Do I really need a rug pad? Well, that depends. Try this handy checklist…

Any time a project pops up around the house, my husband and I have to decide whether or not we want to do it ourselves. We’re handy-type people and can handle pretty much anything that needs to be done. Sometimes, though, it’s just better to hire out.

Do you ever have design questions that you’d like to have answered but you’re afraid that they’re kind of silly? What if there was an easy way for you to ask those questions without having to put yourself out there? A sort of undercover question-asking opportunity? 

I get questions like this all the time: “My room is 15’ x 12’—what size rug do I need?” The answer? Well, it depends. (Helpful, right?)

Seriously, though, it really does depend on a number of different things. That’s why I usually answer questions like this with more questions. First, and foremost, what furniture do you have in the room and how is it arranged? Where are the doors and windows? Do you have a fireplace and/or built-ins? Are there air vents or electrical outlets on the floor? I can’t just say “10’ x 13’” and leave it at that.

I hate to break it to you, but the paint color you love so much from that Pinterest or Houzz picture? The one you made sure to find out its exact name and paint company? Probably won’t look anything like that on your wall. (Same thing goes for catalog or magazine photos. Your wall just won’t match.)

I’m curious, do you have a long list of resolutions or are you like me and just skip them? (Waiting until January 1 to start something has always seemed a little silly to me. I’d much rather go ahead and jump into whatever it is I’m planning.) Either way, there’s no judgement here!

With the right tools, wrapping presents is actually pretty easy. Here’s what you need:

We all know this time of year can be crazy. Parties, out-of-town guests, more parties, gift-buying, even MORE parties (seriously, where do all those parties come from??). Add on the stress of complex family relationships, work deadlines, travel, and crazy weather…Boom! You’re in I’m-going-to-lose-my-mind-stat territory. While I can’t help you get along better with your sister-in-law or make those work deadlines go away, I do have a few ideas for making this December just a little more peaceful.