Use a Rolling Cart for your Clutter

I was a longtime holdout in the rolling cart trend, but after I added one to my loft last year I have to admit that I was wrong and they are game changers. Mine holds all of my planner and office supplies (I also turned the top level upside down to hold my laptop) but they would be useful anyplace that you need an extra spot to corral your useful clutter (i.e. the things that you need easy access to on a regular basis). Check out IKEA, Michaels, or Amazon for similar versions.

Bedside Sconces

This section is going to be dedicated to the design features I recommend to almost all of my styling clients – starting with bedside sconces. Not only do they save valuable real estate on your nightstands but they add height, dimension, and a great sculptural element to your space. I would avoid fixtures that have a clear glass shade, however, in favor of those with a solid shade to provide softer light for bedside reading. Some of my go to lighting sources are Shades of Light, West Elm, and Old Brick Lighting.

Winter Recipes

I loved sharing round ups of my cooking adventures over the summer so this year I’m going to keep the trend going all year round. This winter I’m working my way through the veggies that I froze from our CSA and cooking lots of comforting meals. Here’s what was on the menu this month:

• Balsamic Skirt Steak w/Polenta and cabbage
• Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
• Stir Fry Pork Noodles
• Pork Chops w/Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
• Slow Cooker Beef and Polenta
• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

VenCo by Cherie Dimaline

“Lucky St. James, a Métis millennial living with her cantankerous but loving grandmother Stella….one night, something strange and irresistible calls out to Lucky. Burrowing through a wall, she finds a silver spoon etched with a crooked-nosed witch and the word SALEM, humming with otherworldly energy……Lucky and Stella embark on a rollicking and dangerous road trip to the darkly magical city of New Orleans, where the final showdown will determine whether VenCo will usher in a new beginning…or remain underground forever.”

I was wavering on whether to include this book in my round-up because it took me a while to get into it and I do think it has some flaws, one being that there are too many characters with not enough distinguishing characteristics to differentiate them….BUT I really enjoyed the two main characters and the last 1/4 of the book is worth the read. Just don’t expect much “magic”….these witches rely much more on meditation and reflection than wands and spells.

2023 Hilltown House Challenge Recap

At the start of each year I put together a list of 52 small things to get done around the house – one thing for each week of the year – and I slowly and systematically make my way through them one at a time. While it may not seem like a lot, you would be amazed just how much these small things add up AND the continuous sense of accomplishment you’ll feel each time you check one off. If you’re curious how I got about this and interested in joining the challenge yourself, check out the blog post I wrote a few years ago with some of my Do’s and Don’ts to set yourself up for success.