Crafting a Handmade Home
Lenny and I used to love to watch Good Eats on The Food Network. Good Eats was a TV show where the host, Alton Brown, decoded culinary customs, explored the origins of ingredients and explained why you cook certain foods a certain way. The what, when, why and how of cooking. I have always been interested in how and why. How do you do that?
Happy Monday friends! What a privilege for me to start out the week by sharing another DIY project with you! As you know, summer is around the corner here and it’s the perfect time to be thinking about brightening your home decor with a little chalk paint magic aka refinishing furniture with chalk paint. I’m extra excited this Monday because I’ll be guest posting over at Kenarry: Ideas
It’s quite amazing to me to think that my “little girl” is on an enormous ship and is sailing somewhere in the Pacific Ocean as part of a mission of the United States Navy. Still doesn’t register with my mind that this is real or possible. In fact, our sailor girl just recently paid a visit to Hong Kong! Who would have ever thought?! Our sailor
The boys men in my family love pork. Pork chops. Porkloin. Loin. Bacon. Bacon. Pork roast. Pulled pork. Barbecue pork. Roast pork. Well, you get the idea. I like pork, but I definitely don’t have the love for it that they do. But, I do enjoy cooking for them and trying out new recipes. Well, have I got a Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe for you!
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
Now, for my Father’s Day tribute, I wanted to share a project that I thought would be easy enough for families to make and something that dad might actually enjoy having. I actually got the idea from reading an article on The Art of Manliness blog. Have you visited or heard of The Art of Manliness? I think it’s a really cool site, so be sure
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
