Outside in...inside out!

Summer is here!! For most of us that means spending time outside. If you live in the east or Midwest that means EVERYDAY for as many hours as you can!!! So remember this, your outdoor space is an extension of your indoor space.

We often talk about how we should bring the outside in as far as color and accents go. Well, this time of year it is the reverse! Make your outdoor space comfortable and relaxing, but also pretty! With the abundance of chairs, tables, rugs and poufs it is easy!

Images from target.com  I {heart} Target

How do you make your outdoor space an extension of your indoor space?

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful Dads I know!! The world is a better place because you are in it! And to those that are no longer with us...we cherish the memories!
Love you SO much!!


Our sons Chas and Jason
(and daughters Katelyn and Kristin)
 

My Husband




(I could not find pics of our son in laws. They are amazing too!)

Throw Rugs and Pillows and Curtains...oh my!

I LOVE  decorative pillows, throw rugs and curtains!!!! Next to paint, I believe that they really change things up!! They provide a pop of color or a complete change in style or mood. They are fairly inexpensive and store easily.

Pillows: I generally store them in a plastic container...or simply move them to another room in my home.

Curtains: These fold nicely and can be stored in a drawer, on a shelf or on a hanger. (It is difficult to take a picture in a dark closet. Sorry for the bad quality.)

Rugs: I store my rugs on pants hangers and hang them in the closet. It makes it easy to find the one I need/want and yes I may be a little obsessed!!

What are your obsessions? How have you solved their storage problems?

Well, I can do THAT!

The dangers of home improvement TV

Well, that sounds ominous! Here's what I mean...

While in Australia, I had the opportunity to consult on a renovation. The client is a DIYer and decided after watching a "design" show that she could hang wallpaper. Which she did...and the next day when she returned to the house...it was on the floor. After a brief course in Wallpapering 101 by moi she is ready to go.

We can be lead astray, so to speak, by just watching an episode that is 30 minutes in duration and assuming that is an "education" in a specific project. YES these shows are GREAT for inspiration, ideas and even DIY projects. I watch them ALL THE  TIME!! I'm just saying...do some further study. Ask yourself these questions:

What tools do I need?
How long will it take? (double it!)
How much will it cost? (double it!) Mistakes happen.
Do I honestly have the skillset?
Do I have a friend that can help? (talented friend are great!)
And maybe most importantly...how much will it cost to fix if it doesn't work?

Now sometimes ignorance it truly bliss! Believing we can is so important!! I'm just suggesting that we research a little more than just watching episode #8. ;)  Good luck on ALL your DIY projects!!

My grandmothers chair.

First time EVER reupholstering.

Not perfect...and I'm ok with that. I love it!!

 

I come from the land down under...

Ok, not really but I love it there!! It was a great trip and I think that my body has adjusted to the time change. It was a wonderful time filled with amazing new friends!! And along with that was some time to reflect and consider life. It was very restoring! My head was clear and I could actually think. I know!! We spent time by the water, which feeds my soul and not to sound too dramatic I feel like I am different...changed somehow. For the better. Perspective is everything. There are some changes happening in our family and they are difficult but good! This trip was in many ways timed perfectly. I am grateful for the tender mercies that have come my way.

Ok, enough of the deep stuff! So below are some pictures from the trip. I was able to do some "work" which is also "fun". I did some research and found that decorating in New Zealand and Australia is not that different. The countries are beautiful and the people were so very nice. I strongly encourage adding them to your bucket list. And speaking of that...do you have a bucket list? I do not and I have often wondered why...My life has been full and rich and lovely, filled with amazing experiences and people! I'm not sure what I would put on that list.

Hello there June!

It is June! Today is my father in law's birthday. He is 93! He is amazing and I hope he has the best birthday EvEr!!


I have been in New Zealand and Australia for the last almost 5 weeks! It was amazing!! It is also great to be home. Now if I can just get my body clock to switch back it will be wonderful! What have you been doing while I was gone?