a handmade home
Father’s Day 2015 will be here before you know it – Sunday, June 21st! It’s time to find some DIY: Father’s Day gift ideas, if you haven’t already. If the dad in your life is anything like the my Lenny, then what he’d really love for Father’s Day is something from the heart. I’ve scoured the web in pursuit of some homemade or handmade Father’s
Do you remember how old you were when you first started using a computer? Well, for those of you who are younger than me, they’ve probably always been a part of your life. But, for me, I remember when I first began using a computer on my job and eventually in my home. I thought I would share some of my favorite computing gadgets with
I’m just busting at the seams and can’t wait to share with you some exciting news from Kenarry: Ideas for the Home. Several weeks ago, I applied to a Call for Contributors to be a part of the 2015 Creative Team at Kenarry: Ideas for the Home. Well, I can now share with you the exciting news that The Birch Cottage was selected to be a
What an eventful weekend, full of mixed emotions as we celebrated Owen’s high school graduation. Owen is our youngest child and he graduated from high school on Saturday. While we are immensely proud of Owen and so excited about his future, it just seems sad for his childhood to come to an end. We have so enjoyed watching Owen grow up! Although I’m sure most
Lenny and I took a little road trip this past Memorial Day weekend to see our soldier and his beautiful wife in Fort Gordon, Georgia. We left as soon as we got off work Friday evening and arrived at Fort Gordon on Saturday around noon. Except for the fact it took us a couple of hours to get through security and obtain our pass, it
I realize I’m not a man, but as a mother, I realize the importance of young boys learning from their father’s, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, or role models of what it means to be a man and how to grow up to be a young man of integrity. The Art of Manliness is a website that features articles, tips, tutorials, videos and even podcasts on
Welcome to our May Blog Hop! This month we are focusing on all things Father’s Day…it’s only a few weeks away! Get ready for some great ideas, inspiration and “how to” as you move along through the blog hop. You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Under My Gabled Roof on our Living with Style Blog Hop. If you get off track at any
Farmhouse Light with Chicken Wire This light fixture from The Wood Grain Cottage is absolutely one of my favorite DIY light fixtures of all time. I just adore it and can’t wait to find someplace in my home to incorporate it. Industrial Bathroom Fixture This Industrical Bathroom Fixture from Snazzy Little Things has trendy written all over it! I would love to incorporate this style
Traditionally, Americans celebrate Memorial Day as a kickoff to summer with family gatherings, cookouts, camping and backyard barbecues. But, Memorial Day is supposed to be a time for us to remember those military men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I hope as you enjoy this day with your family, that you take just a moment to honor those who have
There’s something about seeing just a boy and his dog that makes you think all is right with the world. Owen is the baby of the family and he will be graduating from high school in just a few short days. Amazing! Remo is our German Shepherd. We think he’s adorable. He’s recently started growing gray little whiskers, which, in our opinion, just makes him
I was just thinking what a great Father’s Day gift this Photo Collage Monogram would make! Dad could place it on a book shelf, mantle or hang it on the wall. This simple photo collage monogram would make a great family project. Just in time for Father’s Day! I found this project over at It’s A Ginger Snap and it is super easy and inexpensive to make. All
I have always been a BIG fan of salsa, pico de gallo and, of course, cilantro. My taste buds just come alive thinking about cilantro! This Pico de Gallo Recipe is my all time favorite. I use it as a base for so many dishes. Every since Lenny and I made our road trip out to California last summer and experienced “Taco Tuesday” at the Rockin’ Baja
I know most parents think their children are special, talented, gifted, beautiful and/or handsome. I’m no exception. Lenny and I have seven children and although they have some similar traits, they are each uniquely and wonderfully different. I talk a lot about Kristen these days because she’s the youngest girl and she’s off serving her country in the United States Navy. I received these beautiful
I am all the time telling the kids that I’m going to run away from home with their dad. So, this past Spring break, that’s exactly what we did. We ran all the way to beautiful, sunny, relaxing and welcoming Puerto Morelos, Mexico! Located in the Yucatan peninsula, midway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, you’ll find Puerto Morelos to be the perfect tranquil spot.
Today I’m just thrilled to show you one of my most recent furniture makeovers. We have a small console or table we use in our entryway. The table was an Amish-made oak table that belonged to my mother-in-law. The table was fine just the way it was, but I really am in love with the white finishes, especially the chalk paint finishes. So, I decided
I am super excited to share today’s reclaimed wood DIY project with you! Making this shabby chic wood tray from repurposed fence pickets was an easy and rewarding DIY project. It’s just the perfect little piece to add a touch of farmhouse charm to your decor. Of course, I think all our projects here at The Birch Cottage are either adorable, clever, beautiful or simply
I first discovered Lia Griffith’s website when I was looking for some Christmas gift tag printables. I tell you, I was just so impressed with the amazing Lia Grifith. Man, has she got a way with paper crafts! So, if you’re wondering where to find some beautiful paper crafts or printables, you need to look no further than Lia Griffith. Lia offers videos and tutorials, DIY ideas,
Last week I gave you my 5 Reasons to Use Pinterest Rich Pins. Today, I’d like to tell you how to get Pinterest Rich Pins. The setup is really easy and right now Pinterest is offering setup in less than 24-hours. But, first, just a little reminder about the advantages of using Pinterest Rich Pins. What are Rich Pins? Rich Pins are Pinterest Pins that
You may be wondering why a DIY blog is posting the “USS Essex Prepares for Deployment.” Well, it’s because the very best little sailor in the world is on board the USS Essex and preparing for deployment in the next week. Lenny, her brothers and sisters and I could not possibly be prouder of her and I just had to take a moment to brag
I opened my email a couple of days ago to find a message from Pinterest entitled, “Our gift to you for National Small Business Week.” The gift was the introduction of Rich Pins and a promise to process my application with 24-hours. I’m really glad I received the email message because it reminded me to take care of business and complete another task on my blogging
