DIY Remodel: How to Choose Berber Carpet

Photo by CHAD ESSLINGER DESIGN - Look for home office pictures

Sometimes you need to choose carpet over a hard flooring for your remodel. We are redoing our office space and we need part of it to be more quiet so we are choosing to use a loop berber to help dampen the sound in the room.

Berber carpet is a popular choice for homeowners because of its durability and unique appearance. When choosing a Berber carpet, there are a few things to consider to ensure you select the right one for your home.

1. Fiber: Berber carpet can be made from different fibers, including wool, nylon, polyester, and olefin. Each fiber has its own unique characteristics, such as durability, stain resistance, and texture. Consider which fiber will best suit your needs based on your lifestyle and budget.

2. Pile height: Berber carpet is known for its looped construction, which creates a unique texture. However, the pile height of Berber carpet can vary, from short and tight loops to longer and looser loops. Shorter loops are generally more durable, while longer loops may be more comfortable underfoot.

3. Color: Berber carpet is available in a range of colors, from neutral shades to bold and bright hues. Consider the overall color scheme of your room and choose a Berber carpet that complements it. We are choosing a beautiful charcoal color that is a great neutral foundation color for your room’s remodel color palette.

4. Pattern: Berber carpets can be found in both solid colors and patterns. I really love a good pattern. It can mimic a large area run in the room. If you choose a patterned Berber carpet, consider the size of the pattern and how it will look in your space. If you want to layer an area rug on top think about the pattern of the rug and if it will go well together. Rule of thumb:you can mix and match patterns just be sure one is a small pattern and one is a large pattern.

5. Quality: Berber carpets can vary in quality, depending on the materials used and the manufacturing process. Look for a Berber carpet with a dense construction, even loops, and strong backing to ensure it will last for years to come. Wool is a beautiful high quality natural fiber that I would choose if it is within your budget!

Overall, when choosing a Berber carpet, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences like it are for us and our office renovation, be sure to think about the fiber, pile height, color, pattern, and quality.

DIY Remodel: How to Choose Your LVP Flooring

photo via HGTV

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring aka LVP

We are remodeling our offices and have decided on a mix of LVP, Luxury Vinyl Plank, and low berber carpet, for the spaces we need quieter. Going into this remodel I had no idea how to choose LVP and didn’t even know that Pergo/faux wood floor is called LVP!

Here are a few things I learned and some tips to help you with if you are shooing LVP for your renovation.

When choosing the best luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the best LVP flooring for your needs:

1. Quality: Look for LVP flooring with a high-quality wear layer ( ask about this! It makes a difference especially if you’re putting it in high-traffic areas!) that is scratch-resistant and durable. A thicker wear layer will generally provide better protection and last longer. Consider the thickness of the plank, wear layer, and construction type.

2. Appearance: Consider the color, texture, and design of the LVP flooring. Choose a style that matches your decor and personal taste. You can even find LVP that looks pretty close to wood@

3. Thickness: Look for thicker LVP flooring, as it will generally be more durable and provide better sound insulation. We learned this the hard way in the past. You don’t want to hear everyone upstairs!

4. Installation: Consider the installation method, as some LVP flooring is designed for floating installation some types of LVP flooring require glue, while others have a click-and-lock system. Choose the method that is best suited for your skill level and needs. If you are new and doing this on your own I would suggest the click-and-lock. My 12 year old niece was able to do thsi herself in her bedroom!

5. Brand Reputation: Check reviews from past buyers or ask for references to ensure that the brand you're considering has a reputation for quality and customer service. Always look for reviews. Best lesson I learned from Amazon!

6. Warranty: Look for LVP flooring with a good warranty that covers manufacturing defects, and wear-and-tear.

7. Maintenance: Choose LVP flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. Some types of LVP flooring are scratch-resistant, waterproof, and stain-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and for those with fur babies!

8. Cost: Consider the cost of the LVP flooring, including the price of installation. Choose a flooring option that fits your budget.

Overall, when choosing the best LVP flooring, it's important to balance your personal preferences, budget, and practical considerations such as quality, installation, and maintenance. By taking these factors into consideration, you should be able to choose the best LVP flooring for your home or business. Good luck! I will keep you updated on our office remodel! Before and after photos coming soon!

DIY Remodel: How to Choose Your Color Palette

Choosing a color palette can be a fun and creative process, but it can also be challenging if you don't know where to start. I usually work in Canva to choose my color palettes but this time I use Coolor. This color palette is for my office remodel project.

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect color palette for your project:

1. Determine the mood or feeling you want to convey: Think about the emotion you want to evoke with your project. Do you want it to feel warm and cozy or cool and sophisticated? Once you have an idea of the mood you want to create, you can start to choose colors that will help convey that feeling.

2. Consider your brand or project's identity: If you're creating a color palette for a brand or project, think about the identity you want to convey. What are the values and characteristics that are important to your brand or project? Try to choose colors that align with those values.

3. Look for inspiration: Inspiration can come from anywhere - a piece of artwork, nature, or even a favorite outfit. Look for colors that catch your eye and consider how you can incorporate them into your color palette.

4. Use color theory: Understanding color theory can be helpful when choosing a color palette. For example, complementary colors (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel) can create a vibrant and dynamic look, while analogous colors (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel) can create a more harmonious and soothing look.

5. Start with a base color: Choose one color that you love and build your palette around it. Consider using shades, tints, and tones of that color to create a cohesive palette.

6. Test your palette: Once you've chosen your colors, test them out in different combinations to see how they look together. You can use tools like Adobe Color or Coolors to create and test color palettes.

Remember, choosing a color palette is a personal choice and there are no right or wrong answers. Trust your instincts and have fun with the process!

Color Palette Tools:

• Coolors

• Canva

• Adobe Color

See more about my office remodel and choosing our flooring here.

Free Printable Pumpkin Coloring Pages

How has your first week of fall been? Did you try any of my Favorite Fall Recipes or create one of these Fall Leaf Wreaths with your kids?

You know, I love making these free printable coloring pages for you as much as I love coloring them. I will print one and have it out on my desk for when I start feeling overwhelmed. There is just something about choosing the colors and putting marker or pencil to paper and coloring.

 I made these color pages so you can color them as well as your kids. Feel free to print some out and share them with your kids classes or even with your work mates. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

DIY Dog & Cat Collar Craft

DIY Dog & Cat Collar

Supplies:

• Measuring tape

• Sharp scissors

• Button down shirt with collar 

As I mentioned, this is a super quick and easy DIY dog craft. (or cat)

First, measure your cat or dog's neck making sure to leave a little give so the collar isn't too tight. To find the correct size shirt for your pet measure the inside of the shirt collar and match it as closely as possible to your pet's neck size. 

For my cats, I used a size 6-12-month-old sized shirt. For my small dog, I used a 2 T sized shirt. You could easily fit all sizes of dogs and cats with shirts ranging from preemie to XXL men's sizes. 

A new or gently used shirt works fine. To save a little I bought my shirt at a local thrift shop. 

Next, cut along the collars edge just below the rolled seam, trimming as close to the edge as possible.

That's it. Really there is nothing more to it. 

Bedroom Makeover - Choosing the Perfect Bedframe & Headboard

I'm in search for a bed frame or a nice headboard. It's been a while since I've had one. You know, it's just one of those things on your list that gets pushed back with other more pressing things making their way ahead on your budget. I finally decided I need to just get one. Choosing one I will like for a while is the trick though. I like the idea of a sofa upholstered headboard like the one pictured above. It's from Wayfair and at a great price too only $169 for a queen.

I also like this bed frame from Joss and Main. It costs more but it has the full frame with a low foot board that I really like so I can sit on the end of the bed. I like the combination of the darker wood with the linen colored upholstered headboard. It's still a great price at $285.95 for the queen size.

There is just something about a spindle bed that is enchanting and classic and almost fairytale like. Do you like the gray color shown above or the navy here on at One Kings Lane?

I'm off to find the perfect one. Wish me luck!

A Small Kitchen Herb Garden

My little herb garden is coming along nicely. It's a first year for most of the herbs and second for a few of them. This is the dill. I am letting it go to seed so I will get more next year. I am growing for home made pickles.

This young lavender is for drying and tucking away into drawers and closets or possibly a hot bath to relax the muscles.

I am so happy with the basil. It is the first herb plant I have grow from seed and it's getting bigger than the plants I bought at the farmers market. I even planted it late.

Thyme has always been one of my favorite herbs to pick and rub in my hands for a fragrant treat. I have two varieties including lemon thyme.

Spearmint is to dry for winter teas to wake me up in the winter mornings.

I also have sage for Thanksgiving stuffing, oregano to add to a good tomato sauce, peppermint to mix with the spearmint and some chives too.

It has been a joy to be able to walk out the back door and pick some fresh organic herbs while cooking. Next year I want it to be twice or maybe even three times as big with many more herbs added.

Do you have an herb garden?

Spring | Lemon Love | A Few Lemon Favs

New on Simply the Sweet Life are Seasonal Themes of my favorite things! For spring I chose lemons, lemon love!

I’ve had a life long love of lemons. When I was very young around 4 or 5 when I went with my grandma and mother shoppping I would always ask for the plastic lemons with lemon juice in them for my treat. I love lemon yellow and and butter cream yellow colors. I love to scent of lemons and lemon essential oil.

To start off the Lemon Love Spring here are some of my favorite lemon things!

affiliate links included

Yellow Microplane Lemon Zester

I got this lemon zester a few years ago and it has been my go to zester for all things citrus. I use it for my Lemon Keylime Bars!

GET IT HERE

Lemon Vanilla Bean Soy Candle

This candle has creamy lemon vanilla scent, a 100% cotton wick and free from paraffin!

GET IT HERE

Lemon Pure Essential Oil

I diffuse the now lemon essential oil in my kitchen daily

GET IT HERE

Lemon Botanical Dish Towels

I love these dish towels and this set comes with a bonus lemon juice press!

GET IT HERE

EO Coconut + Lemon Body Lotion

This is my go to daily lotion. It’s a pure basic lotion free from petrochemicals.

GET IT HERE

So many more lemony good things coming throughout spring!

Hand Embroidered Valentine Bookmarks

Hello Everyone!!! I’m Abby over at A Feathered Nest blog which is kind of a collection of hobbies I like or attempt. I’m a mom with 4 kids - boy, girl, boy, girl, and a husband. I wish I had a puppy so bad. My baby girl is an animal so she will suffice for now. We live in Michigan {the most beautiful place on earth} but we’re getting ready to move back home to Sunny Arizona! I’m SO excited that Heather would ask me to put together a project for all of you. We’re going to do a Valentine project but not that kind of Valentine project. Let’s veer from the standard Valentine gifts and do something unique for our good friends & loved ones. Who out there doesn't love a good book?! Even kids’ books. They’re amazing. Don’t you love it when you find a good book and you’re sad when you finish? Wouldn't it be fun to give a good book to someone you love this Valentine’s Day?! With an adorable hand-made bookmark?! Even better. {add some chocolate to the gift and I’d say that would be the best Valentine gift EVER.} I’ll take a good book {and chocolate} over flowers any day.

Hand Embroidered Valentine Bookmarks

Aren’t they precious? How fun to use the bookmark as the actual gift tag wrap it around a gift card or if you buy a book wrap it around the wrapping paper. 

Supplies:

• Felt, cut in varying circles or shapes (I have a scallop pair of scissors) 

• DMC floss, needle, scissors 

• Fabric marker- mine has a disappearing ink side 

• Fabric glue 

• Elastic (you can dye your elastic any color you want using RIT dye - just boil hot water, add a few drops of dye, boil for a few minutes, rinse with cold water. Bleach your pot before using it for cooking.) 

This is a perfect project for those of you who are beginners to embroidery. If you need a practice guide, here is a handy-dandy Stitch Guide I put together a long time ago. This post also has some stitching help, another great Valentine project. I’m missing a few stitches on my site but if you google searched the following stitch names you’ll find more than enough help on how to do them.

Cut your shapes - I used 3-ply together, but stitched on 2-ply.

Trace/draw your design. The circles should be small, so you don’t need a whole lot on them - keep it simple. I free-handed everything so I don’t have patterns, but you can look at these and figure it out. They’re not very complex.

Embroider your design. Here are the stitches I used: Lazy Daisy

- French Knot

- Split Stitch

- Running Stitch

- Blanket stitch

Secure your elastic in a loop/circle, using glue or thread - make sure it’s straight. Nothing but the best from you.

Glue your front to the back.

Done! Now go make a whole bunch of these and you have plenty of time until Valentine’s Day! Wahoo!! These will also make great end-of-year teacher gifts too get a head start and be the admiration of the PTO moms. You’re amazing.

More Valentine’s Day Crafts

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Free Printable Dinner Planner & Recipe Cards

Keto Friendly

Wether you’re planning meals for your whole family or just for yourself it’s nice to make a plan. Since I’m on the keto diet I like to meal prepping on the weekends and plan out my meals for the week. It helps cut down on food waste and it keeps me on track so I’m not tempted to eat out or grab something that is off my keto diet plan.

For moms and dads it’s great to have a meal planner so that everyone in the household from you to your spouse to your nanny knows what’s in stock and what’s planned for dinner!

I made this simple meal planner for you! I included a couple of recipes cards too just in case you want to share one of your favorite recipes with a friend.

Choosing a Neutral Paint Color -Taupe or Greige

I’m sure if you have been looking at paint colors recently you have heard the made-up color name Greige. It sounds a bit confusing because really it’s just taupe. Taupe is a cool natural that is a mix of beige and gray. For some reason, the trend for the more cool color of taupe is to call it greige.

Photo Credit - Jenn Verrier Photography @jennverrier

The gray and white look is on its way out while adding some walnut wood and painted navy or deep peacock color cabinets is showing up in new homes with the greige/cool taupe wall paint colors.

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A post shared by Amber Lewis (@amberinteriors)

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A post shared by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines)

I love the dusty pale blue painted cabinets above with the brass/soft gold color hardware. The reason they look so great together is that yellow and blue are complementary colors and the tints and tones in this palette are perfectly balanced. Such a welcoming classic look.

As a trained designer and color expert I’ve been helping my bestie choose colors for her new home. Even though her home is semi-custom her contractor is working with Sherwin-Williams but she loves many of the Benjamin Moore colors so I am helping find a greige aka taupe palette that will be more timeless and traditional than trendy.

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Easy to Grow Indoor Plants * Adding Some Fresh Green to Your Home

Adding Some Fresh Green Plants to Your Home

I have been into house plants lately and want to add more to my home. I’ve been researching easy-to-grow indoor plants and wanted to share will you some of the interesting and helpful info I’ve found. There’s nothing like a bit of fresh green to add to the coziness of home.

Jade Plant

Crassula ovata, or the jade plant, is also known as the lucky money tree. If you’re looking for a great durable plant that is easy to care for the Jade plant is for you! This succulent is snow growing but can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Jade plants are easy to propagate which means you can grow more plants from your main plant and fill out all sections of your home or give some as gifts too.

Care: light with

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas Zamiifolia or the ZZ plant or the Zanzibar Gem is an easy low light plant. I love the shiny oval deep green leaves of the ZZ.

Care: Can tolerate everything from bright indirect sun to low light with well-drained soil.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria or Mother-in-Laws Tongue has a long pointed leaf that is almost waxy. I love the look of this plant but I’m not in love with the name. Snakes and mother-in-law’s tongues?? I hope my daughter’s-in-law think of me as kind and loving! As for snakes, I can leave them but this plant I will take! I love the upward movement of the leaves.

NASA researched the Snake Plant and found that they help clean the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Care: Snake plants are great in low light, require very little watering, and will endure if you forget to water them.

English Ivy

Hedera helix or English Ivy is such a lovely plant. I love growing Ivy indoors. I love the shape of the leaves, I love that they trail along so nicely and make a great handing plant or can be trained around a frame for a topiary.

Care: Ivy does like bright in-direct sunlight so this is a plant to house near a window. Keep the soil moist but not too wet and don’t let it dry out.

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PRODUCT SUMMARY 

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Ceramic Planter with Wood Stand

Copper Colored 40oz Watering Can

Plant Stand Mid Century Wood

Gray Slope Arm Sofas - Restoration Hardware Inspired Home

One day last fall I walked into the SLC Restoration Hardware store and was struck with inspiration. This is the feel I want for my home redesign. I wanted it to feel light airy and full of well-designed pieces of furniture, tall palm trees, and plants, with a touch of a cozy relaxing home. A place my mind could rest and a place where my family could come and hang out. In addition to buying my beautiful Majestic Palm, I started to add one piece at a time. Although I LOVE the Restoration Hardware sofas they didn’t have a couple of things I wanted for my gathering space.

A few things on my checklist included both form and function. Anyone who knows me knows that if there is something in my home it must be deigned well as well as have a use. It’s not form verses function with my it’s form AND function.

• It must be aesthetically pleasing.

• it must be comfortable, the kind of comfortable where you can curl up and take a nap comfortably.

• It must be durable to withstand long hours of use and my cat Henri and my Taco Terrier Harrison (aka a chihuahua mini fox terrier mix)

• It must have a place to put my feet up, I debated back and forth over the chaise lounge end sofa and the reclining sofa.

The reclining sofa won out only because I finally after A LOT of searching found one that was in the perfect gray color and had a similar reverse slope arm as the restoration hardware sofa. I’m totally happy that I did choose these two because they come with USB portals and the loveseat has an outlet in the center storage area and 2 drink holders AND the headrest is adjustable too!

I’m not crazy about the pillow cover design of the pillows that came with it so I’m ordering these woven Baileywick Linen Pillow Covers in shell pink for some texture and these Maddie Textured Pillow Covers in mauve. I like that the colors are muted and soft pale colors that translate more as a neutral in the room. For the holidays and seasons, I will be adding a throw and lumbar pillows with a print.

Easy to Care For House Plants: #1 Majesty Palm

Let’s talk about house plants! I mean the easy to care for hard to kill variety that pretty much anyone can grown. From pathos to palms there are some lovely plant you can grown in your home.

Majesty Palm

Right now I’m loving my new Majesty Palm. It grows pretty fast and I bought a smaller one and planted it in a taller straight pot so it would stand taller without having to spend more on a bigger plant upfront.

It’s best to keep the soil moist but they are forgiving if you forget to water them. They thrive in a low light indoor setting just fine.

When I got my last majesty palm my cat decided the pot was his new litter box and ruined it so now I cover the soil with a little bit of stone mulch since cats don’t like its rough texture.

This photo is of Rhianna Meyman’s beautiful Majesty Palm. I will post photos of mine as soon as I’m finished with my unpacking here in my new home.

Easy Hummingbird Food Recipe

It’s spring time which means the hummingbirds are coming back. Every year my grandma would hand a hummingbird feeder so we could watch the hummingbirds from her kitchen window. I carried on that tradition with my kids. Now that they are grown and off to college I look forward to the days I feed the hummingbirds with my future gandkids just likemy grandma.

Hummingbird food is really a simple recipe. It consists of sugar and water. You boil the water to make sure it is clean and pure for your hummingbird friends.

This is a basic plain sugar syrup. Do not use food coloring. The hummingbirds will love their freshly made nectar.

Info for feeding hummingbirds:

Hummingbirds eat the most during the early morning and about a half an hour before dark so it's best to check on your hummingbird feeder just after dinnertime.

Humming birds are drawn to the colors red and orange. To attract them to your yard plant bright hues of red and orange flowers. It's also good to make sure your hummingbird feed has red on it too.

A few good hummingbird friendly flowers are petunias, lupine, lilies, and bee balm in shades of reds and oranges.

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Hummingbird Food Recipe

By Simply the Sweet Life

This is a simple recipe for your favorite hummingbird friends..

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups water

Instructions

• In a pot bring water to simmer. Add in sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Cool then place in your hummingbird feeder.

Yield: 5 cups

Prep Time: 00 hrs. 05 mins.

Cook time: 00 hrs. 10 mins.

Total time: 15 mins.

Nutrition

• Calories: 773
• Fat: 0

Tags: recipes, hummingbird food

SAVE IT FOR LATER - PINTEREST

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DIY Christmas Pinecone Garland Decor

This post is sponsored by Command™ brand.

I love the holidays. Cheery Christmas music, gathering all my favorite decorations to tuck into every nook and cranny of my home and our favorite sweet treats we only eat once a year.

This year we live in a lovely pre-war home with two fireplaces which means I get to decorate two mantels. I'm so excited. I get to create two pretty Christmas vignettes on each one.

I love the fall/Thanksgiving decorations I have on my dining room mantel.  It's made of a beautiful old growth oak wood. To keep the pretty wood intact I am using Command™ Clear Mini Hooks that are easy to apply and easy to remove without hammering holes in the wood for a damage-free holiday.

I wanted to create a lovely transitional garland that I can have up with my Thanksgiving decorations that I can also have up for Christmas.

This simple pinecone garland is a perfect easy DIY Christmas decoration or Thanksgiving decoration anyone who can tie a simple knot and bow can make.

DIY Christmas Decorations - Pinecone Garland

• Gather an assortment of pine cones -wash and dry

• 2-3 yards of ribbon

• Holiday craft pick 

• Craft Glue

• Command™ Clear Mini Hook (to hang)

  Gather and wash your pinecones. Cut a length of 2 1/2 yards of ribbon. If you are feeling sparkly you can add some glitter to each pinecone too by simply brushing some glue on the pinecones and dusting with glitter.

Wrap the ribbon around the bottom of the first pinecone and tie it in a double knot. Repeat spacing the pinecones apart about 5 inches. Tie two bows from the ribbon leaving long tails to top each end pinecone. Glue the bow on the top of the end pinecones.

Using the Command™ Clear Mini Hook add adhesive back as directed. Place the Command™ Clear Mini Hook on the mantle to hang the garland as pictured above (I used the white mini hooks so you can see them better here in the photo.)

Next, I simply added a Christmas craft pick tucking it into the Command™ Clear Mini Hook to hold it in place. The nice thing about using the Command™Brand Hooks is you can quickly change your decorations if you change your mind without damage.

I'm also hanging my wreaths on my windows using Command™ Brand Hooks. Did you know you can use them on glass? Be sure to clean the glass well before adhering the hooks.

On my enclosed porch I'm hanging these pretty velvet and grapevine wreaths on the windows using the Command™ Medium Designer Hook which can hold up to 3 pounds which is perfect for hanging wreaths.

You can find more ways to use Command™ Brand Hooks for your holiday decorating here at Command™ Brand Holiday.

Happy Holidays!