I started a Christmas Countdown with my girls a few years ago. They look forward to starting it right after Thanksgiving. It helps us all focus on the real meaning of Christmas, Christ and giving. It is really a fun short activity to do every day to create memories and enjoy this wonderful time of year. You can make the gifts as elaborate as you like. I like to give them a little treat to eat while we read the coordinating scripture for the day or a little gift to go along with the message or action. I collaborated with Tiny Prints on some of the unique gift ... Read More
Candy Christmas Wreath
Christmas started here because of this red vintage 4. My new found friend Annie from Most Lovely Things (who I met via Instagram and realized we lived close to each other) gave it to me the other day when I had lunch at her home, she is extremely thoughtful. She has the same vintage sign in her kitchen. The other side is a 5, I will switch it when we add our little addition in May! I love the red with my black and white tile. What other color says Christmas like the color red? I have several red Christmas accessories and dishes, I am happy I have a spot to put them. I ... Read More
Kids Space with Brittany York
I am a monthly contributor to Everything Home Magazine. It is an online magazine where bloggers are the writers and feature spaces that catch our eye for the section we write for. I was excited when Collette, the editor asked me to write for their "Kids Spaces." I have two daughters and am always on the look out for unique ideas for their space. I found Brittany York on Instagram and love every single picture she posts. Her home is so gorgeous! Her kitchen is beyond charming. She also used the hashtag #ehkids to share her unique kids space on Instagram that I featured to find ... Read More
Mint Star Cookies
I am pretty proud of myself...I made the most delicious cookies. Good reason to be proud! We are doing The Giving Manger this Holiday season and are looking for ways to give to others. And who doesn't love getting cookies? (you can read about The Giving Manger HERE) If you shop at Trader Joes and passed by these cookies, well I am sorry. Because your life was not complete in the Holiday season! Until now... you are welcome I crushed up a cup of these chocolate star cookies and added them to one of my favorite paleo cookies. Rolled up little ... Read More
The Giving Manger
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." -Winston Churchill That is exactly what life is about. And what a better time to focus on giving than the Christmas season. The Giving Manger has come up with a way to introduce this idea of focusing on giving to our families. This gorgeous package kicked off the season of giving in our home this holiday season. The book alone is a real treat. This will be one of our favorites of the season. When I saw this little handmade manger, so many memories came back from my childhood. My mom did this ... Read More
Style with Purpose
I am joining The White Buffalo Styling Co, House Seven, My Sweet Savannah and Bliss at Home to share how we Style with Purpose. I am excited to be apart of this ongoing series. I style and design every home with the purpose and try to make it comfortable for those who live in it. We all love to think that everyone we follow on Instagram, see on Pinterest has perfectly staged homes, but that isn't reality. Our homes are not perfect, we have toys, sewing machines out, books upon books stacked in corners, breakfast dishes in the sink while we try to throw together dinner. I had a ... Read More
Connecticut Family Room Tour
We get our moneys worth from this room, actually in a small house every room does. From playroom, family room, movie night room and guest room it does it all. It is upstairs and right off our daughters bedroom. Since it is upstairs they really use this room verses when I had a playroom in my basement in our old home and that thrills me! "Bless This Mess" sign you can find HERE I floated the sofa a quarter into the room to define the playroom space. It helps to hide the doll beds and toys my girls play with. This Lego table used to be a sight for sore eyes. After its ... Read More
New Contributor to City Farm House
I am excited to announce that I am going to be a monthly contributor to Jennifer's blog, City Farm House! She has a gorgeous blog, that is so well put together. It is ranked a top 10 blog by Better Homes and Garden. I had a chance to meet Jen recently at a Lowes event in New York City. She invited me to see all the new product that Lowes was introducing. I loved how Instagram and blogging has introduced me to such a great group of inspiring new friends. I shared my first post on Green Cleaning, you can find it HERE. I clean my house regularly with vinegar and water and wanted to ... Read More
Blogger Home Tours Thanksgiving Setting
I am joining White Buffalo Styling Co along with 31 talented bloggers to share how we decorate our Thanksgiving table. I am honored to join this group of talented bloggers for Blogger Stylin' Home Tours. If you came from Cuckoo 4 Design welcome! Here is how I turned all of those goodies above into a table setting for our little family. I have it easier this year. Not emotionally, we will be missing family, but hosting is easier. For the past 7 years I have hosted thanksgiving at our Utah home with my family and friends who didn't have family close. There was always at least ... Read More
Green Cleaning with Vinegar Water
I shared this image on my Instagram the other day. I had company coming so that means I needed to mop my floors. I snapped this picture of my sink filled with vinegar and cut oranges and lemons to minimize the vinegar scent. It shocked me how many people liked such a simple photo. It shows to me that everyone appreciates finding beauty in the everyday tasks. I received a lot of questions like "I need to know how much vinegar you use" or "you clean your floors from your sink?" and "please tell me your method!" So I thought I would share it with you. Yes, white vinegar is ... Read More
