KIDS - Closet Organization!

Here’s some visual motivation to help you best organize your kids’ closets now that the holiday chaos has hopefully ceased!

From Left to Right: BHG.com, Houzz.com, Personalorganizing.about.com, HGTV.com, Projectnursery.com, Gallery.me.com, HGTV.com, Closetorganizationsystems.net, & Affordableclosets.com

Some of my favorite organizational tips from these photos:

• Hang a shoe rack over the door to store stuffed animals, Barbies, toys, or plain old shoes (Photos 1 & 3) 

• Use a mini-coat rack to separately hang outfits/dresses chosen for the next few days (Photo 1) 

• Wallpaper the back wall for a stylish finish (Photo 5) 

• Set aside labeled storage bins, designated shelves, or drawers for frequently used items such as baby blankets, favorite storybooks, balls, stuffed animals, Lego’s, board games, etc. (All Photos) 

• Color coordinate storage items when possible (Photos 3, 4, & 7) 

• Separate clothing by article – pants, short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, skirts, sweaters, shoes, hats, etc. You can also sort by season, size, color, or school clothes vs. play clothes vs. formal/church clothes, but start by keeping the articles grouped as that will probably be enough to manage. (Photos 2, 4, 6, 8, & 9) 

• Celebrate your children’s vibrant personalities by displaying their favorite interests/toys/colors. For example, you could show off their silly hat collection, favorite sports gear, or photos of them at their best. (Photos 1, 7, 8, & 9)

For even more tips, click on the provided links above! 

EVENTS - National Blueberry Pancake Day Party!

National Blueberry Pancake Day is coming up on Saturday, January 28^th! Native to North America and bursting with remarkable health benefits, this super berry deserves our recognition. Add some sinfully scrumptious pancakes to the mix, and you have yourself a party!

From Left to Right: pizzazzerie.com (Blueberry French Toast Skewers), thecupcakesocial.com (Straws), Pinterest (via google.com, Danielle Speicher) (Blueberry Potted Plant), Crate & Barrel (Apron), yourcupofcake.com (Blueberry Pancake Cupcakes), Vietri (Blue Dishes), pinchofyum.com (Homemade Blueberry Sauce), suziebeezie.tumblr.com (Simple Table Setting), oprah.com (Blueberry Smoothie), William Sonoma (Tea Kettle), bluewillowblog.com (Blueberry French Toast Sandwich), recipebridge.com (Blueberry Syrup), Pinterest (via google.com, Victoria Greco) (Blueberry Champagne), & Style Me Pretty (Blueberry Sticks)

Invite your friends over for a blueberry bash, hold a special breakfast just for the family, or enjoy a peaceful banquet in bed. If you decide to throw a party, incorporate some effortless blue details like these adorable blue straws from The Cupcake Social or a simple flower arrangement. Use whatever you already own – blue dishes, kitchen appliances, tablecloths, aprons, ribbon – to add a little more flavor to your theme.  

Most importantly, get creative with the food! Try these mini-blueberry french toast skewers, blueberry pancake cupcakes, blueberry French toast sandwiches, blueberry smoothies, and homemade blueberry sauce over pancakes. For a little more pop, why not sample some blueberry champagne? For favors, send guests on their way with a bottle of homemade blueberry syrup. Be sure to stop and savor your beautiful, blueberry morning! 

FASHION - Sail Away with Kate Spade!

I simply can't resist the classic look of navy stripes and anchors. Sail away with these stylish, nautical designs from Kate Spade!

Images via Kate Spade

INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Beautiful Spaces for the Kids

Growing up, I always felt celebrated in my home. My parents covered the walls and filled the bookcases with our photographs; they displayed our artwork in frames as if we rivaled Monet, and they always put equal effort into decorating our bedrooms as they did the rest of the house. Spoiled? Definitely, but in the best ways possible. I knew I was loved just by glancing around my house… the playhouse my grandpa built in the backyard, the rows of children’s books my father read to us at bedtime, the three matching stools at the breakfast island, and so on.

Over the weekend, I came across these beautiful spaces for children, and I remembered what an impact my parents’ simple design choices had on my self-esteem. No matter what your budget, you can make your kids feel valued with an inexpensive wall display, a DIY inspirational reminder (like the ‘it’s beautiful here’ coat hanger shown below), or a personalized nook just for them. Spoiled? Nah, just special.         

From Left to Right: Becauseitsawesome.blogspot.com, ohhappyday.com, thehandmadehome.net, ohhappyday.com, smittendesign.blogspot.com, blog.effortless-style.com via Cottage Living, miss-design.com, apartmenttherapy.com, & elementsofstyleblog.com 

FASHION - Stylish Maternity for the Modern Mama

There is no greater New Year joy than the expectant birth of a precious baby. Even though I’m planning to wait a few years before starting my own family, I was thrilled to discover that many of my readers are already busy mothers, seeking tidbits from Merriment during their demanding yet rewarding daily lives.

Per request from some of the expectant mothers out there, I have decided to ease your stresses by posting on stylish maternity fashion. With your endless to-do lists and preparations, you should NOT have to worry about finding fashionable clothes. 

From Left to Right: ASOS, Hatch, Boden, Isabella Oliver, ASOS, Boden, Isabella Oliver, Hatch, Ella Moss (A Pea in the Pod), Joie (Destination Maternity), & More of Me (Sierra Maternity) 

I must admit that I initially found this task somewhat frustrating. Why are the choices so limited, the prices so unreasonable, and the styles so unattractive? No one wants to look like a big colorful blob or an inflated baby doll in childish prints. Something must be done!

However, after uncovering some truly chic maternity designers and boutiques, I cooled down and realized that you actually can find gorgeous maternity fashions that will make you feel as beautiful as you look! Start by asking yourself, “Would I wear these outfits if I wasn’t pregnant?” Absolutely. 

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Simple Changes for the New Year!

Back from a truly wondrous White Christmas in West Texas and a happy New Year in the Hill Country, I feel refreshed and energized for the bright possibilities of 2012. Even though most of us have already surrendered to our ice cream cravings and misplaced our new daily organizers, I maintain hope that we will achieve much better results by focusing on the simple changes.

Every small step has the potential to produce grand results for the merriment of your daily life. I’m not saying that you should set your sights low. If you’re geared up for that marathon, then go for it! I will join you…with energetic cheers from the sidelines. But, if you’re looking for something a little simpler, how about adding a fruit or veggie to every meal? If you've always wanted to read the entire Bible, find a copy that breaks it up into digestible, daily segments. Feel like reorganizing your entire life? Try starting with just your closet, desk, or car.  

Image via Pinterest (marian16rox.tumblr.com)

As we embark on this New Year together, Merriment has some resolutions of its own:

-To bring you easy solutions to feel and look your best on a daily basis (not just for those special occasions)

-To encourage you with hassle-free ways to add personal touches to your home

-To show you effortless entertaining/wedding ideas, so that you can actually relax and enjoy all of life’s celebrations

-To help you organize all of the stressful little things, so that you can concentrate on the important things (like quality time with your kids, family, and friends)

-To remind you that life is worthy of celebration, even during its darkest and most confusing moments

Remember, style can profoundly enrich your life when paired with substance. Join me for the celebration!