a handmade home
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
I was recently perusing the Midwest Living website when I ran across these “Midwest Moments” captured in photographs from various people from across the midwest. First up is this beautiful photo from Iowa: Then there’s this beautiful field of tulips from Illinois. And this lovely barn from Minnesota. I love this picture of the barn!
I know that chalk paint has been around for a while, but I’ve just begun using it on some of my refurnishing projects around my home. I just love the finish and the look of chalk paint. Whether you finish it with a high gloss, leave it silky or distress it – I just adore the look. It kinda goes with that cottage-y vibe. So,
I was sitting on our enclosed porch this morning getting a tutorial ready on my laptop when I noticed a male Cardinal had just flown into the front yard. He was a surprise visitor and such a treat on this cool Spring morning! I just had to share a picture of my little surprise visitor with you: Isn’t he beautiful? I don’t know what birds
I was just setting up my Etsy shop, or rather updating my Etsy shop, when I came across this article about “4 Essential Product Shots for Your Etsy Listing.” Although this is an article written by and for Etsy, the principles apply towards product photography in general. And so I thought I’d share these four ideas with you and some of my blogger friends (call
