Ahh work…you might as well do something you love!  Add in a few fun pieces that simply make you smile, and you’re ready to go.  Today I keep thinking how lucky I am to have such a wonderful space to work in.  My studio is bright, cheery and full of color.  It inspires me every time I walk in, and puts a smile on my face.  Here are just a few items that just might help you put some fun in to your work:

1.  Raval Page Flags at Paper Source for $5.95

2.  Pretty Crafty Paper Clips at Paper Source for $8.95

3.  Sketch Book from Night Owl Paper Goods for $18

4.  Table Task Lamp from Pottery Barn Teen for $79

5.  Washi Paper Masking Tape from the Moma Store for $30

6.  La Dee Da Note Pad from Kate Spade for $12

Every time I see a kitchen in a magazine or on a blog I usually “Ooh” and “Aah” over the ones with open kitchen shelves.  They just look so wonderful!  I can’t think of a better way to display beautiful dishes than with simple white ledges.  I am  lucky enough to have fairly simple white plates and bowls, which I think would help me pull off the look.  However, I assume it will only look good when it’s orderly and in proper shape.

How do you feel about open shelves in kitchens?  Love ‘em or leave ‘em?

Photo from House Beautiful

I was thinking the other day that there are probably plenty of ordinary items in our homes that we take for granted, which actually can serve double duty.  So I decided to add a column to the site called, “5 Unexpected Things You Can Do With…”  The first item to get the rundown is Honey.  It’s a splendid thing, honey.  Maybe I’m a little partial since my name, Melissa, actually means “honey” or “honeybee.”  Yet, the golden nectar is actually more than a pantry staple, it can work its magic in numerous ways.

1.  Facial Moisturizer/Mask –

This one is by far my favorite honey secret, that I learned from reading tips from Mireille Guilliano’s website.  It’s one of her family secrets to use honey directly on your face, applied as a mask.  I have been using a locally grown organic honey on my face every other week, and I can certainly see a big difference.  I simply tap the honey in to my skin, and let it sit for about ten minutes.  I then apply a warm, wet towel …

Since we had a winning day today, it got me in the mood for a game-day party. Who says football is just for the boys?  Add a little flair to your celebrations, with a few budget-friendly items.  The first on my list are these bowls from Anthropologie, which come in all sorts of colors and the whole set is just $20!   I’m going to fill mine to the brim with our homemade chilli.  I love fall and all of the wonderful food and festivities it brings along the way.  Here’s how to get the look (of course you can mix up the colors to match your favorite team!) -

1-  Libbey 6 Piece Beer Glass Set on Amazon for $14.98

2-  Jme Jellies in Hot Pepper from Williams Sonoma for $14

3-  White and Red Dots Napkins from Paper-Source for $5.95

4-  Reclaimed Slate Coasters from Uncommon Goods for $35

5-  Numerical Appetizer Plates from Target for $11.99

Every guest can have their own number!

6-  Set of 4 Latte Bowls from Anthropologie for $20

7-  Enameled Red Pot from Martha …