Last Minute Ideas for Mother’s Day

mday11

No need to break out the china for this casual affair. Decorative ball jar glasses will do just fine.  Straws add an extra measure of cuteness to these already whimsical glasses.   I felt like a kid showing off my latest drawing as Mom admired my handiwork, saying "These look like something from Southern Living." That is what I call … [Read more...]

DIY painter’s tips

paintingtips

Everyone has to start somewhere.  I remember the first time that I picked up a paint roller.  As I rolled the soft lavender paint over  my then two-year-old little girl's new bedroom, I was amazed at how simple it was.  My confidence grew with each purple patch of wall that was completed. Since that day, twelve years ago, I've painted lots … [Read more...]

dressing the part

duluth8

Nonna was babysitting and decided to go out and work in the yard.  She called me over, "Will you get me a pair of panties?" "Ma'am?" "I need something to wear on my head to keep the sweat off of my face." My grandmother commanded respect.  So, I obediently retrieved a pair of panties from my mom's dresser drawer and brought … [Read more...]

5 DIY mother’s day gifts

gardeningjournal9

I am so excited to share "Mother's Day Gifts for the Gardening Mom,"   hosted by the incredibly talented Kari of Thistlewood Farms.  It was an absolute thrill to partner with Hometalk and the amazing pool of talent that they brought together. So, grab your gardening hat because you're going to be blown away! First up, Laura from Finding … [Read more...]

how to install a light fixture

home decor, DIY, Lamps Plus, decorative lighting, pendant light, light fixture

I waited two looonnng weeks before we installed the new Possini White Flower light fixture from Lamps Plus in the teen lounge.   I had a general knowledge of how to install a light fixture, but I didn't have the confidence to do it myself.   So, we asked a friend for some help. Be sure to turn off the light switch, as well as the … [Read more...]

garden design and landscaping tutorial

how to plant flowers, garden design, landscaping, plant hardiness zones

It's the first day of Spring!  To celebrate, I'm going to share the gardening process from planning to planting.  Let's get right to it! First, know your hardiness zone.  This information will tell you which plants will thrive in your climate conditions.  To find your hardiness zone, visit this site and enter your zip code. How much … [Read more...]

the diy life

upcycle, DIY, home organization, frugal living

They say never to judge a book by its cover.  But I did.  I saw the title of Cristin Frank's new book, "Living Simple, Free & Happy" and jumped at the chance to be a part of the virtual book tour. The title of the book piqued my curiosity.  I was both intrigued and cautious.  What would I find on the pages underneath that … [Read more...]

a backyard makeover: before

landscaping, gardening, outdoor spaces, outdoor living

Last year, I won an e-design for one room with Annabelle of Stylish Design Services. I had a hard time choosing which room I wanted to design, and finally asked if we could design my backyard.  Annabelle readily agreed. She turned this into this. I love Annabelle's ideas, and I CANNOT wait to get started on the plans for my … [Read more...]

decorating with a personal touch

teen lounge, media room, home decor, DIY art, gallery wall

We use the third bedroom in our home as a teen lounge.  It's a great place for my daughter and her friends to watch t.v., play  Wii and just hangout. One of my favorite sounds is of my daughter and her friends giggling well into the wee hours of the night.  And then, without notice, the giggles come to a stop and the room grows silent as they … [Read more...]

making your Valentine’s Day special

Valentine's special: mrshinesclass.com

  I'm so excited for "After Class" today!  I've teamed with some fabulous bloggers to bring you fun ideas for making your Valentine's Day special. Yvonne from Stone Gable is going to join us live from her kitchen as she prepares seared steak with a shallot wine sauce and a to-die for dessert! Cyndi from Walking in Grace and … [Read more...]

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