A Series for Fall and Christmas Ideas Welcome to 31 Days! This is where it all begins — Day 1. Here’s how to find the Inspired Holidays series: For Christmas-specific decorating ideas, see the Christmas decorating category on the blog. Day 2: Plush Pumpkins Day 3: Why I Love This Season Day 4: Ideas for … Read more

Yellow Chair via House Beautiful {designed by Ruthie Summers} Lately I’ve found myself staring at one particular chair in my home. It sits quietly in the corner of the room, simple in shape but full of personality. Over time it has grown more and more insistent, as if it’s trying to tell me something important. … Read more

I bet I know the answer to this question, but do you ever watch a movie and completely lose track of the plot because you’re mesmerized by the house they’re in? I do. I often look like I’m following the story, but I’m actually studying every architectural detail, each piece of decor, the windows, rugs, … Read more

This post is in partnership with World Market ‘Tis the season to be in the kitchen — or honestly, any season when you love to cook. It’s almost been two years since we finished our kitchen remodel (our contractor installed the Dutch door on Christmas Eve and the space was completed after the new year), … Read more

TThis week we had a few unexpected snow days. Snow is rare in Seattle, and when it arrives I love nothing more than curling up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket and slippers, watching the flakes fall outside. As a devoted homebody, I enjoy the comforts of home in every season. Being home on … Read more

Hi friends, Courtney here. Today I want to share a simple, cheerful idea that also makes a lovely gift. Last fall my friend Katy gave me an adorable deck called “How to Be a Wildflower.” The set arrived in a beautiful box filled with hand-drawn illustrations. Inside are 78 high-quality cards: each has an uplifting … Read more

Happy 2014! As I consider New Year’s resolutions for my life and home, a quote from Alexandra Stoddard—one of my favorite authors—keeps coming to mind. Her words capture much of what I need to remember about living well, homemaking, and creating a space I love. Instead of choosing a single word for the year, I’m … Read more

I was just uploading some phone photos from the Fourth of July and thought I’d share them here to keep the memories. It was a simple, happy day and these little moments felt worth saving. This candid shot of Jack on the Dutch door is one of my favorites. He used to hesitate about jumping … Read more

New Year’s Eve Countdown Family Activity Bags Cookies and milk toasts for kids to celebrate the countdown Printable activities and simple traditions to mark the year Host a festive hat-decorating party for kids and families Simple DIY games like gumball tic-tac-toe keep children entertained New Year’s Eve can be just as memorable for kids as … Read more

Like many of you, I laughed until I cried when I saw the “Happy Chewbacca” video. Its joy is contagious, and that simple moment of delight reminds us how easy it can be to invite more happiness into our daily lives. Beyond the humor, the video resonates because it captures a childlike delight that many … Read more