7 Things You Must Do to Start the New Year!

Hello 2021!! Who else is thrilled to be saying goodbye to 2020 and walking into a New Year? I’m sure we’re all feeling cautiously optimistic about what 2021 will bring. While there is new hope and a fresh energy, the coronavirus is still spreading like wildfire and the impact of the pandemic will be felt for years to come. Of course we all want to start 2021 on a high note, so keep reading for the 7 things you must do in January 2021. These are the ways I’ll be doing my best to have a strong, positive start to the New Year! Of course MANY things are out of our control and if I’ve learned anything from 2020 it’s that life can be completely unpredictable. However, you can still do what you can to kick off the year with a clear mind and some clear objectives.

7 Things You Must Do to Start the New Year!

1.       Declutter and Organize Your Home

There is no better time to get your home in order then the start of a new year. Spend some time decluttering and organizing your home to breathe fresh life into your space. You don’t have to go as far as Marie Kondo or the organizers of The Home Edit, even though it’s fun to obsess over their Instagram feeds. But home organization and clearing out clutter is a great way to kick off the New Year. You can also tackle any pending home projects or DIY home projects you’ve been putting off

2.       Get ready for the 2020 Tax Season

The tax filing deadline isn’t until April, but I start prepping for tax season months in advance. Update your records and make an appointment with your tax provider to make sure you can maximize deductions and get that tax refund popping! If this year was your first year working from home there are probably several new deductions you can take that you may not have qualified for in previous years. Just make sure you consult with a pro to ensure everything is legit and up to date with this year’s tax code.

3.       Get Your Health Checked Out

It’s important to stay on top of your health, and if you haven’t been to the doctor in a while, now is the time. I make it a habit to do my doctor’s appointments in January just to have a regular schedule and keep on top of things. Make an appointment with your primary care doc and any specialists you see on a regular basis, and if you traveled around the holidays, get a Covid test!

4.       Set Your Goals for the Year

I don’t usually make New Year’s Resolutions, but I do use this time of year to reflect on past accomplishments and what I hope to achieve. A new year gives you a fresh slate, so take advantage of the time to assess your goals.

5.       Plan a 2021 Vacation

2020 was far from a good travel year! But looking on the bright side, there are more travel discounts than ever before! The tourism industry was essentially shut down for months and airlines and hotels are desperate for a rebound. Do some research into local guidelines and restrictions before booking, and make sure to respect the rules wherever you decide to go!

6.       Sign Up for Some Virtual Networking Events

I have to admit, I got tapped out with Zoom events pretty much by April 2020! I missed in-person interaction and the hours spent in front of a computer screen just weren’t cutting it. However I’m feeling more inspired to get back to networking and refocus on my career ambitions in the New Year. If your career was impacted by covid, or if you’re just ready for a professional refresh, check out LinkedIn or various Facebook groups or websites focused on your industry. 2020 may have been devastating for your career and your network so 2021 is the perfect time to work towards getting back on track. `

7.       Start a New Hobby or Passion Project

Is there a hobby you’ve been meaning to start? Or something you’re passionate about you want to get involved with? No time like now to get started! And I mean something that you enjoy or will do just for the fun of it, not necessarily a business or side hustle. Hustle culture has become prevalent in the past few years, and while it has merit, it comes at the expense of pursuing passions not tied to income. Not everything has to be a money making venture. Somethings can be in your life just to add depth, color, and enjoyment. Think about what you are passionate about that you would enjoy doing in your free time. It may be volunteering for a cause you love or a crafting project that keeps you engaged creatively.

What are you most excited about for 2021? Let me know how you plan to kick off the New Year and what you’ll be working towards!

8 Things You Have to Do To Have an Amazing Fall!

Can you guys believe we are almost in September! It feels like summer flew by, and it definitely was not as fun as we were used to. It’s been hard dealing with 6 months of covid restrictions and stay at home orders. But a new season is upon us, and it’s time to jump in with fresh spirits. Fall is a season for fresh starts so we’ve got to take every opportunity to celebrate it. 2020 has been a tough year, so making it to Fall is just another reason to cheer up – the year is almost over! Here are a few of my tips for how to get ready for Fall!

8 Ways to Get Ready for Fall

Go Back to School Shopping

You’ll never forget the nervous excitement about the first day of school! Even if you are remote learning or your school years are behind you, you can still get into that back to school spirit. One of the best ways to get ready for Fall is to go “back to school” shopping. Pick up some cute desk accessories for your home office or update your gadgets if they need a refresh. Take advantage of the dozens of sales and stockpile of inventory that stores have been unable to sell-through! It really is a buyer’s market for anything that’s on your list, so don’t miss those back to school sales and discounts.

Sign Up for a New Class

In keeping with the back to school spirit, why not get ready for Fall by signing up for a new class? One of my favorite ways to get ready for Fall is to start a new activity. Since a lot of in-person activities and group events will be off-limits because of covid, check out some online classes instead. Whether it’s learning a new language or taking a baking class so you can finally master the art of sourdough bread, find a hobby that offers online classes. It will be a fun way to get ready for Fall, break up the days stuck at home, and learn something that will hopefully come in handy for the future.

Take in Some Fall Fashion Inspiration

Fashion really is one of the best things about Fall! One of my favorite ways to get ready for Fall is to get inspired with some new seasonal fashion. From the September covers of every fashion magazine, to the new collections hitting stores – Fall fashion inspiration is everything! Make sure you get ready for Fall by doing some back to school (or back to work) shopping,  updating your wardrobe and accessories with some of the seasons newest trends.

Plan a Fall Weekend Adventure

Spring and summer travel may have been a bit disappointing, but hopefully things will turn around! If you have held off on traveling earlier in the year, fall may be a great time to plan a vacation. One of the best ways to get ready for Fall is to end your summer on a high note! Looking for ideas for where to travel this Fall? The weather in September is pretty perfect in a lot of different places so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from! The perfect Fall getaway could be anything from renting a cabin in the woods to flying off to a beach destination (travel restrictions permitted!)

Take Part in Some Fall Favorite Activities

Even if you are staying local, Fall is full of amazing activities! One of my favorite ways to get ready for Fall is to plan some fall foliage watching. The colors are stunning and it’s the perfect way to escape the city for an afternoon. You also can’t go wrong with a day of apple picking, pumpkin patching, or visiting vineyards for the fall harvest. One of the best things about Fall is the endless options for activities! If you are wondering what to do this Fall, look up seasonal (social distancing friendly) activities in your city, or plan a mini adventure with your friends!

Do Some Fall Cleaning and Home Décor Updates

Another way to get ready for Fall is to get your home refreshed for the season. Bring in some seasonal décor and stock up new Fall scented candles. If you are looking for ways to get ready for Fall, bringing the seasonal spirit into your home is the best way to start. I also think another great way to get ready for Fall is to do some seasonal cleaning. Spring cleaning is a thing, so why not Fall? Plus it will make it easier for you when you flip from Fall décor to holiday!

Review and Update Your Budget

Fall means the year is almost over. Another great way to get ready for Fall is to focus on your finances. This year has been a challenging one on multiple fronts, but economics was a huge one. I lost my job in April due to covid, so I know what it’s like to be reeling from financial losses this year. No matter what your financial situation, get ready for Fall and the end of the year by reviewing your finances. Look at your savings, debt, and income as well as ways to adjust your expenses or bring in more income if you can. Get ready for Fall and a new year by starting on the best financial foot possible!  

Register to Vote

The last, and most important thing you should do to get ready for Fall is to make sure you are registered to vote! This year is an election year, and a critical one at that. If you do nothing else this Fall, make sure you vote! Immediately check the deadlines in your state for voter registration, and if you plan to vote by mail, request that ballot asap. We’ve all noticed delays in getting mail, and you don’t want to wait and risk having your vote not be counted.

Also, if you have the time, volunteer to work the polls in your district. Most poll workers are elderly and there will be a shortage due to covid. Step it up if you can!

What are you most excited about this Fall?

Redecorating 101 - How to Update Your Home on a Budget

It’s been just over a month since we moved into our newly purchased condo! I’m still so overjoyed we were able to make our dream of becoming homeowners come true. Considering the current coronavirus crisis, the history of housing discrimination, and the financial challenges affecting millennial homeowners, we know how lucky we are.  It means so much to be a homeowner, especially a black homeowner. I’m planning to share more about our journey to homeownership, but for now let’s talk about redecorating!

Since becoming a millennial homeowner is no easy feat, we wanted to keep the moving and redecorating costs as low as possible without compromising on style. We were able to repurpose most of our furniture, but needed a few accent pieces and storage furniture to complete the new place. Buying the home meant having to downsize a bit, so we needed to be smart about how we set everything up. We are also both working from home due to covid, so had to maintain a decent office set up. Today I’m sharing my tips for redecorating your home on a budget, some of my favorite affordable home décor finds, plus Amazon finds under $50! Whether you are a new millennial homeowner like me or moving into a new rental apartment, I hope these redecorating tips help!

Sell Unwanted Furniture Online

Before you start you move and start redecorating, start thinking about furniture and décor that you won’t take to the new place. I sold several pieces on LetGo in the weeks before the move, like our enormous sectional and some of the work from home office furniture.  Facebook Marketplace is another great resource for reselling used furniture and home goods. As a millennial homeowner, staying on budget was top of mind! Redecorating was important, but so was not going broke over it. I made about $800 selling gently used furniture, and reinvested that money into our redecorating budget. Just play it safe when meeting people to close the sale! You can never be too careful when inviting strangers in or near your home. I scheduled all the exchanges for when my husband would be home, and we bought every piece of furniture down to the lobby so no one got our actual apartment number. Use best judgement and exercise caution! Scheduling was easy for our move since so many people were working from home; if you are reading this later and things are back to normal, just give yourself more time to plan.  

Shop Secondhand for the Best Deals and Steals

If you are selling furniture online, why not think about buying some as well? You can always find motivated sellers that are willing to negotiate on price. Plus, you can take your time browsing if you aren’t in a rush to get everything at once.  I wanted to finish redecorating as soon as possible, so I didn’t do much secondhand shopping. But if you have time to scout, I highly recommend it! Or do as many millennial homeowners do – take a page out of the HGTV book and scout estate sales and vintage stores for unique finds. Those guys are masters at renovating and redecorating, so if it works for them it can work for you too!   If you do buy any secondhand furniture, make sure to inspect it for any signs of pests before completing the sale. And as soon as you get it home, thoroughly sanitize surfaces and pop any fabrics into the laundry. You don’t want to take any risks!

Sign Up for Emails to Get Discounts

Excessive emails can get annoying, but when you are moving or redecorating, they come in handy. Most major retailers offer an incentive for email subscribers – usually 10-15%.  It isn’t a lot, but when you are moving and redecorating an entire home or apartment, you need every discount you can get! I signed up for email alerts everywhere from Wayfair to Overstock and made use of those deals for sure!

Use Cash Back or Affiliate Links to Make Money Back on Your Purchases

I’m a big fan of cash back sites like Rakuten, RebatesMe and affiliate networks like RewardStyle. Most affiliate networks are for influencers only and you have to apply to become a member. However cash back sites are usually easy to sign up and can definitely pay off! Depending on the retailer, you can get anywhere from 2-8% cash back on your purchase. Again, it doesn’t sound like a lot of money. But when you are shopping at scale around redecorating a home, the small amounts add up quickly. I’ve made almost $150 in cash back just from purchases I’ve made this month! If you aren’t a member sign up here and get a $10 bonus!

Shop on Amazon for Surprisingly Good, Affordable Finds

Amazon is a redecorating secret weapon! Whether you are a millennial homeowner or just trying to freshen up your apartment with some redecorating, it will quickly become your go to! I found everything from functional storage ottomans to fun decorative elements, like my little succulent wall! Plus, you just can’t beat that Prime 2-Day shipping and free returns on many items. We took advantage of that a few times, thanks to items we thought would be perfect for our redecorating scheme, but turned out not to work once we saw them in person.

Make Small Changes that Can Have a Big Impact

I’m a big fan of decorative accents and wall hangings. We have a painting hung on almost every wall! If you don’t have an art collection, get some stylish affordable prints to pull your room together. You can also get some peel and stick wallpaper to make an easy statement wall, or hang some cute planters for a pop of greenery. Redecorating is about more than just the furniture – the decorative aspects can bring the whole room together.

Hope these tips help if you are planning a big move! And stay tuned for more about the home ownership process and issues affecting black homeowners and millennial homeowners.

Moving Hacks! How to Make Your Move Easy and Stress Free

If you missed the big reveal on Instagram, my husband and I are officially homeowners! I’m so proud and grateful of this accomplishment and the next chapter in our lives. I’m going to be sharing more about our journey to home ownership and what millennials need to know about purchasing their first home. But for now let’s talk about moving!

Packing, moving, and unpacking are total beasts! It can be super stressful and overwhelming, especially for a big move or a long distance move. It was really important for me to make our move as efficient as possible, especially since my husband and I are both working from home. The only way that was going to be possible was to get creative and enlist professional help. I partnered with TaskRabbit on my move to help make things as seamless as possible. If you haven’t heard of TaskRabbit, immediately check them out.

TaskRabbit is an online platform and app that saves you time by connecting you with skilled “Taskers” who can help with everyday to-dos, such as furniture assembly, handyman work, moving help, cleaning, and waiting in line. TaskRabbit is available in more than thousands of cities across the US, Canada and Europe. Keep reading for my moving hacks and how the TaskRabbit pros helped save the day!

Start Downsizing before a Move

My husband and I are fans of a seasonal purge, and I strongly suggest it a few weeks before a move. Donate any old clothes, throw away expired beauty products, and do a thorough audit of things around your home that you no longer need. We got rid of about 6 huge garbage bags of junk before we even started packing. That helped streamline the process and made prepping for the move so much easier. Make sure you do some pre-move organizing a few weeks before the move so you can take your time and not feel overwhelmed. You can hire a Tasker to pick-up and drop-off your donations at a local charity of your choice.

Order Your Packing Supplies in Advance

In the weeks leading up to our move, I ordered an assortment of shipping boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape and paper. I really had no idea how much we would actually need so took a guess for the first round. It’s important to get some supplies in early so you have time to get more if you run out as you start packing. Plus it gives you time to comparison shop and look for sales/coupons.

I also started keeping the packaging for anything we ordered online and saved a few boxes that I found in our apartment building. The cost of packing materials can add up fast so I wanted to save! I also ordered a few of the classic Ikea blue shopping bags. They are perfect for packing your groceries right before you leave and throwing in any miscellaneous items that you find at the last minute.

Pack all Your Non-Essentials a Week before You Move

This is probably the most important packing tip! Leaving everything to the last minute is a recipe for disaster. We packed up about 70% of our kitchen items and clothing a week before the move, then spent a little bit of time each day tackling a section of the house. It made things run a lot smoother. Plus when we started running out of our stash of packing supplies we had time to replenish before move out day.

Schedule a few Buffer Days In Between Moves

We were lucky enough to close on the new place about 4 days before we had to vacate our old apartment. That gave us a day to map out a layout in the new apartment and a day after the move to go back to the old apartment in case we forgot anything or needed to clean up. We got to spend time planning out exactly where we wanted the movers to place the furniture, where we wanted our art hung, and labeling cabinets to make unpacking easier. I also wanted to hand carry my wedding dress and make sure it was safely tucked away!

Hire Moving Help for More than Just Heavy Lifting

A lot more goes into moving than just hauling furniture in and out. We used TaskRabbit to help us with a few major steps in the process of moving and getting settled. Taskers can do everything from organizing and packing items; moving and loading boxes and heavy furniture; picking up and dropping off unwanted donation items; deep cleaning; and more. We found an expert handyman to help us mount our TV and hang up our art collection. We both wanted to see the visuals come together quickly and have our relaxation space set up before the end of the day. Our Ttasker helped make that possible! The next morning we had another Tasker come over to finish unpacking and organizing. She specialized in home organization and helped us get our kitchen, bathroom, and closets together in a single afternoon! It’s amazing to have our space feel so settled and lived in after just a day; that wouldn’t have been possible without TaskRabbit.

Hiring a Tasker on TaskRabbit just makes moving and tackling your to-do list easier.  You can search for the best Tasker for the job based on cost, skillset, availability, location and past client reviews. It’s moving season, so if you have one coming up, definitely check out TaskRabbit for support.

Pack an Overnight Bag with Your Essentials

This is another super important and often overlooked packing hack. I always pack a duffel bag with a change of clothes, comfy loungewear, pajamas, toiletries, and all of my electronics and chargers. Having that ready makes it easy for me to unwind after a long, stressful day of moving and get ready the next morning. No need to dig through boxes looking for your PJs or face wash!

It’s been about a week since we moved and we are about 90% perfect. Follow me on Instagram and stay tuned to the blog for more updates on home ownership for millennials and home décor. And be sure to check out TaskRabbit at taskrabbit.com and @TaskRabbit on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

5 Steps to Creating the Perfect Work at Home Workspace

It’s my second week working from home since LA is still on shelter in place orders! It’s been nice having more balance and being able to focus, but I’m also actively resisting the cabin fever that is building up. Since I’m new to the work from home game, I enlisted Lauren Brantley of Lauren Ashley Designs, an expert on the subject! Lauren has worked from home her entire career, and has moved 4 times in 3 years, so she has it down to a science! Keep reading for her tips on creating a stable workspace in any environment and maximizing productivity when working remote!

I have been working at home for my entire career and have moved 4 times in 3 years. It can be hard when working from home to have a consistent workspace. However, the conception of the stable workspace is important because not only does it set boundaries within your home but it makes you more productive. Your workspace doesn’t have to be grand or Pinterest ready, you just want to make sure follow these 5 steps and you will be able to conquer your at-home business or job in no time!

First, choose your ideal placement for the workspace

 Now, this may seem obvious to some but where you place your workspace is probably the most important part of creating a productive space. If you have an office space you may be thinking oh I can place it anywhere! NO, you need to think about what kind of person you are and what you like to do when you are working. Let me ask you a few questions to help you decide:

Do you like to listen to music or like background noise? Well, then an office space might not be for you. You may want a small writing desk where the rest of the family is. People that like the background noise can often get the most work done in high traffic areas. Small discloser: This work arrangement would not be ideal for those working in a customer service position. Customer service jobs often require a quiet office space. If you still like the background noise and you work as a customer service agent I would suggest investing in a sound machine or playing music in the background of your office space.

What view do you like when working? When I say view I mean behind your computer think about what you will be seeing throughout your 8hr workday. I like to have either beautiful imagery or windows. Being a creative person, I need inspiration for my clients. Having the imagery or window view enlightens my creativity. I have had many friends however that love to have their office set up where clients can come to sit so they are looking at a client set up when working, it is up to you!

Next, Think About What Your Job/Business Requires via Storage

When I think about office storage space for my clients I always try to consider their profession. For example, a customer service rep wouldn’t need as much storage as an at-home law profession for various books and files. When considering this, it helps the client think about storage options for their specific needs. Also, it will help prevent you from overcrowding your office space wherever it might be with unnecessary furniture.

 If you have trouble thinking through this, I suggest taking inventory. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth inventory by no means. Just look at all the items you are wanting to include in your office space and consider how much storage you would need. Sometimes laying it out on the floor helps. Lay all the items out on the floor and attempt to categorize them by the types of furniture they go on. Once you have everything organized, you will be able to visually see how many pieces of furniture you need.

 Here Comes the Fun Part! Choose Your Pieces!

 Now if you already have your furniture pieces that is fine! Consider the questions I asked earlier in step 1 and think about re-organizing them in a way that better suits you! Also, take inventory of the items you have in step 2, you might have too many pieces. The most important thing when choosing office furniture is durability and ergonomics. Why do I say durability? Well, when you work from home you are working in the furniture for roughly 6-8hrs give or take. The furniture you buy must have the ability to work for you, not against you.

I find that with any at home job or business you need to find a desk specifically that has drawers. You can find a writing desk that has beautiful sleek line drawers that won't take up a lot of space if you don’t have the space to sacrifice.For your chair, the ergonomics is what is important not the style. I bought my chair off of Amazon and it has been a LIFESAVER!

For storage, let's go back to what we took inventory of. Do we need extra storage in addition to our desk that we have chosen? If so, let's determine what storage we need. Once we can determine those 2 things we are on the right path. I have found a common struggle when choosing storage pieces is that my clients love a storage piece that isn’t the same wood tone as the desk they have chosen. Here is how to remedy that: 

 When mixing wood tones it is important to create a continuous design. Just be sure to pick a dominate tone to be the focus of the room, play with contrasting colors and elements to create a modern cozy feel, and finish the room with a playful, stylish rug. The perfect rug will be an added layer to help visually separate your space and tie together the other design elements.

Finish the space with additional decorative elements. A plant or two can brighten your mood and bring a sense of life to space while you are working, and some inspirational signage can help you stay motivated throughout the day.

Can’t wait to see how your work spaces come together! Let me know in the comments or tag me and @lashleydesign on Instagram to show off your space!

Lauren Brantley Bio

 I am Lauren Brantley, Owner/Blogger of Lauren Ashley Designs. I am a wife to an amazing man, mama to a beautiful baby girl, and a sweet fur-baby! I am a graduate of Liberty University with a BS in Interior Design. Ever since I was a little girl I guess you would say I have had a “knack” for design. When I was seven I would draw up makeshift floor plans of my dream house, doorways and all! Once my parents bought me my first drafting table at thirteen I thought my world was complete. However, my design talents were truly manifested once I stepped on a college campus. My sophomore year of college I started Lauren Ashley Design as a blog to post updates and design tips for followers. In the past year, the small blog has become much more. Lauren Ashley Design has become a platform for others to find easy access to design through e-design. I truly am living my childhood dreams as an e-designer.

3 Spring Décor Trends to Shop Now

I’m nesting pretty bad these days! Since I’ll be in my new place in just a few short weeks I can’t stop looking at stylish home décor and pinning all my ideas! I’m trying to not too shop too much right now, since I still need to move and get accurate measurements of each space, so for now I’m just planning carefully and organizing my shopping lists. There are a few décor trends I’ve been really getting into so definitely will be working into new place after the move. Keep reading to see 3 of my top home décor trends that I’ll be incorporating into the new place!

Luxe Bathroom Accessories

Self-care is everything these days, so I want to make sure I create a spa like experience at home. There are a few easy updates you can make to get that ambiance, even in a rental! I’m definitely going to be switching out the standard showerheads for a waterfall attachment and adding some removeable wallpaper in a glam print or color. I can’t go as feminine as I would like to because gotta keep the boy in mind, but I definitely want to add lots of soft textures with plush towels and a shaggy bathmat and vanity style lighting to glam it up! 

Statement Lighting to Complete the Room 

Lighting is an essential and I love going bold with floor and table lamps. Hudson Valley Lighting sent me the stunning Hurley lamp which I can’t wait to set up in my new living room. It features a luxe gold base and off-white silk shade that is timeless, classic, and perfectly glam! Considering the price tag it is definitely an investment piece, but one that will last for years and look stylish in your current home and any future one! Hudson Valley Lighting also operates the Mitzi brand, which is just as stylish and way more affordable. 

If your apartment has pre-installed overhead lighting, check with your management if you can swap out the fixtures for something more stylish. As long as you store the original fixture safely and can replace it when you move out, you may be able to make the upgrade. If not think about changing the light bulbs to something softer and more serene. 

Swing Chairs for a Bohemian Vibe

I’m not super boho with my taste, but I like having just a hint of it. I’ve been really into swing chairs, especially since installing a hammock in an apartment isn’t exactly practical! They just instantly give you a relaxed, summer vibe, that’s just a touch hippie chic. They are pretty trendy right now, so I wouldn’t splurge on one but there are plenty of options you can find for under $100. 

If you are redecorating for Spring, make sure you check out Hudson Valley Lighting  for some high-end lighting inspo! And shop my round-up of stylish and affordable home upgrades below!

3 Ways to Upgrade Your Home for Spring!

this post is bought to you in collaboration with Art to Frames

Spring is the perfect time to breath some new life into your home! I’m not a fan of Spring cleaning because obviously it’s the worst but it is a necessary evil! After you get your place nice and tidy it’s time to start working on the fun part – redecorating! 

I’ve been in my current apartment for almost 5 years now and have been itching to spice it up for a while. I didn’t want to go crazy because I’m moving somewhere new soon so wanted to think of fun, affordable ways to create a little more ambiance at home. Here are a few of my tips for easy, affordable redecorating for Spring! 

Get some new greenery

There is no faster, cheaper way to bring new life into your home! I love picking up big leafy potted plants in colorful planters or chic baskets. I usually grab them at my local Home Depot since you can see and feel them in person, but there are also some really eye-catching ones I saw on Amazon! I have a few saved to purchase when I’m in my new place so I’ll let you know how that goes! Even though I’m terrible with plants and can never keep them alive long, I love keeping them around. I also pick up a cheap and cheerful bouquet on my regular Whole Foods or Trader Joes run for extra color around the place

Show your walls some love

Bare white walls in an apartment are a big no no! I’m a huge fan of paint, peel and stick wallpaper, and hanging art to add some personality to the room. I have a few pieces I’ve picked up over the years, and the latest is one my boyfriend actually picked out. Pretty cool right?

I wanted to give our new pet a very chic, timeless frame with a little pop of color to compliment the edgy street art vibe. Art to Frame gifted me this gorgeous Bright Gold With Compo Picture Frame 

The details are stunning and I added a double mat in classic white with a hint of hot pink to tie back to the colors in the painting. The finished piece is now an eye-catching addition to my entryway! 

 The team also included a classic black collage frame Collage Frame that can either sit on a table top of be hung. I haven’t decided where it’s going or what images to use, so let me know how you would style a frame like this!

And check out Art to Frames for easy custom framing! The quality and service are top-notch and their selection is amazing! The options are all stunning it’s hard to pick just one! Plus the site let’s you easily get a preview of how your piece will look in the frame of your choice, and add additional stylish details like classic or fancy cut mats. Save 15% on your purchase with my code, KELLY15.

Upgrade your throw pillows and blankets

Purchasing new pieces of furniture requires some degree of planning, but textiles are an easy way to transform the look of a room on a whim. If you are bored with your couch but not ready to replace it, just swap out the pillows! My favorite place to get fancy pillows at bargain prices is TJ Maxx.  They have a great selection of home textiles at a fraction of retail prices and even though I hate shopping in store it’s worth it, especially for home goods! I update my pillows and throw blankets seasonally – going for chunky knits, rich velvets, and metallics around the holidays, and fun summery prints this time of year. 

Stay tuned for more about my adventures in moving and decorating my new place and thanks again to Art to Frames for collaborating with me on this post! 

How to Shop and Save with FreeShipping.com!

I’d been feeling the urge to redecorate for some time, so when I was invited to collaborate with FreeShipping.com for this review, I knew I would use the opportunity to freshen up my home décor.

Similar to Amazon Prime, FreeShipping.com is a monthly subscription service. I’m a ride or die Prime girl, but the benefits of FreeShipping.com make membership a no-brainer. Just $12.97 a month gets you all the below perks:

• Free shipping (obvi). I hate paying for shipping and often find myself adding useless things to cart just to hit the free shipping threshold. FreeShipping.com makes that a non-issue since you can claim a rebate for shipping charges you pay, including expedited shipping if you want to get your order faster.
• Automatic 10% cash back (sometimes 20%!). Get 10% cash back on every purchase from over 1,000 retailers, including Macy’s, Kohl’s Sephora, Target, Nike, Asos, and Barneys! It’s like everything is on sale, especially when they increase the cash back benefit during seasonal promotions.
• Free return shipping. Not every retailer is with the times when it comes to free return shipping, but FreeShipping.com gives members easy access to free return shipping. Just print out a FedEx label from their site and drop it off, or return the products on your own using any trackable method and file a rebate.
• Instant price comparisons and coupons. The site has enhanced search tools that quickly compare prices on items sold by their in-network retailers. And you can always see exclusive coupons, deals and promotions offered by each retailer.
• A low-price guarantee. If you buy something than see it on sale (online or offline) within 90 days, FreeShipping.com has you covered! They will pay you back up to $100 of the price difference. Only a few retailers offer that kind of protection, and its usually only up to 7 days so this perk really lets you shop with security!

I brought so many bright, cheery elements into my home thanks to my shopping spree. Check out some of my favorites!

Target Pool and Drink Floats that just scream summer!

This plush feminine rug from Target for my bedroom

This Bed Bath and Beyond clothing rack that is perfect for planning looks and the polka dot peel and stick wallpaper from Target for the perfect accent wall. 

Plus a few of my favorite goodies from Sephora!

I got all this during the FreeShipping.com 20% cash back Summer Sale and got almost $100 in cash back just by buying things that were already on my shopping list!

If you shop online a lot like I do, the membership will more than pay for itself. Just think how much you could save on Holiday gifts alone! I hope this review was helpful and if you have additional questions leave them in the comments.

And thank you to FreeShipping.com for sponsoring this post!