Aloha friends! We’re back from our recent vacation to majestic Kauai, Hawaii and I’m feeling refreshed with renewed energy. It’s amazing what warmer weather and sunshine can do for your soul. Today I’m sharing the highlights of our trip along with favorite and not-so-favorite things about Kauai. Hopefully you’ll find the information useful if you’re…
Do you like to travel and dream of where you might head to next? I’ve yet to visit Europe but I hope to get there some day soon. I’ve been exploring various countries and the Netherlands is definitely on my list. I recently came across Dordrecht, which is an historic, charming city located in South…
Today’s post isn’t my typical home décor inspiration. Instead, I’m sharing how I’m battling winter depression because I figure there are probably other people out there who also suffer from seasonal depression. I always struggle this time of year due to shorter days and cold, blustery weather that keeps me indoors for far too long….
Have you ever dreamt of spending Christmas in Europe? It’s something I’ve always thought would be fun to do. The historic architecture, different customs, new holiday foods – all of it would create a magical holiday experience. If you can’t make it to Europe, perhaps Canada is a closer option to consider – specifically, enjoying…
Before we get into the spirit of Christmas here on the blog, let’s take a virtual road trip to enjoy the blissful fall colors in Vermont. From rural roads to small and large towns, there’s so much to see and enjoy in the Green Mountain State, even though right now the mountains display a range…
We’re back from our autumn trip to the Bloomington and Brown County area of Southern Indiana. It’s been many years since I’ve headed to that neck of the woods and it was fun to return. The scenery was beautiful and we had a few fun surprises along the way. On our way to the…
Are you ready for more eye candy when it comes to charming Swedish cottages nestled in the woods of Good Templar Park in Geneva, Illinois? Last Saturday I shared the first batch of these cozy summer houses and today it’s time to see the rest. A couple times per year, Good Templar Park opens to…
Many of you know that I grew up in Geneva, Illinois, due west of Chicago on the outskirts of the suburbs. The town has a Swedish history and features Good Templar Park where members of the International Organization of Good Templars would come to celebrate Midsummer, which is Swedish Day, or “Svenskarnas Dag” in Sweden….
The last time I took a fall leaf peeping trip was with my daughters when we headed to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. That’s the weekend my son’s wife gave birth to their daughter Charlotte. This year, hubby and I are headed to southern Indiana to catch the Covered Bridges Festival in Parke County. From there, we’ll…
Last weekend hubby and I took a mini vacation to a cottage getaway on the Illinois River. There’s a small resort by the name of Heritage Harbor that has plenty of charm, activities, and beautiful homes. It’s only an hour away from our house which makes it perfect for a quick trip. We stayed in…
Not too far from where I live is a community of small, newer homes that enjoy waterfront living. I previously shared a tour of adorable cottages at Heritage Harbor, and today there’s more to enjoy. I love this new community in Ottawa, Illinois where you can find unique and affordable riverfront homes. There are also…
When most people think of California, they think beaches, palm trees, L.A., and Hollywood. The word “cozy” probably doesn’t come to mind. But I definitely found the cozy side of California when visiting historic Ferndale. And since today is Cozy Living Saturday (the first Saturday of the month), I think now is the perfect time…
Happy Wednesday, friends! It’s time to head back (virtually) to historic Ferndale to see more of the town’s stunning historic homes. The first time I posted about our trip to Humboldt County, I shared a collection of the Victorian cottages. Today it’s time to see some of the other beautiful homes that grace the streets…
Who else is suffering gloomy spring weather right now? I’m raising both my hands! We haven’t had a pleasant spring so far but I’m not going to let it dampen my spirits. Instead, let’s pretend we’re overseas visiting the colorful gardens and homes of Spain. This little virtual tour is sure to put a smile…
One thing we miss living in America is the vast array of really old buildings and homes. Can you imagine living in a house that’s over 500 years old? I think about the lives and history of older homes here in the United States, but old houses in Europe have seen so much more. Today…
Let’s take a trip to the bucolic setting of the United Kingdom to explore a charming collection of English cottage homes. First up is an adorable dwelling located in Castle Combe, often referred to as the most beautiful village in England. It reminds me of a cottage that one of Beatrix Potter’s characters would live…
