Holiday Party Prep: 10 Essential Tasks Before Guests Arrive

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It is almost time for holiday parties! I’ve always loved hosting. Inviting friends and family over is one of the best motivators to get my home organized and ready. A party on the calendar sharpens my focus and makes it easy to prioritize the tasks that transform a house into a welcoming space. Whether I’m … Read more

Decorate Your Home Using Accessories You Already Own

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How to Decorate with Accessories I prefer to decorate using what I already own. Many pieces of my furniture and accessories have been with me for years. From time to time I refresh a vignette or add a single new piece, but mostly I rely on what I have and rearrange it to feel fresh. … Read more

Coastal Cottage Living Room with New Glass Lamp Ideas

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Can you believe summer is almost here? It’s time to refresh the house for the season. A few weeks ago I treated myself to a seaglass-colored lamp for the living room. I love its soft coastal hue and the light it brings to the space. It even reminds me of a bottle lamp I made … Read more

Settling Into Your New Home: Essential Moving-In Checklist

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Thanks to PODS® for partnering with us on our move! We are finally moved in, and it feels amazing to be all together under one roof again. Our beds are set up, the table and chairs are in place, and our familiar furniture has arrived. If you want to see where “here” is, you can … Read more

Lake House Toddler Boy Bedroom Tour: Forrest’s New Room Ideas

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Hi friends! Courtney (Melissa’s daughter) here. I’m excited to share a tour of my son Forrest’s bedroom in our new Lake House. We moved into this home last month and have been slowly making it our own. My parents-in-law are living with us in the lower-level suite, and it’s been such a joyful, busy transition. … Read more

Create a Toxin-Free Home with Houseplants — Virtual Class

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Last week I shared a few simple changes that have made a big difference in my health and wellbeing. Thank you for the thoughtful messages — it’s been wonderful to hear that my experiences have encouraged and inspired so many of you. If you missed that post, you can read it here: How I Radically … Read more

Empty Nesting: Home Style Ideas for Saturday Makeovers

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Hi friends! Saturdays seem to arrive more quickly than ever. Maybe it’s because I’m paying closer attention to time now that I’m sharing these weekend roundups, or perhaps it’s simply the steady rhythm of the weeks. Lately I’m noticing small moments I’ll miss when life changes — like my son making a sandwich — and … Read more

LOVE: Whimsical Stylish Simple Gallery Wall Ideas

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Traditional Home Tobi Fairley I’m enamored with this gallery wall idea. Painted frames aren’t new, but this arrangement feels especially fresh and elegant. If the weather allowed, I’d be out with coral spray paint right now recreating it. The soft, spring-inspired palette is inviting — coral has always been one of my favorite colors. I … Read more

Slow Decorating: How We Turn a House into a Personal Home

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Last weekend we celebrated the upcoming arrival of our new granddaughter with friends and family. It was a joyful, special time. Even though I missed everyone when we left, I always appreciate returning to my everyday rhythms and routines. And I couldn’t wait to set up the vintage bamboo cart we brought home. Sources: Patterned … Read more

Find Your Signature Style: A Guide to Personal Fashion Identity

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Do you ever feel unsure about what your truest, most authentic style is? Over the years I’ve often had design identity crises — I love many different looks and sometimes struggle to commit to one direction. That uncertainty can make decisions feel confusing. Who am I, really? I adore so many styles, but these rooms … Read more