Hey Everyone! We had such a quiet, *almost* snow free, winter this year – it was so odd! To be honest, these kinds of winters kind of bum me out. I love to watch the landscape change at the start of each new season, especially winter. We fill up our bird feeders with seed, and watch winter birds flit in a snowy frenzy outside our windows.

The world is different when it’s blanketed in snow- somehow calm, and foreboding all at once. Mother Nature’s way of giving permission to hunker down indoors and rest. Which is probably part of the reason that I love it so much- permission to be lazy once in awhile!

But I am completely ready for longer days and open windows, and I’m excited to be sharing my first spring blog post of the season today, as part of The Happy Housie’s Seasonal Simplicity Series! I shared a sneak peek of this post in stories on Facebook and Instagram this week, and I’ll be sharing bits and pieces of my full tour next week too, so stay tuned. If you missed my little preview a few days ago, this week is all about how we’ve styled our mantels for spring.

Make sure you check out the beautiful mantel styling ideas my blogging friends are sharing down below too! They are all completely stunning!

I’ve been slowly lightening the decor around here, bringing a little bit of spring inside, before it’s time to head out and start the yard clean up.

Here is our mantel, freshened up for spring!

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I honestly didn’t change all that much, since I last shared this area over Christmas, but it’s amazing what a few swap outs can do. I’m loving the fresh, sunny vibe! Bring on the sunshine and flowers!

Don’t forget to check out all of the gorgeous mantels below too!

Today I’m joined by some of my talented blogging friends who are also sharing their Spring Mantel (or vignettes) with you. Be sure to see what they are sharing by clinking the links below the images.

Simple Pink Spring Mantel Decor (with free printables) at The Happy Housie
How to Style Kitchen Shelves for Spring at Cassie Bustamante
Propagating Pothos as Simple Spring Mantel Decor at Grace in My Space
Spring Mantel Decor Trends at Hallstrom Home
Spring Bulb Centrepieces at Craftberry Bush

Early Spring Mantel at Finding Silver Pennies
How to Decorate Your Mantel for Spring at Modern Glam
Simple Spring Flower Mantel at Tatertots and Jello
A Traditional Spring Table Vignette at Sincerely, Marie Designs
Farmhouse Style Decor Idea for Spring at She Gave it a Go

Minimalist Spring Mantel Decor at Cherished Bliss
Neutral Spring Mantel at Two Twenty One
Serene Living Room and Mantel at House by Hoff
Seasonal Simplicity Spring Mantel at Willow Street Interiors
Butterfly Spring Mantel at Life is a Party

Spring Vignettes & a Hyacinth Printable at Deeply Southern Home
Free Spring Coffee Bar Printable at My Sweet Savannah
How to Decorate for Spring for Free at This is Our Bliss
Easy Spring Decorating in the Living Room at Maison de Cinq
Spring Mantel with Large Floral Art at Place of My Taste

Neutral Spring Mantel at Taryn Whiteaker Designs
Light and Neutral Spring Mantel at Life is Better at Home 
Spring Mantel at Rooms FOR Rent

XO, Laura

I had the pleasure of wrapping up a home office/sitting room for the sweetest family this week, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. If you’re following me on Facebook or Instagram, then you’ve seen quite a few sneak peeks of this space this week, because I just couldn’t resist sharing a few as I went through the photos. It was such a beautiful transformation!

When my client first got in touch with me, she said that she’d recently started working from home and was in need of an office space, that would also function part time as a guest room/adult hang out spot.

She’d already purchased a small, sleeper sofa and desk for the space that she wanted to incorporate. Thankfully, both of the pieces were really pretty, but the fact that the room is quite small presented a challenge – how to create the feminine, study-like vibe that I was envisioning, with so little space left to work with?

After playing around with the floor plan a bit, I decided that a wall of shallow, glass display cabinets would give us the perfect dose of study-esque ambiance, while taking up precious little floor space.

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And I have to say, they did just that!

I chose the adorable, rattan stools to live in front of the glass front cabinets because they were scaled perfectly for the room, and also because I adore the texture and warmth that they add.

It truly is the best feeling in the world to see a project go from an onscreen concept, to completion in real life, and this project was no exception.

Every little detail – from the concrete coffee table, to the fabulous artwork, to the sweet, little olive tree, have a big, and yet somehow understated, impact. I am so smitten with this room, Guys.

But enough of all of the talking, let’s get on to these photos!

Actually, no, one more thing. Ha!

I’ve added in a 3D rendering of my client’s desk area, because I didn’t want to disrupt her work space when I came to style. She was going to be jumping back into work, and I didn’t want to be responsible for ruining her day! So, because I didn’t photograph that area, I’m using the 3D rendering instead! You’ll see it down below.

Before Photos

New Floor Plan to the Rescue!

After!

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3D Rendering of Desk Area

Isn’t the rendering so realistic?! I work with such an amazing team of people. If you’re someone who’s contemplated hiring a designer, but feel a little bit nervous about loving the end result, these renderings can be added on to any of my design packages, and they really take all of the guess work out!

Well, that’s about it. I’m closing out Friday with homemade Margherita pizza, wine, and a movie night with my love, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a week! Happy Weekend, Everyone!

XO, Laura

Hey Guys! I hope you all had a great week! I’m popping on today to share a few photos of this sweet project that I finished up recently.

It’s an adorable shared playroom, and if you’ve been following along for awhile, it may look familiar to you!

This is actually the same playroom that I designed back in 2015. It looked like this, when I finished it up, back then…

You can see the rest of the previous version of this space here.

The original design was whimsical and super girly, since the space was only being used by one, tutu and glitter obsessed, sweetie pie, at the time. This family has since added a boy to the mix, and my task was to bring in some fun, masculine details, and a new color scheme that felt inviting to both kiddos, without breaking the bank.

I couldn’t be happier with the results! I added in a new rug, paint color, artwork, and bins, and it completely transformed the room.

We also strung up some globe lights around the patio door and I think the room looked even cuter when it started to get dark outside. Single source overhead lighting can be pretty harsh and unsoothing, which isn’t ideal in any space, but definitely not a playroom. The ambient light from the string lights feel magical, and I’m obsessed!

This is going to be such a perfect homework corner in a couple of years, but for now, it’s a great, tucked away, spot for Mom to check her email. The desk is no longer sold, but I’ll link a similar one!

I was obsessed with this cute birch branch/shelf idea that I came up with for the original room. It was a DIY, because nothing like it was made back then! It’s simple IKEA shelving with birch branches from Michael’s cut to fit. But if DIY isn’t your thing, you’re in luck because Pottery Barn Kids now makes something pretty similar.

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And that’s about it, Guys! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

XO, Laura

Happy Thursday, Everyone! I’m thrilled to be joining lots of talented bloggers to share New Year’s Eve Tablescape ideas with you today! The series is hosted by Bre from Rooms for Rent, who just so happens to be a master of setting incredibly beautiful tables. If you haven’t bought her book yet – do!

It’s chock full of insanely beautiful table setting ideas, and you definitely want it as part of your beautiful design book repertoire.

I adore setting a pretty table. It’s kind of like a mini room design, but on a much smaller surface and minus the furniture. I mean, think about it. A beautiful table involves most of the same elements that a pretty room does.

Texture, color, pattern, mixed finishes like woods and metallics…

And putting it all together is so much less work, too!

I took this photo with my cell phone last week, just as the last full moon of 2019 started to rise in the sky.

I actually had no idea about that at the time – someone shared it on Facebook hours later, but I thought it was pretty special.

Is there anything better than looking out at the beauty of freshly fallen snow, while you’re cozy and warm, and surrounded by twinkle lights, inside?

I think it’s a pretty magical way to ring in the New Year, too.

This year, I kept my Christmas decor casual and earthy, which left me craving a little more glitter and sparkle for New Year’s.

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So, I used the same centerpiece that I used in my Christmas tour for this tablescape, too. I just popped the flowers into a smaller vase, and then took the eucalyptus garland that I had draped along the windows, and used it as a runner for the table.

For sparkle, I used some icicle garland from last year’s Christmas tree, and wove it through the eucalyptus and flowers.

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I typically like to juxtapose casual/elegant elements when I’m decorating, and I think the eucalyptus and botanical placemats are the perfect earthy accompaniment to the sparkle of the icicles and candlelight.

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I also made a fig, prosciutto, and goat cheese pizza with balsamic drizzle the day I set this table, and I thought it would be the perfect NYE menu idea to go along with this table too (if you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can sub in fresh mozzarella). Slightly elegant, but also perfectly rustic and simple to throw together.

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We obviously don’t set fancy tables here all of the time, but we do a little more often in the winter than we do at other times of the year, because I think it’s just a simple way to make the long, New England winter a little more magical.

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So, surprise your friends this NYE with the soft glow of a pretty table like this…

Or try it out with your family on a random Tuesday this winter! It’s such and easy way to show people you care…

And to set the tone for a cozy and relaxed winter’s night in.

Happy NYE, Guys! Don’t forget to check out all of the beautiful posts that my blogging friends are sharing today, too!

Rooms for Rent | Willow Street Interiors | Nick + Alicia | Nina Hendrick

Ella Claire & Co. | Zevy Joy | Just Destiny | Shades of Blue Interiors

Modern Glam | The Happy Housie | Wildflower Home

XO, Laura

Hey Guys! Merry Christmas! I’m so excited to be joining Krista from The Happy Housie and 34 other incredibly talented bloggers for this year’s Seasonal Simplicity Christmas Tour.

If you’re coming over from Simply Marie Designs, welcome! Amanda and Josh’s home is so beautiful and I always adore taking their tour every year.

I can’t believe that Christmas is only 3 weeks away! I swear time goes by more and more quickly every single year.

I finally finished up my Christmas decorating this week. It was the project that just never seemed to end. Not because of laziness or distraction – it was just a reeeeally busy month.

If you’re following along on Facebook or Instagram, you may remember me saying that I took quite the fall down our icy, front steps last month. It was crazy, you guys. I’ve never fallen so quickly, or landed so hard, in my life. One second, I was walking out my front door, and the next, I was airborne above our front steps. I completely knocked the wind out of myself when I landed and thought, for a second, that there was no way I was getting back up after that. But, somehow, I managed to get off relatively unscathed – for a couple of weeks.

And then, two weeks later, the soreness turned into a dislocated joint in my hip, that left me unable to walk for days! And just when the pain from that started to ease up, I got sick.

Ugh.

I’m choosing to put it all behind me though, because, well…

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

If you’re picturing me saying that with ridiculously enthusiastic, Will Ferrell-esque excitement – that’s accurate.

Christmas is the best.

Twinkle lights, too much hot cocoa, SNOW!

Look at this photo I took after a storm we just had here.

Christmas, winter, all of it – it’s magical.

We didn’t have a lot of ‘things’ growing up. We didn’t typically get the latest, trendy toys for Christmas because my parents couldn’t afford them, but you know what? Even if we had, I doubt I’d remember them now, anyway. The things that I remember most about Christmas as a child, the things that meant the most to me, and that I still carry with me today, are memories.

Being in the Christmas pageant at church.  The way the house smelled when my mom simmered her homemade apple cinnamon ‘potpourri’ on the stovetop.  Visiting my grandma, and singing Christmas carols with our entire extended family crammed into her living room, on Christmas Eve. The 12 Days of Christmas was always wildly entertaining.

Back then, I didn’t know that we were making memories, or starting traditions.  I was just a kid, enjoying Christmas.  

I’m always trying to recapture those feelings, that sense of togetherness, and magic, hope, joy, love – in the experiences we give our kiddos at this time of year, and in the way that I decorate. I want the house feel like a warm hug every morning that the girls come down the stairs for the next few weeks.  

Will that hug involve cheerios stuck to their feet sometimes?  Most likely.  

But that’s ok.  Because we live here, and it’s not always picture perfect.  But I hope that, more so than opening presents on Christmas morning, it’s the memories that we make within these walls that are the ones that stick with our girls when they’re grown.

So now, how do you make your house feel like a warm hug?

Twinkle lights. Mostly twinkle lights. But I also chose a soft palette of blues, greens, whites, and blush – stuff that I already had out anyway. And then I just sprinkled in a few Christmas/wintery touches.

…And lots of twinkle lights.

Oh, and because I ended up getting our decorations up so late this year, we were able to do something we’d wanted to do for awhile now, but couldn’t.  I usually put our tree up two weeks earlier than I did this year because that’s just what home decor bloggers do to fit it all in. But that’s also always meant that a real tree would be long gone by Christmas. 

This year, because of all of the mayhem these last few weeks, I was late decorating, and we could finally do a real tree.

So, we actually cut down one of our own trees from our back field! It’s totally imperfect, and a little crazy looking, but it was so much fun getting to see the girls haul that thing back to the house with my hubby last week.

What do you think? It’s imperfect in an endearing kind of way, isn’t it?

Ok, guys, enough typing! Grab your coffee and a cozy throw, and let’s really get into this little Christmas tour!

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Merry Christmas, you guys! I hope you found some inspiration to take back with you and use in your own home this year. Don’t forget to check out Jen’s from Tatertots and Jello’s Christmas tour tomorrow morning, and there’s lots more inspiration being shared down below as well. Don’t miss it!

XO, Laura

Sharing today with me are….

Thursday

Grace In My Space ** Rooms For Rent ** Modern Glam
Happy Happy Nester ** Town and Country Living

Two Twenty One** Place of My Taste ** Life is a Party
Sincerely, Marie Designs ** Willow Street Interiors

And sharing the rest of this week…

Monday

The Happy Housie ** Shabbyfufu ** Jenna Kate at Home
Inspiration for Moms ** We’re the Joneses

Rambling Renovators ** Home Made Lovely ** My 100 Year Old Home
Maison de Cinq ** Nick + Alicia

Tuesday

House by Hoff ** The Tattered Pew ** Clean & Scentsible
The Turquoise Home ** Rain on a Tin Roof

Stacy Risenmay ** This is Our Bliss ** Southern State of Mind
Styled with Lace ** Life is Better At Home

Wednesday

Taryn Whiteaker Designs ** Just a Girl and Her Blog ** Cherished Bliss
So Much Better With Age ** Cassie Bustamante

Lemon Thistle ** The DIY Mommy ** Love Create Celebrate
The Handmade Home ** Craftberry Bush

Friday

Tatertots and Jello ** A Pretty Life in the Suburbs ** Maison de Pax
She Gave it a Go ** Summer Adams

Amber Tysl ** All Things With Purpose ** Cuter Tudor
Chrissy Marie Blog ** The Happy Housie

Hey Guys! I’m sitting here at my desk, and guess what? It’s snowing! I’m one of those weirdos who actually loves the snow, and the cold.

Except when you fall on the ice, and your life, momentarily, flashes before your eyes.

Which actually happened last week, but I won’t get into that now.

Back to me being a weirdo who loves the snow: I actually just love seasons, in general. I love the way each season forces you to change slightly from your ordinary routine; the small, seasonal rituals that make life feel steady and predictable. Picking apples in the fall, splitting and stacking wood before the snow comes, sledding, sitting by the wood stove with the lights dim, making maple syrup in the early spring, when the ground is covered in snow, but the sun has no trouble warming your face.

There’s an old German saying that goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, and I find that mantra to be so accurate. Because seriously, seasons are magical. I love the way the world gets muffled under a blanket of snow in the winter, and icicles hang from the trees like jewelry. The whole necessity of needing to match socks for our family of 6 at this time of year, is another story though. That, I could do without!

But I’m officially going off on a tangent, so let’s get back to this reveal.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, then you’ve already had a few sneak peeks of the results of this project – and you were also probably expecting to see this post up two days ago – sorry! I was planning to finish it up on Sunday, but completely forgot that I had a new field hockey league starting up that night. So, here I am, two days later, finally getting a chance to sit down and work on it.

Let’s start off with a before and after, shall we?

Living Room BEFORES…

These are clearly terrible cell phone shots, taken on a cloudy day, which never makes for a great photo, but you can still see what a transformation this space has undergone. It’s night and day, isn’t it?

Living Room AFTERS!

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When I first met with my client, she told me she wanted her home to feel approachable and cozy, and most importantly, functional and cohesive. So, I added a console behind the sectional, along with a set of cubbies, for plenty of functional toy storage for her daughter, that’s anything but an eyesore.

Bird imagery and botanicals also hold a special place in my client’s heart, and I made sure to consider that when selecting artwork and accessories. The botanical is easy, but did you spot the birds?

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Dining Nook BEFORE…

My mission in the dining nook, was to create a little alcove that felt like its own separate space, of course, but that also flowed with the rest of the great room. The original chandelier was pretty, but it felt like a barrier to the window seat. I opted for a delicate, round chandelier to open and soften this pretty corner, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Pro Tip : If you were looking to change your light fixtures, or upgrade any appliance, make sure you have the wiring of your house and the electric panel checked by expert service providers similar to SALT Light & Electric, who could inspect your house for any electrical (wiring and panel) damage. After this, you would be safe to go ahead with all your necessary electrical upgrades.

Dining Nook AFTER!

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Mudroom Refresh

Kitchen Command Center Refresh

Bedroom Redesign

In the bedroom, my client wanted a cozy, pulled together, and cohesive space without breaking the bank. My task was to achieve that by pulling in a few new pieces, along with some accessories, while still incorporating lots of items that she already owned or had already purchased for the space. The transformation in here was dramatic!

BEFORE…

AFTER!

BEFORE…

AFTER!

BEFORE…

AFTER!

I had so much fun working on this project, you guys. And I’m so happy for this beautiful family, who’ll make loads of wonderful memories here.

More project reveals are on the way, so stay tuned.

XO, Laura

SALT Light & Electric

Hola, Everyone! I can’t believe fall is already in full swing. How did that even happen? We had a very full, but lovely and restful summer. Lots of fun little day and weekend trips; but no major traveling, which was just what we all needed this year. Time, at home, to catch up with a few projects and just reset.

And here we are, at the cusp of fall. September tends to be an in-between month in New England; one where the weather still feels like summer most of the time, but every now and then, a tree peaks through the dense, summer foliage, showing off the beginning of it’s glorious transition from green to a vibrant assortment of reds, burnt orange, and yellow. I adore this time of year.

Today, I’m so excited to kick off the season with Bre from Rooms for Rent (holy talented!), and loads of other incredible ladies to share some fall soiree and tablescape ideas with you all!

I decided on a palette of blues and plums/pinks this year. It does tend to be one of my favorite color combos (you can see a few different ways that I’ve used the combo in the past here, here, and here). But it’s also a decision made for practicality’s sake – I just have a lot of stuff this color!

Oh, and P.S. we got a new dining table and set of chairs last spring, and I never got a chance to share them with you! My father-in-law was here from Germany for a few weeks, which made us realize that our family of 6 had outgrown our old table set up.

The new table has given us so much more space to spread out, and I absolutely love the look.

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I thought it would be fun to come up with a brunch inspired tablescape this year. There’s something about brunching that just kind of feels like a mini vacation, and I think we can all use as many mini vacations as we can get these days. Quiet, little moments to unwind and be present, I think, is more important now than ever before.

My husband and I each own and run our own businesses, which essentially means we don’t ever work 9 to 5. It’s a huge blessing that also feels like a curse at times – we burn our fair share of midnight oil. So, working hard and playing hard is a motto we cling to, and our lifestyle and schedule has made us masters of turning ordinary moments into special events and mini vacations.

And brunch is exactly that for me. Transforming a typically, ordinary meal into one that feels special and uber relaxed.

So call your friends, and send the kids off to a matinee with Grandma and Grandpa this weekend. This table, and this menu, is just what your worn out, back-to-school weary soul needs right now.

Rustic quiche, plum coffee cake, cider mimosas, yogurt and granola, a pretty table to sit around, and friends and family to share it all with.

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And maybe a few of you are saying, that just sounds like more work to me! And I guess, it could be. But let me start by saying, setting tables and entertaining relaxes me. It’s an excuse to be creative and anything creative counts as a mental break for me – but not if I’m running around doing it at the last minute – that is definitely not relaxing.

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So here are my tips for getting a table like this set, and a brunch prepared, while still getting to enjoy the party.

Do (almost) everything the day, or night, before.

Turn on your favorite playlist, make the quiche, and coffee cake, and set the table.

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I literally made and baked the quiche the night before, and warmed it in a 300 degree oven the next day. I’d never actually completely pre-made one before – I typically keep the crust and filling separate until I’m ready to bake it – but it worked perfectly!

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The day of, get the fruit and yogurt ready, make the mimosas and coffee, and you’ll be good to go!

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Wishing you all a happy and restful start to fall! Don’t forget to check out all of the beautiful fall tables that my blogging friends are sharing too!

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW THE IMAGES TO SEE MORE BEAUTIFUL FALL GET TOGETHER TABLESCAPES…

Rooms FOR Rent | Almafied | Craftberry Bush | Maison de Cinq

Home Made Lovely | Just Destiny | Willow Street Interiors | Zevy Joy

Shabbyfufu | Janna Kate at Home | Amber Tysl | House by Hoff

Modern Glam | Pine and Prospect Home | Crazy Wonderful

And I’d love to see your tablescapes if you recreate this look, so tag me on Instagram and Facebook so I can reshare!

XO, Laura

We celebrated Aubrey’s birthday a couple of weeks ago, and her number one wish this year, was to have a slumber party. I thought a bohemian inspired theme would be super fun, and it was! Aubrey said it was her favorite birthday yet, which made the prep so worth it. But to be honest, aside from getting the tent set up the day before, this was such an easy birthday party to host!

We don’t go all out with a big birthday bash and lots of tricked out decor each year. We have four kiddos, and between holidays and birthdays, I don’t think I’d ever not be party planning if we did!

So, they each get to have a friend party every other year or so, and this year was Aubrey’s turn. (On off years, they get to pick a special day trip that we all take as a family, and then they choose what we have for dinner that night – which, to be honest, they get equally excited about.)

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I thought it would be fun to build a bohemian style tent in our living room, for a couple of reasons. I wanted to set a playful, and special, vibe right off the bat when the kids arrived, but Aubrey also wanted to have a movie night as part of the festivities. I set the tent up between our couch and the tv, so that all we’d have to do when the time came was pull back the curtain separating the tent from TV, and they could all snuggle up with snacks and watch their movie. Luckily, we had this movie on DVD. However, one of my friends did tell me that I could’ve looked online to find the movie too. Apparently, websites like Pirate Bay usually have a number of movies, so she told me to check there. To get around the restrictions on that website, I would’ve had to use a proxy from https://avoidcensorship.org/. That’s good to keep in mind for future movie nights.

I’m telling you guys, it was such a hit!

Here they are, watching Dennis the Menace that night. The one from back in the 90’s- which is seriously one of the only kids movies that I can watch multiple times, and it still never fails to crack me up.

We had pizza, veggies with dip, and lemonade for dinner, and Aubrey chose strawberry shortcake for her birthday dessert.

I bought these cute, little gold champagne flutes for the lemonade, which the girls thought were super fancy and fun. We actually ate dinner/dessert in the kitchen, and snacks during the movie night in the tent.

They also had Belgian waffles and fruit salad in there in the morning- with the sun streaming in the windows. It was so magical for them, you guys.

I treated Aubrey to a new onesie for her slumber party. She liked these ones on kigurumi.co, so I bought one of those and then encouraged her friends to bring their own. They all wore one before bed and they looked so cute together.

Quick tip that I forgot to mention in the video- I lined the floor with a couple of plastic table cloths and then put the blankets over it, so that, if there were any spills, my carpet wouldn’t be ruined. Surprisingly, no one spilled though!

You guys, if I could keep this thing up year round, I would. It was that magical to hang out in.

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how to make the tent

I made a video explaining how I built the tent and shared it over on my Facebook page. The video will be larger and easier to see if you view it over on Facebook, but I’ll post it here too.

But essentially, I hung a bunch of different white curtain panels (and a bed canopy) onto a small square frame that I built myself, using small molding suspended from the ceiling with purple yarn, lol.

And then, I strung up a mix of globe and fairy lights, bunting and garland to the molding from inside the tent.

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I picked up some cute little keychains for the girls to paint during the party. I took their picture in the tent when they arrived, and then printed, and put them in the frames that night. It was simple, cheap, and fun!I was kind of rolling with the keychain idea at first, and had considered getting them a personalised photo keychain (porte-cls personnalis photo) for later on, however, the pictures in the photo frames looking really cute in the end so I’ve stuck with those!

They got to bring their keychains home as a favor, along with these pretty sunflowers that I found at Whole Foods for $2.99 each! To be honest, I was planning to find some small plants at Home Depot, but I happened to see these while I was headed there, and did an immediate u-turn.

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Aubrey hand wrote thank you’s on sweet little tags too, and then I just stuck them in the pots with a shish kabob skewer that I cut in half with kitchen shears.

It was such an enchanting party, you guys. The girls loved it, and I’m telling you, it was one of the least stressful parties I’ve ever thrown, thanks to ordering take out, and being able to make the tent ahead of time.

Stay tuned for my summer house tour that I’m going to attempt to share next week!

I was supposed to share it along with a bunch a blogging friends last month, but my dad was in the hospital (he’s fine now, thank goodness!) but I feel like somehow, I’m still playing catch up. How is that possible?

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer!

XO, Laura

PS All of the cute, yellow and turquoise decor (plates, tags, buntings, garlands, etc. are from Michaels) The cute wooden crates are too! I’m not able to link them in my look books though.

Happy Summer, Guys! I’m sitting here at my desk, windows open, crickets chirping, curtains blowing in, ever so gently, every now and then.

Summer is official, and I am loving it.

I love being able to try something new; I’ve always been the same. There were times when I was younger that I would consider looking for the best fake ids just so I could sneak off with my older friends and try some of the latest alcoholic drinks that were making the rounds. I never did, but I heard all about them when they spoke to me with a raging hangover the day after, and I knew then that I couldn’t wait to be old enough to try the drinks that were becoming more popular amongst the drinking crowd. This is why I was so excited to join this group of wonderful people to share all of our different recipes.

The series is hosted by Krista of The Happy Housie, who always does such a fabulous job putting them together, btw!

• 

• 

I can’t say that summer is entirely my favorite season- only because I get so excited whenever a new one starts- each one brings with it a new set of dreams- new ambitions, new projects, new plans, new recipes, new day trip destinations…

I could go on and on, which is why I really don’t have a favorite. I love them all.

But you know what summer has that no other season does?

The routine-ditching, carefree attitude that defines it.

Trip to go get ice cream cones at 8PM with the littles? Sure.

Impromptu day at the beach, complete with lobster rolls and Del’s Lemonade? Absolutely.

Staying up way past bedtime to make s’mores and catch fireflies? On a Wednesday? Comin’ atcha.

And it also has Gingered Sangria Flora.

For me anyway!

This is one of my top 3 favorite Sangria recipes. It’s light and refreshing, with a hint of ginger and elderflower, and lightened up with lots of fresh fruit, of course. So perfect for summer.

• 

• 

If you’re not familiar with elderflower, they are actually the blossoms of elderberries, the same fruit that elderberry syrup is made from.

The blossoms taste completely different than the berries though. They have a really beautiful, super subtle floral aroma. In Germany, where my husband grew up, they use them to make a yummy syrup that they sweeten seltzer water with. They also use them to make tea and wine.

And here in the states, you can buy imported St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur, at just about any package store. It really adds a lightness to this Sangria that I adore, and I think you will too!

This recipe comes from Food and Wine Magazine, with two small changes. I love to top my sangria off with the tiniest splash of ginger beer for a little effervescent kick, and garnish with a basil leaf. It’s the perfect drink to make for your next backyard BBQ, or date night in.

Gingered Sangria Flora

Ingredients

• One 750-milliliter bottle Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 1/2 cups St-Germain elderflower liqueur (or elderflower cordial)
• 1/4 cup Cointreau
• Splash of Ginger Beer
• 6 strawberries, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 6 raspberries
• 2 peaches, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 orange, thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 pound green and red grapes
• Basil
• Ice

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients, except ginger beer and basil, in a pitcher and let stand at room temperature for 3 hours, or cover and refrigerate overnight (overnight tastes bests if you can wait!) Serve in wineglasses, top with a splash of ginger beer, garnish with basil, and serve over ice.

Let me know what you think if you make it, Guys! And don’t forget to check out all of the other recipes being shared today. They all look crazy delicious!

Today I’m joined by over 20 of my talented blogging friends who are also sharing their delicious summer drink recipes with you…

Blackberry Mango Real Fruit White Wine Slushies at The Happy Housie Grapefruit Pineapple Margarita at Craftberry Bush Elderflower Rose Wine Spritzer Cocktail at Modern Glam Summer Sangria at Nina Hendrick Simple Summertime Margaritas at The Handmade Home

Refreshing Summer Cocktail at Rooms FOR Rent Pandora Frozen Nightblossom Recipe at All Things With Purpose Lavender Tea Lemonade at A Pretty Life Gingered Sangria Flora at Willow Street Interiors Blueberry Basil Mule at My Sweet Savannah

Keto Ice Cap at Life is a Party Lava Flow Cocktail at The Turquoise Home Raspberry Watermelon Slush at Clean & Scentsible Pina Colada Agua Fresca at Jenna Kate at Home Banana Peach Smoothie at She Gave it a Go

Blackberry Mint Prosecco Smash at Sincerely, Marie Designs Mojito Style Limeade at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz at The DIY Mommy Classic Frozen Pina Colada at Finding Silver Pennies Simple Whisky Sour at Place of My Taste

Happy Summer!

XO, Laura

I love being able to try something new; I’ve always been the same. There were times when I was younger that I would consider looking for the best fake ids just so I could sneak off with my older friends and try some of the latest alcoholic drinks that were making the rounds. I never did, but I heard all about them when they spoke to me with a raging hangover the day after, and I knew then that I couldn’t wait to be old enough to try the drinks that were becoming more popular amongst the drinking crowd. This is why I was so excited to join this group of wonderful people to share all of our different recipes.

The series is hosted by Krista of The Happy Housie, who always does such a fabulous job putting them together, btw!

• 

• 

I can’t say that summer is entirely my favorite season- only because I get so excited whenever a new one starts- each one brings with it a new set of dreams- new ambitions, new projects, new plans, new recipes, new day trip destinations…

I could go on and on, which is why I really don’t have a favorite. I love them all.

But you know what summer has that no other season does?

The routine-ditching, carefree attitude that defines it.

Trip to go get ice cream cones at 8PM with the littles? Sure.

Impromptu day at the beach, complete with lobster rolls and Del’s Lemonade? Absolutely.

Staying up way past bedtime to make s’mores and catch fireflies? On a Wednesday? Comin’ atcha.

And it also has Gingered Sangria Flora.

For me anyway!

This is one of my top 3 favorite Sangria recipes. It’s light and refreshing, with a hint of ginger and elderflower, and lightened up with lots of fresh fruit, of course. So perfect for summer.

• 

• 

If you’re not familiar with elderflower, they are actually the blossoms of elderberries, the same fruit that elderberry syrup is made from.

The blossoms taste completely different than the berries though. They have a really beautiful, super subtle floral aroma. In Germany, where my husband grew up, they use them to make a yummy syrup that they sweeten seltzer water with. They also use them to make tea and wine.

And here in the states, you can buy imported St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur, at just about any package store. It really adds a lightness to this Sangria that I adore, and I think you will too!

This recipe comes from Food and Wine Magazine, with two small changes. I love to top my sangria off with the tiniest splash of ginger beer for a little effervescent kick, and garnish with a basil leaf. It’s the perfect drink to make for your next backyard BBQ, or date night in.

Gingered Sangria Flora

Ingredients

• One 750-milliliter bottle Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 1/2 cups St-Germain elderflower liqueur (or elderflower cordial)
• 1/4 cup Cointreau
• Splash of Ginger Beer
• 6 strawberries, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 6 raspberries
• 2 peaches, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 orange, thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 pound green and red grapes
• Basil
• Ice

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients, except ginger beer and basil, in a pitcher and let stand at room temperature for 3 hours, or cover and refrigerate overnight (overnight tastes bests if you can wait!) Serve in wineglasses, top with a splash of ginger beer, garnish with basil, and serve over ice.

Let me know what you think if you make it, Guys! And don’t forget to check out all of the other recipes being shared today. They all look crazy delicious!

Today I’m joined by over 20 of my talented blogging friends who are also sharing their delicious summer drink recipes with you…

Blackberry Mango Real Fruit White Wine Slushies at The Happy Housie Grapefruit Pineapple Margarita at Craftberry Bush Elderflower Rose Wine Spritzer Cocktail at Modern Glam Summer Sangria at Nina Hendrick Simple Summertime Margaritas at The Handmade Home

Refreshing Summer Cocktail at Rooms FOR Rent Pandora Frozen Nightblossom Recipe at All Things With Purpose Lavender Tea Lemonade at A Pretty Life Gingered Sangria Flora at Willow Street Interiors Blueberry Basil Mule at My Sweet Savannah

Keto Ice Cap at Life is a Party Lava Flow Cocktail at The Turquoise Home Raspberry Watermelon Slush at Clean & Scentsible Pina Colada Agua Fresca at Jenna Kate at Home Banana Peach Smoothie at She Gave it a Go

Blackberry Mint Prosecco Smash at Sincerely, Marie Designs Mojito Style Limeade at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz at The DIY Mommy Classic Frozen Pina Colada at Finding Silver Pennies Simple Whisky Sour at Place of My Taste

Happy Summer!

XO, Laura

Today, I’m joining an amazing group of ladies to share some of our favorite summer drink recipes, and you are definitely going to want to make them ASAP. They all look SO. GOOD. Before I go any further, I would like to point out that it is very likely that some of these drinks, (not all of them), will contain splashes of alcohol so there should be something that appeals to everyone.

I love being able to try something new; I’ve always been the same. There were times when I was younger that I would consider looking for the best fake ids just so I could sneak off with my older friends and try some of the latest alcoholic drinks that were making the rounds. I never did, but I heard all about them when they spoke to me with a raging hangover the day after, and I knew then that I couldn’t wait to be old enough to try the drinks that were becoming more popular amongst the drinking crowd. This is why I was so excited to join this group of wonderful people to share all of our different recipes.

The series is hosted by Krista of The Happy Housie, who always does such a fabulous job putting them together, btw!

• 

• 

I can’t say that summer is entirely my favorite season- only because I get so excited whenever a new one starts- each one brings with it a new set of dreams- new ambitions, new projects, new plans, new recipes, new day trip destinations…

I could go on and on, which is why I really don’t have a favorite. I love them all.

But you know what summer has that no other season does?

The routine-ditching, carefree attitude that defines it.

Trip to go get ice cream cones at 8PM with the littles? Sure.

Impromptu day at the beach, complete with lobster rolls and Del’s Lemonade? Absolutely.

Staying up way past bedtime to make s’mores and catch fireflies? On a Wednesday? Comin’ atcha.

And it also has Gingered Sangria Flora.

For me anyway!

This is one of my top 3 favorite Sangria recipes. It’s light and refreshing, with a hint of ginger and elderflower, and lightened up with lots of fresh fruit, of course. So perfect for summer.

• 

• 

If you’re not familiar with elderflower, they are actually the blossoms of elderberries, the same fruit that elderberry syrup is made from.

The blossoms taste completely different than the berries though. They have a really beautiful, super subtle floral aroma. In Germany, where my husband grew up, they use them to make a yummy syrup that they sweeten seltzer water with. They also use them to make tea and wine.

And here in the states, you can buy imported St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur, at just about any package store. It really adds a lightness to this Sangria that I adore, and I think you will too!

This recipe comes from Food and Wine Magazine, with two small changes. I love to top my sangria off with the tiniest splash of ginger beer for a little effervescent kick, and garnish with a basil leaf. It’s the perfect drink to make for your next backyard BBQ, or date night in.

Gingered Sangria Flora

Ingredients

• One 750-milliliter bottle Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 1/2 cups St-Germain elderflower liqueur (or elderflower cordial)
• 1/4 cup Cointreau
• Splash of Ginger Beer
• 6 strawberries, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 6 raspberries
• 2 peaches, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 orange, thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 pound green and red grapes
• Basil
• Ice

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients, except ginger beer and basil, in a pitcher and let stand at room temperature for 3 hours, or cover and refrigerate overnight (overnight tastes bests if you can wait!) Serve in wineglasses, top with a splash of ginger beer, garnish with basil, and serve over ice.

Let me know what you think if you make it, Guys! And don’t forget to check out all of the other recipes being shared today. They all look crazy delicious!

Today I’m joined by over 20 of my talented blogging friends who are also sharing their delicious summer drink recipes with you…

Blackberry Mango Real Fruit White Wine Slushies at The Happy Housie Grapefruit Pineapple Margarita at Craftberry Bush Elderflower Rose Wine Spritzer Cocktail at Modern Glam Summer Sangria at Nina Hendrick Simple Summertime Margaritas at The Handmade Home

Refreshing Summer Cocktail at Rooms FOR Rent Pandora Frozen Nightblossom Recipe at All Things With Purpose Lavender Tea Lemonade at A Pretty Life Gingered Sangria Flora at Willow Street Interiors Blueberry Basil Mule at My Sweet Savannah

Keto Ice Cap at Life is a Party Lava Flow Cocktail at The Turquoise Home Raspberry Watermelon Slush at Clean & Scentsible Pina Colada Agua Fresca at Jenna Kate at Home Banana Peach Smoothie at She Gave it a Go

Blackberry Mint Prosecco Smash at Sincerely, Marie Designs Mojito Style Limeade at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz at The DIY Mommy Classic Frozen Pina Colada at Finding Silver Pennies Simple Whisky Sour at Place of My Taste

Happy Summer!

XO, Laura

Today, I’m joining an amazing group of ladies to share some of our favorite summer drink recipes, and you are definitely going to want to make them ASAP. They all look SO. GOOD. Before I go any further, I would like to point out that it is very likely that some of these drinks, (not all of them), will contain splashes of alcohol so there should be something that appeals to everyone.

I love being able to try something new; I’ve always been the same. There were times when I was younger that I would consider looking for the best fake ids just so I could sneak off with my older friends and try some of the latest alcoholic drinks that were making the rounds. I never did, but I heard all about them when they spoke to me with a raging hangover the day after, and I knew then that I couldn’t wait to be old enough to try the drinks that were becoming more popular amongst the drinking crowd. This is why I was so excited to join this group of wonderful people to share all of our different recipes.

The series is hosted by Krista of The Happy Housie, who always does such a fabulous job putting them together, btw!

• 

• 

I can’t say that summer is entirely my favorite season- only because I get so excited whenever a new one starts- each one brings with it a new set of dreams- new ambitions, new projects, new plans, new recipes, new day trip destinations…

I could go on and on, which is why I really don’t have a favorite. I love them all.

But you know what summer has that no other season does?

The routine-ditching, carefree attitude that defines it.

Trip to go get ice cream cones at 8PM with the littles? Sure.

Impromptu day at the beach, complete with lobster rolls and Del’s Lemonade? Absolutely.

Staying up way past bedtime to make s’mores and catch fireflies? On a Wednesday? Comin’ atcha.

And it also has Gingered Sangria Flora.

For me anyway!

This is one of my top 3 favorite Sangria recipes. It’s light and refreshing, with a hint of ginger and elderflower, and lightened up with lots of fresh fruit, of course. So perfect for summer.

• 

• 

If you’re not familiar with elderflower, they are actually the blossoms of elderberries, the same fruit that elderberry syrup is made from.

The blossoms taste completely different than the berries though. They have a really beautiful, super subtle floral aroma. In Germany, where my husband grew up, they use them to make a yummy syrup that they sweeten seltzer water with. They also use them to make tea and wine.

And here in the states, you can buy imported St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur, at just about any package store. It really adds a lightness to this Sangria that I adore, and I think you will too!

This recipe comes from Food and Wine Magazine, with two small changes. I love to top my sangria off with the tiniest splash of ginger beer for a little effervescent kick, and garnish with a basil leaf. It’s the perfect drink to make for your next backyard BBQ, or date night in.

Gingered Sangria Flora

Ingredients

• One 750-milliliter bottle Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 1/2 cups St-Germain elderflower liqueur (or elderflower cordial)
• 1/4 cup Cointreau
• Splash of Ginger Beer
• 6 strawberries, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 6 raspberries
• 2 peaches, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 orange, thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 pound green and red grapes
• Basil
• Ice

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients, except ginger beer and basil, in a pitcher and let stand at room temperature for 3 hours, or cover and refrigerate overnight (overnight tastes bests if you can wait!) Serve in wineglasses, top with a splash of ginger beer, garnish with basil, and serve over ice.

Let me know what you think if you make it, Guys! And don’t forget to check out all of the other recipes being shared today. They all look crazy delicious!

Today I’m joined by over 20 of my talented blogging friends who are also sharing their delicious summer drink recipes with you…

Blackberry Mango Real Fruit White Wine Slushies at The Happy Housie Grapefruit Pineapple Margarita at Craftberry Bush Elderflower Rose Wine Spritzer Cocktail at Modern Glam Summer Sangria at Nina Hendrick Simple Summertime Margaritas at The Handmade Home

Refreshing Summer Cocktail at Rooms FOR Rent Pandora Frozen Nightblossom Recipe at All Things With Purpose Lavender Tea Lemonade at A Pretty Life Gingered Sangria Flora at Willow Street Interiors Blueberry Basil Mule at My Sweet Savannah

Keto Ice Cap at Life is a Party Lava Flow Cocktail at The Turquoise Home Raspberry Watermelon Slush at Clean & Scentsible Pina Colada Agua Fresca at Jenna Kate at Home Banana Peach Smoothie at She Gave it a Go

Blackberry Mint Prosecco Smash at Sincerely, Marie Designs Mojito Style Limeade at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz at The DIY Mommy Classic Frozen Pina Colada at Finding Silver Pennies Simple Whisky Sour at Place of My Taste

Happy Summer!

XO, Laura

Hey Guys! It has been anything but uneventful around here lately! My father in law is coming next week, and we’ve been busy getting ready for him. I know this isn’t news to any of you who’ve been long time readers, but Michael is originally from Germany and his parents still live there. Needless to say, he doesn’t get to pop in and visit with them whenever he feels like it. So, when they come to visit, they stay with us for a few weeks, and we get ready by rearranging our office to be more guest friendly – making room for a bed, and cleaning shelf space for clothes.

Some day, I plan to redesign it to work double duty year-round, but there are more pressing projects to finish first! More than likely once all these projects are done, I’ll look for home Interior Design companies to plan and carry out the redesign for us, so a little break can be had!

Pretty Things

And speaking of more pressing projects, next on the list is our master bathroom! Gah, you guys. I’m super excited. This has been a project that’s been a long time in the making. The plumbing’s been done, the room framed, the floor tile installed for – you ready for this? As excited that I am that this project is finally getting underway, it didn’t feel like this for a while. It just seemed to take us a long time to get these jobs completed, especially because we didn’t realize how much work needed to be done. Surprisingly, after we found a plumbing company that was similar to Silverwater Plumbing, (https://www.silverwaterplumbing.com.au/plumber-seven-hills/), this job actually didn’t take us that long. In fact, it took us longer to find a plumber in our area to start with. Even though it took us a while to get this project underway, at least we know that everything has been sorted so that it is safe for us to proceed with everything else. It has definitely been a long time coming. Even though I’m elated to see everything clicking together, renovating a bathroom is incredibly stressful, especially doing it by yourself. However, outsourcing a contractor for help to redo your bathroom takes away a lot of this stress and allows you to feel excitement for your new design!

TEN YEARS!

I can’t even believe we’ve been here that long, but that’s the truth. That room has been roughed in and ready to be finished since we moved into the house. But you know what, finishing it up wasn’t ever super important to me. I wanted the spaces that we all live in and share together to be finished and decorated before we shelled out the rest of the money to finish the bathroom, so that we could look to make it special in its own right. Right now we’re considering options for the shower portion, perhaps a custom glass shower door? Oh, but what kind of bathtub should we get? We’ve had plenty of time to give it all a lot of thought, but the choice is still yet to be made final!

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