Allison Arellano Allison Arellano

🌿 5 Indoor Plant Tips for Creating a Whimsical Space (Without the Clutter)

Creating a whimsical indoor jungle doesn’t have to mean going full rainforest—just a few thoughtful touches can turn your space into a dreamy, plant-filled haven.

If you’re already the proud parent of a few thriving houseplants and are craving that extra spark of magic at home, this is for you. Creating a whimsical indoor jungle doesn’t have to mean going full rainforest—just a few thoughtful touches can turn your space into a dreamy, plant-filled haven.

Whether you're decorating a small apartment or giving your sunroom some soul, here are five whimsical plant styling tips that strike the perfect balance between charm and simplicity.

1. Play With Plant Height and Layers

Whimsy lives in variation—so mix things up! Use stools, books, plant stands, and even hanging macramé to display your greenery at different heights. Think cascading pothos from a top shelf and a sculptural rubber plant in a floor pot nearby.

Try this:

Adjustable Bamboo Plant Stand – Sleek and natural, it fits almost any pot.

Hanging Macramé Planters – Add soft texture and lift without taking up floor space.

2. Choose Plants With Personality

Opt for plants that look like they have a story to tell. A twisty fiddle leaf fig, a fern that spills over like fairy hair, or a pink polka dot plant can add playful energy while still fitting into a minimalist vibe.

✨ Try this:

Calathea ‘Freddie’ – Stripes and movement, perfect for a bit of drama.

String of Pearls– A drooping delight that’s pure visual poetry.

3. Use Whimsical Containers (Sparingly)

You don’t need a unicorn-shaped pot in every corner. Instead, try mixing sleek terracotta with one or two playful accents—like a vintage teacup planter or a tiny ceramic animal peeking out from the soil.

Try this:

Unique Terracotta Clay Pots – Set of 2 – Timeless and grounding.

Whimsical Face Planter – Just enough personality to make you smile.

4. Tuck in Tiny Details

A small glass mushroom stake, a dangling crystal, or a little fairy door nestled in the soil can create a secret world feel—without overwhelming your aesthetic.

✨ Try this:

Miniature Garden Fairy Accessories – Add a storybook feel to any potted plant.

Crystal Plant Stakes – Subtle sparkle that catches the sun just right.

5. Let Light Be Part of the Magic

Great plant styling begins with good lighting. Position your plants where the natural light flatters them—and your space. Sheer curtains, mirrors, and fairy lights can enhance the effect, especially in lower-light areas.

✨ Try this:

Indoor Fairy Lights – Twinkle without the plug.

Full-Spectrum Grow Light Bulbs – Keep your green friends glowing, even in winter.

Final Wonderings 🌱

Whimsical plant styling doesn’t mean cluttered or chaotic. With just a little intention—and the right balance of greenery, light, and charm—you can create a minimalist indoor space that feels straight out of a modern fairytale.

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Allison Arellano Allison Arellano

The 10 Best Smart Home Gadgets to Upgrade Your Everyday Life

From lights that respond to your voice to thermostats that know your schedule, smart tech can make your home more comfortable, efficient, and just plain fun.

Smart homes aren’t just the future — they’re the now. From lights that respond to your voice to thermostats that know your schedule, smart tech can make your home more comfortable, efficient, and just plain fun.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your setup, here are 10 must-have smart home devices that can totally change the way you live. (P.S. These are all hand-picked for design, functionality, and ease of use — no tech degree required.)

1. Smart Speaker & Voice Assistant

Echo Pop

Say hello to your home’s new command center. Play music, control devices, get the weather, wake up the kids, or set reminders — all with your voice.

2. Smart Lighting System

Linkind Smart Bulbs

Create the perfect vibe with lights you can control from your phone or with a simple voice command. Dim, brighten, or change colors to match your mood. I love being able to adjust the lighting from my phone or by simply asking Alexa.

3. Smart Thermostat

ecoboee Smart Thermostat Essential

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Save energy and stay comfy with a thermostat that learns your habits and adjusts itself — even when you’re away. The Premium model alerts you when it senses temperature drops that could cause damage. This have been a lifesaver when traveling.

4. Smart Plugs

Amazon Smart Plug

Turn any device into a smart one. Plug in a lamp, coffee maker, or fan, then control it remotely or schedule it to run automatically. I started using these for my holiday lights, but now use them for lights and small appliances all over the house.

5. Smart Doorbell Camera

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

Know who's at your door whether you’re home or not. Great for added security and peace of mind. I added the solar charger panel so I never have to worry about missing guests.

6. Smart Security System

Ring Alarm Home Security System

Protect your space with motion sensors, cameras, and alerts — all from your phone and Alexa.

7. Smart Display

Echo Show 15

The Echo Show 15 is Amazon’s biggest and most versatile smart display yet, featuring a vibrant 15.6-inch screen that’s perfect for mounting on a wall or placing on your countertop. With Alexa built in, support for Fire TV streaming, and handy widgets to keep your family organized, it’s like a digital command center for your home. Plus, it doubles as a stylish digital photo frame when not in use!

8. Smart Vacuum

iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

Let this little robot do the cleaning for you. Schedule cleanings or start one on the go — it’s like having a housekeeper on demand.

9. Smart Lock

August Home Smart Lock

Lose the keys (on purpose). Lock and unlock your door with your phone or a code. Perfect for guests, kids, or just peace of mind.

10. Smart Plant Monitor

LetPot Automatic Watering System

Because even your plants deserve the smart home treatment. Get watering reminders or automate care with indoor gardening systems.

Final Wonderings

Smart home tech doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right devices, you can build a system that feels tailored to your lifestyle — whether you're into convenience, design, sustainability, or just cool gadgets.

Have a favorite smart device? Let me know in the comments!

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Allison Arellano Allison Arellano

The Top 5 Benefits of Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces (And How to Create Your Own)

Indoor-outdoor living isn’t just a design trend—it’s a way to bring more calm, beauty, and connection to your everyday home life.

There’s something magical about stepping out your back door and into a space that feels like an extension of your living room—only with birdsong and sunshine. Indoor-outdoor living isn’t just a design trend—it’s a way to bring more calm, beauty, and connection to your everyday home life.

Whether you’re dreaming of French doors that open to a lush garden, or simply want to cozy up your patio with twinkle lights and a comfy chair, here are the top 5 benefits of indoor-outdoor living—plus a few favorite finds to help you create your own dreamy space.


1. More Space Without a Remodel

One of the biggest perks? You instantly expand your usable living area without knocking down a single wall. Think of your backyard or balcony as a second living room—perfect for coffee mornings, quiet reads, or dinner with friends.

Try this:

Cozy Outdoor Bistro Set – A sweet little table and chairs turns any corner into a retreat.

Outdoor Rocking Chair - A treat for sensory seekers.

Waterproof Outdoor Poufs– Extra seating that's stylish and practical.



2. Better Connection to Nature

Studies show that time outdoors lowers stress and boosts mood. With an indoor-outdoor space, you can reap those benefits every day—no hiking boots required.

Try this:

Planter Duo – Bring greenery right up to your sliding door.

Bird Feeder Window Clings – Watch birds visit while sipping tea indoors.

Mosaic Wild Bird Feeder - Hang these on a nearby tree for an extra whimsical touch.




3. Entertaining Made Easy

Outdoor spaces are perfect for hosting without crowding your kitchen. Add string lights, a little music, and voilà—party central. Even weekday dinners feel special under the stars.

Try this:

Solar String Lights – These are uniquely strung with hemp rope and offer a soft glow, no plugs needed.

Solar Hanging Lanterns - Add these to tree branches for an extra whimsical glow.

Outdoor Serving Cart– Wheels and charm—what’s not to love?





4. Increased Home Value

Creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow is one of the best ways to boost your home’s appeal (and price tag). Whether it’s a full patio makeover or just swapping a solid door for glass, these touches feel luxurious but livable.

Try this:

Sliding Barn-Style Patio Doors – Gorgeous and functional.

Indoor-Outdoor Rug – Pulls the space together, rain or shine.






5. Everyday Magic

There’s something about sipping your morning coffee with your toes in the grass, or reading a book by candlelight on the porch that turns the ordinary into something delightful. Indoor-outdoor spaces invite you to slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy your home just a little more.

Try this:

Outdoor Egg Chair – A cozy nook for daydreaming.

Citronella Candle Lantern – Keeps bugs away, adds ambiance.






Final Wonderings

Indoor-outdoor living is all about blurring the lines between home and nature. You don’t need acres of land or a huge budget to create a peaceful, whimsical space that brings the outside in. With a few thoughtful touches, you can transform even the smallest balcony or backyard into your own enchanted hideaway.

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