Tropical Looking Houseplants to Spice Up My Interior

Guest post written by Kylie Robinson

I’m from southern Florida, but I don’t exactly live in a tropical feeling environment like that anymore. So I like to incorporate elements of my home state into my current home decor just as a comfort measure. I was trying to do this a little bit more a few weeks ago when I decided to try and buy some houseplants that remind me of home.

As I was looking online to see if I could find something that does look like plants from Florida. When I was doing that I found some information on and decided to use Get.WildBlue.com after I read through it a little bit. I wasn’t too impressed with my old internet provider anyway, so that was a welcome surprise.

I looked up some mini palm trees and then realized that they weren’t small enough to fit in my apartment. Plus, they were way too expensive for my taste anyway. So I found some ferns that have big leaves and look a little bit with palm tree leaves. Well they at least remind me of them some, so I thought that would be a sufficient replacement.

Prettify Your Workspace With a Print Calendar

Whether you work in a traditional office setting or have the pleasure of working from your home office, a drab workspace can be a depressing setting in which to work! Even a few pictures of your friends, family, pets can liven up your space.

Some other suggestions for sprucing up your workspace include setting up matching office accessories. When I worked in a cubicle, I went to Walmart and purchased the cheesiest giant hot pink calculator with matching folder organizer, pen holder, and giraffe neck lamp for my desk. But, you know what? It totally brightened up my space and my coworkers loved it.

What about organizational accessories? That old At-a-Glance calendar – courtesy of corporate office supply – is simply boring. Custom printed calendars are the chic, savvy way to write in meetings, client deadlines, and lunch dates.

With a Vista Print custom Print Calendar, you have options!

• Themed or photo desk calendars – Spiral-bound for your convenience, you can customize Vista Print calendars with a select theme, your own picture/logo, or a photo of your choice. They even have a Spa & Beauty design to remind you of your next spa treatment appointment.
• Themed or photo wall calendars – If you’re a minimalist or you have limited space on your desk, wall calendars are a great option. Mark birthdays and meetings quickly and easily!
• Poster calendars – If you have a personal or business logo you’d like to use for your calendar, poster calendars are a perfect option for at-a-glance date marking. Magnetic backing is also an option to stick on your cubicle cabinets.
• Calendar magnets – Slightly different than poster calendars, calendar magnets are perfect for sending out calendars to your friends, family, and clients with your business or personal information. There are beautiful and sassy designs to choose from, making these a perfect organizational gift!

Thanks, Mom!

Mother’s Day is less than a month away and I hope you have your mom in mind! I know I do…

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

• Let her know how much you care. How often do you take the time to let mom know that you appreciate all the ways in which she has loved you? Thank her with kind words, a hug and kiss, and/or a cute trinket or card to show mother just how much you thank her.
• Have a Girls Day Out. Share a spa treat with mom such as a day of manicures and pedicures, facials, or a massage. You can catch up on things you may have missed in each others’ lives lately and come out feeling pretty right along with her.
• Have a Picnic. Set up a nice picnic in the park or garden and share deli sandwiches and spring water (or mimosas!) with mom over conversation and laughter. Have a good time!
• Make a Scrapbook. You could go all out with an elaborately put together scrapbook with the works or simply create a photo album in a pretty binder with photos, clippings, and other memories that would make mom smile.
• Give Her Flowers. Mom may very well receive a couple bouquets that day, but perhaps you’ll the the first or only one to brighten up her day with a bouquet of beautiful, vibrant flowers.

For a bit of Mother’s Day fun, you can vote for your favorite Mom in one of several categories on 1-800-FLOWERS.com! The contest is called “Celebrate Mom For Who She Is” and there are over $30,000 in prizes. Simply tell them which Mom you vote for and why to automatically be entered to win. Hurry, because the voting ends May 1st!