5 Best Types of Indoor Succulents: My Favorite Low Maintenance Succulent Plants for Your Home

These are my five favorite types of succulents. They are all easy to care for, and they all do very well indoors. Keep reading to learn what they are, where to buy them and how to care for them. Oh, and be sure to let me know what your favorite succulents are in the comments below. 

1. Echeveria 

There are many varieties of Echeveria succulents. They come in so many different colors. The one pictured above is the Echeveria bluette variety. Echeveria succulents should flower in the summer if you give them enough water and sunlight. 

2. Graptopetalum 

These are called “ghost plants” because of their coloring. The leaves actually have a coating of powder on them. If you live in a colder area these succulents are perfect for you: they can survive cold temperatures, although they do need to receive sunlight for at least half the day. They will flower in the springtime.

3. Aloe

Aloe succulents are the perfect indoor plant. They do not need a lot of sunlight, so if you live in an area with less light they are a good choice.  As with some of the other succulents mentioned here, you can water them less in winter.

4. Haworthia 

This might just be my favorite. I love everything about this succulent: the color, the shape … I think that it is just beautiful. These do not need direct sunlight, but you should still place them in the light beside a window. You only need to water them once a month in the winter, which makes care quite easy during these months. In the summer you should water them more often. 

5. Jovibarba

These are very hardy succulents, so they do well in a variety of locations. You can find them in a whole selection of colors. You can even create a succulent garden by planting a number of these in a larger pot.

Did you know that you can purchase all of these succulents online? There are many sites where you can purchase succulents and have them delivered right to your door. Fairy Blooms, The Succulent Source and Leaf and Clay are just a few sites that sell succulents online. 

If you have a favorite succulent – or a few favorites – let me know below! 

For succulent and cactus notebooks, pouches, pillows, tapestries, decor, phone cases, mugs, and more visit my shop:

lake1221.etsy.com 

Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year is Greenery: Here are 8 Ways to Bring More Green into Your Home

I think Pantone made the right choice in choosing a shade of green as their color of the year for 2017. What better way to brighten a space and bring a bit of nature inside than with the color green? Especially in the middle of winter I think incorporating some green into your décor is a must: there may not be green leaves outside, but you can make up for that with the way you decorate! These small touches will bring some life to your home – and remind you that spring will be here before long (no matter how long winter may seem).

1. Hanging Plants

You can never have too many plants. Hanging plants are such a wonderful addition to any room – the kitchen, living room, bedroom, or even the hallway or entryway.

2. Kitchen Décor

If your kitchen is in need of a pop of color, try a green tea kettle. A colored tea kettle is an easy, inexpensive way to add some color to your décor. Or, you could brighten your table with some green bowls. The bowls shown above are from Anthropologie – perfect for serving soup on cold winter nights.

3. Throw Pillows

Pillows are the simplest way to revive a dull, boring space. You will be surprised at the difference such a small touch can make in your bedroom or living room.

4. Tropical Leaves

Tropical leaves are everywhere right now – and with good reason. If you have some empty wall space, try a print, tapestry, or, if you are a bit more ambitious, wallpaper.

5. Chairs

If you are a little more daring, try a green chair. I love the modern design of the chair shown above from Amara.

6. Vases

Green vases can hold branches in the winter, and then flowers once spring arrives. Vases allow you to get creative: you can fill them with something new whenever you are in need of a change!

7. Towels

Towels are an easy way to change your décor. You do not have to spend a lot to purchase a new set of hand towels or kitchen towels, and you can use them to instantly introduce a new color to any space. The hand towels shown above are from Target.

8. Wire Baskets

Wire baskets are perfect for books, magazines, papers … or clutter that would otherwise end up on the floor! And you can find wire baskets in almost any color at a variety of stores. If your new year’s resolution is to get organized and eliminate clutter, a few more baskets can only help you achieve your goal.

 

So, what do you think of Pantone’s color of the year for 2017? And do you like to incorporate green into your décor, or do you prefer different colors? I would love to hear your thoughts!

8 Last Minute Printable Gift Ideas

If you are a procrastinator when it comes to gifts, you might be rushing around just about now, checking to see if there is still time to order online, and braving the long lines at the stores – all in the quest for that elusive perfect gift for each person on your list. But wait – there is a better way!

Printable gifts are the perfect last minute, stress free option. There is no worrying whether your package will come in time, and no stress of waiting in line at the mall. You can literally print at home and have a gift ready in minutes, or you can always go to a local print shop. Either way, it will not take long to have a gift in your hands that you can be certain the recipient will love. You may be wondering just how many types of gifts can be printed since, after all, the very idea of “printing” a gift might seem rather limiting. But you will be surprised – just as I was while I was browsing printable gifts to include here. I found some options that I had never considered myself, but could make wonderful gifts.

1. A Custom Print

There is still time to give a personalized gift – if you print it yourself, that is. These custom prints are just what you have been searching for, and they are under $10. Your print will be personalized with the words of your choice: a name, a date, a phrase, or anything you would like. You can customize one of these for mom, grandma, a friend – or just about anyone! Within a day of your purchase the personalized print will be emailed to you as a jpg file. Then, all you have to do is print – it is that simple.

2. A Printable Planner

Give someone the gift of organization: a printable planner. You can print it out yourself, or you can just send the file as a gift and let them print it on their own.

3. Printable Stickers

Etsy has a great selection of printable stickers – you could spend all day browsing the options. You can easily print these out yourself: all you will need is some sticker paper.

4. A State or City Print

Here is an idea that you may not have thought of: a print of your friend’s state or city. Some of these can be personalized, and some are available instantly.

5. A Gift Card Holder

If you already have a gift card but are looking for something to make it a bit more special, try a printable gift card holder. This will be sure to make your gift card look just a bit more festive (and a bit more like an actual gift).

6. Stationery

Print out some stationery for that friend or family member who loves to write. It’s a gift you can be certain they will not only love, but actually use – which, after all, is the most important thing.

7. Recipe Cards

Is there someone on your list who loves to cook? Or, is there a recipe you love making yourself that you would love to share? Either way, printable recipe cards are the perfect solution. You can use them to give the gift of your own recipes, or leave them blank for your friends to fill themselves.

8. A Wine Label

These printable wine labels are perfect for the holidays and can even be personalized.

 

Do you have any other last minute gift ideas? Well, add them to the list! Let me know what you do for last minute gifts in the comments below.

10 Gift Ideas for the Cactus Lover

Do you know someone who just loves cacti? Or someone who loves plants in general? You could always buy them another plant, but how about something a bit more unique? I wanted to share with you my top ten favorite cactus inspired gifts. These are gifts that you can be sure cactus lovers will be happy to receive – and some of them would even be fitting for just about anyone on your list!

1. Cactus Scented Candle – $50

This candle has such a lovely cactus print on the front, and it is made with 100% vegetable wax. Oh, and yes, it really does have a cactus scent!

2. Cactus Necklace – $75

I absolutely love gold jewelry, so I could not resist adding this gold cactus necklace from Nordstrom to the list.

3. Cactus Shirt – $27

I chose this shirt because it has more of an understated cactus pattern. I think it could be worn with almost anything. And, right now it is on sale!

4. Cactus Juice Glitter – $4

The perfect stocking stuffer! This is metallic cosmetic glitter from the Etsy shop MBA Cosmetics. The green color definitely brings cacti to mind, so I can see why it is called cactus juice.

5. Cactus Lamp – $110

Tired of the monotony of boring, ordinary lamps in every room? A lamp can also be a piece of art, as this cactus lamp from Nordstrom proves.

6. Cactus Pillow – $23

This is such a unique throw pillow – it is the perfect piece of cactus décor to add to a bedroom or living room.

7. Cactus Socks – $15

These cactus patterned socks are so cute!

8. Cactus Notebook – $19

For anyone who loves writing or just uses notebooks to keep organized, how about a cactus notebook?

9. Cactus Shampoo – $25

Yes, there really is such a thing as cactus shampoo. This texture building shampoo is from Neiman Marcus.

10. Cactus Bag – $28

Last on the list is this cactus bag. I love the pastel colors – don’t you? It was just too pretty not to include here!

 

Are you a cactus lover? Which of these gift ideas is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

 

 

Scandinavian Décor: 8 Ideas for Bringing a Nordic Feel to Your Home

The Nordic countries show us that decorating for Christmas does not have to be a complicated, extravagant affair. I love the minimal, natural style of decorating that is characteristic of Scandinavian homes. Simple truly is beautiful.

Here are ten simple ways to decorate your home for a Scandinavian Christmas:

1. An Imperfect Tree

Don’t worry about imperfection – embrace it! The beauty of Scandinavian Christmas décor is found in its rustic charm.

2. Deer Decorations

Vintage deer statues and ornaments will bring a touch of woodland beauty into your home.

3. Anything Made by Hand

Homemade ornaments, wreaths and garlands are just a few ideas.

4. Candles & Lanterns

Candles are an important part of décor in Scandinavian countries, where the days are short.

5. Glass Bottles Filled with Pine Branches

Forage for some bits of green and fill old glass bottles with your finds.

6. Silver & Gold Accents

Add a touch of silver and a touch of gold here and there – but don’t overdo it.

7. Pinecones

You can fill jars with them, use them as ornaments, or display them on a mantle or bookshelf.

8. Plants in Red Pots

Try displaying your cacti and other plants in red pots for a festive look.