shopping

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Message Decor” (my term) couldn’t have a better home than boHO. It’s fun, it’s literally “in your face,” and the ways to do it are many, wondrous and affordable. The messages you choose to display in your sanctuary may spur you on to greater accomplishments, remind you to appreciate what you have, or even say safely what you wouldn’t necessarily voice.

And after all, I’m a writer. When all else fails–or not–words are what I turn to. So let’s see what’s out there.

Fill in the blank…

…For all of us fiction writers and daydreamers (the former assumes the latter), this print will keep the creative wheels turning. My head is virtually spinning with story ideas already (not a pretty picture). The two words would also make a great ongoing journal entry or even a blog! It’s inspired by the film Clueless, a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, and a book about its production, As If: The Oral History of Clueless. The version here came from the website They All Hate Us, which gives no buying info, but google the phrase for options in different typefaces, colors, sizes and price ranges.

You bet I will…

…And who couldn’t “ENJOY” in this cheery kitchen? Craft stores offer a plethora of letters made for hanging or leaning in all sizes, shapes and finishes. Buy unfinished and customize your message with paint, wallpaper, decals or fabric. That’s most likely what this Alabama homeowner did, whose blog handle is The Handmade Home. Spoiler alert: You’ll find “Yummy” on the wall adjacent to this one.

Chalk it up to love…

…The chalkboard is fun because the message can be changed, though “Thank Full” in a laundry room is an on-point reminder that full loads are evidence of a busy, love-filled life. This vignette is from the same home as “ENJOY.” House of Turquoise recently profiled the home and its current owners, who are selling, if you’re in the market. See more of the home here and check out the owner’s blog to read about their “handmade” lifestyle.

Tidbits to savor…

…These little cuties–“tidbit” bowls–lend themselves to display more than crudite, IMHO. I’m an all-white-dishes addict, and these would be a fun addition to my collection, as well as a welcome reminder of where to focus my energy. From Boston Warehouse, the largest is just under eight inches across, and the set is dishwasher-safe.

Pay attention or you’ll miss it…

…The full quote, by quote anthologist Terri Guillemets, is, “In springtime love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head.” You’ll find more great states on her Quote Garden Blog to rotate on and off your own chalkboard or anchor a seasonal vignette. If you gave up chalkdust when you graduated high school, the quote is all over Pinterest to download and make your own. This photo is from Better Homes & Gardens.

Eat, drink and be merry…

…The latter two are implied here, of course. TMI for pillows–the letters would get rearranged and confuse things, for sure. But the message is clear as is in this perky banquette. Looks like breakfast is already on the table. Pass the jam, please! The photo is from HGTV and part of “20+ Tips for Turning Your Small Kitchen Into an Eat-In Kitchen.” Yum!

Got my fingers crossed this is true…

…As they have here. with the similarly framed art in the stark black-and-white setting. See more photos from this 1800s Ohio home over at Mix and Chic, which details its recent transformation by designer Leanne Ford. Genevieve Garuppo, photo editor at Lonny, is responsble for the gorgeous photos. You can follow her on Instagram @garuppo.

Stay the course…

…The best advice always comes in hot pink and gold, I say. I think I picked that tip up from Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn or maybe Princess Grace. Sorry I can’t be more certain about the origin of the phrase imprinted on this sweet trinket dish by Fringe Studio, but you can buy it here. Repeat the words every time you drop your earrings into it at the end of long, hard day.

Take THAT, human…

…So which are you–dog- or cat-person? Cats for me. She’s a brown tabby named Maisie, and I’m still waiting to hear if she wants this decal for her playroom wall. It’s so darn hard to decide, what with so many words and phrases available in peel-and-stick, removable wall decals these days, including this one here.

Uh-oh…

…I’m a little worried now. Just caught Maisie sneaking around the laptop while I took a break. Better go lock up the credit cards before it’s too late!