This and other cool posters at The Heads of State.

Confession time…

My drawers and closets (and a few other areas in my home) look like a “disorganized  crime scene”!  I came across these pictures of Martha Stewart’s kitchen drawers and organization suggestions that have inspired me to get busy and do some Spring cleaning…starting with the kitchen!

Martha prefers rectangular compartments for utensil storage rather than spoon or fork-shaped  spaces.

Everyone has a “junk drawer” in the kitchen that contains the items seen in this organized version, don’t you?  My goal…Never use the “j word” again!  Martha loves her P-touch label maker!

The hardware drawer…the things you use the most…light bulbs, extension cords, batteries, etc.

Stack linens with the smallest on top!

Measuring cups, graters, peelers, etc. are always the hardest to keep straight, right?  My problem is that I only have 5 drawers in my little 1930′s kitchen!  Do you have a good solution for storing these items if you don’t have enough drawer space to dedicate to these items?  I’m thinking, maybe, a special bin to keep in the pantry…

This drawer is part of Martha’s kitchen, but I choose to keep these items in my bathroom.  I do love these little bowls to contain these first aid supplies.  Unfortunately she didn’t include the source, but I’m sure that Container Store has something similar.

I love living in an old home, but if I could design a new kitchen, I would include this nifty little base board drawer space.  Genius!

Check out more of Martha’s 50 top kitchen tips and be inspired!!

Last week I packed my bags and headed to LA with my friend, neighbor and fellow-blogging-pal Amy Lee, of House of Wentworth, to attend the Design Bloggers Conference.  We were joined by Lisa Robison and Kim Turner from my favorite charity, Dwell Wtih Dignity, which made the occasion extra special!  OK…so I’m not exclusively an interior design blogger, but I love design, both interior and fashion, so I figured I would somewhat fit in.  My expectations were pretty limited and simple:

1) Learn a bit more about blogging outside of just putting together a simple post (that was the limit of my knowledge!).

2) Meet some design bloggers that I follow and for whom I have mad respect!

3) Have a little fun in West Hollywood with one of my favorite friends.

My expectations were met and exceeded by a long shot!

The conference was kicked off with a few pre-conference cocktails with what would soon-to-be our new “best social networking friends”!

Andrew Joseph, Ronda Carman of All The Best blog, Me, Clinton Smith - editor of Atlanta Home and Smith on Style blog, Amy Lee of House of Wentworth

It was amazing to finally put a face to the name of many of those bloggers that we read daily.

Adam Japko, of Design Sherpa, wins “Host of the Year” by kicking off the first day by serving us a glass of morning champagne!  My decision to invest in this trip was immediately confirmed!  New friends, morning champagne, blogging about things I love…I’m in heaven!

Me, Kerstin Czarra of Martha Stewart Media, Kim Turner & Lisa Robison of Dwell with Dignity, Stacy Kunstel of Stacy Style

Dallas’-own Jan Showers kicked off the day followed by a bevy of speakers that were inspiring, entertaining and left us all feeling a new sense of blogging energy!

Amy Lee of House of Wentworth, decor and clothing designer Tracy Porter,Me

During Day 2 Ronda Carman, of All The Best blog, showed us a video that drove home the fact that we are all a part of the social media powerhouse that is making history.  This video is a must see!

The perfect ending for the conference was a Garden Party in Almont Yard to celebrate the on-line collaboration between Traditional Home and Lonny…TRADhome!  I’ll keep you updated on the launch!  Almont Yard is a collection of some of the finest designer showrooms.

My favorite item spotted during the night was this “oh so wonderful” coffee table full of live botanicals!  Crazy good, no?

What an amazing event!  Thank you, NCI and Design Sherpa, for “birthing” the design blogging community that will drive the design industry trends for years to come!  I want to be the first to sign up to attend next year!!

Go ahead.  Take one!

via Likecool

I’m so glad I just spotted a link to adorable Kendi Everyday over at Hip Lip’s weekly wrap up! Kendi is doing the 30 for 30 fashion challenge and is doing an amazing job!  I think you’ll find a lot of wardrobe inspiration by following her!

The 30 for 30 challenge involves making the commitment to wear only 30 items of clothing , remixed, for 30 days.  Shoes are included, but not accessories.  Oh, and you can’t shop for 30 days!

I’m amazed at the amazing creativity and style that Kendi displays with only 30 items!

She uses items of clothing that come from retailers that we all have access to and she can make a pair of Target shoes look like Manolo Blahniks!

Who’s ready to take the challenge?

Oh, Kendi, you make it look so easy!  Thanks for all of the inspiration!!  XO!

via Fabulous K

I’m really excited about introducing you to my friend and amazing artist, Gloria Burson.

She’s one of the most creative people I know and I can’t help but smile when I’m around her.  You’ll love her sculptures that she creates with gourds and found objects.  Gloria “gives birth” to these creatures, names them and tells their story.

“Steamed Queen Mother” is part of her “Flourishes” collection.  Each piece in this collection is meaningful and would make a great girlfriend gift!

Steamed Queen Mother

Even the loftiest of mothers need to let off some steam.

I know I’m a bit out of season in sharing this collection, but her Halloween pieces are some of my favorites. They’re whimsical and kooky!

See what I mean?  I’m in love with them all!

Beauty & The Beast

Recently Gloria posted an incredible description of her inspiration and passion behind her art.

“I love junk…dirty, rusty, worn down junk. I can’t pass up a piece that has a heavy patina, even if it is broken. These pieces are reminders of the past, and although they might be chipped and rusty, they were enjoyed and had a purpose. I use these items in my work, because they add depth and layers.

My current sculptures are a series of people. They are made with a hodgepodge of bits and pieces. They are quirky and full of imperfection. I think they are a great reminder, that we do not need to hide our imperfections. We are a collection of so many parts and pieces and they should add to our story and make us the unique creation we were intended to be.”

Beautiful words of truth, indeed!

Currently Gloria is selling her sculptures at various art shows and at Tucker Brown in Aspen, Colorado. Follow her blog, A Modern Glo, here and  “like” her Facebook page to stay updated on upcoming shows!

This will make you think twice before you ever say, “I can’t” again.

via Design Is Mine

Up for making your own?  Find all of the info you’ll need here.

After spending time in my friend, Dana’s, home recently, I’m very  aware of uncommon objects used in design.  I love the industrial minimalism used in this home in Sonoma featured on Remodelista.

Ebony stained floors…hand-forged steel fireplace surround…sliding barn doors in the hallway

Roost halo chandelier…Breuer steel tube chairs from 1st Dibs

raw steel accent wall in the kitchen…Love !

vintage wooden silk bobbins support the reclaimed wood shelving

a bar out of a vintage carpenter’s work bench...vintage propellor table lamp

pendant light made from an old bullet cap…hair on hide rug from Brazil

salvaged piece of machinery with a thick marble top as sink base

Here’s a few other ideas for uncommon objects…

pinned here

pinned here

Pinned here.

If you’re in the Dallas area, stop by Stash {vintage finds}!  I’ve got unique ideas displayed to help you incorporate vintage items and uncommon objects into your decor!