I’m not a stickler for interior decorating trends. I believe people should live with what they love … whatever makes them smile when they walk in the front door. When chevron was hot, I never added it to my decor. And the only ombre thing I’ve ever had in my house was the frosting on…
If you’ve never made homemade candles, I sincerely urge you to try it. I was always afraid to give it a go, but finally stepped out of my comfort zone a little over a year ago and wondered why I had waited so long! I think the idea of melting wax freaked me out (you…
I’m a huge fan of growing your own food, or buying local produce. Food that’s fresh and unprocessed because I believe ideally, this is the type of food that our bodies were designed to consume and use for energy. My vegetable garden is very lush this year due to all the rain we’ve had, but…
Our May weather typically swings back and forth like a pendulum between warm days and cool days, with a soft rain tossed in here and there. Today was cool, tomorrow promises warmer breezes. Earlier this week I stepped out into my mid-spring garden garden to snap a few photos after a gentle rainfall. Last weekend I…
Ever since I developed a keen interest in architecture and old houses, I’ve had an ongoing love affair with painted ladies … of the Victorian sort, that is. I love all the details they possess like gingerbread, fish scales, and bulls eye trim. Victorian houses are works of art and when they’re painted to show…
On occasion it’s fun to set a cozy breakfast table for two … whether it’s for you and a friend, you and your hubby, or you and whoever. In my opinion, food seems to taste better when you have a nice place setting to stage it. Isn’t that why we like to go out to eat…
Spring is the season of pastels … soft color, soft sunlight, and the wakening of the world from its slumber. The faint hues of spring prepare us for the riotous smorgasboard of colors in the summer. I love spring and everything about it! Even the gentle rains that freshen the earth. An annual springtime ritual of…
We’ve had a mild winter week here in Illinois. Mid 30-degree temps and little wind. The other day when I went out for a run, I actually heard birds chirping and a little bunny rabbit ran across my path. It put me in the mood for spring even though I know that’s at least 2…
It was about a year ago that I was first introduced to Jen’s blog, Migonis Home. I fell in love with her simple, beautiful style. Her home is light and airy, with a comfortable familiar feel in each room. Her decorating style is practical and beautiful all at once. Jen and her hubby have done…
As 2014 draws to a close I’m taking a look back at the year and sharing my 10 favorite blog posts. As a blogger, sometimes it’s easy to come up with ideas to share, and other times I’m wracking my brain for inspiration. Blogging is a lot of work … you first need the ideas…
With the holidays around the corner and Old Man Winter approaching, I thought it would be fun to tackle another candle project. I love candles any time of year, but I especially love them when the days are shorter and darker. They make the house feel warm and cozy. Today I’m sharing how to make…
At Thanksgiving I typically gravitate toward traditional or farmhouse style table decor, but when Bormioli Rocco Glass Company approached me about creating a tablescape  with their gorgeous Italian dinnerware, I opted for a modern country table setting. And I’m excited to share that they’re offering $200 worth of their exquisite tableware to one of my blog readers!…
I love natural textiles like linen and cotton, and when those textiles are woven with a European flair, all the better! My newest sponsor, The French Elements, shares a variety of French inspired decor on her website. Intricate embroidery carefully woven onto French linen fabrics and more. It’s all quite dreamy. Take a look … Barb…
If you need a quick and easy Fall decoration that’s economical and looks pretty too, then you’ve come to the right place! Using just a few items, I’ll show you how to make 5 minute mason jar candles for Fall that create cozy appeal in your home as the days grow shorter. You don’t even need…
Fall isn’t officially here for a couple more days but I think it’s safe to say that autumn has arrived in Illinois. Today was sunny and near 70 degrees. The perfect day! I just got back from a couple days in Vegas … a business trip so no secrets to share! It was 97 degrees…
Our little town has a huge festival the weekend before school starts. The whole town along with their friends and families swoop down to attend a 2-hour parade on Friday night. On Saturdays, there are oodles of rummage and yard sales. The local Catholic church has the biggest selection and that’s where I found my…
