Category: Interiors

I am obsessed with organizing.  I love reading articles on how to stay organized, stick to schedules, and save money.  Oh if only I was able to put these suggestions into practice every day!!!!  The time spent in quarantine really jumped started a massive cleanout, though I have a long way to go. Here are some tips that I found that really helped me get started

1).  Think before you buy….I am really trying to follow the rule, one thing in one thing out. This also helps with impulse buying. If you get a new sweater say goodbye to one in your closet that has not seen the light of day for years!!!!!

2)  Get rid of unnecessary clutter…..lets this be the year we get rid of the following lying around the house:

• Old Magazines
• Old Shopping Bags
• Old Wrapping paper rolls, especially Christmas!!!! (even if you think there is enough to wrap one last present!!!!)
• Old Tupperware containers…you really only need two or 3 max. 
• Lone socks waiting for a mate…I KNOW THIS IS HARD but just let them go!!!!!!!!
• Old towels
• Random Cables and Wires (though I have to do this when my husband is not at home!!!!!!!!!!!!)
• Delete your trash and junk folders on your computer
• Unsubscribe to any unwanted email subscriptions
• Lastly, dispose of any misc. logo mugs.  Do you really need that Great Adventure Mug from 10 years ago????

3. Embrace A More Sustainable Lifestyle:

You can easily start saving and reducing the cost of your monthly bills through some clever swaps! For example, energy-efficient replacement windows are beautiful, easy to install, affordable, and highly sustainable – and, they can help you save a little more on your monthly bills!

Deciding to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, it is not only good for the planet! Indeed, sustainable living can help you cut back on disposable and unnecessary items, reduce clutter, and create a healthier, more comfortable, and more beautiful living environment in your home. Start today!

Renovating your home can be exciting, especially at the thought of upgrading your home with fresh new rooms and furnishings. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. It requires a lot of hard work, and just like any construction site, you might be at risk of putting yourself in danger. About 13 million Americans report getting injured while working on home repairs and restoration. Sounds quite daunting, right? 

Well, the truth is, you cannot wholly avoid accidents. They are, after all, unexpected occurrences. What you can do, on the other hand, is to minimize your risk of injury. Your home may be looking spotless at first glance, but you don’t know what could be going on inside those walls or pipes. Here’s what you need to prepare for yourself for those dangerous surprises.

1. Safety hazards

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A hazard is an item or situation that could harm people, and construction sites typically use guidelines to reduce the risk of sustaining injuries. Therefore, constructors are more familiar with these safety measures. That might not be the same for you, especially if you are not a constructor or working with one. If you’re not familiar with these safety rules and regulations, your chances of getting injured are much higher. For example, if you’re working on wiring, you might expose yourself to possible electrocution, or leaving exposed wires and putting other people at risk. What you can do is to hire an experienced constructor for high-risk tasks.

2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

VOCs are gases that emit chemicals and can be found in many home restoration materials such as paints, upholstery, and carpets. It’s most likely responsible for that weird smell, which lingers in your rooms after you paint or install a new carpet. Many of these gases are known carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer in the long term. They can also trigger headaches or asthma attacks. When working with VOC materials, you must wear a mask to stop you from inhaling its fumes. 

3. Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and pollutant that causes very deadly diseases through inhalation, and about 90 thousand people die globally each year from asbestos. The mineral in itself is not harmful but is only so when it becomes friable (easy to crumble). The older your home, the more likely your house might have asbestos. Usually, your home seller must inform you of potential asbestos risk. But suppose they don’t and you do discover this element in your home. In that case, you may be able to sue the previous owner based on negligence with the backing of a firm offering quality legal representation. Ensure that you and your household wear masks while renovating your home to protect yourselves from the risk of getting lung cancer or asbestosis. 

4. Creatures

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You might have some unwelcome visitors living in your home, depending on where you live. In more dry and arid areas, you are more likely to find scorpions or snakes sharing your home with you rent-free. You might also find a wasp’s home or a beehive secretly lodged inside your walls. Some of these animals can be potentially dangerous, especially when they attack. You can protect yourself by wearing full clothing and not exposing your face, arms, or legs. Ideally, you should contact professional exterminators to help you get rid of them. 

Hopefully, these tips will help prepare for the unexpected when you start renovating your home. Ideally, it would be best for you to hire professional services. However, if you are on a tight budget, try a more DIY approach.

I have had it on my list to write the post on one of my favorite local stores, The Navy Lobster in Greenwich, Ct for so long. This little gem is right off the Post Rd and it is filled to the brim with treasures. Mary Beth, the owner, curates her charming space with unique finds from all over the globe. From soaps and candles from Positano to southern embroidered cocktail napkins. If you are searching for the perfect hostess or birthday gift, Mary Beth has you covered. After just one visit you will quickly see why it is a go-to in Greenwich and the surrounding areas.

Here is Mary Beth’s version of the back to school bag. Her pouches are fabulous for cosmetics, pencil and pens, and even masks. The block print masks are soo great too and made of the softest, thinnest breathable cotton!!!

I am such a fan of blue and white accessories. I love that monkey candleholder and those vases…….

Here is the place to go for a book bag….one is prettier than the other…

All of the french soaps are sooo amazing….

These “Art Of” book make great gifts and I love that tissue box holder, so cute in a college dorm room!!!!

Navy Lobster has a never ending selection of cute note pads and cards…

The Bill Cunningham book is high on my list and I love these petit appetizer dishes..so chic!!!

Love the throws too…..

The selection of cocktail napkins and guest towels is also huge…

Not to get too political!!!!!

Love these napkins and hand towels!