Monday, April 30, 2012

The Green Cabinet

...I'm convinced that everyone in the world needs a green cabinet.  Or, something like it.  Of course, I would encourage you to have the actual green cabinet, because.. well, I think it's the sweetest little cabinet I've ever seen.  But, I guess I really mean everyone needs the idea of the green cabinet.


The green cabinet lives right inside our entry hall. It is by far one of the crucial elements in making our house run smoothly.  It's an entire area of the house devoted to "catch all."  I realized very quickly after getting married that the entry way was a place that could become quite TOTALLY frightening.  Piles and piles of shoes, bags, mail, keys, coats, my purse... ALL in a heap towards the front door.  Eek! Something had to be done quickly.  Insert browsing at HomeGoods and spotting this bad boy:




This was the answer to my prayers.  It has two spacious shelves and not to mention.. totally adorbs! I decided to place three plastic (they don't have to be cute because my Hubs and I are the only ones seeing them) baskets.  One basket for Hubs, myself and Mozart.  This basket is a place we can stash our wallets, sunglasses, a book to return to the library, CD to take to the car.. you get the idea.  Mo has his leash in his basket.  This system works great for us! It conceals all of those little things that otherwise seem to hang out on the kitchen table. Cute cabinet + storage = WIN! 


Here is a peak inside the cabinet




The bottom basket holds anything we need to hang a picture. Nails, monkey hooks, hammer, ruler, 3M hooks.  Also, my lint brush has somehow squeezed in there.  But, I always know where it is! It's in a spot that's easy to grab and use on the way out the door. I also store a few wedding pictures we had printed that have not made into frames yet, and some over spill candles that I found on sale.



Our key hanger is used to hold our keys and my purse.  The wicker basket hides our flip flops that we use when grabbing the mail and taking Mo outside.  So far this system has been ideal for us.  I love the storage plus style I have been able to achieve with this small space.  I cannot imagine life without this area of the house.  It doesn't sound like much, but it houses A LOT of small things.


It's all about finding what works for you!  My system may be total chaos for one person, but totally great for me! What do you use to catch all of those small items that we are constantly taking in and out of the house?

Love, the Blair Abode


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Welcome to Our Abode...

a place in which a person resides; residence; dwelling;habitation; home.


Let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Darian Blair.  I am married to my wonderful husband, Tyler.  We have a precious Havamalt baby boy, Mozart.  That's a Havanese and Maltese mixed together.  It really doesn't get any cuter than this. Does it?


Tyler and I got married in May of 2011.  He is an electrical engineer and I am graduating in two weeks with a degree in early childhood education. Oh, how happy I am to be finishing.  Now, just waiting on that job!  

I decided to title this blog, "The Blair Abode" because I want to share my adventures around this abode of ours!  Hubs and I live in a town-house, and I always, I mean always am up to something.  Whether that is organizing, cleaning, shopping or planning.. I'm always looking for ways to improve our life style and make life more easy and peaceful.  Life is hectic enough! I strive to make our home a place that we can come to after a long day and find refuge and comfort.

The last several months I have been an organizing machine.  Not that we were messy before, but I realized how much more smoothly life goes when EVERYTHING has a place.  I'm seeing the benefits of that, and I want to share and enjoy this journey with others.

On this blog you will find projects I am doing/have done, and things that I have found to be helpful.  Now, I by no means am proclaiming to be a professional, I see this blog as one more way I can be organized while also sharing with others! So, join me on this journey!

Welcome to the Blair Abode... Kick your shoes off and stay a while!

Here are a few picture of us


Our Wedding Day.. So in love!


The next two pictures are from a styled shoot we did by Melissa McCrotty. Check her out! She is beyond fabulous!




Love, the Blair Abode