Summer is my season! I love the energy of the earth buzzing with blooms and the activity of nature. Everything feels so alive and vibrant. It’s this dynamic spirit that motivates me to continually work on our yard and garden spaces. I’m all about an outdoor oasis and a stylish patio or deck is the…
We’ve been having wonderful spring weather during this month of May and I’m loving every minute of it. This time of year makes me a little nostalgic with thoughts of whiling away the hours on a front porch. Something reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting, a Garrison Keillor book, or an episode of Andy Griffith….
Wow! I can’t believe this is the one hundredth edition of Friday Finds here on the blog. It seems like I only started this series a few months ago. Time needs to slow down – especially during the summer season. I always get a little melancholic this time of year even though I love fall….
Yesterday I visited our local nursery and garden center and it got me thinking about ways to improve my outdoor spaces, which is something I’m always pondering. This in turn inspired me to share this sweet little Alabama courtyard deck and she shed photographed by Kayla Stark. Photo by Kayla Stark The focal point…
You know, I realized my circa 1875 house does not have rocking chair on the front porch. Yes, there is a porch swing out there but I feel somehow it’s missing something. When you think of an Americana style porch, don’t you immediately envision rocking chairs? Like this pretty red one on a Southern…
I’m on a mission. I’m decluttering my horizontal surfaces as much as possible so that I can enjoy a more minimalist approach to decorating for the summer season. The idea is to let flowers and plants do the talking throughout the house. The first room I’m tackling is the dining room and the focal point…
We’re havin’ a heat wave, a tropical heat wave! Record temps are making their way across the country and today is Chicago’s turn to feel the heat. We’ve got a heat advisory for the next two days so everyone is laying low. At least we’ve got some refreshing inspiration lined up for this week’s edition…
We’re two weeks into summer and if you don’t have one yet, it’s not too late to get a wreath for your door. I gathered nine DIY summer wreath ideas along with a few links to purchase one if you don’t want to make your own. (This post contains affiliate links.) One of my…
July has arrived and I’m already telling summer to slow down! It’s such a carefree time of year and I love to savor every moment of it. Rather than spend evenings in front of the television, I have a list of fun summer evening activities. Some are free and easy, others cost a little more…
Part of the fun of growing summer flowers out in the garden is to cut and arrange beautiful bouquets for inside the home. My grandmother had an amazing cutting garden filled with her favorite flowers. I loved snipping their blooms with her and watching her use a favorite vase or tureen to arrange them. She…
It’s June and what means cozy to me this month is enjoying an outdoor summer evening. Finally the nights are warm enough to be outside well past sunset. And when you’re out past dark, you need a bit of lighting in the garden. Here are some great ideas for illuminating your nights. (This post contains…
Summer is my favorite season, hands down! The days are long, the sun is warm, and summer decorating is free and easy. Here’s 11 home decor ideas to freshen your home for this wonderful time of the year. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider painting your entryway a sunny yellow. Entries are generally smaller rooms so…
Who can resist a garden swing on a gorgeous summer day? I know I can’t. Swinging under a big shady tree is a great way to cool off, and I’ll bet you’ve got the perfect spot in your yard to enjoy this simple pleasure. Here’s a few outdoor swing ideas that are perfect for adults…
Do you ever forget about special places that are located near you? I know I do. I decided to rectify this by visiting nearby places that I’ve neglected over the years. Even a day trip can feel like a mini summer vacation. So last weekend we went to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois…
Today’s Style Showcase is filled with summer fun and decorating ideas. I’m especially intrigued by Kim’s summer lawn activities and plan to jot down ideas from her blog at Sand and Sisal. Take a look at what else is on today’s docket. Click the link above each photo for more information! Town & Country Living…
When you think of summer, you ultimately think of the beach. And while the beach is certainly a lot of fun, there are a number of other summer activity ideas that can be enjoyed without getting sand glued to your body. (This post contains affiliate links.) 1. Enjoy an outdoor picnic with an old-fashioned…
