Category Archives: Home

Last Minute Shopping Tips for the Last Minute Shopper

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Image courtesy of A Christmas Stocking Stock Photo by Mister GC, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of A Christmas Stocking Stock Photo by Mister GC, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Believe it or not, there’s still time to have Christmas presents shipped by Christmas Eve. With the proliferation of online retailers (and their awesome fast, free shipping) and department store extended hours, last minute shopping has never been easier. Even still, a last minute shopper needs to be armed with a plan to get their shopping done without a hitch.

I do most of my shopping online, but also hit up stores like Ross, Target and thrift stores, which still requires some organization. Last minute shoppers tend to overspend, so here are some tips to help stick to a budget and to maintain your sanity:

  • Plan ahead. Even last minute shoppers can benefit from creating and executing a plan. It’s probably even more critical for the last minute shopper to have a plan as time is of the essence.
  • Get 3×5 index cards and label each with one with the person or pet you are purchasing gifts for. List the gifts you want to get each person on their index card and stick to the plan. If you are a spontaneous shopper, leave one space on each card for the on the fly gift. Tally the cost of each gift and note the total at the end of the index card. Do not overextend your time or money by deviating from what’s listed on the index card. I also recommend not feeling compelled to start a second index card – all gifts for one person should fit on the index card easily. I’ve tried this tip this year and it is working beautifully as I can visually see what I need to get and assures me I am sticking to my budget.
  • Buy the online gifts first, as you want to ensure there is enough time for the gifts to get to you by Christmas Eve. Be sure to double check the deliver by date (not to be confused by the ship by date). Check out Amazon and Target for some guaranteed free, timely shipping. Also, if possible, use site to store options if you are right upon Christmas Eve.
  • Plan to go to the stores with your index cards, patience, and good cheer. Eat before you go and make sure you have a plan. Going aimlessly from store to store, rack to rack will surely tire you and there’s the risk of buying more gifts than is necessary or desired.
  • Stick to your plan.

The early bird does not always catch the best deals. Black Friday shoppers may get their shopping done early, but they are not always scoring the best deals. There are still many deals that surpass Black Friday savings. Many of the gifts I wanted to purchase are cheaper now than on the days immediately following Thanksgiving.

I wish you lots of good deals, good cheer and peace this holiday season. Next time someone tries to guilt trip you for waiting until the last minute to shop, simply smile and say, “I got this.”

~Your Curator of All Things Abundant, Kimberly Jo Cooley

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Bohemian Late Summer Décor by Etsy.com

Posted in Home, Style by
Image courtesy of Summer Text On The Beach by hin255 from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/.

Image courtesy of Summer Text On The Beach by hin255 from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/.

There’s magic when summer and bohemian décor meet – nostalgic, romantic, whimsical, memories of the Age of Aquarius and prayers for a New Dawn. In honor of summer and all free spirited souls, we look to bohemian inspiration for ways to keep the summer experience going all year long.

Etsy.com sellers capture the imagination with their bohemian wares, adding a touch of whimsy to your home and even your automobile. Curated items for the gypsy spirit in all of us below:

Boho tent teepee (you know you want one, too!). Sold by HippieWild, $380.00. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/239145761/.

Spiritual Gangster Sign. Sold by HollyWoodTwine, $29.99. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/235693860/.

Multi Coloured Bohemian Ceramic Coasters, set of 4. Sold by ShopCrystalCove, $17.62. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/234118445/.

Bohemian Auto Jewelry. Sold by BohoCircus, $12.95. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/227114278/.

Customized Dreamcatcher. Sold from ICatchUrDream, $50.00. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/204999670/.

Wall Decal Headboard. Sold by gLaMaPeeL, $85.00. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/230345416/.

Bohemian Kantha Pillow. Sold by BohoCircus, $89.00. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/230127240/.

World Map Decal Be Fearless…Sold by PulpKitchenGraffiti, $25.00+. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/234009854/.

~Your Curator of All Things Bohemian Spirited, Kimberly Jo Cooley

That Cali Life…

Posted in Fashion, Home, Style by
Image courtesy of porbital, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of porbital, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

There’s something magical about being in California – there’s an air of adventure, wonderment, and beauty that envelops the daydreams of natives and visitors alike.

I hail from beautiful Northern California and my passion for my state is unabashed and free flowing. My “California Love” Pinterest Board has hundreds of photos https://www.pinterest.com/syryn22/california-love/.

The ever present sunshine, an abundant array of cultures, great food, and awesome views, California captures the imagination, as we know there are countless songs that sing the praises of this great state. I can drive to San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. I can dip my toes in icy Lake Tahoe. I can hike in Gold Country or in the massive Redwood Groves of the North Coast (my absolute favorite thing to do). I can chill in at a tucked away jazz club, while I sip an espresso in our college towns.

Etsy has a Californian-whimsical-anything-sells-and-goes feel, just like our street vendors who reign our city and towns’ streets.

Those who dare to live in California, know there’s no other place like it.

So, it’s no wonder there’s an affinity to create clothing and home décor that represents this great, beautifully diverse and alluring state. Even the curve of our borders oozes wild sex appeal! Here’s some California inspiration from our vendors from Etsy.com:

Etsy seller: PaperFinchDesign. California print, $12.

Etsy seller WoodKeeps. California Dreamin’ Wood Coasters, $34.50.

Etsy seller WeLoveCalifornia. California Grown Globe Zip Up Sweatshirt, $34.

Etsy Seller WeLoveCalifornia. Gold CA Love Necklace, $34.

Etsy seller MonkandHoney. California coffee table and bench, $900+. Ships from Fullerton, California.

Etsy seller CaliforniaRustic. California Flag Hat Rack, $66.

Etsy seller thePathLessTraveled. California silhouette luggage tags, $3.90.

~Your Curator of All Things Californian, Kimberly Jo Cooley

The 3 Decorating Words I Live By

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My 3 decorating words I live by: bohemian, textures, colors. What are your 3 decorating words you live by?

September Four Interiors

3 decorating words i live by

Just like growing up and figuring out what you want to do with your life, it takes some time to develop a decorating style. It’s easy to go to a furniture store and buy a set — lamps included– but it takes a little bit more forethought to put something together that’s collected, showcases your personality and is functional to your lifestyle.

There are three words that sum up my decorating style and makes it easier for me to add things to my home that will fit. When I’m shopping or DIY-ing something, whatever I come up with will usually fit one of these three categories.

Simple

decorstyle2

I don’t like a lot of clutter or things that are fussy. Simple to me means clean lines, neutral colors and classic silhouettes. I have had the same lamps for years. Their shape is simple and they can be updated with a new…

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How to Redecorate with No Money

Posted in Home by

Great tips on redecorating with items already in your possession and for small, budget friendly ways to spruce up a piece of furniture. Thanks Home For Now!

September Four Interiors

howtoredecoratewithnomoney

I know a lot of what stopped me from decorating our house in the past was the fact that a decorating budget just did not exist. I remember when we moved to Florida (from Philadelphia where I did zero decorating) my mom gave me a set of four frames. I was so excited that I immediately put some family pictures in them and hung them on the wall.

And honestly — that’s where I got bit by the decorating bug. I had always loved making things pretty — but I thought it took a ton of cash to get the look I wanted. But those free frames started the wheels turning in my head. I looked around for other free things that I could make into something beautiful.

Over the years — I’ve figured out ways to decorate our home with little to no money. Trust me it’s very possible.

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Inspiration Succulent

Posted in Fashion, Home, Inspiration, Style by

Succulents are my favorite plants. This succulent collection started eight years ago. I remember when the cactus was tiny and there was a one inch succulent plant. Now, the succulents are taking over!

Succulents’ geometric shapes and varied colors lends itself to inspiration for art, style and home décor. Below is a curated selection of fashion accessories for you and home, all from etsy.com:

Red Sempivervums necklace by SucculentsNJewels, $10. From Etsy.com.

Handmade and custom Succulent Unique minimalist green and red necklace, $38. On Etsy.com

Turquoise botanical succulent cotton and burlap pillow cover, $35. Etsy.com

Succulent women’s t-shirt, $26. Etsy.com

Succulent tote bag, various sizes, starting at $28. Etsy.com

Heather gray cinch waist, succulent tunic, $45. Etsy.com

Forest Green Long Jersey Succulent Extra Long Scarf, $22. Etsy.com.

Screenprinted pink clutch with succulent garden pattern, $32. Etsy.com.

~Your Curator of All Things Succulent, Kimberly Jo Cooley 😉

Eclectic Rhapsody

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Hand painted votive candle holders, $10. https://www.etsy.com/listing/150167314/moroccan-wedding-votive-holder-with?ref=related-1

Eclectic is bohemian’s quirky cousin in décor. Check out these eclectic home accessories from Etsy.com:

Pink and red handmade garland is a nice, eclectic touch, $22. https://www.etsy.com/listing/175213928

Vintage Beige Western Electric Rotary Phone, $35. https://www.etsy.com/listing/169312077

Decorative Slab of Wood, $25. Great for the coffee table. https://www.etsy.com/listing/184671721

Distressed wood serving tray, $40. https://www.etsy.com/listing/185773748

Mustard Yellow Burlap Wreath, $50. Ohhh, I want this for my front door! https://www.etsy.com/listing

Eclectic Inspirational Ceramic Wall Sign, $25. Great housewarming gift. https://www.etsy.com/listing/176692912

~Your Curator of all Things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

 

Everything’s Coming Up Roses!

Posted in Home, Inspiration by

Spring time roses in my backyard – so pretty!

Red roses blossoming in my backyard.

This week, we will be exploring deliberate creation, in conjunction with allowing, to manifest what we want. We will kick off this deliberate creation series with an area of my life that I have little resistance in creating – my work life.

The photos of the roses above demonstrate the ease and balance of deliberate creation and allowing. A seed was once planted – deliberate creation – and the seed was allowed to grow. Below is my diary entry where I made the decision to deliberately create and allow a glorious work day. As we move into the series, I will discuss what deliberate creation is and how to manifest using it.

Thursday, May 1, 2014:

I woke up grateful and ready for the start of the day. I declared it was going to be a great day, full of surprises and it was! I arrive at work and my manager sent an email to our team, informing that I won two arbitrations that I wasn’t sure I was going to win. Then, I got the big news of my arbitration career. I filed arbitration to recover $175,000 on a claim against a certain huge insurance company (the one with the cute, little gecko). In the world of insurance claims, this was huge and I broke a record on the most recovered in one claim through arbitration.

It felt like a long shot to prevail in the $175,000 case and to win was huge! I jumped and laughed out loud. We high fived and I celebrated. It was the grace of God and me setting the intention on having an awesome day. But, it didn’t end there. As we were leaving for the day, my manager said she received an email from the same auditor that reamed me in another audit (I discussed the first audit in another blog and it is a compliment to receive an email from an auditor), saying I did a great job on an arbitration filing and that I won that case, too!

All the pieces worked together. I deliberately created an awesome day and allowed the new day to unfold in its own way. Each time I touch a new arbitration filing, I set the intention that only the best outcomes for me will manifest. And, time and time again, it does. I will now practice deliberate creation in other areas of my life where resistance is more dense and prevalent.

~Your Curator of all Things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

The New Dealing with The Old

Posted in Goals, Home, Inspiration, Relationships by
Image courtesy of dexchao, published on 22 August 2013 Stock Photo - image ID: 100196169, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of dexchao, published on 22 August 2013 Stock Photo – image ID: 100196169, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Saturday, April 26, 2014, Value: Keeping It Simple

I cried today. A blubbering, slobbering, and insides raw cry. My husband’s college friend died of a heroin overdose – we thought he was only into pills and had no idea how depressed he really was. April 26th was my husband’s birthday and he was flying out for a funeral. My sixteen year old wants to move four hundred miles away with his vagabond father (can you tell he’s my ex?) and I was dealing with some old feelings in my new self.

I cried because my New Me was dealing with some Old Me stuff. I wanted to veg out to reality TV or go on a shopping spree.

On the way home from dropping off my husband at the airport for his friend’s funeral, I went north on Interstate 5, when I should have gone south. I had to travel miles before I could exit the freeway to turn around. I got lost, and wound up on my way to Redding, when all I wanted was to go home to Sacramento. The New Me didn’t panic, but the Old Me wanted to hurry up and get back on the right track. It felt like forever before I got to an exit to turn around. Much like my careless spending and my excessive television watching – lost, but now I am found, and now I am turning around.

The family (myself included, kicking and screaming) made a decision to cancel the cable subscription. We’d been toying with the idea for a while, as we wanted to have more time for family and my writing. Now, it was a matter of necessity. I am a self-proclaimed television addict. My particular drug of choice is reality shows and investigative murder mysteries. Now, the new life, with the pain of change – was in full effect.

I wrote a list of bills and realized that cutting cable made sense. Some other benefits to eliminating cable was extra time for meditating, reflection, family bonding, getting physically fit, writing and homemaking. Eliminating cable is supporting all of my values. So, when I look at it like that, it’s not so bad after all. I also can pay off my other bills faster by eliminating the huge, monthly three digit cable bill.

I looked at why I kept going through the cycles of paying things completely off and then racking up debt. I also looked at why the Old and New Me liked to watch so much television. I realized these vices were my Old Me’s security blankets. When things went awry in my life, I resorted to shopping and television. There was a void that these two old friends temporarily filled. Now, I found the old vices ill-fitting and not mine to have anymore.

I know from all my spiritual studies that in order to lay down new tracks in life, I have to build over the old ones. I have to be brave and face what I’ve created. Much of what has manifested today is from my yesteryear’s lack mentality and lack of understanding the spiritual being that I am. Now, the New Me knows how to handle  the Old Me. This time with compassion, forgiveness and a new way of being.

I haven’t called the cable company – yet. When I do, my focus will be on all that I will gain from letting go of the lessor as I make room for the greater.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Boho Toss Pillows

Posted in Home by

Want a quick and easy way to bohemify your home? Toss pillows! Here’s a round up of curated bohemian toss pillows from our seller peeps at etsy.com:

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/182960074. 2pc Blue Indian Bohemian Pillow, $25.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/185534500. Purple and Pink Pillows, $29.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/165479345. Appliqued Pillow, $14.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/151093216. Purple throw pillow – metallic gold print on purple denim, bohemian pillow, organic cotton pillow cover, $42.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/183255824. Waverly Paisley Pillow, $38.

~Your Curator of all Things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley