Friends, my move-in date is inching closer and closer and I’m officially thrilled. For those of you who know me personally know that I’ve been living with my inlaws for over two years while we’ve slowly made Indiana our home (all the way from Los Angeles!). And because we’ve been documenting the process for HGTV.com, we’ve been annoyingly perfectionist with everything from ceiling planks to floor sanding.

Our friends at HomeGoods* were kind enough to give us a break from heavy lifting and labor and gifted us a mini shopping spree in their Carmel location. Can you believe all of the goodies we scored for less than $1,000?:

Industrial kitchen stools, all-white bedding, kitchens supplies and a wickedly awesome wired globe — it’s all so lovely!

I can’t wait to show you how this all looks in the space when we do finish our home and move in. Let’s try for March, shall we?

Huge thanks to HomeGoods!

*Full disclosure: HomeGoods is a sponsor of our renovation project.

I’m still busy crossing off this super important item off my life list (thanks to Jack Cards!*), and wanted to give you guys an opportunity to do the same. A few of you have emailed asking me how exactly Jack Cards works, so I thought I’d give you a quick rundown:

*Full disclosure: Jack Cards provided the thank you cards I’ve been sending to my former teachers. Huge thanks to this innovative company!

Amanda sent over a link to Alberto’s latest work (which he’s made available as a series of free wallpaper downloads — eek!), and my jaw dropped. I say that all the time, but really, it did. I promise.

LINK:  DISASTRO ECOLOGICO on BEHANCE
via: THE AUDACITY OF COLOR

A few of you have emailed to ask me for a rundown on my Alt Summit panel, and actually, I can do better than that. How about a rundown on the entire conference? Yes? You’d love that? OK, good.

I have a few notes on my favorite Alt moments/speeches/panels and will break them down for you over the next few days, along with some action steps I’d recommend you take immediately. Ready for the fun?:

I actually missed the first panel, as I was busy playing faux-celebrity with Brian Patrick Flynn in a fun-filled HGTV photo shoot (photos to come, I’m sure!). And the second panel? I was busy speaking and missed those, too:

[Image Credit: Alt Design Summit 2011]

Advertising: Beyond the Banner (with myself, Liz Gumbinner and Maggie Mason) was full of helpful tips on brainstorming new ways to work with advertisers, sponsored content and corporate partnerships. I’ll share those tips tomorrow.

[Image Credit: Alt Design Summit 2011]

A few other panels I enjoyed? Emily, Grace and Joy speaking about ethics, etiquette and guidelines. Because the blog world is more like the Wild West when it comes to guidelines, it was great to hear from smart business women and how they navigate this online world with class. (Hint: Credit your photos. Always.)

[Image Credit: Alt Design Summit 2011]

Of course, the new crop of magazines were represented loud and clear in Meg, Crystal and Jess‘ panel. Lovely to hear how three different women foresee the world of publishing changing over the next decade, and how each are undoubtedly committed to their labors of love.

[Image Credit: Alt Design Summit 2011]

By far, my favorite speaker (and overall presence at the conference) was the uplifting, spirited Tina of Swissmiss fame. What a lady of class. I left feeling inspired and in awe with her tips to blogging success:

1. Nobody can tell you what’s best for you.
2. Surrounding yourself with smart people is key.
3. Don’t just talk; do it. (If it fails, move on.)
4. Be kind and generous. It comes back to you.
5. Your enthusiasm and integrity are your biggest assets.
6. It is possible.

Amen, Tina. Amen. Tomorrow I’ll talk specifics and break down my segment of the advertising panel. Be ready!

Hello, trend alert. Colored smoke photographs are everywhere!

LINK:  NOAH KALINA

We’ve got a footwear genius on our hands (or shall I say feet?), friends.

LINK:  KOBI LEVI

It’s a good thing I don’t have a spare $400, because the rest of my closet would feel mighty jealous indeed.

LINK:  LIMEDROP

I’d love to slide down that giant confetti-colored ball of fun! Meet me there in 10?

LINK:  MORGAN BLAIR

IMAGE CREDIT:  LUKASZ WIERZBOWSKI

Not to be confused with “Art rocks more.” Or, well. You know.

LINK:  ASHLEA O’NEILL

p.s. Want a round-up of rocks, stones and all things gem-esque? Of course you do!