I got the nicest compliment I've ever received about my house and decorating the other day.

My temporary roommate had a few friends in town. After they walked in and took the [tiny] tour, one girl said (sit down for this, dear reader):

"Your house looks like a spread out of an Anthropologie catalog."

Be. Still. My. Heart.

Now I don't think that's necessarily true, mostly because on home items I find most of them at bargain stores, Luckett's, or furniture flees - but hey, I'll take it any day!

I rearranged some furniture recently in the family room, so here's what it looks like for the moment (the photo wall & tv are off to the right....)

Nails are a fun trend to completely dive in to during different seasons for a few reasons.

First, it's inexpensive. Trends are usually so incredibly expensive but two new bottles of nail polish will cost you what, $15 - $20? That's a trend I can definitely try with confidence that if I don't like it in a few months, it won't have been a waste.

Second, everyone sees your hands! It's a fun way to dress up your normally-appropriate and, possibly, a little boring work outfits. Not because you are boring OF COURSE. But because, well, it's work.

Third, super easy. Take old polish off, base coat, new trendy color, top coat, dry time... all done from start to finish while watching one episode of The Office. Easy peasy!!

Some "Don't Forget"'s...
First - short. Keep. Short. Nails. Long is gross, annoying, hard to take care of, and get dirty. Second, no chips please. I can't promise you I've never have chippy nails - I have. But I shouldn't - no one should! Third, dude, do your own nails.

Use Essie. Okay, that's not a trend, that's more of a personal preference. I use Essie exclusively because it's the only brand I've found that doesn't chip, has a good brush, has excellent colors, is $8 or less, and... and... who knows, I just think they are the best, k?

Grey Is So The New Black
Are you over the black nail polish of the last few seasons? (P.S. I'm not.) Or, have you been trying to get up the courage to wear black to work, and you never quite have? This season's grey trend just might be for you then.

It's a little less jolting, and very pretty, and incredibly versatile. It can go casual or dress it up with some super shine top coat. A few brands are below in the photo that seem like nice shades of grey - personally I am still looking for the perfect hue and haven't found it yet.

And yes, grey has been on it's way in for the last few months. But I think for us normal girls (aka non-Fashion-Week-attending, being-appropriate-at-work-liking girls), grey is an incoming trend.




No Shine Here!
Next trend - matte nail polish. I can't lie, it took me a while to get used to this one. I've only worn it twice now (once right now, I might add, in black), but it's growing on me. There are two ways to go to acheive the matte look - either a matte top coat (see Essie's Matte About You below), or to buy matte nail polish.

My vote is the matte top coat because it's a lot more versatile.

Is this not only a really intruiging color (OPI Russian Navy matte), but honestly just a beautiful photo? (I'm always a sucker for an over-exposed, and over-saturated image.)

Pedal to the Metal

My final major trend is using those nails to go metallic! Beyonce got this going a few months ago when she started sporting Minx nail products - a "green" option for nail color, it's almost a piece of color that is heated and stuck on the nail (or so I hear, I of course have not had it done and don't plan to).

From the look of different magazines and articles I've read lately, Minx has a bunch of different options, it's just that the silver and gold metallic are all the hype right now. A little research shows it can cost anywhere from $40 - $80 per service (not that I would ever get it done anyway, but I definitely wouldn't now!).

Some examples below. Not that you asked, but I like-ish the silver, and want to gag at the gold. So, there is my verdict on metallic nails!

Some of you might remember my adventures in covering up an incredibly ugly thermostat a few months ago.

I found a lovely bird cage at - wait for it - Home Goods, and planned to attempt to hide the ugliness of that thing. I think I'm there. I admit it was a little bare when you saw it last.

But now I've added a few more items, with incredibly easy access to the temperature-changer-knob-thing on the side. Hint: it's aligned right with the right edge of the frame (which also now has a picture of Ms. E in it).


All pulled together, here is the full picture of that section of decor. I'm hopefully getting around to photographing the house as it is now - on it's two year anniversary coming up - since basically everything is almost done now.

But here is a little section of decor love for now.

No, not like that. Not that I know which “that” you thought I meant, but I know I didn’t mean that “that.”

My good friend LK is moving in next Monday. She and her fiancé are getting married on June 12 (did I mention I’m planning the wedding? More to come.) and her lease is up next week, so… she needed a place to live.

Just so happens my guest bedroom would like to have a long-term visitor. Which all means I will have a roommate for the next three months. In preparation for LK’s arrival, I’m having to clean a bunch of rooms so that she has enough space for her things in her room, but also elsewhere in the house.

The first space I tackled was the front/coat closet. See here what a disaster it was:

I know, doesn’t look that bad.

Allow me to explain: this thing is what, 18 inches wide? 20? Maybe. Further, it is the only closet on the first floor. Wait, it is the only closet in the entire HOUSE that is not a closet in one of the two bedrooms. That’s right – no kitchen pantry, no linen closet, no storage closet. In fact, no bathroom cabinets even (hello lovely pedestal sinks – I love you, but I also hate you).

You can see where this is headed. So in this itty bitty closet was everything else: coats, winter gear, hardware, tools, step ladder, camera equipment, umbrellas, racquet ball equipment, two overhead lights I want to switch out, light bulbs, reusable grocery bags… you get the picture. (And you’re impressed it all was in there).

So I emptied the thing out.

Then I moved a little shelving deal I had in my upstairs closet into this closet, but sideways. One cubby for camera equipment, one for winter gear, one for reusable bags, etc.

Then, I found this nifty little hook that I got at World Market years ago but never put up. (Another post one day on all the hooks I have in my house.) Turns out it's a pretty decent scarf holder.

And I couldn't leave the top of the white shelf unused, so this fabric basket is where the "currently being used" items go. For winter it's hat, mittens, and scarves. For spring it will be umbrella and who knows what.

See, and then the coats have their own designated little space:

On the top shelf we have, from left to right, electric drill, grill equipment, and a boxed mini chandelier. And in another fabric basket (yellow & gray) we have two seasonal wreaths for the front door, light bulbs, and extra hardware.

And voila! A brand new, organized, crafty closet that just might allow space for someone else's coats too!

Hey, when you live in an old (ie no closets) little house, getting creative with your organization is pretty key. On to the next project!

Where do I even start on the backyard?

And I say “backyard” as though it is an actual space – which, frankly, it’s not. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, because I do love my backyard space, but the photos are deceiving. It is quite teeny tiny!

Bloggerettes: I need your help.

What is a Girl to do?

Here are some of my preliminary thoughts. First, a deck. Second, a deck. Okay – so I want a deck. The biggest hurdle at this point will be the neighborhood association, which has to approve all new structures. When the time comes, I’ll go through the appropriate motions but I don’t want to get into the forms and requirements until I’m decided that’s what I want to do .

So second option might be… ground cover with walking stones? This is a great suggestion that I think would look great, but then a green-thumb friend of mine said that ground cover, especially in the DC area, is a great place for rats – RATS – to make their home.

Rats? Yes, rats – and I’ve seen in the neighborhood flyer that there are a few people that had rats in their yard before. Hrm.

Last, just a few points you should know if you have some thoughts about the yard. The dirt portion is 100% shade because of the tree, and the brick portion is about 80% full sun. Also, the roots of the tree are at the surface of the dirt, so it’s a very bumpy terrain, and the roots actually protrude out of the dirt. I think before I moved in, there was brick patio extended to the tree, and they had to remove that part because of the roots.

Help, friendlies, help!

Every Christmas I think I’m going to get crafty.

And every Christmas, I just run out of time. Sadness.

But, my friend Martha keeps me dreaming every year! One of these days I’ll figure out how to organize myself well enough to complete Christmas cards, finish gift buying, AND get crafty! This year I would love to find time to make a Martha wreath. There are so many different “flavors” that there is definitely something for everyone.

I just might try one of these beauties. I’m thinking either the bells, or the glass ornaments.

Suggestions?

Pretty, right? Does this look too hard to make?



How about this gold wreath that has a few different kinds of greens, plus gold hints. Learn how to make this one here.

Pucker up!! Not only is this mistle toe, and not just a little piece hanging in a doorway, but a big slab of it!

Make this smootching wreath by looking here.

Last but certainly not least, this gorgeous glass ornament wreath. I want to do this one so badly, but I just know it won't come out looking like this at all, and I don't know if I can handle that!

I’ve tried a lot of organizing gimmicks in my time.

I’ve had the white pressboard little stacking boxes. The three-stack tower. The plastic Tupperware systems that are supposed to work in drawers for socks or undies.

Let’s see, what else has there been. A bookcase here, an under-the-couch fabric blanket bag there, a hanging hook system everywhere.

This is what I’ve learned about organizational purchases – and it may surprise you since this is falling under the “Recession Chic” set. But, I am a firm believer that if you spend a little bit more money on your “system” – whatever it might be that works for you – you are more likely to actually use it, which then means you are less likely to want to pitch it and get something different!

I’ve included a few of the [still inexpensive] items that have really worked for me. As you’ve heard before, I live in a small home. An end-unit townhouse, two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a kitchen and one living space. 788 square feet. That’s what I’ve got to work with.

Not to mention that a house built originally for military families and in 1942 basically means you have no closets or storage whatsoever! Add all these variables up, and you have the need to find lots of creative ways to store your stuff… because not only do you need somewhere to put your things, it will probably be out, and seen!

Here are a few of the items that have helped me:

1) I am a big believer in over-the-door storage. I have one of these in every room of the house, in fact, that has a door! In the bedrooms, I keep a robe and sometimes the work out clothes or pajammies that you are going to wear more than once. In the bathroom, it’s the towel storage and “equipment” storage. I never knew what those rubber hooks on hairdryers and curling irons were for… well, they are for hanging on hooks!

2) Belt organizer. Can’t. Live. Without. You. Mr. Belt Organizer. I have tons of belts – they go over button downs, under sweaters, around the waist – you name it. In addition to the belts we have scarves, sashes, and who knows what else. This little guy from Ikea saved the day. No more digging around in a box or unorganized shelf. All the goodies are right there, visible, and easy to grab. Oh, and it goes over the door!

And in full use...

3) The kitchen hutch (which is now, by the way, painted and bright white!). This is where I needed some storage, but also wanted something pretty. And we have the hutch!

4) Under the bed storage. Now there are a lot of contraptions out there that claim to be under the bed storage. There is the less-expensive Tupperware-types, fabric or plastic bags that are supposed to do the job. Take it from me… spend the extra few dollars to get the ones that have hinged tops and even, if you are feeling a little fancy, wheels. The worst thing to have to do when you’re searching for that sweater or shoe you haven’t switched out yet, is to have to pull and entire huge box out, maneuver it around the others, and try to find what you need. No way, Jose. Get the fancy one.

5) Soda can holders can save so much room in the refrigerator and leave more space for [real] food. I just may be addicted to my Coke Zero and Diet Dr. Pepper, but I still need them to stay in place while in the fridge. Added bonus… it’s not just for the fridge! If you buy the big boxes at a Costco-type place, you can use these wire racks in the cabinet or extra storage space that you keep the others!

My last little piece of advice is to always look for storage when buying pieces of furniture. I basically made myself follow the rule that when looking for little tables, or hutches, or bookcases, TV stand – whatever it is – it must have storage. It has made the process of keeping the house clean and organized so much easier (though still not easy!!)

What is your organizing secret?

Tomorrow, a friend and I are trucking it down to Ches.apeake, VA.

Now, just to be honest, I will have to tell you that we are going down there (over 3 hour drive, at that) just to go to one store - Gard.en Ridge. We both know about the store from different places we've lived and been.

The rest of the day is a complete surprise! We don't know what we're doing, but from the maps it looks like we will be close to Virginia Beach, so maybe we'll go to The Boardwalk, or just find a cute outdoor restaurant, or hang out at a park or something.

Who knows!

But, what I DO know, is that it will be a fun day with her, a chance to get way outside the Beltway (needed!!), and will probably get both of us a few good photos. A 3-hour drive, one day (aka no hotel), some cute parks or beaches or other nature finds, a cute restaurant or two, and a store we both love and all on the Eastern Shore...

... looks like a recession chic day trip to me!

Of course what I want to know is what are your recession chic day trips? If you are in DC - is it C-ville? Vineyards in Middleburg? Share. And if you are somewhere else... make us jealous of your lovely day trip ideas!

You know those summer shoes that are just a few pieces of actual material, but cost so much?

Yes, I know them too. I want them. I buy them. I wear them for two months. Don’t look away – you do it too!

Of course I want some cute summer sandals for the upcoming warmer weather, and there are some cuties out for this season! But, I decided that of all the things I could spend money on, this was going to be one of the items I was going to be smart on.

So I went cheap. There it is – I went cheap this year, folks. I made one summer shoe splurge in the form of a pair of Michael Kors sandals that can be dressed up for work, or dressed down with some crop pants… and the rest I’m going cheap on.

First, I wanted to at least attempt the gladiator sandal trend, especially since the likelihood of it being “out” very soon is high. Instead of spending some serious cash on them, I picked these up at Target. They are cute, fit the trend, and until you get close enough up to them that, frankly, you are just too close to my feet unless you’re a podiatrist… they look pretty snazzy still.

Here’s another version of an inexpensive gladiator sandal, from Old Navy. A little less chunky, and around the same price.
Also from Target, these little brown sandals that I have already worn many many times between a few nice DC days, a trip to Florida, and a trip to California. I have a feeling these are going to become my main summer casual shoes, because they are super cute (especially with pants, those little straps peeping out), and really comfortable.
How about the trend of chunky jewels or other fabric on top of the foot – sometimes in the form of a T-strap – on a summer sandal? Old Navy and Zappo’s both have some really great, reasonably priced, options.
Shoe shop away… and guilt-free!

With zero organization at all, you will see a recurring series here at Girls Like Cars Too called “Recession Chic.”

I like a new piece of flare, a top, or a décor accessory as much as the next person (okay, maybe a little bit more... and maybe at an unhealthy level)…

Though I am currently doing okay, this last week brought some realization that there just are no guarantees. With an economy that is not necessarily “in the tank,” but is not as hot as we all wish it would be, we all need to be a little more thoughtful in our spending – and that includes me.

I’ve been thinking – and practicing! – ways to continue being fashionable, up-to-date, and enjoying the fun of shopping and adding new things to my wardrobe or home without going flat broke!

Here’s where you come in… I want suggestions! Are you making awesome Recession Dinners? Recession Weekend Getaways? Share!

I would love to highlight your Recession find if you don’t have your own blog. My e-mail: snchamberlin at hotmail dot com.

To kick us off, today’s Recession New Top Fix. I know, not exactly a necessity, but I was at Ann Taylor Loft with my mom and saw two tops that were just adorable. I needed them. You know... NEEDED.

First, a lovely pink-ish coral rosette (obsessed!) top.

Of course Mom wasn't helping that much. She wanted me to get these two and seven other things too that she wouldn't wear herself but wanted me to wear! As I was pulling these two tops together and about to walk up to the register, I thought, "do you really need both of these tops? Is there some way to get the muted look of the off-white that you love, but also get some rosettes?"

... so I got thinking. How about the rosette top, but in off-white instead? Yes! Exactly!

I know, I know. I'm a snob, probably. But listen, I'm learning too! This is my first practicing of Recession Chic, and I am quite pleased with resisting the temptation of buying both tops, while also having quenched the new top fix!