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

5 Practical Tips to Deep Clean Your Home and Nurture Your Nest

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Every once in a while I fall into a cleaning slump. After moving and planning all the ways I wanted to make this house feel like home someday, my daily rhythms slipped for a bit. At first I barely noticed, but I started postponing housekeeping tasks. Even though I know better, I kept telling myself … Read more

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: How to Help Your Plant Thrive

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Do you remember the unfortunate tale of my last fiddle leaf fig? Apparently I enjoy taking plant risks, because we’ve welcomed a new fiddle leaf fig into the family. This cheerful specimen came from Ikea. Fiddle leaf figs are known for being somewhat finicky, but so far this one is doing well. For the past … Read more

Brunch Menu Ideas and Entertaining Tips for Weekend Gatherings

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IIf you need a fresh idea for a spring or Easter brunch, here are some of our favorite easy recipes and simple entertaining tips to inspire your table. These dishes are crowd-pleasers and quick to prepare, perfect for relaxed gatherings or a special holiday breakfast. This weekend we’re serving Ebelskivers with warm cinnamon-apple syrup — … Read more

Create Daily Routines That Transform Your Life

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As someone who has long struggled with procrastination and staying focused, creating and practicing essential daily routines changed my life. I needed routines not only to keep the house in order, but to restore a sense of joy at home. Daily routines help me concentrate on what must be done so I can accomplish what … Read more

Dream vs. Reality: Describe Your Favorite Decorating Style

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Country Living What’s your favorite style? I find that being able to put your ideal decorating style into words helps create a clearer vision for your home’s look and feel. Describing what you love most makes decision-making easier when choosing paint, furniture, or accessories. Recognizing that a style you like might not be a perfect … Read more

Basement Apartment Update: Renovation Progress and Rental Timeline

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Hey friends! Today I’m sharing a peek at a part of our home we don’t often show: the cozy lower-level apartment my daughter has been living in for the past year. Quick backstory: a year ago our daughter Courtney moved out of her Seattle apartment and into our lower level. What was meant to be … Read more