Lovely kitchen by Pretty Handy Girl // Photo via BHG Cleaning and Housekeeping Tips Summertime should be for enjoying sunshine and relaxing, but household chores still need attention. The good news is you don’t have to spend all your summer cleaning—what you need is a strategy to clean efficiently so you can get back to … Read more

House Tours Greetings and welcome! I’m delighted to be part of the week-long Summer Tour of Homes — 25 inspiring homes in all. I’m hosting Day Three of the tour. If you’re just joining us, be sure to catch Day One and Day Two for more beautiful tours. All the tour listings appear at the … Read more

  I’m not obsessively organized. I don’t alphabetize my spice rack or buy elaborate organizers for every drawer. My silverware drawer is a jumble and my single utensil tray dates back to a past decorating phase. Still, I use a few simple systems that make daily life smoother. I care more about function than perfection, … Read more

As I daydreamed about fall and considered how to begin a small seasonal series, 21 Days of Loving Fall, I found myself stuck on the idea of a perfect beginning. I imagined a grand gesture or one ideal project to mark Day One. I had already shared a fall house tour, which felt like a … Read more

I’m not a professional barista, but I love coffee. Over the years I’ve collected my favorite espresso and coffee-making tools that make mornings (and afternoons) taste better. I also keep a few machines on hand for entertaining or special occasions—things like breakfast in bed or espresso for two. By popular request, I’ve updated this list … Read more

I like the simple, homey look of that quilted round tablecloth!{House Beautiful} Wishing you all a wonderful 4th of July weekend! It’s been a busy week here, and I’m looking forward to some family time and fireworks. What are your plans? Today we’re trying out the new MckLinky to see if it feels more user-friendly … Read more

Inspiration: Country Living Make a craft, wrap and gift closet DON’T WORRY! I’m not rushing into the holidays — I’m still enjoying summer — but I’ve always admired people who are organized enough to finish their holiday shopping early and truly savor the season. When you have gifts bought and ready, you can focus on … Read more

BHG It is time to cozy up that bedroom for fall and winter, girls! Let’s do a little pre-holiday bedroom nesting. BHG There’s something so satisfying about transforming a bedroom as the seasons change. I especially enjoy this ritual in the run-up to the holidays: switching textiles, adding an extra quilt, and bringing in warmer … Read more

Little by little, we’ve been making steady improvements to our backyard. Instead of hiring a landscaper to design and install everything at once, we decided to do what we can ourselves over time. With limited free hours, progress has been gradual, but that slow, consistent approach fits our home’s rhythm. Last year we did hire … Read more

SOMETHING NEW: ROOM TOURS & DIY I’ve been blogging long enough now to know that you are a lot like me. You enjoy peeking into other people’s homes—not to pry into personal things, but to admire the decor. It’s natural to be curious about how others arrange their spaces, choose finishes, or style a shelf. … Read more