These days it seems more and more of my blogging friends are publishing books! I’m so proud of all of them and it’s always good news for you, because I like giving away a copy of their books! Kelly from My Soulful Home recently launched her new book, A Year in Flowers. It’s filled with…
Some of my friends and family members have difficulty sleeping. On occasion, I struggle with sleep too, although lately I haven’t had any problems. My philosophy is that if you have pretty space for sleeping, it’s easier to drift off. I say this because I think your surroundings can calm your nerves and create a…
Farmhouse style has been popular for quite a while now, and doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. It’s comfortable and practical, and isn’t too hard to get the farmhouse look. An easy way to transition to this style is to add farmhouse animals … like cow decor. Hang a painting of a cow…
One of my favorite stores moved further away, which didn’t make me happy. But the other day we took a trip out there and I found some cool vintage posters. For just a few dollars, I turned them into vintage poster art and hung the first one in my sitting room. (This post contains affiliate…
Summer is a great time for reading; I’m on my third novel so far this season. I also enjoy looking at decorating books for inspiration and one of my favorites is Romantic Prairie Style by Fifi O’Neill. I think you’ll love it too, so I’m hosting another book giveaway. Just leave a comment at the…
Is it ever too late in the season to plant and garden? I don’t think so. Even though it’s July, I’m still planting and today I’m sharing how to create cute container gardens using colorful and versatile Deco Planters. These fabric pots are water-tight and perfect for both water and terrestrial container gardens. They even…
White is a color often used in today’s decorating world. White kitchens for example, have been trending for a while. But I know many of you crave color in your house so today’s post is all about fun colors in the home. Whether soft and subdued or bold and bright, it’s always fun to add…
When I was first married, I decorated our little rental home with Asian influences. I loved ginger jars, oriental paintings, and black lacquered furniture. My sister on the other hand, was decorating in country style and the more she talked about it, the more I was drawn to it, too. Country style decorating has evolved…
How old were you when you started looking at decorating magazines? I was in my early 20s and my favorite magazines were Country Living and Country Home. I’ve always loved country style decorating whether it has a farmhouse, cottage, or modern influence. The kitchen is my favorite room in the house and I never tire of thumbing…
When you’re in the process of re-doing or redecorating a room, it can be a challenge to pull an entire look together. I recently moved my dining furniture to the living room and converted the dining space to a sitting room. I haven’t done a whole lot in the “new” dining room as I’m still…
Summer temps are reaching into the 90’s here in the Chicagoland area this week. When it gets hot like this I’m motivated to keep my decor light and cool. Taryn at Designing, Dining and Diapers asked me to be part of a summer mantel roundup and I decided to create a summer mantel with favorite…
I think most people collect something in their lifetime. Kids collect marbles and rocks. Pre-teens collect baseball cards and teens collect magazines. Adults collect any number of things from antique coins to dishes to cars and more. One of my favorite collectibles is white ironstone, due to its affordability and timeless appeal. (This post contains…
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! It’s always nice to get a 3-day break from the work week, isn’t it? I’m glad you here today to enjoy a tour of a renovated Cape Cod home. The house stays true to form, retaining its historic charm throughout. Shingle siding cloaks the outside of the home. The cute bulldog…
Do you like to walk through model homes or visit open houses? I do but I’m not really sure why. Does it stem from youth when I played house all the time as a little girl? I’ve just always had a fascination with houses, from their layouts to the way they’re decorated. I never tire…
When spring rolls into summer, I find less time for decorating inside. Warm weather beckons me outside to enjoy the flower beds and vegetable gardens. Lazy afternoons and long walks are more enjoyable than spending time indoors. For quick decorating, I turn to simple flower arrangements to add color and softness. Today I’ve rounded up…
Remember that show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy?” On one of the episodes Thom Filicia, the “design doctor” used apple green to decorate one of the straight guy’s bathroom. I would’ve never thought to use that color in such a small space, but ever since that transformation I’ve loved the color! And the bathroom…
