Emily A. Clark - design. simplified.

Good Things (February 2019)

Mar42019

A few of the good things I discovered during the month of February. Enjoy!

This combination of emerald and chartreuse. Maybe I’m just really craving Spring. (Tray can be found here.)

After so many of you recommended it, I just finished this podcast about a multi-level marketing investigation. And, I just found this newer one where a different person shares their deepest family secret on each episode. If you like to hear people’s life stories, you’ll really enjoy it.

I just ordered this utility jacket (in navy) and I love the fit and weight of it. It’s just a little heavier than my green, more expensive one from Nordstrom (similar to the one) that I’ve almost worn out.

And speaking of jackets, it never ever stops raining here lately. This is a classic rain coat. And, I’ve been wearing these inexpensive boots more than I’d ever planned.

Need a quick read? I just finished this one and really liked it.

I love this $20 blouse. Easy to dress up or down.

A miracle occurred. My husband and I both found a show we like on Netflix. 7 Days Out follows some of the world’s biggest events and what it’s like during the seven days leading up to them. (The one about the restaurant grand opening was my favorite so far.)

I found the most comfortable slip-on sneakers on eBay.

Like cosmetic samples? Sephora now offers monthly $10 subscription box that looks like a lot of fun.

I posted this dress on a Saturday 6 recently and am following up to say how much I like it. It’s loose and comfy and I think it looks even better belted.

This moisturizer feels so good on my face and doesn’t feel heavy once I put it on. I received a sample and immediately ordered it. (They totally got me.)

I bought these silver shoes for Spring. Can you tell I love comfortable shoes? (On the other hand, can you believe people are actually paying this kind of money for this “shoe of the moment”?? It blows my mind.)

I just found this Etsy shop and love the delicate initial jewelry. (Mother’s Day idea??)

I always like to leave you with a song, and this is one of my favorites. And a fun fact: The soloist on the right just joined the music staff at our church. We’re so excited to have him.

PS–Here’s last month’s “good things” list, in case you missed it.

PPS–I’m taking a little blogging break. It’s just a busy season, and I’m more and more convinced that looking up from a screen every now and then is good for the soul–and possibly for 40-something-year-old eyes.

Blue & White Pieces I Found on Amazon

Feb222019

The quest for blue and white pieces is somewhat still a muddy mystery because the vintage ones aren’t quite as easy to find anymore and some of the newer ones can look too bright, too new. I always keep an eye out at thrift stores, hoping for an overlooked gem, but I’m not opposed to buying newer pieces to create a good mix. (For example, the umbrella stand in our entry was thrifted–and a steal–while I ended up buying a set of ginger jars from here that I move around the house.) But as with most anything, Amazon can also be a good source for blue and white pieces to add to your collection. I scoured the site for all things blue and white home and am sharing my best finds. . .

Do You Still Use (or Have) a Home Office?

Feb192019

If you’re an avid House Hunters watcher, you know the three “musts” for any prospective homeowner (according to HGTV, at least) are granite countertops, a double vanity and a home office. If you think about it, we’ve essentially built an entire room in newer houses around a large piece of technology. Home offices started out with big desks to hold big computers and bigger monitors. But as technology has been streamlined, I wonder if the home office will be as well.

lighting // cowhide rug // jute rug // table // shades

vase (similar) // chairs & china cabinet (vintage)

In our last home, we converted the formal dining room into a home office devoted to my design business (that I ended soon after. . . ). In this house, we got rid of the dining room all together when we renovated the kitchen and gave up the formal living room for an office space. But it turns out, I rarely use this room to work. I end up taking my laptop and sitting in the kitchen or on the couch. Instead, this space has become overflow dining when we have guests, a homework and project room, a music room, a baby doll nursery, a hiding place. . . You name it. Pretty much anything besides an office for me.

So I wonder, do you think the home office is becoming extinct? If you work from home full-time, do you sit in a designated room all day? (I’m too antsy, and I like the TV on while I work. . . No wonder I can’t stay focused.)