Halloween or Die Trying!

Im a terrible blogger. Draw and quarter me if you must! But I couldnt not update this little dusty corner of the interweb (its a series of tubes!) this year's Halloween that was. After so many years of admiring the giant skeletons, we had to have them for oursevles. So for the first year there was no complicated backstory that only I really appreciated - we just went old school with it and pulled out every skelly we had.
It's been a big hit! The most popular question we have gotten so far is: Where are you going to store these things? Well thats a great question because they are absolutely huge and heavy and I have absolutely no idea. Anyone local want to volunteer a spot in their basement for these charming guys? All reasonable storage offers will be considered :

Jersey Shore condo to Beach Townhouse Update

Hello strangers!  Here I am to clear out the cobwebs of this dusty corner of the interwebs to bring you an update.  Last fall we moved out of our beach condo and moved down the road into a beach townhouse. (Im still very much living in Brooklyn and I will never leave NYC so no worries there!) It's not quite a proper "BEACH HOUSE" but getting ever so much closer to living my Nancy Meyers / Diane Keaton Something Has Got to Give dreams - at least on the weekends and in New Jersey.  Ok maybe it's more Snooki than Diane Keaton but let me have my fantansies!


While we always planned on making some (ok, a lot of) changes, we thought we could wait a year or two to tackle those.  It didn't take long to realize those plans were going out the window and certain things had to change immediately.  One thing lead to another, yada, yada, yada...and we were in full renovation mode.  

live footage of me after I realized we couldn't just live with it as is.

Thanks to covid and supply chain and lots of other little bitty things that add up, we have been working on the world's slowest renovation ever.  Thankfully we are ever so slowly getting toward the finish line of our original projects and I'm excited to share those with you.  

Now you are all caught up.  For those of you who follow me on instagram or tiktok you already know all this so thanks for reading.  For those of you are still blog only readers, I hope you still remember me.

We have finished 2 bathroom renovations and are almost done with the kitchen.  But those require a lot more backstory.  So let's close out today's post with a hyperlapse video of the Mr. & I in our pajamas making our patio into a small outdoor living room (while our indoor living room is torn to shreds!).

@brooklynlimestone Outdoor living room upgrade for this #smallspace balcony #coastalgrandmother #coastalstyle #outdoorliving #patiogoals ♬ son original - LOUIS RODRIGUEZ✨
Not going to lie. Im really pleased with how this turned out even with it being just a random collection of pieces I found at big box stores. It really takes this little patio from dead outdoor space to outdoor living space.

Absolutely free artwork for your Frame TV

If you know me, you know I'm a bit obsessed with my tv.  It's one of those framed ones that I pined for for years before finally treating myself. I don't know what took me so long. (Oh yea right. I'm cheap.)  It's just a regular tv when its on but allows you to leave digital artwork displayed when its off. It's a small difference but just looks so much better than the usual black mirror. 


The maker offers an artwork subscription service but it seemed a bit limited (also see cheap point above).  I quickly realized its pretty easy to load anything you want on there (albeit not the most intuitive setup) so I got to work to find artwork I enjoyed.  I like to change it up with the seasons and holidays. Much to my shock I've had a really hard time finding completely free artwork for the Samsung Frame TV.  There are lots of sellers on Etsy charging (which is totally fine and worth it if you are in a rush or don't want to change the artwork 200x a year!) but truly free, no strings attached?  Slim pickings!

So since I just went through the trouble to find some fun Valentine's Day artwork and set it up in the right dimensions for the Frame TV, I thought it would be worth sharing.  Just download these images to your phone and then use your tv's app to upload them to the artwork section. I think they look best without a matte but feel free to play around with it. You're welcome!

Extra points for anyone who notices my orchids are reblooming. Yes, they do come back!

Halloween 2021: Harry Potter Comes to Brooklyn

Look I blogged!  As lonely and neglected as I've allowed this blog to become I couldn't not share the Halloween decorations.  This year's theme is Harry Potter and was directly requested by Agatha.  How could I not oblige? My big plans of making a giant mandrake may have been scratched due to lack of time but we got our decorations up in plenty of time to enjoy the absolute best season to be in Brooklyn - autumn.








And of course we will be decked out as Harry Potter characters come Halloween. If you are looking for a super easy costume that is actually warm and comfy, I highly recommend this green velvet robe for the Professor McGonagall cosplay.  It's like wearing a bathrobe. I wish it was socially acceptable to wear it around town.


Favorite Amazon Home Decor finds

Just dropping in quickly today to share my favorite Amazon home decor finds in honor of prime day. All of these items I use (and reuse and reuse) in my own home so I can vouch for being super satisfied with them. I keep an updated list here: Brooklyn Limestone's favorite home decor items from Amazon


If you are on an organizing kick like I am lately, please check out my organizing favorites too. Happy Shopping!

Wallpaper Mural Love

Hello lovelies!  Like many of you, we have been home A LOT this year so I've been making little updates along the way.  Things I always thought about doing, I've finally made time to get to.  I had been lusting after this very specific monochrome wall mural for years. Aside from just liking it's look, it also  reminded me of the "relaxation room" in the Four Seasons in Paris. And you know how I am with travel memories.

Admitedly, I was very reluctant because I am traumatized by my experiences removing wallpaper from other homes.  In particular one room that I had to peel off the wallpaper in one centimeter scraps until my fingers were worn down to nubbins.  Did not want to ever do that again!  But finally I got over my fear and went for it.




The reviews on this paper indicated it would be easy to DIY but because it was a mural as opposed to a repeating pattern, I knew that if I made even one little mistake or tear to this paper, I would have ruined the entire thing so I hired someone to hang it.  I got lucky and found someone great by accident and he did an amazing job (for my local friends, I'm happy to share his info if you need wallpaper hung!).  He also told me that if I ever wanted to remove it, it would be very easy to do without damaging the walls.


Not gonna lie - I absolutely love it!  I know its not for everyone but this is just what this room needed. It just adds so much character and whimsy to this space. I keep walking in here to check it out. Why didn't I do this years ago? 

For those of you on TikTok, please come join me over there. It's my addiction.

@brooklynlimestone

Amping up the drama in the dining room. #wallpaper #homedecor #homeblogger

♬ original sound - Molly Ã…stradsson
Dining Room Details: End chairs: Limari Side Chairs: World Market Mural: Anthropologie Magnetic Chalkboard: Versachalk Drapery: Amazon Table: Restoration Hardware Paint color: Benjamin Moore Woodland Snow

5 Attainable Pieces of Original Artwork to Hang on Your Wall

If there was an ever a time to support small artists and creators, this is it.  I know so many of us are spending more time at home than ever so what better time to find some beautiful pieces to look at while we are spending so much time at home.  

Selecting art can be such a hard decision but I encourage you not to take it too seriously. Just find something you connect with and it will bring you joy.

Here are 5 (reasonably affordable) pieces of from artists I've been crushing on...

This dramatic skyscape by KatyLeigh is memorizing whether you see the clouds or not.

You know I'm a sucker for creepy portraits and this girl with bird by Nursel Fine Art checks all the boxes. 

This little crushed toothpaste painting by Kristine Kainer would be perfection in a bathroom.

If you need a piece for your kitchen, I'm loving the fried egg paintings Anna Shevel has done.  Pop art for those who like to cook!

And finally this pastoral painting by Sara Tubens is both calming but hard to look away from.

Any of these strike your fancy? Or do you have other artists you ar crusing on? Please share their work in the comments!


Organizing Products You Need in Your Life Right Now

I know I'm not the only one purging and organizing my house every January so this one will be no different.  Thanks to being at home the last 9 months, I've actually be organizing my heart out all year. So when would be a better time to share my absolute favorite organizational find than now?

In no particular order, these are my favorite products to get your life in order this year or every other.  (If you don't want to read my little story that comes with each item, feel free to just look at the list directly on my Amazon shop here.)


Pretty pre-made food labels:  I've said it before and I'll say it again, consistently labeling will make anything look bespoke.  Take a bunch of recycled jars or boxes and throw some pretty labels on them and watch the magic happen. I made these for myself a while back using my Cricut but it took forever to design and print and weed.  If I had known pre-made ones had existed, I would be all over it!  If you don't love this font choice, there are loads more to choose from - just search around.

Stackable acrylic drawers: These were my hero storage find last year. I used them to organize the chaos that was breeding in my under sink storage areas.  They are amazing!  Not only does it look so much better having these pretty bins staring back at me, it also makes it a snap to find everything. Now when I need a bandage or a nail polish or a hair tie, I know exactly what drawer they live in.  They also help so much in not purchasing more of something you already have but can't find. They can be a bit of an investment but they are worth it! They come in a few different sizes so be sure to measure careful around any existing plumbing to make the most of your space.

Toiletry Bag: While we haven't actually gone anywhere exciting last year, we did spend a good amount of time at our place at the Jersey shore.  Having a good sized toiletry bag already stocked that can hold full sized products as well as all the other little things I carry was perfection! The clear bag makes it easy to find. The little pocket is great for earrings or hair pins. I also tend to leave it right on my sink sometimes - its easy to tuck away when Im cleaning up. (Someone recommended this bag to me last year but I can't remember who! If it's you, thank you!)  For $7 its hard to beat this little workhorse.

Water Bottle Organizer: Before I got this, I can't tell you how many times I've had a stray water bottle fly off the shelf and try to kill me.  Between the kids' school cups, coffee thermos and big water bottles for long park days, we seem to have so many and there isn't a good way to cut down on the number. These organizers hold them all a little cubby so they can stay with their cap and not come flying out or get lost. 


Reusable Ziploc Bags: Are we the only ones who go through an insane amount of those plastic throw away bags?  They are so handy for just about everything but also super wasteful.  These can help with that.  While they won't completely replace my need for disposable ones, at least this will cut down on them somewhat. 


Baskets Baskets Baskets: This is the answer to one of the most common questions I get.  How do I keep my house tidy even though I have young kids with tons of toys.  The answer is simply: baskets.  Everything and anything looks better contained. And when it comes to toys, something pretty and texture like these rope baskets are just lovely to look at in any setting. They also make post play clean up a breeze.  Kids can easily throw everything into a basket without much assistance. If you don't have kids, they also work really well for blankets, storing throw pillows, laundry, towels and pretty much anything that looks sloppy sitting on the floor.


Skincare Organizer: This little 5 compartment storage bin is my personal solution to makeup/skincare products I like to have on my bathroom sink counter without looking like a pile of junk.  It holds a surprising amount of stuff but doesn't take up too much room and is easy to clean.  When it starts to overflow, I know its time to purge.


Old School Label Maker: I know I've mentioned this before but its the best 10 bucks I've ever spent on anything organization related. I use it A LOT and I don't really know how I went this far in my life not having one.  No need to charge it or download it or find batteries - it at the ready whenever you need it.  And each little role of tape lasts a shockingly long time.  Great as housewarming gifts too! Everyone needs one.


Silicone Toilet Brush: Okay so maybe this isn't strictly organizational so I'm cheating here but I have to profess my love for a toilet brush somewhere and this seemed like the most logical list for it.  First off, it's footprint is TINY - much smaller that the typical toilet brush you probably already own.  Second it works just as well if not better. Third its made of silicone so "nothing" sticks to it if you catch my drift.  This is the better mousetrap.  Get it.


Refrigerator Organizing Bins:  Ok this one is definitely in the "nice to have", not "must have" list but if you have been following organizing tik tok or the Kardashians you know that perfectly organized fridges are the hot things to have in 2021.  I admit I haven't quite gotten to a point where I would share the content of my fridge with the world but these little containers (they come in lots of different shapes and sizes to suit just about anything you eat so make sure you figure out what you need before ordering) make eating and cooking a visual treat!


So there you have it!  Do you have any organizational favorites you want to share with me? I'd love to hear all about them!





Christmas Mail 2020: Snowflake Screwdriver

I won't bother boring you with the cliche '2020 was the worst' recap.  With 7 days to go, we got out healthy so fingers crossed we drag ourselves across the finish line and have a much more positive 2021 waiting for all of us. Without further ado, here is this year's Christmas mail.  I included this little snowflake screwdriver tool because I can't be the only one who can never find one when I need it. I hope all of you have found magic in the holiday season.  Happy New Year!


In case you missed them, here are our Christmas Mails from the past decade:

2019: Hot Cocoa 

2018: Air Fresheners

2017: Hand Warmers

2016: Lump of Coal (this one might be my fav)

2015: Bottle Opener

2014: Socks 

2013: Markers (I loved this one too but so many people were confused!)

2012: Cinnamon 

2011: Mints 

2010: Chapstick 

Living Room Glow Up


I know it's been quiet around here. It just felt so frivious to talk about decor when so much more important things were happening. But Christmas time is here so it was time to get decorating. I've been thinking of making a few changes to my living rooom for a while now so this was the perfect time to make it happen. Come on in!
 

Warning: this post is pretty much a present to myself - things Ive been wanting to do for years but always put it off.  Well now is the time people.  What are we waiting for?

New light fixture, who dis?  Yes I finally switched out the big chandy for something more sleek and updated. I'd been lusting over the outrageous expensive RH version for years when I finally found this very similar style from Mooielight and I was sold!  I did come with a bit more assembly then I expected but I'm thrilled with how it looks up. While its not an exact dupe it's very close for a LOT less money.  (I'll share more about it in another post.)

Another new change is this tv area.  I finally got the "Frame" tv and I'm absolutely enamored! I know its just a tv but ain't she pretty!  It hangs tight onto the wall so no unsightly mounts peeking out and will show artwork and photos when not in use.  

And finally I found this wooden mantel shelf that fit perfectly underneath from Decor Steals.  I originally ordered it thinking it would be great for holiday use but I think it adds some interest to the spot so I might leave it up all year round. Last but not least the Christmas bling! Most of it I've had a while but a couple of new additions. Like the little snowy tree I painted myself (follow my tik tok for the how to), the gingerbread sign, the frosted garlands, lighted snowflakes and twinkly curtain lights.  In honor of the Rockefeller Tree stowaway owl, I put some of these little owls in the decor this year too. Something only I would notice but no one is coming over anyway so why not?


Phew thats a lot to take in one post but suffice to say I'm really pleased with how its all came out.  Especially now that we are home ALLLLLLL THE TIME - I really needed to change it up.

If you are still reading - thank you!   I'd love to hear how you have been making the most of the season this crazy year in the comments.



Halloween 2020: Grimms' Fairy Tales

I know its been a bit quiet around here but it is October and you know what that means.  The very best holiday (even if the world's worst year).  We are still debating about if we should or should not give out candy but that isn't stopping us from decorating and dressing up.

I wanted to do something a little more whimsical this year. I admit coming up with a theme that works both as decor and fitting for a family of four is getting harder and harder but we found one: Grimms' Fairy Tales.  

Specifically we are focusing on Red Riding Hood with a few nods so some other classics thrown in.

I went light in the DIY department this year.  Just making some basic signage and the books.  A lot of these decorative elements we had already but we did splurge and get some new pieces too this year. Most notably that werewolf that howls and looks right at you when it's plugged in.  (Check my insta stories this month for the full effect!)

So there you have it.  Halloween is definitely not the same this year but at least we are having fun where we can.  And yes we will be dressing up.  Grandma, the wolf, red and the woodsman are coming to a stoop near me later this month.

If you want more Halloween, check out all of our prior years' wicked Halloween decor


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