Spring Bathroom Refresh in Our Rental Home We’ve been in our rental home for two months now, and it’s easy to love—especially the bathrooms. They feature nicely sized vanities and charming finishes that make them a pleasure to style. Until recently I hadn’t had a chance to really accessorize, so I set aside an afternoon … Read more

Happy weekend, Sweet Friends, The birds have been especially musical this week. Each morning I wake to cheerful birdsong coming from the trees outside my window, and it has set a light, hopeful tone for the day. Those bright sounds remind me of other small, joyful noises that come with warmer weather—little moments that make … Read more

Moist and tender pumpkin banana muffins are a close cousin to banana bread—only in a convenient, single-serve muffin form. The blend of sweet ripe banana and warm pumpkin spice yields a comforting muffin that works perfectly for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts on … Read more

There’s something joyful about setting a beautiful table when the seasons change. Whether it’s the first warm days of spring or the long, golden evenings of summer, a welcoming tablescape can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. Below I’ve collected practical and creative Spring and Summer table setting ideas—from cheerful Easter brunches and … Read more

After a frightening trip to the ER during a severe fibromyalgia flare, I discovered a comforting homemade remedy I now call “Grandma Rita’s Turmeric Tea.” I experimented with many spice combinations until I arrived at a flavorful concentrate we enjoy daily. The recipe below makes a concentrate that you dilute and customize with fruit juice, … Read more

Create beautiful art prints using a simple watercolor tape-resist technique — perfect for both kids and adults. This is an easy, satisfying craft you can use for camp activities, classroom projects, or at-home creativity. I came across this watercolor idea while searching for easy camp craft projects for younger children. Design Dazzle’s “Summer Camp” series … Read more

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and it’s the perfect time to share a little extra kindness with children. These cute printable Valentines for kids are designed to be simple, charming, and ready to brighten anyone’s day. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, caregiver, or grandparent, you’ll find these cards easy to use: just print, cut, and pass … Read more

31 Days in October: Blogging My Camp Kitchen Journey October has always been my favorite month for blogging. For the past two years I joined The Nester and about a thousand other bloggers for a month-long challenge: 31 posts in 31 days. The first year I chronicled my preparations for a Christmas craft fair and … Read more

In this article: Learn from professional designers and discover how to beat decorating paralysis with seven practical lessons inspired by HGTV stars. I’d like to say I make room makeovers in a snap and always decide quickly and confidently, but that wouldn’t be true. I’ve painted an entryway six times before I landed on a … Read more

I’ve spent a productive day creating several new hand-painted signs for the Etsy shop. The first piece was a custom order — my very first one — made for a customer who loves Pottery Barn and whose last name happens to be “Small.” Designing and painting this sign was a joy; I had fun choosing … Read more