I feel like I’m started every single one these blog posts with an exasperated “Oh my goodness, so much is happening!” And it’s true! This is my third season participating in the One Room Challenge and I’m realizing the interior, exterior, and deck area of my shed could take 3 cycles of ORC (24 weeks). And here I am trying to do it in eight!

But I’m glad for it. Having the accountability of the (somewhat) weekly check-ins and a deadline to at least share something have pushed this shed along further than it’s been in about two years. And although there’s been great progress since my last blog update, we’ve had guests in town two weekends back to back, making it just that much more challenging! Let’s recap. P.S. I definitely saved my favorite part for last in the update…

Weeks 6-8: Visitors, Purchases, Grunt Work, & 3D

Hey guys! Alyssa here. This holiday season Kaitlyn and I want to give you thoughtful and sustainable gift ideas that won’t add to your friends and family’s clutter problem or a landfill. Sometimes we know exactly what to get someone for Christmas. But almost every year, we completely blank on what to get for some others. Kaitlyn and I also share a pet peeve for receiving gifts that ultimately clutter our homes. 

It can be difficult to get creative when this time of year is beyond busy! So today we’ve put together some ideas that can suit different personalities on your holiday shopping list. And this year we’re specifically highlighting “green” options as well as ones that likely won’t create new clutter. 

This year’s gift guide has gift ideas for men, women, children, and everyone in between! So have a look, and let us know what your favorite picks are!

Have you ever wanted to know what designers talk to each other about? Wania Forsman, from Sweden’s Living Stories Design Studio, and I love to connect and compare notes from across the pond! And in this week’s episode, we discussed the home upgrades that feel the most magical to experience personally.

And because we referenced what seems like a record number of videos and products, I wanted to create a coordinating blog post so you can easily check them out! (You might even get some holiday gift ideas!) Our video is linked below. Grab a coffee or your beverage of choice, and come hang out with us!

The video:

Whether your favorite party host is your mom, grandmother, a new neighbor, your aunt or your virtual BFF, it can be tricky to shop for the lady who has it all. And she’s the first one you want to treat because she brings your world together on the holidays – social distancing or otherwise. I’ve put together this list of gift ideas for your favorite hostess to treat her or yourself this year. Skip the lines at your local Home Goods and TJ Maxx and shop here for over 10 awesome host gift ideas (ranging from $16-$140)!

Still feeling the stress of prepping your home for the holidays? Is it time to call a designer? I’m not shy about telling the truth or my opinion as it relates to anything with home design. So to continue that spirit of total transparency – this blog has info for my services in it. But I wouldn’t be sharing it if I didn’t think it could genuinely help so many of you right now. Before we get to that, let me share the top three (3) reasons to collaborate with a designer so you can decide first if it’s what you need.

So my very first blog post “Where to Shop Budget Home Essentials” is definitely one of my most referenced articles on this whole site. This is probably because it’s SO on-brand for what I do for people. The process goes a little something like this… 1) I need something for my house or a client project. 2) I end up shopping between 2-7 different stores and give myself a total headache until I find something that I’m satisfied with the price and quality. 3) I share where I found said “thing” and why you should shop for similar items there. 4) You benefit from my picky and budget-friendly ways. So I thought I’d put together a similar list for the holidays for you, because if there’s any time of year you’d like to save a little money to use elsewhere, it’s now! Back by popular “demand”, I present the Budget Home Essentials – Holiday Edition list!

Hi friends! I hope you’re having a great week. Today I wanted to give a totally honest answer to the big question of “is it too late to start home projects for the holidays?”