Some of my favorite decor items are garlands and banners, and anything made with book pages. I realize there are folks who think you should never disfigure a book, but the librarians say they get more book donations than they need. So rather than throw the books into the garbage only to clutter the landfill,…
What are some of your favorite Valentine’s Day memories? I have to be honest and say that I most enjoyed the parties we had at grade school. I loved decorating my Valentine’s box to hold all the cards that you’d get from your classmates. There was no favoritism … every kid gave every other kid…
If someone asked me to describe Julia’s home from Cuckoo 4 Design in just one word, it would be gorgeous … or inspirational … or design-savvy … or, well let’s face it. I can’t describe her decor style in just one word because it’s fabulous. I love her creativity and use of color and I think…
The holiday of love is just a week away and I’ve rounded up 15 simple Valentine’s Day projects of my own and from various bloggers for you to do in time to celebrate. Our family is getting together for pizza Sunday night and I’m going to give my grandkids their Valentine’s gifts. I know I’m going…
You know what’s fun? Polka dots are fun! They’re happy and cheery and when you see them, they make you smile. Lately I’ve been drawn to polka dots in home decor and decided to do a little search on ideas for decorating with polka dots. Transitional Bedroom by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators Scheer &…
Every once in a while I get an idea that I think is fairly genius and I hope that it works out the way I want. You may remember I recently purchased a new white slipcovered sectional for my family room. I love the way it looks and I love that I can just take…
Back in the day when I used to sew a lot, I loved looking through all the rows of fabrics at the Golden Thimble. Even as a young girl I was drawn to vintage style calico, cotton blends, and pretty lace. In 8th grade home economics class we had to sew a piece of clothing and…
I’m not really sure how I discovered Clarita’s blog but I’m sure glad I found it! I love everything about her cottage style home that she and her hubby have painstakingly and lovingly restored. When you visit her at Skies of Parchment you’ll get to see before, during, and after photos of her home renovation….
In case you don’t know it yet, pink is my favorite color. I’m not a girly-girl though, I’m more of a tomboy … who likes pretty things. It doesn’t make sense and I don’t try to figure it out. Pink isn’t always frilly and feminine. It can even be used as a neutral color if…
I know that the trend in exterior home colors these days leans toward neutrals, but I love homes cloaked in fun, bold colors. When we moved into our circa 1875 clapboard farmhouse, it was painted pink with green and white trim. I loved it! But when we painted it pale yellow a few years later, our…
Do you decorate for Valentine’s Day at your house? I don’t do a whole lot but I like to bring in touches of pink and red. It’s like a decorating transition period between Christmas and spring time. I hauled my Paris Poster back out and added red and white pillows to the love seat. …
We’ve had a mild winter week here in Illinois. Mid 30-degree temps and little wind. The other day when I went out for a run, I actually heard birds chirping and a little bunny rabbit ran across my path. It put me in the mood for spring even though I know that’s at least 2…
You know how realtors have Open House Sunday when you can take a tour of houses for sale, whether you’re in the market for a new home or not? Well, I feel like this Charming Home series is like a virtual Open House, except the homes aren’t for sale. I look forward to featuring a…
A little over a week ago I offered a giveaway for the beautiful book, New Farmhouse Style. Thanks to everyone who entered and for all your kind words in your comments. I was truly moved and encouraged. I wish I could give a book to everyone! The winner is Kay L who wrote, “I love seeing…
I love flowers in all shapes and forms but when it comes to favorites, my heart belongs to simple cottage style flowers. Impatiens are my favorite garden bed flower for their charming sweetness, ease of care, and variety of colors. Inside the house, one of my favorite cut flowers is pink gerbera daisies, among a few…
Now that the outside of our house is finally painted, my next goal is to create an intimate dining space in the backyard. Our yard at the back of our house is small and there’s really not much you can do with it. We own the lot next to our house so the vegetable gardening,…
