Ahh! Three Ways to Refresh Your Space
If I haven't done so already, Happy New Year! With the New Year's fresh arrival, now is the time people start getting their lives, spaces, & mindsets decluttered & ready for new opportunities.
I know that once the holiday decor comes down {enter in joyful choir music} I am ready for clean, fresh, & simplified decor.
Decorating & decluttering your space in the New Year is a great way to hit the 'refresh' button inside your home. I declutter & refresh my space multiple times throughout the course of the year & I would love to share three simple ways you can refresh your space too!
1. Removable Wallpaper in Unexpected Spots
Removable wallpaper has definitely spiked in popularity over the past decade to the point now that anyone can buy high-quality removable wallpaper at an affordable price point. However, adding a little peel n' stick wallpaper to an unexpected spot inside your home can do wonders! I added this playful yet sophisticated pattern to the back of my bathroom vanity cabinet. The wallpaper is from an Etsy Shop, Wall Flora.
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| Removable Wallpaper via Wall Flora {c/o} |
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| Made the 'clean' & 'K' decal using my Cricut machine |
2. Fragrant Wall Plug-Ins
Scents to me, evoke memories & what better way to boost your mood than by surrounding yourself with a found memory-evoking scent? This fresh cut lilacs wall flower plug-in from Bath & Body Works reminds me of spring! Pro-tip, shop Bath & Body Works' after Christmas & mid-summer Semi-Annual Sale{s} to stock up on your favorite wallflowers which are discounted to $3.00!
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| Bath & Body Works Wall Flowers |
3. Fun Knobs
Swapping out the factory knobs on cabinets & drawers is a secret passion of mine! Places such as TJ Maxx & Anthropologie always have the prettiest collection of knobs you can buy. The white curio cabinet has been in my room for a while & I have recently switched to crystal-inspired accents. I found these pretty crystal knobs at Hobby Lobby.
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| Switch out basic knobs to ones that match your decor for a quick room refresh effect! |
The blue curio cabinet was actually my grandpas {most of the items inside are in there as a memory of him}. The room that it is now in has a modern BOHO/desert vibe. I found these BEAUTIFUL cut crystal knobs at TJ Maxx & love'em!
All of these ways are super easy methods of organizing your home as well as boosting your current decor.
Shop a few of my favorites below:
Say Organize! Apps to Digitally Save & Organize Your Photos
When it comes to entering a New Year {hello, a new decade!} one word is on everyone's lips {or at least their mental to-do-list} organize!!
If you'll recall, I Marie-Kondo all late July into August of 2019 & it felt pretty amazing to do some home organizing as well as purging. Continuing, we have gone on to do other parts of the house.
I feel organizing is something you have to do at least once a month to stay on top of clutter & buildup.
Looking at our phones, there are SO many photos living there & taking up space. I have gotten into the habit of organizing my photos on my phone into 'albums' using two photo apps.
Once or twice a month, I go through my photos & put them into albums on these apps--whether I am adding new photos to existing albums in the apps or creating new albums, I try to keep up with it all.
The two {main} apps I use to organize my photos are Google Photos & Lightroom.
Google Photos
It is pretty simple! Google Photos does a great job syncing your saved photos & videos to it's 'hub.' I then go in & delete whatever photos, videos, &/or screenshots I don't want & then add the remaining new photos to my pre-existing albums {or create some new ones}.
Google Photos is also great because you can Search your photos to quickly pull up any images you wish & download it {quickly} to your phone's library.
Lightroom Albums
I also use Lighroom's Album feature to save & organize other photos that are saved on my Lightroom app/album. I have found this to be really useful if I am looking for a specific photo from a past trip & many other options from my pets to past blog collaborations.
So, it's pretty easy to organize your images on phone & tablets, but it's keeping up with it that makes the idea work & handy!
Happy New Year & Happy Organizing.
DIY Farmhouse Painted Book Stack
I first saw the chalk painted 'farmhouse' inspired stacked books at a craft show this past autumn. I have seen these painted stack books both with the writing on the book spin in either a stamp version as well as a handwritten version.
This past Christmas, I decided to make my own farmhouse-inspired painted book stack as a Christmas gift for my mom. I went with the handwritten option as I didn't have stamps.
It is a pretty simple craft to make.
You will need:
-Chalk Paint {White}
- Paint Brush
-Books {I got mine at the Dollar Store}
-Twine/Ribbon
- Black Marker or Stamps
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| Step 1 Buy Your Books |
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| Step 2 Rip off front & back covers as well as spin cover |
So, after I went to the Dollar & Store & purchased four books, you have to remove the front, back, & spine cover. Yep, just rip them right off--sorry!
Next, painting time! I painted everything but the books' bottoms. After they dried, I went ahead & added the name's on the spine {write whatever you want!}.
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| Step 3 Paint |
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| Step 4 Added Text & Twine |
Then, I stacked the farmhouse-inspired books in the order I wanted & added my twine. I did hot glue the twine on the spines--this way, it will stay in place. I also went ahead & added a little gold sprig on top of the books.
That's it, making the farmhouse painted chalk books was pretty simple & added a great little boost to any winter decor.
Get to Know the Bows of Wunderkin. Co: A Conversation with Founder, Hillary Denham
Life has a funny way of showing what's important at different stages in your life. For example, I have found with age, I have come to appreciate the little things. It's not always about how big the next iPhone will be or how many comments are engaged on a post--truly little things say a handy kitchen gadget or a pretty handmade bow bring just as much joy.
Speaking of bows, get to know the handmade bows {head quartered in Denver, Colorado} of Wunderkin Co. Wunderkin. Co are bows handmade by moms from all parts of the USA.
However, like many good things, Wunderkin started out small.
Hillary Denham, mom of three, originated her heirloom bows at her kitchen table. In order to keep up with the demand for her handmade bows, she began to employe other stay-at-home moms to carry on the creative ribbon crafting torch.
The outcome was more than just pretty hair accessories. In fact, because Hillary began to empower other stay-at-home-mothers created something else entirely. Not only was she producing more & more bows, but she was empowering other moms as well as fueling their creative spirits.
Fast forward to today as Wunderkin has grown wonderfully! They create 4000 bows a week by 28 seamstresses employed all across the United States. Wunderkin stands behind their makers & creations as all of their bows are guaranteed for life.
In 2019 the company was projected to exceed $3 million in revenue. However, like any small business, Hillary's start was just that--small, humble, & just the right amount of hustle.
Hillary was kind enough to give The Yellow Spectacles an exclusive on what it's like to grow a brand & make your own creative dreams a reality.
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| Wunderkin Co. Heirlooms Bows |
1. The Yellow Spectacles:
Initially, when did the idea for Wunderkinco begin? What was your inspiration?
Hillary Denham:
I started Wunderkin Co. after I had my two daughters. At the time, I was cultivating my values for motherhood and deciding how I wanted to raise my girls. I wanted to raise them to be confident and free-spirited, and have space to grow into the unique individuals that they already were meant to be - instead of my prescriptions for them.
At the same time, I owned a business that didn't bring me a lot of fulfillment and joy. I decided to step out into a creative venture that both scared and inspired me, hoping to wrap that spirit of bravery up into the brand. To me, Wunderkin stands for that audacious spirit of childhood that has no fear - and bringing that spirit into your adult life as well.
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| Hillary Denham, Wunderkin Creator-Founder {photo via Wunderkin Co} |
2. TYS:
After starting your Etsy Shop, when did you first realize that you had something special?
Hillary:
When I started Wunderkin Co., I had an Etsy shop and Instagram. I would post pictures of bows on a piece of wood in my backyard and sell out immediately. I would constantly have to put my shop on vacation because I couldn't make them quick enough! After working six years previously to build my first company with a massive marketing effort, it seemed too easy.
Six months in, I decided to launch an unlimited fall preorder where I could test the depth of demand and sold 3000 bows in twelve hours. After that, I know that I had to grow the business beyond myself. Looking back, I attribute the beginning success to starting something at the intersection of my passions and skill set. I spent six years trying to make a carpet cleaning business sexy and reading every book about marketing. Once paired with something creative and a brand that inspired me, it was magic.
3. TYS:
Can you tell me more about your bow-making process & the seamstresses who make them?
Hillary:
Our bows are made by seamstresses around the US. Many are stay at home mothers. We decided to scale this way so that we could keep the integrity of a handmade product and grow in a uniquely "Etsy-shop" way.
After we had our first unlimited sale - and not a lot of luck contracting Denver-local seamstresses - we leveraged our social media following and Google Drive training videos and tech packs to expand our production with virtual seamstresses.
4. TYS:
What has been your biggest learning curve being an entrepreneur?
Hillary:
Organizational leadership! At my core, I'm creative and I love brainstorming and creating visions for the future of Wunderkin Co., like creating high-quality products, ways our brand can develop community and artistic direction and styling of photoshoots.
My journey of building a team and learning how to be a leader has been full of learning lessons and operating outside my comfort zone. Luckily, I love to read and attend seminars and have learned a lot from observing others.
5. TYS:
What advice would you give others who are budding entrepreneurs?
Hillary:
Go for it. There are so many pieces of wisdom out there about starting imperfectly. So many times it's tempting to wait till something is buttoned-up or glamorous, but I once heard that if you aren't embarrassed by your first try, then you waited too long. It's cliche, but true!
The journey will be filled with failure, but when you look back and see the full story, you will always be proud that you dug deep and pursued something that truly made you feel connected to your purpose.
One of my favorite quotes that guides the Wunderkin Co. culture are by Howard Thurman: "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Follow Wunderkin Co. on Instagram.
2020's Word: Timeless
Time*less-adjective-not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion
I recently Googled the definition for 'timeless' {eventhough I already know the meaning} right before 2019 came to a close in anticipation for the New Year & New Decade to come.
Trading one date for the next never really used to carry meaning for me, but last year, I made a 2019 Goal List that I hand wrote {more like scribbled} & kept in my desk drawer all year.
I never went back & re-read that chicken-scratch, but I did keep it in my mind all throughout 2019. I have to say, it kind of worked! The state of 'putting-it-out-into-the-universe thing really carries weight. This year, I am taking it a step further & picking an adjective that I want my personal 2020 to reflect...that word is...Timeless.
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| All about the pampas grass... |
Entering a new decade & a big birthday for me in May, Timeless just feels right. I feel like I have experimented with a few styles, editing techniques, & so on where I really want to start honing in on what makes me 'me' as well as create content that is {you guessed it} timeless.
Does this mean I'll get stuck in my ways & never try new things? Nope! I am taking the word timeless & running with it--making it my own & making it work for me this New Year.
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| Gold & Rose Gold Accessories |
Thus far, the inspiration that I am taking into 2020 is a few things. For one, I am both inspired by & intrigued my pampas grass {not sure if this is considered pampas grass, but I am here for it!}.
I also love mixing whites with creams & dainty jewelry such as my gold anchor ring. Mixing metals is another style I have been incorporating. My glasses are a combination of lucite & rose gold--they're delicate & feminine which are two {additional} adjectives I would use to describe my personal style.
Additionally, subtle hair accessories have always been a wardrobe staple for me. While hair accessories are MAJORLY in style right now, you can never go wrong with a delicate hair clip {pearls} or a pretty little crown braid.
PS this braid is actually a headband made with synthetic hair to match your hair color by a shop called, Madison Braids! You can use my curated code Katelynchef20 for 20% off your braid headband.
Cheers to a New Year!
PS this braid is actually a headband made with synthetic hair to match your hair color by a shop called, Madison Braids! You can use my curated code Katelynchef20 for 20% off your braid headband.
Cheers to a New Year!
Shop my look below!
Hygge Holiday Bakes
hyg>ge
noun: a quality of coziness & comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being {regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture} via Oxford Dictionary
Maybe it was all of the coziest & festive The Great British Baking Show: Holidays Edition that I recently enjoyed streaming on Netflix, but I have come into a small collection of cute cookie cutters which can only mean one thing, cute cookies!
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| Hygge Cookies |
I stumbled across these very Hygge-inspired snowflake & mitten cookie cutter from Target's dollar spot {for $1.00 each} which inspired me to make something that is a great Hygge wintertime bake.
No special recipe here, I used both the Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix as well as the Betty Crocker Icing in a Tube for these hygge cookies. Nope, Betty Crocker didn't sponsor this post, haha, but her mixes are great for beginner bakers like me!.!
After baking, I added confectionary sugar for a 'snow-like' effect & ivolia! I think these hygge inspired winter cookies would be great for those staying in for New Year's Eve &/or a snow day spent indoors.
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| Betty Crocker Cutout Cookies |
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| Gingerbread Cookies |
Either way, they're easy to make & turn out really adorable.
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| Have a Safe & Happy New Year's Eve! |
The Christmas Spectacles: Merry Christmas!
With Christmas Eve approaching, it's that time of the year once again. The time of year I publish my annual {Third Annual} Christmas poem, The Christmas Spectacles. A poem about believing & never losing sight of what inspires you, even in the dimmest of times.
Writing & sharing this is a little tradition of mine I started & I'd like to think, I'd extend this each & every year with a new set of photos to document the time of year. These photos were taken inside an adorable little diner, Katie's Corner, 103 S Main St. Columbiana Ohio, located inside the Olde Cluttered Corner Antique Store.
I want to wish you a very merry holiday. Lots of love & happiness--Katelyn, xo.
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| Katie's Corner/Columbiana Ohio |
The Christmas Spectacles
By: Katelyn Chef
One Christmas Eve
There was a girl who no longer believed
The light that once shined bright
Fizzled out in her plain sight.
Warm memories faded
Her creative spirit turned jaded.
Walking out to sit under the evening sky
She looked above to ponder the reason why.
Something moved to her right
Squinting, she couldn't make the figure out with all her eyes' might.
Finally, as he drew near,
His image became more clear.
"For it's Christmas Eve," said the man
"& It's an important time for those who give not wanting to receive."
He was clothed in burgundy silk
With a beard as white as milk.
"It's important to carry the creative light,
"For I know you used to write.
Christmas is a time for retrieving
A bit of has been lost."
He handed the girl a tiny box
It was wrapped in golden cornstalks.
Gently, untying the delicate string
She finally saw something.
In the box, rested a pair of glasses
Wonderful to the masses.
They were lovely & yellow
Suddenly she felt inspired & mellow.
Slipping the spectacles on
Her imagination lit up like the break of dawn.
He had given her back her lost light
The spectacular spectacles were her new creative sight.
***
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| Merry Christmas |
Sitting here, getting ready to write my holiday/winter decor post for 2019, I am still reminiscing on Netflix's Let It, Snow.
Have you seen it? It was such a bop of a movie, not too corny, but just perfectly cute & innocent--I really enjoyed it!
Anyways, Let It Snow aside, my 2019 holiday {more like winter} decor is a little different as this year, I decide to go for an overall winter home decor theme opposed to Christmas. This way, it can stay up a little longer.
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| Inspired by a Beauty & the Beast's Enchanted Christmas |
This year, I was really inspired by frosted eucalyptus, rose gold, as well as creamy winter winters. Going back to a home decor post on 2019-2010 Winter Color Trends, those were the colors that carried over into my holiday decorations this year.
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| ** Painted pink, white, & gold |
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| Added some white satin bows to my craft desk chair |
I think these three color combinations are right on trend in home decor as they are refreshing & an uplifting color palette to incorporate into your space.
In the photo captions, I am going to put a double ** to mark the holiday decorations that I DIY'd as I made a few crafts this holiday season.
I hope you enjoy!
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| ** painted these clear plastic Walmart frames & added some winter photos of Riley & Bentley |
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| ** Added a wreath to this Target Dollar Spot house & more painted pinecones |
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| **Made little eucalyptus gatherings & hung in various spots |
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| ** Crafted tiny wreaths for my horses |
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| Winter decorating trends |
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| ** Painted these homes rose gold pink & gold & then added homemade wreaths |
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| ** |
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| ** DIY'd this Gucci-inspired Wreath in my bathroom |
Happy Holidays...Shop some of my decor below!
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