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:

December is historically my favorite month of the whole year – but it can be a lot! It can feel like three months crammed into one. In my event planning and interior design experience, I’ve learned a little prep goes a LONG way. Especially this time of year! But I’m noticing many folks having unrealistic expectations of what projects can be completed before the big “game days.” And this can add to unnecessary stress! So today I’m issuing this check-in quiz with straight-forward answers on whether your home is ready for the holidays or not. [Click to skip my back-story and jump to Is Your Home Ready for the Holidays quiz now!]