Murphy Beds I Might Actually Use!

The idea of a murphy bed is a great option for those who are lacking in space, but it's hard to find one that actually looks comfortable! After doing some digging around, I actually found a few I might use:

via popsugar

This one feels open and elegant, but also looks like it would close up to look like gorgeous storage!

via inspirational-homes

I love the two tone wall to make it look like a different space, and the indents in the side for shelving use!

via hgtv

This one is styled perfectly for a great bedroom feel, but I can imagine once it's put away the possibilities are endless what you could do with that space!

via apartmenttherapy

This one is perfect for a more modern feel! What would you do with that blank white canvas once it's put away?

Neighborhood Gifts Ideas

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I love a good neighbor gift!  I look forward each year to coming up with something fun and unique to give our neighbors and close friends.  Since the current year's gift is always a surprise, I share the past year's gift here in hopes you will be inspired to come up with a special gift of your own for your close friends. 

This past year, I decided to make Honey Orange Syrup as our gift. 

I found this fantastic recipe which could be made ahead (always a priority for me since I like to make these up over a weekend and deliver them throughout the following week as time permits).  After I nailed down my recipe, I got busy coming up with a custom label.  I created the labels on my computer and then took them to a print shop to have them printed on card stock paper. 

When you create an unusual recipe as a gift, it's important to give you recipient some ideas on how they can use your gift.  Also, I love recipes that can be used in multiple ways.  It makes the gift more meaningful.  

Once you've decided on the perfect recipe and gift tag, you need to think about how to present the gift in a fun way.  I loved these bottles I found with the cork tops and ordered them early to ensure I would have enough for all the gifts.  

I then ordered the fun twine and used it for a simple way to attach the gift tags.

Now, if only I had my gift for this year worked out.  It's time to start brainstorming! M.

 PS:  If you're curious about the gifts I've given over the past few years, click on this link to see the details Neighborhood Gift Ideas. 

Protecting your floors, caring for your rugs (lots of eye candy too!)

Rugs are artwork for your floors.  I have spent weeks agonizing over choosing a rug for my home.  I want something that is gorgeous (obviously), high quality, will last forever, and made with ethical standards.

via Pinterest via Style Me Pretty

While a high quality rug doesn't require a ton of maintenance, there are still steps you should take to ensure it will stay looking gorgeous for years to come.  I always save the care tags off of my rugs to refer to them from time to time.  I also vacuum once a week WITHOUT the agitator on, and spot clean immediately with eco-friendly, gentle rug cleaner.  For tough stains, DO NOT RUB stains out, rather PRESS them out.  (Put an absorbent cloth or paper towels over the treated stain, also several layers under the rug to protect your floor, place heavy objects on top of the cloth or paper towels and leave over night.)

via Pinterest via his and hers

Another huge must have is a good rug pad.  For years I used those cheap white "waffley" rug pads, and I was always left with rumbly rugs and weird residues left on my floors.  That's why I was super excited when the folks at Rug Pad Corner got in touch with me to see if I'd be interested in learning more about their pads.

They offer premium felt and rubber pads with NO adhesives (meaning no residue left on your floor). They also use heat to attach the rubber to the felt, so you get no off-gassing or smell.  I jumped on the opportunity to try these out and was instantly impressed with the quality.  My rugs are also laying flatter now, and the thickness of the pad gives the rug a more luxurious feel.

After thoroughly cleaning the floor I laid down the pad where the rug would go.

Both sides of the pad.  The side that goes against the wood is very soft.

My rug on top - looking great!

The back of the non-slip pad, which I haven't laid down yet, because it will go in my office and we are having hardwood floor installed.

Learn all about these rug pads and more products at RugPadCorner.com.

*disclosure: just so you know, I received rug pads from Rug Pad Corner in return for this post.  All opinions are my own and I only work with companies or products that I think will be of interest to you!

Okay, now for shopping..

 I want one of these fuzzy guys... at Joss & Main (in the Warm Up the Room Rug sale)

LOVE the colors here... at Joss & Main (in the Warm Up the Room Rug sale)

at Joss & Main (in the Traditional stitches sale)

at Joss & Main (in the Take a Stand sale)

A luxe neoclassical home

I love this home and it's mix of feminine glamour and industrial strength.

via Chango & CO

Smart Home Designs

Upgrading your home has always been a toss on whether you want to do something just for the joy of having it done the way you always wanted it to and what has the best resale value. These days it seems like many of us don't stay in one place very long so it doesn't seem smart to invest much into it when you won't be able to enjoy it for what it's worth.

Here are a few home designs for those of you who are like me, and plan on being around for a while! Why not enjoy it?

via hgtv

This technology upgraded bathroom is not only gorgeous but it's pretty impressive with all it's extra perks!

via inthralld

Add something completely unique! This drop down bed makes this small square footage double.

via hgtv

Need a pet friendly space that can tuck away when needed? These features in the laundry room make it very pet friendly without stealing much needed space.

via realsimple

Don't be afraid to go all out on storage space. Make it look great, especially if you know you will be using it on a daily basis. 

If you had the extra funds, which room would you go all out on?

Timeless transitional

Transitional can take so many leans, I guess that's why I like it so much. It also has a timeless appeal, and timeless equals good taste.

via Houzz

via Cure Design Group

via Lonny

via Houzz

via Chango & CO.

via Home and Design

What do you think of transitional?

Gifts for Girls

Now it's the girl's turn for some gift ideas.  Full disclosure here, many of these items are on my personal Christmas "wish list." That must be why the girl's list is so much easier for me to pull together!   

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(click on the corresponding number for the source)