Begin the New Year with Purpose and Inspiration

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HHello, friends! Lately I’ve been revisiting projects we’ve done over the years in our home. We’ve been gradually updating our 1950s ranch into a brighter, more current cottage-style house. There’s still a long list of ideas I want to tackle, but I like to begin the year by appreciating how far we’ve come. That perspective … Read more

Coconut Oil & Maple Granola: Crunchy Homemade Recipe

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HHello, Kylee here. I’m back and excited to share a simple recipe that’s become a staple in our house. My mom has been nudging me to post more often about both my townhouse decorating progress and my recipes. She even asked for an easy, healthy recipe list for her birthday, so I started compiling favorites … Read more

Cozy Any Room with Remote-Control Outlets for Lamps & Lights

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Make any room feel instantly cozier with a set of remote control outlets—perfect for lamps, holiday decor, or any hard-to-reach plug. I use them on our living room lamps so I can turn lights on and off from the couch without getting up. They’re also ideal for Christmas trees and string lights: instead of searching … Read more

Pumpkin Squares with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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Monogram Mug Source Today I’m sharing one of my favorite fall treats: pumpkin squares topped with cream cheese frosting. Baking with pumpkin is one of the small pleasures of the season. These bars are rich, moist and easy to make — a recipe I’ve used for years from an old junior league cookbook. They’re simple, … Read more

My Shady Past and Rediscovering What We Love

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Ihave always been drawn to the color green. It isn’t only because spring is near or St. Patrick’s Day is approaching—I’ve loved green since I was a child. My mother let me help decorate my rooms growing up, and the first bedroom I truly remember designing on my own was painted a bright apple green … Read more

Styling Your Home with an Antique Bowl: Creative Display Ideas

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Recently my husband and I spent a leisurely afternoon window shopping in Poulsbo, browsing the quaint shops we enjoy visiting from time to time. On our way out of an antique store we hadn’t been in for a while, we spotted a beautiful, weathered wooden bowl. Its long, shallow shape suggested a boat-like form, though … Read more

Christmas Home Projects: Festive Tasks and Cozy Decorating Ideas

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Mug Source (other designs available) The week before Christmas always feels busy, but I’ve found a few quiet moments to do my favorite thing: puttering. Small, thoughtful changes around the house are my way of easing into the season without feeling overwhelmed. I prefer to decorate in phases—starting with subtle winter touches, a bit of … Read more

Small Festive Christmas Tree Ideas for Holiday Decorating

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Better Homes & Gardens I adore decorating with small Christmas trees. They add charm and holiday spirit throughout the home without overwhelming a room. I place them everywhere — on side tables, mantels, shelves, and in buckets for a casual, cozy look. I enjoy themed mini trees, too: rustic with burlap and tiny pinecones, colorful … Read more

Wedding Planning Tips from Courtney: Create a Beautiful Wedding on a Budget

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Photos in this post by Milana’s Photography (apart from photos labeled iPhone photo) Hi friends — I’m Courtney (Melissa’s daughter). I’m excited to share wedding planning advice and a look back at our wedding from this past July. I posted a few updates on Instagram while planning, but now that we have all the photographer … Read more

Cottage-Style Bathroom Ideas and Blog Makeover Tips

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We recently gave our small powder room a gentle refresh—just paint and a few new accessories rather than a full renovation. This wasn’t a dramatic “blogger makeover” involving power tools; it was a modest update done on a tight budget. I had once hoped to replace the tile and install a pedestal sink, but that … Read more