Finally things are cooling off here in Chicagoland and it’s starting to feel like the beginning of fall. There are so many things I want to do in the last few months of 2026, like take a Chicago architecture boat tour, visit Abe Lincoln’s home in Springfield, and explore neighborhoods I haven’t discovered yet. We’ll…
Not only is it Friday, but it’s Labor Day weekend which means a little extra me-time to enjoy doing whatever. My weekend will be uneventful, which makes me happy. I love having a weekend with no plans so I’m free to just putz around the house and garden, get a little cleaning or organizing done,…
Can you believe August is almost over? I know many of you are celebrating the return of fall and cooler days. I’m trying to get some day trips planned to take advantage of the beauty of autumn. Visiting Hyde Park in Chicago is definitely on the list. It’s been years since I’ve wandered those streets…
Happy Friday! This weekend I plan to do some cleaning and decluttering. Lately I’ve been feeling the need to simplify life. One of the best ways I can think to do that is by getting rid of stuff I haven’t used in the last year. It’s amazing how quickly things can start to pile up…
Football pre-season games have started, kids are back at school, and days are getting slightly shorter. This is a favorite time of year for most people as summer’s heat begins to fade to cooler breezes. Our summer has been so humid this year that I won’t be that sad to see it go. I may…
School starts in a couple of weeks and it’s hard to believe the summer is coming to an end. Although technically, we’ve still got until September 21st before fall arrives. But it always feels like kids heading off to catch the bus is the signal of the start of another season. In the next month…
When it comes to today’s trending styles in interior design, you can easily see the English influence that’s gaining popularity. From cottagecore to wallpaper to mixing prints and colors, the English have done it all! Today’s Friday Finds starts out in the UK, but we also travel to Texas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin for additional decorating…
This summer has been busy and I’m struggling to keep up with my blog schedule, but so far I’m managing. But I’m going to get even busier in the not-too-distant future. My daughter Bridget is pregnant again (baby number five!!) and needs a larger home. You might remember her first house, a charming bungalow that…
Summer decorating has always been one of my favorite times of year to freshen the home. There’s something about light rooms accented with fresh pops of color that instantly makes a home feel brighter and more inviting. This week’s Friday Finds is filled with inspiring summer cottage decorating ideas, the season’s prettiest kitchen colors, and…
We’re heading into another hot and humid week and while I don’t mind a little heat, my hair could do without the humidity. You step out the door and immediately feel the thick air that feels a bit stifling. I love summer but sometimes even I get a little tired of it. But enough of…
Happy Friday! It’s time for another collection of beautiful homes, inspiring gardens, and can’t-miss ideas I’ve discovered around the web this week. From a magical barn party setting and a colorful Victorian home in the English countryside to a fresh take on the European summer decorating trend, there’s plenty of inspiration to enjoy. And before…
Happy last Friday of June! Although, I’m not really happy with this month ending because I like summer to last as long as possible. This year I’m trying my hand at growing miniature lotus in tabletop pots. Both plants that I ordered are shooting up leaves but I’m most anxious for the flowers to appear…
It’s hard to believe we’re more than halfway through June, but I’m loving every minute of it. My pond is looking healthy and I spend as much time enjoying it as I can. I promise to share photos soon – I’m just waiting for the waterlilies to bloom. And, we have baby koi again this…
Happy Friday! This week’s collection is filled with homes that embrace color, character, and comfort. From charming cottages and layered coastal interiors to inviting porches and beautiful pattern mixing, these finds are perfect for a relaxing weekend browse. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy! If you’re looking for ways to make your porch feel…
Gardening season is upon us and I’m pretty happy about the way my yard is shaping up. Except for the newly planted dahlias in the whisky barrels. Something has been eating them, and it’s not bugs. They’re being chewed them from the top down. We live near a forest preserve and I thought maybe a…
Hello friends! These past few weeks I’ve been focusing most of my attention on gardening and getting the pond in tip-top shape for summer. I’ve decided to do a little less gardening this year in order to keep life simpler during my favorite season. I want to slow down and enjoy more nature walks and…
