Shelly – Page 34

by Shelly on December 1, 2017 3 Comments

Holiday Gift Ideas: Friends, Family and Significant Others

Last December The Minimalists put out a documentary on intentional living. I’ve been slowly adjusting how I live, buy and give to fit those values. The most difficult thing for me in the realm of minimalism is gifting. Not only is it difficult for gifts coming in but also the idea of giving gifts that will be truly impactful to someone (either by aesthetic of usefulness.)

My favorite thing to give and receive are experiences. I loved Miranda’s recent post over at Live Free Creative Co. called 50 Ideas for Gifts of Experiences. Her family of five has been applying the mindset of Less Stuff, More Adventure with their year of #morethanenoughstuff challenge. Only purchasing consumable items, experiences and necessities has been their goal. If your friends and family prefer gifts over experiences, here are some ideas to get you started.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Family, Friends and Significant Others

For your green thumb mother-in-law who loves cooking. Kitchen Greenhouse.

For your Aunt who staying over for the holidays. Bath Pamper Box.

For your hip cousin who just bought a new house. Wild Hair Lady

For your Grandpa who has no plans to retire. Custom Photo Calendar & Easel.

For your boho cousins with a baby on the way. Macrame Baby Swing.

Art for your mom who dreams of the beach. Salt Water Cure Print.

For your Dad who likes to work with his hands. Spoon Carving Knives.

For your nephew that has every toy! Skating Gator Rug.

For your niece that loves to create. House Pillow Kit.

For your sister who loves organizing. Ikea shoe drawer.

For your techy brother who appreciates style. Ikea Phone Charger.

For your friend who is always cold. Arm Kitting Throw Kit.

For your friend who has sophisticated taste in beverages. Whiskey Ice Ball Mold.

For your husband who is obsessed with space. Galaxy Phases of the Moon Print.

For your boho minimalist wife who loves nature. Hanging Wood Nightstand.

And for you, a day to yourself. Go get your eyebrows done, get a free makeover at Sephora, get your hands and feet pampered at the spa and cap it off curling up with a book on the couch next to the Christmas tree. Aaaah what a day. I hope this gift guide was inspirational for that cousin or nephew that is tricky to buy for!

by Shelly on November 22, 2017 8 Comments

Indy is the new Chicago for Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping is in full force and Indianapolis is scoring all the right points for making your shopping experience fantastic this year. Greater Indianapolis has been growing by leaps and bounds in the past few years and this past year was no exception. With the addition of Ironworks Hotel that opened up in September, the Northside is giving Chicago a run for it’s money. We had the pleasure of checking out Ironworks hotel at a discount to test my theory of having all of the luxury of Chicago right here in Indianapolis. No need to take a bus up to Chicago and lug around massive shopping bags through Michigan Avenue anymore.

Lodging

The Northside of Indy is known for it’s amazing upscale dining and shopping but has only recently become the hot spot for hair salons, spas and hotels as well. The Ironworks Hotel welcomes guests to the new Indianapolis location to enjoy rooms and suites inspired by the 19th century capped off with industrial charm and modern amenities.

The 120 room boutique hotel will be host to three restaurants and a spa that offers facials and massages. Room prices will range from about $139 for a king-size traditional room to $1,500 for the premier founder’s suite on the fifth floor, which has a private bedroom and private terrace with a fire pit and a far-off view of Downtown Indianapolis.

We stayed in the Legacy Suite which has a King size bed and a living space. Both areas have a 65 inch TV for his and her viewing. The windows in this room allow ample light during the day but black out shades helped us sleep like babies through the night. Our favorite addition to the room were the hand crafted industrial pieces by The Rusty Truck like the end tables, desk and wine holders. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of the room was noticeable. It did not feel like a big box hotel which we love.

(photo courtesy of Ironworks Hotel)

Dining

The Ironworks Hotel property will have three restaurants once they’ve all opened. Rize was the health focused breakfast and lunch restaurant that we had the pleasure of enjoying Sunday morning. The food was phenomenal and we were happy to hear that a majority of their food is sourced from local growers. The hotel also plays host to Provision, another health conscious restaurant focused on sourcing from local farmers. Provision’s menu includes locally sourced products from Fischer Farms, Tyner Pond Farms, and Confectionaries, all passionate partners in regional restaurant development and growth in Indianapolis. They also showcase locally grown produce from Cunningham Restaurant Group’s own CRG Grow Greenhouse.

The third location, Blue Sushi Sake Grill, is due to open in late 2017. Sushi enthusiasts will appreciate Blue Sushi Sake Grill’s high-quality ingredients and fresh seafood. Along with traditional sushi selections, they are known for their growing list of tasty vegan-friendly and gluten-free fare.

(photo courtesy of Ironworks Hotel)

Pamper

After shopping all day you’ll want to make time for relaxing your worn out muscles. Massage Heights in Ironworks Hotel is the perfect resort for your massage and facial needs. Massage helps lower blood pressure, improve flexibility and increase endorphins along with loosening muscles. They’re currently running a grand opening special that includes a 1 hour massage for $25 (that is a $75 discount!)

If it’s your first time, be sure to get there at least 10 minutes early to fill out the paperwork. Members can enhance their massage or facial with various Elevations (from Hot Stone Therapy and Reviving Foot Scrubs to Revitalizing Face Massage and Active Therapy), as well as all-natural Aromatherapies designed with specific benefits in mind.

Shopping

Indy is the new Chicago for Holiday shopping. The Fashion Mall is the premier luxury shopping destination for the Indianapolis metro area, and Indiana. A dynamic retail fusion of ready-to-wear fashions, home decor and top technology. Boasting a unique mix of high-end anchors, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, top brands and luxury specialty retailers such as Burberry, Tiffany & Co, Raleigh Limited Menswear, BCBGMAXAZRIA, kate spade new york, Swatch, tumi, Coach and more. Fulfill all of your tech needs at The Apple Store and Microsoft store.

Some of my favorite stores are at Keystone Fashion mall including Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, MAC, Pottery Barn, The North Face and Lucky Brand. The Fashion Mall in Indianapolis has everything Chicago has without the traffic.

(photo courtesy of Simon Malls)

With Thanksgiving in a couple of days, our minds will quickly switch gears to shopping for the Holidays. Give yourself a break this year and experience your Holiday Shopping trip in luxury with fine dining, one-stop-shopping, a little pampering and a great night’s sleep.

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by Shelly on November 16, 2017 4 Comments

Black and White Christmas Decorations

I never decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving has been celebrated. I’m not going to lie, it gets harder every year. I start hearing Christmas music November 1st and want to pour myself some hot cocoa, put on my slippers and watch Christmas movies. Christmas is my favorite holiday but the message of gratitude during Thanksgiving can not be passed up.

That said, I can still dream and plan about what fun events and decorating that is just around the corner! It’s a little disgusting how many totes of Christmas decor I own. I’ve vowed to not purchase one Christmas decoration this year despite Target’s amazing colorful line. Although I can not purchase any decorations, I can make decorations with the craft supplies I have on hand. I rounded up these black and white Christmas decorations as inspiration for my Christmas crafting session. I’m really drawn to the black and white minimalistic Scandinavian style.

Black and White Christmas Decorations

Scandi Christmas Table Set by Rachael

Wood Christmas Tree Set by CapreeK

Wood Ball Garland by Mª JOSÉ

Himmeli Tree Star by Tim and Mary

Black and White Ombre Tree by Angie

Evergreen Place Cards by Teri

Tiny Tree by Juliana

Free Christmas Tags by Sarah

Faux Brass Hemmeli Wreath by Rayan

DIY Wrapping Paper by Chiara

Painted Plywood Houses by Lidy

Printable Advent Calendar by Hey Look

Boxwood with Bow by Rita

Swoon. What are your thoughts on Thanksgiving being pushed aside each year here in America? Black Friday shopping yay or nay? (I’m way nay in case you were wondering). Do you have a favorite decoration you love putting out each year? I have several but my most recent favorite is a white and blue glitter nutcracker that Jeffrey and I bought at the Nutcracker Ballet three years ago. I’m excited and a bit stressed about finding all new places for my Christmas decor since we’re in a new house this year. What am I going to do without a mantle?!

by Shelly on November 13, 2017 3 Comments

How to Organize Your Medicine Cabinet for Winter

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HappilyStocked #Collective Bias

It’s that super fun time of year again when, as moms, we have to power through sickness to be there for our families. Motherhood is a 24/7 job and there’s no time to lay on the couch and watch romantic comedies alone anymore.

There’s nothing worse than feeling miserable and dragging yourself to Kroger to pick up medicine. It’s physically difficult to get to the store and once you’re there you end up buying half the aisle because you’re ready to try anything to feel half way normal. For this exact reason I keep my closet stocked with all the necessary sickness fighting weapons to help me be the best Mom I can be.

It has taken me a long time to figure out what type of organizing works for our family. When it comes to closets, it’s best to keep them very minimal and have as much as possible in small baskets. This leaves little room for chaos. In our home we have two closets that hold medicine. I wrote about our master bathroom closet which holds some medicine but mostly medicine that we use frequently.

Our hall linen closet holds supplies we use less frequently (and a few linens). I’m going to break down each shelf because it’s supplies that most families use. Shelf 1: extra blankets and table cloth. Shelf 2: batteries and a small toolbox with frequently used tools. Shelf 3: Grab-and-Go first aid kit for camping or road trips, a basket with medicine, a basket with tissues and a lint roller. Shelf 4: a basket with sunscreens and mosquito repellents and a basket with light bulbs. Shelf 5: a basket for first aid and window plastic for this winter. Floor: a basket with our dog supplies (bath shampoo, brushes, medicine).

There are six main ingredients that I keep stocked at all times in our home:

Breathe Right- I sleep with earplugs and white noise because I have a husband that snores. When I’m sick, I’m right there with him, sawing logs all night. I use the Breathe Right Clear for my sensitive skin. It helps increase airflow so I can breathe better and it does not irritate my skin. When Mom breathes better, she sleeps better.
Dial Soap- I’m not a huge proponent of ‘no germs’ because I think keeping a little germs around helps our immune system. On the other hand, when someone in our family is sick, I am positive to remind everyone to wash their hands. The White Tea foaming soap has a mild smell and it keeps my skin feeling hydrated and soft.
Halls- Our family doesn’t eat a lot of candy but when we’re sick Halls is a special treat that soothes our scratchy throats. Our favorite flavor is the Honey Lemon because it tastes good and relieves cough.
Kleenex- There’s a reason people say ‘Kleenex’ rather than ’tissue’. They’re the best. One and done. Nothing is worse than having a chapped nose from continuously blowing it all day. We use the large Trusted Care boxes when someone is sick and carry the On-the-Go Slim Packs with us in our pockets. Our daughter loves all the fun movie themed boxes so we let her choose which one she wants when she’s sick.
Theraflu- One of the best advancements in today’s age is the ability to buy medicine over the counter that will help knock out our symptoms. Theraflu defeats sore throat, nasal congestion, chest congestion, fever, cough, headache and body aches.
TYLENOL® Cold + Flu- My husband and I react differently to most medicines. His go-to is TYLENOL® Cold + Flu Severe. It helps with his head and body aches, fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion and chest congestion.

November has officially arrived, and germs are on the horizon. Stocking up for all wellness needs now at Kroger will help you and your family be prepared for any seasonal sniffles that might arise. This weekend when you do your ClickList order, add these essentials for the winter season ahead. Be prepared so when sickness strikes, you won’t have to go out in the cold weather. Kroger has many savings to take advantage of during the month of November. You can find more inspiring ways to stay healthy this upcoming season at the social hub.

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Disclosure:

Breathe Right – Read and follow label directions.
Dial – © The Dial Corporation, a Henkel company
* Based on unit sales of soap products in last 52 weeks scanned data
Halls – HALLS Cough Drops temporarily soothe sore throats.
Kleenex – ® Registered Trademark of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. © KCWW.
Theraflu – Read and follow label directions. Theraflu is for use in adults 12 years and older. Use products only as directed.
TYLENOL© – © Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2016
Use products only as directed
The makers of TYLENOL® remind you to use only one medicine with acetaminophen at a time

by Shelly on November 10, 2017 1 Comment

Preschool Montessori Bedroom

This preschool Montessori bedroom was partially compensated by PhotoWall, a Swedish company excelling in wall coverings. All opinions are my own.

We were so worried about moving to a new home because of the toll transitions take on kids. Our daughter was two and could hardly care less that we were in a new home. We still made it our priority to have her room fully painted and decorated before working on any room in our home. Fast forward two years and by turning four she’s now acting like a fourteen year old. I was planning on updating her room when we became pregnant with our second child making it a process we could go through together to welcome her new sibling into her room. When PhotoWall contacted me I thought it would be a simple addition of one accent wall. A week later she had a completely new room by re-painting, flipping her bed over into a bunk bed and switching out the art.

The total spent on her renovation was $0 because we used everything we had on hand aside from the wall mural and supplies sent by Photo Wall. We used white paint that we’d used in another room in our home and spray paint to paint a dark wood frame and black mirror to match the design better. We’d previously had all furniture, bedding and art that was used in the renovation of her preschool bedroom.

Our little girl has lots of opinions. I know to not buy clothes without her approval because she won’t wear them. I knew she needed to be a part of her bedroom design so she would feel comfortable and happy in her space. Photo Wall has hundreds of wall coverings to choose from. I selected five of my favorites and had her choose from those five. She was also in charge of choosing which new art came in and which old art stayed. Pinterest makes art so easy! She specifically wanted a unicorn added to her gallery wall so I got on Pinterest and had it framed within three minutes of her request. She also helped with the wall mural. We cut each panel out and lined them up according to their number. This made it so easy to find which panel came next.

There are two things I especially love about PhotoWall. The premium wall paper is super thick and has the most luxurious feel. The second reason I agreed to work with PhotoWall is for their green initiative. They work with an organization called Vi Agroforestry and every year they plant 5,000 trees in the area around Lake Victoria, eastern Africa. The trees help to fight poverty, improve the environment and combat climate change. All production is to order, which means they only produce the quantity of products required, none are held in stock or discarded unnecessarily. The printing ink they use for their wallpapers contains no solvents or hazardous chemicals, and is biodegradable.

Here is a quick before of our daughter’s room. It started out simple with clean lines and uncluttered but as time went by she continued to add her special touches to the room. I wanted to keep this in mind as we upgraded her bedroom. I wanted her to feel like it was her room but scale back to a more peaceful uncluttered space.

Her room feels much more intentional and curated to fit her specific tastes and needs. She now has a spot for everything as well as a playful kid feel. She adores her wall mural and exclaimed ‘Someone drew and colored these flowers!’ I love that she is excited about her new space and has been spending more time playing in there after school. My hope is that this room will continue to grow and evolve with every stage of her childhood.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Friends, Family and Significant Others

Holiday Gift Ideas for Family, Friends and Significant Others

Indy is the new Chicago for Holiday Shopping

Lodging

Dining

Pamper

Shopping

Black and White Christmas Decorations

Black and White Christmas Decorations

How to Organize Your Medicine Cabinet for Winter

There are six main ingredients that I keep stocked at all times in our home:

Disclosure:

Disclosure:

Preschool Montessori Bedroom

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Preschool Montessori Bedroom

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