Recipes, projects & products that don’t suck.

I have never once decorated for Valentine’s Day – until now. But now I have this hutch, this chalkboard, this white wreath and this centerpiece that all beg for festive adornment. It’s just so easy to add a few simple touches that I couldn’t resist. Besides, winter here in Michigan is drab and gray and depressing – who couldn’t use a little Valentine cheer? If you’re thinking it’s a little early for Valentine decorations, you might be right. But here’s the thing – if you want to make this garland, you’ll need to go to Target NOW and pick up these paper lace hearts in the dollar bin. Another week and they’ll probably be gone. The other thing is Hubs and I will be gone…

Just over eight years ago, Hubs and I were searching for a new house. He had to have a pole barn. I had to have a large walk-in closet. We got both. At the time, the house seemed huge – a big step up from what we had before. Fast-forward to today – the house seems much smaller now and my ‘must-have’ list has changed. Don’t get me wrong, the closet is still a must. But if I were looking for a house today, I would want a decent-sized (preferably fenced-in) back yard (for the dogs, which we didn’t have nor anticipate eight years ago). And I would love a big walk-in pantry. And wood floors. And white cupboards/trim (we have beautiful cherry wood work…

I love this event. What’s better than touring 12 homes (all decked out in amazing Christmas decor) while shopping for various items from over 100 local artists? This is my idea of a FUN day! And that is was. I tagged along with three friends, two of which have made this an annual tradition for several years. We started early, hit all 12 houses and shopped til we dropped (at about 7 pm). I found so many great items and now I’m so excited to decorate for Christmas this year. My holiday decor hasn’t changed much over the last eight years, so it’s REALLY due for an update. I snapped a ton of photos with my phone today so I could refer back to all…

I weeded through hundreds of fall decor projects to find these ten chic ideas for you. They made my list because these are projects I would actually make myself and display in my own home. No crap here, remember? ;) BOOK PAGE PUMPKIN tutorial here Last time I made a book page project, I was on my way to a Pinterest Party and forgot to bring my book. I had to stop and get gas and what do ya know, there was a free Trucker’s Bible (only it wasn’t called that – it had some other unassuming title) right by the checkout. It wasn’t until I started ripping the book apart that I realized it was a BIBLE!!!!!!! Yeah. So I have a book page…

  Could your entry use a little door bling? This lemon wreath looks fresh and sunny and happy. If that doesn’t say “Welcome!” – what does?! I spotted this wreath on HowDoesShe. Thanks to Dawn’s photos and detailed instructions, I’m happy to report that this project is NOT a lemon! Rather, it was fun, easy and quick (if you don’t count supply shopping). As promised (in my Front Door Makeover post), here you have the step by step instructions for creating this cheery summer wreath… SUPPLIES NEEDED: large grapevine wreath      (Tip: These are readily available at craft stores. However, thrift stores will often have these      types of wreaths. If it is decorated, just remove the decor before beginning.) several bunches of…