quick & simple ways to warm up your home or apartment to prepare for fall and winter

pieces i've collected and added to my home. i went for neautral but still wanted warmth can't wait to add more ◡̈

I love Christmas but don't have a lot of space. Here are my fave items I pull out every year to add festive touches without a bunch of clutter. This list has decorations, gift ideas, festive sweaters, wrapping paper (that doesn't rip easily!), the best lights, dishes/cookware, and all the things that makes our holiday season extra special without all the extra costs and stress.

Whether you're deeply addicted or just nervously considering your very first plant purchase, this is everything I've learned and used to grow my own cozy little indoor jungle. Say hi, I'm always up for talking plants 🪴

Oddly satisfying Amazon finds I never knew to search for—but now I use them nonstop.

Every fall I'd buy real pumpkins, and every fall they'd rot into sad puddles on my porch by week two. Raccoons chewed holes in them, fruit flies showed up uninvited, and the whole display smelled like a compost bin by Halloween. This year I went fully fake and nobody could tell. If you're tired of replacing mushy porch pumpkins every October, grab these before the fall rush cleans them out.

All things holiday, just some of my ideas and favs! Whatever you celebrate - Happy holidays!

I've worked at Bath & Body Works for a year now, and I always love recommending the home care. These are some of my favorite ones, and nearly everything is eligible if you have a Reward!

Tools that I have bought for myself or for others that I feel have been the most useful for multiple applications from home repairs to auto repairs. Yes I do both myself!

Staring at that one empty wall every single day was driving me nuts — I tried random posters, a clock, even a tapestry from college that had no business being in an adult apartment. If you've been putting off dealing with your bare walls because you don't know where to start or don't want to spend a fortune, this is everything I actually bought and kept up. Took me way too many returns to narrow it down so you don't have to.

Our patio becomes our favorite room of the house from spring through fall, where we eat dinner, host friends, and linger under the string lights. Over the years I have found the comfortable seating, weather resistant rugs, and lighting that make our backyard feel like an outdoor living room. Tell me your favorite patio upgrade in the comments! (This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Preparing for college is overwhelming the first time around. Here’s my list of recommendations to make your shopping experience a bit smoother, from cleaning supplies to communal bathroom essentials to the smallest luxuries that transform a basic dorm into your home.

Sleeping hot in summer and freezing in winter used to mean owning four different comforters and a closet full of blankets. I spent two years cycling through options that were either too thick or basically tissue paper. This lineup is what finally let me keep one bed setup year-round without waking up drenched or shivering. If you run hot at night but still want cozy warmth when it drops below 40, save yourself the trial and error.

Completed a total kitchen remodel (including removal of a wall) and now I have more space for more kitchen must haves! These are some of my favorite finds to re do my kitchen.

I love a good cleaning session! This time of the year I not only like to clean and organize the spots that don't get as much attention but also clean up our outdoor space getting it ready for the beautiful weather to come.

Every December I used to find myself at the store at 10pm on Christmas Eve, grabbing whatever sad wrapping paper was left. Birthday parties were worse because I'd literally wrap gifts in newspaper. Last year I finally got smart and bought everything in one haul. If you're the person who always forgets wrapping paper until the last second, just grab all of this now and forget about it for twelve months.

My kitchen has maybe two feet of usable counter space — I was literally chopping vegetables on top of my dishwasher at one point. If you live in an apartment or older house where the kitchen was clearly designed before people actually cooked, these rolling carts and the stuff I keep on them saved my sanity. Took me three apartments and a lot of frustration to land on this setup.

These products have transformed my household! From cleaning to organizing-this list is filled with staples you’ll never be able to live without. Especially with having kids and pets 🙌🏼

Overall, you probably have fond memories visiting your grandparents' house. However, some things in there were a bit creepy. These things weren't even trying to be creepy, they just were for some reason…which made them even more creepy. Here's a list of some of those things.

I have multiple pets, and my home is their home. While I let them on the furniture (and in the bed), I still like to have a clean and attractive environment at home. These are some of the best decor and furniture I've found to keep the house cozy for both pets and people.

Affordable Kitchen must-have items. From Standing Mixers to Towel Hangers, Pot Holders to Crock Pots, these are items that every home needs.

Compact, reliable essentials for apartments, renters, dorms or anyone with limited space. Every item is small, multi-use and proven to work in a power outage. 🔦

Smart, affordable fixes to keep your laundry room clean, organized, and leak-free. From drain covers to drying racks, these small upgrades make a big difference in your daily routine. Perfect for renters and homeowners alike.

Every December our Christmas cards ended up in a sad pile on the kitchen counter, half of them falling behind the toaster. If you actually want to see the cards people sent you instead of finding them crumpled in a junk drawer in February, this is everything I use to turn them into actual decor. Grabbed most of this stuff last year and it took maybe 20 minutes to set up.

Turn your apartment into a lush, cozy retreat with plant-inspired decor, planters, and botanical accessories. From real hanging pots to crochet flowers and plant-themed blankets, this list has everything you need to bring green vibes into compact living spaces.

I've created this list to hopefully help you figure out what to gift a new mother, a newly wed couple, a grieving friend, etc. Life is random like that but gift baskets, I've found, to be one of the most thoughtful gifts you can gift and be gifted.

Yard waste piling up, kitchen scraps going in the trash, and three neighbors all buying bags of soil every spring. It felt ridiculous. So we pooled our scraps, split the cost of a few tools, and now we split rich compost three ways every season. If you live on a street where at least two other houses would say yes to free soil, here's exactly what we bought to make it run smoothly without anyone getting annoyed.

When you open a closet and stuff literally falls on your head, you know something has to change. I lived in a 500 sq ft apartment with one closet and zero pantry space for two years before I figured out that the backs of my doors were prime real estate. If you're short on storage and tired of shoving things into drawers that won't close, this is the lineup that took me from cramped chaos to actually knowing where my stuff is.

These are my go-to’s for when I’m hosting a party at my home. I’m starting to plan this year’s pre-homecoming dinner/party and these are all of the essentials that I have used in the past and will be using again and again!

Walking in with a gift that gets used on night one is the best kind of generous — cozy, tasty, and ready to share. Heads up: some links may earn me a commission.

Goldfish cracker dust, French fry remnants, mystery dirt wedged so deep between the seats you'd need tweezers. If your car looks like a toddler's highchair on wheels and your regular vacuum can't reach any of it, this is the lineup I put together after three failed car vacuums and one very embarrassing Uber-driver comment about my backseat.

My holiday decor and self care favorites for a cozy winter night in: whimsical Christmas stockings and ornaments, a pretty advent calendar, festive candles (Capri Blue and The Gather), plus the softest robes, sleep masks, bath salts and body oil. Great Christmas gift ideas for her, stocking stuffers and easy host gifts. Perfect for anyone building a cozy holiday home. Prices may change. Some links are affiliate links.My holiday decor and self care favorites: cozy Christmas stockings, whimsical ornaments, an advent calendar, festive candles (Capri Blue, The Gather), plus robes, sleep masks, bath salts and body oil for a winter night in. Great Christmas gift ideas for her and stocking stuffers. Tap any item to shop my ShopMy link. #christmasdecor #holidaydecor #selfcare #giftideasforher #stockingstuffers

A peek inside the real-life items that make our home run smoothly and feel warm and welcoming. From the kitchen tools I reach for daily to the cozy touches that make family nights better, every pick here is something we use, love, and would buy again.

Thousands of photos sitting on your phone doing absolutely nothing. You scroll past them, maybe post one, then forget they exist. Meanwhile your walls are bare and your shelves look like a furniture showroom nobody lives in. This is everything I bought to finally get those memories off my screen and onto my walls, shelves, and counters. Took me two apartments and way too many nail holes to figure out what actually looks good.

I use a variety of power and hand tools while I remodel my older home, straighten out my yard and of course build my chicken enclosures.

Some people have trouble spending too much time on social media, but I actually struggle with spending far too much time looking for beautiful items for our home; either for functionality purposes or simply items that bring beauty to our home. This list shows what we have in our house that helps make it our home.

Over the past 10 years in the classroom there has been some key products that have made the day to day with my students that much easier! I like to keep my room clean and organized and many of these products allow me to do that on a daily basis. I also like to find products that are most useful yet affordable as well as know what teacher life is truly like.

Feeding everyone in my house three times a day for the rest of my life sounds a little bit like my worst nightmare – these are the things I buy to make cooking and cleaning the kitchen easier for me because I don't want to spend my whole life loading and unloading the dishwasher!

Silk Bed Linens are a must have option for me not only because of the sexy look or comfortable feel but for also temperature maintenance, silk pillow cases help with preventing hair damage and help in preventing acne & skin irritations. Also having a nice mattress is always worth the cost especially when your sleep and body is at stake.

My lists usually have some sort of flow, this one somehow went many directions. There are some really nice finds here that would make a nice addition to your home, or a gift for someone else. Holidays will be here in no time.

Every morning I'd rip through a tangled mess of socks, underwear, and random cables just to find a matching pair — running late again because my drawers were basically a laundry bomb. If you've ever shoved everything back in and slammed the drawer shut before anyone could see, this list is your rescue plan. Took me way too many frustrated mornings to finally fix this, so steal my homework.

Every time something rattled loose around the house, I'd spend 20 minutes digging through a junk drawer full of random screws that never fit. Then I'd drive to the store, buy a whole box for one screw, and toss the rest into the same useless drawer. If you're tired of that cycle and just want the right fastener already waiting for you, this is everything I keep stocked now.

Theme: Scandinavian Hygge & Nordic Minimalist Living Target Audience: Apartment dwellers, busy urbanites, and fans of clean, uncluttered spaces who want to transform their homes into calm, functional sanctuaries using muted neutral tones, pale woods, soft textiles, and simple ambient lighting.

The holiday season is a fun time for decorating and preparing for Christmas. I’ve been searching for my decorations for the coming year. Here are some of my faves.

Staring at bare windows in a bland rental bedroom hits different when you know you can't paint or drill into walls. I spent months scrolling for pink curtains that actually looked high-end without the custom price tag. If your room still feels like a dorm and you want that designer look on a normal budget, this is everything I tested and kept.

Transform your garage or spare room into an all-in-one DIY powerhouse! Whether you are tuning up your vehicle, fixing smart home electronics, or tackling weekend home maintenance, this curated list features the most popular, high-efficiency, and problem-solving tools designed to make every repair faster, easier, and safer.

You don't need to be a professional contractor to get everyday things done around the house. Sometimes you'd be surprised as what you can do if you have the right tools on hand. As an average guy with an average budget, here are the things I consistently reach for to do things like assemble furniture, hang pictures, and change batteries in kid toys.

There is no such thing as too much Christmas decor in my opinion. I love the cozy glow of Christmas lights in every corner and the sparkle of gold bells and green garland adorning the mantle. As we all know the fan favorites always sell out quick, so I’ve linked my favorite tried and true products for early Christmas season shopping.

Small touches for a warmer season. A curated collection of my favorite aesthetic finds to transition your kitchen into a cozy, inviting autumn space.

What are the best self-care gifts for women? These are cozy, comforting picks for slowing down at home, the kind of gift that says “take a breath.” They're perfect for birthdays, holidays or a treat for yourself. Curated by Monica Essary, MonicaEssary.com

Everything for a cozy, eclectic, vintage bedroom vibe. This one's for the girlies. 🎀

These are the ideas that I have for our new coffee hutch, and if you've been considering getting one, then these ideas might be for you too! These are affordable additions that add a little color into your decor. I have added several things that I am considering getting! (for tea & coffee lovers alike)

Things that I use to clean my house that make it smell amazing, and make cleaning easier. As a busy mom of two, these things are a staple in my household!

If I were a rich woman….or knew how to budget and save, lol. Here’s some products I have used or the products on my wishlist. Whether for him, her, the pets, or the family. Let’s build a dream home together! Largely technology based with exquisite taste.

Staring at builder-grade beige tile and a sad shower curtain every morning was draining my will to live. If you're renting or just not ready to drop thousands on a remodel, this is every single thing I added to make my bathroom feel like a spa — took me about two years of trial and error so you can skip straight to what actually works.

The best things for your house to feel new but also comfortable. All things from bedroom and bathroom to the kitchen!

Making a compact apartment feel intentional, serene, and spacious takes clever planning. This guide features fifteen aesthetic, space-saving Amazon finds that turn everyday living quarters into calm, organized retreats.

I hated the way my kitchen looked! It was so outdated and those ugly orange cabinets and drawers! I’m not even sure I have a word for the color of the counter tops. I can’t afford to hire someone to update it for me, nor can I afford granite or marble so I came up with a DIY that still looks high endish…or I love it anyway!

Just moved in? Here’s what you need to keep your new space clean, not just tidy.

Boyhood, sharing a room, and making it fun and functional! We’re at the “pre teen” phase, so the decor and hormones are ever changing. But this is my current set up + items I’ve found to love in my boys room!

A few of my favorite things from the always adorable Anthropologie holiday collection!

These are things I have slowly picked up to organize our house and I don't know what I was doing before them! Some organization really helps things feel and look less cluttered and everything has its space.

Simple swaps that make a big impact 🌿 This list features my favorite eco-friendly cleaning products plus sustainable kitchen and bathroom essentials to help you reduce waste without sacrificing style or function. These are everyday items I actually use to create a cleaner, healthier home—proof that sustainable living can feel easy, elevated, and attainable.

Since buying my new car last year, I like to keep it fully stocked with girly things, car accessories such as mirror accessories and cleaning products just in case!

Welcome to the green side! Don't be afraid to bring plants into your house! The benefits are amazing so get ready to turn your space into an indoor jungle!

Cutting down on waste in our kitchen started as a small experiment and became a habit our whole family enjoys. Swapping plastic bags and paper towels for reusable options saves money, and our compost bin turns scraps into garden gold. These are the swaps that actually stuck in our home. Tell me your favorite low waste swap in the comments! (This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Explore timeless vintage-inspired kitchen pieces that blend function and flair—from rustic serving essentials to charming wall decor. These curated finds enrich your space with a nostalgic touch.

Halloween is close, and you don't need a garage full of props to make the house feel festive. These are the easy, mostly budget-friendly picks: decorations that go up in an afternoon, a few things for carving and spooky baking, and the basics for trick-or-treat night so kids stay visible and the candy bowl never runs dry.

Does anyone really like to clean? I do not, but I'd hate it more if it weren't for my must having cleaning helpers

Target Audience: Writers, readers, history buffs, and moody decor enthusiasts looking to turn a home office, den, or reading corner into an atmospheric, antique-inspired sanctuary using rich walnut woods, brass lighting, plush velvet textures, and vintage-style organizational accents.

Haunted, dark, spooky, or goth carnival/circus theme. It's creepy and there's a growing number of products available if you want a new twist on your Halloween party. Think scary clowns, vintage circus acts, and slightly unsettling curiosities. 🎪🤡

We all see those girlies posting their cute coffee bars at home, using adorable glassware and syrup dispensers. Here are all the things you need to step up your at-home coffee bar game.

Ten thoughtful gifts under $50 — a personalized marble and wood cheese board, a Mediterranean dipping set, and a hot chocolate set of nine flavors for cozy nights in, plus fuzzy slippers, a burgundy leather cardholder, and a book on beautiful, welcoming rooms — little luxuries for the friend who notices the details.

Small balconies often sit empty because they feel cramped and uncomfortable. These pieces turn that unused corner into a cozy spot you will actually use — starting with soft seating, warm light, and plants, then adding a small table for slow morning coffees. #ad — affiliate links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

I aspire to have a gallery wall in my house one day. Maybe the wall leading up to the staircase. Every part of the wall. Covered. In. Sapphic. Art. It is such a big dream of mine.❤️🌈

Affordable velvet slipcovers that transform dining chairs, office seats, and sofas without buying new furniture. Stretchy, washable, and surprisingly luxe-looking picks for every chair in your home.

Products to add to a practical and thoughtful housewarming basket!

These 12 sustainable products focus on routines where a durable or refillable choice can stay useful for a long time. The list covers clothing, bedding, daily carry, travel, outdoor water, home cleaning, skin care, laundry, and dishes. Every pick has a separate role, so the guide favors practical changes people can repeat instead of collecting several products that solve the same problem.

That one nice pen. A drawer that isn’t chaotic. A trusted compact umbrella for those rainy days. This list is full of everyday items—some bougie, some budget—that give the illusion (or reality) of having it all under control. Clean, intentional, and quietly impressive. Because sometimes, it’s the little things that make you feel like you’re winning. This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.

I ditched my 8-person dining table and turned this tiny 80-square-foot corner into a full sanctuary: a place for reading, slow mornings with coffee, cocktails with friends, snuggling with my dogs, and everything in between. What used to be the least-used room in my house is now the place I never want to leave. Shop the Nook Lounge!

Organizational products for your kitchen that save space, time, and money by avoiding those “apparently I bought another one” purchases! 🌟You'll also find some delicious surprises that I hope you'll love.

A curated blue office aesthetic edit for a calming, coastal-inspired home office. This list rounds up moody blue desk decor and functional workspace essentials — ceramic vases, a leather desk organizer, an analog desk clock, a wireless mechanical keyboard and mouse, a dual monitor stand, an ergonomic office chair, and cozy desk accessories — everything you need to build a productive, Pinterest-worthy blue office setup.

Every flat surface in my house was covered in unopened envelopes, expired coupons, and mystery flyers. I'd lose bills in the pile, forget to RSVP to things, and panic-search for important documents at tax time. If you're the person who stacks mail on the kitchen counter until it becomes a small mountain, this is everything I used to build a system that actually sticks. Took me way too long to figure this out, so steal it now before the holiday mail avalanche starts.

The most intentional home and lifestyle items at a reasonable cost! Make your life happy and healthy! Looking toward a cleaner home and working on being intentional in my purchases.

Ready to tackle that overflowing closet? Whether you're doing a seasonal cleanup or a complete organization overhaul, having the right tools makes all the difference. From space-saving hangers to smart storage solutions, I've rounded up 15 essential items that will transform your closet from chaotic to perfectly organized. These must-have products will help you sort, store, and maintain your wardrobe while maximizing every inch of space. Get ready to create a closet system that actually works for you!

With four girls under 5, winter means a lot of days at home, so I put together the cozy things that make staying in feel special. Soft throws, flannel sheets, slippers, candles, loungewear and a humidifier for dry winter air.

As an incoming freshman, I created a registry of things I need for my dorm.

You stare at the mess, feel overwhelmed, sit on the couch instead. I did that for months. Then I started setting a 90-minute timer, grabbing the right bins and bags, and not stopping until the alarm went off. If you're the person who keeps saying ‘I’ll organize this weekend' but never does, this is every product that helped me clear room after room before I could talk myself out of it.

Staring at my phone for hours every Saturday felt like a waste — I wanted to actually read those books piling up on my nightstand. Turns out all I needed was a comfortable hammock with a stand, a few accessories, and a reason to stay outside. If you're someone who keeps saying ‘I’ll read more this year' but never does, this backyard reading setup is what finally made it stick for me.

I know I sleep better when my bedroom is calm and I look cute. It's taken me years to finally commit to matching PJs, but man, has it been worth it. Dive into the coziest abyss of my favorite sleep-inducing wonders and PJ-party-worthy fashion! From snuggle-worthy gadgets to PJs that scream 'I woke up like this (kinda),' let's conquer dreamland with style 💤🌙😄

Cleaning is therapeutic for me. All products listed here are things I use daily and weekly!

Certified indoor plant hoarder’s favorite spots in southern Maine!

Bins, hangers, drawer trays, and closet gear I actually use to keep the chaos contained — the clear organizers, vacuum bags, and over-door setups that make a small space feel manageable again.

We're wanting to make our backyard more of an oasis by adding a hot tub. We're working with what we have and trying to keep it affordable, so here's everything we're researching and planning to do. I don't personally feel like I need to spend the thousands more to get a Bullfrog spa or something like that, my needs are just that it fits 6+ people and gets hot!

Staring at a builder-grade boob light in your kitchen while scrolling through photos of Tuscan farmhouses? Yeah, that was me for two years. If you want your space to feel warm and lived-in but every pendant you find looks like it belongs in a spaceship, this list is what finally got me there. Took months of digging through small shops to pull this together so you can skip the frustration.

Don’t sweat it if you missed holiday gifts for your child’s teacher. It’s always a good time to say thank you, and sometimes the unexpected gifts “just because” are the best!

These are the reason that I made it through college… Wish I was kidding. I still use some of these products even out of college, so from dorm room to house, they are functional.

Create the perfect home vibes with décor that turns any space into your sanctuary. From cozy textiles to thoughtful accents, every piece adds comfort, personality, and a touch of warmth—making your house feel truly lived in.

Kitchen tools and small appliances worth leaving on the counter, for the one who cooks and the one who just eats. These are my picks, and not everything here is something I have bought myself. I may earn a commission from these links.

Allow me to introduce you to my cornucopia of couponing + general frugal life hacks that I've accumulated over the years. :-)

As someone who works corporate and has a cubicle there are many essentials for the small spaces!! I love minimal and effortless designs for a office and making a space as unique and like me as possible.