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Latest Posts
Debra Schoch is an artist from rural Northern Michigan best known for her whimsical, festive, and unique folk art papier mâché figurines. About 20 or so years ago, Bethany Lowe Designs signed Debra on to their team of artists, allowing...
Taking photos of the moon using your iPhone can be a challenge. You look up in the sky and see a beautiful full moon so you pull your phone out to take a picture and you end up with this…...
Halloween is less than two weeks away (!!!), so I thought I’d share some of the spooky decor we have around the house this year. From light-up pumpkins to the cutest ornament tree, here are a few of my favorite...
Welcome to another installment in the Garden Diaries series, where I share the ups and downs of the growing season here in the Northwoods. As promised, today I’m sharing even more of our dahlias from this season- and there are...
Looking for a gift for the book lover in your life? This is the gift guide for you. As a big reader myself, I have amassed over 25 gift ideas perfect for Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions that aren’t...
Finally, finally, FINALLY- it’s dahlia season here in the Northwoods. From a cold and rainy start to summer to the huge windy storms we have gotten the past couple months, it has been a weird and rocky season for our...
One thing about me is I don’t believe there is such a thing as having too many Philosophy body washes, especially when it comes to their holiday scents. From warm, spicy fragrances reminiscent of cozy evenings by the fire to...
If you’re a blog lover (like me!), you may find it difficult to keep up with all your favorite sites and their new posts. Well, I have a solution for you. Enter Feedly, an RSS reader that allows you to...
Keeping my long, highlighted hair healthy can be a challenge, but using the right leave-ins has made all the difference for me. Over the years, I have found a few that really help keep my hair happy and healthy that...
I am well aware that it is still summer, but I have decided to fully commit to the whole “Aug-tober” thing because I am so ready for fall. Today we’re starting off fall decorating with some of my very favorite...
Welcome to another installment of the Garden Diaries, a series in which I share all of the highs and lows of the growing season. Today’s big news is definitely a “high”- the very first dahlias of the season have bloomed....
I’ve been journaling for a long time, and I think it’s a great way to capture memories, reflect, plan for the future, and unleash creativity. Today I’m listing some of my favorite items to use for journaling, from the discbound...
It’s been a while since I have sat down to write a “What I’m Liking Lately” post, but today I’m back with some of my July favorites. From the only sunscreen I use on my face to the side dish...
Welcome back to another installment of the Garden Diaries series, where I share what I’m growing throughout the season. Summer started off with some temperamental weather where I live, to say the least. We’ve had everything from 90-degree days to...
In case you somehow missed it, a huge solar storm this weekend caused the Northern Lights to be seen all over the US. It was pretty cloudy where I live most of the weekend, so I was worried that we...
Welcome back to part three of my Easter decorating series for 2024! Can you believe that it was already time to spring our clocks forward today? It seems like the month has been flying by. Easter is only three weeks...
Debra Schoch is an artist from Michigan known for her whimsical papier mâché folk art figurines. I grew up seeing her pieces decorating our home during the Easter, Christmas, and Halloween seasons. Debra’s love of these three holidays inspired her...
Happy March! It was actually 55 degrees and sunny at one point this week, which is very warm for this time of year where I live. The unseasonable weather and the fact that Easter is only four weeks away have...
– Summary – Why I love the Corkcicle Cold Cup XL: It’s durable Keeps drinks cold for a long time Sleek design Beautiful colors (with lots of options to choose from) Cupholder-friendly Comfortable handle Shop on Amazon: Read on for...
I love journaling, and I use certain daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly prompts to reflect and, honestly, just because they’re fun. However, there are times when I want to mix it up and add some other pages throughout my journal...
In the Garden
Welcome to another installment in the Garden Diaries series, where I share the ups and downs of the growing season here in the Northwoods. As promised, today I’m sharing even more of our dahlias from this season- and there are...
Finally, finally, FINALLY- it’s dahlia season here in the Northwoods. From a cold and rainy start to summer to the huge windy storms we have gotten the past couple months, it has been a weird and rocky season for our...
Welcome to another installment of the Garden Diaries, a series in which I share all of the highs and lows of the growing season. Today’s big news is definitely a “high”- the very first dahlias of the season have bloomed....
Welcome to another installment of the “Garden Diaries” series, where I share what I’m growing and all the ups and downs throughout the season. We’ve had a little break from rain around here and nights have been warm, so everything...
My favorite flowers of all time are peonies (although Dahlias are a close second). I think they are so, so beautiful. Our area is just past peak peony season, and I know it’s a bit later than what’s considered normal...
Welcome back to another installment of the Garden Diaries series, where I share what I’m growing throughout the season. Summer started off with some temperamental weather where I live, to say the least. We’ve had everything from 90-degree days to...
Welcome to a new series I’m calling the “Garden Diaries”, in which I will be sharing all of the ups and downs of my gardening journey throughout the year. We grow a plethora of different fruits, veggies, flowers, and more...
HAPPY TO BE HOME
Welcome to the Northwoods
Debra Schoch is an artist from rural Northern Michigan best known for her whimsical, festive, and unique folk art papier mâché figurines. About 20 or so years ago, Bethany Lowe...
Halloween is less than two weeks away (!!!), so I thought I’d share some of the spooky decor we have around the house this year. From light-up pumpkins to the...
I am well aware that it is still summer, but I have decided to fully commit to the whole “Aug-tober” thing because I am so ready for fall. Today we’re...
In case you somehow missed it, a huge solar storm this weekend caused the Northern Lights to be seen all over the US. It was pretty cloudy where I live...
Welcome back to part three of my Easter decorating series for 2024! Can you believe that it was already time to spring our clocks forward today? It seems like the...
Debra Schoch is an artist from Michigan known for her whimsical papier mâché folk art figurines. I grew up seeing her pieces decorating our home during the Easter, Christmas, and...
Happy March! It was actually 55 degrees and sunny at one point this week, which is very warm for this time of year where I live. The unseasonable weather and...
Happy New Year! To start off this new year, I’m actually going to go back and do a little Christmas recap. My holiday season was extremely busy, probably like a...
Halloween is over, which means the Christmas season is upon us. I am definitely one of those people who thinks that the Christmas season officially begins at midnight on November...
My sweet boy turned 14! October 11th was our black lab’s 14th birthday, which is crazy since it seems like he was a tiny pup yesterday. Benjamin Junior (or just...
It’s fall, which means it’s harvest time. The growing season is fairly short here, but we managed to grow quite a few fruits and veggies. Check out everything we grew...
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, and it’s especially beautiful where I love. Here are some of my favorite parts of being home during fall: The...
BEAUTY
In this post, I have compiled over 50 gift ideas for the “girly girl” on your shopping list. Including everything from beauty must-haves to fun accessories, cozy essentials, and more, this gift guide is one of my favorites! Whether you’re...
One thing about me is I don’t believe there is such a thing as having too many Philosophy body washes, especially when it comes to their holiday scents. From warm, spicy fragrances reminiscent of cozy evenings by the fire to...
Keeping my long, highlighted hair healthy can be a challenge, but using the right leave-ins has made all the difference for me. Over the years, I have found a few that really help keep my hair happy and healthy that...
– Summary – Why I love the Foreo Luna Mini 2 Face Cleansing Device: Very easy to use and incorporate into my daily routine Makes my face feel extremely clean Long battery life Soft touchpoints are made of hygienic silicone...
From high-coverage concealers to pigmented blushes and hydrating lip oils- drugstore makeup brands like E.l.f., Wet n Wild, and Covergirl have been giving their luxury counterparts a run for their money these days. The drugstore is now a treasure trove...
IT Cosmetics, founded in 2008 by Jamie Kern Lima, is known for its high-coverage, skincare-based makeup products. I, like many others, am a huge fan of the brand and have been using its products for over a decade. In fact,...
– Summary – Why I love the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream: Medium to high, buildable coverage Non-drying and lightweight formula Lasts all day SPF 50+ Does NOT make me breakout Shop on Amazon: Read on for...
Spring is in full swing around here- the crabapple trees are blooming, it’s been warm and sunny, and my strawberry plants are blooming. Keeping with the spring theme, here are some of my recent spring beauty favorites. Here’s what I’ve...
If you are shopping for your mom’s birthday, Mother’s Day, or Christmas and need some inspiration, look no further. From skincare tools to cozy blankets, this gift guide includes all kinds of self-care gift ideas to pamper your mom (things...
Olaplex is famous for its patented bond-building technology used in its various haircare products and salon treatments. Once salon-exclusive, the brand now offers an array of products to be used regularly at home. I was first introduced to Olaplex by...
Whether on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok, you have likely seen the “cold girl” makeup look trending this winter. As you can tell by the name, the whole point of the look is to appear as if you’ve been out in...
I have really enjoyed watching the increase in popularity of skincare over the past few years, and have learned a lot in that time about what works for my skin. I have created a pretty solid daily routine for myself,...
It’s officially the time of year when big puffy coats, warm blankets, and humidifiers have to come out where I live. It’s bitterly cold, snowy, and very dry – not so great for my skin! Before we get into my...
This is the first “What I’m Liking Lately” of 2024. I’ve had a good start to the new year, and I hope you have too. Here are a few things I’ve been liking over the past week. 1. Philosophy Shower...
We’re back to listing my 2023 favorites. Today’s topic-makeup! For some context, I am a big makeup lover. I used to be a competitive dancer and taught myself stage makeup by watching YouTube videos. Through this, I found a real...
READING
Looking for a gift for the book lover in your life? This is the gift guide for you. As a big reader myself, I have amassed over 25 gift ideas perfect for Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions that aren’t...
It’s been a while since I have sat down to write a “What I’m Liking Lately” post, but today I’m back with some of my July favorites. From the only sunscreen I use on my face to the side dish...
If I were to imagine the perfect fall day it would definitely include curling up with a good book, preferably by a fire while I’m wearing a cozy sweater and sipping on a chai latte. Maybe there’s a fall treat...
Happy official first day of summer! The weather is warm, the sun is out, and it’s time to read some good books. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing at the lake, or enjoying a quiet afternoon in the garden,...
While we may be taught to never judge a book by its cover, these editions of timeless classics look just as beautiful as the stories inside of them are. From ornate covers decorated with intricate designs to bindings that beg...
If you’re a reader, you have likely heard of Kindle Unlimited, or KU as those on BookTok, BookTube, and Bookstagram sometimes refer to it. If you haven’t, Kindle Unlimited is Amazon’s reading subscription service, boasting access to over 4 million...
Hello and welcome back to another “What I’m Liking Lately” post! It’s odd to think that Easter is just over a week away- doesn’t it seem early this year? If you want to take a peek at our Easter decor,...
While we are already in the third month of 2024, I don’t think it’s ever too late to start a reading challenge for yourself. If you’re tired of your only annual reading goal being a number of books, then add...
I’m back again with my 2023 favorites. Today’s focus- books! I love reading, and wish that I had more time for it last year. I read 16 books, and these were my favorites (in no particular order). My favorite books...
JOURNALING
I’ve been journaling for a long time, and I think it’s a great way to capture memories, reflect, plan for the future, and unleash creativity. Today I’m listing some of...
As fall rolls in with its vibrant colors and cozy vibes, it’s the perfect time to dive into journaling. That’s why I have made this list of 40+ journal prompts...
Hello, and happy Saturday! It’s the start of a new month, which feels like a mini fresh start. I have been doing a bit more journaling than usual, including using...
Ready to wrap up the month and get ready for a new one? Use these 5 journal prompts to reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between of the...
Journaling every day can feel like a tall task. Sometimes I don’t feel like I have the time to sit down and write out detailed paragraphs about my day, and...
It’s officially February, which means Valentine’s Day is coming up very soon. Whatever your relationship status, check out these 5 journal prompts to reflect on your ideas about the holiday...
The beginning of a new month always feels like a mini fresh start to me, and I like to reflect that in my journal. If you want to do a...
How is it already the end of January? Time has been flying by so quickly. I feel as if I was just writing down New Year’s journal prompts to start...
I love journaling, and I use certain daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly prompts to reflect and, honestly, just because they’re fun. However, there are times when I want to mix...
As a new month begins, it’s the perfect time for a mini fresh start or reset. Journaling can be a great way to reflect, set intentions, and create new goals...
I’ve had a journal or diary ever since I can remember. When I was younger I wrote about my day in school and doodled pictures of my dog and dresses...
E X P L O R E
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