)
The orchids were in plastic pots inside of little ceramic pots, I recycled the ceramic pots and placed the 3 plastic pots directly in the bowl. Stuff paper towels around them to keep them from moving around. Next step, I covered the top of everything with the moss, making sure to cover the lip of my container as best as I could. Last step, poke 3 sticks into the pots.
Grand total for this project was $55 dollars. WAY LESS than the $720 one from Horchow. I would have saved $10 (making the total $45) if I had used sticks from my yard.
This elegant centerpiece would be the perfect gift to take a sick friend, new mom, anniversary gift, birthday gift for the gal that’s got everything, or for yourself! It literally took me 15 minutes to make once I had all the supplies.
Christa’s Decorating Project
CHRISTA : First off, how gorgeous is Megan’s centerpiece! And she saved so much money! My project is a guest bathroom refresh. There wasn’t a lot to do but I wanted to get it ready for summer guests. You all know by now how I LOVE an organized space. I decided to tackle this drawer that has somehow gone untouched since we’ve lived here! It’s been a catchall for extra toiletries that guests might need during their stay, but seriously, how embarrassing that this is what it looked like.
Thanks to a few tried-and-true organizers, the drawer was cleaned up and reorganized with all the essentials in no time. Seriously, friends, if you need a quick project to feel like you’ve accomplished something in your day, pick a neglected drawer/cabinet/closet and organize it. It feels so good and takes under an hour. Organizing doesn’t have to be a huge chore. Set the bar low and just tackle that forgotten drawer!
The first step is emptying your drawer/cabinet/closet. Toss what is old/broken, repurpose/donate what you no longer need and then refill the space with what’s left. I had some expired items in the drawer that got tossed and I added some new toiletries after a quick run to Target. These clear drawer organizers are great for keeping things in order. Pro tip: Add a little bit of museum gel under the organizers to keep them from sliding around in the drawer, especially helpful if the organizers aren’t an exact fit.
Once I organized that drawer, I moved on to the other drawers and did a quick purge of anything old. How satisfying is that organized drawer of washcloths? LOL!
Voila! Here’s the finished drawer:
The final part of the project was to do a little refresh on the bathroom counter. I didn’t want a lot because this counter is nice and big, and it gives guests plenty of space for their things. But a new vanity tray to hold some eucalyptus spearmint lotions and soaps (all from Bath and Body Works) make the space feel (and smell) like a spa. I also included some of my favorite Amazon greenery in a vase, along with a lighted makeup mirror that guests will appreciate. Anything I missed?
Shop Christa’s Decorating Project
For more decorating inspiration, check out our $50 Decorating Challenge.
What We’re Watching
CHRISTA : I just started Why Women Kill (Paramount+, 2019), and so far, so good after the first few episodes. I usually check the Rotten Tomatoes score before I watch, and was intrigued because this has a 95% audience rating! It’s quirky, a little bit of a soap opera perhaps, cleverly written, suspenseful, and a little mindless at times — making it perfect for binging, watching on the treadmill or downloading on your iPad for your next trip. Great, fun performances by the lead actresses!
MEGAN : I’m catching up on the new seasons of Ted Lasso (Apple) and Succession (HBO Max). Aaahhhh, I’ve missed you Keely, Ted, Shiv and Logan. Feel like my friends are back in town. If you haven’t watched either of these series add them to your list, you’re in for a treat.
What We’re Shopping For
MEGAN : Who needs a white dress this summer? We’ve rounded up some good ones. I hope Jay Gatsby invites me to his party.
What We’re Eating
MEGAN : Tried a new recipe this week. I had a dozen small potatoes and wasn’t sure what to do with them. These Smashed Potatoes were the perfect side to my husband’s spatchcock chicken.
Smashed Potatoes
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Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 dozen small round potatoes I used mini yukon gold
- 1 drizzle olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tspn garlic powder
- 1/2 tspn onion powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsely
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- bring a pot of salted water to boil, while waiting for it to boil wash the potatoes and remove and "eyes" or bad spots
- boil potatoes for 20 min or until soft
- drain in a let dry (about 5 min)
- place on an oiled baking sheet
- using a drinking glass, smash each potatoe until flat
- melt butter and add garlic powder and onion powder -- pour evenly over potatoes
- drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper
- bake at 400 for 20 min. once they come out of the oven sprinkle with parsely.
Something Quick to Read
CHRISTA : While we’re on the subject of organizing…if you’re struggling with home organization, maybe the “Move-Out Method of Organizing” is what you need. Simply pretend you’re moving — what would you take with you and what would you toss? In no time your house will be “new home clean!” You don’t have to do this on your entire house — try breaking it down into one room, one closet or one cabinet at a time. Let us know if you give it a try!
Something New We Found
CHRISTA : I recently discovered this new jewelry site, Ettika, and found so many pieces that I love! I ordered this layered necklace and I love it even more in person. The bright colors make it perfect for spring and summer — paired with a white tee, it’s an understated statement piece! My purchase came packaged beautifully, so I’ll definitely be bookmarking their site for gift giving. Plus, I love that when you shop with Ettika, you have the option to donate $5 to their monthly charity partner(s) in exchange for 15% off your purchase! Learn more about the Ettika brand here and discover something new that we think you’ll love. #WearWithConfidence #ShopForGood
Something to Gift (That They’ll Love!)
CHRISTA : OK, how cute is this collection of earrings, also from Ettika? A pair for any occasion! If anyone in my family is reading, don’t you think this would make a great Mother’s Day gift?
Something You Need (Trust Us!)
MEGAN : Eye shadow, I love it and wear it every day. But, I do like to keep it simple. My new favorite combo is the MAC Pro Long Wear Cream Eyeshadow Pot in color Painterly. Use this as the base, and don’t be afraid of the word “cream” it really just acts as a base–no creasing or cakiness. Then I’ve been using Chantecaille eye shadow singles in “Rose Quartz”. It’s the perfect finish on the crease to give you that no make up but put together look. Pro Tip: Chantecaille eye shadows come as refills, if you don’t already have the Pebble Compact to hold a single you need to order that too.
Reader Request
Is there something you’re looking for? Let us know! Drop us a note and we’ll get right on it!
What’s Happening on the Blog
What’s Trending…
Clearly we all love a great deal! Last week’s top item on the blog was the Old Navy “under $50” linen dress — it’s a perfect dupe for the almost $500 Frame dress! If you ordered one for yourself, send us a pic!
…and Last Year on the Blog
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Christa’s Links
- clear drawer organizers and museum gel (all decorating project links here)
- Why Women Kill (Paramount+)
- “Move-Out Method of Organizing”
- Ettika Jewelry and this layered necklace and this everyday collection of earrings
Megan’s Links
- Orchid centerpiece: amazing centerpiece , another version from Amazon of the bowl
- Ted Lasso (Apple) and Succession (HBO Max)
- white dress edit
- eye shadow routine: MAC Pro Long Wear Cream Eyeshadow Pot in color Painterly,Chantecaille eye shadow singles in “Rose Quartz”,Pebble Compact
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Love the orchid centerpiece. Brava, Megan!
Thank, Mom.
I would love some recommendations on a good fireproof/waterproof document safe for the home. I have done a lot of research and one site will convince me I have found the perfect one. But then I look for reviews on that particular safe and see that it has too many issues. Some of the recommended ones have issues with the papers molding inside since it is so waterproof. They say you have to open it for a bit monthly to keep things from molding. I don’t need to add that task to my life! I would love to find a small one for my kids to keep their passports and a larger one to hold some full size important documents.
We’ve had a Brinks Firesafe, small, bolted to the floor of my closet for 20 years. No issues with mold or mildew. It holds all our important papers, passports etc. and some jewelry. Hope that helps.