MERRY CHRISTMAS 2019

Wishing each of you the very Merriest Christmas and a Happy New Year!  I pray you feel loved and know peace this holiday season, ultimately because of the reason we celebrate in the first place... Jesus being born to save us from our sin.  May His love and peace bring rest to your heart! "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mightly God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6 ...

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FRIDAY FASHION FAVES

I usually do a random group of items for Five Friday Favorites, but lately I've had several great fashion finds so decided to stick with that for a theme for what I'm sharing with you today.  These are all recent additions that I really love and think you will too.  We're probably too late to add these to your Christmas wish list, but if you find yourself with a little Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket I can help you find something to do with it... ha! ( *This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my  full disclosure policy here .) Leopard Flats - I think I own about every style of leopard shoe available, but I've just about worn holes in the bottom of my leopard flats.  I've had my eye out for a new pair, and I recently saw that these that are normally around $150 had been clearanced at one of my favorite mall stores.  But, then I found them online for an ev......

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TAKEAWAYS FROM THE "IT'S A COLORFUL LIFE" CHRISTMAS HOME TOURS

The "It's a Colorful Life" Christmas tours last week were too much fun to visit!  I always look forward to seeing these lovely, colorful homes all decked out for Christmas, and never leave without new ideas from each one!  Today I'm sharing a little wrap-up of the tours, and some takeaways that inspired me from each one.  I've selected one photo to share from each one, but there is so much more  and often multiple rooms packed into each post, be sure to click over on each one to see the full tour. My "It's a Colorful Life" Christmas Tour ...

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IT'S A COLORFUL LIFE 2019 CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR: PART 3- BREAKFAST NOOK, MASTER BEDROOM, POWDER BATH, AND THIS AND THAT!

I'm so happy you're here for the final part of my Christmas Home Tour this year!  Today I'll be showing you around the Breakfast Nook, Master Bedroom, Powder Bath, and a few other nooks and crannies decorated around the house.  This week has been such fun, I hope you've enjoyed being here! ...

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IT'S A COLORFUL LIFE 2019 CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR: PART 2- PORCH, ENTRY, AND DINING ROOM

Welcome to Part 2 of this year's Christmas Home Tour!  Thanks so much for all of your kind words on yesterday's Living Room tour , I'm so glad you enjoyed it!  Today I'm sharing our Porch, Entry, and Dining Room all ready for the holidays. ...

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IT'S A COLORFUL LIFE 2019 CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR: PART 1- LIVING ROOM

Hello, and Merry Christmas!  It's hard to believe we're well into the holiday season once again!  This year, I'm thrilled to be hosting the 2nd Annual It's a Colorful Life Christmas Tour with Jewel from  Jeweled Interiors .  The best group of bloggers who love color are joining us for a three day colorful Christmas eye candy feast!  Today I'm so excited to help kick this party off by sharing my Christmas Living Room Tour with you.   If you've landed here for the first time, welcome!  I'm so glad you're here.  My name is Jennifer and I've been sharing my home for over 8 years through this blog and on Instagram .  My goal is to share helpful tips and inspiring projects with you to encourage you to create your own home that's a reflection of your life and style.  I worked several years after college as an Elementary school teacher, but have always been creative and interested in decorating, and although I have no design training ......

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STOCKING STUFFERS AND GIFT IDEAS- ALL UNDER $20!

I shared this year's Christmas Gift Guide earlier this week, but today wanted to share some additional ideas with you.  Everything I selected for this list would make a great stocking stuffer or smaller gift since all of the items I picked are less than $20!  I organized my choices into 5 different categories... For Her, For Him, For Teens, For the Home, and Books. ...

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DIY HONEYCOMB BALL WREATH, FA LA LA SIGN, AND CHRISTMAS TOUR SNEAK PEEKS!

I've been a busy bee decorating for Christmas and it never fails that along with that I have a few crafty projects thrown into the mix!  This year I was inspired by a honeycomb ball wreath and DIY Christmas sign I saw in HGTV Magazine, and from a project I saw from a fellow blogger.  They got my creative juices flowing for a few key pieces to switch up my Christmas decor a little bit this year.  In the process of sharing these projects, I'll also show you a few sneak peeks of my Christmas tour. ...

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2019 DIMPLES AND TANGLES CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE- SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Hello everyone!  I hope you all had a marvelous Thanksgiving holiday.  Are you shopped out yet or have you even started?  I've purchased a very few things, but lists are made and I need to get on it!  Today I'm sharing my yearly Dimples and Tangles Gift Guide with you, and hopefully you can take advantage of a few extra good Cyber Monday deals on some of these items.  Most of these are things that our family has and loves, with a few things that might be on a wish list or two or I just thought they were cool.  :)  There's bound to be something for everyone on your list! ...

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PERSONALIZED FAMILY PHOTO CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM MINTED

Are you gathering the family for your Christmas card photo this weekend?  We recently received our custom Christmas cards from Minted, and I'm thrilled with them!  I haven't sent cards out in several years but knew I didn't want to let one more pass without doing that.  I saved a few photos from our big family trip to Hawaii this Summer, and when I saw  this black and white plaid design  with gold foil accents I immediately knew it was the right one for us!  (And if you're family or a friend who receives this in the mail, will you please act surprised?  Ha!) ...

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JEN'S GREEN BEANS- THE PERFECT MAKE AHEAD GREEN SIDE DISH!

I can hardly believe that the holidays are upon us!  As you're planning your menu for various gatherings through the season, why not shake up the usual green bean casserole for something a little different?  Last year we had a recipe swap at church where everyone brought one of their favorite dishes and everyone else was able to sample it.  One of my friends brought this recipe and we all loved it!  I took it to a family gathering a few weeks ago and they all said how delicious it was too, so it's now on the menu for Thanksgiving as well. My friend sweetly allowed me to share Jen's Green Beans recipe with you, and although it's not named after this Jen, it still works!  ;) ...

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DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS WITH AMAZON PRIME!

Today I thought I'd share a few goodies I found while poking around on Amazon Prime to help you decorate for Christmas.   I grouped several items into 4 categories- general decorations, things for the tree, helpful supplies, and things for setting the table.  I selected things that interested me or are similar to things in my own home.  You might see a thing or two to add into your own Christmas decor this year! (I've listed and discussed each item, then there are photos of them below.) ...

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OH WHAT FUN! MERRY AND BRIGHT! TWO CHRISTMAS TREE REVEALS

Well I've been so excited about this day for months... I'm thrilled to share not one but TWO Christmas tree reveals with you today!  This year I've partnered with At Home Stores  to decorate two different trees in our home, just in time to give you plenty of inspiration as you prepare to deck your halls!  And yes, it may seem a bit early, but let me tell you... I just walked the Christmas aisles a few days ago and all of the best stuff is going fast!  (Early Black Friday Decor-Buster deals are already going on!) I'm also so happy to be joining in the My Home Style Blog Hop: Christmas Tree Edition hosted by Stephanie at Casa Watkins Living this week.  There are over 30 trees in the line-up this week, be sure to check them all out for loads more ideas and inspiration, today's tours are linked at the end of this post.  We'll begin with the tree in our Living Room.  I'm calling this super colorful beauty our "Oh What Fun" tree, see if you can sp......

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FIVE FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday everyone!  Excited to share a few of my favorite recent purchases and finds with you today.  I hope you all enjoy your weekend, and if you follow me on Instagram be sure to check in over there for a great giveaway I'm posting today!   (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) You all know I'm all about a great deal.  I've been frustrated with the bluetooth earbuds that I've been using (the kind that has a cord that connects the two earpieces), but I was not willing to shell out the $$$ for a pair of airpods.  My sister is the savviest shopper around that does thorough research before she makes a purchase, so when she approved of a pair of Knockies for my nephew that was good enough to give me confidence to try them!  Since then, my daughter bought a pair for herself months ago and absolutely loves them.  They both won me over, so I just got my own pair of the newest model available (I've he......

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NEUTRAL (ISH) THANKSGIVING TABLE

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is 2 weeks from today?  I can't but I'm already dreaming of all the yummy treats and the family being gathered.  Today I'm sharing this year's Neutral (!) Thanksgiving Table and hope it gives you some inspiration for your own!  (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) ...

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50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PARTY IDEAS

Last month my parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.  Although they told us much earlier in the year that they did not want a party or reception, thankfully they changed their minds a few months before the day and agreed to a very small party.  We were so happy to be able to mark this milestone with a celebration! (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) ...

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HOLIDAY COOKING AND ENTERTAINING KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

As the holidays draw closer, I'm starting to think about one of the best parts other than the family gatherings and the decorations... the FOOD!  As I was making a dish a few days ago I used something that I wanted to share with you all, and that turned into this full blown post of things I consider holiday kitchen essentials for cooking and entertaining.   *This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my  full disclosure policy here . ...

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FIVE FRIDAY FAVORITES

Thank you for your comments and feedback on yesterday's post !  We're working hard this weekend to knock all we can off of that remaining to-do list.  In the mean time, here are a few things that have landed in my cart recently...  (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) It was hard, but I waited until Halloween was officially over until I mentioned Christmas!  :)  I'm not going to be rolling out the Christmas content quite yet, but DO NOT WAIT until Christmas is closer to pick up these adorable  Pom Pom Christmas Trees , I'm predicting they'll sell out quickly!  The sisal bottle brush style trees are available here as well, but you'll probably have better luck finding them in store. Both styles are 1/2 off! ...

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KIDS' JACK AND JILL BATHROOM MAKEOVER- WEEK 5 PROGRESS

Good Morning friends, and Happy Halloween!  Do you have big plans for the evening?  My candy bucket is full waiting on all of the little cuties that will come by to claim some!  Yes, we're still working on the kids' bathroom makeover, but it's getting really close to being finished.  We're finally getting to the fun stuff, all of the finishing touches!  (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) If it's been a while and you need a refresher on what's happening, catch up here! Before Photos and Design Plan Week 2 Update Week 3 Update Week 4 Update I've been searching for just the right bathroom rug, and honestly coming up pretty empty.  I really really wanted  this rug  that I used on my design board, but it wasn't available in the right size.  After much more shopping in stores and online, I finally came across  this rug  that I just thought might work.  I took a chance on ......

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DIY DYED PINK LAMP SHADE TUTORIAL

There's nothing I like better than a quick DIY project, especially if it's improving a good thrifted find!  I recently bought an old blue and white lamp from Facebook Marketplace.  When I looked at the listing I fully intended to replace the shade, but upon getting it home it was a nice silk shade and the shape really grew on me!  I shared a photo on my Instagram stories and my super colorful friend Camila suggested that I dye the shade pink... brilliant!  So, I've never done that before but I gave it a try and here's my dyed pink lamp shade tutorial. ...

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FIVE FRIDAY FAVORITES

 I hope you all are kicking off a great start to your weekend!  Both of our kids are on Fall Break, thankfully at the same time so we slipped away for a few days at our family's favorite spot to relax and do nothing.  I hope you caught yesterday's Jack and Jill bathroom makeover update , we're getting close to being finished!  Here are five of my recent favorite things that I wanted to share with you today.   (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) These  blue and white crisscross plates  have been favorites for years, and I just noticed they're on sale!  I recently had a reader inquire about them, so I thought I'd pass along the good deal to you as well. (Full tablescape  shown here ) ...

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KIDS' JACK AND JILL BATHROOM MAKEOVER- WEEK 4 PROGRESS

Are you ready for another kids' Jack and Jill bathroom makeover update?  We are plodding along getting one thing finished at a time.  The progress seems slow but at least there's forward movement!  In the last update the major thing checked off the list was getting all of the tile work finished.  Now we've checked a few more larger to-do projects off of the list! (If you're just joining in, go back  here to see the before photos and design plan , then  this is the week 2 update,  then here's the latest update for week 3 .)    (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) We've been slinging tons of white paint around!  The cabinetry painting had already been completed in previous weeks, but now we've painted the ceiling, walls, and almost all of the trim. ...

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25 STYLISH AND AFFORDABLE BATHROOM VANITY LIGHTS

I wanted to title this post "25 Bathroom Lights That Aren't Terrible"...  Why are stylish over the mirror vanity lights so hard to find?  Especially affordable ones?  As we're working to remodel both of the full bathrooms in our house, I've looked at plenty of light fixtures.  A friend was over the other day looking at the progress in the kids' bath and we both agreed that finding pretty vanity light fixtures is such a challenge!  So, I thought some of you might be in the same boat and would appreciate seeing some bathroom vanity lights that are attractive and won't break the bank in case yours are in need of an update. This pic is from their bathroom before the remodel- I didn't have a new pretty photo to post here yet! ;) ...

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FALL EVENT TABLE DECORATIONS AND DIY METAL RING CENTERPIECE TUTORIAL

Most of you know that I occasionally decorate for large church events and I've been doing a few others for some church business meetings this year as well.  The goal is always to create stylish tables on a budget!  I'm usually working with anywhere from 15 to up to 50 tables, so I try to gather what I have, borrow when I can, and use simple, inexpensive supplies.  Last month I decorated 15 tables at an event center at our state's camp (Falls Creek if you're familiar with OK!).  Since it was the Fall meeting in a rustic setting, I carried those elements inside for some Fall table decorations.  I adapted an idea that I had seen and made some DIY metal ring centerpieces as well, I'll show you how easy they were!    (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) But first, here's a look at the finished tables.  The edges are still a little bare since I photographed before the caterers finished putting all of the ......

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COLORFUL FALL MANTEL

Hello everyone, I'm so excited to share my undeniably colorful Fall Mantel with you today as part of Project Design: Fall Mantels!  Honestly, we are knee  neck deep in a bathroom remodel and busy with making plans for a second bathroom remodel that will immediately follow, so I hadn't done one bit of Fall decorating until I started this project two days ago.  It felt good to do something a little different than demo and agonize about tubs and faucets and sand and prime and paint, though!   (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) ...

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KIDS' JACK AND JILL BATHROOM MAKEOVER- WEEK 3 PROGRESS

Things are moving right along in the kid's bathroom makeover, and I need to catch you up on the progress!  I have to remind myself to take a break from the work and projects and actually blog about what's happening, I feel like we have a hundred irons in the fire right now and I'm jumping back and forth between thing to thing.  I always feel strange about saying something like that, because really... who doesn't have a hundred things going at once?  Especially you Moms, right?  At any rate, here's how things are coming along!   (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) (If you're just joining in, go back here to see the before photos and design plan , then this post will show you the progress this far.) The tile in the shower started going up.  So excited about the shampoo niche, we've been lining the edge of the tub with bath products for far too long! ...

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HOT PINK VELVET CLUB CHAIRS- A NEW LOOK IN THE LIVING ROOM

Out with the old, in with the new!  A while back I mentioned in this pos t that I had found a pair of club chairs to take the place of our leather recliners that we were ready to switch out.  Well, they're back from the upholsterer and have made quite a difference in the look of our living room!  Without further adieu... take a look at my new hot pink velvet club chairs!   (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) ...

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FIVE FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday everyone!  It's toilet and shower day here... woo hoo!  The plumber is coming to install the shower fixtures and a new toilet in the kids' bath, Emily is so excited to not be sharing with us anymore!  :)  Then, we're spending the weekend painting all the things in there- ceiling, walls, trim, doors... everything.  I got it started last night and finished enough behind the toilet so we wouldn't have to work around that, and we're loving the fresh bright white on the walls.  The new countertop and faucets will be our last big piece, but after all the painting I can start on the fun stuff- accessories!  Hope you all have a fabulous weekend full of doing fun things (and maybe knocking off some things from your to-do list!), I've got some good things to share with you today.    (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) I shared this new Williams Sonoma + Schumacher collection with you a whil......

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KIDS' JACK AND JILL BATHROOM MAKEOVER- WEEK 2 PROGRESS

Work in the kids' Jack and Jill bathroom is moving along well!  It's been nice that we're kind of doing this at our own pace, plugging along as we're able and don't have to work furiously to meet a  deadline like I have on several of our other makeovers.  That being said, a deadline does help me get it done, so I'm trying to stay on it and not let this drag on and on.  I've been finalizing lots of selections and still shopping for a few things, but here's where we are so far.   (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) ...

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MY BRIGHT AND PLAYFUL PINK, BLACK AND WHITE HALLOWEEN DECORATING IDEAS

I normally don’t do much for Halloween but it’s a big, kid friendly, fun night in our neighborhood where my kids always enjoyed being out with their friends and neighbors to see who could come home with the most candy.  ;)   At Home Stores invited me to partner with them to feature their vast selection of Halloween decor . Since a big part of my job is to share decorating ideas, that often centers around various holidays. I thought even though we don't really "celebrate" Halloween to the extent that others might, this would be a good opportunity to stretch my creative muscles with something different than I normally do and focus on decorating for the holiday in a kid-friendly, bright, playful style for those who were looking for some fresh ideas. Because I have a feeling that a lot of you also just celebrate it as an opportunity for your kids to wear cute costumes, get candy, and walk the neighborhood with their friends like we do!  So, here's my spin on brig......

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KIDS' JACK AND JILL BATHROOM MAKEOVER- BEFORE PHOTOS AND DESIGN PLAN

I have a big house project that's been on my "to-do" list every year for as long as I can remember... the Master Bathroom.  We're finally tackling that this Fall, but we decided to squeeze in a "quick" kids' bathroom makeover too!  And I quote "quick", because what I thought would be just a quick and simple refresh turned into pretty much a full fledged bathroom makeover!  We didn't go down to the studs or move anything around, but short of that everything is getting freshened up.  Our kids share a Jack and Jill bathroom between their bedrooms, which is the only other tub/shower in the house, so we decided to knock out their makeover while finishing up the planning for the Master. We're all sharing the Master/ Powder Bath in the process, so soon it will be our turn to share their nice, fresh, pretty bathroom when it's finished and demo on the Master Bath starts!  But let's back up and today I want to share our starting point-......

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FIVE FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday!  Here are some things I've purchased lately and liked enough to pass along to you, or things that are on my wish list right now.  I hope you all enjoy your holiday weekend!   (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) I'll grab a dress 95% of the time over shorts and a t-shirt in the Summer.  They're just so easy and cool!  I've found some good ones lately.  You won't believe this under $10  t-shirt dress .  The french terry fabric is thick but not heavy and it has pockets!! I like the fabric so much better than some other jersey knit swing dresses I have.  Actually, it's clearanced out and very limited online, but I wanted to share it with you anyway because you can probably still find it in store.  (If you're in store, just be sure you're getting the french terry fabric- there's another of the same style usually on the same rack and the fabric is awful and clingy).  But......

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BOYS DORM ROOM DECOR AND ORGANIZING ESSENTIALS

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, our lives had a huge change recently when we moved Caleb to college!  He chose to attend Oklahoma Baptist University (our Alma Mater) and is majoring in Nursing with hopes to work somehow with Trauma Medicine, First Response, possibly Mediflight (that would combine all of his interests perfectly!), something along those lines.  We were so busy all Summer we didn't spend much time getting ready for his room until the week or so before we moved in him, but I think it all came together well.  "Boys Dorm Room" and "Decor" don't seem to really go together right?  Ha!  But I am his Mother after all so we had to add a little spice!  We worked to give him a comfortable space though for his home-away-from-home and tried to use some thoughtful organizing solutions to maximize the tiny space.  Take a look!    (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) ...

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A FEW THINGS- LET'S CATCH UP!

Alright friends...  I know my posting has been sooooo sporadic, but Summer is over and a "normal" routine is returning, so I'm committing to more regular posting again!  The past 4 months have been abnormally busy for us and we were gone a good deal of the Summer.  I'm no good at balancing "real life" and the blog when things get really busy.  I tried to keep everyone in the loop on what was happening over on Instagram , but I know I'm desperately behind here for those of you who might not follow there.  So, I do have lots of things that happened over the Summer that I plan to share with you, but for now I'll just catch you up on big things from the past few weeks, and we'll go from there! First up, I stopped by a local close-out store and stumbled across this awesome cane patterned garden stool.  It was a bargain so I couldn't pass it up, and if you can look past the worst-ever color, isn't it cute?  I'll use my process for painti......

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HOW TO RE-COVER AN UPHOLSTERED NON-REMOVABLE CHAIR SEAT || BARSTOOL REUPHOLSTERY TUTORIAL

Recently I squeezed in a makeover of my barstools, a project that I've wanted to do for a long time but just hadn't narrowed down exactly how I wanted them to look.  I would actually love to get new barstools at some point and keep an eye out but haven't come across anything I like better than the ones I have for now.  So, this little makeover gave them a new life! ...

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FIVE FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday everyone!  It's been a while since I shared favorites with you so I had a super long list, but I narrowed it down to these five for today.  (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) This  Blue and White Dress  is a new favorite, I love cute Summer dresses that actually have sleeves!  The fabric is a beautiful linen-blend jungle toile design.  There are several more colors and patterns in the same style, but I looked at them all in store and the fabric content is a bit different on the others.  Still good, but this is definitely the most expensive looking one (but you won't believe the price!).  It runs a little large, I sized down one and still had plenty of room. Bamboo Bag  ||  Dress   ||  Similar Shoes ...

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BLUE AND WHITE DRAPES SOURCE GUIDE

I have 3 sets of blue and white drapes in my home and am often asked where I got them. Since I make my own draperies, I never have a good answer for that!  So, I decided to scour the internet and put together a source guide for you if you're shopping for blue and white curtains. **There is an updated version of this post here with currently available sources. To start with, though, I'll share my fabric sources just in case you're handy with a sewing machine too and would like to make your own (it's really not hard, I shared a tutorial here ). The first set of blue and white drapes I added to my home were in my bedroom.  I just love this fabric and it looks good everywhere I've seen it! Duralee "Kalah" Fabric When I changed from black and white to blue and white curtains in the main part of the house, I made these spotted/brush stroke panels for the Dining Room .  This is such a fun, versatile fabric! Madcap Cottage Mill for Robert All......

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SUMMER HOME TOUR PART 3- PATIO

Welcome back to our final day of my Summer Home Tour!  If you missed  Part 1  and  Part 2 , be sure to take a minute to go back and tour those as well.  Today we'll finish up with a look at the Patio.  We are so thankful for this space that extends the living space of our home, and love using it to entertain!    (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) ...

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SUMMER HOME TOUR PART 2- ENTRY, DINING ROOM, AND MASTER BEDROOM

Today I'm continuing to show you around for my Summer Home Tour.  If you missed the Living Room tour in my last post, stop by and see that here .  When you're ready, let's go ahead and take a look at the Entry, Dining Room, and Master Bedroom today.   (*This post contains affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) The Entry dresser didn't change too much from my Spring Tour , I've really just been switching out the flowers or a plant as needed. ...

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SUMMER 2019 HOME TOUR PART 1- LIVING ROOM

Hello friends!  I didn't officially join up with any groups for a Summer Home Tour this year, but I still wanted to take an opportunity to share a fresh round of photos with you.  We've been so busy I haven't had time for major changes or projects for the past few months, but there's always something moving and changing around here. We're actually currently in Hawaii (I share about our trip here )!  We arrived on Tuesday and although we're fighting a bit of jet lag have jumped in head first and hit some major tourist attractions so far- Pearl Harbor, the Aloha Bowl Flea Market, had a Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation, as well as relaxed (that jet lag!) at the beach and explored our surroundings.  I'm sharing a lot of what we're up to on my Instagram Stories if you'd like to follow along there.  Today I've twisted my family's arms for a professional family photo shoot at sunrise (took advantage of doing this early in the trip while we'r......

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FRESH BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA DIP RECIPE

I just started the group text with my family to decide who is bringing what to our Fourth of July festivities later this week.  I made this Fresh Black Bean and Corn Salsa dip a few weeks ago when we had company for dinner, but it's the perfect recipe for Independence Day, too!  It takes minutes to assemble and is best prepared ahead of time, so it's quick and easy to throw together for a busy day.  ...

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FIVE FRIDAY FAVORITES

We've been traveling for the past two weeks (I've been sharing a lot from our trip on Instagram , but I'll share a few posts here as well when we return) and I bought these shoes for the trip.  I knew we'd be doing a lot of walking and they have been really comfortable!  They're a nice alternative to wearing tennis shoes every day.  They're the perfect nude color to go with everything and the leather is super soft.  I've worn them each time without socks- they don't rub at all and fit like a glove!  If you're in between or on the smaller side of your size, I'd probably size down 1/2 a size. (*This post may contain affiliate links, read my  full disclosure policy here .) Soft Leather Driving Loafers Cute  woven leather style of the same shoe - 3 colors 33-60% off! ...

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PARTY ALL THE TIME- SIMPLE 16th BIRTHDAY AND GRADUATION DECORATIONS

May was a month full of celebrations for us... it seemed as if we were hosting a different party or gathering every time we turned around!  Among them we had two big family milestones, and today I'm sharing some of the decorations around our house from my daughter's 16th Birthday and son's High School Graduation.  They aren't outrageous or over the top, just simple touches here and there to celebrate each occasion. I was pleasantly surprised when my girl requested a backyard party at home with her friends to celebrate her birthday.  Alright, I can do that!  I had grand plans worked up in my head of epic decorations in the trees and scattered around the patio and yard. And, of course, it poured buckets of rain the entire day of her party right up until the time that the party started.  I was thankful that it cleared off and the kids could be outside a bit during the actual party time but any grand plans for decorating outdoors were thwarted. So, we used what......

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SPRING OR SUMMER BANQUET TABLE CENTERPIECE DECORATIONS

A few times this year I'm decorating tables for a board meeting luncheon for our state's group of churches.  My goal has been to make it nice, but as always to use a lot of what I have or can borrow, and decorate on a budget.  Today's post is short and sweet and I debated sharing this with you since it's so simple- nothing overblown or over the top- but really that's the point of why I write this blog!  I want to share simple, affordable, achievable ideas especially for church or event decorations since I've found inspiration for those events lacking on the internet.  So, here you go! ...

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