Although I love my flowers and always have them in my house, I had the notion to create a pretty vignette using an aquatic plant that looks like a flower. You may or may not know that I work for an international water gardening company. I’ve learned a lot about water lilies, lotus, and other…
Last week was the Republican National Convention and this coming week is the Democratic National Convention. If you need a break from all the political rhetoric, look no further than this charming home tour of An Oregon Cottage. Jami recently sold her beautiful cottage and I’m honored to be able to feature it. She’s made…
I have a confession to make. I’m not very good at crafting a pretty mantel. I put stuff together, only to wrinkle my nose at it the next day. I try to remember the rules. Like group things in odd numbers. Mix short with tall. When in doubt, decorate symmetrically. This summer I’m forgetting the…
Some of you may know that I’m training for a half marathon, which is 13.1 miles. I’ve run them before, but they’re always a challenge even if you’re familiar with them. I do love the training, but running can be hard at times. What I love even more is walking. Walking lets you take in…
If you watch Fixer Upper on TV with Chip and Joanna Gaines, then you know that two of Joanna’s loves (besides Chip), are shiplap and French doors. She includes both elements in almost every home makeover. I recently posted inspiring examples of shiplap, and today I’m featuring beautiful French doors in a variety of applications….
Even though summer is a busy season, I do love summer dinner parties. Whether it’s here in my home, at a friend’s house, or even at a local restaurant … there’s just something about gathering with friends and family to break bread and enjoy a little vino. Today is the second Wednesday of the month…
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of FrogTape®. All opinions are 100% mine. My son moved out of the house about 2 years ago (and he just got married this weekend, I might add), but I haven’t done much to his bedroom since he left. Until now, that is. I decided…
When it’s warm outside, I like to sleep with a cool pillowcase against my cheek. I tend to flip my pillow so my face always has the cool side of the casing. To help myself sleep like a baby during my favorite season of the year, I added silk pillowcases from OOSILK to my summer…
Are you enjoying your summer so far? Our weather has been beautiful and that makes me happy. Sunny days, blooming flowers, strolling along the river, and maybe a few trips to the beach after the grands return from vacation. Summer is my favorite season and this pretty Cornwall beach house by Wickenden Hutley is exactly…
What comes to mind when someone says “backyard paradise”? Do you have visions of your yard dressed like a vacation resort with all the bells and whistles? Chances are you envision comfy outdoor seating, waves of beautiful flowers, and areas for the family to gather and enjoy the great outdoors. For me, a paradise isn’t…
Refinishing and painting furniture is an easy way to update the look of any room. When you include creative elements like sponge-painting, distressing, or adding a marbled look, the refinished piece of furniture quickly becomes the focal point of any room. Once you know a few of these refinishing tricks, there’s no end to what…
Welcome to July and another month filled with inspiring, charming home tours! Not long ago I stumbled across Emily’s blog at Our House Now a Home and was impressed with many of her DIY projects. I love to see people infuse their creativity into their interiors and Emily has done a great job at making…
Sometimes the simplest of decorating touches can make the biggest impact. I was thinking of getting a small shelf for my bathroom and the other day it struck me how to get what I wanted without spending any money. I had an unused wooden crate that I was reluctant to toss out despite the fact…
I’m anxious to get a few updates done in our downstairs bathroom but before I can do anything, we need to replace a couple of ceiling beams in the basement directly underneath. Charming old houses are beautiful, but they come with their share of flaws. Our foundation guy says the beam replacement isn’t critical, but…
Farmhouse style is hugely popular right now but you don’t need an old farmhouse to add this type of decor to your home. In fact, I’ve seen a lot of contemporary suburban homes made over into farmhouse style. But it’s always a special treat when you find a true farmhouse decorated for today’s busy lifestyles….
Our summer has been filled with Little League Baseball which means it’s been a challenge to spend time in the garden. I’ve managed to get out first thing in the morning, before the games begin, and do some weeding and watering. I planted extra flower beds this year with cutting gardens so I can enjoy…
