Last Thursday my computer screen kicked the bucket. It decided to taste the rainbow and become a series of colored stripes going all down my screen. For someone who works from home, this was of course, a bad thing. For someone who works from home with already high anxiety issues, now has her husband working from home too and her kid being homeschooled now as well, it was the tipping point.
It had already been a stressful week and that screen sent me into the inevitable downward spiral that I knew was only a matter of time.
I think many of us might find ourselves in a similar situation during this weird time, right? None of this is normal. Most of us have never been through something like this before. It’s stressful. We literally have no idea when this thing could be over.
So I took that broken computer screen as a sign and checked out. I cleaned out a few closets, the kid and I resurrected her old playhouse, I binge watched some TV, and perused Pinterest for pretty spaces.
$600 and one week later when my computer screen was fixed, work was still there waiting on me. But nothing was as daunting as it had been because I had taken my cue and gave myself a little grace for a while.
So friends, if you need a break, take the damn break. It’s certainly ok to be completely non-productive for a day, three days, a week if you need it! This is new territory and there are no “rules” for how to cope with it. Do what works for you.
All that being said, when you feel like you need to take a break and maybe see a few happy spaces, I’ve got a list of ten fabulous bloggers for you to get to know during this somewhat of a “staycation.”
10 Bloggers to Fall in Love With
The Aspiring Home
Joy, the voice behind The Aspiring Home, has always been a big believer in family and home. She makes gorgeous spaces happen with budget in mind. Her blog is based on a simple truth, that a house becomes a home when it has roots and a family thrives if it’s members have wings and freedom to live out their purpose. Joy aims to help her readers make a home that is both a haven and a launching pad which reflects their own passions and interests in a bright, bold and beautiful way.
A few of Joy’s gorgeous spaces:
Eclectic Modern Studio Apartment Design: I’m usually not a big fan of lots of modern design, but I love how Joy pulled in color to even out the modern here.
Backyard Pool Makeover: Personally, I think Joy should have us all over for a pool party after this whole pandemic is behind us. You will too after you see her backyard!
A Tale of Two Bathrooms: Two gorgeous bathroom makeovers!
Reality Daydream
Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion (yep, for realz and you won’t believe it!) and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own… all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it.
A few personal favorites of mine from Nick and Bethany:
Living Wall Vertical Planner: A super creative way to go vertical with plants indoors!
The New House Story: Do not miss this one, folks! I love watching them transform this home.
Stained Art: These two are incredibly talented at staining. And by staining, I mean taking wood stain and a piece of unfinished wood and turning it into a true work of art. You won’t believe this one.
Craftivity Designs
Lora, of Craftivity Designs, seeks to create a home that is simple, functional, and beautiful. As a busy mom, she knows that creating a beautiful home isn’t just about looks. Rather, a home is created by the stories of its homeowners and the families who raised them. A home should tell those stories, and be practical for everyday life.
Don’t you just love Lora’s thoughts on home? Here’s some of her best work:
Modern Cottage Home Tour: Again, I’m not usually a huge modern fan, but I love how Lora has done it in this cottage.
Vintage Laundry Room: You must see these drop dead gorgeous green cabinets in here.
German Schmear Brick: I love this technique for making over brick and Lora did a killer job on her fireplace – it’s such a huge transformation.
Birdz of a Feather
Birdz of a Feather is the nesting place that brings together hands-on DIY home and garden renos, crafts and gluten free recipes. Sara’s on a mission, along with her husband (her ‘partner in grime’) to encourage you to feather the nest, one room at a time! A few years ago, Sara challenged herself to lead a more sustainable life by reusing items – whether thrifted, repurposed or kicked to the curb – in new and innovative ways. She never turned back. While some people eat tuna for lunch and recycle the tin, she’s dreaming up ways to turn those tins into a swing out storage tower!
A few of Sara’s best upcycles and hacks:
Old Sewing Machine Makeover: You will love the colorful spin Sara put on this!
Guitar Planter: They should have these on every corner in Nashville! So gorgeous and so creative!
Blue Jean Planter: This girl is a whiz at planters and this one is the cutest one yet!
Dimples and Tangles
Many of you may remember Jennifer of Dimples and Tangles from when I’ve joined in on home tours she’s hosted. I’ve always admired her style and her talent for mixing patterns and colors. She has always said that her home is her hobby. She enjoys sharing whatever current project she’s working on with her readers, whether it’s a DIY project, tablescape, room makeover, recipe, travel report, or her latest favorite fashion find. She finds value in inspiring others to be creative in their own homes and to try new things. Her style is grounded in traditional elements but livened up with a strong dose of bold color and mixed patterns and she loves to transform thrifted and second hand pieces to make them her own.
Some of my favorite posts from Jennifer:
Jack and Jill Bathroom Reveal: She just posted this a short while back and I am still drooling over it! The prints and colors she chose are stunning!
A Colorful Christmas Home Tour: No one does colorful at Christmas as well as Jennifer does!
Dining Room Makeover: If you want to see unexpected colors and prints mixed beautifully, then don’t miss this room.
Tag and Tibby
Julia is the designer and founder of Tag & Tibby: a website dedicated to DIY home projects, organization ideas, paint colors, and home related craft projects. She enjoys inspiring readers to improve their home on a small budget. Her style is a eclectic with a blend of vintage, mid century, modern, and global.
Some of Julia’s popular projects:
Before and After Breakfast Nook: Love the pop of green in this space!
Air Plant Wreath with Seashells: This is such a creative take on wreaths and air plants.
Screened In Porch on a Budget: The eclectic vibe in this porch is off the charts!
Jessica Welling Interiors
Jess is the fearless interior designer & mama behind Jessica Welling Interiors. She loves to create fun, family-friendly spaces on a budget. Her modern, colorful, plant-lovin’ style comes through in everything she does- from letting her kids help draw the faux wallpaper in their bedroom, to stenciling her fireplace tiles.
Some of Jess’s most killer projects:
How to Paint a Mural: This mural that Jess did in her bathroom is so pretty!
Outdoor Living Room Reveal: ‘Tis the season to start sprucing up those outdoor spaces. I love the coziness this outdoor living room has.
DIY Floating Desk: A fantastic little creation station for kids!
Jennifer Rizzo
Jennifer Rizzo is a Design/DIY/Lifestyle blogger who also loves also throwing in a bit of crafting and gardening. She believes in decorating your home with a mix of handmade, vintage, upcycled finds, and family heirlooms so your home reflects you. She loves mixing old and new and will paint just about anything. She hopes to inspire you to create your home, and craft your life to design a home you’ll love.
Jennifer has been around the blogging world for a while, so it’s hard to decide what her best projects are – her site is a gold mine really! Here are a few favorites though:
Free Abstract Art Printable: Jennifer makes beautiful art and she is giving this one away for free. I adore it.
Shop Your House Living Room Makeover for Free: I love how she can totally makeover a space on zero budget!
Master Bedroom Makeover: it’s light, bright and oh so airy.
The Boho Abode
Corinna is the the author and creator behind The Boho Abode where she loves creating beautiful bohemian interiors designed for living in. She is a free spirited, nature loving, eco friendly products, globally sourced goods admirer and advocate for fair trade kind of gal. She hopes to inspire others to create change in their life through decorating ideas, life tips, and recipes for a life of wellness.
Corinna’s style truly embodies that colorful boho style. Here are a few of my favorites from her:
15 Simple Ways to Enjoy Being Home: We need this one right now, eh?
Gilded Floral Jewelry Holder: and she made it with Dollar Store items!
Boho Bedroom: love the punches of color she added to this space.
Casa Watkins Living
Stephanie is the owner and author behind the home and lifestyle website, Casa Watkins Living. Stephanie loves to create spaces and crafts that are full of color, have a modern bohemian inspiration infused with global flair, and have a plant or two….. or more! Her appreciation for worldly cultures drives her design and inspires unique spaces that show global style with respect to the culture. This creativeholic hopes to inspire you to create spaces and complete diy projects to make your home they way you’ve always wanted.
Stephanie kills it on the global style front. I am always in awe of her work. Here’s a few faves:
Modern White Bohemian Kitchen: You will not believe the drastic difference between this before and after! It’s stunning.
DIY Geometric Wall Design: I love this colorful fun wall design – and she makes it easy!
10 Global Style DIY Projects: a fantastic roundup of Stephanie’s amazing talent in one post.
Enjoy “meeting” new people even while social distancing!
Jennifer Griffin says
These are great, Jenna! So glad to meet some new friends, and thanks for including me! 🙂
Jane Stein says
Yo Jenna! My husband works for Dell, and can get you a discount if you ever decide to get a new computer, printer, etc. Glad to hear you’re back to sane…at least for awhile…. – Jane
Jenna says
You are the sweetest, Jane!! Thanks so much! I’m hoping this one will get me through a couple more years at least. 🤞
Wendy Moseley says
Enjoyed “meeting” some new to me fabulous & colorful bloggers! I follow Dimples & Tangles but all the others were new to me! Thanks!
Irene Madrid says
Wish I could send photos of my newly remodeled/redecorated French Normandy home. I used my strong intuition to rewallpaper every room, adding antiques plus traditional furniture, handcrafted mermaid teal tile backsplash, nautical blue bathroom, all in my fav pinks, teals and whites and ended up with Frech/English cottage coastal style that gets raves. I entertain a lot now.