Don't overlook that clearance item because it's not quite your style. Here's how I gave a rustic farmhouse metal sign a makeover and turned it into casual coastal wall decor. Have you ever been shopping and discovered something on a super sale that caught your eye, but it wasn't just right for you? When that happens don't dismiss the item... look at it again to see if you can tweak it or paint it or personalize it in some way to make it just right. Not long ago I was in Hobby Lobby when they were marking all kinds of home decor items down and I came across this metal farmhouse … [Read more...]
I love the American flag and all things red, white, and blue. Right down to my dining table. Yet, this patriotic tablescape almost didn't happen. This summer my focus changed from the blog to my personal health and wellness. I'm making some strides, although it seems that it's two steps forward and one step back. But, I decided to not stress over it. Instead, I'm giving myself grace to let go of a few things. I'm good at pushing through... not at receiving grace... especially from myself. So, even though I love decorating for the 4th of … [Read more...]
The weather is beautiful and the beach is whispering, "Come!" Seize the moment with 9 EASY tips for a simple beach picnic that will be the perfect setting for fun and memories. While standing in line at the checkout counter I opened up a popular magazine. My eye was drawn to pictures of people picnicking in a meadow. There were heaps of food and beverages and pillows and lanterns and so much more. So much goodness that by the time the picnic was set up I'd be too exhausted to enjoy it. Summer is the time for a simple picnic on the beach. Don't become overwhelmed with trying to make it … [Read more...]
Learn how to make a small space amazing with a beautiful spring container garden. Spring is my absolute favorite time of the year! And my very favorite thing to do is to stroll through the garden or hike through the woods looking for new growth pushing out of the ground. The air is rife with anticipation and the earth is filled with so much newness that my heart bursts with joy! With that in mind, you're in for a treat! Today I'm going to share all my tips for getting a head start on the gardening season by creating a fabulous small space container … [Read more...]
My sideboard is really just a console table but it's the perfect setting for a simple farmhouse style spring vignette. Are you hungry for color this spring? I can't remember a time when I wanted color more than I do now. Maybe it's because we pretty much live in the woods... all those bare gray sticks sticking up everywhere for half of the year. That's a LONG time!! It started with St. Patrick's Day when I couldn't get enough green. And now... less than a month later... I'm loving pastels (with a bit of bright pink thrown in the mix) like never … [Read more...]
Think outside the box to create your own home decor and learn how to make a pillow from a table runner. One of the simplest ways to "springify" your home, besides giving it a fresh cleaning, is to add some fun new spring decor. Even better... make that new decor yourself. If you can cut with scissors and thread a needle... you can handle this super easy DIY project! When I was out shopping for my Easter table, some table runners beckoned me. Goodness, they were cute. One, in particular, caught my eye. It was the sweetest bunny rabbit with a crown of flowers and a cute bow around her neck. … [Read more...]
Ideas and takeaway tips to help you set a pretty gold pastel Easter table or any table that's colorful and celebrative. What is it about a few sunny days and their power to flood the soul with joy and inspire creativity? I didn't realize how much I NEEDED sunshine. There is no doubt that Jesus is our source of JOY... but SUNSHINE after winter's heavy gray shroud hanging low and heavy for MONTHS really pushes up my joy meter. Does it do that for you, too? I can't really say for sure... but as I was dreaming about my Easter table... and yes I DO do that... I just KNEW that … [Read more...]
It's amazing what one simple handmade touch can do to bring spring into your home. Learn how to make a moss shamrock to add to your home decor vignette for St. Patrick's Day. Do you love to decorate your home with small seasonal vignettes? I find that they not only provide color and textural interest, they give me a venue for displaying my home decor craft projects. If this isn't something that you're in a habit of doing, I hope this post will encourage you to have fun with your home decor in a small but rewarding way. A few months ago I transformed a rummage sale chest and … [Read more...]
Do you have 5 minutes? Put together this inexpensive and simple shamrock wreath for St. Patrick's Day in a flash. Extraordinary seasonal home decor shouldn't take a huge chunk of time to create. I don't mind putting a lot of time into projects that will stay up year round, but Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter... for those holidays I believe we should be able to create pretty or fun decor that's eye-catching in a flash for few dollars. That's why I was so excited to make this totally fun, colorful, and very simple shamrock wreath for St. Patrick's Day. It's super … [Read more...]
Sweet and simple ways to decorate a small space living room for Valentine's Day in a French country style. So tell me... do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day? It's something I've usually done in some small way. This year after the Christmas decorations were all put away my living room felt so empty. This year's Christmas tree was so dramatic that once those sparkling lights with the stunning ornaments were gone I just had to do something. Tim isn't a fan of artificial flowers, but I really felt that I needed something of scale that would … [Read more...]
Don't skip Valentine's Day because retailers and the media make it all about romance and roses. Instead, make it about fun and love. Here are some easy ideas to help you set a simple Valentine table that's perfect for friends, family, and even lovers, too. I almost didn't use any red for my Valentine's Day tablescape this year. When I envisioned my simple Valentine table, the one thing I wanted to be cautious of was the overuse of red. Don't get me wrong... I like red... but this year it just felt like too much for me. Why was one of my favorite colors... … [Read more...]
Although I'm often surprised by the top reader favorites for the year. Most of these are some of my personal favorite home decor posts, too. The old adage, "time flies when you're having fun" is so true. 2017 went by in a blink! It was a much better year in so many ways! In spite of a few major disappointments, we have been rejoicing in God's goodness and provision throughout the year and feel so very blessed. The end of the year is a good time to look back and see just how blessed we are. I pour my heart and life into this blog so it's fun to discover the posts you … [Read more...]
Create beautiful memories around a festive Christmas brunch table. Here are a few ideas to help you quickly and easily plan for a special morning gathering. Christmas can be a challenge on so many levels, but I hope you have moments of peace and joy amidst the celebration and quiet. My happiest Christmas memories as a child are those that were made around the table and sharing it with friends and family. Whether you have the whole family over on Christmas morning for breakfast or brunch, or it's just a few around the table, these ideas will help you make your table truly … [Read more...]
Ideas for Making a Warm and Cozy Black and White Buffalo Check Christmas Bedroom. It's Christmas Eve! My favorite night of the whole year! The snow is falling ever so gently outside my window. Yet, my heart is jumping inside with anticipation. My home is squeaky clean and festively decorated. Swedish meatballs are "marinating" in the fridge, there's a pie in the oven, and soon I'll be preparing our overnight French toast for brunch. And best of all, we'll soon be celebrating with hundreds of others at the 11 pm Christmas Eve service at … [Read more...]
This year my cozy apartment is living large with a stunning new blue and silver Christmas tree courtesy of Balsam Hill. Here are some tips for decorating a tree beautifully filled with sparkle, color, and a touch of the dramatic. Growing up, decorating for Christmas was a big deal in my home. My dad was all about hanging lights on our front porch and creating gorgeous swags filled with miniature lights. My mom always had a DIY Christmas decor project and could be counted on to cover our tree with lights and ornaments and garland until it looked like one huge sparkly Christmas … [Read more...]
Living on the edge of the woods with all that natural beauty inspires me in my Christmas decorating. This year I purchased a skinny tree and filled it with rustic farmhouse Christmas tree decorations I made. It's easy and inexpensive to create ornaments using the bounty of nature. Remember the 31 Days of Handmade Christmas Ornaments that we were so inspired by back in October? We enjoyed it so much that my friend, Mary Beth and I invited the group back for our First Annual Extraordinary Christmas Trees Tour. Not everyone could join us, but we have 13 gals for a fabulous 3-Day line … [Read more...]
Need a coffee table but don't have one? This DIY modern farmhouse tray is a cheap and easy solution with style. In my home, I'm the beneficiary of a nightly ritual that will make most wives jealous... My husband prepares a cup of cocoa or chai for me every evening before bedtime. He's been doing this for most of our married life and I love it. It's a very special way to end the evening. Since we've been living in this postage stamp of an apartment my choice is to sit at the table or on my little loveseat. Usually, I choose the loveseat. But, it's risky for … [Read more...]
