Who couldn’t use that…am I right?! I’ve seen this idea of a daybed swing a lot lately and I’m totally diggin it. Such a fun spin on a porch swing….
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Erica
So if I had a place on the coast…what would it look like? I think I have some ideas….
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Erica
Book displays are an easy way to add color, flair and detail to your space. Don’t hide those beauties display them for all to see. I’ve found some amazing ways to do just that…
If you’re stuck on what to do you can always add other visual interest like a mirror or art….
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Tried and true…turn the books in opposite directions….
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Color code it…
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Don’t forget those sweet kids books…
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Put them in a pretty piece of furniture…
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Go monochromatic…
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Why not stack them…
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Add some creativity….
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Erica
My first job as a carpenter was in 1987. I had broken my Kuwahara Magician freestyle bike, and my parents laughed when I asked them to pay to have it fixed. When they settled down, they told me that I could help the crew that was building our deck over the summer to earn money. I showed up the first hot summer day with my Saddlebred leather belt, an 8′ tape measure, and a dry-rotted toolbag my dad had sitting around some oily rags and matches in the basement.
The lead carpenter laughed when I walked out and said, “why are you wearing that? Only carpenter’s wear belts and you ain’t a carpenter”. That was his shorthand for, “carry these boards from here to there…..all summer long….you entitled little punk”.
While he was a fantastic carpenter, just about everything he told me about life that summer turned out to be wrong….especially the part about the tool belt. A tool belt is essential to keeping a neat, clean, organized work space (whether you’re a pro or not) – because it keeps everything you need within arms reach. It also makes you faster because you aren’t walking back and forth between your cut area and work area to get a hammer, tape measure, etc. They feel a little awkward at first and take a while to get used to, but once you adjust to having one on, you won’t to change a light bulb without one.
The one I have now is leather and about 15 years old. I love it because it gets better every time I use it, and allows me to have all of my stuff close by without being too bulky and awkward. Here are a few tips for making sure your setup strikes the same balance:
1. Don’t load it up with too much stuff. Just because there are 13 places to put things doesn’t mean you need to shove 13 things in there. If every pocket and compartment is full, you won’t have room for the “project specific” items.
2. Every tool must have 3 (or more) uses. A hammer can drive nails, pull nails, and knock stuff down. My chalk line can snap a straight line on a piece of plywood, act as a string for a plumb bob, and be used as a string line to indicate a straight path. Making sure all the tools are super functional is key to keeping bulk down.
3. Clean it out regularly. Sawdust, old nails, and the specialty fasteners from that Norwegian light fixture Erica had to have can all collect in your belt over time – making it harder to get your hands on what you need when you need it.
4. Set it up however it feels comfortable for you. Some people like the tape measure in the front. Some people like it on the side, and some like the back. The point is to make sure you are able to immediately get what you need when you need it. There is nothing worse than balancing a piece of drywall on your head (don’t ever do that) while fumbling around to find your hammer or drill.
Ok. That’s your basic 101. 102 next week will cover my tool belt setup, how I use the specific items, and where you can buy it all.
Dreaming of sunnier days for sure. My mind is wondering to a tranquil backyard escape. Really who wouldn’t want paradise right outside their door…
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The ultimate at home paradise….nice!
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Erica
Haven’t done a post on kitchens in a while. I’ve seen so many images lately that are so inspiring to upgrade that kitchen of yours….
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Erica
Who doesn’t need a little flair every now and then…
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Erica
So gray has become one of fav colors. I absolutely love it in just about any variation…charcoal gray, light gray, slate gray, silver gray…on and on. I especially love mixing it with bold bright coastal colors. Or the contrast of the strong gray with a bright white. I feel it’s so classic and won’t ever trend out. What do you think?….
These are the images inspiring me this week….
Erica
Spring break has definitely taken on a whole new meaning since becoming a mommy! Back in the day it meant going with friends as far south as I could to find the warmth and to partake in all the fun a 20 something could handle. Flash forward more years than I care to admit and the break now represents how busy can I have my kiddos to keep the peace and my sanity and, of course, to make memories all at the same time. BIG CHANGE! I’ll take it though…so let’s get started on what can be done…
A garden everyone can do….
Doily art...
So adorable…The TP Roll Bunny Fam!
Kool-Aid…duh…of course!
Most importantly…the reason for the seaon!
Another…why didn’t I think of that moment…
Wh0 would have thought…shaving cream + paint = this cutie…
Erica
