We have two tables with umbrellas on our patio at the back of our house. It’s a very sunny patio near the pool so having an umbrella gives us a break from the sun when needed. I’ve always struggled with eating and socializing at a table with a pole in the middle of it and … Read More
Kitchen Counter Upgrade
Updating a kitchen with new Silestone countertops and subway tile backsplash
Antique Finds
I recently made an antique haul on Facebook Marketplace, local thrift stores, and a few antique shops. I was thrilled when I found these crocks on Facebook Marketplace. I’ve wanted a Red Wing crock since we moved to Minnesota 28 years ago. Red Wing is a little over 40 miles from our home and one … Read More
Office / Studio
My Studio | Office is one of my favorite rooms in our house. This room does double duty for me. It is where I work and where I create. I keep my art supplies in an antique Hoosier cabinet on one side of the room and on the office side it is all business with … Read More
Painted Steps
Color decisions There are four sets of stairs in our quirky cottage and three of them needed an update – a color change and a coat of paint to freshen them up. The fourth set of stairs will be tackled another day because, unfortunately, they still have carpet on them. With the stairway walls and … Read More
Dish Towel Cabinet Skirting
I’ve always loved the look of a skirted farmhouse sink. It reminds me of a simpler time and I think it adds so much charm and character to a cottage-style kitchen. So I have found a way to get the look in a different way. We often have little grandchildren around here (or we used … Read More
Happy Mail
I started crocheting dishcloths in February. Every evening for weeks, I have been relaxing on the sofa and crocheting while watching a show. Originally I was making a few dishcloths to freshen up my dishcloth stash. Then I started making some for a bridal shower to use as favors/place cards. I have crocheted at home, … Read More
Kitchen Refresh
I joined the COVID-19 project crew this week. Meaning, I finally got my act together and started to get more done around our home. Refreshing and decluttering My kitchen needed a refresh and a serious de-cluttering. It was feeling “too busy” and cluttered and I needed some visual space especially since we are spending so … Read More
How to force forsythia and other blooming tree branches
When I’m impatient for winter to end I like to hurry the season along a little by bringing a little spring into my house. I do this by cutting some branches from different trees in our yard. Forcing is the process of causing a plant to flower before its natural season. The process is easy … Read More