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IKEA Lighting Hack: Make a Pendant Light Out of a $6 Bowl!

by Stephanie Lee

IKEA lighting hack: Make a pendant light out of a $6 bowl!

I have a love-hate relationship with light fittings. I totally get that they can transform  the look of a room, but I've put off changing ours for aaaages because the ones I love best are always out of my budget. And when it comes to the crunch, I can't justify spending $150+ on a pretty light fixture when there are bills to be paid! That's where this IKEA lighting hack comes in.              

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Have You Always Wished You Could Keep a Journal? Try This Technique.

by M.E. Gray

Do you wish you could keep a journal? Try this technique called the Gratitude Journal

Many of us wish we could keep a journal. It's comforting (and handy) to have a personal record of your life to look back on. Journaling also makes you a more disciplined and mindful person, which I, for one, could certainly benefit from. Keeping up with the habit of writing something down every few days is nice in thought, but generally it's hard in practice. There's always an activity that's more important or interesting than journaling. Maybe writing isn't your strong suit. And let's face it, life is sometimes boring and there's just nothing to write about. Regardless of the barrier that's keeping you from your journaling goals, this technique may help you stick to a routine. Instead of the traditional diary, try the Gratitude Journal. It'll actually make you happier along the way.          

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Make It! Potato Stamped Neckerchiefs

by Holly Wade

Make It! Potato Stamped Neckerchiefs

In case you haven't noticed, the 60s are BACK! Well, they've been back, but I'm loving how more and more 50s/60s/70s fashion pieces are coming back in style, including the neckerchief. A neckerchief can be made out of any square fabric, and in this case, I stamped plain bandanas with homemade potato stamps to create unique statement neckerchiefs that I can pair with my outfits this spring and summer! You may have made potato stamps as a kid, and I'm here to tell you that they are NOT just for kids. Make your own unique patterns on fabric and keep costs extra low!

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Sew It! DIY Loopty Loop Outdoor Pillow

by Faith Provencher
Sew It! DIY Loopty Loop Outdoor Pillow
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

It's finally starting to look a bit more like spring here in the northeast, which is giving me major motivation to spruce up the deck. One place we were lacking, though, was in the pillow department... it can be difficult to find outdoor pillows with personality. So I made some, of course! Click through to check out the full tutorial for these fun loopty loop outdoor throw pillows.   

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How to Create an Indoor Garden Your Cat Will Love (Because She's a Plant Lady, Too)

by M.E. Gray

How to make an indoor garden for you feline friend

I was a junior in high school when my cat, Donut, came into my life. She was a rescue from the local ASPCA, and she's been my ride-or-die ever since. Because I was young when I got her, I didn't understand all of her needs. Over the last decade of us living together, the space that Donut takes up in my home grows larger and larger - because like any other living thing, she needs more than water and shelter to thrive. She needs play. She needs nutrients. She needs a place to sharpen her talons other than the side of my armchair. And just how I want only the best for my own health and wellbeing, I want the best for hers, too. Which is why it's important that she gets her greens (or in this case, cat grass).            

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Trouble Sleeping? Here's the Trick that Works for Me, Every Single Time

by M.E. Gray

The one sleep trick I use to make myself fall asleep - it works every time!

I love sleep. My bed is without a doubt in the top ten list of my favorite places to be. I always thought I might grow out of it, but even as a twenty-something I require a solid 8 hours of sleep. Worse, if I get a late start going to bed, I always end up sleeping in. While I'm akin to a dead body all night, it's that getting-to-sleep thing that I get tripped up on. Anxious-minded people, where you at? If I ever can't seem to conk out fast enough, there's one trick I use that always gets me to sleep.      

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Make It! Clay Terrazzo-Inspired Coasters

by Holly Wade

Make It! Clay Terrazzo-Inspired Coasters

Terrazzo has recently come back in style and I'm here for it! Because it's a very old flooring material, the newer versions of terrazzo appear more colorful and versatile. To recreate the speckled look of terrazzo for my home, I made a set of simple clay terrazzo-inspired coasters with a variety of colors that fit with the decor of my home. They're easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite colors!

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25 Fake Plants with Real Potential (Put These in Your House... Seriously!)

by Holly Wade
25 Fake Plants with Real Potential (Put These in Your House... Seriously!)
Photo: Urban Outfitters

I'd love to be a plant lady (I hear this is the new cat lady!) but there's one problem...I can't seem to keep my plants alive. No matter how hard I try, I was not blessed with the gift of a green thumb. Instead, my house is filled with fake plants so that I can enjoy the greenery without the constant fear of killing them. I also have cats, and it's difficult to find plants that are nontoxic to pets, and they generally leave the fake plants alone. Fake plants can be really beautiful, so I've rounded up a variety of fake plants with the potential to make your home look like it's part of the outdoors! 

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How To: Make Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns

by Marlene Sauer
DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns
Photo: Marlene Sauer

 

There may still be snow on the ground in some places (I’m looking at you, Boston), but spring will be here before you know it. And that means -- patio season!

New England winters have trained me to take advantage of every available moment of spring and summer weather, so I am always looking for easy ways to make my tiny driveway patio cuter. That’s where these DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns come in. They’re on-trend, inexpensive, and wicked easy. Keep reading to see how to make them for yourself!            

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