Turn an outdated faux Christmas swag into a beautiful, on-trend decoration in minutes. With a few updated pinecone and greenery picks and a bold velvet ribbon, you can give a tired swag a fresh, elegant look that suits today’s holiday styles. Why you might want to try this upcycled Christmas decorations project If you want … Read more

Weekly Reading Roundup: Favorite Finds for Bloggers and Home Creatives I’ve often heard that successful bloggers should read at least four blog posts a day. For me, that recommendation is easy to follow — and honestly, one of my favorite daily rituals. Scrolling through beautiful sites, recipes, makeovers, and creative projects always leaves me inspired … Read more

I used to avoid having salad for dinner, but this Spicy Lime Chicken Salad completely changed my mind. It combines bright citrus, gentle heat, and a mix of crisp, juicy textures for a satisfying, colorful meal you can make any weeknight. Start by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips so they cook quickly … Read more

Today’s chicken stuffing casserole with creamy sauce brings together all the familiar comforts of a holiday meal in one easy dish. Tender cooked chicken or leftover turkey, seasoned stuffing mix, rice, and a rich cream sauce combine to create a warming, family-friendly casserole that’s perfect for cool fall and winter evenings. How to Make Easy … Read more

Shortly after my mother was diagnosed with dementia (I wrote about that here and here), I read that one practical way to slow cognitive decline is to keep your brain active by learning new things. I decided to act on that immediately. I began exploring topics that might interest me, and soon discovered a number … Read more

A painted accent wall can be an easy way to add big impact to a small space. In the middle of my Christmas decorating this year I decided to pause the holly and paint a wall instead. I’d been considering a dark painted accent wall in the dining room for months, and the holiday hustle … Read more

Holiday Mail, Family Photos, and Warm Season’s Greetings I love this time of year when the mailbox brings small surprises: handwritten notes, cheerful cards, and short updates from friends and family. Holiday mail creates a sense of connection that feels especially meaningful after a busy year, and reading each message is a reminder of the … Read more

Basement Organization: Simple Storage Solutions That Work I often find the process of organizing both amusing and frustrating. One room can be perfectly tidy and refreshed, and before I know it another area looks like a whirlwind passed through. As my dining room began to shine, the basement quietly descended into chaos. The basement is … Read more

We celebrated the holiday a little differently this year. Over the Easter weekend I worked like a maniac in the camp kitchen—planning menus, doing grocery inventories, meeting with sales reps, and thinking about the busy months ahead even in my sleep. It was satisfying work, but by the end I needed a break. So now … Read more

Oh, how I love a good story. I love listening to them, reading them, and every now and then, telling a few myself. I began blogging 14 years ago, and for much of that time I wrote simply for the joy of it. I didn’t know the ins and outs of making a blog grow, … Read more