Creative Ways to Decorate with Red, White, and Blue July 4th is right around the corner. If you like to decorate for the 4th, try using red, white, and blue primary colors to give a patriotic vibe to your home. Red, white, and blue are also perfect for a classic and bright … [Read more...]
It’s 2018, and I’m still wondering Where are the Real Makita Girls?
It's 2018, and I'm Still Wondering Where are the Real Makita Girls? Back when I first published this post, I never thought I'd be resurrecting it from the archives. Then Simone Giertz shared this tweet and my anger and frustration at Makita boiled over again. The video Simone … [Read more...]
Dreamy Window Seat Inspiration Photos
Dreamy Window Seat Inspiration Photos I have a friend, named Claire, who is an interior design genius. She would beg to differ, but honestly she is brilliant when it comes to design decisions. This friend was the visionary who created our kitchen floor plan for us. She was also … [Read more...]
Words of Wisdom from Chip & Joanna Gaines
Last week I had the rare opportunity to meet Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV's Fixer Upper. If you don't know who they are, you are missing out. They are the dynamic duo who see diamonds in some really rough houses. Joanna is the designer with an amazing ability to see beauty in … [Read more...]
A Walk in the Woods
Last week I waved goodbye to my son as he hopped onto the school bus. As I walked back toward our house I began ruminating on why I'd been feeling low and irritable. Usually the cause is because I've been working too hard or spending excess time taking care of the family's needs. … [Read more...]
3 DIY Books for Holiday Gifts
I'm thrilled to share with you a selection of 3 DIY books this holiday season. If you are looking for ideas for someone on your gift list who: has children who love to create; loves rustic metal decor; or wants some simple ideas to love the home they are living in...I have the … [Read more...]
The Reality Is…
The reality is that what you see on TV and magazines isn't real life. We all know this, but do we tend to forget after a while? I was watching one of those popular HGTV reality shows the other day. This one happened to be filmed in our neighborhood, so I was very familiar with … [Read more...]
What’s Holding Us Back
I've been putting off this post for a long time. I probably should have written it three years ago. But, each time, I thought to myself, "I don't want to write about negativity on my blog. I want this to be a positive and empowering space for people (especially women) to be … [Read more...]
Why I’m NOT going to participate in Teacher Appreciation Week anymore!
Two weeks ago was Teacher Appreciation Week at my son's school. Every year I have a bit of a knee jerk reaction to this week. Is it because I don't appreciate my sons' teachers and administrators? Definitely not true! I appreciate them more than I can ever show. It's a joke in … [Read more...]
An Interview with David Bromstad – HGTV Color Splash Host
If I had to choose one HGTV host that I would like to meet in person, that would be a no-brainer. David Bromstad has always been my favorite designer with the transformation talent. With his "push the color envelope" attitude and ever present jovial (and often joking) nature, I … [Read more...]
How to Pick Paint Colors with Lindsay {via Glidden Show Me How Video}
Do you know Lindsay? Makely Home Lindsay (the rockstar blogger formerly known as Living with Lindsay?!) The gal who is so bold with color that her playroom looks like this! Well, I have the honor of saying that Lindsay is a friend of mine. But, she is also my idol when it … [Read more...]
25 Dreamy Blue Paint Color Choices
It's no secret that one of the quickest and least expensive ways to transform a room is with paint. Choosing the right color, however, can be tricky. It's always recommended to paint some sample colors in the room you'll be painting. Both natural and artificial lighting play huge … [Read more...]
Why My Grandmother Would Love that I Wrote All Over Her Coffee Table
My grandmother wouldn't mind that I painted and then wrote all over her coffee table. She was one of the most giving people you've ever met. She truly was the type of person that would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. I strive to live up to her legacy every day … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Surviving Springtime Allergies
My plane had no sooner touched down at Raleigh/Durham airport than I started sneezing my head off. We were back in the pollen bomb (what I call the abundance of pollen accumulation this time of year.) My oldest son has severe pollen allergies. This time of year is usually … [Read more...]
Silence
Sometimes there are no words and silence is golden. "By not talking too much about it. Silence is sometimes the best thing to do, holding a hand, hugging somebody." - Reverend Eugene Peterson, an except from this interview on Spiritual Strength in Times of Great … [Read more...]
Go Bold or Go Home! Show Your True Colors.
33 Colorful Front Doors I am drawn to homes that have unique front door colors. I crave something beyond the normal white, black or burgundy. Give me a unique color that tells me something about its occupants! I love being able to say, we're the only house on the street with the … [Read more...]