Introducing….the Polished Habitat Team

I’m so excited about this post that I don’t even know how to start it with the impact that it deserves. Everything I type sounds too dramatic, or not dramatic enough. On the surface, it’s just introductions to a group of talented ladies joining the Polished Habitat team. But it’s so much more than that to me.

It’s fulfilling my long-time dream of being in the Editor-in-Chief role, with a team of people coming together to share all the tips you need to create a functional, stylish home for your family on any budget. I’ll still be sharing about the same number of posts I always have, but every Wednesday you’ll get another perspective from one of the new team members.

You may remember that three weeks ago I announced I was looking for two perfect people. One would write about decor and one to write about organizing. Well, I found them! Along the way, my vision grew faster than I could keep up…

…and I’m about to introduce you to SIX women that you are going to LOVE.  As I reviewed the applications, some of the people jumped off the page at me. For these six, I could see the perfect role on the team to match their skills and passions.

Let’s start the introductions with the two bloggers who I choose for the original positions, and then I’ll explain how we ended up with 4 bonus team members.

A little about Colette:
Hi! I’m Colette, decor blogger at Restyle it Wright who teaches the design-obsessed (or self-claimed design challenged) how to look for inspiration at every corner.  Our home is a healthy mix of splurge and save… and a lot of DIY and I want you to feel confident to inject your own personality into your space to achieve the same! I write about some of my favorite finds whether it be a great new artist I stumbled upon, a can’t-miss-this online sale, or a decor trend I’m crushing on. I also write tutorials and DIY adventures that let my readers achieve the high-end look on a budget. I heart Kate Spade, busting out some rapping skills, screaming from the stands as a self-proclaimed hockey mom, and am SO excited to be part of the Polished Habitat team!\

Why I picked Colette:
Our decor styles overlap with pink and gold oozing from our souls, but Colette still has a style all her own. When I interviewed her, I loved that she mentioned learning not to decorate to trends, but to hold true to what makes her happy. She’s going to help you learn to do the same thing and on a budget! When I asked what she got most excited to write about, she brought up teaching people how to get a high-end look, without the high-end budget. I know we can all use those tips!

Follow Colette:    Instagram   /    Facebook    /  Pinterest 

A little about Nicole:
Hello! I’m Nicole,  Homemaker, Party Stylist, and blogger at She Does a Bunch! I’m a wife of 15 years to my high school sweetheart and a mom to 3. When I’m not styling parties, you can either find me organizing something or spending time with my family. I like to think of my design style as classic and traditional, but with a twist. I love timeless pieces, but with just a little flair!

Why I picked Nicole:
I was pretty concerned that I wouldn’t find someone who loves pretty organization as much I do. Then I saw Nicole’s bathroom closet and my worries floated away. She shares my vision for organization that looks as good as it functions.  Scrolling through her Instagram feed, I kept seeing little decor pieces in the background that I also own. More important than the style match was the warmth and genuineness she exudes. That was confirmed when we spoke, as she talked about how important it was for her to be a true home-maker and to create the best environment for her family.

Follow Nicole:    Instagram   /    Facebook    /  Pinterest 

Just adding Colette and Nicole to the team would have been fabulous! But then my sister-in-law sent along a great recommendation for a friend who is a writer. After we left each other equally blabbering voicemails, we finally connected and I knew I wanted her to be involved. A little brainstorming later, she became our monthly cleaning/household management contributor!

A little about Lana:  Lana is a refreshing, freelance writer who unlocks perspective changes regarding the world around her. As a life-long learner, she effectively writes about: home management, current events, women’s issues, parenting, education, religion and simplicity. She is an eternal question-asker and a motivated “why- finder.” Although she lives in central Oklahoma with her husband and 5 children, she often dreams of adventure that could take them to captivating new places. In her spare time, she can be found writing and sneaking cookie dough while watching Gilmore Girls reruns.

Why I picked Lana:   Lana is a gifted writer with a passion for helping others live in a way that leaves time for the important stuff. With 5 kiddos, she’s got schedules and tricks to get everything done and still have fun. I think we’re all going to get some valuable ideas from her! Lana isn’t a home decor blogger, so she’ll be writing the posts, and I’ll test out her ideas at our house and take photos to go along with them around here.

Once Lana became the 3rd monthly contributor, I decided the team still wasn’t complete yet. The more, the merrier, right?The next two ladies are going to be contributing every other month, and each has a unique point of view.

A little about Kathy: Howdy, I’m Kathy. A mother, marine wife, and handmade decor creator at Up To Date Interiors. I get a kick out of coming up with creative ideas to overcome rental challenges and to find ways to have high-end design without spending a fortune. My decorating philosophy is that everyone can and should have a space they love no matter what their living situation is.

Why I picked Kathy: I’ve known Kathy virtually for years and have loved watching her blog grow and style evolve. When I saw her application, I was so torn because I know how talented she is, but I already had Colette in my mind for the decor role. Instead of narrowing it down to one of them, we’re going with both!  As a military wife with a passion for decor, Kathy has a special skill with rental properties. I’ve followed her through three moves I think, and in each unique space, she quickly creates a true home for her family. I’m amazed again and again at the perfect ideas she has for renters. I’m excited she’ll be writing every other month focusing on making rentals into your true home.

Follow Kathy:    Instagram   /    Facebook    /  Pinterest 

 

A little about Tamara:  Hello! My name is Tamara. I’m a Reading Specialist, wife, mom to two little boys, and home décor enthusiast. I am passionate about not compromising style even though I have a young family and pets, which means someone’s hands (or paws) are always dirty! I like to use bold colors and patterns against a mainly white background to create a happy and comfortable setting where friends and family enjoy gathering. I gravitate toward chic and glam pieces, but like to mix in natural elements as well as family pieces to create a “lived in” look. Two years ago my family and I fell in love with a colonial built on a gorgeous piece of land, but knew it needed some work (inside and outside). We were up for the challenge! Follow along as we turn the house into our dream home.

Why I picked Tamara:  Like Lana, Tamara doesn’t have a decor blog.  She’s a Polished Habitat reader with loads of experience from remodeling two foreclosures. When I saw that she described her style as Bold Family Glam, I was immediately intrigued. She sent me over some photos from projects around their home, and they’ve been doing a fabulous job with the remodel. Tamara shares my approach of making your home beautiful AND functional for real life. I think you’ll find all her posts inspiring as they transform their home as a normal couple without design or construction backgrounds.

The last team member is going to teach us all so much! Rachael had my favorite room from the last One Room Challenge, so imagine my joy when she wanted to join the team!

A little about Rachael:  Hi! I’m Rachael! A Chicago-land mom, blogger and all-things-home enthusiast! When I’m not playing referee to our two little dudes, you can most likely find me shuffling throw pillows, hanging a new picture frame on the wall or sprinkling touches of gold throughout our home. Decorating [and re-decorating] is a daily task around here! I love to mix bold patterns with classic prints, thrifted finds with fresh, modern pieces and rich neutrals with a pop of color. My love for all-things-home is chronicled at This is our Bliss, where I dish on my interior styling tips and tricks, share home décor ideas and inspiration, as well as simple, inexpensive DIY tutorials to help you create a blissful, stylish home that looks and feels like YOU!

Why I picked Rachel: I’ve always admired Rachael’s style, but I feel like in the last six months or so, she’s perfected it. She’s figured out how the magic balance of magazine beautiful and realistic for her home with two young boys running around. While I love putting the big parts of room together, sometimes I get so frustrated trying to style smaller areas, like the bar cart or nightstand. I’m getting better, but still have a lot to learn. Rachael can teach us all together! 

Follow Rachael:    Instagram   /    Facebook    /  Pinterest 

I hope you’re all looking forward to seeing what these ladies share as much as I am!

In addition to having a post every Wednesday from one of them, we’ll be doing some other fun projects together.

Next Monday, you’ll see our first “Tell All” post, where each contributor has a chance to answer the same question, so you get lots of different ideas in one place. Monday’s question is all about saving money and these ladies came up with some great tips!