Our First Shiplap Wall!

As long time Chip + Joanna fans, a shiplap somewhere in our home has always been a goal.   At the same time, it has to work with the decor of that room.   When we first started this home renovation, we...

Kitchen Break Thru

When Is a Quick Room Fix Worth It?

So often we find ourselves living in a space (or a whole home!) that is frustrating.  But whether we’re saving money for it, waiting for a strike of decorating inspiration or potentially moving anyway, it can feel confusing whether or...

How to Design a Simple, Attractive, Stylish Reading Nook

Over the years I have always seemed to love the nooks and crannies in my apartments and homes.  When first starting out, especially with roommates, taking advantage of whatever little spots where mine was so important. Making a corner feel...

Stenciling Your Wall To Look Like Chinoiserie Wallpaper

New home, new interior adventures!  It’s been a long hunt for our new Chicago home but we are in!  Still in total overwhelm, but also giddy with all the projects plans that we have on the brain.  I have stored...

Polka Dot Slipcover Save

Had such a nice fall break at the little green cottage last week.  Was reminded how much I love the porch.  When I bought it the porch was one of the spots I couldn’t wait to decorate.  It seemed like...

DIY Grey Striped Desk Saga

In an effort to stay authentic on the blog, I would like to share a DIY project that as my friend would say was ‘an epic fail.’   Not every project is smooth sailing during every stage.  Some have minor...

Painting Cottage Furniture

It’s been a crazy couple of months since the closing on the little cottage.  Still letting it sink it.  Not one to usually rush decorating and furnishing projects, but since I wanted to be up and running for summer the...

Fabric Picture Frame Border

I’ve had a photograph floating around for months that I’ve been wanting to frame. It’s a very old photo of my grandmother kneeling beside my mother as a little girl; I love that I can perfectly see my mom’s face...

Strapping Fear in the Car Seat

In one of my first newsletters I shared about my breakdown on the blue carpet during my first month in Virginia. It was such a glamorous moment. So I’m proud to announce I’ve had another one. : )- This round,...

My Month of Shock + Some Great Advice I Got!

Last Fall I decided to change a few things. I resigned from the executive job that I’d had for 20 years, left the downtown city life of Chicago that I loved, moved across the country leaving friends, a network, my...

Seeing Past the Packaging

It has been a full two weeks and I would be remiss if I did not introduce the newest member of our family, Toby – a dachshund that might give me a run for my money, but has already stolen...

Being An Adult

My Mom sent this to me today. She probably found it on Pinterest. She is lapping me in pins by the minute. It made me laugh (and whimper inside)  because it summed up how I feel this week.  Maybe you’re...

A New Year: What Worked

2013 was really nice year…No world traveling or big life events, but a serene soulful year. Life always feel like an insane bustle from one thing to the next but this year felt a touch more calm. I took a...

One Resolution: Short and Sweet

I’ve never written formal resolutions but this year I find myself jotting down a small list on the back of a Christmas card envelope. Whether they get checked off or not, I am going to try to keep one on...