Twas 3 weeks before Christmas and all through the house … I’d be lying if I said not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. This week a talented group of bloggers were busily primping their homes for the inaugural “All Through the House” Christmas tour! Each day this week a different room is featured,…
J.M Smucker Company asked me to create some unique tips for using a new product. Each year I struggle to think of gifts for friends or other special people like a teacher, boss, or co-worker. As I was mulling options that most people would enjoy, it dawned on me to give something universally loved…
Welcome to my Christmas Home Tour! I’m so happy to have you here for a bit of holiday cheer! Every year I look forward to Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday House Walk and I’m so honored my Christmas home is part of it. Each day this week there are several stunning homes on virtual display. Rusty Hinge is…
Christmas is coming … quickly! Seems it gets here faster every year. I’m hosting Christmas at my house this year so I’ve been playing around with a Christmas table setting or too. I found some gorgeous plates at the flea market last month with the intent of using them for Christmas dinner. My first idea for…
Farmhouse style is all about practicality and simple decor. Early farmers in America didn’t have extra money to spend on home accessories so their interiors utilized functional things to add beauty to the home. Walls were often painted white due to lack of a paint budget. The early farmhouse was cozy and organic and easy…
Today is Thanksgiving Eve and I’m glad my daughter is hosting dinner this year so I can focus on decking the halls (and porch) for the holidays. It’s going to be a busy weekend! My holiday house tour is next Wednesday, December 2nd and I’m scurrying around putting final details on everything. But for now,…
Little by little I’ve been chipping away at getting the house decorated for Christmas. I like to have carols playing in the background to keep me in the mood while working. I also light an evergreen candle to bring the sensory experience full circle. We set up the tree a couple days ago and the…
About 5 weeks remain until Christmas which means there is still time to make handmade Christmas ornaments for your tree or to give as gifts. Today I’m sharing a round-up of ornaments that you can make by yourself or with your children. Some of the DIY ornaments are mine, and some are the beautiful creations…
This post is sponsored by Uncommon Goods. All opinions are my own. Giving gifts is fun and when I do my Christmas shopping, I anticipate the reaction loved ones will have when they open their gifts from me. I always try to buy something they’ll love and enjoy surprising them with something unique. I stumbled…
I love Christmas. I love Christmas Carols, decorated trees, lights that brighten yards and homes, Christmas memories, and just the warmth and coziness of Christmas. When Kristen at Ella Claire asked me to join a round-up of Christmas printables, I couldn’t resist. I thought about what I’d create for you, and on Thursday last week…
When the holidays roll around, I like to have a few gifts on hand that I can share on a whim. The recipient might be a neighbor, the running coach, a co-worker, or someone else that I’ve appreciated over the year. Today I’m joining my blogging buddies to bring you oodles of handy gifts that…
November is kind of an awkward month for bloggers. We’ve got one foot in the Fall and Thanksgiving season, and another foot in the Christmas season. We try to showcase Christmas decor early to provide inspiration, kind of like the stores but we don’t start quite as early as they do! Today I’m sharing DIY…
Last night hubby and I ventured out to the college town of Dekalb, Illinois for their Hometown Holiday shopping event. I visited my favorite shops and stocked up on a few glitzy vintage Christmas decorations (I’m craving glitter houses and bottle brush trees this year). A few weeks ago I decided what my 2015 Christmas…
When it comes to Christmas, I tend to be a traditionalist. I like old-fashioned decorations with lots of greenery draped around the house. I love twinkling lights, shiny ornaments, and anything with glitter! Today I’m sharing how to make Glitter Star DIY ornaments as part of a fun celebration called the 31 Days of Handmade Christmas….
Do you love good thrift store finds as much as I do? How would you feel if someone sent you thrifty finds to transform into something new and wonderful? That’s exactly what’s going on right now during “Swap It Like It’s Hot” week, organized by the amazing Charlotte at Ciburbanity! This is the 3rd time I’ve been involved…
One of my dreams is to take my family to spend Christmas in Galena, Illinois for the Christmas holiday. It’s a quaint, historic tourist spot just 2 hours away and probably has more Bed and Breakfast homes than any other place in the U.S. It’s popular for antiques shopping and was home to Ulysses S. Grant. I’ve…
