Thursday, April 30, 2020

{ DIY Sanatizing Spray }

Today April 30th 2020 we lost my grandma.  The nicest, calmest tea & cooking loving lady.  I will miss her very much.
I wanted to share a post that mostly  everyone can use especially in the times of Covid19 & germ/ health awareness! I bought a few bottles of over 70% alcohol sanitizer, well the smell just wasn't great {obviously} . I mean again, not a huge problem,  but definitely easy to fix!! I did a little research to see what I had & what was able to mix with it to offset the potent  sterile alcohol smell. 
One of my go-to favorite natural scents is almond!! I just love it, and I happened to have leftover Almond Extract right in my pantry!!! Come see how to easily MAKE IT...


Disclaimer 
•*I'm in no way a doctor. If you're allergic to any ingredients do not use. Always check  with your health-care provider.


SUPPLIES

  • Alcohol *60% or more per CDC guidelines { sanitizer }
  • Spray bottle
  • Almond extract
  • Straw/ stir stick



DIRECTIONS

This full bottle of alcohol spray is 240mL , I used about 90mL. I mixed close to 55mL to the almond! You could use a bit more if need be. 
Side Note: There will be a slight alcohol smell still!

 

I love that you can take an everyday item & still be able to find it easily during this Covid19 crisis! Simple 2 ingredients,  preparation & readiness! I did use vanilla, because although I LOVE  vanilla it's dark & with almond you can spray it nearly everywhere! I love that it's a spray too instead  of messy wipes with limited cleaning surface abilities!!

 

•• be cautious around animals, although research suggests it's fine for cats/ dogs. 

 

I hope you liked this simple diy post for the hard times we're all facing!! We can fight this together helping each other & being kind plus aware.  I can't wait for you to try this!

HAPPY Thursday!
As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

Monday, April 27, 2020

{ DIY Kitchen Window Wallpaper }

 About two years ago we did a little DIY that took an hour & under $50! That little diy was just supposed to be temporary,  but I grew to love it so much & quickly became one of my biggest hit posts with thousands of views & pins! I was looking for a backsplash, but couldn't find anything cozy or that wasn't already showcased a million times! Although I love subway & shiplap it was just too mainstream & I wanted something a bit cozier! While strolling at Target I spotted some fresh thick neutral fern wallpaper from the Hearth & Hand line..I grabbed a roll & well it's simply my favorite! After almost two years I finally finished around our kitchen window & painted the light black! Knowing me you know I had to style for spring/ summer too! Come see this fresh spring window below....


This is kind of a "two in one" type of post! I've been doing little updates around the house & painting this light black was on my list! Simple 10 minutes  & it added so much charm & impact! The silver was outdated,  drab & wasn't as bold!
• Original post HERE

 

Of course after painting,  finishing wallpaper around the window I HAD to clean & decorate! I wanted fresh whimsy garden decor,  so lavender & greens it was!

• Find like soaps HERE


 

Adding the finishing wallpaper around the window added so much charm & appeal! The flowy white curtains,  black cottage clips & faux fresh lavender flowers finished this space!


 

I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit with color, but ended up loving it & also ended up cleaning out the dining room & splashed it with lavender as well! 


What do you think about this fern wallpaper backsplash? Do you have a backsplash in your kitchen or a favorite style?

HAPPY Monday!
As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

Thursday, April 23, 2020

{ BEST Spring Decor Inspiration }

Many of the times I share photos from the latest blog post, topic or upcoming photos to blog posts! I was going through my camera roll & started to think about all the times I shared pictures via social media but didn't make a whole blog post out of them. I chose a few photos these last few weeks for spring that I'm showcasing  today! They're full of different ideas for spring & my hope is you gather & grab ideas for your home!


 

FAVORITE SPRING ITEMS:

  • BASKETS
  • GREENERY 
  • PATTERNS
  • RUSTIC SIGNS
  • WOOD/ GALVANIZED 
  • BURLAP
  • MASON JARS
  • DISHWARE 
  • HERB DECOR/ PRINTS
  • LAMPS
  • CHIPPY FURNITURE 



 

Most of these photos were featured on other social media  outlets like Instagram,  Facebook,  Pinterest { follow me for fast direct updates}! I wanted to share them here on the blog because each of them detail a different space in our cottage & essentially all spring inspired! 



 

I hope you gathered & grabbed at least a few ideas from at least one of these photos! Let me know in the comments which was your favorite or what you got inspired by the most! 

HAPPY Thursday!
As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

Monday, April 20, 2020

{ Country Spring Porch }

Some days are better than others. Today was beautiful but hard. I did get a minute to go outside & enjoy the warmth of the spring sun & snap a few photos on my phone! I always like to have a fresh post out for Monday..Although admittedly today's post I almost didn't "publish" because, well phone pics &  I realized once I had taken them I left the front door open..BUT today's post is real + raw , so I wanted to share our little country spring porch look anyway!!!

 

I kept  it super simple with the most rustic items I could find because our spring has been ROUGH! Rough meaning both weather & worldly. Our Michigan weather has been on & off cold, hail, snow,  sun REPEAT!! Worldly because with the Covid19 lockdown it's hard to get out & about to buy new items!


The star of this little country porch are these white bushel of flowers & this textured vintage wicker basket!



The boxwood tree is from IKEA 
It was purchased a few years back, but I did just check & they have something similar to this! The white flowers are from Michaels

 

The small watering can is my favorite.  It's new from my grams' vintage pile  so I had to use it! That gave me the idea for the other collected galvanized cans I had!


 

The boxwood tree & wreath added some minimal green & tied in well together,  so I popped these out here too. I usually have a sitting area or bench our here but honestly just wanted to keep it clean & simple. I'll share the back patio soon!!

I hope you didn't mind this impromptu post with it's flaws! It's still cute, cozy & fresh for spring..small wins!!!

HAPPY Monday!
As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...



Friday, April 17, 2020

{ Spring Sofa Table }

One piece of furniture that I've neglected lately but love to refresh is this free sofa table I painted last year! We had it downstairs in the living room for years & I never painted it or styled until last year! • See original post HERE
It needed a refresh, until I can replace this piece with a new piece after the new sofas are chosen or maybe even  moving { update on house search soon}! Until then I wanted to give it a refresh!
Come see more ideas & decor below:

 

This is the first space you see upon stepping up from the entrance! I wanted it welcoming, cozy & warm! I used a ton of texture, chunky wood cubbies & of course mixed in greenery & vintage decor!


 

This sofa console table is pretty large , so I was able to get away with using quite of bit of decor! I removed the big basket of shoes & put them in the mini mudroom & used some warm rustic wood crates below! The mantel is full of brass, so I coordinates the planters with the fireplace mantel.. { see last post }




This space hasn't been this cozy since Christmas!! I love turning on the cute lamps at night..extra cozy + comfy! I've been asked what we keep in that white fireplace box & wood cubby..The wood cubby is empty & the white fireplace box stores all my tools, batteries, chalk,  pens, matches etc.. 


I hope you loved this " shop the home " spruce up! Do you have a sofa or console table in your home? Share with me, I'd love to see!!!!

HAPPY Friday!
As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

Thursday, April 16, 2020

{ Lakehouse Cottage Mantel }

Hey pals!! I hope you all are staying safe as well as your loved ones!  I mentioned in yesterday's post that I literally haven't bought anything in forever since this Covid19....Well, that's true, but I forgot I had bought this cottage artwork months ago for summer & because it has so much meaning to me! One of my most ,if not favorite places to rewind,  explore & take in Pure Michigan would be our cottage! It's near Point Betsie Lighhouse & it's just so whimsical & magical!!! I spotted this artwork at HomeGoods & of course it had to come home with me! I was going to wait to post this, but with everything going on in the world right now and seeing how it snowed today,  I needed the pep up! Come see this cottage mantel below...


I mean this art speaks for itself,  but just look at the detail & cozy warm cottage days! 
• You can see what this magical place looks like in real life HERE





I love the Lakehouse vibe going on in here! It's the perfect mix of cottage lakehouse cozy! The green check chairs, vintage fishing pole & license plate { they were my late grandpa's} & the bright greenery with pops of brass! 

 

One of my favorite vintage pieces ❤! I love the amber brown glass masons too. I swagged the tiniest rope light on the mantel, for that whimsical lighthouse feel. I'll post a picture on my Instagram soon of it at night  so be sure to follow me! { All media handles on right sidebar of blog }





 

The white & blue stripe lumbar pillows added more blue without being intoxicating, because I still love my neutrals! I hope you loved this post, it's got me craving our cottage & lake days!
• What's your favorite place to be, you know other than home??

HAPPY Thursday!
As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

{ Best Crate Spring Centerpiece }

My blogs branded ALL about doable cozy decor that the average everyday person can achieve in their home! Today I have the easiest & coziest vintage inspired centerpiece ANYONE can do in no time! My gram had got this crate for me a few weeks ago & I kind of just left it off to the side until today! I refreshed the whole house nearly & the dining room was the first! I took down what little Easter decor I had & brought this huge wood crate inside! Keep reading below to see this 10 minute spring centerpiece!

 

This crate was just a simple wood industrial storage crate.  I can't remember what the paper said stapled on the sides, but I just tore them off. 

 

I added the towel,  cakestand & sprigs of flowers & done!! This whole centerpiece was under $20 & about 10 minutes to assemble!


 

I love the rich rustic wood tone but I wanted to add some custom charm to the front of the crate, so I nailed this garden sign I had!!


 

What do you think of this simple wood crate centerpiece? Have you used thrifty crates in your decor before?


HAPPY Wednesday 
As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

{ Cozy Cottage Easter Tablescape }

I wanted to quickly come on here & share some awesome news that I received via email upon waking this morning...but then something hit me- GUILT! I felt guilty for being so excited about something business { blog}wise when the world is crumbling from every angle & people are losing their precious lives! So, then I turned to what I know best, BLOGGING & being CREATIVE! I haven't always blogged a lot about Easter, but today I got creative & blogged TWO  centerpieces & they're both super simple & cozy!! Keeping reading below for both ideas!


FIRST IDEA:
................

 

I mentioned via my Instagram story today I had these mini faux carrots from my gram & some treasures I wanted to use! I used mostly stuff I had on hand & used pops of Buffalo check print & greenery..sorry no bunnies!



Carrots,  vintage crocks,  ivy greenery & pops of every kitchen goodies!

 

I placed some of the larger carrots on the cakestand crock & placed the mini ones throughout the garland... Literally the coziest most simple idea for Easter.




You can see I changed out the cutting board on the corner cabinet for the vintage basket, but I wanted to share this angle too.

SECOND IDEA:
...................
 

Okay, this has to be my favorite items from this post!! I was on a creative/ cleaning spree today & came about our recipe/ cookbook cabinet & found these vintage Hunts tab recipe cards! They had the coziest hearty comfort food recipes  including some Easter dishes! I just displayed them by laying them around on the cakestand  & some on the table..



I have about 50 of these & I'll cherish these forever!  They're so unique & I'm not sure why, but I love them ha.


They added a touch of color, vintage charm,  boldness & fun to this Easter centerpiece! Whoever doesn't love some good comfort food recipes?!


Which centerpiece was your favorite 1 or 2? Do you decorate for Easter? Let me know in the comments! I hope you have a lovely rest of the week!

HAPPY Thursday!
As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...