Botanical Shops: So Pretty You'll Want to Live There
Botanical Shop | Paiko Hawaii

Botanical Shop | Paiko Hawaii

Among the other million things I've discovered and fell in love with on Instagram are these pretty little botanical shops. They're filled with all the things I dream of - plants of all kinds, vases, pots, novelties, home and kitchen goods, plant stands, and the list goes on. I'm currently dreaming up having my own shop one day where I can fill them with everything I have come to love. Until then, the inspiration from these shops is enough to fuel me to getting there. I hope you enjoy having a look at them.

Have you ever been to a botanical shop like these? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

HelloLovelyLiving.com



DIY Copper Himmeli Hanging Planter + Mrs. Meyer's Giveaway

Hello Lovelies! I've been wanting to make these gorgeous copper himmeli, so when I needed to create a DIY submission after being selected as a semi-finalist for The Hunt for the First-Ever Mrs. Meyer's Homemaker, I knew I just had to make these. It looks like a challenge to make, but don't let that stop you - I found it to be so fun and relaxing.

If you're not familiar with himmeli, they are hanging geometric ornaments that originate from Finland and are traditionally made from straw. The word himmeli is actually derived from the German word for heaven, himmel, which I found really interesting. I fell in love with their modern and minimalist aesthetic, and they're so visually striking and can be made to form larger, more complex geometric patterns.

I absolutely love copper, but find copper decor to be quite expensive, so I thought this would be the perfect way for me to finally get my hands on a copper piece without the high price tag.  All of the supplies are easily accessible and really affordable. I believe I spent less than $40 for all of the supplies to make two, so you should definitely consider making these instead of purchashing them. It's also so much more rewarding to make your own things to appreciate. Let's get started with this DIY!


Materials & Tools


  • Copper tube ¼” diameter, 20 ft 
  • Copper wire 22 gauge, 25 ft
  • Junior tube cutter for cutting copper
  • 2 - Repurposed ceramic bowls
  • 2 - Small plants
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Marker  

For hanging:

  • 2 - Swag hooks (30 lbs)
  • Fishing line (15 lbs)
  • Measuring tape
  • Drill

INSTRUCTIONS


To make each himmeli:

1 | With tube cutter, cut copper tube into the following lengths:

8" - 4 pcs

6" - 8 pcs

3" - 4 pcs 

2 | Measure copper wire to 10 ½ ft and cut. Using one end, string tubes (one of each) in the following order: 8", 6", 3", 6". For first set only: Leave about 2" of wire at the top. Fold over tube to secure. Taking the opposite, longer end of the wire, string back through 8" tube. Tighten tubes together so that they are securely in place.

3 | Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have made four sets.

4 | Cut a piece of wire 16" and string through all of the bottom 3" tubes to connect. Join and secure by twisting the ends together, cut any excess wire, then hide exposed wire inside one of the tube openings. 

5 | Join the top of the himmeli by twisting the two wires at the top. Cut any excess wire, then hide any exposed wire inside one of the tube openings. Taking another piece of wire, about 2" long, loop under pipes to create a ring, then twist to secure. Place excess wire inside one of the exposed tube openings.

6 | If the copper has tarnished while assembling, polish with a mixture of salt and lemon to form a paste. Let sit for 15 seconds and scrub in small, circular motions. Rinse with warm water and then wipe with a cloth.

 7 | To hang the himmeli, refer to the instructions that come with your swag hooks. Determine how far out from the wall you would like it to hang, then center that point in relation to your wall. Using that point as a guide, drill your holes and then secure your hooks. String fishing line through the himmeli ring, adjust height, then tie securely. Cut any excess line. 

8 | Place your plant inside your bowl and fill it with soil. Place planter in himmeli. Let your copper himmeli delight you for years to come!

If you enjoyed this DIY, I shot a video for Mrs. Meyer's, so you can go and see how the finished product turned out! While you're there, please support me in my run to become Mrs. Meyer's First-Ever Homemaker by tapping the heart icon next to my video and casting your vote for me! The voting period ends on Feb. 15, so I hope you're able to stop by before then and show some love! You can also learn more about what this contest entails for me here. 

I really do hope you try your hand at this DIY. It's super easy to make and I created this in hopes that you guys could have a himmeli of your own without spending an arm and a leg to get one. Don't forget to enter the giveaway below!


GIVEAWAY


Mrs. Meyer's Giveaway | HelloLovelyLiving.com

What do you think about himmeli?  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 

HelloLovelyLiving.com



Wallpaper Wednesdays 27 | Valentine's II
Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

Hello beautiful people! How has the month of LOVE been treating you so far? I know not everyone feels the same enthusiasm for this month - trust me, I am one of those people most of the time. I definitely do believe you don’t need a day to show your love for someone, but at the same time having a day to celebrate love is a beautiful thing. It reminds people to slow down a bit from their busy lives and reflect on their wonderful relationships - and there’s nothing wrong with a holiday that spreads love. After all, love is the most important thing in the world (now I’m being cheesy). :)  

Getting down to business, let's talk wallpapers! This week, I am bringing you some playful puns. I decided to continue with the theme Stina had from last week. I fell in love with her wallpapers and thought we could use more of those on this Valentine’s Day. Hope you enjoy these wallpapers. Send them to your boyfriend, girlfriend, friend, aunt, uncle, just about anyone who likes things to be punny! ;) 

We would love to hear all about your plans for this weekend. 

Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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For wallpaper updates, sign up for the Hello Lovely Living newsletter in the sidebar or simply follow us @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag us with which wallpapers you picked so we can feature you.

You can find me, Ena, here: Instagram | Blog | Casetify | Society 6 

What designs would you like to see next? Share with us in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

free resourcesStina X



Natural Skincare | PLANT Apothecary
Product and samples were provided for my review. Please read disclosure at the end of this post.

Products were provided for review. Please read disclosure at the end of this post.

I'm excited to be back to share something a little different today. I've been wanting to incorporate more natural living content onto my site because it is another topic that I'm really passionate about. Be it food, cleaning supplies, skincare, etc., I enjoy discovering new ways to live a more simplified, chemical and toxin-free lifestyle. Since I particularly find it difficult when looking for mainstream skincare products that are free of questionable ingredients, I wanted to start a regular column here where I review not-so-mainstream companies to bring awareness to the many amazing alternatives out there. There really is a natural revolution occurring. I see so many great products becoming available, which makes me all sorts of giddy because that means that the demand for these products is growing and more people are becoming aware of the impact that their products have on their health. More demand = better products!

So, to start off this column, I wanted to feature a company that caught my attention, PLANT Apothecary. I discovered them on Instagram, and there were several things about them that stood out to me:

They're serious about ingredients - completely natural, organic, botanicals, essential oils, and absolutely NO harsh and mysterious chemicals (parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), petroleum, silicones, etc.)

They're minimalists - Simple, clean, and straight to the point packaging that doesn't distract from what really matters: real ingredients

They have a sense of humor - With names like GET IT ON, CALM DOWN, and WAKE UP, it's easy to smile when picking up one of their products

They care - (excerpt below from their website)

PLANT products are made with the help of adults with physical and mental disabilities, at the nonprofit BKLYN UNLTD workshop, in Brooklyn, New York. BKLYN UNLTD’s mission is to give disabled adults access to work training and paid work opportunities. 

My favorite part about PLANT is that they don't just say that their products are all-natural and chemical-free. They actually are. You won't find hidden junk in their ingredients list (which I find in a lot of "natural" products). I think that they're one of the first companies that I've experienced where the ingredients are as natural as they get. You could literally eat the stuff!

Natural Skincare | PLANT Apothecary | HelloLovelyLiving.com

Samples shown. Full sizes are available.

PLANT carries a variety of skincare products for the face such as masks, cleansers, and oils - to products for the body, such as body washes, body oils, scrubs, and baths. I was able to try all of their body wash samples, and they don't smell like anything I've ever smelled before (in a good way). Each body wash is formulated with a combination of ingredients with known properties to create a truly unique scent and effective formula. Who knew eucalyptus, lemongrass, and rosemary would smell good together? PLANT did. All of their body washes contain only eight simple ingredients, so you'll never have to guess what you're putting on your body. I really enjoyed all of their body washes and was really intrigued by the different scents because they were all so new to me. When I tried them out, the thing that really struck me as genius is how the essential oils used in the body washes diffused into the air as I showered, so it smelled amazing! They were light for my sensitive skin, yet had enough suds to get a lather. I didn't feel like they were at all drying, either.

PLANT Apothecary | MATCH Antioxidant Face Mask | HelloLovelyLiving.com

If you know me, you'll know how much I LOVE matcha, so when PLANT decided to send me a full-size MATCHA Antioxidant Face Mask, I was all over it. I never thought of using matcha on the face, so this was exciting. I mean, why not, right? It smells good, it tastes good, so you can't go wrong!

PLANT Apothecary | MATCH Antioxidant Face Mask | HelloLovelyLiving.com

To use the mask, all I did was mix a teaspoon with a little bit of water and then rubbed it all over my face. I let it dry for about 5-10 minutes, then rinsed it off. Let me tell you, this face mask smells so AMAZING! I'm pretty sure that there's a heaping amount of matcha in there -  no skimping - because it really does have that matcha aroma! It's very creamy when mixed with water and dries really fast once you apply it. A little goes a long way with this product. It made my face feel very clean, purified, and SOFT and had a tightening effect.

Natural Skincare | PLANT Apothecary | HelloLovelyLiving.com

Matcha (powdered green tea) is its main ingredient, but it also contains kaolin (white clay), and chamomile oil. Each of these ingredients are calming and soothing to the skin. The matcha helps fight free radicals and reduces inflammation while the white clay purifies. FYI We're giving away one of these on Instagram. Details at the end of this post #waitforit!

Natural Skincare | PLANT Apothecary | HelloLovelyLiving.com

Samples shown. Full sizes are available.

I also really enjoyed using the RICE & CLEAN Gentle Facial Cleanser (pictured in middle) and found it really interesting how its main ingredient, rice bran, has long been used in Japan and is said to be their secret for smooth, soft, skin! It naturally contains gamma oryzanol, which has been shown in studies to both soften skin and protect it from UV light damage. Mind blown. Who knew?

It was so gentle and moisturizing on my skin. I don't normally use anything fancy for my face, so discovering this product made me really happy because it's hard to find a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip my face of my natural oils. Did I mention it has chamomile flowers in it? I'm sold. I love chamomile and I do believe in it's soothing properties. It also has an exfoliating effect, so I feel like my face gets softer with ever use as the dead skin cells are gently removed. 

PLANT Apothecary | ZIT ZAP Organic Spot Treatment Mask | HelloLovelyLiving.com

I also have a sample of the SUPER SOAK Organic Healing Bath, but I didn't feel it was enough to use in an actual bath since I'd be needing a 1/2 a cup or 1/4 for a foot soak. I did read up on it and learned about the healing properties of its main ingredients mustard and eucalyptus oil. They both provide gentle pain relief and the aroma of the eucalyptus oil helps clear a stuffy nose. I just love eucalyptus! I keep it all over my house, even in my bathroom because it purifies the air. This bath is really good if you are in need of relaxation from sore muscles, if you have a cold, or have been on your feet all day.

I also received a sample of their ZIT ZAP Organic Spot Treatment Mask, and I can't wait to try it if I ever have blemishes. My skin has been behaving for me lately, so that's good! The cool thing about this product is that it uses the antibacterial properties of basil oil to heal and activated charcoal and kaolin (white clay) to draw impurities out of the skin. It also has such a pretty lavender color that really caught my attention. PLANT knows their stuff when it comes to ingredients!

I'm highly impressed with PLANT products and would recommend them in a heartbeat. I actually learned so many new things that I'm excited to add to my natural living arsenal. I love discovering nature's healing properties through different ingredients, and I find it so intriguing when I learn how to heal and care for my body naturally. If you're interested in finding out more information about PLANT, they have a really nice website where they go into detail about their ingredients and they also host a blog with useful information as well. Their products are available for purchase at plantbrooklyn.com and they also just recently became available at select Target retailers (YAY PLANT) and Target online, so check them out! They are definitely a company to keep an eye out for, and I'm so excited to see their product line grow.

I hope you enjoyed something a bit different here on Hello Lovely Living! I'll be featuring more skincare lines, so make sure to come back for those. And don't forget to enter our giveaway to get your hands on the yummy MATCHA Antioxidant Face Mask!

 
Giveaway | HelloLovelyLiving.com
 

What are your favorite natural skincare products and which PLANT product would you love to try? Share with me in the comments below!


Disclosure: Please be aware that I share my honest opinions here (positive or negative) regardless of if the products that I am reviewing were provided by the company for consideration. The purpose of this column is to help you, my readers, learn about alternative skincare through my honest reviews. I personally select each company that I will be featuring here, so I wouldn't review a company that I hadn't already found to be beneficial or meeting a certain criteria that I'm looking for in natural products. 




Wallpaper Wednesdays 26 | Valentine's
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Hello, Loves! It's wallpaper time! Here are a few fun Valentine's Day themed designs to get you in the mood for the touchy-feelies. There's nothing like a little Valentine's Day corniness, so I thought I'd get into the holiday spirit as well. Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Funny enough, my husband and I don't! Since my birthday is on the 8th, it has always coincided with Valentine's Day, so you guessed it - I'd always get Valentine's Day gifts on my birthday growing up. I think that's why I've always been obsessed with hearts, but that's another story! Whelp, I hope you enjoy these, and I hope it adds a touch of happy to your screens and makes you smile! Happy Valentine's Day dolls. xo stina

Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where Ena and I will be posting when new designs are up and tag us with which wallpapers you picked so we can feature your photo!

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here: Instagram | Blog | Casetify | Society 6 

What designs and artist features would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

HelloLovelyLiving.com
free resourcesStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 25 | Faith
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Hi Lovelies! This week, I wanted to create some uplifting wallpapers for those days when you just need that extra push. I love how I could just change up my wallpapers at any given moment and transform my space depending on my mood. With nearly 100 wallpapers to choose from, I'm sure you'll find something you like! Have a lovely rest of your week, but before you go, check out what I've been up to

Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers for your Desktop & Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where Ena and I will be posting when new designs are up and tag us with which wallpapers you picked so we can feature your photo!

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here: Instagram | Blog | Casetify | Society 6 

What designs and artist features would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

HelloLovelyLiving.com
free resourcesStina Xfaith



A Turning Point In My Life
A recent watercolor of mine that symbolizes 2016 - a year of me dedicating myself to my art and everything I love.

A recent watercolor of mine that symbolizes 2016 - a year of me dedicating myself to my art and everything I love.

In a few weeks, I'll be turning 31, which I'm partially freaking out about (lol!), but on the opposite end of the spectrum, I've realized that this past year has brought such tremendous growth for me than any other point in my life, so freaking out is the last thing I should be doing. My 30th year was really a turning point in my life that caused so much change within me.

I want to share my personal story with you guys because I truly feel that ever since I decided to just be myself and not apologize for how I feel or who I am, I've awakened something in me that refuses to let fear of judgment dictate my message or hinder me from being authentically me. I can honestly say that now more than any time in my life, I feel at peace with who I am. I don't ever really share my struggles with anyone so, me coming out and saying this is pretty huge for me. I've reached so many turning points in my life, but the one that has recently impacted the course of my future was when I literally found myself lost with the path I was on and confronting myself - me. The real me.  

You know, all my life I really felt like I was trying to fit myself in somewhere that I thought was where I belonged. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I realized that I've been running for nearly all my life. The person I was running away from? Myself. I always felt like I had to prove my worth, yet I always felt like I wasn't worth anything at all. It kind of sounds contradictory, right? Why would I try to prove my worth when I felt like I was worthless? I really don't know the answer to that question. I think it becomes an endless cycle of trying to prove your worth when you don't know your true worth. When you're trying to substitute things of false value with your real value, things never really amount to anything. You still feel worthless at the end of the day, and what you are left with is a picture that is completely and utterly not you. That's how I felt.

Now back to that life-changing moment. I really believe that in order to get from point A, where you've built up this false sense of self, to point B, is to literally break. At church this past weekend, the sermon couldn't have been more fitting where my pastor said that one of the most dangerous prayers we could make is for God to break us. Once we are broken, things change and God takes that brokenness and uses it for something entirely new. It's not until we have reached that broken state that God is able to show us something different.

So, that's how I felt at that point in my life right before I started this blog. I didn't know where I was heading. I felt completely lost, and I felt like something needed to change in me. It really took that broken time in my life to reach this current point in my life of tremendous growth. Once I decided to just pursue what I love and not worry about anything else, everything changed, and I felt transformed. I feel like I'm getting to know myself again more each day, and I'm truly embracing me. I'm saying yes to doing what I love. I'm saying yes to every good thing in my life and see ya later to everything else. 

So, now as I move closer to my 31st year, life has an entirely new meaning to me. It means living a life you love. No more chasing after things that aren't authentically me. No more substitutions. If it doesn't bring me greater joy or more love into my life, it's not worth it and not worth my time or energy. I will not change who I am for the validation or comfort of others and I will not let people's lack of love or reciprocation change who I am as a person. I will continue to seek and give love. It's just not worth it anymore to try to prove my love, my worth, or my value to anyone. I am authentically living and doing things that bring joy and love into my life and my family's lives. When you're happy with where you're going in life, the things that are important outshine the things that aren't. 

Life is too short to focus on things that aren't going to make your life more valuable and bring you in touch with your higher self. So, if there's anything that I've done with my story, I hope it has been to inspire you to pursue the real you and to live unapologetically. Pursue what brings you joy. Focus on things that inspire and uplift you and live and pursue a life that you love with no excuses. Once you begin to see life in a different way, so much will happen and you will become so much more energized every morning. Life will take on a new meaning. You'll have a purpose and a conviction that nothing could stand in the way of. 

In 2016, I want to continue to inspire people and really move in the direction of my dreams. So much has happened and there's so much more to come. Thank you for being a part of my story, and I hope you'll stick around for what's to come. 

Would you like to see more posts like these? What was your turning point in life? I'd love to hear about your story. Share with me in the comments below!

wellnessStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 24 | Metals
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Happy Wednesday Everyone, Ena here! I'm back here on Hello Lovely Living with some bling for your gadgets today. There was a time when I hated bling and gold, but only because everything seemed so tacky. Now, metals like gold, copper, and brass come in gorgeous finishes and add so much class to products they are used in. 

I love seeing how every year we get obsessed with one metal. For now, its copper, and I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to it yet. Speaking of copper, you have to go check out Stina’s copper himmeli planters she created for Mrs. Meyer’s Homemaker contest. They’re so simple and fun. I am so excited for her to have gotten this far in the contest, now let's make her win. So while you’re there don’t forget to vote for her. You can also see her post for details and find out what she stands to win!

How is your 2016 going? I’m finding it hard to believe we’re already in the third week of January. I didn’t make any resolutions this year, but I did make some lifestyle changes, and I have been sticking to them so far.

What resolutions or lifestyle changes have you made? Let us know in the comments below. 

Download FREE Wallpapers For Your Desktop and Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Download FREE Wallpapers For Your Desktop and Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Download FREE Wallpapers For Your Desktop and Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Download FREE Wallpapers For Your Desktop and Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Download FREE Wallpapers For Your Desktop and Phone | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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For wallpaper updates, sign up for the Hello Lovely Living newsletter in the sidebar or simply follow us @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag us with which wallpapers you picked so we can feature you.

You can find me, Ena, here: InstagramBlog | CasetifySociety 6 

What designs would you like to see next? Share with us in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

Share the Love | HelloLovelyLiving.com
free resourcesStina X



VOTE FOR ME To Become Mrs. Meyer's First-Ever Homemaker
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I have some very exciting news to share with you all, and if you already follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you may already know what I'm talking about!

More than two months ago, I saw that Mrs. Meyer's was on the hunt for their first-ever homemaker. All's I had to do was create a DIY and post a :15 video showing it off and telling them what inspires me. This was totally made for me! Not only am I obsessed with Mrs. Meyer's amazing natural products, but I am also obsessed with DIYs. 

If you're not familiar with Mrs. Meyer's they make cleaning products that are natural, safe, and effective, but the cake-topper is that they smell AMAZING. Not kidding and not just saying that. And you know how I am about that natural living lifestyle!  So, of course I couldn't pass on this opportunity! I uploaded two videos to Instagram. This one and this one. Since this was just the first round, I was praying that I would make it to the second round and be amongst the 15 semi-finalists.  

And then, it happened! I received an email saying that I had been selected as a semi-finalist and that I needed to create another video!! I was beaming with excitement (and still am) and was so excited to be chosen amongst so many great entries. So, I got to working and decided to create a copper himmeli plant hanger. I wanted to challenge my DIY skills and create something I've never made before and something that I'd appreciate for years to come.

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It turned out to be a real beauty. I'll be posting how to create this DIY along with all of the other photos in the coming days, so come back for that! 

Now, for the best part. What does the winner receive? For one, the winner will be flown to NYC to collaborate with Mrs. Meyer's and create more awesome DIYs and videos. The winner will also get creative with influencers, Grace Bonney of Design• Sponge and Paul Lowe of Sweet Paul. How sweet is that?! But the prize that makes this something of dreams is the $75k paycheck! How many dreams can come true in one? A kazillion. Do you know how many people I can encourage and inspire with that kind of money? Also a kazillion. ;)

So, friends, I have a 1 in 15 chance of taking all!! How exciting is that?? Will you help me get there? Will you be a part of my dream come true? I hope you will say yes! See my finished DIY in my video entry linked below. You can also get to know me a bit more: What inspires me and what Mrs. Meyer's homegrown inspiration means to me.



Thank you so much for all of your support. It means the world to me that you get to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity! My dream is to continue to inspire and encourage you all! 




Into The Woods: The Forest School Movement
Into The Woods: The Forest School Movement | Forest School Movement

If you've gotten to know me a bit so far, you'll know how much I love nature, so when I came across the idea of forest schools, I was in literal amazement. Having a 15 month old myself, the question of early childhood learning is at the corner of my mind these days. Should I go the traditional route, or should I look into alternative learning environments? I've chosen the latter.

With so many options out there, parents needn't feel restricted any longer. I am just opening up my eyes to so many possibilities, and I wanted to share some of that information with any of you who may be considering the same path.

Below, I've put together some very useful information about forest schools, their benefits and links to books that offer insight into something often overlooked - the impact of nature on our children. I hope you'll enjoy this story!

What are your thoughts on forest schools? Would you ever consider enrolling your child(ren) into one?

lifestyleStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 23 | Cactus
Free Wallpapers | HelloLovelyLiving.com

Hi friends! I'm back with more wallpaper designs. I apologize that they're late this week! Did you enjoy Ena's wallpapers from last week? It seems we have this organic theme going on recently, but then again, I'm always into plants and nature and all that jazz (and I think Ena is too). If you're into it too or love that boho vibe, you'll be loving these cactus wallpapers. I have this fascination with cacti, but I only have one for now because I found the little guy on the side of a trail and had to save him. He's still a baby, so he needs a lot of nurturing for now. Anyway, I hope you enjoy these really cute wallpapers! I'm sooo loving them, and I currently have the one below on my desktop. Happy downloading! Have an amazing, restful weekend! 

Free Wallpapers | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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Free Wallpapers | HelloLovelyLiving.com

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For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where Ena and I will be posting when new designs are up and tag us with which wallpapers you picked so we can feature your photo!

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6 

What designs and artist features would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

Hello Lovely Living
free resourcesStina X



Book Review | Oh Joy!
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If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that I picked up a bunch of reads recently. Thankfully, the library had a bunch of books I've been wanting to take home. It feels nice walking out with a bunch of amazing books without spending a dime. Anyway, I thought it would be nice to share a little mini review about my reads to hold myself accountable to actually finishing the darn things. Yes, I'm one of those. By "those" I mean someone who NEVER finishes books. So bad. I also thought you guys would enjoy this and possibly get inspired in some way. 

The first book I decided to delve into was Oh Joy! mainly because it is so colorful and bubbly. I actually skimmed through almost every single page before I even left the library, so that kinda speaks for itself as to how eye-catching the photos are in this book. When I actually sat down to read it, I wasn't as wowed as I would've been because I had already ruined the surprise for myself. 

Oh Joy! was created by Joy Cho of ohjoy.blogs.com, and the thing that inspires me about this book is that she is also a blogger and has reached incredible success. She is doing so many amazing things that I can only dream of doing in the future like creating her own line of products! She created this book to share some of her tips, but it is mainly filled with tons of DIY projects that are super fun. 

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One of the tips that I really loved and benefitted from was how to style patterns because I've always been hesitant when it comes to mixing and playing with patterns. She explains how to mix two patterns by choosing one that is simple and one that is more fanciful. 

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I also liked her tips on how to create color palettes by choosing a base palette then adding an unexpected pop of color. She is known for her vibrant use of color, so I'm pretty sure she knows a thing or two in this area. 

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Her ideas are very whimsical and add that touch of cheer. I especially love how she adds flowers in unexpected places, like these party hats. So very cute. I could definitely see myself putting flowers any and everywhere!  Thanks, Joy, for telling me that it's totally okay so that no one can question me!

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Her DIYs are super easy and fun, so this book is perfect for anyone who loves to make things that are bright and colorful. Some of my favorite DIYs were the Edible Confetti p.22, Alphabet Fruit p. 84, Pop-up-wrap p. 94, and Ombre Fruit Vases p. 140.

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There are so many clever ideas in here that basically take something simple and add color and whimsy to make it bring a smile to your face. She also provides some templates at the end of the book so that you can create these DIYs with ease.

Overall, I really enjoyed Oh Joy! and would recommend it in a heartbeat. It's so nice to open up a book that cheers you up and that inspires you to really take that extra step to make something ordinary, special. 

I hope you enjoyed this mini review of sorts. I'm inspired to make more DIYs for you guys and to really get creative with it. It would be amazing to one day have a book like Oh Joy! 

What books are you currently reading? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!  

lifestyleStina Xjoy cho, oh joy, diy



Inspiration Monday | Goals
Hello Lovely Living | Inspiration Monday

Happy New Year!!! I'm so excited about 2016. I wanted to get back into my Inspiration Mondays this week and offer up some words that will inspire you for this new year. Let's get into it! 

It's a brand spankin' new year and that means, let go of 2015; it's time for something new. A new beginning! I am a lover of starting off fresh, not only in the literal sense, but figuratively. A new beginning can start off in the mind, so if you wanted to, you could just say to yourself, "It's a new day, a new week, a new month for change." Change really starts in the mind, so if you're ready to make a change for the better, tell yourself. Our inner dialogue is just as important - if not more important - than the words we speak. 

So since we've created a clean slate, let's talk about what we want to achieve for the new year. I, for one, am so poor at writing down my goals, so when I tell you that it's a must, please believe! Since I'm a visual person, I'd much rather keep my goals at the back of my mind via visions and pictures in my head, which is good, but I definitely could work on actually internalizing those goals and writing them down so that they can become measurable. When you start to see your goals on paper, they become more urgent because they now become tangible. Let's get those goals down on paper!

I think getting our goals on paper is one of the hardest parts because it's kind of like saying to yourself, "Well, now I've got to actually do these things. No more slacking. No more filing these away under the I'll-do-these-things-one-day tab." That's tough. So when you finally get over this hump, you really are on your way toward achieving some very awesome things! Get it girl.

So, what is it that you want to achieve this year? This week? This month? Break it down into smaller, actionable steps. Say your goal is to start making more home-cooked meals for your family. Outline small steps to get you there. For example:

+ Look for easy recipes on Pinterest

+ Create a menu plan for the week

+ Create a grocery list

By breaking it down like this, you won't get overwhelmed with say: 

+ Make more home-cooked meals

With that, your brain will start to go into overdrive and then conk out from getting too overwhelmed with thinking about how you are going to achieve it, rather than the easier, smaller steps I mentioned above. You'll be more inclined to do the small steps as opposed to the larger picture. This goes with any type of goal, so get those babies down to small, baby steps.  

 


APPLICATION


 

1 | Create a clean slate

2 | Get your goals down on paper

3 | Break them into small, baby steps

 

I would like to help inspire students, especially in applying this process. It could help tremendously in the many transitions that you will experience during this time in your life.

Once you begin, you're now done with half the battle! I hope you apply these steps and really benefit from them. It's simple, yet will help you be well on your way to getting a lot of stuff done this year. 

What is one goal that you'd like to achieve this year? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below! 





Wallpaper Wednesdays 22 | Pink & Yellow Plant Life
Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

Hey there Hello Lovely Living readers! This is Ena from Cheeky Billo, and I'm taking over Wallpaper Wednesdays on here this week! Some of you might know me as the person Stina always mentions in her Wallpaper Wednesdays posts, and others might not know me at all. If that's the case, then let's get to know each other a little bit better. 

I started my blog last year with a very open approach to it, and now after a year, I have finally figured out what I want to do with that space. For now, it's getting a makeover, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. During this time, Stina and I are also trying things a little differently. We will be creating wallpapers separately, and since my site is being completely changed, you might see me here a lot more with new wallpapers for you! Hope you’re excited about that because I definitely am.  

After all, it's a new year, and with that comes a lot of new and fresh ideas - and of course - NEW WALLPAPERS! I wanted to create something colorful and bright for your desktops this week. We can all use a little pick-me-up while staring at computer screens all day, right? 

I also want to thank Stina for being so wonderful and giving me the opportunity and space to connect with her readers. 

Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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For wallpaper updates, sign up for the Hello Lovely Living newsletter in the sidebar or simply follow us @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag us with which wallpapers you picked.

You can find me, Ena, here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6 

What designs would you like to see next? Share with us in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

Hello Lovely Living
free resourcesStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 21 | Nature + Inspiring
Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

Just a couple of days left of the 'ol friend, 2015, and I am believing 2016 is going to be AMAZING. PHENOMENALLY AMAZING. DARN FREAKING AMAZING! I'm claiming it. It's a done deal. Official. Mark your calendars, darlings. If you want 2016 to be an amazing year, like I just claimed it to be, you gotta believe it. Dream big, dare big, and do big things. It's all about what you put out that you will get in return, so don't settle for anything less than what you deserve - this means, put out exactly what you expect, and guess what? Whatever you plant is going to grow. Design the life you want by planting the seeds you want to grow. If you want happiness, plants seeds of happiness. If you want financial provision, plant those seeds now. I'm believing for big things for all of you. May you be blessed and live an abundant life all year through!

Start the year off right with inspiring and bright wallpapers to brighten your day and your breakthrough into 2016! I hope you enjoy these wallpapers I created.

Which one is your favorite? Holla in the comments, and as always, Happy Downloading!

Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

download |

Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag us with which wallpapers you picked.

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6 

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

free resourcesStina X



Merry Christmas from Hello Lovely Living
Merry Christmas | Hello Lovely Living

Merry Christmas dolls! This time of the year is a very special time for me and my family. Aside from the warm and cozy feeling I get and LOVE during this time, I reflect on the amazing love of Jesus. I pray that the love that surpasses all understanding fill your heart today and that you are blessed abundantly coming into the new year. 

It's been a really amazing year, and I can't wait for what's to come in 2016. So much has happened with this blog, and there is so much to come in the near future. Firstly, I can not wait to share an exciting project that I will be announcing in January. It's a huge deal for me, so I hope you will join me and follow along for this once in a lifetime project that I'll be a part of. I'll be announcing it on here and my social accounts, so stay tuned for that!

Secondly, Ena (my partner for Wallpaper Wednesdays) and I will be sharing another free resource soon, which we will be announcing next week. We also have been getting together ideas for other fun stuff, but our lips are sealed for now. I hope you stick around to see what we have in store!

Lastly, I look forward to providing more value through Hello Lovely Living with more free resources, helpful content, and of course, more fun stuff that will get you inspired! 

Are there any specific resources or projects you would like to see? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

 

 

lifestyleStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 20 | Boho
Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

So, did you enjoy last week's artist feature? Ena and I love discovering up-and-coming talent, and we're always on the search for new ones. Are there any artists that you admire and would like us to do a feature on? Let's here it in the comments! 

This week we created boho inspired wallpapers because, I for one, am addicted to anything boho. In an ideal world, my entire home and wardrobe would be boho modern. If you love boho vibes too, learn how to create a chill vibe with boho-modern decor here and pretty-up your tech with these lovely wallpaper designs for download. I am especially loving the first one that Ena created (below).

Since Christmas is just a couple days away, I wanted to wish you all a lovely and warm Merry Christmas! May you be abundantly blessed and filled with love. 

Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living
Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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Free Wallpapers | Hello Lovely Living

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For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag us with which wallpapers you picked.

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6 

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

free resourcesStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 19 | Artist Feature - Sam Eldridge
Wallpaper Wednesdays 19 | Artist Feature - Sam Eldridge

Meet Sam Eldridge, a talented artist based out of Vancouver, BC. If it weren't for Instagram, I wouldn't have discovered this gem. She just recently (within the past 2 years) started seriously pursuing her art, so Ena and I are so thrilled to have come across her. Her work is complex and filled with dimension and texture that is just too hard not to keep glancing back at over and over again. 

Artist Feature | Sam Eldridge

Her pieces are vibrant and exciting and are pulsing with liveliness and energy. In addition to her abstract art, you can see that she is talented in other areas as well. She picked up stitching not too long ago, and in that time, has developed an intricacy to her patterns that make them miniature works of art themselves. One of her recent pieces, which took 30+ hours *gasp* of stitching, was featured at a miniature art show at the Ghost Gallery in Seattle. You gotta see it here! 

Artist Feature | Sam Eldridge

What do you think of her work so far? Could you see one of her pieces hanging on your walls? Share with us in the comments!  

Artist Feature | Sam Eldridge

We asked Sam to create wallpaper designs for us and what she created is beyond words. Her Q & A was so interesting to read, too; I get a sense of her personality, and I'm loving her even more! She has an inspiring story to share, so enjoy the read and enjoy your free downloads at the end. 


Q & A

1. DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSION FOR ART AND WHEN DID YOU START PURSUING IT? 

My passion for art started when I was just over two years old. I had (my first) hip surgery and afterwards I was stuck in a big, awkward cast that held my legs open in a froggy position. My dad built me a special little table with a hole in the middle to accommodate my cast, gave me some art supplies, and the love affair began! Because of my two surgeries and my other physical impairments, I’ve never really felt in control of my body (although I can definitely walk and somewhat successfully run, so I have it pretty darn good!). Using my hands to make art makes me feel so much more competent and powerful in my body. I started seriously making art about two years ago, and I opened my Etsy to tentatively start selling things in October of this year. I’m excited for whatever comes next :)

2. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION? 

I find my inspiration from other artists (I spend a whole lot of time poking around on Instagram and getting excited by all the beautiful work). I like looking at people who use really bold brush strokes and pile on the colour to get me thinking about my next painting. I’m also really inspired by thinking about and playing with colour combinations in my mind -- I had a long mustard yellow and teal phase recently, and right now I’m especially stoked on bright orange and lavender. If I’m looking to do an embroidery or a more realistic painting, I draw inspiration from leaves, plants, flowers, and natural shapes (like waves and crystal clusters). Sometimes it feels like just the act of NOT painting for a few days is inspiring itself, since my desire to create builds up until I just can’t resist reaching for my paintbrush.

3. WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU USE? 

I use watercolour, ink, acrylic, oil pastels, wool, and thread. I want to use every medium! All at once! The more mediums the merrier!

4. IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF ART? 

“Experiment with Everything”

5.  DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE CREATING ART? IF SO, WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST?

I actually don’t listen to music on my own (I know...it’s terrible! I don’t even own a pair of headphones! I don’t have a favorite band!) so I usually hum along with whatever my partner puts on (hip hop, jazz, and blues, with a dash of Leonard Cohen). I tend to tune out whatever is happening around me if I’m really focused on a piece, a trait I inherited from my father -  a man who will build furniture in the basement for ten hours straight without noticing the CD ended after the first hour.

Read the rest of the Q & A HERE


Wallpaper Wednesdays 19 | Artist Feature - Sam Eldridge

I hope you snag all of Sam's beautiful wallpapers that she created just for Wallpaper Wednesdays! Sam can be found on Instagram and Etsy, so follow her for more and tell her we sent you. Happy downloading!

Wallpaper Wednesdays 19 | Artist Feature - Sam Eldridge

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 19 | Artist Feature - Sam Eldridge

download |

Wallpaper Wednesdays 19 | Artist Feature - Sam Eldridge

download |

Wallpaper Wednesdays 19 | Artist Feature - Sam Eldridge

download |

Wallpaper Wednesdays 19 | Artist Feature - Sam Eldridge

For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and show us which wallpapers you picked.

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6 

A heartfelt thank you to Sam for collaborating with us!

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!




Color Crush | Blush

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I've had this recent fascination with the blush pink color family, so I thought I'd share some color inspiration today. I've been drawn to muted tones lately that have a gray undertone to them. I can't get over crushing over these colors and I'm surely hoping I get to use these colors in my home one day soon.

As you can see, there is really no limit to how blush tones can be used. If you're feeling rather non-committal, go for a blush colored blanket (13), hand towel (2), or wall tapestry (9). Feeling bold - paint an accent wall (1, 6, 9, 11) or your patio (15). Blush tones go very well with white, cream, gray, green, black, and copper.

I'm pretty sure this color addiction will continue because from the looks of my Instagram, I've been gravitating toward these colors for a while now. If you're in love with this color family like I am, be sure to follow my Pinterest board - Color Crush | Blush, which I'll be updating with more inspo. 

What color(s) are you crushing on lately? I'd love to hear in the comments below!

lifestyleStina Xblush



A Whole New Vibe: Freshen Up Your Home For The New Year
A Whole New Vibe: Freshen Up Your Home For The New Year

via The Fresh Exchange Blog

2016 is right around the corner, so you know what that means, it's out with the old and in with the new! I thought it would be appropriate to extend that same mentality into the home and think of ways to create a new vibe that anyone could easily replicate. Take a look at a few simple ways that you can freshen up your home, then in the comments below, share with me ways you freshen up your home for the new year.

lifestyleStina X