The Blog
Summer Nail Trends Part 1 – Watercolor and Polka Dots
Every summer, nail trends arrive like an overly enthusiastic guest at a pool party. Some stay too long, some make a mess, and some become the life of the party. This year, two trends are absolutely on my radar: Watercolor and Polka Dot Nails.
The Best Home Bars: How to Create a Stylish Entertaining Bar in Any Home
Let’s talk about one of my favorite design features: the home bar. Now before anyone clutches their pearls and says, “I don’t even drink,” hear me out. A home bar isn’t just about cocktails. It’s about entertaining. It’s about creating a destination in your home. It’s about having a space that says, “Welcome. Sit down. Stay awhile.” And frankly, it’s about looking fabulous.
Father’s Day Gifts For the Man Who Has Everything
For the man who has everything or at least thinks he does.
Shopping for dads is a special kind of torture. Mother’s Day rolls around and there are endless options—flowers, jewelry, candles, handbags, spa gifts, brunches, and approximately 17 million things marketed directly to women. Father’s Day? Different story entirely.
Shell Yeah: The Coastal Chic Trend Giving Me Life Right Now
If you’ve been following my “Giving Me Life” series, then you already know this is where I lovingly obsess over the things currently occupying way too much space in my brain, camera roll, Pinterest boards, and online shopping carts. These are the trends, aesthetics, colors, textures, and random little details that make me audibly gasp like I just saw a celebrity at the supermarket.
My Backyard Design Inspiration and Wish List
I’ve been intimidated by my backyard ever since I toured the house before buying it. I remember wondering if I could handle the scale of the yard, but I put that thought aside and bought the house. Now, 8 years later, I’m still intimidated. I’ve done little things here and there like dig out a fire pit and a place for my picnic table, both with pea gravel. But other than that, I’ve had paralysis by analysis.
The Ultimate List of Antique Fairs and Markets in the U.S. – Part 2
Here is the promised Part 2 of the ultimate Antique Fairs and Markets in the U.S. and here is Part 1 if you missed it. I love a good antique, thrift, vintage or flea market and by any other name it’s still a treasure trove of goodies for all.The history behind everything is what gets me. It reminds me of being a child and following my parents around to thrift on the weekends. I also love a good yard sale too and have thrown many yard sales myself.
The Ultimate List of Antique Fairs and Markets in the U.S. – Part 1
If you’re like me and you love thrifting and vintage shopping, raise your hand? I have two hands up because I love it that much. There’s something about seeing a piece of furniture, a collectible, or what might be considered “junk” from another era. It makes my heart go pitter-patter. Since Spring has sprung, with the weather warming up, it’s time to head out to some of the outdoor/indoor markets around the country. Seriously, several of these have been on my bucket list for the longest and some I hadn’t even heard of but I now want to go.
The 36 Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Mother’s Day: the one day a year where we collectively agree Mom deserves more than a last-minute card and a half-wilted grocery store bouquet. So no, we’re not grabbing a scented candle from aisle 7 and calling it a day. We are elevating. We are curating. We are making Mom feel like the icon she is.
2026 Spring and Summer Design Trends – Part 2
Alright, Part 2 is where things get a little louder, a little moodier, and a lot more intentional. If Part 1 was soft, layered, and whispering “I summer in the south of France,” this one is walking in, flipping on a dramatic light, and saying “yes, I meant to do that.”
2026 Spring and Summer Design Trends – Part 1
In a world where our news feeds are filled with turmoil happening around the world and we are constantly questioning what is real and what is fake, people are craving comfort, familiarity, and security now more than ever.
Spaces that calm your nervous system and help you recharge after a long day of staying hyper vigilant are on the rise and these Spring/Summer 2026 interior design trends echo these sentiments with the use of grounding materials, nostalgic treasures and playful details.
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Leslie Karen is a blog dedicated to women who are forever curious, passionate and don’t believe in limits. I love DIY’ing and trying to figure out how to do things, traveling, designing interiors, finding good restaurants, fashion and reading. Basically just about anything creative and artistic.
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