Don’t get it twisted, tea towels are the handiest kitchen must have around.

Tea towels are one of those ubiquitous must-haves in the kitchen that most of us probably don’t think about until we need one, but tea towels are the workhorses of the kitchen. Not only can they be used to dry dishes, but they also have a multitude of uses in the kitchen.

• Cleaning up spills
• Covering rising dough
• Lining baskets filled with bread or fruit
• Teapot cozy
• Potholders
• Absorbent surface for drying greens
• Apron stand in
• Keep mixing bowls steady and cutting boards from sliding

In addition, tea towels may not seem that sexy, but they are a critical part in controlling the havoc that paper towels and other throwaway paper products exact on our environment. Reusable towels are a cost-effective way to deal with spills and kitchen cleanup. It’s also possible to find towels made from eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, linen, and bamboo.

Tea towels also make awesome host or housewarming gifts as evidenced by the aforementioned usefulness, but they also easily personalized to your giftees decor and/or interests. Believe it or not, it’s possible to find towels decorated with everything from hand-embroidered flowers to screen printed song lyrics.

Whether you are in the market for some more tea towels, or need some onhand housewarming and host gifts, read on to discover some fun tea towels.

Fun & Eco-friendly Tea Towels

1. Cat Tea Towel

Pay attention cat people, here is a towel just for you. Made from organic cotton and screenprinted with eco-friendly inks.

2. Shop Local

This towel offers a  reminder to shop local and support your local farmers and businesses. Keep it your hood.

3. Linen Towels

For simplicity’s sake, consider using plain linen towels. Linen fabric is made from flax and is an eco-friendly alternative to other types of textiles.

4. Kitchen Conversion Towel

It’s already a well-established fact that kitchen towels are handy, but this towel takes the cake. It features all sorts of recipe conversions, like dry and liquid measurements, temperature conversions, and more.

5. Etiquette Towel

In the same vein, this towel breaks down some of the most important rules of etiquette. This just might be a good gift for the passive-aggressive among you.

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Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to to be a corporate holiday. Give your Valentine the gift of homemade this year and leave the mass-consumerism out of it.

While advertisers might have you believe that Valentine’s Day is all about commercialism, showing your love on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a thing. With a little creativity and planning, you can wow your Valentine with one (or all of these) low-cost or free ideas.

7 Wallet and Planet-Friendly Valentine Ideas

1. Handmade Caramels

Making homemade caramel is easier than you might think, but it’s super impressive. And if your love is vegan, here is a recipe–extra points if you dip them in vegan, free-trade dark chocolate.

2. Homemade Dinner

What’s better than having someone make you dinner? Show your loved one just how much you care by making a tasty dinner and serve it by candlelight. If you don’t have confidence in your cooking skills, consider signing up for one of those meal services that can help make cooking a snap.

3. Breakfast in Bed

By the same token, serving up breakfast in bed is a fantastic way to show just how much your partner means to you. Score bonus points for making homemade scones and brewing up some tasty fair-trade pour over coffee.

4. Heart Garland

Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” than an arts and crafts project. With a little glue, yarn, paint, and junk mail you can make a festive heart garland for your special valentine.

5. Valentine Playlist

Back in the day, the kids would make mixtapes to send a love message to their main squeeze. Nowadays, streaming music makes that process a lot simpler, but the sentiment is just the same. Of course, if you still have a cassette tape around, knock yourself out.

6. Love Note Scavenger Note

Want to impress your Valentine? Plan a scavenger hunt complete with love note clues and the prize being a nice bottle of wine, a hot bath with flower petals, and/or some “Netflix and Chill.”

7. Homemade Bath & Body

And if you are planning on making a hot bath for your love, why not try your hand at making homemade bath bombs, shave gel, or body oil spray?

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Life is too short and we spend too much time at work to have a boring desk. Deskorate your workspace with these fun office decor finds.

While other countries have seemed to master the 30-hour work week, the 40-hour work week (or more) is still the norm in the United States. Whether you have a sitting or standing desk, that’s a lot of time to be surrounded by plain old cubicle walls. You take the time to create a welcoming space at home, why not add some office decor to kick your things up a notch at work? Your workspace can feel a little more like your home away from home with the addition of some fun office decor.

Fun Office Decor

1. Terrarium Kit

Not only is a succulent terrarium a great way to add some greenery to your desk, you can DIY with this fun kit.

2. Desk Light Bulb Lamp

One way to add a bit of ambiance is with light. While your employer might frown on the use of candles, no one could issue with this vintage-style USB bulk lamp as fun and functional office decor.

3. USB Mini Lights

Mini string lights are another way to make your desk feel a little more personal and chill.

4. Cork Globe

Form and function are combined in this cork globe. Daydream about traveling the world while pinning up reminder notes about tomorrow’s staff meeting.

5. Bear Letter Organizer

Display your love of the wild and stay organized with this wire bear letter or filer holder.

6. Light Box Daily Inspirational Sign

Have a little bit of fun and share some daily inspiration with your coworkers with this lighted sign.

7. Suspension Bridge Bookends

Who says all those binders on your desk can’t be held up with these cool architectural bookends?

8. Desk Organizer

The office world is made of too much plastic, particle board, and fluorescent lighting. Add something made from the natural world to changes things up a bit.

9. Ceramic Desk Organizer

How cute is this ceramic bowl and notepad holder? They are perfect for holding push pins, paper clips, and other ephemera of the office world.

10. Walnut Speakers

Listen to NPR, or your latest daily mix from Spotify, with these super cool looking computer speakers.

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Whether your decorating style could be described as classic, cottage, eclectic, modern, or what have you, decorating with stripes fits all tastes.

Many think of decorating with stripes as only appropriate for homes that could be called classic, or preppy, but that’s much too limiting for all the possibilities with this pattern. Decorating with stripes is more than just classic navy and white nautical stripes; although, there is nothing wrong with that if that fits with your style. Stripes are a bold pattern that lends itself nicely to a variety of treatments. Stripes are a perfect pattern for making a statement and work nicely mixed with other patterns like floral, chevron, dots, and more. Stripes can be a great way to add color (like rainbow stripes), or use a monochromatic palette (like black and white) for a more neutral approach.

Decorating with Stripes

Furniture

One easy way to add stripes to a room is with furniture. Fabric-covered chairs or sofas can turn a room from drab to fab. You can even redo an older chair or sofa in striped fabric yourself for a less expensive and more eco-friendly approach. Speaking of DIY, you can add stripes to a much-loved coffee or side table with painters’ tape and paint. Here is a tutorial, if you need a little inspiration to get you started.

Walls

For a more permanent treatment, adding stripes with paint or wallpaper is another way to go. One thing to watch out for is the scale of your stripes to your room. The general rule of thumb is the larger your room, the wider your stripes should be. The other tip to consider is making sure that the stripes don’t take over the room. To that end, try adding stripes to one wall for an accent. If you need a little know-how, the DIY Network is a good place to look for tutorials on how to paint stripes.

Rugs, Curtains, and Textiles

If you don’t own your own space, chances are you aren’t going to be redecorating with paint or wallpaper. Don’t get discouraged, though. It is super easy to add your favorite pattern just by switching up your rug or with new curtains or blinds. You can get quite a bit of drama from a boldly-striped rug or curtains. And if you want to try a bit of DIY, take a look at this tutorial for adding pattern to plain curtains with sharpie markers!

Smaller Touches

Don’t worry if your budget is on the smaller size. Decorating with stripes can be as simple as adding those smaller touches that make a room a home. Accessories like throw pillows, afghans and throws, knickknacks and vases, wall art, lampshades, floor pillows and poufs, and more are all a great way to add whatever the latest color or pattern that you are crazy about. Check out this tutorial for adding stripes to a plain lampshade.

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Being a crazy lady, or a crazy cat dude, does not mean you need to sacrifice style. It is possible to live with cats and also have chic home decor.

As much as some people might think, it is possible to have nice things and live with feline roommates. Having nice things and living with either children or dogs, well that’s another story. Cats, on the other hand, are made to live in style. Feline companions can actually contribute quite a bit towards making chic home decor possible, in my humble opinion.

The key is to combine your love of chic home decor and cats in one. For example, furniture that serves double-duty for humans and cats alike or really uniquely designed cat products fit the bill. Don’t believe me? Read on to be convinced that cats and chic home decor are possible for every crazy cat lover out there.

7 Home Decor Solutions for Cat Lovers

1. Cozy Cat Hideout and Scratcher

This fun scratcher and bed is a super cute way to keep both you and your kitty happy. It’s suitable for felines, but unobtrusive enough to not stick out in your living spaces.

2. Cat Table

With this cleverly designed table, cat spaces and human spaces are all in one. You know the cat is going to be on the coffee table anyway, why not make it a welcoming space?

3. Modular Cathouse

Cats love heights and us cat owners love pet furniture that doesn’t necessarily look like pet furniture. This solves both of those desires in one.

4. Retro Cat Bed/Ottoman

This multi-purpose furniture piece can be used as an ottoman, a side table, a pet bed, or all of the above. The best part is it doesn’t look like it’s a pet bed at all!

5. Cat Friendly Bookcase

This bookcase is designed with both cats and books in mind. And just maybe your cat will love it enough to not knock your books off the shelf!

6. Cat Hammock Coffee Table

While this coffee table with wicker cat hammock is quite pricing and requires shipping from Japan, you could DIY up something similar for a unique hanging out spot for your cat.

7. Mid-century Modern Cat Litter Cabinet

One of the challenges for every cat love is the litter box–especially those who live in smaller spaces. This cool cabinet stylishly solves the problem of where to hide the litter box.

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Forget HGTV, turn to the interwebs for your home decor porn. Here are some picks of the hottest (coolest?) home decor Instagram accounts that are just crushing it.

Some of us like to do, and some of us like to watch other people do and that is exactly the reason why social media exists. I really don’t feel the need to make my home all bougie and nice. Instead, I decorate the way humans have been decorating for millennia–with stuff that someone else has gotten rid of–and I leave the real decorating to the pros. And in this day and age, the pros are on Instagram and I love to see what’s the latest they have come up with.

Seriously, checking out home decor Instagram accounts is what I do while trying to look busy on my phone. Home decor Instagramming is only second to the time I spend checking out all the cute pets on Instagram. And if you still reading this, I am betting that you spend a fair amount of time on checking out home decor Instagram accounts too.

Home Decor Instagrammers Doing It in Style

1.

working on the bedroom makeover today and making progress. added this vintage church lamp. crazy me.

A post shared by Victoria Smith (@sfgirlbybay) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:34pm PST

Now living in Los Angeles, Victoria Smith is @sfgirlbybay and is a photo stylist, content creator, and photographer. I have been following her before Instagram was even a thing.

2.

one of my favorite items from the designlovefest furniture line is this sweet little settee. it comes in different patterns too (actually all of our furniture have a few color options!) it adds a bit of pattern and personality into the room. available online only at @target (link in profile!) they are made to order and made in america. #dlftarget

A post shared by bri emery / designlovefest (@designlovefest) on Jan 11, 2018 at 10:25am PST

Bri Emery is @designlovefest and another home decor style icon I have long been keeping up with. She is a creative director, product designer, blogger and has a product line at Target.

3.

??All my moody neutral interiors dreams come true. . . . . #minimalism #minimaliststyle #ckstyleaccordingly #flashesofdelight #clementinedaily #myoklstyle #mydomaine #myhousebeautiful #abmathome #vscocam #dslooking #sodomino #pursuepretty #thehappynow #thatsdarling #darlingweekend #mytinyatlas #beautifuldestinations #cmycalifornia #sharewheretofindme #melroseplace #theapartmentbytheline #interiordesign #whplinemeetscorner #whpmyoasis

A post shared by Anne Sage (@citysage) on Nov 9, 2017 at 9:26am PST

If minimalism is your thing, make sure to follow Anne Sage–another mainstay of my home decor looky-looing, as well as a blogger, stylist, and author–@citysage.

4.

Today on the blog we are back with our “How to Add Character to Basic Architecture” series, and this time we are talking ceilings. If it’s time for you to give some much needed love to that space over your head then hop on over to the blog for our favorite ideas and tutorials. ? @tessaneustadt for EHD

A post shared by Emily Henderson (@em_henderson) on Jan 9, 2018 at 8:07am PST

A newer follow for me is Emily Henderson, who is a stylist, author, blogger, and is also an ‘HGTV Design Star” winner.

5.

One of my favorite bedroom designs to date…these vintage lamps are makin all my NOLA design dreams come true ??| designed for @sonderstays | ?: @jmarquephoto

A post shared by Christina Higham (@sun.soul.style) on Dec 20, 2017 at 8:48am PST

Another more recent Instagram addition for me is Christina Higham, an interior designer from San Francisco. I really like her Californian approach to decorating.

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The most beautiful shipping container ever.

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When fresh produce is at a premium during the winter growing season, take a page from professional chef’s book and grow your own microgreens indoors.

During the winter we all crave fresh produce, but it can be expensive, not to mention eating outside your foodshed to purchase those succulent microgreens for topping avocado toast and soup bowls. Do not despair, you can grow easily grow fresh and healthy microgreens right in the comfort of your own home. All you need is a sunny window and a few simple materials. Depending on which greens you decide to grow, you could end up enjoying microgreens weekly or biweekly.

Step-by-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens Indoors

Materials

• Upcycled Clamshell produce container with lid
• Potting soil
• Seeds (see note below)
• Spray bottle
• Scissors
• Screwdriver or awl
• Hammer

Directions

Step 1. Make some drainage holes in the plastic clamshell container.  Place the container on a safe surface (like an old wooden cutting board). Using an awl or small screwdriver, tap it lightly with the hammer and make 5 or 6 holes in the bottom of the container. These are for water drainage.

Step 2. Add dirt to the container. You can use any potting soil you have on hand— just make sure it is potting soil and not topsoil or something else. Potting soils have the correct nutrient balance for starting seeds and they won’t retain too much water. Fill the container about ¾ of the way full, and tap to level the dirt.

Step 3. Sprinkle the seeds as densely as you can in a single layer across the top of the soil.  You can use seeds for whatever greens you like, such as mustard, mesclun, arugula, kale, herbs, spinach and more. I buy seeds from High Mowing Seeds, which is a great source for organic, non-GMO seeds.

Step 4. Cover the seeds with soil according to the seed package planting depth instructions.

Step 5. Place the container in a sunny window with the lid underneath to catch any water drainage.

Step 6. Water your seeds just until the soil is moist — you don’t want to flood them — and water anytime you see the soil drying out. The best way to water is with a spray bottle.

Step 7. Wait for your seeds to grow! Depending on what you grow, most seeds will germinate in about 3-7 days. Harvest when the seeds get your desired maturity, for most seeds 7 or 10 days is a good rule of thumb.

Step 8. Use scissors to harvest your microgreens and rinse them gently in a small strainer to eat. Enjoy!

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Forget bundling up and trekking out in the cold this winter. Instead, give in to your instincts to hibernate and take the opportunity to try out a few new crafts. And the most efficient way to learn a new craft is to start with craft kits. No trip to the craft store required. Everything you need to learn a new crafty technique can be delivered right to your door!

9 Crafts Kits for Getting Your Craft On!

1. Crochet

If you don’t yet know how to crochet, this Granny Square Blanket craft kit is a great place to start. Each kit includes absolutely everything you’ll need to make a 25 x 31-inch classic granny square blanket, including a full-color instructional booklet that explains it all.

2. Felt Craft

What better way to deal with the winter cold than to make your own felt garden with this pretty Felt Succulents kit. The kit includes enough materials to make 18 beautiful succulent plants for a faux garden.

3. Macrame

We are on a theme here with another plant-themed craft. Learn to macrame with this Macrame Plant Hanger Kit that comes complete with everything you will need to discover the lovely craft of macrame.

4. Crewel Embroidery

Crewel is a type of embroidery that traditionally features wool thread and freestyle stitching. It’s a very pretty form of needlework and lends itself nicely to being learned via a craft kit like this Paisley Blue Whale kit.

5. Polymer Clay

Learn the craft of polymer clay sculpting with this Polymer Clay Pocket Kitchen kit that includes everything you could possibly need for sculpting tiny, adorable, and fake food items.

6. Paint By Number

Do you desire to paint pop culture icons, but don’t really have any painting skills? Never fear. All you need is a kit like this Prince Paint by Number kit.

7. Resist Indigo Dye

This Easy Indigo kit is just what you need to discover the art of tie-dye, shibori dye, vat dye, and resist dye techniques.

8. Rug Hooking

You might have done hook rug crafts as a kid and want to pick it back up. Get reacquainted with this small Rug Hooking kit that comes with all the supplies you could need, including hand-dyed wool pre-cut strips.

9. Loom Weaving

Weaving was another perennial childhood craft, particularly for those who went to summer camp or after-school programs. Whether new to you or not, weave your own tapestry with this Weaving kit that even includes a small loom.

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