how to grow and care for an avocado tree like a pro

Gardening

How to Grow and Care for an Avocado Tree Like a Pro

Drescription

Avocado trees (Persea americana) are a great plant to grow if you live in the southern tip of the United States or father south. These plants are best grown outdoors as they can reach up to 60 feet in height. These evergreen fruit trees are best known for their delicious fruit, the avocado.

Though the fruit may be the main draw for many growers, avocado trees are also quite beautiful because of their thick, bright green foliage and add ornamental value to any outdoor space. However, if it’s the fruit you’re after, these plants need warmth and space for the best results.

Keep in mind that all parts of this tree, including the fruit, are toxic to a wide range of animals.

How to Plant an Avocado Tree

It is best to plant avocado trees outdoors in the spring, allowing ample time to become established before winter temperatures arrive.

Plant your avocado tree in a location with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. If soil conditions are less than ideal, amend the soil with sand or another well-draining substrate before planting.

The trees are vulnerable to high winds, so immature trees may benefit from support. Try choosing a planting location that offers wind protection to help keep your tree upright and healthy. All avocado trees should be planted at least 10 feet away from structures.

The avocado tree's root system is sensitive, so try not to disturb the roots during planting. Dig a hole that is wider than the root structure and the same height as the root ball.

Avocado Tree Care

Light

Like most tropical plants, the avocado tree thrives on a lot of sunshine. Plant this tree in a location where it can receive at least 8 hours of sunlight every day. These trees can tolerate partial shade, but grow best and produce more fruits when kept in full sun.

Water

Avocado trees benefit from infrequent, deep watering. Wait until the soil begins to dry out, then water deeply. During the summer months, the avocado tree will require more frequent watering.

Young trees also require more frequent watering as they become established. Mature trees should receive around two inches of water per week.

Soil

Avocado trees prefer rich, loamy, and well-draining soil. A soil pH that is acidic to neutral, between 5 and 7, is ideal. These trees are sensitive to alkaline soil.

Adding a layer of mulch around the tree can help the soil retain the right amount of moisture and will offer protection to the avocado tree's shallow root system. Don't mulch any closer than six inches from the trunk.

Temperature and Humidity

Outdoors avocado trees can only be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. They are frost-sensitive and grow best in temperatures between 50ºF and 85ºF. Though prolonged temperatures 30ºF or below will be too cold for avocado trees, they should be able to withstand an occasional, very brief freeze.

You can grow an avocado tree indoors in any climate.

Fertilizer

You should fertilize an avocado tree starting in the late winter to early spring and feed until the fall, depending on the specific instructions included with your chosen fertilizer. Fertilizers specifically designed for avocado or citrus trees work best.

Pollination

For the best pollination, it is ideal to have two avocado trees, as flowers have male and female parts but they open at separate times, making self-pollination is unlikely.

Avocado trees are considered either type A or type B, and each type opens its flowers parts at different times of day. These different times make cross-pollination between the two types possible. When choosing which trees to plant, be sure you have both type A and type B for best results.

How to Grow Avocado Trees From Seed

Starting an avocado tree from seed is a fun, simple project. However, it is important to keep in mind that seeds will not produce trees identical to the parent tree. To do this, you will need an avocado seed, a jar of water, toothpicks, a sharp knife, a small pot, and well-draining potting soil.

Poke holes in avocado pit. Using a sharp knife, poke three or four holes around the circumference of the avocado pit.

Poke toothpicks into pit. Poke the toothpicks into the holes, which will create the support needed to suspend the pit in water.

Place thick end in water. Fill a jar with water (the jar should be narrow enouogh the toothpicks will hold most of the pit above water). Submerge the thick, or bottom end, of the seed into the water. Around one-third of the pit should be in the water.

Place in sunny spot. Place the water jar with the pit in a sunny location and change the water daily.

Wait for roots to form. After a few weeks, roots should form and leaves should appear at the top of the seed.

Plant in soil. Once this occurs, gently plant the seed in well-draining soil.

Types of Avocado Trees to Grow

All avocado trees stem from three main varieties: Mexican, West Indian, and Guatemalan. Within these categories, there are several avocado varieties available.

Hass: One of the most popular avocado varieties, the Hass avocado is often found in grocery stores. This is a type A tree that produces thick, bumpy-skinned, rich, and creamy fruits. It is more sensitive to heat than other varieties. Hass avocado trees are known to produce a reasonably sized yield when grown on their own.

Fuerte: Also a widely known avocado type, the Fuerte avocado is a type B tree often grown with Hass avocados. These trees produce large, oval-shaped fruits with relatively smooth, thin skin. These trees are also more sensitive to heat, making them a good fit for the northern borders of the avocado's growing zones.

Pinkerton: This type A, Guatemalan tree is popular for its smaller size and large fruit yield. It produces oblong fruits with flesh similar to the Hass avocado—rich and creamy. These trees require a type B avocado tree to produce a significant fruit yield.

Harvesting Avocados

On a healthy outdoor avocado tree, you could harvest upwards of 200 avocados per season. For nursery-bought trees, you can expect to see fruit in three to four years. For avocados started from seed, it may take five to 13 years before fruits appear.

When fruits appear, wait until the avocado grows to its mature size. The fruits do not ripen on the tree, so avocados are picked as soon as they are full size. Bring the avocados indoors and let them rest on a counter until ripe.

Harvesting Tip

Don't pick all of your avocados at once. If you pick a few at a time, you will be able to extend your harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor for longer.

How to Grow Avocado Trees in Pots

Avocados can be grown in pots outdoors, though it will stifle their growth. (They can also be grown indoors in pots.) This is ideal for small yards or gardens near the northern edge of the avocado’s growing zones, as potted trees can be moved to a protected area when cold weather arrives.

Young trees or dwarf varieties are ideal for growing in pots as these will stay small for some time.

Pruning

If avocado trees are grown from seed, start pruning when the seedling is only six inches tall, snipping off the top pair of the leaves. When it reaches a foot in height, trim it back six inches. After this, prune the tree yearly.

Mature trees require occasional pruning. Light pruning can be done any time of year, though heavy pruning should be done in the early spring. Prune thick areas to ensure adequate light and airflow. Cut back any dead wood and trim away V-shaped branches. Don't take off more than one-third of the length of each branch.

Pruning Tip

Looking for the best pruners for your avocado trees? We tested 8 top-rated pruners in our Lab to make sure your trees stay happy and healthy.

Propagating Avocado Trees

Propagation is often done through grafting, layering, or cuttings. Grafting is often done to combine the desirable qualities of two different varieties of avocados while layering and starting cuttings are done to produce duplicate trees. Here’s how to perform each method of propagation:

Propagating an Avocado Tree From Cuttings

You will need sharp snips, moist and well-draining potting soil, a small pot, and IBA rooting hormone.

In the spring, select new growth that is five to six inches long and has several leaves that have not opened.

Using sharp snips, cut the new growth branch at a 45-degree angle.

Wound the cut end by scraping at the bark on either side of the cutting. This will encourage root production.

Dip the cutting into IBA rooting hormone.

Bury the cut end into moist, well-draining soil.

Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a sunny area.

After a couple of weeks, gently tug the cutting to check for resistance, which indicates root growth. Repot the cutting into a larger pot or outdoors.

Grafting an Avocado Tree

You will need sharp snips, a sharp knife, and something to cover the grafted area, such as grafting tape.

Follow steps one and two as if you are taking a cutting.

Remove the tip of the cutting, along with any leaves that are present.

Then, wound the tree you would like to graft onto by removing a section of bark.

Make sure the cambium of the cutting and the cambium of the tree are touching.

Secure the cutting onto the tree with grafting tape, making sure to cover the exposed areas.

In a few weeks, the grafted branch and the main tree should be fused together.

Air Layering an Avocado Tree

You will need a sharp knife, a rooting medium that can be wrapped around a branch, and rope or tape to secure the rooting medium around the tree.

Select the branch you would like to take as a new tree.

Using a clean knife, cut two circles around the branch to create a section of bark that can be peeled away.

Once the bark is removed, scrape the inner branch to clean the cambium away.

Wrap the exposed inner branch with rooting material, such as compost in a small bag (make sure the compost is wrapping the branch, not the bag) or another rooting medium. Secure around the branch with rope or tape.

In several weeks, roots should develop. When this occurs, remove the bag, cut the branch off below the formed roots, and plant the new tree.

Overwintering

When grown in the appropriate zones, avocado trees do not require extra care during the winter unless the area experiences a frost. Protect the tree from a cold front by wrapping it loosely in burlap and adding extra soil at the base of its trunk until the frost has passed.

For trees grown on the northern edges of their growing zones, it is best to keep them in pots so they can be moved to an area protected from cold weather.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Common pests that may bother an avocado tree include mites, caterpillars, borers, lace bugs, and thrips. Diseases include root rot, fruit rot, sun blotch, and cankers.

Be alert to the presence of these pests or early signs of disease. Prompt action is the best way to remedy any developing problems before they threaten the health of your avocado tree.

Foolproof Hacks for Packing Your Suitcase Efficiently Every Time

Even with the best luggage, why does packing always seem like more of a chore than it needs to be? It can be a tedious task on its own, sure, but a lot of packing stress likely stems from the anxiety of not really knowing what you're going to need when you get to wherever you're going. (What if it rains the whole time? What if your luggage gets lost? What if you don't end up doing half of what your itinerary originally said you'd be doing?) We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to somehow, miraculously, pack only exactly what we might need—no more, no less—and keep things wrinkle-free in the process. Here are some helpful packing techniques to ease the burden of filling your suitcase or travel bag efficiently and keeping your clothing in tip-top shape while en route. The Best Ways to Pack Your Clothes Think Big, Then Edit Gather all the garments you anticipate needing—then put half of them back. For a five-day trip, you'll likely need five shirts, two pairs of slacks or jeans, and one skirt, says Kathleen Ameche, author of The Woman Road Warrior. If going to cooler climates, save your bulkier outwear, like a puffer coat, to travel in. The standard regulation carry-on luggage fits roughly two pairs of jeans, three sweaters, two dresses, and five shirts. Pack With a Palette If you have a color you like to wear like navy blue, black, or pink (you do you!) stick with it. Pick a color range and pack tops, and bottoms that all fit within it. It'll give you more options for mixing and matching, which means more outfits! Pack Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics If you can, choose knits, wools, and cottons because these fabrics tend to resist wrinkles and be versatile (some garments can do double duty, like yoga pants that moonlight as pajamas). Roll and Fold Items Using a bit of each packing technique is the most efficient way to get things into your suitcase. Roll softer garments and fold stiffer ones. Underwear, T-shirts, jeans, cotton pants, and knitwear won't wrinkle when rolled tightly, says Judy Gilford, author of The Packing Book. Stiffer fabrics, such as starched cotton shirts, blazers, dressy pants, and skirts, should be carefully folded. Arrange Clothing Thoughtfully Place your softer, rolled items at the bottom of your suitcase first. Next comes your folded garments: For your middle layer, start with the longest items, like skirts and nice pants. Stack the garments on top of each other, alternating waists with hems. Lay them the length of your suitcase, draping leftover fabric over the opposite end. (This conserves space since thick waistbands won't be piled on top of one another.) Wrap the draping ends of the pile into the center. Next, lay collars of shorter items, like shirts, at the hinge with the ends over the handles. Fold the collars and ends over once and fold the arms in. Finally, snake belts around the perimeter of the bag so they take up as little room as possible (and add another layer of snugness around these three layers). Cover the Pile With a Dry-Cleaning Bag Because of the dry-cleaning bag's slippery surface, folded clothes don't stay in one place long enough for creases to set. Easy upgrade: Place a bag between each layer of clothing. To get to a certain layer easily, simply pull the ends of the bag up on either side. Place Clothes You'll Need First at the Top This could be anything from a dress to a bathing suit to pajamas, depending on where you're going, what time you arrive, and what the plan is when you get there. How to Pack Shoes Follow the Rule of Three Consider one casual sandal or loafer, sneakers, and an evening shoe to be your holy trinity. "Because of their shapes and heels, shoes take up the most room," says Marybeth Bond, author of 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways. Wear the heaviest, bulkiest pair and pack the other two. Have Your Shoes Do Some Work Depending on how clean your shoes are, stuff them with other items like socks, sunglasses, and electronics chargers, says Anita Dunham-Potter, a cruise columnist for MSNBC.com. This will end up saving you a bit of room here and there. Place Shoes Into One-Gallon-Size Resealable Bags Then set them along the sides of the bag, says Gilford. This will keep dirt and germs from your shoes from getting onto your packed clean clothes. Invest in Shoe Cubes If you've already gotten on the packing cube train, kick it up a notch (literally) with shoe cubes. These flexible water-resistant packs have a collapsible divider, so you can safely stash your heels and sneakers (no scuffing!). How to Pack Toiletries and Beauty Products Opt for Travel-Size Multitasksers Choose a tinted moisturizer that serves as foundation, a soap, and shampoo in one, and wipes that clean hands and face. (If you're flying with a carry-on bag, check current regulations for liquids at tsa.gov.) Group Similar Products in Sealed Resealable Bags Designate one bag for cosmetics, one for hair products, and one for skin-related items. Tuck the bags in the side corners of your suitcase or in a zippered outside pocket. Keep Perfumes Safe in Your Socks If you can't travel without your signature scent, wrap up your perfume bottles in a pair of thick socks. This not only saves space, but it provides a safe place for the delicate glass packaging to not break. How to Pack Jewelry Stow Inexpensive Pieces in a Seven-Day Plastic Pillbox Or store them in a 35-millimeter film container lined with tissue. If you must take precious gems, wear them during your travels to reduce the risk of loss or theft, suggests Gilford. How to Pack Fragile Objects or Breakables Use Clothing as Padding Wrap fragile items in thick, sturdy clothing. Place them in the center of your bag surrounded by a buffer, says Laura McHolm, co-founder of NorthStar Moving, a Los Angeles–based company that relocates 5,000 people (and their precious porcelain) each year. If you're carting liquor bottles, secure them in the bottom center of your bag. If you have beach towels, this would be a good place to use them. How to Pack Dirty Laundry Shrink It Jessica Ellis, a graphic designer who travels between New York City and Chicago every other week, piles clothing into packing bags and cubes. "Zipper them, and they take out 80 percent of the volume." Warning: This can have wrinkly consequences, so if the clothes don't yet require laundering, lay them flat and place fabric-softener sheets between them. Consider your fresh-smelling clothes a welcome-home present. Important Things to Remember While Packing Check Your Airline's Luggage Weight Limit Even though there are plenty of hacks for efficiently packing in as many items as possible into your suitcase, it's always important to to check your airline's weight limit before taking it to the airport. Most airlines allow up to 50 pounds for a standard bag, but double check with yours to be sure. Follow the TSA Carry-On Luggage Rules Checked bag versus carry-on bag packing follows very different procedures. If you're packing a carry-on remember the 3-1-1 rule: you’re allowed filled containers no larger than 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, in a 1-quart bag.1 Anything larger should be put in a checked bag. Also, remember to empty your water bottle before you head through security!

We Asked a Gardener When to Prune Parsley for the Best Harvest, and She Surprised Us

If you ever want to grow a versatile herb that adds a fresh, peppery taste to your dishes, then you can't go wrong with parsley. This green, bushy herb is wonderful for its variety to fit different cuisines, but it's also super easy to grow. You can choose to grow your parsley in an indoor container or outside garden, but either way, you must prune the plant once it starts to grow. Pruning parsley is essential not just for the plant's overall health, but for its appearance and taste. "Regular pruning encourages the plant to grow fuller and bushier, which means more fresh parsley for you," says Sarah Rubens, owner of Seeds to Sanctuary. "If you skip pruning, parsley can become leggy and weak, and the lower leaves may turn yellow and die off." So, how exactly do you prune parsley? We asked Rubens to share her expert tips, like the proper technique and knowing when the time is right to prune. Meet the Expert Sara Rubens is the owner of Seeds to Sanctuary, a garden design company in Davidson, NC. How to Prune Parsley Before you take a pair of garden shears to your plant and begin cutting away, it's important to know the proper technique to prune parsley correctly. Many people make the mistake of pruning too much of the plant or cutting too close to the bud, which harms your plant and stunts its growth. Rubens says all you need is a pair of sharp garden shears or scissors on hand to make a clean cut within each stem. Then, she says to use your shears or scissors to snip the stems at the base of the plant near the soil instead of cutting off the leaves. "Focus on cutting the outer, older stems first and leaving the younger, inner ones to continue growing. This method promotes healthy, continuous growth," she says. When to Prune Parsley You may be used to growing certain flowers like hydrangeas, roses, or peonies that require pruning to maintain the plant's shape, control diseases, or encourage healthy blooms for next season. Pruning parsley is similar, but you're looking for different signs that indicate it's time to prune, and there are different reasons why pruning is essential for this herb. While flowers mostly need pruning after they've bloomed, parsley needs to be pruned while it's still growing once the plant has become established. "The best time to prune parsley is once the plant has become established and is producing several stems—typically a few weeks after planting," Rubens says. She also notes that the earlier you prune during the growth, the better your harvest will be. "Look for signs such as multiple stems with full leaves and avoid letting the plant get too tall or leggy, which may signal it’s overdue for a trim," she says. "Also, if you see yellowing leaves or a flower stalk forming, it’s time to act fast, as parsley will soon bolt and go to seed." Parsley Care Tips Pruning parsley is a relatively simple task that's much easier than pruning flowers. While this task is crucial for the herb's growth, there are a few other important care tips that lend a hand towards optimal plant production. Rubens says sunlight is key to allowing your parsley plant to thrive with its growth. She recommends giving your parsley plant at least six hours of sunlight a day, as well as keeping the soil moist but not overly soggy. "Parsley appreciates well-drained soil and regular harvesting, which actually stimulates more growth," she says. "Fertilize sparingly with a balanced, organic fertilizer every few weeks to support healthy foliage. Watch for pests like aphids and treat them early if needed." Lastly, Rubens says if you start to notice your parsley plant flowering, then it means it's at the end of its life cycle. "You can try to delay bolting by cutting the flower stalks immediately, but the flavor often changes once this process begins."

The Cool Slip-On-And-Go Shoes We Are Into – 25 Ballet Flats That Are Both Trendy And Comfortable

Guess who’s back on her ballet flat search?? Me:) But I’m not the only one on the team. Look. We love a cool boot, a fashionable sneaker, but sometimes you just want to slip on a cute flat to feel slightly more put together as you’re rushing out of the house. The last time I was all about ballet flats, I was on the hunt for the mesh version, and boy, did I find one I loved. Because of that deep love, I may have worn them a little too much. It’s kinda like when you only have/wear a single pair of jeans and the inevitable upper thigh hole emerges from constant friction. I want to avoid that intense amount of wear and tear and have a few more easy-to-wear, stylish shoe options. And to me, there’s nothing easier than slipping on a ballet flat. So come see what my research divulged as well as one pair I did purchase:) The Day Glove I wanted to start with the pair that Emily had not only in this color but also in navy. She bought them for our big shoot and loved how easy they were to pop on and off. I love how simple but slightly modern they are. I really like the toe shape and in case tan or navy aren’t your colors, they have 13 other options to choose from! They do recommend going up a half size from your normal size. These give a perfect classic basics look. Faux-Leather Ballet Flats But if we’re going to talk about classics then to me this ballet flat is the epitome of that. Ok, maybe if you added a strap then it would be “peak ballet flat” :) This is also a very sleek shape but has the addition of the traditional thin bow. I don’t think you could go wrong with these and they also come in three other neutral colors if pink isn’t your style. Oh, and did I mention they are $20!! Leather Ballet Flats + Sway Square Toe Ballet Flat This deep burgundy isn’t just a beautiful home color trend, it’s also very much happening in fashion. I am very in love with both of these options. The pair on the left this that classic style but really feels special in that dreamy color…plus that price is not bad. They do also come in tan. Then the pair on the right are on my list!! I learned about Alohas from Emily years ago and not only are their shoes extremely cool, I really love their commitment to sustainability. And while there’s the extra step of tying the bow, I think they are unique without being “too out there”. This pair also comes in two other colors and if you are a half size, they recommend sizing up. Oh, if you love this color I also found a really pretty woven version for $80! The Day Ballet Flat I love velvet. Like a lot. So these puppies are on my list too! Aside from the leather pair above, I’m not a huge ballet bow gal, but for whatever reason, I really like it when the flat is in a velvet. Just think how cute these would be with jeans and a white T-shirt?! Effortlessly cool. Plus, this version is on a great sale, which makes them that much more enticing… They also come in seven other colors, but not all are on sale. The Greta Ballet Flat What a beautiful blue! This shoe is a Madewell bestseller and Emily had their leather open-weave one from last year. She’s traditionally not a huge ballet flat wearer so I very much trust her when she likes one. These are great for either a dress-up or dress-down situation which is real nice – neutral enough but also a little pop of color. But if blue or velvet isn’t your style they have six other colors/designs at varying prices. Go check em out! Valley Black Sole Ballet Flat + Poppy Mary Jane Flat These might not totally be my cup of tea style-wise but at the same time they are so much fun! Those yellow ones are so freaking sweet but I think would also look rad paired with a simple jean and a plain tee. They are from a small shoe brand we love – Intentionally Blank. Emily has known them from when they first opened and I have two of their clogs I wear all of the time. So big stamp of approval from us. Oh, they do come in other colors if you aren’t a yellow person. Then the blue ones are made by Areosoles which makes me think they are likely very comfortable! These ones are also a bit more affordable and have that buckle so you don’t have to worry about tying the bow perfectly every time. It comes perfect! They also come black. Reyes Ballet Flats + Mary Jane Square-Toe Ballet Flats Now, when I first saw this white pair last year I almost hit purchase. I saw them on a gal I know and fell for them hard. They are really elongating which I also loved. I honestly don’t know why I hesitated so maybe I’ll fix that soon:) Also, white isn’t always the easiest color to care for but they come in eleven other colors and patterns in case you were curious. Now for the other pair that’s $100 cheaper (!), these Old Navy ones are so cute. I like that the toe is a little squared off, there’s no bow but still has the classic strap. Plus, that red color is so good and very fun. However, if red is not for you they come in six other colors. Leni Brown Suede I think I’m adding a fourth (OOPS!) to my list because wow wow I love these! I’ve always been a brown fan so these would work seamlessly with what I already own. Plus, these are real slip-on-and-go shoes. But why I really love them is the shape of the opening. Sleek and chic. I’m very impressed, Steve Madden. They also come in four other colors. Kasey Flat I know the point of a ballet flat is that it’s FLAT. But this heel is still pretty low and is the star of the whole shoe. I really really love it. Very quiet luxury but a statement, you know? They say, “I know style but I’m not in your face about it.” So yes, I want these too. And while this is just my opinion, I’ve always found Sam Edelman shoes comfortable. Oh, and they come in a cream that’s on sale for under $100. Vana Ballet Flat + Jessie Flat At some point, I’m going to get a sliver flat because it’s such an easy and fun way to make a simple outfit unexpected. And this one is so understated which I really love. Plus, the shape of this Franco Sarto flat is so beautiful. But if you love the shape but not the color it does also come in two other options. The Jessie Flat I just saw in person because my friend was in town and wore them. They are bolder statement but in such a fun way and the shape is also so good. They actually look even better in person. These are also from Freda Salvador which is an incredible brand but definitely pricey. And while these aren’t cheap by any means, they are about 50% which is a pretty big deal. Just saying in case you were interested:) Matilda Ballerinas I BOUGHT THESE!! The first thing you should know is that I’m not really a leopard print gal (shocking, I’m sure:)) But in high school/college I had a pair of Steve Madden leopard “fur” loafers that I loved. They just made any simple outfit a lot more fun. Sadly, they got too beat up and had to be trashed. This means I’ve been living sans leopard flats for over a decade now! Then for my birthday last year, my sweet (and very generous) cousin gave me a $100 gift card to Sezane. I was so excited but also so nervous to choose something which is very typical of me. When I would look I kept coming back to these flats, remembering the good times with my loafers (rip). So I did it, I bought them and they will arrive early next week! They also come in black, which I debated between, but knew my heart wanted to go for the leopard. Very excited to wear them if you can’t tell. The site does say that if you are between two shoe sizes, choose the size below. Otherwise, choose your usual size. Dream Team Mary Jane Flat This is the same shoe in two different colors because I liked them equally:) I love the pointed toe and thicker strap with the buckle. It makes it feel ever so slightly punk (?) lol. Basically, it has a little bit of edge that I’m into. Plus, that price is awesome! They also come in two other colors – light pink and silver. Mellie Mary Jane Flat Even though this one is sooo similar to the one right before, the toe on this one is more rounded. It’s totally a personal preference. I tend to prefer more of a square or a point. But a rounded toe is perfect for others. You really can’t go wrong with either…well, I guess you save $20 if you get these:) They also have two other material options. Arissa Woven Ballet Flat Now let’s get into my other favorite version of the ballet flat – the woven ballet flat! These are right up my alley! That brown leather is such a pretty, warm tone and the toe shape is a dream:) While a woven ballet flat could be considered more spring and summer, these leather ones are good easily through fall (weather permitting, of course). They also come in two other colors. Light Woven Denim Nina Flats Ever since I saw Em wearing her light blue suede over-the-knee boots (which I am saving up for) I haven’t been able to get light blue shoes out of my head. I think they are the perfect mix of fun and chic. These cuties are prefect for the spring and summer. Can’t you see it!? I think they may be a bit darker in person because of the styled photos on the site but honestly, that may make me love them more. Definitely go check out those shots because you WILL want them (or maybe don’t if you’re trying to not buy more shoes:)) They do come in five other colors but are in leather or velvet. Arissa Woven Ballet Flats + Bleached Beechwood Michaela Flats For my natural material lovers, the flats on the left are so pretty! Can’t you see yourself, strolling along in a beach town for spring break in these? Or feeling like you’re on spring break because these cuties on your feet? That’s at least where my head is at. Ha. The reviews do say that they run a little big so keep that in mind. Then the ones on the right, are also extremely cute and are ideal for the warmer days ahead. I had a pair of slip-on flats in a similar color and material and wore them so much. They went with everything! A big thumbs up and they also come in one other color. Ruby Buckle Ballet Flats + Woven Leather Ballet Flats If you’re someone who wants a woven look but something a little different/unique, the pair on the left is perfect! The color is what is unexpected about them. I think it’s just a cool color and a great shape. They also come in what they call “sunset ochre,” which is like a burnt orange-red. Also very cool. Then, for the final pair on the right, I know they are more in the “mesh ballet flat” category, but I loved them too much not to include:) The open weave is just enough to be super breathable but not too “look at my toes!” and the criss-cross straps are so freaking cute. And because my “list” is clearly endless, two of these (especially the white ones) are on it. Oh, those also come in two other colors, and the reviews say they run big. So while my ballet dancing days are far behind me, I will be cosplaying a ballerina for probably most of the year and beyond. There were also some stunning satin options, but even for me, those felt like they would get ruined after about one wear. But if you love the idea of that, these were my favorite:) Talk about looking like a ballerina! Ok, happy ballet flat shopping.

A Modern Traditional Green Tiled Bathroom (With A Last Minute Sink Pivot)

Well, well, well…I do believe this is the last bathroom of my brother’s river house, and likely the one that gets seen the most by guests. I have an order of favorites, for sure, but this one seems to be the reigning #1 (I’m partial to the primary myself, but perhaps that’s because I’m middle-aged and love an at-home spa experience – I mean, they have a sauna inside the bathroom). This one has a punch and a pattern, and a lot of green (go Ducks!). Green tiled bathrooms for the win. We chose the tile back when Max and I were both working on this project, and that man also loves a big green tile moment. I mean who doesn’t love a good green tiled bathroom. We worked with Ann Sacks, which has extremely good colors and really solid tile. Max felt really strongly about this tile and wanted it staggered as a 4″ square. I wanted it stacked as a rectangle, and somewhere along the line, it ended up staggered as a rectangle. I honestly don’t remember who is responsible for what anymore! But it turned out so great, and it’s pretty beloved in the home. A Big Pivot… I do remember that at one point, Ken and Max chose this big double faucet-ed wall-hung farm sink from Kohler that I objectively love, but as the house came together, it started to feel like it didn’t belong here. Katie felt the same. So with conflicting design visions, we looked for other options. We had to make decisions quickly as the subs were working hard on all the bathrooms at the same time. So we played around with what we had on hand, which was a leftover wall-hung drawer vanity (seen above) that felt oddly big. But that’s when Gretchen has the idea of using our leftover tile to tile a smaller version of that wall-hung vanity. So JP and his crews built a box for an inset sink, with the vision to tile overtop of it, keeping the look of the wall tile and running the same way. We taped it out, making sure that it worked with the plumbing that was already behind the tiled wall, while also ensuring that it was the right scale for this bathroom. It was a risk, and a last-minute one on the bathroom that the most people would see and near the end of a long project… We ordered the faucet from Kohler, and I was so relieved that it turned out pretty darn great. Still unexpected in the house, but now that it’s fully decorated, the pattern of the wallpaper and the colorful tile work so well together. The pendants were bought from Schoolhouse Electric – modern yet traditional and on the affordable side. On Choosing The Wallpaper This bathroom is big for a powder bath and dark (no natural light), and just painting felt a bit dead, so once again I was tasked with finding a wallpaper that was organic and fluid so that it contrasted against the linear brick tile, but not too traditional like most florals. As you know, I’m a massive fan of the Raphael pattern for this exact reason – it has this beautiful movement without it being too busy or bold. The large scale of it works so well with smaller tiles, and the white grout pulled so well with the white background. It also felt very Oregon to me – what with the trees and such. Yes, we see it a lot these days, but I enjoy seeing it every single time. The variation in the tile color is so pretty (with many shaky edges – so make sure you are up for that look). It’s just such a deep, rich green with a lot of high gloss texture. Can’t forget the toilet :) There was enough room for a little side table, which I was on the fence about, but the gap was big, so we added it, and it looked cute. I went to my inventory of art and found that I had two more of these MaryAnn Puls pieces (I had bought and framed a bunch for my team holiday present years ago, and had a couple left over). They felt like a sweet moment in here and brought in that hit of warmth with the wood that was echoed with the stool and the wooden arch sculptures (which I bought on Amazon, last minute, LOL). She’s pretty dang cute and a fun punch for guests upon arrival. Actually, my whole family is coming over tonight to Ken’s for a BBQ to get a full updated tour now that it’s all decorated, which I’m super excited about. Last bathroom done!!! Don’t worry, we still have like 6 more rooms to reveal (I love them all SOOO MUCH), so stay tuned. The river house project is truly never-ending :)