January 29, 2017
Every now and then, I come across a tool or an item that makes my imagination run wild with possibilities. That is what happened when I bought my first staple gun. I immediately began dreaming up (and carrying out) projects…
January 22, 2017
Perhaps it is related to my binge-watching home and garden television channels, but I truly enjoy visiting open houses. Seeing how others have outfitted their homes gives me ideas for what I can do with mine or what I can…
January 15, 2017
According to many Taylorism studies, doing the same part of a process over and over before moving on to the next part is the most efficient way of getting something done. For example, if you were to apply this to…
January 8, 2017
Every now and then, there comes a material that seems to define an era of décor. You can almost tell when something was last remodeled by the material choices the owner has made. One era called for furnishing and finishes…
January 1, 2017
The month of January has always been one of new beginnings. I decided to try to implement new lifestyle changes, starting this month, such as cutting down on days of the week that I let myself indulge in unhealthy food…
December 25, 2016
They say that if you really want to learn something, teach it. It is through this column that I feel I have learned the most about how to improve the home — whether it is fixing a broken toilet or…
December 18, 2016
My father-in-law is one of those people who is nearly impossible to buy for. He has everything he needs, and is very particular when it comes to clothing. So this year, like many others, I have opted to give him…
December 11, 2016
My husband and I welcomed a sweet baby girl to our family less than two months ago. We are quickly learning that, unlike most of our scheduled, routine lives, the baby has no schedule. She has needs throughout the day…
December 4, 2016
Every year, I try to do what I can to cut down on unnecessary objects around the home and especially in the trash. This holiday season, I’m turning my efforts toward holiday décor. There are many household items that can…
November 27, 2016
People often ask me for contractor recommendations. I don’t often give them. I truly believe that when you are hiring a contractor, your personality and project specifics should be taken into account. Although it is a daunting task, there are…
November 20, 2016
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Give yourself something to be thankful for by maximizing the time you spend enjoying the day with family and friends. Take some of these tips for hosting with minimal cleanup. Plan ahead. Space tasks…
November 13, 2016
My friend, Grace, recently commented on how much she liked our wooden dining chairs. They are nothing fancy, but they are sturdy and classic. I eagerly told her all about how I purchased them at an estate sale for $20…
November 6, 2016
When I married Scott, I adopted his family traditions. One of my favorites: Decorating the house for a family member’s birthday. Each night before a birthday, while the birthday person is asleep, the other family members decorate. When the birthday…
October 30, 2016
Perhaps it is growing up, perhaps it is living in Hawaii, or perhaps it is because I have a baby on the way, but I cannot help but turn to natural solutions whenever possible. I have adopted kitchen staples like…
October 23, 2016
Recently, I’ve been drawing inspiration from my friend, Chelsea. With a little girl under two and a little boy on the way, she is the epitome of Super Woman. Chelsea works full-time and yet still manages to spend quality time…
October 16, 2016
Several years ago, while on assignment, I visited a large nursery, Sharon’s Plants, nestled in the back of Waimanalo. The nursery spanned more than 20 acres and the owner, Sharon, introduced me to plants I had never seen before. She…
October 9, 2016
Perhaps I’m getting older, or perhaps it’s the pregnancy, but I can’t help but watch children playing and thinking nostalgically back on my own childhood. Kids now have many more toys and technologies than we did growing up. Their video…
October 2, 2016
Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It brings to mind cooler temperatures, comfort food, and gatherings spent watching football games. While Hawaii is not necessarily known for its fall weather, there are ways to amp up the subtle cues…
September 25, 2016
Next month my husband, Scott, and I will welcome a baby into our lives. To say that we are thrilled would be an understatement. We have seen my belly grow, and have both felt the kicks increase in frequency and…
September 18, 2016
Last month, I wrote about how to mount a staghorn fern. If you aren’t familiar with them, these ferns are often seen growing from the sides of trees. I am happy to report that I followed those same instructions, and…