You Said It: 'Don't Use Your Phone' and Other Tips of the Week

This week Houzz stories reminded me that my cat is worth the torn up hand-knotted rug, taught me about an artist making amazing chandeliers from reclaimed bicycle chains, and introduced me to a genius invention called the Corkcicle, among other things. As usual, there was so much great information it was hard to remember it all, but here are a few favorite sentiments, tips, reminders and ideas that jumped out at me this week. Please add any that struck a chord with you in the Comments section.

“Don’t use your phone.” — Laura Gaskill

Hallelujah, sister! There’s nothing less interesting than someone who is texting, Facebooking, tweeting and checking the number of followers they have on Instagram during social situations. It makes me miss the days when beepers were cutting-edge technology. Here are the only reasons I should ever see your phone during dinner:

1. You’re a nervous parent who has left the baby alone for the first time.
2. There’s a lost guest who may need to reach you for directions.
3. You want to show us a picture of that hot new dude you’re dating.

Other than that, sneak off to the bathroom to check on those texts, and leave that annoying gong alert off.

Full story: Modern Party Etiquette for Hosts and Guests


“Fill a variety of vintage decanters with water and then submerge Spanish moss, sprigs of rosemary or stems of orchids in them. Group them together interspersed with candles for a magical, apothecary-style setting.” — Melisa Bleasdale

This is a really cool and inexpensive idea, and I’d never seen it before. Plus, it’s a great time of year for trying new types of arrangements. Let me know how it goes for you.

Full story: Luxurious Holiday Table Settings for Less


“I could complain till I’m blue in the face about the work my animals make for me, but it would be pointless. … No matter how icky my house gets on any given day and how much work is required to repair the damage they’ve caused, it’s all worth it to have them in our lives.” — Tiffany Carboni

White rugs, sofas and bedding may be out the window when you have mucky paws traipsing through the house, but the sacrifice is well worth it for the unconditional love from a pet.

Full story: Dealing With Pet Messes: An Animal Lover’s Story


“Make things easier on yourself!” — Laura Gaskill

This is especially great advice as the crazy holiday season amps up. If you can’t enjoy the gatherings you put together, they aren’t really worth having.

Full story: Simple Pleasures: The Big Sunday Lunch


“Every image is a gateway to a world of information if you know where to look.” — Houzz

I can tell from some of the questions and comments we receive that many people are still learning about the information that’s packed into a Houzz photo. That’s why we’ve started the “Inside Houzz” series, where you can find information about how to make the most of the Houzz experience. This week’s installment is particularly useful.

Full story: Inside Houzz: What You Can Learn From a Houzz Photo


“If you want toned-down color, add it on horizontal, not vertical surfaces. For example, an orange wall (a vertical field) can be in-your-face overwhelming. An orange countertop (a horizontal field) covers less noticeable surface area and is therefore toned down, despite the bright color.” — Amber Hopman

Hopman gleaned this smart tip from interior designer Kristy Kropat about how to add bold color without having regrets once the paint is dry.

Full story: Case Study: The Fearless Approach to Bold Color


“Bicycles are great for exercise and cutting down on gas costs. But how about for stylishly lighting your bedroom?” — Mitchell Parker

I love a great reclaimed object story, especially about objects that have worked hard, been coated in grease and later turned into something startlingly elegant.

Full story: Bike-Chain Chandeliers You’ve Got to See


“If we can learn to let go and embrace the changes in a garden, we’ve made the first step toward gardening in a way that constantly surprises and grips us on a deeper level.” — Benjamin Vogt

The joy of gardening comes from the surprises. If you usually need control of your designs or instant gratification, take a deep breath, let go and let whatever is going to happen happen. Vogt does a beautiful job of sharing how letting go in the garden has enhanced his life. He has also documented his garden over the years and shared its progress.

Full story: How I Learned to Be an Imperfect Gardener


“Jeanie Engelbach describes her candy-inspired home as, ‘[If] Pee Wee Herman opened a pop culture museum in Candy Land.’ ” — Rikki Snyder

This is one of the most spot-on (and entertaining) descriptions I’ve read in a while. Plus, in a sea of careful neutral palettes, it’s a joy to see someone create a home that celebrates bold color and shows off personal collections.

Full story: Candy-Colored Collections Wow in Manhattan


Chillsner Beer Chiller - $29.95 “A product called the Chillsner from a company called Corkcicle (if nothing else, this company is good at naming things) is basically an airtight lid for beer bottles, with a frozen tube that goes straight down into the bottle to chill a beer.” — Mike Elgan

OK, at first this seems high maintenance and over the top. However, no one appreciates an ice-cold beer more than this gal, to the point that I’ll put one in the freezer and let it chill 20 minutes before twisting that cap off. Also, here in Atlanta’s heat, a lot of my friends keep a Koozie in their purses for Sunday Funday or ask for frozen glasses because things heat up so quickly. These behaviors are higher maintenance than getting into the Corkcicle habit. I’d much prefer to answer questions about my Corkcicle than be seen holding a leopard print Koozie with feather boa detailing and “Heather’s Bachelorette Party 2002 WOO HOO!” written on it.

Full story: Ice Cubes Are Obsolete! New Technology Is Way Cooler

Tell us: What’s your favorite ideabook or discussion from this week on Houzz?

URL: You Said It: 'Don't Use Your Phone' and Other Tips of the Week http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-22095.html