I've been following Erin Kestenbaum on Instagram for a little while now. How long exactly in social media time is hard to say; long enough that I'm completely bewildered as to how it's possible that homegirl doesn't have scads more followers than she does. But here I am, proof of the quality-over-quantity consolation, invested enough to devote a blog post to Erin's talent. So here's the thing about Erin: she's a low-key, design aficionado wrapped ...

I've been studying the concept of rewards as of late, and in doing so have noticed there's a crucial error most of us make when it comes to treating ourselves for honoring our values and showing up for our priorities: we choose rewards that have little or nothing to do with the activity that has earned us the reward. On this very blog, I know I've instructed you to whip some space into shape and ...

As long ago established, the potential applications for lazy susans are seemingly endless. They're brilliantly effective in the pantry and in kitchen cupboards, equally useful in under-sink spaces, and can even be employed inside the fridge. It occurred to me rawther recently that people tend to consider lazy susans more as functional workhorses than as display-worthy solutions. They seem obvious when placed behind closed cupboard doors, but less so when it comes to prime retail ...

Two weekends ago, after holding strong the entire winter long, my sinuses died inside of my face. In light of the severe mental fogginess and overall ick, I consciously decided to take the week off from the blog. (Apologies for leaving you hanging.) I decided not to make myself wrong for it, but to feel proud for listening to the gnawing, hollow pain under my eyes saying, very clearly: Annie, maybe think about a break? ...

Growing up, I was the peacekeeper in my family. I become good at diffusing heated situations, at mediating between angry parties, and at lightening the mood. For a long while, my propensity to keep the peace came in conflict with my ability to be direct. I avoided conflict because, frankly, I couldn't tolerate any more than I already had to deal with. But right around the time I released the fear of being hated, I ...