Natural Cleaning Products That Actually Work (and Don't Stink!)

<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Earth Day tomorrow! I'm packing my bags for a quick New York trip this week. On Thursday I'll be hosting a fundraiser event that I'm really excited about. I have partnered up<span style="background-color: white;"> with the eco and budget-friendly appliance company, Amana, this year to share home ideas and tips that are also green and not expensive. Amana works a lot with a great organization called Trees for the Future. I hope you can join us for the fundraiser if you're in the NYC area. You can learn more about the organization and can RSVP for the event by visiting <a href="http://trees.org/nyc">trees.org/nyc</a>. If you use the discount code AmanaFan, you'll get $25 off. :)</span><i> </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Several months ago my wonderful friend <a href="http://www.ablogaboutlove.com/" target="_blank">Mara</a> held a really cool natural beauty night, where we learned all about the best natural, non-toxic products to use on our skin and hair. It was totally eye-opening for me. Since then I've been putting in an effort to use less toxic cleaners in our house too.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u><br /></span><br /><center><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u></span></center><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHWTkKvSlNg9_VAEF8CXmkiaOHkJpIljqLQOOlpHJGrWY-Y2rdJZrbkVfsosM7ByPhq6rE6oWksTQzE4UnliwA0v0gyjZG7MCSAY73BX6AZStnRjyO-aTFi2yytEF6fqP0QQoeIViz90F/s1600/NATURAL+CLEANERS+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHWTkKvSlNg9_VAEF8CXmkiaOHkJpIljqLQOOlpHJGrWY-Y2rdJZrbkVfsosM7ByPhq6rE6oWksTQzE4UnliwA0v0gyjZG7MCSAY73BX6AZStnRjyO-aTFi2yytEF6fqP0QQoeIViz90F/s1600/NATURAL+CLEANERS+v2.jpg" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />For a while, it felt like every recipe for a homemade cleaner was pretty much just white vinegar, which... gag. Not my favorite smell for a bathroom. So I've been testing the waters of homemade natural cleaning products and I've found a few that 1) work really well, 2) don't require crazy amounts of time or weird ingredients, and 3) don't stink like vinegar.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_3489.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3489.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2495.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_2495.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />First up is the most simple. I love the clean scent of tea tree (I don't ever like cleaners to smell too floral or sweet). I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RSEPAY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002RSEPAY&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20" target="_blank">starter set of essential oils</a> on Amazon for about $20 and I've been happy with the quality. The set comes with eucalyptus, lavender, orange, lemon, tea tree and peppermint essential oils. Not a bad deal!</span><br /><a name="more"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3410.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3410.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To mix the cleaner spray, reuse an old spray bottle (what I did) or pick up a new one at the dollar store and add one cup of water to every two tablespoons of Castile soap (I used the Tea Tree scent again). You can buy Castile soaps at Whole Foods and Sprouts and even at CVS and Walgreens sometimes. The Lavender scent is perfect for washing bedding! Some of my friends use Castile soap as shampoo and body wash - it's very gentle, but also cleans fantastically.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then you add a few drops of the tea tree oil to the spray bottle and shake it up well. You'll have an amazing cleaner on your hands that works as well as the other store-bought stuff but has none of the scary ingredients or horrible vinegar smell.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3477.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3477.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This next one might feel a little more intense, but it's actually really easy and kind of fun to make. I heard about the idea <a href="http://nourishingjoy.com/homemade-bathtub-scrub-with-a-surprising-secret-ingredient/" target="_blank">here</a> first and it's a great one. A single batch will last forever too, so your efforts go far.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3357.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3357.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To make your own scrub that will clean all your sinks and tubs like they've never been cleaned before, just start setting aside your eggshells. I put them in a gallon size ziploc, tucked away. Over the course of a couple weeks I'll have three or four dozen eggshells to rinse out, boil for about 10 minutes, and then spread out on cookie sheets. A day or two later, the shells will be completely dried out and very brittle.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2559.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_2559.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2586.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_2586.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The shells will break down very easily in a food processor (I've heard a coffee grinder works very well). They're so brittle at this point, there's no way any damage would be done to your machine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3295.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3295.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3298.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3298.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The only "weird" ingredient you'll have to go out of your way to pick up is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004421K68/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004421K68&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20" target="_blank">calcium powder</a>, but it's easy to find at health food stores or online. It's cheap too, just a couple dollars.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3366.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3366.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of baking soda, 3/4 cup of calcium powder and about 20 drops of essential oils. I did half a batch of lemon and half of orange.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3304.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3304.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This makes enough scrub to fill two pint-size mason jars, which should last you at least a couple months. I saw online that people were reusing parmesan cheese or economy sized spice jars that have that sprinkle spout top, but the mason jars work great too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_3327.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/cIMG_3327.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The powder fizzes when it touches water and it really brightens up that porcelain! And the eggshells really scrub well, but it doesn't feel like you're scratching your tub up or anything.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3352.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3352.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I use it on my bathtubs and showers, our sinks and even our toilets get a good scrub down once a month (I turn off the water valve at the base of the toilet first, flush the toilet so it's dry and that makes it easy to really clean things well).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3342.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3342.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think next time I might try one of the peppermint oils to mix things up a little.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3330.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3330.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My third tip is so, so simple, it's kind of a 'duh' thing, but I feel like not a lot of people do it. We all spend a ton of money on expensive candles and sprays to make our homes smell nice, but homemade potpourri is SO cheap and the scent lingers way longer!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3368.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3368.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love the clean scent combination of lavender and vanilla. You can buy a bag of lavender flowers at a health food store and vanilla beans can be found in the spice aisle at most grocery stores.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_3372.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/cIMG_3372.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To make the potpourri, bring a big pot of water to a gentle simmer and then add a 1/2 cup or so of lavender flowers, two vanilla beans and several drops of lavender oil (and maybe a drop of vanilla extract if you want it to be extra vanilla-y, or in lieu of the beans if you don't have any). After about 30 minutes, your whole house will smell amazing. I let the potpourri simmer for at least a couple hours on low heat and the scent will last for two or three days. I wish I could say my $30 candle's scent lingered that long!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3392.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3392.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last tried-and-true natural cleaning recipe actually uses vinegar! There is a way to harness the wonderful cleaning power of vinegar while masking most of the intense scent. (I almost wrote pungent there, but eww, no. Not an okay word to use.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2495.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_2495.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><center></center><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We're lucky to have an over-abundance of citrus here in sunny Arizona, and lots of friends and neighbors with wonderful trees and more than enough fruit to eat/use for making counter spray. But next time you have a craving for fresh-squeezed orange juice or lemonade, save all the peels in a big mason jar that's filled to the very tip-top with white distilled vinegar. You can add more peels over time, but it's important that all the peels be submersed in vinegar, or you might get mold.</span></div><center></center><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_2545copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_2545copy.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I like to add some essential oils too, for good measure. After at least two full weeks, the vinegar scent will start to go away, but the cleaning power will remain! Your counter tops will smell citrusy and look brand new! I use a gravy sieve to strain out the cleaner into a spray bottle. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3466.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3466.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aren't those chalkboard labels cute? I picked them up at Staples I think and I love that I can use my Chalkboard pen on them (which only wipes off with a wet rag), so I don't have to replace the label each time I make a new batch of cleaners.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3434.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3434.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">So those are my best recipes for natural cleaning products! Not too crazy, but guilt-free, effective and nice-smelling. I also added some other tricks here in this chart below. I was surprised at how well the lemon-juice-instead-of-bleach tip works! I feel like between switching to a front-loading washing machine (Amana really has a <a href="http://www.amana.com/laundry/washers/front_load_washers/4_1_cu__ft__energy_star__174__qualified_front_load_washer_nfw5700bw.pro?keyword=NFW5700B" target="_blank">great/affordable/eco-friendly one</a>, btw) and taking bleach out of my cleaning routine, I'm really cleaning up my laundry room act! </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Also, if my iron on a damp cloth trick doesn't work for you when trying to remove heat marks on furniture, try the mayonnaise idea here below. I must have a sensitive nose or something because this is another one I don't love the smell of, but it doesn't really linger. And it really does get those heat marks out!</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />So what works for you? I'd love to hear what your favorite eco-friendly tips are!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u></span></div><center><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u></span></center><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHWTkKvSlNg9_VAEF8CXmkiaOHkJpIljqLQOOlpHJGrWY-Y2rdJZrbkVfsosM7ByPhq6rE6oWksTQzE4UnliwA0v0gyjZG7MCSAY73BX6AZStnRjyO-aTFi2yytEF6fqP0QQoeIViz90F/s1600/NATURAL+CLEANERS+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHWTkKvSlNg9_VAEF8CXmkiaOHkJpIljqLQOOlpHJGrWY-Y2rdJZrbkVfsosM7ByPhq6rE6oWksTQzE4UnliwA0v0gyjZG7MCSAY73BX6AZStnRjyO-aTFi2yytEF6fqP0QQoeIViz90F/s1600/NATURAL+CLEANERS+v2.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post was brought to you in collaboration with Amana Appliances, an earth-friendly and environmentally conscious company. Learn more here.</span></i></div>

Natural Cleaning Products That Actually Work (and Don't Stink!)

Happy Earth Day tomorrow! I'm packing my bags for a quick New York trip this week. On Thursday I'll be hosting a fundraiser event th...

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New Oushak on the Landing

<center></center>Thank you all for the kind words about <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-studio-tour-and-huge-give-away-from.html" target="_blank">the studio reveal</a>! I hope all of you have entered <a href="http://keep.com/giveaway2?utm_source=LGN&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=DOLGNCN41514" target="_blank">the $2000 give away</a>! I'll be posting more info and sources and angles of the room soon. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3510.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3510.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />While I'm working on those posts and tutorials, I wanted to share this pretty rug find with you! My friend <a href="http://www.kendrasmoot.com/" target="_blank">Kendra Smoot</a> tipped me off to an eBay listing for this beautiful little Oushak rug (what a friend, right!?). I think I got it for just over $100 and I love how soft and worn it is. It's slightly overdyed with blue and pink pastels. So pretty!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3589.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3589.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><br />Right now I have it on the landing by the girls' rooms. It fits the floor space perfectly up there. It might end up moving around to one of the other rooms, but I love it here for now.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3599.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3599.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xIMG_3508.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/xIMG_3508.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's a lot of black happening up there with the stairs still being bare and all the pretty but dark black doors. I think the rug helps lighten things up.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3584.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3584.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have the little <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/10/serpentine-secretary.html" target="_blank">scalloped secretary</a> on the landing still, but I've yet to decide if I'm going to paint it or leave it as is. I'm leaning toward trying to paint it or doing a <a href="http://www.ornamentalist.net/2010/12/ebony-limed-oak-step-by-step.html" target="_blank">limed/cerused finish</a> on a dark base. I think it would look so pretty if I could pull it off!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3548.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3548.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3521.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3521.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I put some art up in the landing too. I've had this very naive painting for a couple years now and it always feels like it belongs in the girls' space. I think it's sweet and I love all the bright pops of colors. The frame was pretty lame though, so I painted out the faux gold glaze with some Gentleman's Gray paint I had laying around, which is a deep, soft navy color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3529.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3529.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3532.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3532.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I leaned the painting against <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/05/heirloom-button-art.html" target="_blank">my framed button collection</a> that I made a few years ago using buttons I inherited from my grandmothers. The twisty <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/03/diy-concrete-planters.html" target="_blank">concrete planter</a> was a more recent project.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3554.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3554.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, I'm loving my new Oushak! It makes the landing feel like an actual room! :) Makes me also want to put a little bench up here against the stairs. I also need to pick a flush-mount light for the ceiling, and I really need to finish up the stair runner. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xIMG_3539.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/xIMG_3539.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />PS if you're looking for a Oushak on eBay, always sort the listings by lowest price first. The private seller listings will almost always be auction style and not Buy It Now.

New Oushak on the Landing

Thank you all for the kind words about the studio reveal ! I hope all of you have entered the $2000 give away ! I'll be posting more inf...

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The Studio Tour! (and a HUGE Give Away from Domino and Keep!)

We've been working hard to decorate my little studio space this month! It's been SO fun to finally add color to the all-white room! I have a million projects to share with you all soon (Here are the tutorials on the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/03/diy-wide-plank-floors-made-from-plywood.html" target="_blank">DIY plywood floors</a> and the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/03/diy-extra-tall-baseboards.html" target="_blank">baseboards</a>, in case you missed them.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3223.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3223.jpg" /></div><br />Just like in my home and in my client's spaces, I wanted a good mix of vintage and new furniture and accessories in this space. I had been doing a little too much vintage shopping lately (gasp! possible?!) and we needed some newer pieces to sort of brighten the look up. My <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/02/vintage-furniture-shopping-tips-and.html" target="_blank">pink ikat Henredon sofas</a>, the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-john-widdicomb-louis-style-chairs.html" target="_blank">Widdicomb table-turned desk</a>, the seriously beat up <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-easily-remove-rust.html" target="_blank">Plycraft chair</a>, the reupholstered <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/03/eames-management-chairs-in-scalamandre.html" target="_blank">leopard Eames management chairs</a>, the old <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/coffee-table-makeover.html" target="_blank">Italian marble coffee table</a>, etc. -- basically everything in the space was vintage, except the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-faux-malachite.html" target="_blank">IKEA DIY malachite pattern desk</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3074.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3074.jpg" /></div><br />Domino and I teamed up with <a href="http://keep.com/">Keep.com</a> to add a few of those new pieces I so desperately needed to my vintage mix, and I love what we came up with. But here's the great news: you can <a href="http://keep.com/giveaway2?utm_source=LGN&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=DOLGNCN41514" target="_blank">enter HERE to win a $2000 GIFT CARD</a> to Domino's shop! Instant remedy for those of you in vintage overwhelm (like I was), or those of you who want vintage style, but don't love the endless hunt/bedbugs. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3191.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3191.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Here are the pieces I chose from the Domino shop, and a ton more photos of our studio below:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img alt=" photo JennyKomenda.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/JennyKomenda.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://keep.com/the-new-yorker-cover-september-9-1961-poster-print-by-saul-steinberg-at-the-conde-nast-collection-by-jennykomenda/k/wRNHEngBG4/" target="_blank">1</a>  //  2  //  <a href="http://keep.com/garnet-sculptures-set-of-2-arteriors-by-jennykomenda/k/wRK9PuABDO/" target="_blank">3</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/perimeter-light-white-blu-dot-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLZzGgBKY/" target="_blank">4</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/brass-colored-pencil-set-jayson-home-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLEBjgBFA/" target="_blank">5</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/untitled-domino-prints-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLQLaABIQ/" target="_blank">6</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/tracy-accent-table-safavieh-by-jennykomenda/k/wRK3VgABBU/" target="_blank">7</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/otomi-pillow-caramel-wisteria-by-jennykomenda/k/wRMb-sABLb/" target="_blank">8</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/falcon-arm-chair-light-blue-safavieh-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLVjZgBJe/" target="_blank">9</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/poppy-tall-aquamarine-glass-vase-arteriors-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLn7GABOX/" target="_blank">10</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/horn-vases-jayson-home-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLH_SgBGB/" target="_blank">11</a></div><div></div></div><br /><a name="more"></a>Let's start by the back door. We have the malachite desk along the west wall and I put the just-delivered, freshly reupholstered <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-easily-remove-rust.html" target="_blank">Plycraft chair</a> just next to that. I love how it looks next to <a href="http://keep.com/tracy-accent-table-safavieh-by-jennykomenda/k/wRK3VgABBU/" target="_blank">the new Safavieh table</a>. That thing is SOLID. Seriously built to last. The table top is a beautiful piece of sparkly marble and the tapered legs are gilded iron. The base has a really pretty organic quality - sort of perfectly imperfect.<br /><br /><center></center><div style="text-align: start;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3007copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3007copy.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3062.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3062.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://keep.com/horn-vases-jayson-home-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLH_SgBGB/" target="_blank">The horn vases</a> are my favorite for office supplies, but I've used them for flowers before too and the mix of textures is really beautiful. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_3059.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/cIMG_3059.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://keep.com/the-new-yorker-cover-september-9-1961-poster-print-by-saul-steinberg-at-the-conde-nast-collection-by-jennykomenda/k/wRNHEngBG4/" target="_blank">The New Yorker cover</a> from the 60s was a Conde Nast Store find. I love it next to my new vintage etching (especially after <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/04/adding-detail-to-frame-mats.html" target="_blank">its recent upgrade</a>).</div><br /><div style="text-align: start;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_3027copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/cIMG_3027copy.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">On the north wall, against the wall of windows, we put the ikat sofas and the marble coffee table on my old Persian runner.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xIMG_2949.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/xIMG_2949.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I got these one-of-a-kind kilim pillows a few weeks ago when they were one of the <a href="http://domino.com/deals" target="_blank">Domino Deals</a> (50% off baby!) and they're gorgeous. (psst...this <a href="http://keep.com/otomi-pillow-caramel-wisteria-by-jennykomenda/k/wRMb-sABLb/" target="_blank">Otomi pillow</a> is also awesome)</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_2972.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2972.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_2974.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2974.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And on the coffee table is this pretty little <a href="http://keep.com/faceted-vase-matte-black-domino-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLg3OgBMe/" target="_blank">black hex planter</a> from Dwell Studio. There might be no less than three succulents in every room in my house at this point.</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_2990.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2990.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This <a href="http://keep.com/falcon-arm-chair-light-blue-safavieh-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLVjZgBJe/" target="_blank">light blue-green chair</a> is more comfortable than you might give it credit for since it's so small. It's adorable and the linen upholstery is well done. The color is pretty with the sofas too, huh?</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_3187.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3187.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm SO in love with this <a href="http://keep.com/perimeter-light-white-blu-dot-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLZzGgBKY/" target="_blank">Blu Dot lamp</a>. I bought the IKEA knock off a couple months ago, and let me tell you, that one is complete junk in comparison. This lamp is worth every penny, just for the shade alone! It's a gorgeous statement piece. Look at that pretty base.</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_3193.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3193.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I found that little knoll table for (get this) <i>$24 </i>here at an antique mall. I could hardly believe my luck.</div><br /><img alt=" photo cIMG_3206.jpg" border="0" height="885" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/cIMG_3206.jpg" style="text-align: start;" width="590" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Just to the right of the sofas on the east wall is a bunch of new pretty stuff that I'm so excited to share with you! The perfect little cherry on top though is this <a href="http://keep.com/untitled-domino-prints-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLQLaABIQ/" target="_blank">Cy Twombly print</a> that I've been wanting for years now. I LOVE the colors here. And it was nice that the print came framed.</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_2930.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2930.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://keep.com/poppy-tall-aquamarine-glass-vase-arteriors-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLn7GABOX/" target="_blank">This Arteriors vase</a> is so crazy and unique, I keep moving it around the house because I love seeing it everywhere. Recognize the nubbins? Totally inspired one of <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/03/diy-concrete-planters.html" target="_blank">my concrete planters</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img alt=" photo cIMG_2925.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/cIMG_2925.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These little <a href="http://keep.com/garnet-sculptures-set-of-2-arteriors-by-jennykomenda/k/wRK9PuABDO/" target="_blank">brass hand sculptures</a> are new too and I love how they look against the black table. I think a person's hands are so beautiful (especially really old ones and brand new baby ones! Oh, my heart!), but I'm starting to realize that my hand sculpture collection is getting a little out of control at this point. Maybe.</div><br /><img alt=" photo cIMG_3420.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/cIMG_3420.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_3428.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3428.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">More the share later, when I get to the projects posts, but I just wanted to say that lilac and poppy red will forever be a favorite color combo.</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_2903.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2903.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then just a little to the right, in the window bay, is my sunny desk nook. Those <a href="http://keep.com/s-chair-white-zuo-modern-by-jennykomenda/k/wRM4-lABDK/" target="_blank">white S chairs</a> were originally going sit at the malachite desk and one or both of the leopard chairs were going to sit at my desk, but I decided I liked the white S chairs in a pair at my desk instead. When people come over, we all sit together here, and the girls come up and sit with me if I need to work after they get home from school. They color and I type away. </div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_3111.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3111.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I painted the base of that Widdicomb table with chalkboard paint and I love the ultra-matte finish. And remember this little guy? My <a href="http://keep.com/brass-colored-pencil-set-jayson-home-by-jennykomenda/k/wRLEBjgBFA/" target="_blank">brass colored pencil holder</a> has a star spot on my desk top now. I love it.</div><br /><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_3129.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3129.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I picked up the gray wool office chair at a thrift store and it is so, so comfortable. It's cleaned up pretty well, but I think it's going to get a little more love sometime soon. The wooden arms and base need some work. But for now, it's just about my favorite place to sit and the arms hit the table at just the right spot. The perfect fit.</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_3074.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3074.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There are still a few more projects we're working on (some giant inspiration boards!!), but I'm so happy with the progress in here. It's bright and cheerful and it feels finished, but not overloaded. There's tons of floor space for spreading out our projects, but also places to sit and work when we're just doing computer work. I am so happy and grateful for this studio space. It is seriously saving my sanity. :)</div><br /><img alt=" photo JennyKomenda.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/JennyKomenda.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">NOW!! Don't forget to enter <a href="http://keep.com/giveaway2?utm_source=LGN&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=DOLGNCN41514" target="_blank">the $2000 GIVE AWAY</a> from Domino and Keep.com. Think of all the pretty things you could put in your home! My fingers are crossed for you! :)</div></div>

The Studio Tour! (and a HUGE Give Away from Domino and Keep!)

We've been working hard to decorate my little studio space this month! It's been SO fun to finally add color to the all-white room! ...

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