DIY Cinnamon Stick Vase

Posted on December 21, 2017March 15, 2019 by Jeffrey Phillip

12 Days of Neatness Throwback – DIY Cinnamon Stick Vase

If you’ve been following me for the past several years then you are familiar with Christmas being one of my favorite times of the year. You are probably also familiar with the 12 Days of Neatness – my neat little holiday guide for gifts, DIY ideas and recipes. I originally started these neat days back in 2013 and have evolved them over the past 5 years from blog posts to short videos.

Unfortunately, this year I had to press pause on the 12 Days of Neatness because of some other exciting projects I’ve been working on (some of which you’ll be seeing in early 2018 – yay!). I’m so sorry! I’ve been really bummed that I wasn’t able to create a new series for you this year. However, this neat holiday tradition is far from being over. So, until next year, let’s enjoy a little fun from years past! Here’s a throwback to one of my favorites from last year – an easy and beautiful DIY cinnamon stick vase ?. I promise it is sure to be the perfect floral, festive and fragrant addition to your holiday decor! Plus, it’s super easy to throw together last minute and can even be a wonderful host/hostess gift!

I hope you enjoy and that you make one of your very own! If you do, please, take a photo to show me! Simply tag me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use the hashtags #12NeatDays #JPtips #JPholiday. I’d love to see your beautiful holiday arrangements!

xo
jp.

The 12 Days of Neatness | Holiday Tips & Gift Ideas

Posted on December 1, 2015December 9, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

It is December first, which means the holiday season is officially here, and that it is the first day of the 12 Days of Neatness, my own little holiday gift guide.

Since beginning the 12 Days of Neatness in 2013, each year I’ve shared 12 of my favorite product finds from throughout the year that I felt made useful, thoughtful and neat gifts. I posted these neat finds here on my blog, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest (if you haven’t started following me, please do so immediately! What have you been waiting for? 😉 ). This year I decided to take the 12 Days of Neatness to the next level by creating short videos with some helpful holiday tips in addition to those neat gift ideas.

So join me over the next 12 days as I post all of this festive holiday goodness to my Facebook and YouTube channels. Let me know what you think, and feel free to share some of your favorite tips and gift ideas for the holidays, too! I would love to hear from you! Oh, and don’t forget to share all this goodness with everyone you know 😉

The 6th Day of Neatness… – 12 Days of Neat Products for Holiday Giving

Posted on December 6, 2013August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF NEATNESS…

Well, we’re already at the halfway mark for the 12 Days of Neatness and I hope that you’re enjoying these incredibly neat products and gift ideas. For today, I couldn’t resist featuring a tool that sits at the very crossroads of neatness and usefulness. I was first introduced to the Hang & Level™ made by Under the Roof Decorating when I received it as a gift one holiday season myself. Since then, this nifty little tool is at my side whenever I need to hang any framed picture of any size. The Hang & Level takes out the frustration out of hanging pictures by assisting you with perfect placement of both the frame and the nail. At the same time, it also helps you achieve perfect alignment vertically and horizontally along your wall or against adjacent pictures. Working with the tool couldn’t be easier. Not only do they have web videos that show you exactly how to use it (you become an expert picture hanger in 2 minutes flat), but they have helpful tips on how to use the Hang & Level for multiple pictures or even creating an impressive photo gallery on your wall.

What’s even better about the Hang & Level is the customer support that Under the Roof Decorating provides for their clientele. They are extremely helpful and ready to assist if you should ever have a question or problem. I’ve used this tool countless times for my clients and several times in my own home. I can’t tell you enough how smart and convenient it is to use – and really how much time you save! They’re sold all over the place – check out their website to find out where you can pick one up this holiday season. They make a fun stocking stuffer and the perfect neat product to have around your home.

Walls Scuffs Begone!

Posted on April 17, 2013August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

No matter how hard I try to prevent scuffs from appearing on my walls, they always seem to pop up… maybe it was the dog, maybe it was my partner, maybe the chair hit the wall when I put on my shoes, or maybe it was the grotesque stain left behind after my cat like reflexes helped me finally catch that house fly. Whatever the reason may be, scuffs, marks and dings are not welcome on the walls or in my home!

Although I keep a small container of paint semi-handy, I always wish there was an easier and quicker way to touch up spots on my colored walls, and handle the areas that my trusty friend Mr. Clean just can’t seem to help with. Well, my wish was granted recently when I stumbled upon the Slobproof paint pen! This problem solving product took an item many women commonly use and gave it an ingenious new use – very simply, it is paint in a lip gloss pen. Ladies, just like with your lipgloss, the paint chamber stays airtight ensuring that the paint won’t dry out and that the pen will be ready to use for years to come. Store it in your toolbox, your office, or in your (organized) junk drawer. Touch ups have never been easier.

Hug-A-Plug: The Right-Angle Outlet Extension

Posted on May 22, 2012August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

When living in a small space, it is important to make every inch count; even those couple inches behind the sofa, bed or media console that are often taken up by cords sticking out of the electrical outlets in the wall. While many of us still try to make use of this space by shoving the furniture as close as possible and bending the power cords, there is a safer and more practical way to get your furniture closer to the wall.

Hug-A-Plug, the 90-degree angle outlet extension, allows you to plug your cords in parallel to the wall so you can safely place your furniture or appliances a couple inches closer. You can even create more connections in each outlet due to Hug-A-Plug’s stackable design.

This tiny, made in the USA problem solver is guaranteed to answer years of frustration for all!

Homemade Floor Mats with Style

Posted on August 29, 2011May 8, 2018 by Jeffrey Phillip

I am a huge fan of weekend projects, and I especially love projects that allow me to use old items I have around the house, or inexpensive things I can pick up at my local thrift store or craft store. I find the creative process of the project to be a rewarding and productive moment of solace from the everyday stresses that surround me.

While I wasn’t prepared to work on any projects as Hurricane Irene passed over this weekend, I did discover two great ones from Danny Seo’s new book Upcycling: Create Beautiful Things with the Stuff You Already Have.

The projects: Two great floor mats that are easy and cost-effective to build, and have great style (see below). Had I had all the supplies necessary, I would have had quite a crafty hurricane experience. Instead, I have added the ideas onto my list of fun, future projects.

Leather Belt Rug

Supplies Needed:

A dozen old leather belts
A hole cutter
Hemp twine
A needle

Cork Bath Mat

Supplies Needed:

A white shadowbox
About 500 wine corks
No glue or adhesives necessary

Images & Ideas courtesy of www.dailydanny.com

Give Your Desk Flair

Posted on March 11, 2011August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

Tired of being surrounded by the dull colors in your office? Add a little excitement to the space by giving your desk some organizational flair. Jonathan Adler and Lifeguard Press have designed the perfect Desk Dock Organizer that allows you to very handily store everything from pens and pencils to paperclips and push pins. It even manages the cord clutter on your desk from your iPod and mobile phone. The Desk Dock Organizer comes in two vibrant patterns (Diamond and Greek Key) that are sure to add a little color to your space and put a smile on your face.

P.S. – It has also recently been mentioned on the O List!

A Neater Way to Display Your Child’s Artwork

Posted on February 21, 2011August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

If you have little children, I am sure that you are familiar with the constant flow of artwork that comes home with them almost daily from their daycare or school. With every new piece being their favorite, you can’t help but put it on display – not only are your refrigerator doors full, but their bedroom walls have become a gallery and your desk at work even houses several of their masterpieces. As proud as you are to display their work, you may be wondering if there is a way to more neatly showcase their art that won’t leave your walls or refrigerator cluttered.

Several years ago, the ladies of Wexel Art were pondering the same thing, which led to the creation of the Wexel Art Floating Frame. This easy-to-install, acrylic panel frame comes with 4 pairs of strong magnets that allow you to quickly and effortlessly change the prized work of your little artist (or, update the latest photo of your child with this week’s favorite Kodak moment). The clean modern design blends well with a variety of decorating styles and can easily be incorporated into a kitchen, a child’s bedroom or playroom, a casual family room, or even a home office. Use one frame to make a singular statement, or group them together to create a trio or a fun collage. These frames will not only leave your walls looking neat, but they will also make your little artist feel proud as you display their work in a more special way.

Wexel Frames come in various shapes, sizes and styles, which makes them the perfect solution for displaying:

Artwork
Photos
Menus
Recipes
Store signage
Award Certificates
And more!

This Spring, Wexel Art will also be offering a limited edition run of frames designed by Eva Zeisel. Visit their website to find out more about the various sizes available, or to inquire about creating custom shape or custom size frames.

A Golden Glow

Posted on December 21, 2010August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

I was recently walking around a holiday gift fair and stumbled upon these gorgeous stone candle holders made of a rare, golden-orange, onyx calcite. When lit, these unique candle holders emit the perfect golden-amber glow that will add to the ambiance of any room in your home. They will also make a great gift for birthdays, holidays or housewarmings.

Unfortunately, Golden Glow Candle Works, the company selling them, does not have an e-commerce portion to their website yet. However, they are hoping to sell online towards the end of winter. In the meantime, you can call them or submit your email online to learn about their line of gifts and products.

Golden Glow Candle Works