It’s Monday and that means it’s time for another Blooming Blogger. Today, we are going to give a warm welcome to Dina from Honey & Fitz. I recently discovered Dina’s blog through Roomspiration. She has a wonderful style and has even been on the Nate Berkus show! I’m excited for you to see some of her fabulousness so without further ado, take it away Dina!
How did you chose the name of your blog and does it have any special meaning?I have been pretty obsessed with all things Kennedy for as long as I can remember. The name Honey & Fitz is a take on the “original” Kennedy, John F. Fitzgerald. The maternal grandfather to the Kennedy clan (JFK’s grandfather) was the first American born Irish-Catholic mayor of Boston. His nickname was Honey Fitz and the Kennedy family yacht is still named the Honey Fitz. I just threw an “& “ between the words and loved how it sounded. I also love that most people don’t know what the heck the reference is but occasionally I get an email from a reader who totally knows where it comes from.
Where do you find inspiration when working on a room or project?
I am most inspired by fabric. With a seamstress mother, I grew up surrounded by textiles and it’s still the first place I look for inspiration. But from there, I like to take a hard look at what the room will be used for and try to identify seating, storage and display needs. If you can nail down those 3 things in a room, you’re 80% of the way there. And of course Pinterest is an endless source of inspiration for me!
What are your three favorite blogs to read right now?
Little Green Notebook for amazing, chic DIY home decor inspiration.
The Sweetest Occasion for beautiful party and entertaining inspiration.
I Suwannee for great eye candy.
Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie?
My favorite Christmas cookies are #1 easy to make and #2 can be made in bulk so you can make a bunch for gifts and not spend the entire day in the kitchen. My Salted Caramel Chocolate clusters aren’t exactly a cookie but they’re so good, I promise no one will complain! And they are SO EASY! I shared my recipe for them here.
Share your favorite room or project that you’ve completed recently.
My favorite room right now is our dressing room. It used to be an empty sitting room off of our master bedroom. We never used it. It was just a catchall room where 1/2 done projects went to die. I decided I’d never have a use for it as a sitting room and instead turned in into the closet of my dreams!
I installed an Elfa shelving and drawer system from The Container Store and created his and hers sides. I created a small vanity area on my side by mounting a shelf at counter height and putting a vintage mirror above it. It’s the perfect spot for jewelry, perfume, and a framed picture of my favorite people. I made super bright, sunshine yellow silk drapes and had a local upholsterer create a glam, navy blue velvet tufted ottoman that I designed to go right in the middle of the room. Now instead of a room we never used, we have a great space that we use every day.
How do you balance blogging and home life? Any tips?
It’s hard! Anyone who blogs every day will tell you some days you feel like the post is just writing itself and other days you’re staring at the computer screen wondering what on Earth you’re going to write about. For me, posting every day has been really important though. When I transitioned from corporate life to being a stay at home mom, writing the blog was the only thing that kept my brain from turning to mush. I love the creative outlet and I love the structure it adds to my day. I write all of my blog posts while my son is napping and I try to schedule 2-3 at once. Some days it just doesn’t happen and I’ve learned to be ok with that. When my son is awake that’s mommy time. I try not to mix the two because I’ve found when I do I end up feeling like I’m not doing either well.
Do you have a favorite magazine?
I read Elle Decor like a text book. I love to study the rooms they feature. Furniture arrangements, art…it’s all so inspirational. I’ve never bought a single thing I’ve seen in there but that doesn’t bother me. It still helps me refine what it is that I like. Then I just try to find it/recreate it for less. That’s the fun party anyway!
What is one talent you wish you possessed that you don’t?
I wish I were an amazing athlete. My husband is an amazing athlete who seems to effortlessly be great at everything. I wish I could just tie on my running shoes, head out the door and run 10 miles.
What is your favorite date night?
Sushi takeout enjoyed on a blanket while watching an outdoor movie.
Finally, what is one thing you’ve learned from blogging?
Less is more. Small, short posts about 1 thing are better than really long posts full of information. Don’t take anything you know for granted. Even small things that you think “oh, I can’t possibly blog that, everyone knows that.” No they don’t.
Thank you Dina so much for taking time to hang with us here today! I love that tufted ottoman in your dressing room, I think I need one too. On a side note, I have been checking out some Elle Decor magazines from my library. If you are looking for some good browsing material, check your library for magazines, they are free and then you can check out a bunch at a time!
Thanks for joining us today and if you are looking for more Blooming Blogger posts, click here.
Great to hear little tips! And is that dressing room awesome or what!?
Thanks so much for having me over on the blog Ange!
I originally saw Dina's dressing room on IHeart Organizing, I believe. Then I watched her Nate Berkus House Proud video clip too. That pantry of hers is amazing too. So colorful and inspirational. Love your Blooming Blogger series, Ange. I find it so much fun to read about other bloggers out there.
What a great interview! So fun to meet her. I agree – wish I could just go out for a 10 mile run!
Well, this is one site I have to check out. I love the closet and that recipe is one I will most definitely try. Thanks!