Have you always dreamed of taking a European river cruise? I’m sharing my Viking Cruise Rhine River Travel Tips including favorite tours, excursions and things to do so that you have a once in a lifetime experience! This Viking cruise travelogue will help you to plan your own trip and has lots of know before…
Today, I’m sharing my vintage modern mantel decor that uses a soothing limited color palette plus I’ll explain my reasoning for using the things I did, why they work well together, plus my tips for creating your own one of a kind look using your favorite things. I also need your opinion on a thrift…
Before I delve into 2020, I thought it would be fun to look back on my 10 most popular posts of 2019. I’ve been blogging for over eight years and have published more than 1,100 posts (whew!) but I’m focusing on the ones that I wrote in 2019. It’s not surprising that you guys love…
In honor of all of the New Year’s Eve countdowns that will take place across the world tonight, I’m doing a different kind of countdown. I thought it would be fun to look back on the year and share my most popular Instagram photos. It seems that people like old houses and pink … lots…
If you love vintage, you’re going to love these vintage Christmas porch decorating ideas. See how to creatively display everything from old soda crates to thermoses to sleds to shovels to snowshoes and more for a unique and welcoming winter porch. I’ll share some of my favorites from my Christmas porches past as well as…
In China, peonies are a symbol of romance, prosperity, good fortune, a happy marriage, riches, honor, and compassion. I’ve gathered some surprising facts that every peony lover worth their salt must know! After reading these 12 fun peony facts, you’ll be able to gain friends and influence people (and be ready for a peony category…
There are two things that I can’t live without for keeping my outdoors looking spiffy. My favorite outdoor cleanup must haves include a pressure washer and a leaf blower. I pull the pressure washer out every spring to refresh my patio and outdoor furniture and even use it to get my windows sparkling clean. I’m…
Spend a weekend in Washington DC! This walkable town is easy to navigate, is filled with tons of interesting museums and memorials, and has so many amazing restaurants and cocktail bars. There is truly something for everyone in our nation’s capital. Use my weekend in Washington DC itinerary as a jumping off point for an…
I’m four weeks into my 52 Weeks of Yes! During my 50th year, I’m challenging myself to do something different, unique, fun, unusual, or out of my comfort zone every single week. This month, I (tried) to meditate, bottled my own wine and balanced my chakras with Tibetan singing bowls. Join me on my journey…
I love a roaring fire but I hate staring into that big black hole when the fire dies down. Over the years and throughout every season, I’ve had fun coming up with creative ways to dress up my hearth while disguising the fireplace opening. I thought it would be fun to share my favorite creative…
Only one vintage ornament was harmed during my Better Homes and Gardens photo shoot! I’m excited to announce that my home will be featured in the pages of Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas 2019! I thought it would be fun to share some behind the scenes peeks into the workings of a photo shoot….
My hubby and I have been blissfully (well mostly!) married for 23 years. It’s also my 23rd anniversary with my bedroom furniture and while I won’t be trading in my husband, it’s definitely time to trade in my tired old furniture. I am excited to share my master bedroom makeover! My poor bedroom has been neglected…
I’m sharing my five favorite simple gardening tips and tricks to help your garden flourish including favorite plants, unique containers, favorite garden tools and much more. My friends call me the garden whisperer and it’s a title I’ll gladly take! When I bought my 1903 house, the yard was an overgrown mess. Over time, I’ve…
I’ve gathered up some fun, unique and dad-approved gifts for the men in your life. These cool gifts for dad are sure to wow and I’m also including some of my favorite hand made and personalized gifts any dad would love. My girls will be graduating from high school in a few weeks and heading…
I’m not one to dress in red and go out to a crowded restaurant on Valentine’s Day nor do I care about getting a dozen long stem roses (but if you want to give me a box of chocolates, I won’t be mad). Valentine’s Day is just an excuse for me to set a pretty…
Today’s Eclectic Home Tour of Cotton Stem Interiors is a farmhouse lovers dream! Filled with vintage, chippy finds and unique displays that are sure to inspire! Tour this home then come back to check out all of my Eclectic Home Tours HERE Erin of Cotton Stem is the definition of farmhouse style and I love…
Less stuff, more memories. As my girls get older (seniors in high school), this has been my mantra. Six months ago, during the crowds of spring break, my girls and I spent the day at Universal Orlando Resort but we were determined to return for a longer stay during a less crowded time and with…
I like to think I have a green thumb so I’m sharing my Fiddle Leaf Fig care tips because it’s my favorite plant! Don’t make my mistakes when it comes to caring for this plant and if you do, I’m sharing how to fix those mistakes so your fiddle will thrive! I’ve shared hydrangea care…
Who doesn’t love fresh flowers all year long? I love cutting flowers from my garden and bringing them inside but did you know that when and where you cut hydrangeas can determine whether or not you’ll get blooms next year! I’m sharing my hydrangea fall tips … so you can cut and dry hydrangeas for…
When the kids are away, the parents will play. That’s exactly what my hubby and I decided to do when we took a last minute getaway for a weekend in Portland Maine. Portland is known not only known for their lobsters and lighthouses but for their amazing foodie, arts and music scene. I love the…
This is what I wait 50 weeks of the year for – an explosion of peonies! I planted three peony bushes two years ago (read my Peony Planting Tips here) and they reward me with armloads of blooms every spring. I can’t get enough of these stunners and I love clipping them and giving to friends!…
Ever heard of cowbirds? If you have an odd looking egg in a nest, you need to find out why! Cowbird eggs in nest is a problem. I jumped out of my skin when a tiny bird whizzed past my ear as I was watering my ferns. I parted the leaves and peered in to discover a…
To know me is to know I love hydrangeas. But for the last few years, my hydrangeas have not bloomed because the first year my husband let a “landscaper” prune my hydrangeas (I actually cried) at the wrong time of year and the other years spring frosts killed the buds. So every year, I cross my…
Two moms and five teenage girls in Florida for spring break – and I lived to tell the tale! We stayed in a condo in Clearwater Beach on the water with a pool and jacuzzi. I loved being able to walk to all the action but be away from the crowds. There was a lot of…
Spring has finally sprung here in NJ. The trees are budding, the sun is shining and it’s finally safe to pack away the mittens, coats and boots. I picked up these little bowls at a little shop in NYC with the cutest dogs painted on them. Spring also has me doing some shopping I love this fun water…
I have been drooling and oogling the amazing Christmas eye candy all week long from the talent that showed off their Christmas homes as part of Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday House Walk. In case you missed my Christmas home tour – you can see it HERE. I’ve chosen a favorite image from each tour … I love…
I think Kris of Driven by Decor and I are long lost plate wall, Boston Terrier loving sisters. Kris lives in a 60 year old Connecticut Cape Cod and describes her style as: “I’m a lover of neutrals and use them to decorate in a timeless style with a collected-over-time feel.” See more Eclectic Home…
I may be slightly obsessed with my peonies. I planted three peony bushes last spring and they have rewarded me with tons of amazing flowers! If you want these beauties in your garden, don’t miss my peony growing tips. What’s a girl to do with this many blooms? Make a WOW bouquet of course. Flower Arranging…
If you’ve ever asked yourself, Why aren’t my hydrangeas blooming?, you’ve come to the right place. Learn how to prevent winter kill on hydrangeas. If your hydrangeas look like dead sticks, read my winter kill hydrangeas care tips. This article also discusses ways to protect hydrangeas from cold because winterizing hydrangeas is important for the…
Say Cheese! Today’s Cool Collection is all about old cameras. Amy of My Life From Home has been an avid photographer since she was a kid so starting a camera collection was a natural fit. “Cameras are perfect for displaying alone in a vignette or in groupings. They pair well with any design style and are…
To know me is to know I love World Market. If you’re lucky enough to live near one, you understand. There’s a new World Market in town and to celebrate I’m giving away a $500 World Market gift card so you can shop til you drop (see giveaway and new store Grand Opening info at…
Spring is here and it’s loud and proud – hear her roar! I’m roaring too – and raring to get outside. I take tons of pics (you can follow me on Instagram to see more) and most don’t make it onto the blog so I want to start sharing more of my everyday life. Here’s my April in…
What’s not to love about Susan of Love of Home western NY farmhouse with it’s classic details and country charm. This is just one of my 130+ Eclectic Home Tours from farmhouse to cottage to mid century to everything in between so make sure to stop back here after your tour. Now let’s get on with this…
I’ve never realized how many things I’ve used mason jars for until I gathered many of them together here. Some are old, some are new, some are green, some are blue (I’m such a poet), but there are so many uses for them. Here are some of my favorite ways I’m decorating with mason jars around…
There is a small window of opportunity during the year when I can take Sushi on long walks. She can’t handle cold – she’s short haired and doesn’t have a thick fur coat to keep her snug. I bundle her up in knit sweaters (she’s partial to her hooded sock monkey sweater) and off we…
I had the scare of my life early one morning when my 6 year old self walked by my parents bedroom. I glanced inside and ran screaming down the stairs. Mom, there’s a huge rat in your bed! My mom raced upstairs only to come down laughing. It wasn’t a rat … it was my…