When it comes to interior decorating, I am all about making the living space feel as comfortable and homey as possible. Despite my love for modern furniture and glam decorating, I still want warm colors, photos of family and friends, and seasonal smelly candles (pumpkin spice…mmmmm) around to remind me of home.

After all, moving to the big city (NYC!!) from Georgia was definitely a change. I went from sweet southern porches to a 5th floor walk up above a dingy pizza shop…and I absolutely love it.

But despite my utter obsession with this city, my new mostly black wardrobe, and my sudden fondness for cosmopolitans and the closest Duane Reade, I can’t forget my Georgia roots. Home is where the heart is after all. So in an ode to my hometown (and my thinning wallet), I crafted an easy and inexpensive art piece to spruce up my current home and remind me of my former home.

It’s fun, it’s personal and it’s cute. And if you don’t need wall art of your own, this makes the perfect gift for homecomings, housewarmings, and holidays (it is almost Christmas… YIPPEEE!). Read More »

Candy canes are a highlight of the holiday season, and chocolate is the highlight of life, so why not put these two together in a delicious holiday creation? Below is a simple recipe for one of my favorite holiday treats: Peppermint Bark.

It is tasty enough to eat all year round, yet easy enough to whip up for tonight’s family dinner. So, get to it!

What you’ll need:

-Candy canes

-White chocolate (many specialty stores and grocery stores will carry chocolate in large chunks. If not, chips work fine. I prefer to use Godiva chocolate…cuz I’m a baller.)

-Milk chocolate

-A double boiler (this is because when melted in a regular pan, chocolate will burn. If you don’t have a double boiler, fill one pan with water to boil and rest an equal-sized pan on top to put the chocolate in.)

-Freezer paper or regular wax paper

-Cookie Sheet Read More »

Remember the days that you could glue pasta onto a piece of paper and call it a Christmas present for Mom and Dad? Those days are long gone, and choosing gifts for parents has become harder than ever. Not only do they always tell you, “I don’t really need anything,” when you want some answers, but you’re a student, and by Christmas that generally means you’re broke.

And, um, you only have a week left! Let us help:

Tips before you buy

-If you can make something your parents will appreciate, go for it. If you’re an art student, consider making a one-of-a-kind piece for your parents; it’s cheap and shows you are putting your education to good use.

-Before you go shopping, set a budget. Decide how much you want to spend on each parent and stick to it. Chances are your budget isn’t going to be very high, so if you want to splurge a bit, consider combining resources with your siblings. Not only will you have more money to work with, but your parents will appreciate that you are mature enough to cooperate.

-If your parents are together, consider buying one gift for both them. It can be something they can enjoy together, and you can either save money or get a more meaningful gift. Read More »