Why is it when we go shopping for a specific something (like that perfect dress for a party this weekend), we can never find it. But when we don’t need anything in particular and are just wandering the aisles of the store aimlessly, BOOM – there it is! Last month, I lugged an old red…
Now that my girls are approaching 18 and their trick or treating days are far behind them, I’m finding my desire to decorate for Halloween disappearing faster than Casper the Ghost! I’m sharing some easy Halloween decorating ideas including a free Day of Dead printable! Don’t miss more Halloween decorating ideas over the years HERE…
It’s early October but I’ve got Christmas on my mind. When some of your favorite stores have mega sales, you stock up on decorations and gifts (for others and yourself)! Here are some of my favorites – just click store name or photos to see more. post contains affiliate links World Market – 30% off…
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…
I’ve been on a purging mission. This past weekend, I went on a rampage and decided to clear out my garage to make room for our second car. A few trips to the dump, a few piles to donate and even more to consign but I couldn’t part with this red vintage rug I got…
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!…
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…
After her tenth move in 18 years, Maggie of Maggie Overby Studios has making a house into home down to a science. Says Maggie, “I look thru magazines and see beautiful thing that cost loads of money, but who is that realistic for? I have learned that there are so many beautiful things out there for a…
Outside of Chicago, Tonya of Rustic and Woven blog has created a warm and welcoming home. “It’s about surrounding yourself with what you love and making the most of what you currently have. If a space is authentic to who you are – it will feel like home to you, and be a welcoming space for your family and friends.”…
New Year – time to reflect on the past year and celebrate successes, mourn our losses and plan for the future. I’ve been a busy little bee decorating, moving, shuffling and reshuffling everything in my home and garden. I’ve teamed up with 31 other bloggers who are sharing their top 10 – see them all…
Sara of Twelve on Main lives in a small town with her hubby and four kids. She says, “My mail goal is to inspire and encourage others to DIY. There is so much potential in all of us, and I hope to show that it is possible for all to do simple and complex projects in…
I have three babies. My twin girls who are almost 17 … and Sushi our Boston Terrier! Here she is a few days after we brought her home. She’s almost 2 1/2 years old now and she really does make every day awesome with her cute little face and her big bulging eyes staring up at…
Who’s ready for a home tour that has tons of money saving DIY projects! I love when a family can create the home of their dreams with a little bit of elbow grease. Alicia of A Burst of Beautiful envisions it and her hubby builds it – including a stunning farmhouse dining table, industrial coffee table…
My family room is cozy … which means small! It’s also where we spend most of our tv watching time (Harry Potter marathons and Real Housewives – don’t judge). I’ve been craving a simpler, less cluttered look and am slowing whittling away things I don’t love. I refuse to settle and am happy to wait…
This Halloween porch is filled with affordable DIY ideas! See how to turn pumpkin pails into planters and make a spooky Halloween wreath and more! Soon my street will be crawling with zombies, witches and princesses. I didn’t go crazy with Halloween decorations this year but did add a little bit of fright to delight…
Use It or Lose It! Growing up, my mom displayed favorite china in the dining room hutch. We rarely used it. In fact, she gave me some plates that my grandmother had given to her when I was a kid – price stickers still attached! I have been guilty of doing the same. Storing favorite finds away…
Last week marked five glorious years that I’ve been writing this blog – my blog-iversity! 5 year and 860 posts later, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a totally new look (but don’t worry, it’s still the same old me). I’ll still be bringing you … the best Eclectic Home Tours (163 and counting), creative decorating ideas and…
Growing up, I was surrounded by avocado green. From the fridge to the dishwasher to the wall to wall carpet, I could not escape it. So when I spotted these fun, whimsical (avocado!) 1970s plates at the thrift store, (complete with 30 year old crusted on food) I was instantly transported back in time. Back to that…
I’m sharing how to carve out a spot in your home for a home office. These shared homework space ideas are perfect for kids or anyone who works from home. When my girls are away, their mom will play. Summer is still in full swing here but fall, and another school year, is quickly approaching…
My 100 year old home was a neglected mess on the inside and out when we bought it. No grass or plants or patio except for a few overgrown scraggly shrubs – an empty slate. My friend Stephanie of Brooklyn Limestone is featuring my yard today to kick off her “Take it Outside Beautiful Backyard Blogger Series” so…
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…
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Not only did I inherit my dad’s looks and his latin rhythm but it seems he also passed down the collecting bug. From duck decoys and art (he loved to hunt) to beer steins (he loved a good cocktail) to $2 bills (he gave stacks of them to…
There’s nothing like the thrill of the hunt. Finding that perfect vintage, old, rusty, crusty find at a flea market or estate sale. But what’s a girl to do when she can’t find what she wants. P.S. You can spot tons of my finds in my Christmas Home Tour like … post contains affiliate…
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m putting on my elastic waist pants and getting ready for my family to arrive for a feast of epic proportions. When we’re done, we’ll fall into turkey comas and then shop til we drop without battling the crowds! I’ve gathered up the best online Black Friday sales at some of my favorite places so we can shop…
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I’ve got turkey on my mind). Once I’ve eaten my share of carbs, I’ll be focused on decking my halls and sometimes a little planning is in order to get blooms in time for Christmas. Since I can’t force my kids to clean their rooms (without lots of nagging), I’m thrilled that…
While I’m being buried alive in Christmas boxes and bins, it seems like there are a lot of people out there whose halls are already decked. I teamed up with Loi Thai of Tone on Tone Antiques, Shannon of Fox Hollow Cottage and Erin of Sunny Side Up on Instagram and we asked everyone to share their favorite…
Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays … no matter how far away we are. Ahhh, who can forget that brother and sister duo, The Carpenters, in all their 70’s glory. I’ve teamed up once again with my creative friends to offer you lots of new free Christmas printables! Here’s mine … Under…
Love peeking into people’s homes? You’re in the right place. Take today’s tour then swing back around and browse through more than 140 Eclectic Home Tours filled with tons of beautiful decorating inspiration. And best part – at the end of this post, I’ve gathered up my favorite affordable decor so you can get this look! Today…
Who doesn’t love quick and easy? I’m teaming up with some friends again this month to share our 10 Minute Decorating Ideas for fall and you can see all of the ideas at the bottom of this post. Filler – something that fills a space or container. Find something with interesting texture and color and…
Thanksgiving is all about friends, family, elastic waist pants and carbs, lots and lots of carbs! So when my friend Bre asked me to join 25 other creative friends for the mother of all Thanksgiving tablescapes tours, I was happier than the pardoned White House turkey. I’ve shared my full fall home tour here but…
Today’s Eclectic Home Tour is a stunning farmhouse tour so grab a cup of coffee and sit back and relax the swing back around the check out all of my tours – there is something for everyone and tons of inspiration. I found Patsy on instagram @BlessedMommatoBaby Girls. She lives in a dream farmhouse in Tennessee that she…
Lauren of Bless’er House moved into a brand new, cookie cutter home in North Carolina a couple of years ago and has made it her mission to put her stamp on it by demo-ing, DIY-ing and decorating the you know what out of it. Enjoy the tour … then make sure to stop back for more decorating inspiration from more…
You know my mantra is simple projects equals more time for cocktails so I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite friends to share our favorite ways to decorate – in under 10 minutes. You can see all of the ideas at the bottom of this post … now here’s mine. If you like it…
Can you believe I’ve been featuring the most amazing home tours for four years and there are now more than 130 Eclectic Home Tours! I love pouring over every detail and hope you do too. Today’s tour brings us to a 90 year old Idaho cottage that belongs to Emily of The Wicker House. She believes that how a…
See how to make fake plastic pumpkins look realistic! A simple paint technique will have your faux pumpkins looking like they came straight from the pumpkin patch! This is a fun and easy fall craft anyone can do. Remember when I shared my deep, dark hatred for plastic pumpkin pails. Well, that hatred has been brewing…