BE AMAZING

I just saw this print via Pinterest and decided on the spot to buy it.  Perfect for every home.  I've already got a spot picked out upstairs for this one...

iPhone Helpful Hints

I am a great lover of the iPhone. However, without knowing all of the little tricks I am not making it work FOR me as well as it could.

I just came across this great article that outlines 25 awesome tips and tricks for the iPhone.  Check it out and report back on anything new that you have learned. We need to help each other, right?

Olympic Crafts

 

The Olympics are coming, the Olympics are coming!  Are you as excited as we are?!?

Of course you are - the Olympics are amazing!  Our kids are all into the various trials right now and eagerly anticipating the opening ceremonies.  There is such a feeling of hope and unity and strength that comes from watching the Olympics.  I just love it.

Anyway, here are some great crafts, ideas and activities inspired by this years Olympic Games in London.  Perfect to do with kids young and old.  And with two full weeks of Games, there options for every day!  Try some out and let me know how it went...I promise to do the same.

Get 'Em Organized, Keep 'Em Organized!

We've all seen loads of the hook/shelf/shoe cubby organizational situation.  And differing variations on the same theme.

But this looks both smart AND classy.  Hang as many hooks as you have backpacks.  Use 4 same size frames (pop out the glass and add corkboard...) and paint a unifying color.  Initial for each persons spot.   Sign me up; I'm doing this before my brood goes back to school!  Great idea.

On a Clear Day...

 
If I didn't love my current bar stools, I would be all over these clear lucite ones.  Lucite makes objects looks cleaner, more modern.  And even though I'm not a modern furnishings kind of girl, a clean clear chair does something for me.

Do you use lucite in your home furnishings? Should I convert?

Stairway to Creativity

Saw this staircase on Pinterest and LOVE it.  Wouldn't this be a great project for kids to work on (with supervision, of course)?

Inside Out Canvas Frames

While I was in Anthropologie recently, I fell in love with their backwards canvas displays.  They have taken a standard 5x7 or 8x11 canvas, turned it back facing out (so that you can see the wood frame and the canvas stapled to it) and placed a picture inside of it.  Then they have nailed groupings together and hung as art.

Genius.  And inexpensive.  So of COURSE I wanted to try it here at home.

 

First I attached all of my frames back facing front together in an appealing, random grouping.  It took more nails than I would have expected to keep it together and sturdy.

 

Next I glued in a bunch of our favorite black and white shots.

And finally, I put up a few groupings interspersed with other favorite collages.  I get compliments on it whenever someone new stops by. 

 

 

Trulaaluu on Etsy

I've put a few new things into my etsy shop, Trulaaluu.   Something about the kids being out of school and warm weather makes me feel extra creative.  So stop by and take a look. 

Summer Planting...

It's practically summer already, right?  School is out, kids are back in swim team, the heat index is starting to soar.  We're all spending more time outside; shouldn't we put some of our creativity to use and beautify our outdoor spaces?

Do you have a spare car in need of a fresh coat of grass?  No?  Darn it; the picture makes a grass car look like such fun :)

I am loving this idea for colorful landscape grooming.  It doesn't look difficult to replicate either.

And finally, the flowers spilling out of the pot look painting perfect, don't they?  Planters don't always have to stand upright; its alright to tip them over when beauty is pouring out!

How are you planning to mix up your summer planting this season? Do any of these ideas inspire you?

Ribbon Tent

If you are new to this blog, you may not know that I have a thing for tents.  There is a sense of mystery about a tent; it is not a permanent structure yet commands a sense of safety and refuge.  It can be assembled and placed anywhere. 

So when I saw this genius crepe paper/ribbon tent I went a little gaga.  Isn't it so pretty?  And while it could be a little time consuming to assemble, its not any harder than your standard camping tent. 

Love.

Photo Corner

I saw this recently and thought it was a fresh take on the typical "photo wall" that is seen in homes.  I've never seen it on a corner like this.  Pretty cool, no?

Tattoo

I love me a good tattoo. This is one of the more original I've seen yet: