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…
Viewing Summer
A Rocking Chair for Every Porch
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…
Style Showcase #37: Summer Fun
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…
10 Summer Activity Ideas That Don’t Include Sand
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…
Friday Finds #4: Summer Love
Does anyone else step outside into the warmth of the day and immediately smile and feel inspired? That’s what season does to me. The abundance of flowers, greenery, and nature in general fills my soul to overflowing! It’s summer love. This week I managed to get a bit more planting done around the pond. I…
Summer Dining and Table Settings
Do you enjoy al fresco dining with the sounds of nature providing a little background music? If you’re a little reluctant to eat with the bugs, maybe these summer dining ideas and table settings will coax you to sup outside. (This post contains affiliate links.) Even if you don’t have a designated outdoor dining…
How to Add Summer Textile to Any Room
Normally we think of the fall season as the time to start adding pillows, blankets, and other textiles to our home. But don’t forget about the warmer months! See how to add summer textile to any room to create a comforting vibe – like this dining room with white linen slipcovers on the chairs. Photo…
Sweet Little Courtyard Deck and Adorable She Shed
Yesterday I visited our local nursery and garden center and it got me thinking about ways to improve my outdoor spaces. This in turn inspired me to share this sweet little courtyard deck and she shed in Alabama. Photo by Kayla Stark The focal point of this courtyard style yard, in my opinion, is…
Summer in the Country: Farm Dinner
August is one of my favorite months of the year. Flowers are bursting with color, farm fields are overflowing with their goodness, and fireflies light up the warm skies. I love all the sights, sounds, and scents of summer in the country where the suburban sprawl meets the Illinois prairies. Today is the first…
Summer Neutrals Home Tour: 2019
This week is summer home tour week for me and my blogging friends. Truth be told, I wasn’t quite sure how to infuse summer into my darker rooms that we painted this past winter, but I found a way to make dark summer neutrals work. Welcome to those of you coming here from Love,…
Cabin Inspiration: Sweet Summertime
I’m in the mood for some homes with cabin inspiration! Apparently the month of May decided to stay in bed and April had to do double-duty. Too many cool rainy days! But now, June has arrived and we’ve got warmer sunny days which is putting me in total summer camp mode. Photo by Goose Creek…
A Touch of Nature for Summer Decorating
All month I’ve been obsessed with nature and spending time outdoors. I planted my pond and started work on a new shade garden. Unfortunately our spring has been rainy and cloudy and I’m not getting as much outdoor time as I’d like. That might be the reason why I’m craving nature right now. So on…
Make a Natural Wreath in 20 Minutes
Spend less time decorating and more time enjoying the summer when you make my natural wreath in just 20 minutes. If you’re like me, you’d rather spend your time outside than fussing with home decor. Today I’m joining a group of bloggers to bring you a variety of summer wreaths you can make yourself….
Outdoor Summer Dining on My Rustic Patio
Welcome to my new rustic (aka gravel) patio for outdoor summer dining! Today I’m joining a wonderful group of bloggers to bring you a variety of summer tablescapes. Thanks to Alicia at A Burst of Beautiful for organizing this fun event. Last year we put in a gravel patio after finishing the deck by…
19 Sweet Summer Flower Arrangements
Summer is carefree and beautiful, with its riotous palette of flower colors all over the landscapes and fields. Put those pretty petals to good use with any of these 19 summer flower arrangements. Photo by Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, Inc. Clip flowers from the garden and tuck them in pretty decoupaged pots. I’ve…
Summer Mantel: How to Style
Styling a summer mantel needn’t be difficult. Simply arrange a few of your favorite things in a pleasing manner using a variety of heights. Today I’m happy to be joining other bloggers as part of the Seasonal Simplicity Series organized by Krista at The Happy Housie! We’re focusing on summer mantels and you’re sure…
