Kadinlara Ozel - Home Decor Projects and Organic Modern Living

The Procrastinator’s Guide to 2019’s Coolest Calendars & Planners

Happy New Year! Now that 2019 is here, I wanted to share a selection of standout calendars and planners to help you stay organized. It might feel a bit late to talk about planning, but I usually don’t start mapping out the year until it actually begins. (The one exception is the Stendig calendar I buy each holiday season — it tends to sell out if I wait.)

If you enjoy laying out goals, dreams, and day-to-day to-dos, this curated roundup should be helpful. Below are 16 of my favorite 2019 calendars and planners, including unique finds from Etsy and small independent shops.

Before Hayes was born, we traveled constantly — nearly every month for an entire year during our “12 trips in 12 months” project and frequently before and after that. We slowed down a bit around the time Hayes arrived, taking just a few short trips in his first six months to visit family in New … Read more

Modern Studio Makeover: DIY Seating and Storage Before & After

I’ve been slowly progressing through studio renovations, and the biggest change so far is finally complete: built-in shelving and seating. That might not sound dramatic at first, but I promise it’s more exciting than it seems. This project yielded colorful, modern, DIY-friendly built-ins that offer a ton of storage and integrated seating. I’m thrilled to … Read more

Homemade Crispy Baked Potato Chips Recipe

I’ve been making an effort to prepare more simple meals and snacks at home, beyond ice cream and baked treats. Lately I’ve been testing savory recipes I really love, and one of my favorites is homemade baked potato chips. This version uses a variety of potatoes—sweet potatoes, red potatoes, purple potatoes, and yellow potatoes—for color, texture, and flavor.

These oven-baked chips are tastier and healthier than many store-bought options, and they’re incredibly easy to make. They require only a few minutes of prep before going into the oven to bake to crisp perfection.

If you want to upgrade your afternoon snacks, try this baked potato chip recipe. You’ll enjoy the crunch and real potato flavor. If you like dips, I include two quick sauces that pair perfectly: a garlic dill sauce and a sriracha mayo.

Preparing for Waffle Day next week with bite-sized red velvet waffles dipped in a classic donut glaze—because Mondays are tougher and anything glazed helps make them sweeter. Who’s ready? Ingredients Waffles – 2 cups all-purpose flour – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons cocoa powder – 2 teaspoons baking powder – 1 teaspoon salt … Read more

6 Weekend DIY Projects You Can Complete in a Day

I’ve been working on a few DIY projects throughout the week behind the scenes, and I wanted to share some of my favorites for weekend inspiration. These ideas are simple, creative, and perfect for carving out a few hours of hands-on time. This weekend I’ll be juggling work and a little downtime—on Monday morning I’m … Read more

8 Weekend DIY Projects You Can Finish in a Day

This weekend, Jeff and I are planning to start packing up around the house since we’re moving, and we might even transport a few items to the studio that definitely won’t fit in our new place. We still have a couple of weeks before the move, so we’re trying to get a head start. Lots to do, but it’s exciting.

If you have a bit more free time—enough to tackle a DIY project or two—I’ve rounded up several creative ideas for you. This list includes a variety of projects, from furniture makeovers to easy decor crafts and simple recipes. Click through the links in each item for full instructions and inspiration.

I’m fully into plants for our new place—plants really do make everything better. I recently read a piece suggesting that women who live surrounded by plants may enjoy longer lives, so bringing a bit of jungalow style into the home feels like a smart, joyful move. Below I’ve gathered 16 planters I love to make … Read more

New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas for Going Out or Staying In

The countdown to Christmas is well underway, but I often get so wrapped up in holiday preparations that I forget to share ideas for New Year’s Eve. Even though most years my partner and I end up doing nothing special—planning to go out and ultimately staying in with takeout—I know many people like to celebrate … Read more

DIY Mini Flower Bouquet for $2: Step-by-Step Budget Guide

A tiny flower bouquet to brighten someone’s day! I love making small bouquets like this as a thoughtful gift for a friend, a simple thank-you, or even to pop a special question—like “Will you be my bridesmaid?” This bouquet hides a secret message. Whether you’re planning a wedding or want an adorable, miniature floral gift, … Read more