Win a $100 Home Depot Gift Card This Weekend Giveaway

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This post was created in a partnership with The Home Depot What an eventful week! We’ve been busy around the house and I’m excited to share what we’ve been up to. Last weekend I co-hosted a Home Depot lighting workshop. I brought my DIY barrel lamp and my daughters, mingled with attendees, talked a bit … Read more

The Chalkboard Story: Lessons, Memories, and Classroom Life

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Framed Chalkboard / Zinc Card Holder Thought you might enjoy seeing how my chalkboard looks for the holidays (excuse the grainy phone photo). It is festive — but before anyone feels pressured by Pinterest-perfect holiday scenes, here’s a little honest note from our house. This chalkboard has had fall leaves drawn on it since last … Read more

Sorry — Something Went Wrong with Your Request

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HHello! We recently discovered that our email subscriptions stopped delivering at the end of October. We’re sorry about the interruption — we’ve missed connecting with you and are working to fix the issue. If this post arrived in your inbox, that’s a good sign. If you’re reading on the blog and haven’t received emails, you’re … Read more

Scalloped Decor Ideas: Styling Furniture and Home Accents

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Scallop Side Table I enjoy mixing textures, shapes, and patterns in a space because they instantly bring personality and interest. The scallop motif has been especially popular in recent design trends, yet it remains a timeless form you can confidently introduce into your home. Scallops work well at many scales and on many surfaces — … Read more

Designing a Life You Truly Love: Practical Steps to Start Now

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This post is in partnership with Kathy Davis, an artist, author and lifestyle brand. HHello, friends! A year ago, before we actually moved here, we dreamed of creating a room just like this. We imagined a welcoming space where friends and family could stay to enjoy the city or simply catch up. This guest room … Read more

How to Hang Garland, Wreaths and Outdoor Decorations

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I love hanging garland and wreaths on my mantel, front door, staircase, windows and furniture. I like each piece to drape just so, or hang in the exact spot that looks right. For years I struggled with how to secure decorations neatly without damaging surfaces or ending up with items that sagged or fell. I’ve … Read more

Why I Embrace Life as a Proud Homebody

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I am a homebody. Maybe you are one, too. In my book Dwelling I describe what I mean by the term: a homebody is someone who delights in the simple, nourishing activities that happen at home. It isn’t about hiding away or avoiding life; it’s about creating a place where you become whole. Quote from … Read more

A Forever Home: The Tale of a Telescope

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I have always dreamed of living in a forever home. That desire often clashed with my perfectionist streak—the urge to find the perfect house before settling down. If you know me, you know I love houses. A few months ago my parents sold our family beach house. That place had been a part of our … Read more

July Highlights: Top Trips, Trucks and Toad Sightings

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Ack — it’s August. That means September is approaching, summer is winding down, and before you know it the holidays will be on the horizon. Maybe I’m being dramatic, but August always catches me off guard. To keep the momentum going and avoid burnout, it helps to pause and look back on last month’s highlights … Read more

Gourd Crafts for Autumn Decor: Creative Fall Decorating Ideas

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Yes, that was a gourd pun. This post is about gourds—and about a quick, inexpensive way to turn simple craft-store gourds into glossy, ceramic-like accents for seasonal decorating. I enjoy adding subtle seasonal touches to our home, from Halloween to Thanksgiving, and these painted faux gourds fit right in with that approach. I found these … Read more