5 Tips for Easy Spring Cleaning TAGS: environmentally friendly cleaning products | natural cleaning products | spring cleaning It’s that time of year again.  Spring cleaning time!  If you’re anything like me, it’s probably not your favorite time of the year, but it is necessary.   And since spring …Continue reading →

What’s in Your Fifthroom? TAGS: barbecue | cabana | fifthroom | gazebo | outdoor dining | outdoor retreat | pergola | sunroom Close your eyes and picture it – your ultimate Fifthroom. What does it look like? Where would it be? Is it a space inside your home, or an outdoor retreat? …Continue reading →

April Showers… bring May … Baskets TAGS: baskets | quilting | quilts | sewing | spring quilts April Showers… bring May … um… May Baskets!  If you are a quilter a basket is a shape you are drawn to (or at least most quilters I know are!).  …Continue reading →

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY TAGS: garden bugs | garden pests | gardening | grubs | lady bug | praying mantis Bugs, that is! Anyone who has gardened for a while has encountered their share of bugs in the garden. Some are instantly recognizable, like the ladybug, and others are head-scratchingly …Continue reading →

Using White in Decorating TAGS: decorating scheme | decorating trends | using white in decorating | white | white decorating White is a decorator’s secret weapon.  It is clean and crisp, and can vary from restful to energizing depending on the colors it is paired with.  I use white in …Continue reading →

Fifthroom Trends for 2012 TAGS: aluminum furniture | ceiling fans | outdoor design trends 2012 | outdoor furniture | outdoor lamps | patio | wicker Tired of the same old patio furniture, arranged in the same old boring way? There are some new and exciting trends for 2012 to help spruce up your “fifthroom,” including …Continue reading →

Sashiko TAGS: Bandana Almanac | patchwork | pre-printed backgrounds | quilting | quilting and sewing | Sashiko | sewing I am announcing today my love of learning! Do you challenge yourself to learn something new every so often? I’m fascinated by the Japanese embroidery style called Sashiko, which I’ve …Continue reading →

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE TAGS: bluebonnets | flowers | gardening | gardens | Indian Paintbrush | poppies In many areas of the country right now, we are being treated to a spring explosion of wildflowers. From rural meadows to urban roadsides, wildflowers are not only a stunning …Continue reading →

April Showers TAGS: April | International Quilt Study Center | May | quilting | quilts | sewing | spring | spring quilts April Showers bring May flowers.. and what do showers often bring? A rainbow! This antique quilt measures 87″ x 82″ and is embroidered with initials.  This kind of quilt totally …Continue reading →

GET CHECKERED! TAGS: checkered | checkered designs | gardens | landscaping | outdoor design | pathway | terra cotta | trending patterns I just returned home from a flower and garden show visit where I was treated to 10 incredible display gardens featuring incredible plant styling, stunning art pieces and mind-boggling creativity. …Continue reading →