I recently fell in love with these linen pin boards from Pottery Barn. They serve a functional purpose while bringing some soft texture into any room. I didn’t, however, fall in love with the price tag. They’re currently on sale, but regular price will run you $99 for a small one and $149 for a large. I decided to try and make my own in hopes of saving some money.

I looked around at a couple office supply and craft stores. I found the best solution at Joann Fabrics: Flip Side cork panels measuring at 16"x36". I wanted the pin boards to be light-weight, but also to have some depth. I bought two on sale for $7.99 each. I also purchased some linen fabric (1.5 yards) for $14.99. If you want to save even more money, you can get linen-feel fabric for less. I wrapped the cork panels in the fabric and stapled it to the back. I used heavy duty mounting tape to place them on the wall and decorated with clear push pins, binder clips, photos, artwork, and memorabilia from past traveling.

Total cost was about $35 and I think it looks great. It was super quick and easy and really adds a lot to the space.

These are perfect for any geek’s kitchen. I don’t use oil and vinegar often, but I certainly would more if I had beautiful containers like these. You can buy them for £20 from Mode Studios here: Earl Oil and Vinegar.

I was enjoying my weekly IKEA.com browse and I came across this duvet cover set. I would have loved a bed linen set like this as a kid. It’s so colorful and fun (and cheap)!

Glasört Kulle duvet set at IKEA for $29.99

It’s amazing how nostalgic music can be. Albums I grew up with make me feel like I’m 14 again, dancing in the crowd at a hot Nile basement show. Listening to these albums brings back all the memories and emotions I felt when I first discovered them. Here are the 15 albums that defined my youth: mostly pop-punk gold that still makes me sing along.

Weezer - Weezer - 1994
Fountains of Wayne - Fountains of Wayne - 1996
Reel Big Fish - Turn the Radio Off - 1996

Goldfinger - Goldfinger - 1996
Save Ferris - It Means Everything - 1997
Blink-182 - Enema of the State - 1999

The Get Up Kids - Something to Write Home About - 1999
New Found Glory - New Found Glory - 2000
Death Cab for Cutie - the Photo Album - 2001

Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American - 2001
Saves the Day - Stay What You Are - 2001
Yellowcard - One for the Kids - 2001

Piebald - We Are the Only Friends We Have - 2002
The Starting Line - Say It Like You Mean It - 2002
Taking Back Sunday - Tell All Your Friends - 2002

Looks amazing!