Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I know it's not a super huge holiday, but it's fun. I put up just a few touches of decor around our common living areas that I'd like to share. If I was on the ball, I would have shared this post a week or two ago to inspire you. Alas, I am quite the procrastinator. {I like to think most creative people are.} Hope this inspires you for next year!

ABCs of Decorating | I

Facelift Friday | Bulletin Board Upcycle

ABCs of Decorating | H

Seasonal Decor | For the love of October

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."  Lucy Maud Montgomery

The ABCs of Decorating | C

I know, I know. You came here looking for some kind of awesome secret on home decor and cleaning was the last thing you wanted to do. I'm sorry, but today is just good ol' sage wisdom. You will never, ever, EVER love your house when it is a mess. That may be harsh, but it's the truth. We all have goals we want to meet where home decor is concerned. The very first step is starting with a clean slate..... which is equal to a clean home. 

Weekend Finds

This past weekend I was able to hit some good garage sales as well as stop at one of my favorite local shops. Here are some things I picked up.

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? 

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! 

Facelift Friday

Giving new life to a mass produced end table.

Facelift Friday | French Country Ottoman

While thrifting a few months ago, I found a sweet end table. It was solid wood, in excellent condition and a fantastic deal. 

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.

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.

Our Spring Vignette

When you first walk into our home, there is a small buffet to the left. I love to decorate this area for the current season or holiday. I got a little overexcited for spring and Easter and decorated quite early this year. But after I took down our Valentine's decor, it felt a little bare. Here are some photos of the springtime vignette.

 Hope you feel inspired to start thinking warm, green thoughts! Happy Monday!

Excited to be sharing at French Country Cottage today!