20 Small Ways to Love Your Home and Life

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Take a tour of my kitchen here 20 Little Ways to Love Your Life & Home Happy Valentine’s Day! I {heart} You! Spring is an ideal time to refresh your home and your outlook. Small, intentional actions can make your daily life feel brighter and more satisfying. Below are simple, practical ideas to help you … Read more

Win a $100 AmEx Gift Card from HGTVd Giveaway

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Did you watch the premiere of the new series HGTV’d last week? I wanted to tune in, but our TV wasn’t working. We’ve only had that flat-screen for about a year and a half, so I couldn’t believe it had stopped working already. Fortunately we bought it at Costco and it was covered by their … Read more

Home Renovation Highlights: Before & After Transformations

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Yesterday I shared a Home Goals worksheet for 2019. It’s energizing to plan ahead, but it’s equally important to pause and appreciate how far you’ve come and to feel content with what is. You know? In the blog and social media world, there’s a tendency to always chase the next thing. That mindset can breed … Read more

Day 4 of 31 Days of Autumn Bliss: Bring Cozy Back to Your Home

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House Beautiful House Beautiful Remodeling Center House Beautiful House Beautiful Coziness Action Step: Bring the furniture in a little closer. When everything is spread out too far, it will never feel cozy. What makes a living room cozy to you? Each of these rooms feels cozy for different reasons—layered textures, warm lighting, well-placed seating, and … Read more

Stylish Countertop Lamps for Kitchen Lighting and Decor

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House and Garden UK Setting a lamp on a kitchen counter is one of my favorite, simple ways to bring warmth and charm to the heart of the home. It’s a small detail, but it adds an unexpected, cozy touch—especially in the evening when the soft light creates a welcoming atmosphere. Although not a common … Read more

Mindful Garden Puttering: Simple Self-Care in Your Yard

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TThis weekend I spent some quiet time puttering in the garden. I’ve been using my Dwelling Well journal to stay focused on activities that nourish my spirit. Keeping this small ritual has helped me create gentle self-care habits: making lists of positive actions, reflecting, and imagining hopeful things. Right now, hope is what sustains me. … Read more

5 Cozy Cottage Kitchens That Feel Like a Warm Embrace

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@tales_of_olivers_cottage Sunday Strolls + Scrolls is a series inspired by interiors and outdoor spaces I discovered while browsing the web. I love finding rooms and ideas that evoke a sense of sanctuary. My goal with this series is to offer posts that feel as calming and pleasant as a leisurely walk down a charming street, … Read more

Growing Lilacs at Home: Care, Planting, and Bloom Tips

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Rug Source // How to Hang plates on the Wall WWhen we lived in a previous home, the lilacs in the yard hardly ever bloomed. When we moved into this house six years ago in the fall, I had no idea what a wonderful show of flowers awaited the following spring. Each new bush and … Read more

5 Essential Blogging Questions Answered: Tips for New Bloggers

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Me in my old kitchen in Better Homes & Gardens Happy Friday! This summer I’m honored to serve as a blog mentor at the Haven Conference in Atlanta. Haven is a hands-on conference for DIY and home bloggers, and it’s a wonderful place for both new and experienced bloggers to learn, share, and connect. If … Read more

Display Dishes on Open Shelves: Stylish Ways to Arrange Your Plates

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One of the things I loved about choosing a simple, neutral palette for my kitchen—charcoal base cabinets paired with white uppers—was the flexibility it offered. That neutral backdrop lets me change the room’s mood easily by adding colorful dishes, books, towels, or small accessories. The kitchen can be calm and understated or bright and energetic, … Read more