Kids went back to school this week and it seems too early. “Back in my day” we didn’t start the new school year until after Labor Day. And when I moved to my current town, kids didn’t start school until after the local August festival held the third weekend of the month. But now the…
August is here and summer is still going strong here in Illinois. I want to make the most of the remaining warm days so tomorrow we’re visiting the Anderson Japanese Garden in Rockford. I’ve never been, but it looks intriguing. I’ve always been a fan of Asian culture and gardens ever since I read The…
In addition to a variety of home projects, today on Style Showcase you can also enjoy a garden tour in Georgia. And speaking of gardens, I’m sharing garden path ideas while Suzy and Janet feature fun and easy things to beautify your home any time of the year. Southern Hospitality | Spring at Gibbs Gardens…
Despite the heat wave in parts of the country, I’m truly enjoying summer so far. Thankfully, we’ve only had one week of weather where it hit above 90 degrees, and I was in Wisconsin so I missed it! This is my season and I plan to love every second of it. Today I’m doing some…
It’s hard to believe this is the last Friday in June. Summer always moves too quickly. The hollyhocks and lavender are blooming in the garden and the waterlilies have made their appearance in the pond. The frogs are singing out there and now we have a pair of chipmunks that like to run around the…
June is more than halfway over and I find myself wishing summer would slow down just a bit. Enjoy the season and all it has to offer with today’s inspirational summer finds – from a starfish wreath tutorial to gorgeously decorated homes! A blogging friend of mine shared her gorgeous summer home tour over at…
This weekend the temps are soaring up into the 90s. Ugh. I love summer but that’s too hot too soon – even for me. Luckily I’m heading to Door County in Wisconsin next week and will escape the heat wave. All my children and their children will be there. We’re sharing a large Airbnb in…
Gardening season is in full swing and I’m pretty happy about the way my yard is looking. Except for the dahlias in the whisky barrels. Something has been eating them, and it’s not bugs. Something is chewing them from the top down. We live near a forest preserve and I thought maybe a deer had…
We’ve had a week of wonderful weather and the frogs in the pond are singing. They always seem to break into chorus in late spring through early summer. I love the sound! It draws me outside every time to listen to them call out to each other. And speaking of being out in nature, I’ve…
Are you ready to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend? It’s nice to enjoy an extra day off from work, but it’s also important to remember those who died while serving in our country’s military. Our town has a small parade that ends at the local cemetery with a short remembrance service. If you have loved…
Summer decorating has always been a favorite of mine. The season invites light and airy spaces with pops of color. The result is cheerful, sunny surroundings that lift your spirits. In addition to summer cottage decorating ideas and top kitchen colors, today’s Friday Finds include a fun mix of inspiration and even a few tips…
This weekend is going to be sunny and 70 degrees!! I’m looking forward to getting outside, pulling weeds, and maybe even planting a few new perennials. Every year I say I’m going to spend less on flowers, but that never happens. Please tell me I’m not the only one who gets carried away at the…
Summer is on its way! Are you ready for it? I have a LOT of weeds in the yard to get after before they get too far out of control. I do find something satisfying about getting them out by their last root. I guess it’s a form of therapy for me. Enjoy a collection…
Get ready for some great ideas and plenty of eye candy! From porches to patios to a renovated farmhouse and more, there’s plenty to love on today’s edition of Friday Finds. Photo by Case Architects & Remodelers First, let’s visit a truly stunning 1850s farmhouse located in Maryland. You’ll get to see before and after…
This week has been rather uneventful which is good for unwinding and destressing. Not that I’m feeling stressed though. Our pond got its spring cleaning and I’m anxious to feed the fish and relax to the sound of the waterfall. I plan to post before and after photos this weekend on my other blog, Pond…
Last week I missed posting Friday Finds because I got caught up in touring Washington DC. But I’m back home now and feeling organized again. By the way – I LOVED the DC area and plan to go back in the next few years. I’ll be sharing photos of historic homes and neighborhoods in the…
