Hello, friends! I’m a little late to the ‘new year, new you’ thing, but I started my January diet this week. It’s super effective and definitely curbs your appetite. But it does have several limitations – especially where physical mobility and pain are concerned. Have you heard of it? It’s the ever dreaded stomach bug. I don’t think I’ve been that violently ill since I was pregnant with my first child. Thankfully, the worst of my stomach woes occurred on Sunday and into Monday which everyone had off for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Did you know Monday was also National Banana Bread Day, National Museum Selfie Day, National Hugging…

Fancy meeting you here again! I hope the week has treated you well. We are crossing our fingers for snow this weekend. Well, my kids are crossing their fingers. I’m a little more ambivalent about it since I’m secretly longing for spring now that Christmas is over. However, I stocked up on eggs, bread and milk because isn’t that what you are supposed to do with a storm on the way? This week I shared a tutorial for how to cinch in the waistband of your jeans without using a sewing machine. If you missed it, don’t expect a picture of the final product on my body. There are some…

Hello, friends! I know you are busy and I’m thankful you are here today. This week I shared a recipe for biscotti that will change your life. Perhaps also your pants size, but I’m not responsible for that. I also wrote about one of my favorite new towns called Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. It has a little something for everyone and it is worth a visit. Now, let’s get on to The Happy List! POTTERY BARN INSPIRED BASKETS I love this clever idea from Angelica at Once Again, My Dear Irene to add handles to a regular basket. The idea was inspired by a Pottery Barn basket she knew she could…

Happy New Year! It’s so nice to be back here yakking your ear off after the Christmas break. Did you miss me? I thought so. Our Christmas break was a blur! We spent a few days adventuring, but other than that we spent our time close to home. We didn’t know what day it was and my kids stayed in their pajamas most of the time. Handy Husband kept asking me if it was garbage day and after I looked at my phone I would say, “No! It’s Sunday!” Or Saturday. Or any other day that wasn’t garbage day. Then on the actual garbage day…we forgot. This week I shared…

Holy cow! I’ve done 100 of these Happy Lists. Time sure does fly by! We are in hardcore countdown to Christmas around these parts. My kids have a half day of school today and then they’ll be home through January 1. I’m getting ready to head off to a class party with the sweetest bunch of 3rd graders, so wish me luck! This was basically Christmas week on the blog. I shared some DIY ornaments and how I’ve decorated our living room and kitchen for the holidays. Here’s the Happy List! WARMER IN THE WINTER If any of you Dancing With the Stars fans miss Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas,…

Hello, hello! I sure hope you’re enjoying the Christmas season. This week I shared two equally awesome things on the blog. One was free. The other wasn’t. If you missed it, read about my new artwork here and my new tree here. Guys, my introvert streak runs deep, but I love it when you comment on the blog or connect with me on social media. I’m on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest too. Now, here’s the Happy List! FANCY DOORS I’m assuming these doors are quite expensive. However, I think they could also be DIY’d. See more pictures of this home in My Domaine. (image: My Domaine photo: Lisa Romerein; design: Jute Home) GYM…

Ho, ho, ho and happy Friday! I’ve been waiting all year to say that! You’re welcome. This week I shared my chalkboard globe advent calendar. The idea for it came from a lot of thought, planning and preparation. Just kidding! It came from sheer desperation. I also shared the Peg Doll Place Cards that were painted by my 11-year-old. It was the neatest way to personalize our Thanksgiving table. If you don’t like to paint, you could always convince my 11-year-old to paint some for you! I’d love it if we connected on social media too! I’m on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Earlier this week on Instagram I shared a…

Hello, hello! Have you decorated for the holidays yet? I haven’t, which makes me a terrible blogger! I do plan to put up a tree this weekend and I’m feeling excited about it! This week I shared a big list of what my kids have read in the last couple of months that I would recommend for various reasons. We go to the library 2 – 3 times a month, and at least a dozen books come home with us each time, but not many make it on the list. Thank you for all your positive feedback on those posts, as I know they aren’t relevant for everyone. I also wrote…

It’s Black Friday, so I’m not sure anyone’s going to be reading this post today, but I still have things to share! First, I do hope all my American friends had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I’m swimming in leftovers and not sorry about it! Second, this week I shared one of the things I’m thankful for and also how I answered another one of the hard questions my kids threw my way. I’d love to hear about the hard questions you’ve fielded from your children and grandchildren. Now, without further ado, here’s the Happy List. WINTER COAT I’m toying with the idea of a new winter coat and the cut of…

Oh my goodness, we are less than one week from Thanksgiving! Who is ready? Not me. Not by a long shot. This week I shared a delicious treat you could make for the holidays – Sweet Potato Cranberry Doughnuts. They feed a crowd! I also shared one last autumn idea – painted acorn tic tac toe. If you set this out during the holidays, I guarantee someone will play! Here’s the Happy List! FAVORITE HOUSE If I had to pick a favorite house right this second, I would pick The Lilypad Cottage in Michigan. I love Kelly’s simple Christmas decor and the blue colors are right up my alley. Go check…