We’re havin’ a heat wave here in the Chicago area. Our temps went from hovering around zero degrees to a balmy 40 degrees almost overnight! In honor of our weather improvement, I’m featuring a backyard patio lounge by DeGoey Designs that’s perfect for entertaining a small group or just hanging out with your significant other….
Technically it’s still winter but everyone is yearning for spring. So why not cozy up to a fireplace that’s lighter in appearance? Check out these stone fireplaces and white mantel ideas that will warm and cheer you at the same time! The brick surround in the above fireplace is given a lighter touch with a…
Welcome to the 70th installment of Style Showcase! Today my stylish friends are featuring some great decorating ideas that are perfect for tackling this time of year. I’m sharing my adorable DIY button flowers that are fun to create and look cute inserted into potted plants. Enjoy! Fox Hollow Cottage | Pretty & Practical Kitchen…
If you’ve ever struggled with a small dining space and not having enough elbow room at meal time, you’ll enjoy this collection of nine nooks that incorporate both beauty and functionality. Photo by Oak Hill Architects When you have a small dining area, a round table gives the illusion of more space. Play up the…
You’re going to be amazed when you see this Wyoming mountain home by JLF & Associates that was featured as “home of the year” in Mountain Living magazine a few years ago. The cover photo pretty much says it all – amazing views, plenty of windows to capture those views, and lots of natural elements…
Who’s ready for a shot of beautiful color in the form of breathtaking spring flowers? ME!! And probably you too, since most of country is experiencing a polar vortex. Today’s post is total eye candy and everything that there is to love about spring flowers and gardens. Sigh! A beautiful, blooming cherry tree above is…
Did you know that the month of February was added to the calendar in 700 B.C.? The name of the month is derived from the Latin “februo” which means “purification rites.” Thousands of years ago people performed purification rituals during the Roman festival “Lupercalia” during this month, earning it the name “februarius.” February was added…
How about a DIY spring flower arrangement to brighten your spirits on a day when most of our country is experiencing below freezing temperatures? Arranging flowers used to intimidate me, but not anymore. Look at fields of flowers and you’ll realize their appearance is haphazard. I used to feel like floral arrangements had to…
Welcome to a collection of home decor how-to ideas for you. February is a great time to do a final sprucing of interiors spaces before warm weather calls you outdoors. On a personal level, once I start gardening, I tend to neglect the inside of my home, except for the requisite cleaning. Enjoy today’s round-up…
The first home I ever purchased was an incredibly cute craftsman style Sears catalog home. Back in the early 20th century you could order an entire home out of the catalog and the components were delivered to your lot for someone to piece together. I clearly remember the day the realtor took us to see the…
One thing I’ve noticed about collecting houseplants. Pairing plants with pots becomes an art form of sorts. I find myself putting a plant into a variety of garden pots before finding just the right one. For example, variegated or spotted leaves look better in solid color pots while solid leaves look great in patterned pots….
Hello friends! I hope you’re all doing well while we wait out winter. Our temps are staying in the teens with more snow on the way. I have to confess, it does look pretty outside and I’m finding ways to enjoy being indoors until the wind chill calms down. (This post contains affiliate links.) Eating…
Beautiful pink tulips are the inspiration for a sweet and soft pink and gray Valentine table setting. Seeing tulips at the grocery store for purchase has helped to brighten my spirits. We had two snowstorms one week apart in our area, which doesn’t help to relieve the winter blues. It’s funny how something as simple as…
Valentine’s Day is this coming Sunday, which is nice that it falls on a weekend. Today we’ve got a bit of Valentine inspiration along with a couple other inspirational things. I’m sure you’ll find something that inspires you! Town & Country Living | DIY Valentine Bottle Brush Trees Worthing Court | Make A Valentine’s…
Welcome to the first Saturday in February! I’m making a few small changes in my house this year. The first change was painting the sitting room a warmer color. The second thing is creating a cozy entryway that’s also welcoming. Today is “Cozy Living Saturday” with my blogging friends. We’re each sharing what we’re…
I’m not just talking about real flowers that you grow in your garden or arrange in a table top bouquet. I’m talking any kind of flowers you might find when decorating a home. Whether it’s loud and proud wallpaper, or a simple primrose in the windowsill, today is all about flowers. Winter is really gnawing…
