photo: Country Living I love bringing simple natural elements into the home. Using branches, dried flowers, bark, burlap and woven fibers is an easy way to reflect the season without overwhelming a space. Nature provides so many textures and organic colors that complement neutral palettes and create a feeling of warmth and calm. Better Homes … Read more

Living on Washington’s coast means our outdoor furniture faces salty air and changing weather all year. This summer we refreshed our porch with durable POLYWOOD outdoor pieces designed to withstand the Pacific Northwest elements while keeping a classic, clean look. We chose POLYWOOD because it performs well in coastal climates and offers practical, eco-friendly benefits. … Read more

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for some holiday cheer! Click HERE for my annual Christmas Decor Shop! (This shop will be updated regularly—bookmark it and check back often.) Below I’m sharing a few of my favorite seasonal finds that always make me smile. Animal Ornaments I’ve loved animal ornaments since our … Read more

I’m popping in with a bit of a plant crisis. Forgive the poor cell phone photo — this is an emergency and I didn’t get a chance to take better shots today, so this one will have to do for now. After that beautiful cottage farmhouse post, it’s a rude return to reality, but here … Read more

Sources: Peonies // Similar Cabinets and More // Art: Thrifted Life can feel overwhelming and complicated at times, so bringing simple touches of beauty into our homes matters. Fresh flowers are my favorite, but after trying realistic faux tulips recently, I ordered these faux peonies from the same brand and I love them. They look … Read more

When we bought our 1950s brick ranch in Seattle about five and a half years ago, it wasn’t my dream house. Although the structure was solid for its age, the style felt dated and in need of updates. That turned out to be a good thing: the house was a blank canvas we could gradually … Read more

Hello, blog friends tucked away in my computer! How are you doing? I’ve been incredibly busy lately — nothing out of the ordinary for me — but I’m making great progress on a few projects, which feels rewarding even when I’m exhausted. I’m that sort of tired-happy person who should probably nap but is too … Read more

Welcome! I’m so glad you stopped by for the annual Christmas tour of our home in the Pacific Northwest. This is part one of a two-part tour; I’ll share the second half later. I also post an “aftermath” update once the holidays are over — it’s always fun to see what changes after all the … Read more

Need a creative, low-cost activity for kids this summer? Looking for inspiration for a family game night or a summer birthday party? A scavenger hunt is an easy, memorable option. Our family hosted one recently and it was a hit. My husband enjoys writing clever clues and turning simple backyard play into an imaginative treasure … Read more

Do you write yourself or your family little reminders of what matters? I do. Oh, and I should add this one: Fall drinks. What is on your thankful list? How do you keep perspective every day? Explore the full series of posts—click the image below to see all entries and gather more ideas for gratitude … Read more