trying a new planning tool

CheriALL THINGS HOME, DIY, GENERAL, RECENT

I’ve found that most planners I try are bulky, and have far more tools (pages, sections, etc.) than I need. Online planners or tools used on an iPhone aren’t ideal, because I easily get distracted when I pick up my phone. Analog works best for me. Monthly Planner Hack I use a 5×8 weekly/monthly Blue … Read More

Painted Steps

CheriDECORATING, DIY, GREAT ROOM

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

CheriDECORATING, DIY, KITCHEN

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

Painted Chest of Drawers

CheriANTIQUES, DECORATING, FURNITURE MAKEOVERS

forsythia on dresser

Last summer and fall I started scanning Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for antique dressers to paint and re-sell. I really only expected to find one or two, but they just kept showing up. By winter the garage had a nice collection of antique furniture. I managed to collect 6 dressers, 4 tables, a vanity, a … Read More

Simple Crochet Dishcloth

CheriCREATIVE ENDEAVORS

handmade dishcloth

When I was 19 years old I crocheted a granny square afghan. My grandmother taught me – as I sat beside her, while she crocheted beautiful afghans for her two daughters and 6 granddaughters. I made a creamy white, basic granny square. My grandmother made beautiful, delicate and lace-like squares. I’ll post a photo of … Read More

A YOUNG ARTIST

CheriCREATIVE ENDEAVORS, GENERAL, WATERCOLOR

We learned last week that our kindergarten granddaughter, Sydney was chosen to have her artwork in the school district art show in Cincinnati. next-generation creative Sydney is our next-generation creative. My grandfather painted a little and was an accomplished carpenter. Our son, Nate is a creative and my niece, Mackenzie is too. I’m learning to … Read More

How to make a centerpiece

CheriALL THINGS HOME, CREATIVE ENDEAVORS, DECORATING, LIFESTYLE

I must have flowers, always, and always. ~ Claude Monet  Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring – I appreciate having flowers in the house, in the garden, on the porch.  When winter arrives and stays too long, I appreciate them even more!  Making arrangements in pretty containers or wood boxes is my favorite way to enjoy them.  … Read More