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Oh (faux) Christmas Tree

Yes I did. Call me crazy. I’ve decorated the Christmas tree already. With Thanksgiving running so late this year, I decided “what the heck!” Don’t worry though, it won’t be a pine-needle-less, fire hazard by the holiday. It’s an artificial tree sent to me by Tree Classics. I’m super impressed with the quality – it’s hard to tell it’s not real even when you are in the same room. The only thing I miss about having a live tree is the lovely pine scent that fills the house.

Christmas tree with white feathers - Simplified Bee

I selected the  7 1/2′ classic Fraser tree with clear lights because of it’s narrow profile – great for small rooms. Love that the lights were already on the tree and that they are LED! Assembly took me about 30 minutes from start to finish. I did have to pull in my hubby to put on the top layers though.

christmas decorating with feathers // Simplified Beeholiday floral arrangement with white peonies // Simplified Beewhite peonies in a mint julep vase // Simplified Beereusable chalkboard gift labels - Simplified Bee #labels

This year I went with a crisp white and rich gold color palette for the tree decorations. Tons of white feathers were placed throughout the tree and along the top of the Chinese cabinet. I also added a new new items this year such as the fab faux fur tree skirt (above), owl snowglobe (next to the white peonies above) and felt snowflake ornaments (below) I picked up at West Elm!

faux christmas tree detail - Simplified Beetwinkle light Christmas tree - Simplified Bee

Have you started decorating your house for the holiday?

Happy Holidays,

Cristin

Land Of Nod: Design for Kids and People That Used to be Kids

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Read full story By on November 21, 2013 in Christmas, Entertaining, flowers, Holiday, holiday decor, owls, product review, simplified bee portfolio

Organized Travel

Whether I’m traveling for a weekend or for over a week, being organized is essential to making the trip go smoothly. I’ve always considered my packing techniques good, until I met Eagle Creek. The luggage company known for it’s functional, durable and flexible products, asked me pick out some items for review.  Without knowing much about the brand or products, I have to admit I was a little reluctant (I don’t review every product that comes my way!). However, I was pleasantly surprised with the high-quality and durable construction of the Eagle Creek products I selected – which makes this review sooo much easier!

packing for a weekend trip - Simplified Bee

I tested the products on a recent weekend trip. Here’s a look at all the items I needed to pack – I know, a girl’s gotta have lots of options!

packing system cubes for suitcase - Simplified Bee

First I selected the rolling, lightweight carry-on, Tarmac 22. Indeed at 7lbs 4 ozs, this is a light bag! Even though the luggage has an expandable main compartment, I also selected the Pack-it Specter Cube Set to help organize and maximize the space. The zippered pouches are very lightweight as well and I was amazed at how much I could cram in each! (kinda like the Chinese food takeout boxes!) I also love that they are water resistant! With the packing system, I was able to get all of my clothing (roll clothing for maximum efficiency), shoes and toiletries fitting perfectly in the main compartment.

padded front pocket - luggage review - Simplified Bee

I didn’t need it for this trip, but the front exterior pocket is padded – great for storing tablets and most laptops.

durable expanable luggage review - Simplified Bee

The coat keeper came in very handy and helped free up my hands. I also added a couple lime zipper pull not only for a fun pop of color, but to allow me to quickly identify my luggage in the future at those crazy baggage claims.

Although these products haven’t been tested long term, I’m not worried because Eagle Creek offers a lifetime warranty. Don’t you love when company’s stand behind their products like this? You’ll have to check out Eagle Creek.

If you’ll be traveling this holiday season, you may be interested in this archived article I wrote with more organized travel tips!

Bon voyage!

Cristin

*Disclosure: The travel products in this post were provided by Eagle Creek, however all opinions are my own.

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Read full story By on November 19, 2013 in Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, product review, Tips/Tricks, travel tips

Organizing with Labels

I’ve been on a bit of an organizing kick lately and it was all spurred on by a lovely basket of goodies that the folks at Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery sent me. The assortment of beautiful labels jumped out and soon I was labeling everything! Here are a few images of my favorite labels and how I used them in my own home…

reusable chalkboard labels for boxes - Simplified Bee #labelsThe scalloped chalkboard labels are fabulous and the fact that they are reusable is the best! Just write, erase, and write again!

durable labels for storage boxes - Simplified Bee #labelsOur garage recently got a little makeover, so the durable labels for all the bins came in very handy. I printed them out using an easy to use template at Avery.

dishwasher safe laels for food containers - Simplified BeeThis freezer and dishwasher safe label is perfect for leftovers.

pretty holiday address labels - Simplified Bee #labels

The Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery offers a variety of festive mailing labels for the holiday, but this one with gold detail went with the Christmas card I already selected!

 reusable chalkboard gift labels - Simplified Bee #labels

And how cute is the round, reusable chalkboard label? I’m using it here as a gift tag. Love it!

Inspired to get organized too? If so, Staples is offering a 40% off coupon on any one Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery product in store, or $4 off $10 at staples.com – now until November 16th.

Happy organizing,

Cristin

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Read full story By on November 14, 2013 in Closets, discounts, Features, home organization, Mail, martha stewart, Organization, product review

My Chinoiserie Reading Nook

Recently Lulu & Georgia asked me and a few bloggers to be part of their Styling Five Ways series where we selected bookends and use them in our own home. Always thinking out of the box, I believe you don’t need a bookcase to create a special place to display books. So, I selected Lulu & Georgia’s darling elephant statue in a vibrant nectarine and topped it with some of my favorite decor books and paired it with a chic chinoiserie chair. It’s a super simple reading nook, but works!

chinoiserie elephant stool with books - Simplified Beeelephant stool in orange - Simplified Bee

Be sure to check out how other bloggers’ styled their homes with bookends here:

I Heart Organizing

The Inspired Room

A Piece of Toast

Design Darling

Lulu & Georgia Blog

Also, Lulu& Georgia is offering Free Shipping on all orders now through Friday, November 8th at 11:59pm EST … simply use discount code: BOOKWORM

Thank you Lulu & Georgia for including Simplified Bee in your series!

Happy Decorating,

Cristin

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Read full story By on November 7, 2013 in book, bookshelves, chinoiserie, Features, product review