DIY Reindeer Table Runner

Hi everyone!  Wouldn't you know it, the busiest time to be taking photos and my camera won't talk to my computer right now.  Grrr.   Fortunately, I had just finished up loading photos from my latest DIY -- a sweet burlap table runner for your casual holiday table. :) #whew I love a good stenciling project, don't you?  If you follow me on Instagram,  you saw a little tease the other day... I'm so lucky to work with the good folks at … [Read more...]

#Wordsmatter: HOPE

Ah finally -- a weekend that, in spite of being somewhat busy, was refreshing. And I needed refreshment.  And some time to reflect on the week and this journey that I'm on -- getting healthy and re-evaluating. As I've raised my children and taught many others, one of the things I have said over and over is that words matter.  Words can lift up and encourage and validate another.  And words can also tear down, poison, and crush another.  In … [Read more...]

DIY Wood Pallet Projects {Inspiration Galore!}

OCTOBER!!  I can't even ... what the heck happened to September?!  Oh my...  We're still having 80+ degree days here, but the mornings are cooler and the humidity not quite so high, so I know fall is creeping in.  I'm ready! I've got a list of projects I want to do a mile long and not enough hours in the day, but it's fun to gather inspiration for when I DO have time to immerse in a good DIY.  I'm so fortunate to know so many talented DIY … [Read more...]

Preserving History: the Rug Pad

Hi, friends!  I hope you're having a great week... I'm making the most of my Fall Break and are now in one of my favorite cities ever -- NYC!  And of course, that means I'm with one of my favorite people ever... does it get better than a BFF? Today I'm sharing a new find for my foyer... one that will help preserve this precious piece of my family's history... I've shared a bit about this antique Oriental rug that belonged to my … [Read more...]

Set the Table for a Christmas Coffee (and a Rug Giveaway!)

Much as I enjoy a festive evening party, one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season with close friends is a Christmas Coffee.  I used to do this in conjunction with my Willow House business, but the simple formula works even better for a cozy get-together with a close pal or two.  And ever since I spotted some adorable Christmas plates and mugs at Tuesday Morning, I've been itching to pull together a Christmas Coffee tablescape to share with … [Read more...]

Win $50 to NOVICA {Happy Friday!}

**This giveaway is now closed** TGIF, friends!  I'm so excited to bring you YET ANOTHER giveaway this month!   You may remember last year I reviewed products from NOVICA, an online international artist marketplace that is part of the National Geographic family.  What an amazing experience that was from start to finish... and my eyes were opened to the incredible talent that exists in so many nations around the world. I was thrilled when … [Read more...]

Diamond Candles {A Girl’s Best Friend} & a GIVEAWAY!

The past few months have been conflict-ridden and tough tests driven.  I'm really not so great at taking time to pamper myself in little ways when  things are crazy and stressful.  But I'm trying to get better about that... and I'm learning that sometimes it's exactly the little things that make me feel better.  So when I was contacted by Katelynn at Diamond Candles about doing a product review and giveaway, I was immediately drawn to the idea.  … [Read more...]

NOVICA: Unique Pieces for the Home and More

When I was contacted several weeks ago to do a product review for NOVICA, I had never heard of the company.  Before responding I spent some time perusing their website and was instantly smitten with what they sell and what they do.  You see, it's two-fold:  NOVICA is a showcase, in association with National Geographic,  of artisans and their wares from all over the world -- jewelry, home decor, apparel, artwork -- all crafted in their native … [Read more...]

DIY Stencil Drapes {Royal Design Studio Stencil Review}

Though it's hard to pick a favorite project in my Ugly Duckling dining room, I think the project that made the biggest difference in my space is my drapes... After living with simple blinds for soooo long, I was completely unprepared with how finished these drapes make my space feel! And this project had a ton of bang for the buck!  Here's how it came about... It all started when I went to Haven.   I was so thrilled to receive a … [Read more...]

An {in}spired Finishing Touch (Front Porch Makeover)

I'm a self-professed 90% girl when it comes to projects.  I have a tendancy to get a home project or room makeover about 90% complete and then I either run out of steam or get distracted by some other project I'm longing to get started on.  One of my goals for this year was to finish what I start and I'm so proud to say I have completed my front porch summer makeover.  I mean, it's only July 25th, right? :-) This is one of those posts where … [Read more...]