Fixer Upper style gave rise to simple farmhouse decor in black, white, and neutrals. Today we're touring a Maine modern farmhouse that's not afraid of color. Photo by Banks Design Associates, LTD & Simply Home Step inside and you'll find a pleasing coastal style with plenty of color for those who like to enliven their farmhouse interiors. Photo by Banks Design Associates, LTD & Simply Home Window treatments aren't … [Read more...]
8 Patio Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining
August 18, 2018 By 3 Comments
We recently installed a new deck next to the pond and will soon add a pea gravel patio. While getting the work done, I've been looking for inspirational ideas by cruising some of my blogging friends' outdoor living areas! Annie at Zevy Joy creates a cozy spot on her pretty patio with comfy furniture and an outdoor rug. A sectional like this would be great for pondside viewing. Beth at Home Stories A to Z defines a seating area … [Read more...]
Apple Upside Down Cake: All-American Classic
August 17, 2018 By 15 Comments
Farmers markets and grocery stores are starting to display a wider variety of apples for sale. Apples are so versatile and easy to cook with - they're truly a fruit staple for any kitchen. To celebrate this all-American fruit, I'm sharing a recipe for Apple Upside Down Cake. I used Jazzy apples for this recipe, but you can use any apple that's good for baking - such as Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Braeburn, Gala, Granny Smith, … [Read more...]
11 Charming Living Room Ideas to Inspire You
August 14, 2018 By 3 Comments
As summer starts to wane, you might be thinking of your fall decor. Here's a collection of 11 charming living rooms to inspire you as your rooms transition from summer to fall. Photo by Dillen Design Keep a pop of color in your rooms that match the cheerful late summer flowers outdoors. The color of zinnias and sunflowers is a good place to start. Photo by GIL WALSH INTERIORS Lucky is the person who owns a two-way fireplace! … [Read more...]
Old and Charming English Brick Cottage in London
August 12, 2018 By 2 Comments
My friend and I were discussing new and old houses today and we both agreed that older homes have a certain charm and soul. Something about their history pulls at your heartstrings. I think you'll find this to be true when you tour today's charming English brick cottage located in London. Photo by ALL & NXTHING Open the front door and be drawn into the ambiance of this house with its painted woodwork and a surprisingly modern light … [Read more...]
Mushroom Asparagus Fontina Quiche Recipe
August 10, 2018 By 11 Comments
Sometimes being a vegetarian can be a challenge. The smell of a roast in the oven still makes my mouth water ... but I don't eat it. People ask me if I ever miss eating meat and while it doesn't happen often, every now and again I just want to sink my teeth into a big juicy burger. I haven't eaten meat for 3 years now and when I crave it, I reach for mushrooms. Yes, mushrooms. They have a rich flavor that satisfies my taste for meat. So I was … [Read more...]
9 Pergola Ideas for Outdoor Dining
August 9, 2018 By 11 Comments
This weekend the guys are finishing the backyard deck and then we start work on the patio. We plan to install a beautiful pergola for outdoor dining over a pea gravel patio. Photo by Lights4fun Hubby and I have looked at both metal and wooden pergolas. I love the organic appeal of real wood, but metal seems to be less expensive. This pretty pergola features romantic curtains - but how do you keep them clean? Photo by Tongue in Cheek … [Read more...]
How to Use Reclaimed Wood in Your Home
August 7, 2018 By 3 Comments
Fresh cut wood. Whether old or new, it has an earthy fragrance and organic appeal. See how to use reclaimed wood in your home to give it a bit of rustic flair. Photo by Frederick + Frederick Architects Most people opt to use reclaimed wood for flooring. Pick up any copy of a country decorating magazine and you're sure to find a story how a homeowner used word from an old barn to dress up their floors. Photo by Rauser … [Read more...]
Charming Camp Cabin That Will Capture Your Heart
August 5, 2018 By 6 Comments
August is a big vacation month in our area. Families head out for one last summer party before the school season starts. In honor of vacation month, we're touring a charming camp cabin by Brayton Hughes Design Studio that will capture your heart. Photo by BraytonHughes Design Studios Vintage red wicker furniture beckons you to set a spell on the front porch while a hammock summons you for a comfortable nap. A pair of lanterns are ready … [Read more...]
Garden Tour and Sneak Peek of the New Pond!
August 4, 2018 By 26 Comments
August has arrived and there's no place I'd rather be than outside enjoying sunshine and nature. The flowers are at their peak so I thought I'd share my garden tour with you - along with a peek at my new backyard garden pond! It's the first Saturday of the month which means I'm joining a few blogging buddies to share ways to cozy up your living during the month of August. For me, August is all about the garden and relishing its … [Read more...]
How to Freeze Sweet Corn
August 3, 2018 By 7 Comments
Driving down the country roads in Illinois, you'll see plenty of roadside farm stands selling sweet corn. In the summer you can smell the scent of corn fields from blocks away. If the wind is blowing just right, I can smell the corn fields from our house. To savor the sweetness all year long, simply freeze sweet corn and come January, you'll be glad you did! My grandmother used to freeze sweet corn all the time. I always looked forward … [Read more...]
10 Stained Glass Ideas for Your Home
August 2, 2018 By 10 Comments
The art of stained glass is rising in popularity and it's not hard to see why. Beautiful colored glass is held together by lead to create amazing pieces of art for the home. Studios are popping up across the country and in Ohio alone, the number has risen from just a handful 20 years ago to over 100 today. The art of stained glass initially took off in Europe during the 12th century, while the movement began in America when William Jay Bolton … [Read more...]
2018 Fall Color I’m Crushing On!
July 31, 2018 By 2 Comments
Fall color trends typically include a palette of rich jewel tones and 2018 isn't much different, according to Pantone's choices. One color I'm particularly crushing on is a beautiful shade of burgundy - also called Pear Red. Photo by Home Again by Hancock Lumber Although fall is still a couple months away, I'm already thinking about my autumn decorating scheme. After I saw a floral arrangement in shades of burgundy, wine, and orange in … [Read more...]
Hi! I'm Jennifer and I'm happy to have you here! I live where the suburbs meet the country, which affords me the best of both worlds. Come along on my journey where I share decorating, cooking, gardening and more as it relates to both city and rural life. 
