Our Room

Our room has been through so many phases. It's one of those rooms that it has so much space, so the

number of options can be overwhelming. We initially decided to take the smaller room, because in our

previous apartment, we never really spent any time in our room. So we didn't want to put all of this time

and money into it. 

The initial thought was to do it as 1/3 living area, 1/3 Justin's workspace, 1/3 Kaylan's workspace. 

Great in theory, but really tough to execute. We imagined doing shelving on the right wall with all of 

our books and TV, and then obviously painting, and doing a little living space in front of it. 

Then, facing the windows would be Justin's desk, and mine there on the back wall. 

Here we are halfway through the execution. It was definitely a fun surprise to find vinyl tile under all of 

that carpet.. 

Here is where we had it just before Christmas. Little did I know, this was our room's puberty phase. 

You know like, we knew we were having company, se we decided to make it look fairly presentable. 

And then 3 months later we had it here. 

I like to call this the pre-teen phase, You can tell it's really trying. But it just doesn't know what it wants 

to do with its life yet.

We still had the closet doors off, and had yet to finish the floors, but we felt 'OK' with it like this. We 

lived with it like that for about 10 months. and then a couple months ago while Justin was at work I had 

a profound thought. What the hay are we doing?! We have this huge room back here and this whole 

combined workspace thing is NOT working! You can tell, his audio equipment was leaking over into 

the living area, and we were always sharing plugs. It just wasn't a great set up. And I just never had 

THAT feeling when I walked in there. So I just started moving things. 

Let's call this phase, the pre-mid-life crisis. It's kind of like when you're moving out of puberty and you 

are between who you were, and who you want to be. We're getting deep now, people.

  

I'm going to be honest, I'm definitely one of those people who would rather get a hernia moving my 

own furniture rather than ask for help. Which got us here. I moved our mattress and plaid chair into the 

hallway, and then loaded our books into boxes, moved the TV, and the couch.

Guys…it was rough. Justin got home from work and I had a lot of our stuff in the hallway. It was

definitely a Leslie Knope adopting 32 dogs moment when he got home. 

But within 2 days, we finally had our room. Now it's like, what were we even doing before this?



We tried to make everything in here very practical. The couch is actually from Walmart. Crazy right?! And it also folds down into a bed. And with a foam topper and sheets, its actually really comfortable. The lamp is perfect for late nights reading or blogging (currently sitting there now). And the rug is actually an outdoor rug, which is perfect because its fibers don't absorb dirt! And the artwork from left to right is from Jo&Junes, and the flea market.
(Rug/couch/lamp/clock)





Over here on this side!
We actually got the dresser from Craigslist, but I think I will paint the outside white. And in case you were wondering, the fiddle tree is from Home Depot, they will randomly sell them in spring, and fall.
(gold sconces/Area rug)

I pretty much spend all my spare time in here. I just love it so much! Of course we will make tweaks

here and there, but overall we are really enjoying it!

Do you have a room that you've felt like this about? 

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Housewifery Tips Pt. 5

"Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe"


So, after almost a year of staying home, I have realized the freedom of not 'Keeping up with the Jones' '

so to speak. I've basically been wearing a capsule wardrobe without even realizing it! Because when

you're not seeing people every single day, what's the point?! I have definitely felt less of a need to be

constantly shopping. Which was definitely a problem that I had. I was one of those people that had a

really hard time leaving a store without something. And now that we live in a 1,200 sq. ft. home. And I

am here all day. I've noticed that the need for clothes has gone down considerably. Or as Carrie

Bradshaw put it, "I've been cheating on fashion, with furniture."

So, that got me to thinking. Maybe I should just go all out and really do the Capsule Wardrobe thing.

So basically buying a smaller amount clothes that you LOVE. Instead of a closet packed with clothes

you have had for years and never wear. You can read a lot about this in the book, Lessons from

Madame Chic. One of my favorite books, that I feel that I am constantly referencing in my everyday

life (you can get it here). So let's get to it. 

What do I want for my fall/winter Capsule wardrobe? Here's where we are at right now. It's early

October in Tulsa, which means it could continue in the 80's until mid to late October. So I'll still be

wearing out some of my summer things just a little longer. So my closet will still be a little crowded for

another month or so. I'm just doing this now to help you get started! Right, so obviously I need my style

words. I'm going for Versatile/Comfy/Vintage (or Retro).

So the clothes that I buy/keep have to fit inside of those three words. And if they don't, then I can't keep

them. Here is what I have so far.

TOPS 7

Madewell Crop Top, these were in my summer wardrobe, and are coming with me all year. I am so in 

love with these tops. They are PERFECTLY made, and the exact right cut, and length for a crop top. 

They go with all pairs of my high-waisted pants. And exactly perfect over my anthro jumper, as well as 

my skirts! And I also have one in white, but it got a stain on it that i'm determined to get out.

This was actually a long sleeve chambray that I got from Target a couple years ago, that I turned into a

sleevless one. And it is perfect for every season. It goes great under sweaters for layering in the

fall/winter!



This one I got from Gap last year, and it is also great under sweaters, or tied up over dresses, or even on

its own. And I love that the back is longer than the front. It really dresses up a pair of work out pants.

For that night you have to run to the store, but just really don't wanna put on pants.

This is an oldie, but goodie! I got this from Modcloth 3 years ago. And this bad boy is still going

strong! I love the blousing at the bottom, It's also perfect under sweaters, but also tucks well into skirts!

Another Modcloth find, a button up made out of the softest knit fabric ever. Its funny because I also 

bought this a few years ago, and it seriously went unworn for maybe 2 years. Because up until a couple 

months ago, I really wouldn't have considered myself a "button up person" (I don't really know what a 

button up person is, but I was sure that wasn't me..) Until I put one on and thought, "What was I 

thinking, I look fabulous." So I've been patting my past self on the back for this one. 

Way to go 21yr old Kaylan!

This top is from Anthropologie's sale rack last spring. And It's another perfect year-round top. I used to

be self conscious of wearing sleeveless tops in the summer, because I didn't think my arms were toned

enough, and then remembered to get over myself, and now I love it! 

PANTS 2

I have 2 pairs of pants, a black, and denim pair of the BDG Twig High-Rish Skinny jeans from Urban

Outfitters. Not trying to be dramatic, these pants are life. I am seriously so taken with these. And let's

take a second and just ask the question no one is asking. WHY on earth did we ever stray away from

high-waisted pants?! Classy, no butt crack, flattering, no need for the "fat girl sit" (You all know what

I'm talking about. You sit down, and have to pull the front of your pants over the little pudge that comes

out. We all got it Ladies.) Everytime I wear these pants, I picture myself before, like an info-mercial. A

black and white frame of me all uncomfortable, with my old pants bending over, and trying to sit. And

then all of the sudden I'm wearing these, and i'm in color, and so happy. 

Seriously I cannot stress enough. You NEED these!

SKIRTS 3

So, after a long stint of Mad Men, and A LOT of research into the origin of 1950's housewifery. I could

not help but be drawn to the amazing flare of some vintage pieces. And this Etsy store, Gold Canary 

Vintage, is Where It Is At! I have followed this store for a little over a year now. And I can seriously

just look at her shop. All of the clothes are so beautiful. And amazingly priced. And they are from

Englad. So you're not just getting something timeless and vintage. You're also getting something that

some groovy chick wore at the turn of the century! Yes Please!

By the way, I've also partnered up with Gold Canary Vintage, to get you 10% off any purchase, with

this discount code HIVE10 ! Guys, jump on this. Her stuff is so classic! And don't forget to message or email me

if you buy something. I'd love to see it!



This I got from J.Crew a couple years ago, and it only fit me for a season. I recently got it taken in, and

now I can wear it again! And I could wear it almost everyday. I think everyone should have a black

skirt. It's such a solid staple!

SWEATERS 5



I just bought this a couple days ago at Loft, they were having a huge 40% off all sweaters and tops sale,

and I jumped on it! I really loved the slight bell sleeves that it had, and its cashmere! I feel like such an

adult just typing that I have something Cashmere..

I love this sweater. I got it from Anthropologie as well last year, and it is one of my fav year round

pieces! Well, most of the year, it'll be good for a couple more weeks, and then to the Spring pile it goes!

But I'm definitely making it last as long as possible!



This classic is from Gap last spring. I got it for a great price, and I love it! This one kind of borders on

being a crop sweater, so its fun to wear things under it!



This sweater I actually got at Jo&June's here in Tulsa. She gets the greatest most random vintage, and

retro items. Including clothes! I think I got it for $12!



This one I also got from Gap, the same time I got the other grey sweater, it's nice to have a simple

basic!

DRESSES 8

Ok, so this is where it gets fun. Dresses are my FAV! All of my other clothing tends to be black, grey,

or white. Which I love. But dresses are where I like to bring in the flare. So here they are!





I absolutely love this dress! I got this on sale on Modcloth also, and the funny thing was it got terrible

reviews, but I was just so taken with the fabric, I didn't even care. And it was only $30 bucks, so I

decided to go for it, and I am so glad. I really really love this dress.



This dress is actually a spaghetti top, which works perfect for fall, because then you can layer on top of

it! Although, the bottom not only is silk, but also has knee high slits in the side, so it only has a couple

good weeks of wear left as well.





Ok, this dress has my heart. Not only do I look like a 1950's housewife to the max. But I got this dress

3 years ago in a vintage shop in PARIS! The funny thing was, it actually did not fit me when I got it.

But it was only $10, and it was in perfect condition. So I had to. And now that it fits, I am in LOVE!



So, my sister in law actually gave me this dress. And I stinking love it. The colors, the cut. All of it! I

am going to make it just below knee length. So I'm showing you the "before" now. I can't wait to wear

it with black stockings, and my high heel clogs.

(Heart eyes, am I right!?)





Right, I know what you are thinking. Yes, I do have a "thing" for vintage florals. But I can't help it, I

just love them! I actually bought this at Salvation Army to use as fabric. And then the second I tried it

on, I knew that there was no way I could not keep it. Although….those sleeves. I am definitely taking

off the sleeves. I'll do it as a cap sleeve dress, and then wear it with sweaters until its too cold.



This groovy thing I for from Urban Outfitters. It has large slits on the side as well, and this one I love

wearing with my platform sneakers. Another thing I'm really into lately. I'm 5'4 (and a half!) so I really

love the extra height! I also love the 90's vibe from this one. Also great with sweaters.



I got this sweet dress from Urban Outfitters last year, and I really love this dress. Plain and simple!



And the best for last! I saved and saved for this fabulous jumper from Anthropologie this Spring. And it

has continued to be my favorite thing in my closet! It is wonderful with crop tops, and sweaters. And

even duster sweaters! I love love love it!!



(Pictured: Gap sweater, old Modcloth party dress)

Something to keep in mind. Just find clothes that fit your body type. I have a small waist, but larger

thighs. So that's why I love my high waisted pants. And I've always had a weird thing with my knees,

so I tend to lean toward longer skirts and dresses. Because that's what makes me feel confident!

I can honestly say for the first time in the last 9 years that I am 5'5 and weigh 145 pounds. And feel

great about myself! Love your clothes, but don't let them make you feel bad about yourself. Wear what

makes you happy!

 I hope someone somewhere got something out of this. I really love the freedom of having fewer

clothes in my wardrobe. Since I have done this, i've had no experience of looking in my closet and

feeling like I had nothing to wear. And I love it! I'll do a separate post on shoes, and coats, and fun

extras like party dresses. 

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Housewifery Tips Pt. 4

Have Products You Love

"Fresh Wave"

I was so thrilled to work together with Fresh Wave on a blog post. I think a pitfall that we can

all slip into, is getting complacent. Wether that is with your job, or your cleaning routine, or even the

products that we buy. As for me, I noticed that even after I was away from my mom's house. I still

bought all of the same products that she did! And never questioned it once! 

So In the last few months I have really tried to be intentional about that products that I buy. Are they

natural? Do I like the way they look? How do the smells go in our house? 

So let's get to it! Here are some thing that i've been trying from Fresh Wave.

 All of the things that were sent to me were specifically to help with pet odor. So I was really curious to

see how it would do in our house. The first thing I tried was their Odor Removing Spray. And I

LOVED this stuff! I sprayed it EVERYWHERE! I sprayed it in our closet, on our rugs, just in the

middle of the room, and I even tried it on the couch! I wish I could send a spray sample through my

computer to all of you. It reminds me of a mix between citrus and essential oils, its soooo good!

There is this little spot of our couch that Copper likes to go and nuzzle into. And because he is so

blasted cute, we let him. But not only does he nuzzle, that also happens to be his bathing area. And

where he takes his treats, AND where he takes his toys to chew on. You get it, it's basically his happy

place. Now of course I clean this cushion constantly, but I am always self conscious that someone is

going to come over and sit on our couch and then leave, and tell whoever they were in the car with,

"Oh my gosh, did you smell their couch?! It smells like Chihuaua butt. "Crazy, I know, but these are

the things I think about. So I tried this stuff on the couch, and to my surprise, it worked! 30min before

we had company arrive, I went and did a few sprays on his 'special' cushion, and it smelled great for

hours! Now I can imagine they left and thought, "Wow, that house smelled just delightful!"

The second thing that I tried was there Odor Removing Gel, I did like this right off because it is small

and easy to conceal, so you don't have to look like you are trying to hard to make your home smell

nice. I mean I love candles, and room spray too guys, but after a certain point, it may just look like your

hiding something. ("Man, those people have like 3 candles in every room, and scent boosters, AND

room spray. Sheesh, they must be dirty.") I tried it in our bedroom and honestly was a little

disappointed, because after the first day, I couldn't even smell it anymore. So I moved it into a smaller

space, aka our small damp hall closet. and it did a great job! The closet within one day went from, "Oh

I hope no one ever opens that door.." to, "I hope no one sees how messy that closet is…but at least it

smells good!"

Thirdly, I tried the Odor Removing Packs! These things are AWESOME! They are so small, you can

literally fit them anywhere. And so inconspicuously! They can go in cars, shoes, backpacks, purses,

and in your drawers! I even gave some to some friends, and everyone really liked them! 

And lastly, the pup shampoo. So I got a great story about this one. Let me set up the scene for you,

wake up on a beautiful Saturday morning. Drink some coffee, do a little Pinterest, have a little down

time, and then have the brilliant idea to give your sweet little Angel Pup a bath. 

Their stuff has such a lovely distinct smell. I can't even explain it! Not to mention, its all natural. So I 

felt more than comfortable putting this on Copper, and my moms dogs. 

(Don't let their faces fool you, I kept the water at a perfect temperature, and sang to them almost the whole time!)

Justin and I were raving to my parents who dropped by with their dogs, how amazing this stuff smelled,

and how we loved that it came in a dog shampoo! So my mom put her pup, Penni in there for a little

spritz as well! About 30 min later we let Copper out for a little morning constitutional, and started in on

our Trader Joes, gluten free pumpkin pancakes. Feeling pretty accomplished, and then I'm stopped by

this really terrible smell…"Justin, do you smell that? What is that?" I look down, and there's the little

Prince, covered head to torso in fresh poop. So. not. kidding. I'm talking, in his ears, all over his face,

his collar, his neck. The whole shebang!

So, guess who got another bath?! 

The funny thing was, my mothers dogs did not have this affect at all! But for whatever reason, Copper

maybe felt like he didn't want to smell like his Sister-Aunts (aka my moms dogs). But after the second

bath, he was perfectly fine. I'd argue to say that he even got some overtime cuddles just for smelling so

dang good! 

Overall, I really liked the Fresh Wave products! I will definitely buy them again. And I really can't wait

to try some other new things they have! And it's even better that they sell their products at Target! Not

to brag, but I pretty much frequent that place on an daily basis. 

What are some of your favorite house products- And why? I'd love to hear!


***All of these opinions are my own, I have not been paid to post about any of these products. 

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