Wouldn't you love to approach Christmas with a sense of peace and purpose and less craziness? In the midst of the festivities, busyness, and sensory overload, you really can discover peace and purpose this Christmas.     I've discovered that when I plan to focus on Christ's coming and Advent... the season leading up to Christmas where we intentionally remember what it was like for people thousands of years ago to anticipate the coming of Christ... my joy and delight in Christmas and God's GIFT to us gives me much peace and purpose in spite of all the craziness of the world … [Read more...]

  In a blink, our turkey dinners will be consumed and all that's Christmas will commence.  Are you ready? If you'd like to give your Christmas decorating a DIY or homemade flair... NOW is the time to check out these charming Christmas crafts and get your glue gun warmed up!          I am always noticing printables.  There's just something about a cute graphic to frame, use to make a gift tag, or include in my Christmas decor in a fun way.  This chalkboard style reindeer games Christmas printable from Jenn at Clean and Scentsible is fabulous and she shares some super cute ways … [Read more...]

  What's your most favorite time of the year? Mine is Christmas.  But not for all the reasons you might guess. The days leading to Christmas are when my creative juices are at an all-time high.  You can usually find a mess somewhere in my home because I'm creating a storm of home decor and handmade Christmas ornaments and gifts.  And when I'm creating... I couldn't be happier. Whether you're creative, crafty, or simply wannabe... you will want to grab your favorite drink, get your pinning finger ready, and get prepared to be inspired.... 31 times!   31 Easy Handmade Christmas Ornaments … [Read more...]

  Wouldn't you love a few ideas to transition your home decor into fall?   Picking up a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch will work, but it probably won't last past Halloween and if you're like me, you'll want to have some lovely decor for Thanksgiving, too.  This week's Project Inspire{d} link party had some fabulous ideas to help you transition through the season gracefully. If you have a fireplace like Duane, you'll love how she used one word as the focal point of her mantel.  Maybe you don't have a mantel, but you have a buffet or a sofa table that needs some help.  Kristi gives several tips to … [Read more...]

  Would you like to give your Christmas tree a nautical look? Since purchased coastal ornaments can be expensive, I made my own driftwood sailboat Christmas ornaments, and you can too, it's really quite easy.     But, first I want to say, "Welcome!" Today is Day 4 of the second year of 31 Days of Handmade Christmas Ornaments blog hop which features 30 extraordinary bloggers, plus me.  Each day you can expect to be inspired with all kinds of lovely Christmas ornaments.     Last year I returned to living on the Lake Michigan coastline after being away for … [Read more...]

  Fall finally made her official arrival last week! That means it's time to peruse the farm markets, pull out that stash of all things fall you've got tucked away in the closet, and scope out the woodlands, highways, and byways for fall decor. I'm excited to inspire you with these 9 lovely ways to decorate your mantel for fall. No mantel?  No matter. Seriously... any flat surface you have in your home can become your faux mantel.  I've used my sideboard buffet, the top of my piano, and the top of chests. Check out these fabulous ideas from last week's Project Inspire{d}  and fill up your Pinterest … [Read more...]

  Have you started dreaming pumpkins?   Maybe it's a little early for you, but pumpkins in all colors and sizes are starting to pop up at the grocery stores and farmers' markets.  Most years I am partial to the bright orange orbs, but I have been known to bring home a white pumpkin or two, as well.  Even more than decorating with pumpkins... eating goodies made with pumpkin is high on my list for what I love about fall.  As a non-coffee drinker, I'm not usually thinking pumpkin spice lattes, but I am pretty excited to have a slice of pumpkin pie.  Oh yum! If you're looking for ideas that aren't as … [Read more...]

  Pumpkins.   Aside from pretty leaves, pumpkins are the quintessential fall decor.  Although I truly love a traditional orange pumpkin... over time I've become enamored with the whites, the blues, and the pretty pumpkins that creatives decorate for fall. This week we selected 12 inspiring pumpkins from this week's Project Inspire{d} to... well... inspire you... and get your creative juices flowing.  I think it would be amazing if you'd show off your creations on Instagram and tag me on HERE on Instagram (and be sure to follow me on IG, too.) It will be so much fun.  If there are enough... I might … [Read more...]

  Fall.   It's nearly upon us.  But, if you've been on Pinterest lately you might think you're a little bit late to the game. No worries! This week we selected 10 ideas from this week's Project Inspire{d} to help you make a fun front door wreath for your house. So... kick back and take some time to check out this week's features.  I just know you'll be inspired to get your DIY on!   Be sure to pin your favorites, too.   10 Ways to Make a Fun Front Door Wreath   Quick and Easy Fall Wreath from Making it in the Mountains Fall Wreath from An Extraordinary Gift via How to … [Read more...]

  What is it that your heart has been longing for this fall? Easy do-able home decor? Delicious beverages?  Pumpkin crafting ideas? Grab a beverage and sit down for some fabulous inspiration.   Be prepared to fill up your Pinterest board with all these clever and creative fall ideas! 12 Projects to Make Your Fall Wonderful   DIY Picture Frames from Domestically Speaking Wood Cutout Pumpkin from H2O Bungalow Fox in a Teacup Bag Tutorial from Lynda Creates Home Sweet Farmhouse Pillow from Busy Being Jennifer Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Bars from DelightfulEMade Easy Seasonal Decorating … [Read more...]

  When I wasn't looking, the lampshade industry made a big change. You might not have noticed. I think it happened overnight.     You see, in the past, I would pick up decorator lampshades at some of my favorite decorating stores to replace the Plain Jane lampshades that came with my lamps.  It was so easy.  Pull the lampshade off the bulb and clip on a new shade.  No DIY skills needed.  I loved that I could get pillows and curtains and chair pads to match, too.  Yay for Waverly. And then things got tight financially and I made do... decorating with what I had in my last … [Read more...]

  Are you faced with a small space in your home or apartment? These simple and do-able small space decorating tips will help you look at decorating your space in a fresh new way.     Since getting married, I've been moving around the country.  It's provided a great opportunity for learning to overcome space and decorating challenges which every home has. Our most recent move to a small two bedroom apartment has been the most challenging.  In order to make my new small space feel spacious and inviting, I implemented a few easy small space decorating tips I've learned through my many … [Read more...]

  One of my favorite things to do is "play" in the yard and garden. Creating a garden is like making living sculpture. When the weather is warm, I love to be outdoors and soak in all the goodness of this too-short season.  If you've got the itch to make your outdoor living area more beautiful, you're going to LOVE the features from this week's Project Inspire{d}!  Be sure to pin your favorites, too.     12 Great Yard and Garden Ideas to Inspire You   Curb Appeal Reveal ~ Mom Home Guide Fabulous Plants You Must Have ~ At Home with Jemma Simple Garden Flower Arrangements ~ On … [Read more...]

    Are you getting too serious with your home decor? That's an honest question.  I know I'm guilty of being too serious... of working too hard at getting just the right furniture, window treatments, colors, style, texture, and art for our homes.  It's pretty serious business just choosing the "right" paint color. Today I'm going to nudge you to put a bit of whimsy in your home and, at least for summer, have fun with your home decor. Since it's summer and we often dream of spending time at the lake or ocean... I'm going to show you how to add a whimsical coastal touch, and some fun … [Read more...]

  Hello friends!  Thanks for coming by! I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was picture perfect!  I even enjoyed spending some time at the beach checking out the flying antics of some expert kite flyers at our local kite festival.  The wind was mostly perfect and the sunshine warmed me to my core.  My face got a little sunburned... but it was so worth it. Can you believe that this coming weekend is Memorial Day?  Boy did that sneak up on us quickly!  If you're a little behind... you'll want to check out these inspiring red, white, and blue ideas curated from this past week's edition of Project … [Read more...]

  Hello friends!  Thanks for coming by! We had an amazing weekend and lots of sunshine!  YAY! And I want to wish a Happy Belated Mother's Day to all you wonderful MOMS! Here's a brief glimpse of some of the awesomeness from last week's link party that caught my eye: Check out these extraordinary blogs and get some.... Outstanding Outdoor Living Ideas for Your Home   DIY Planter Box with Wheels by I Should Be Mopping the Floor Easy Homemade Arch Trellis by Get Busy Gardening French Courtyard on a Backyard Deck by Old Things New Beach Chair Redo by Crafts a la Mode How to Make an Upcycled … [Read more...]

  Hello friends!  Thanks for coming by! Last week we had an amazing party.  Your creativity blew me away. Here's a brief glimpse of some of the awesomeness that caught my eye: Check out these extraordinary blogs for ideas on how to... Get the Fixer Upper Style    Farmhouse Organization Board from One More Time events The Perfect Weathered Gray Wood Finish from Petticoat Junktion Farmhouse Front Entry from Worthing Court Blog DIY Farmhouse Style Bakery Kitchen Sign by The Crazy Craft Lady 5 Best Places to Find Handmade Farmhouse Signs from Making It In The Mountains Easy Pallet Blanket … [Read more...]