B Patient: Housewarming touches

When you move into a new place you're distracted by all the glitz and glamour of decorating that you forget that you have to first buy important stuff such as foil, paper towels, a kitchen trash can and a can opener. These are things that are rarely blogged about because they aren't fun purchases. I'm finally getting passed the necessities and working on the small details of my apartment. 

When attending a housewarming or just sending a nice gift to a friend with a new place you have to respect that they will be spending majority of the time creating mood boards and working on big details of decorating their space. That's why you should respect their decor and not gift items that would demand attention or space in their new home but be useful and share a story through a detail. Small items such as coasters or a mini vase are small enough for them to stow away while a home fragrance can be hidden away while still being useful.

 

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Also, while I'm in cleaning and decorating mode I have begun purging my closet. I have already listed a few items on Poshmark (including a new pair of Warby Parkers). Keep this bookmarked if you don't see anything now, there is plenty to uploaded and sold.

B Stirred: Modern mad

Finally, the last season of Mad Men has begun. Last night's episode filled my need for sixties fashion (courtesy of Megan Draper) and sparked the craving for a dirty martini. It's amazing the media's influence on fashion and Mad Men did the world a favor highlighting the time. Any item that was created in the last year but could've lived in the Draper household is a necessity. 

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If you aren't a Mad Men super fan you might have missed the brilliant articles gearing you up for the premiere. Here are a few of my favorites:

Mean Mad Men

What would 'Mad Men' look like in the 21st century?

A visual episode guide to Season 5

B Printed: DIY Block printed tote bag

There are few things I will cancel scheduled plans for and craft night at West Elm is one of them. As an avid DIYer from an early age I've been to craft camps in a variety of locations. Anywhere from parks to that awkward employee break room that resembles a sterile hospital so planting for a block printing lesson in the middle of a West Elm store was welcomed with open arms and served as the best kind of creative fuel.

Block printing has the ability to sound intimidating but was simple and achievable with the direction of Phoebe from El Sage Designs. A small group of us sat in the middle of West Elm we were provided a block print kit providing all the tools to create a one of a kind project.

When brainstorming pattern ideas it was shared that geometric shapes work best. My inspiration was classic herringbone pattern and all intentions to make it look perfect. It took me less than a few minutes to drop my flat edge and give up on receiving straight lines. Soon I learned that fine lines and carving accidents made the best prints.

TOOLS:

• Linoleum (the material used to carve out your design, rubber like substance)
• Plastic linoleum cutter (comes with multiple sizes to work on large pieces to small detail)
• Paint with foam brush (foam brush is Phoebe's pro tip for printing on fabric)
• Tote bag (or other desired material to print)
• pencil and paper 

 

Things I would do differently:

• Print another row to make the design a bit more uneven. Looking back at it it appears to be a tire track rather than the herringbone design I desired.
• Carve smaller imperfect detail into my linoleum. The beauty of block printing is that each block is unique and sometimes the imperfect cuts are waht creates texture and interest to your print!
• Print on a different medium: I plan on doing this! I'm going to use my block print to create a large piece of artwork for my new apartment. Stay tuned.

This night was exactly what I needed to spark inspiration for my new place. And of course, if you don't consider yourself a craft enthusiast then feel free to shop West Elm's hand-block print collection (paint and tool kit free!).

B Ready: Post-workout necessities

Making time for a workout takes a lot of planning and determination which is why there are some things that I like to keep simple such as my post-workout beauty routine. I am most likely running straight home after a Flywheel class but I've learned the hard way to pay attention to my skin immediately after a workout to keep it in top shape.

Dermalogica clearing mattifier: It does what it says, clearing mattifier keeps my oiliest areas clear of breakouts. While your skin might not be naturally oilily, working out makes you sweat which opens up your pores to trap oil and dirt. I apply the clearing mattifier day/night and immediately post-workout to control shine and minimize the appearance of pores.

Neutrogena Oil-Free cleansing wipes: Everyone should have a pack of these in their gym bag. If you don't shower immediately at the gym cleansing wipes are a perfect solution to clear skin of oil and dirt build up! Plus the grapefruit makes you smell nice...

evian Facial Water Spray: When I walk out of a spin class, I am hot and sweaty and the last thing I want to do is lather on a heavy moisturizer.  This water spray is packed with minerals that keeps my skin moisturized and provides a bonus cool down. Win win.

Deodorant: When it comes to deodorant, use the kind that works best for you but I advise to splurge for the two-pack. I've kept it a habit to always have one in my gym bag in addition to my bathroom that way it's always handy.

Kate Spade Small Henrietta: The perfect case to keep all my post-workout beauty needs in one place. I'm constantly switching between gym bags so this helps me keep all the above items organized and in place.