designdecorbydana

Do you know what the newest trend is? It’s all about self care! How does that look for you and me?

Let’s explore ways to create a better improved style of everyday living.

Here let’s talk about how you can blend this into your daily/weekly tasks.

*You can keep notes in your planner or right on your phone under the apt “NOTES”

Only 5 easy tips

#1 THINK YOU! What do you like to do for you?

For example I like to do Yoga. So Monday is my Yoga day. I really look forward to it. It is a wonderful way to start off my week too. It gets me started and energizes me to move forward.

#2 TIME Make time just for you! I use to think I was being selfish but I found out it was good for my own well being and good self care. This can be anything like reading a book knitting crafting and or meditating. It’s all up to you and it can change to whatever the mood calls for. Make a list so you have options to choose from.

#3 TASK There are choices here. It can be personal or just general. It’s all about what you want to do. Maybe it’s a closet or drawer that you’ve been wanting to put in order. Or taking time in your office or at your desk to work on a special project. Designing a little space in your bedroom for a little cozy getaway with afternoon tea and a special devotional. This is so for you and totally up to you to decide what you want it to be.

#4 TREAT A fun treat and it can even be fancy too. I have a favorite wine glass that says “Stay Fancy” Actually it was a gift and I love having wine in it. It feels good and I even think the wine tastes better too. Lol. What do you like to treat yourself to. I have a special secret treat time when I go to Starbucks at Targets. I order Peach and Tranquility tea by Teavana with steamed coconut milk. This is wonderfully delicious and I absolutely love it. This is the kind of treat I’m talking about. I do have another treat that I love too! Chocolate 🍫 but I can honestly say the tea always wins hands down.

#5 TRENDS We all know trends can be trendy right? Even so aren’t they fun like bell bottoms coming back. The new ones are kinda cool. Here are just a few that I googled.

The newest trend …. Best of me in 2023! So to start out try one or two tips. Starting slow increases your habit progression. When you start feeling comfortable try another until you complete all the steps. I am excited for you and can’t wait to hear how it is going. Any questions or comments just drop me a message anytime. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards Dana

#1Color- The color white is the number one color for cozy. Soft fluffy white cotton sheets comforters throws pillows. The feel of softness welcomes our senses

The color white is often in our homes already. Like candles dishes napkins and tablecloths. Check every room just start making the collection of whites in a basket. Then start making small changes in your living room or wherever you would like to start. Put a pretty throw and pillows on the couch. If you don’t have white pillows slip on a pillowcase. I have even seen on IG how using sheets is also becoming popular as well. You know what they say…where there’s a will there’s a way. I think that’s right. Lol

In the Episode “Feels like home to me Friday” I will share what are the five easy tips to make our home feel cozy and warm. And even better to switch from Christmas decor to winter vibes. With a few changes home can feel so welcoming and echo “let’s stay home”

#2 Smells – Smells are a wonderful reminder of home especially home cooking and the different senses of candles and sprays too.

Check out in the pic with the plant and white birch wood. It helps bring in more senses of the outdoors. Modeling the inside like the outside is so much fun. Mother Nature lays it out for us and makes it easy to create. Your backyard may have organic finds you can use branches cut off a tree. You may even go for a walk and find some treasures along the way. Let me know how it goes. I would love to see your pics.

Using faux garland works too and you might even steal it from your Christmas decor

Remember those charcuterie boards from Christmas perfect to use as display pieces anywhere and everywhere you like.

This pic was from a post I did on November 16, 2022 The episode “Woods of Wednesday” Having a husband who is a cabinet maker and two sons who are woods men I obviously love to collect wood 🪵

#3. Sight is one of our key senses. Our eyes put together what we are feeling. So to say it seals the deal confirms everything. It brings it all together and unifies the room.

#4 Update – Changes are good. It’s exciting and feels brand new when indeed it may not be but with a few changes it appears so. Maybe rearranging a bedroom or a living room can totally give a very new perspective to the room.

#5 Go Shopping – no really go shopping 🛍️ whether it’s in your own home or go catch all the sales after the holidays. This really is a perfect time for both. You may find as you are shopping your home there may be somethings you may want to purge. This is good as well to make more room for new. Either way it’s all good and fun too! As one shopper to another we find out so much about ourselves when we start shopping and discover who we really are. But that’s a post for another day. If you are new here I hope you will stay for awhile and get to know my quirks like I love to thrift. Yes you got it more shopping.

Thanks for stopping by looking forward to seeing you next time.

Best Regards Dana

Hey friends Are you in the Christmas spirit but know New Years is quickly approaching? I have been thinking a lot about tasks I like to refresh yearly. It really is easy to do and fun too cause it involves guess what 🛍️and you all know how much I love to shop🛍️

Tasks like this should absolutely be enjoyable. Come on we are planning out our future for the new year and we want it to be awesome right? Okay so no worries cause I’ve got you covered. I have been doing this for years. In fact I am a certified Franklin Planner graduate. No really I did take the course spent some big dollars (it was so worth it) and it keeps me on tasks as well.

It’s easy if I can do it so can you!

Easy peasy only three easy steps!

First: Supples you may already have: planner/phone or both.

Second: Fill in your weekly tasks/events ex: lunch w/ a friend.

A desk calendar (optional) on the blog I talk about this: Thrift Treasure Tuesday my most favorite Christmas find🎄honestly!

Third: Check tasks/events AM

This looks and sounds easy and it really is because no one knows your life better than you. You have control to decide what’s happening and how you will handle it in your daily life.

There are so many planners available shopping on line or different retail stores like an office store http://staples.com

Through the years I have tried so many different types. I have found a compact one http://katiedaisy.com works best because I can just slip it in my purse or backpack. It is not bulky but there is still lots of writing space.

Because I am a visual person I love the design color and beautiful art work. I have been using Katie’s planner for three years now and I am in love.

I prefer planners that have a full month calendar on one page or two. Also I like the week to be on two pages enough room for my weekly notes. Speaking of notes if it has note section as well that is super.

A pocket in the front or back would be great. An elastic band to hold it closed so l don’t lose any important papers is something I prefer as well.

Okay friends now look for something that will work best for you and your lifestyle. If you would like to chat or have any questions or comments send them along. I would be more than happy to help.

Tomorrow is the day before New Year’s Eve I will be sharing some of my favorite dishes on the episode “Foodie Fun Friday”Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Best Regards Dana

Three Easy Steps that will help.

Hello and happy Wednesday! I am so glad you stopped by to chat.

Okay so here’s my question… Is your Christmas tree still hanging around? For the record mine is too but I’m wanting to start taking decorations down and have them gone for the new year. I am ready to start. Here are three easy steps to help you put away your decor.

Step One: I literally start purging. Don’t get me wrong no sentiment treasures absolutely not they stay always. I asked myself is this really needed do I love it or I won’t even miss it then it goes in the donation pile.

I contemplate my decor as I am enjoying the holiday how much joy it has brought to my home. So already I am making a mental note for my plan of action. If someone makes a comment about how much they love the piece there is my confirmation and it stays.

Step Two: I start my collection of donations to even give it further thought so I won’t be sorry. Been there done that and I was not a happy camper. I want to be sure I am making the right decision. I also think about who would be blessed if I pass it on to someone else? I know there are so many people out there who are in need and if I can help I want to. This reminds me of my mothers beautiful coat I acquired after her passing. I loved it and worn it often. One day in church there was a homeless woman who looked so cold I couldn’t help but think she is the perfect person. I loved my mother’s coat but I knew Mom would want me to pass it on. My sweet friend Matilda loved it and enjoyed it for many years.

Step Three: As I start packing up the holiday decor I label all the boxes and bags and store them according to the rooms ex: living room kitchen etc another step that streamlines and keeps it organized for next year. I always try to make it as easiest and enjoyable as possible.

Did I tell you I live in an old cottage with no closet space. This is a huge challenge. What’s a girls to do who loves home décor decorating designing and styling. I finally made space in my office closet and created a studio in the basement for some my seasonal pieces. I have my farmhouse table there and other storage shelves that help me keep organized. I know I probably sound like geek but what’s important is I have found something that works. I am constantly tweaking it for more useful space. I remember reading that you cannot organize junk. That’s why it is important to purge first and constantly keep on top of it. The biggest rule: for every piece you bring in something has to go… donate it or give it to a friend or someone you know can use it. My friend has a cottage up north I am constantly asking her if she would like some wicker. We love the joy it gives to both of us. I am helping her decorate her cottage and she loves the warm cozies from each new piece.

Dear friends I hope these three easy steps have been very helpful. Please message me if you have any questions or you would just like to chat. Seriously I am here to help and appreciate any thoughts or comments you may have.

I will be sharing my office and studio on my next post I hope you come back to visit.

Best Regards Dana

I like to shop I really do so when opportunity comes along to find a bargain I am on board no matter what or where retail at Homegoods http://homegoods.com TJMaxx http://tjmaxx.com. Targets http://target.com all of the above and so many more.

You see I love to save money actually any way possible and if that means buying second hand why not at lease it doesn’t go in the land fill right and the money goes for a good cause like Second Hand Rose. The proceeds goes for battered women and children. The Salvation Army http://salvationarmy.com helps to rehabilitate people on drugs etc. We all know Salvation Army is nation wide helping families who are need of food clothing family and job assistance. So friends if we can help each other by helping others I am all for this and I know you are too.

Thrifting can be a wonderful adventure especially for the Holidays… you just never know what treasures you may find!

This set was new (never use) still in a brand new beautiful gift box.

12 days of Christmas a beautiful 12 piece set of dishes. by Williams-Sonoma

http://williams-sonoma.com

What is it about thrifting that makes it so much fun? It really is about the adventure. You just never know what you may find and this time it was perfect for the Holidays.

If you are every looking for a fun shopping adventure just maybe thrift shopping is for you. I would love to hear if you a thrifter. Do you have any favorite finds.

Happy shopping 🛍️ friends

Best regards Dana

Thrift Treasure Tuesday my most favorite Christmas find🎄honestly!

I am still celebrating this most wonderful time of the year. Actually we are having a Christmas dinner today with an expanded menu from yesterday. If you read my last post you can read about the Christmas fixings.

What are you doing today shopping the bargains or just relaxing? Enjoy this beautiful time savor it because soon we will be back to work and beginning the new year.

But here’s a thought I’ve been thinking about with the New Year coming. I know it’s a little early but let’s just say it anyways. I like to purchase new calendars and planners around this time of the year if not sooner. I am a planner junkie! Honestly I love to spy them all sometimes I even buy more than one or two. I know that is a big “no no” in the planner world of organization but I can’t help myself . I love them all. I will be posting some of my favorites so you can see my style. My criteria is quite picky but it works for me.

I also like to start thinking about goals too. Can’t wait to share my most recent goals for 2023!

Come back soon for a peak at my planners and desk calendars as well

Happy day sweet friends❤️

Best Regards Dana

Merry Marvelous Monday to you one and all!

Dear friends

It is so Christmas here in Michigan actually a white one and burr cold but we are cozy warm inside with the feels of twinkling lights everywhere the aroma of Christmas potpourri simmering on the stove last minute cookies baking in the oven with joyous smells. The pineapple ham glazed with Vernon’s (Michigan original) topped with brown sugar glaze and the family’s favorite Stouffer’s Mac and Cheese http://stouffer’s.com cream corn muffin casserole http://jiffy’s.com okay so the menu is endless like sausage and sauerkraut top with a can of any beer sealing and completely all the flavors. And of course delicious desserts and on and on

🎄Merry 🎄 Christmas 🎄 May it be a beautiful blessed day for you your family and friends

Best Regards Dana

Today is a decor day. The elves and I had a really fun time decorating the toy shop.

How about this delightful sign I found it at one my favorite store http://target.com honestly I think this was my inspiration piece that started it all. I loved it so much I knew I had to have it but I no idea what I was going to do with it *(when you find something you love buy it have no regrets) Then I walked by the kitchen closet OMG a perfect place for toys the elf shop was created.

When a brilliant idea strikes I find it invigorating I can’t wait to get started. Because I am a vintage person and absolutely love old things I could wait to get to the thrift stores and begin the big project. I decided because it was Christmas toys 🧸 would be a great place to start.

So friends this is how I styled all my thrift finds for my cozy Christmas closet / toy 🧸 shop.

And it’s finished… not really I’ll definitely be changing it (restyling) again.

I am thrilled you stopped by I look forward to seeing you soon

Best Regards Dana

I am loving spending these Marvelous Mondays with you but with Christmas coming so soon now it’s getting to be the Merriest season ever!

The Merriest Christmas vibes are filling up every room in the house even a closet that becomes Santa’s magical elf workshop.

The closet was a coat room in it’s early cottage days. When the elves are off duty for the year it becomes a cozy mini book library. But now that Christmas is in the air and all hands are on deck with lots of toys and stuffed animals and more like a special Christmas tree. Are you loving it I know I do and oh by the the elves are rocking as we speak.

Would you like to do this DIY somewhere in your home. You can too! Firstly find a small room a closet even a cozy corner. Honestly when I got the idea I couldn’t wait to get it started. Somethings I already had. The rest I started shopping everywhere http://target.com

http://hobbylobby.com http://walmart.com and don’t forget those thrift stores like http://salvationarmy.com

The closet now under new construction will be revealed in the next episode (tomorrow)

It was nice to have you here. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow for the newest toy room update.

Best Regards. Dana

The joy of the Season continues spreading joy and happiness to all

It truly does bring me joy every time I watch the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” especially now at Christmas.

Just wondering have you every seen the Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” But guess what it doesn’t have to be Christmas to watch it rent it buy it but make sure you watch Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey Donna Reed as Mary and Clarence the angel.

So friends today is different I wanted to share with you the joy of Christmas. The message for all of us to experience. The most wonderful time of the year. But even better my confirmation for this post came when the priest at church literally talked about George Bailey it was such a convincing homily that I needed to share it today with you all my readers.

I truly welcome your feedback on this post the movie and of course on George Bailey.

Thank you for stopping by I look forward to seeing you soon.

Best Regards Dana