My Workspace : Idlized on Etsy

Idlized (my shop on etsy)  is my place work, which is based out of my home. Most people probably think, "Ah, you work from home, must be the life!".

It is a lot more challenging than one may think, especially when you live in a small little Spanish Bungalow... Not too mention all of the other difficulties- like running a business on your own including: shipping, packing, managing, maintaining, posting, finding " finds of the day", and so much more. It is a lot of work, but I love it. The biggest struggle for me is the number of items/merchandise and my lack of space.

I love the idea of a minimal, clean, simple living space and/or workspace. I have combined the two...
and with the space I have... it feels nearly impossible to achieve my desire. SO, I have gotten very creative with storage.

Things that I have found to be attractive, but great for storage and display :

• old trunks , luggage 

• crate ( wire + wood )

• old traveler cases

• prayer stand (?!?!)

• ladder

• jars and pitchers ( I am obsessed with typography glassware) 

• and few odds and ends that aren't necessary but make it feel a little more... shop-y , special, fun. 

I've just been playful with what I have found. For instance, the kneeling/prayer stand, I found this piece and LOVED IT. I knew I didnt have room, but I thought " I am going to make it work "...

and now it gives me a little more storage / space.

It is important to implement pieces and items you love in your workspace. Because if you love your work... you need to love the space you work in as well. 

It is a struggle, not sure if I mentioned but my room is approximately 99 sq feet, I need to cram a whole lot of goodness into my under 100 sq foot room - jam packed with greatness.... 

* please note im not perfect, if only there were more hours in the day* 

Those are also my clothes on the rack..." my closet ".... or my favorites. My husband uses our master closet and I used to use our spare room closet but that is now used for merchandise/ storage.

There we have it, my little room. Mixing the things I love with a few odds and ends from amazon (which is amazing for storage solutions). Here is an summary of what I got to make it happen:

• Rolling Laundry Butler ( has been a life saver- I fill it with my outgoing shipments, and storage boxes, envelopes, cards, etc on the bottom shelf)  heavy grade clothing rack ( amazon), Jiffy Steamer (amazon)

• Crates & Luggage ( images from SSO - I recommend looking on etsy) 

• Typography Jars - easily be found on etsy ( here, here, here)

•Wooden Shoe Molds (etsy) , Mannequin ( sso, here)

•Cake Stand ( Pier 1), Tin Baking Molds ( etsy), rustic clothing pins (etsy)

•Lighting - industrial, metal, etc (etsy)

Valentines Clipart

Valentines clip art : free : downloadable : watercolor texture : hearts : 

Download Here for PDF

Free Printable: Thank you Cards

Today, I am writing late thank yous from Christmas ( well finishing up )!

So I thought I'd share the pdf's I made for my cards.

Using Skitch Borders Fill and Melany Lane Patterns from my fonts.

Free Printable Fold Thank You cards!

Download here:

(4x6 size pdf)

Cards

Big Black Bag

 

I love a big carry all tote, and what better than a big black simple leather one! 

I found this vintage bag years ago and it is still my ultimate big black bag. 

I have tried replacing it, but I love this one. It is the perfect size, shape, and look!

It has the perfect amount of distress, which in my honest opinion give it character. 

Carrying a big bag has its +'s and -'s.

Starting with the good, I can carry anything and everything I can think of.

Down below you can see my must have carry a longs. 

The bad, I often find myself digging through my purse trying to find that one thing that 

always get buried below everything else. 

But, keeping little bags in my big bag helps! 

Oh, and a heavy duty key ring with lots of charms!

 

My simple Sunday outfit. I am sure you know from other posts I am a big fan of simple LBDs (little black dresses). Such an important staple in every closet and very versatile. Jazz them up with a vest/sweater/ denim jacket , a few pieces of jewelry and a great pair of boots and you're ready to go! 

I bought this dress from tres boutique. And it is my go-to, I could never part with it, like I could never part with my bag! It is worth it to invest in a quality simple black dress. This one is great, it doesn't wrinkle, fade, and is a great weight. Not heavy but not too light. 

Today I wore it with a white denim vest by Levis, a pair chunky platforms boots, a few rings, a big chunky cuff, and messy top bun of course!

 

My bag is full of goodies. I am not known to keep things "match-y match-y"..

Don't get me wrong there is a time and a place for things to match but, what is most important to me 

is to be surrounded ( or filled in this case) with things I love.

(coming soon..)

Back to School

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. 

I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. " 

- Joe from You've Got Mail

 I love the idea of "back to school" - fresh start, goals to stay organized, getting organized, etc.
This fall I wont be going back to school, which is sad, ...
because I want new school supplies, fresh starts, and goals...
So.. starting to prep for my own back to school...

Organizing my desk // setting up a desk //
Playing with industrial deskware...

Industrial Chic :: Vintage Metal Lockers, mason jars, vintage office supplies ( stapler, tape, rulers )
Okay, vintage office supplies, you'd be silly to go to staples and
buy a plastic stapler for $9.00 ( made of plastic, cheap, ugly, .. ),
when for a few dollars more you can buy a vintage metal stapler, that has lasted 40+ years
and will last 40+ more AND it looks better.

I love this look mix and match!
+ metal tins +vintage supplies +antique decanters as book stands
and you have got an awesome looking desk!


Industrial with a little bit of retro kitsch. I love these vintage food jars, with the bold typography!
Who says you have to put food leftovers in the leftover jar, I put spare change, keys,
and misc things from my pockets that need to find a home.
Popcorn.. business cards, old gift cards, etc.


If the Industrials greys are a little to stark for your taste, add a pop of color!  I love mix and matching old vintage glasses to organize things. A lot of the time it is hard to find full sets of these glasses...
so lets put the singles to good use!


Time is of the essence.. If the industrial look is a little too masculine, feminize it!
I found these fun antique and vintage gold clocks to mix with the other metals,
I think adding the gold makes it look a little more feminine
but still works with the industrial theme.
Also, the beautiful tin, with its elegant feminine swirls adds a nice touch.
It is a vintage chocolate tin! Yum Yum!  Oh, and vanity table trays,
always a nice feminine tabletop accessory!

Just Cute... Industrial Cute! ... Doesn't seem possible, but this is adorable! Old Tool box for all your crafting needs, art supplies, etc.!
Funky fun pop of yellow, with those awesome retro canisters. A little mixing and matching of all things good :-)

A little, easy easy, DIY!
Dry Erase board // Cost .50c //
Old frame with glass and piece of white paper fitted to frame. I am sure you can figure out the rest!

Coming soon my office! 

click here to see some of the items in this post for sale

Getting Organized 2013

Cleaning Tips by Real Simple

Find more remedies ... on Real Simple

Products I Love at Trader Joe's

1   Small Potatoes. Their bag of small potatoes are in the produce section. Here in Tucson they are  a $1.99! I've noticed at other grocery stores these little tots are 3.99 +. So, great value! They are delicious to roast with some olive oil and garlic/lemon pepper, oil, and parmesan.

2 Soy Chorizo.  Also, a $1.99 which is comparable if other stores are having a special but usually I see $2.99-$3.99. A lower fat alternative to regular chorizo and in my honest opinion just as tasty! Plus, soy chorizo is so versatile! You can use them for a soy chorizo scramble, breakfast burro, spicy pizza, tortas, tacos, stuffed peppers. The options are endless!

3 Pumpernickel Pretzels.  Enough said. TJ's Pumpernickel Pretzels are a tasty snack and perfect for dipping in a spicy mustard, cream cheese, cheese dip! At a $1.59 I don't know how you can turn them down!

4 Eggplant Cutlets. A pound of Eggplant cutlets at $2.99!!!! Is a steal. 1 Eggplant is usually $1.99! And these cook well, are breaded and ready to throw in the oven! Pair these with #7 and some parmesan- EASY DELICIOUS Eggplant Parmesan!

5 Whole Wheat Pizza Dough. A $1.99 ( pizza dough), some sauce, some cheese, some toppings, and you can have an awesome Build your own pizza party!

6  Chicken Recipe Jerky Strips.  Okay, not a favorite of mine but the pups love 'em for $2.99 these  are a very reasonably and tasty dog treat.

7 Marinara Sauce. Words cannot describe how much I adore this sauce. It makes every dish delicioso! @ $1.99 you are getting way more than any jar can give you, as far as, quality and quantity! AND it low fat! Seriously if you have not tried this sauce you need too.

8  Salsa Verde. For $1.99 you get a good sized jar of salsa verde & it is tasty!

More next time... Already looking forward to my next TJ trip!

organize

Trying to get things organized. I've been sort of mia from blogging but, once I get few more things organized. I will be back at it- A way to speed up the process ..to do list, check list! That I will add in my day timer AND fill out. 

Thought I'd share it with you. Maybe you will find it helpful! 

Click the links to download the printable files. 

download printable

download printable

Summer Sangria

Makeshift DIY puppy pack/dog backpack! 

Puppy packs are GREAT for dogs. Especially overly energetic, herding breeds, working breeds. 

It gives a normal walk a purpose, gives the dog a job or goal. It is not abusive, or a mean. Great for training dogs how to walk.

 A lot of dogs love them! At first start with just the pack with a couple treats. 

Reward them for their hard work.

Once they are used to it and know what its intention is, add more weight. Remember, no more then 25-30% of their weight. Here in Arizona, especially this time of year, it is hot. I put to ice bags on either side to keep the dog cool! Another great thing about the pack is it makes the walk a little more difficult. So, if you are walking your dog for two 30 minute walks and he/she is still full of energy not getting the exercise he/or she needs, this is a great way to accomplish that! 

low carb. low calorie. healthy. meatless. vegetarian. soup. 

Celery. tomatoes. onion. corn. zucchini. lime. garlic rice. mock beef ( gardein ). modelo. vegetable broth. taco seasoning. 

May 2012 Printable Calendar 

stay organized

Print

DIY Wire Lamp

Globe Lamp

Cardboard Lamp

DIY lighting. ikea glass lamp. glue. projection slides. easy. project.