ABCs of Decorating | H

February Darlings

A few of my favorite things.....

French Bottle Rack | I have been obsessing over these amazing French country staples for months now. I don't know what it is about them. I love that they are a little bit industrial looking, yet still so elegant. They are super functional, but add such an unexpected element. I finally cracked and bought one when they were featured on Antique Farmhouse. It's a very small one and I am positive it's a reproduction. But I thought it would look so pretty on my newly refinished telephone table. Right now we use that area as a hot cocoa/cider station and it would be perfect to hang a few mugs on it.

Vintage French Canister Set | I love to use anything vintage in my kitchen. If something I find is too old and worn for it's original use (such as holding flour or grains), I will repurpose it. Vintage canisters are perfect to hold utensils, napkins or even herbs. The patina on this particular set of tin canisters is just perfect. This set is still available on Etsy.

Method Laundry Detergent in Lavender Cedar | Laundry isn't my favorite thing to do, but it's a necessary chore. Using this fantastic smelling detergent helps. I love Method because of their commitment to use the least amount of chemicals possible. Of course I love the lavender scent and the cedar in it just adds such a refreshing feeling. Currently, I am receiving all of my toiletries from ePantry. I love them not only for the convenience, but because of their commitment to the environment. They only partner with other brands who are equally committed to the environment. That is important to me as well. {If you shop through my link, you will receive $10 off your first order!}

She Reads Truth Lent Devotional | Lent is something has become of great importance to me the past several years. I've gotten to where I appreciate Lent and the anticipation of Easter more so than any other holiday during the year. It's a time for quiet reflection to remember what Jesus did for us and what He gave up. I discovered the She Reads Truth app during the fall and I absolutely love it. It actually was a website first, but using the app is so perfect for me and my crazy life. With each study, they offer a physical book along with beautiful prints and scripture cards to be purchased on their website. I typically don't buy the book, but for Lent, I HAD to. This book is beautiful. Daily, there is a classic hymn featured that corresponds with the scripture and devotional. I know it is only day 2, but I could not love it more. *I just saw that the Lent devotional is sold out. Don't worry, you can still follow along via the website for free or on your iphone or ipad for a small fee!

Potted French Lavender | This is just something simple I am thoroughly enjoying right now. I picked up a French lavender plant at my local grocery store for $12. It smells heavenly, but not overpowering like English lavender. French lavender is a delicate mix of rosemary and traditional English lavender. It is easy to care for and beautiful.



* This post contains affiliate links which I may be compensated in a very small amount for. ** My thoughts on ePantry are 100% my own. I have not been contacted or compensated in any way, shape or form for my opinions.

The ABCs of Decorating | B

The basics are going to be different for every person. For me, it's pretty simple. I guess that's why they are called basic. When you find yourself wanting to change up your home decor or just add any at all, this is where I would start hands down. You don't have to spend a lot of money at all when it comes to the basics. In fact, several of my basic items were purchased at big box discount stores. So, let's get to it, shall we?

The ABCs of Decorating | A

By definition, something that is alluring is very attractive, enticing, fascinating, and charming. My personal explanation of what alluring is, "it draws you in; you feel pulled towards it." 

How on earth does this relate to decorating? 

September Darlings

Halloween Decorating

September is FINALLY here. Yes, it's one thousand degrees here in Florida, but I am bringing in all the things of fall as soon as I can possibly manage. I have already loaded up on things for my shoppe at Old Time Antiques. If you are in the area, make sure you stop by. There are many talented people in this collective. You will not be disappointed! 

Room Refresh | Better flow in the dining room.

Thanks for joining me again for the before and afters of my first room refresh. Today I will be sharing the changes we made in the dining room. I think the dining room ended up being my favorite of the four spaces we converted. My client loved most everything about her dining room except for the flow of the space. 

Room Refresh | Adding pretty to the kitchen.

I am going to try my best to not be too wordy with this post. I know pictures do a great job of speaking for themselves. I recently finished working with one of my first clients. She was an absolute dream to work with as she was willing to go along with all of my crazy ideas without question. 

White Party | Monochromatic Entertaining on the Fly

I had the pleasure of hosting some fellow homeschool moms in my home this week for a night a fellowship. I had planned to do desserts, tea and coffee. When I searched for dessert recipes on Pinterest, I looked for "wintry" desserts. While there were no real winners in the recipe department, I noticed over and over people decorating with white and silver for winter tea gatherings. I was inspired. 

Settled in, but not settling.

As you probably all know by now, our family relocated to Florida last summer.

 It was a rocky start. There were many delays and mishaps and problems.

But when it was all said and done, we had gained a beautiful home that is just perfect for us.

Our entire family has enjoyed crafting and creating personal spaces that are just right.

Slowly, I've been making our home feel as if we've lived here forever. 

But, there are still so many things I want to do.

I hope you'll join me as I begin to share more about our new place.

Cake Stand | Kitchen Helper

 

This is one of my favorite things in the kitchen. A medium sized cake plate with a linen towel is such a lovely place to keep your dish soap, hand soap, counter spray and/or whatever other staples you need to have out on the counter.

 

 

This is not my original idea. I found something similar when I first joined Pinterest two years ago. (Has it been that long??)

 



 

After seeing Natalie's soap stand, I made it my mission to have my own. I love how the idea is the same, but totally my own style. I think that is one of my favorite things of designing: taking a brilliant idea and adapting it to fit my needs.

 

What are your favorite kitchen helpers?

Our Homes Past & Present | Newport

Oh, Newport. You had me at first impression. Ever since I was a young girl, I dreamed of living in New England. None of my family had ever been there, but I felt drawn to it. I was incredibly excited and thankful my husband was selected to go the Naval War College for ten months. We rented a house smack in the middle of it all on Thames Street in downtown Newport and enjoyed our ten months to the fullest. I will never forget the great times we had there nor will I ever stop yearning to go back.

I regret I don't have more pictures at the moment. I am sure they are around, I just don't have time to dig through everything. This house was pretty much my dream house. I am so thankful for the opportunity we had.

 

 

 



Springtime Centerpiece

 

It took me a while to get this arrangement just right. It wasn't the type of consideration where you sit and stare at something for hours. This centerpiece was built out of multiple passings by. And I finally settled this afternoon.

 

It's a simple stack of melamine plates from Target's Easter selection years ago. I loved the faux vintage look on them. {The cute little bunnies didn't hurt things either.}

 

 

Also from Target's Easter offerings are the sweet linen {looking} napkins with the embroidered rabbit.

 

 

On top of the stack of plates is a lovely sugar bowl I got from a Dutch company called Pomax. Their stuff is simple and beautiful. I hope to find more before we move back to the States.

The cake stand is a new addition to our home. It is Martha Stewart and I was happy and surprised to find it at the Exchange here in Germany. I am looking forward to experimenting with different seasonal items.

 

If you are local, you will be happy to hear the faux eggs and nest are ridiculously easy to find in Germany. The country as a whole seemingly has a love affair with eggs in the spring. Mine in particular came from Depot.

 

 

After days of walking past our dining room table and slightly rearranging things, I am finally happy with the arrangement. All the spring things make me smile... even when snow is fluttering down right outside my window.

Sharing this post at Cozy Little House.

Dreaming of Spring

The snow is still freshly fallen here in Stuttgart (and we are expecting MORE), but I am ready for spring. I am slowly getting my home ready for spring as well. We enjoyed a month of Valentine's decor to transition out of the holidays, but I am welcoming the fresh, clean looks of the approaching season. I'll be posting photos of our spring decor later this week, but today I am sharing my favorite spring decor items.

 1. IKEA Alpklocka 100% Linen Throw
At $39.99, this throw was is a little more on the expensive side, especially for IKEA. But in my opinion, it is well worth the cost. It is highly reminiscent of the linen products I saw at the weekly markets in Provence. It is soft and light, perfect for the warmer months coming up.

2. Rabbit Silhouettes

It's only natural to love bunnies at this time of year. And more and more lately, I am loving silhouettes of most anything. I have a particular fondness of items that are more natural, such as this distressed beauty from Slippin' Southern. It would make a lovely addition to any Easter or spring vignette.

 

3. IKEA Fintorp Baskets

At 2 for $14.99, these baskets are an incredible deal. The set includes this size pictured, as well as a smaller more square basket. I am in love with this basket. The sloped edges and wooden handle make it feel a little more special than the average find at IKEA.

 

4. IKEA Skurar Plant Pots

These simple tins pots are actually quite elegant with the loveliest eyelet cutouts on the rim.

 

5. IKEA Fejka Faux Potted Plants

In Germany, we don't have a lot of options as far as faux plants and flowers go. So, I was pretty happy with this selection of faux plants from IKEA. I purchased the boxwood and olive looking ones. It's a nice touch of green in our home. (and they fit perfectly in the Skurar pots!)

 

 

6. Birds' Nests

Does anything say "Spring" more than birds' nests full of little baby eggs? I have a few of these around our main living area and plan to make a wreath featuring one as well. (Germany friends, you can find a small selection of cute birds' nests at Depot!)

 

7. Birds!

Of course, you wouldn't have the nest or eggs without the birds. I have a soft spot in my heart for birds and have been using them in spots in my home for years. These can be found nearly anywhere these days including Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Target, etc. If you are in Germany, they are also at Depot.