They I've worked in the tech industry for a while now and with a third of venture capital flowing into Silicon Valley, it's not uncommon for my coworkers to transplant themselves from Pennsylvania to California. I lost a few friends to the Golden State in 2015 and another two close friends of mine were making the leap in 2016. It's about 2,898 mi from my current job in New Hope, PA to San Francisco, CA. But with these latest two friends going, I wanted to bridge the gap between east and west, giving them a present that wished them well, but reminded them of where they came from.

With the inspirational pushing of a few friends, I came up with the concept of showing their starting part and their ending point via photos. In the one photo, I photographed a bridge that's well known in this suburban town, the New Hope-Lambertville bridge. In the other photo, our mutual friend and very talented photographer Zach Matthai shot the iconic Golden Gate bridge then sent me the files (shameless plug: visit his awesome site here!). I got both his and mine printed.

Yet another mutual friend, Nicole, framed them both to match like a set. Above you're seeing my San Franciscan bound friend's reaction to the set. As a collaborative project, I think it went over well. It's funny how the internet brings most people together... unless you work in the industry and reside on the east coast!

The best of luck to my friends who moved and all that were involved!

Up close version of the photos:

And by "ridiculous" I mean "ridiculously AWESOME". I actually just bought the donut (or doughnut, if you will) above from 5 and Below and took i for a swim today. It was wonderful. Kids tried to steal it from me which was less wonderful. Adults said "Sup!" when they passed by carrying oversized pretzel floats. That was neat. 

I could've called this trend like 6 months ago. I did actually, but I didn't blog it, thus is doesn't really count. However, I'm here now and I must say, I can't wait for next year's floats already. 

Throwing some ideas out there for floats:

• Giant iceburg
• Loch Ness Monster
• Butterfly wings (how sweet to lay on?!) 
• The Titanic (too soon?)
• My Little Ponies' seaponies 
• Clouds and sun (I just think they'd look cool floating in a blue pool)

If you think of any more pool float ideas, let me know. I may just have a mid-life crisis, quit my job, and make pool floats full time. 

I still remember the wallpaper from the 70's that was always that dirty magnolia yellow orange covering my parents' house... until the 80's. Today there are wall treatments that are cleaner, simpler, and hopefully, with those two things in mind, will not need to be redone every two years. We're talking crazy painting techniques, decals, and (*gasp*) wallpaper.

In the age where neutral solid colored walls rule, I want to point out that not following the status quo can really add some pizazz. Check out what I mean.

Let me know which one is your favorites and/or if you have more to add! 

"Variety is the spice of life" doesn't mean if you open up your kitchen cabinet, there is a different seasoning that falls out onto you. If this is the case, it's thyme to reorganize. Why yes I did just say that. Here's what I did and I'll never go back to the landslide method.

Step 1: Get yourself some magnetic seasoning containers. I got Bed, Bath, & Beyond magnetic seasoning tins that have caps with holes that act as shakers. Also got these IKEA magnetic seasoning tins that you unscrew and spoon out the seasonings. 

Step 4: Alphabetize the magnetic tins and place on your fridge, magnetic backsplash, or wherever you have a flat magnetic surface... but try to avoid doors. (These are magnets, not screws and a slammed door can be disastrous.) Make sure the names are facing the same direction.

Step 5: Voila! Donezo. Now you can grab your seasoning without getting a-salt-ed. Ya. I really went there. Again. 

Oh, look, you also made modern art. Good on you! 

After you're done spring cleaning, you may want to refresh your home decor as well. Changing an element or two -- a lamp, throw rug, blanket, pillow, picture frame -- can change the entire feeling of a room. With neutrals being on trend for spring 2016, this is a little left of center incorporating more gold, rose gold, and pink into the mix for a fresh look, retiring winter blues for statement pieces with more whimsy. 

I'm sorry if you've fallen madly in love with the Anthropologie crystal above; they've put it on clearance and it isn't available online. 

This above picture is actually a baby mobile which I'd most certainly put in my kitchen window. 

How do you redecorate for spring? 

Hello! Here's a tutorial on how to create simple, cheap wall art that goes with the colors of any room -- as long as you can find the right paint colors. This list may look heavy, but it shouldn't cost you more than $20 if you're thrifty. You may even have this stuff lying around your house.

List of ingredients:

• Canvas -- free if you find them by a dumpster like I did
• White acrylic paint -- to act as a base
• Paintbrush
• Acrylic paints that match your room -- I chose three (tan, mint, and gray)
• A hand drawn picture (or three, in my case)
• Camera or scanner
• Access to a laser printer (I ordered a laser print at Staples for $6) 
• X-acto Knife
• Matte Mod Podge
• Sponge brush
• Soft cloth, preferably microfiber
• Water

Step 1: White-out the Canvases

Step 2: Add Ombre Effect