Valentine’s Day is one of the best holidays to decorate for.  The colors are just so perfect: red and pink!  Every year I make little gifts for my kids, even now that they are adults. And, of course, the grandbabies get fun stuff too. It is hard to deny that a holiday that is all about telling people that you love them, is one of the best!

One thing that I used to do when my kids were smaller was to take a toilet paper roll, stuff it with candy, and wrap it in tissue paper and ribbon. So cute and so easy and cheap. They loved those every year.

Another great idea is to write love notes so people know how much you care – they can hold onto the letters and read them when they need a reminder.

Another important time for gifts is classroom gifts for your kids.  There are a few ideas in this post that would work well for assembly-line crafting for a larger amount of people. And do not forget a little gift for their teacher!

If you are hosting a party this year, you will find some great decorating ideas for Valentines Day.  Make it less expensive by shopping for supplies at the dollar store and the thrift store.

Take a look at these great crafts for the people you love!

***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosures.

EASY VALENTINE’S DAY IDEASStarburst Heart Pouch by {Miami County Live}

CLICK TO SHOP:

Candy and Flowers by {Evolution of Style}

Willow Heart Wreath by {The Cards We Drew}

DIY Blooming Monogram by {Lulus}

Valentine’s Day Mantle by {Craftberry Bush}

Valentine Glitter Votives by {Mason Jar Crafts Love}

Heart-Shaped Wreath by {Fynes Designs}

CLICK TO SHOP:

Valentine’s Day Wreath by {Blooming Homestead}

Valentine’s Mantel by {Adventures in Decorating}

Dollar Tree Heart Wreath by {Prudent Penny Pincher}

Tiered Tray by {Dining Delights}

HOMEMADE GIFTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Yarn Wrapped Hearts by {Fynes Designs}

Conversation Heart Banner by {Sandy Toes and Popsicles}

Valentine’s Heart Banner by {Eighteen25}

DIY Valentine’s Day Garland by {Vicki Barone}

Heart Tree by {Money Fit Moms}

Felt Heart Trees by {Lolly Jane}

FREE Printable Wall Art by {Craft Patch Blog}

Valentine’s Day Gnomes by {Follow the Yellow Brick Home}

Folded Paper Hearts by {Design Fixation}

Dollar Store Banner by {Shifting Roots}

Printable Glitter Banner by {Tater Tots and Jello}

I hope you found something perfect for your loved ones. If you did, please let me know in the comments!

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The post DIY VALENTINES DAY DECORATIONS IDEAS appeared first on A Fresh-Squeezed Life.

Photo credit {A Bowl Full of Lemons}

I know I am not the only one who loves a nice, clean, and organized closet! In fact, when I moved to Michigan a couple of years ago, I was pretty excited to move into a house and have room on my shelves! It is probably no surprise that I am once again needing to organize and get things in order.

The first thing I do whenever I organize a space or a room is that I remove as much stuff as I can and then sort through it. A pile for “keep”, a pile for “donate”, and a pile for “throw away” is where I start.

Of course, I am not above feeling overwhelmed about halfway through this process, but I promise it is worth it!

Seeing everything I have in one spot helps me to be pretty aggressive about getting rid of things.  If I give something away or sell it, I can always repurchase it at the thrift store, if needed, but that never happens.

I have gathered some great ideas on how to organize your closets, and you can apply these in the bedroom, hall, or entryway. Anywhere you have a closet, really!

***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosures.

DIY CLOSET ORGANIZATION IDEAS

DIY Cheap and Easy Closet Shelves by {Lovely Etc}

Wood Cubby Storage, 5 Cube Storage, 5 Cube Storage

DIY Upgrade Wire Shelves to Floating Shelves by {Never Skip Brunch}

Coat Closet Makeover by {How to Nest For Less}

Hanging Storage by {Nesting with Grace}

Cubby Organization by {Thrifty Decor Chick}

Organize the Door by {The Homes I Have Made}

Black Storage Pockets, Beige Storage Pockets, Beige Storage Pockets

DIY Scarf Hanger by {Everyday Dishes}

DIY Tie Rack by {Craftaholics Anonymous}

COAT CLOSET ORGANIZATION

Coat Closet Makeover by {Kelley Nan}

Shoe Organizer for Gloves, Scarves and Hats by {Blue is Style Blog}

BEDROOM CLOSET ORGANIZATION

Stagger Your Shoes by {The Last Fashion Bible}

Closet Rod Doubler by {A Bowl Full of Lemons}

Inexpensive Way to Organize Your Purses by {Organizing Junkie}

Tween Wardrobe Makeover by {The Organized Housewife}

I hope you found something to get you started with organizing your closets!

Have a lovely day!

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The post CLOSET ORGANIZATION IDEAS appeared first on A Fresh-Squeezed Life.

Photo credit: 2 Kooks in the Kitchen

As a gal who lives on her own, I can confidently say that it can be frustrating to find recipes for easy one-person meals.  Also frustrating is making a recipe for 4-6 people and eating the same thing all week long as leftovers.

For a long time after I was on my own, I consistently made too much food each week and ended up tossing a lot of it because it was just too repetitive.  Sometimes I would end up “accidentally” making soup for like eight people. For some reason, no matter how many servings the recipe made, the final product was enough for a small crowd.

I have been experimenting with cooking a larger batch and freezing portions, but not everything freezes well, so that can be a bit limiting.  In this post, you will find a bunch of great recipes for one or two people that will satisfy your cravings and not leave you with a week’s worth of food to try and gobble up.

One thing to keep in mind when making single meals is that you can pick exactly what you love. No need to worry about pleasing an entire family – just YOU!  So pick what you like. And be sure to use the good plates and glassware, because you deserve it.

Let’s take a look at these delicious one-person recipes!

COOKING FOR ONE

Easy Layered Brunch Salad by {Made in a Pinch}

Ginger Garlic Marinated Salmon by {Chocolate Moosey}

Santa Fe Chicken Salad by {Fork to Spoon}

Noodle Bowl by {Two Kooks in the Kitchen}

Roasted Vegetable Pizza by {Kara Lydon}

Air Fryer Shrimp and Peppers by {JZ Eats}

Spiced Egg Crepe by {Bon Appetite}

Easy Chickpea Salad by {A Couple Cooks}

Cottage Cheese Pancake by {Pinch of Yum}

RECIPES FOR ONE PERSON

Tortilla Quiche by {Eating Bird Food}

Ground Beef Bibimbap by {Skinny Taste}

Hibachi Chicken by {Wholesome Yum}

Seared Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa by {The Kitchn}

Grilled Chicken Caeser Salad by {Fork to Spoon}

SINGLE MEALS

Tuna Melt by {The Real Food Dieticians}

Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs by {One Happy Dish}

Grilled Caprese Sandwich by {I Heart Naptime}

Parmesan Crusted Chicken by {One Happy Dish}

Happy cooking!

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I love this time of year because I get to pull out my crock pot and get to cooking!  There’s something about the fall weather that makes me want to fill my home with the yummy scent of something good for dinner. 

The recipes I gathered for this post are all healthy in some way.  You will find clean-eating, low-calorie, high-protein, paleo, and low-carb recipes.  You will also find lots of kid-friendly, easy recipes you and your family are sure to love.

The crock pot allows you to cook large batches for your family or for the freezer.  Even though I am living on my own, I still accidentally make soup for 10+ people, even when I try to make a small batch. What can I say? It is a gift!  When I make too much, I add single-serve portions to my freezer – and I love being able to pull out a meal without having to cook.

These recipes are perfect for meal-prep as well.

Recently, I purchased a 2-quart Crock Pot, and I LOVE IT!  Since the stoneware bowl is smaller than my 6-quart pot, I’m less likely to accidentally make a batch that is way too big.

The crock pot is perfect for soups and stews, but looking through these recipes, there are several new types of recipes I want to try.  The Beef Teriyaki and Chicken Marsala will be in my upcoming dinner rotations.  They just look too good!

Working from home, I get to enjoy the smell of dinner cooking all day long when I use my slow cooker, but when I went to the office every day, I loved tossing everything into the crock pot in the morning and coming home to a delicious dinner all ready to go.

***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosures.

7 qt Crock Pot, 6 qt pink Crock Pot, 2 qt Crock Pot

EASY AND DELICIOUS CROCKPOT RECIPES

Marry Me Chicken by {All Nutritious}

Cowboy Casserole by {The Fervent Mama}

Chicken Marsala by {Diethood}

Asian Sesame Chicken by {Together as Family}

Beef and Broccoli by {100K Recipes}

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken by {All Nutritious}

Pot Roast by {Wholesome Yum}

Beef Barley Soup by {The Food Charlatan}Pork Tenderloin by {Spend with Pennies}

LOW CARB CROCK POT RECIPES

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs by {Recipe Magik}

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup by {All Nutritious}

Chicken Ratatouille Stew by {My Life Cookbook}

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos by {Slow Cooker Meals}

Chicken Noodle Soup by Spend with Pennies

Chicken Enchiladas by {The Oregon Dietician}

Chicken Drumsticks by {Dinner at the Zoo}

Chicken Fajitas by {Recipes from a Kitchen}

Pinto Beans with Bacon by {The Feathered Nester}

Turkey and Black Bean Chili by {Frugal Mom Eh!}

Butter Chicken by {All Nutritious}

Buffalo Chicken Chili by {The Nessy Kitchen}

Chicken Cacciatore by {Crystal and Company}

Goulash by {Sugar and Snap Peas}

Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo by {Piper Cooks}

Beef Barbacoa by {Real Simple Good}

Paleo Beef Teriyaki by {The Evolving Table}

Cuban Beef by {Paleo Hacks}

Meatballs in Marinara by {Paleo Running Mama}

Garlic Bacon Pot Roast by {The Tastes of Lizzy T}

Sweet Potato Chipotle Chili by {The Cotter Crunch}

Pork Carnitas Lettuce Tacos by {Miss Allie’s Kitchen}

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes by {Well Plated}

Crack Chicken by {Word to Your Mother Blog}

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs by {Diethood}

Taco Soup by {Recipe Diaries}

Mississippi Pot Roast by {Word to Your Mother Blog}

Asian Short Ribs by {Taste of Home}

Chicken Burrito Bowl by {Joyous Apron}

Chicken Shawarma Bowl by {All Nutritious}

I hope you found something to love on this list! If you try one of these healthy crock-pot recipes, please let me know in the comments!

Have a lovely day!

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Photo Credit: 

I don’t know about you, but I love a colorful kitchen filled with vintage goodness!  You might say, “Bring on the kitsch!”

Kitsch: art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.

Personally, I find that definition funny, since it basically boils the look down to “tacky.” 

Ultimately, I am OK with that.

Going with a kitschy look allows you to play with colors, patterns, and time periods to suit what makes you happy.  In fact, I think the point of kitsch is simple happiness—the ability to decorate in a way that creates joy when you enter a room.

Kitsch can bring up images of a 1950’s kitchen with red pops of color or a 1970’s diner with Avocado and Mustard yellow appliances.  Think of a black-and-white patterned tile floor and vintage tablecloths repurposed into cafe-style kitchen curtains.  A small round table with bright plastic chairs in the middle of the kitchen is another typical look.

There are many ways to add small doses of kitsch simply by taking a trip to the thrift store. Old linens, cookware, and wall art are easy to find and are generally affordable.  You can add mid-century modern pieces with their bright colors and geometric patterns, although those might be more expensive.

***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosures.

Photo by {Happy Whiskers}

PHOTO by {Pinterest}

COLORFUL KITSCHY ACCESSORIES

Red is a popular color for kitschy accessories.  You can add small pops of color to your space, and this will really brighten up your kitchen.  Light teal green, mustard yellow, and pink are also used heavily in this decor style.  Be sure to mix and match and be adventurous in your color choices.

Red Wall Clock, Red Salt and Pepper Shakers, Red Bread Box, Red Bread Box

PHOTO by {Pinterest}

PHOTO by {Apartment Therapy}

Photo by {Clare}

Mixing Bowls, Non-Stick Skillet, Electric Hand Mixer, Metal Colander

PHOTO by {Good Sign}

KITCHEN MAKEOVER by {HEY, HOMEWRECKER!}

PHOTO by {My Colourful Squares}

PHOTO by {Country Living}

Retro Cats, Mid Century Modern Rug, Oranges Rug, Pink Checked Rug

PHOTO by {Rach Martino}

PHOTO by {Rachel Henderson}

PHOTO by {Rose Loves Wilki}

PHOTO by {I Heart Shabby Chic}

PHOTO by {Buzzfeed}

PHOTO by {Country Living}

Green Floor Lamp, Floral Ceiling Light, Orange Pendant Light, Orange Pendant Light

VINTAGE STYLE

Retro and vintage are two words that correctly describe Kitsch.  Think of diner-style kitchen seating, Formica countertops, and vintage-style appliances in quirky colors.  Not only are all of these useful, but they also provide a bit of playfulness to your kitchen.

One thing to remember about a true kitschy look is that it is about more, not less. Each inch of space in your kitchen is an opportunity to add color and fun, whether on the wall or the counters.

PHOTO by {Sanna and Sania}

PHOTO by {This Old House}

JADEITE JEWEL KITCHEN by {The Kitchn}

PHOTO by {Pinterest}

MIXING OLD AND OLDER by {Retro Renovation}

PHOTO by {Design Milk}

Yellow Table/Chairs, Green Table/Chairs, Pink Table/Chairs, Dark Green Table/Chairs

COZY KITCHEN IDEAS

Creating a kitschy kitchen allows you to draw from different style periods.  It is like a blank canvas for your creativity to come out to play.  Your personal style can be front and center, as opposed to decorating with rules and structure.

PHOTO by {Happy Loves Rosie}

PHOTO by {Pinterest}

PHOTO by {Good Housekeeping}

I hope some of these ideas inspire you to start creating a look you love for your kitchen.  Let me know in the comments!

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The post COLORFUL KITSCHY KITCHEN IDEAS appeared first on A Fresh-Squeezed Life.

Photo credit: Mistletoe Cranberry Margaritas by A Grateful Meal

Is it just me, or is this season made better with cranberries? Personally, I find the sweet, tangy flavor perfect for so many recipes. I have collected a whole bunch of great ones for you. If you are looking for entrees, drinks, snacks, and baked goods brimming with cranberries, you are in the right place!

Cranberries are simply beautiful!  The deep, rich color makes for perfect sauces, jams, and drinks.  And jars of jam lined up on a shelf add a homey touch to your kitchen.

Orange is the perfect combo with cranberries. Something about the acidic citrus flavor makes it perfect for recipes!  For years, I have made Orange-Cranberry Bread for my friends and family.  It is always well-loved, and it is even better with cream cheese on a slice.  

The best cranberries for cooking and baking are definitely fresh.  Not only do they taste great, but they are also inexpensive and easy to use.  They are not overly juicy, so the mess is quite tame.  Frozen or dried can also be used in recipes, but, like I said, always prioritize fresh fruit unless a recipe specifically calls for something else.

Please note that there are over 50 recipes in this post along with photos, so you may have to scroll a bit to find what works for you.

Let’s take a look at what I found!

BAKED GOODS

Cranberry Quick Bread by Yummi Haus

Cranberry Bundy Cake by Natasha’s Kitchen

Orange Cranberry Bread with Glaze by Berly’s Kitchen

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake by Simply Recipes

Cranberry Lemon Bars by Homecooked Harvest

Orange Cranberry Bread by Cake Whiz

Lemon Cranberry Cookies by Lord Byron’s Kitchen

Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies by Sweet and Savory by Shinee

No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread by Cooking for My Soul

Cranberry Apple Crisp by Lifestyle of a Foodie

Cranberry Orange Muffins by Cake Whiz

Cranberry Christmas Cake by Barefeet in the Kitchen

Cranberry Breakfast Cake by View From Great Island

Orange Cranberry Cake with Sugar Crunch Top by Tastes of Lizzy T

Oatmeal Cranberry Bars by Whitney Bond

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies by Mom on Time Out

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies by Ask Chef Dennis

Orange Cranberry Scones by Baking a Moment

Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbuck’s Copycat Recipe) by Foodtasia

Pear Cranberry Cobbler by Stroller Envy

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies by Natasha’s Kitchen

Cranberry Coffee Cake by Cleverly Simple

Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie by Sweet and Spicy Kitchen

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Magic Bars by Back for Seconds

DRINKS WITH AND WITHOUT ALCOHOL

Every year, I buy some quality 100% cranberry juice (as opposed to cranberry drink) and make the best cocktails!  Last year I combined gin, orange juice, cranberry juice, and sparkling water with a lime added as a twist.  The drinks were a big hit with everyone.

You can also make warm drinks with cranberries such as mulled cider.  Be sure to add orange slices and cinnamon sticks for the very best flavor!

Rudolph the Reindeer Rum Spritzer by The Purple Pumpkin Blog

Festive Christmas Cranberry Sangria by Creative Homemaking

Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo by Mighty Mrs.

Cranberry Mimosas by Ann’s Entitled Life

Cranberry Moscow Mule by Belly Full

Cranberry Punch by This Worthey Life

Mistletoe Cranberry Margaritas by A Grateful Meal

Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch by Boulder Locavore

Lemon Drop Jolly Pops by Life as a Strawberry

Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cranberry Cider by The Recipe Rebel

Christmas Cranberry Mojito by Oh My Creative

SALADS

Have you ever added cranberries to a salad?  They taste great, especially in a winter salad with added apples or citrus slices.  The added flavor is a tangy surprise that you are going to love.

Holiday Honeycrisp Salad by Five Heart Home

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad by Damn Delicious

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad by On My Kid’s Plate

Cranberry Fluff Salad by My Organized Chaos

ENTREES AND APPETIZERS

Cranberry Pork Tenderloin by Averie Cooks

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels by Dinner then Dessert

Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites by Must Love Home

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crostini by Inspiring Savings

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles by The Novice Chef

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip by Ahead of Thyme

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups by Stylish Cravings

MISCELLANEOUS CRANBERRY GOODNESS

Spiced Cranberry Jam by The Rustic Elk

Cranberry Sauce by Natasha’s Kitchen

Sugared Cranberries by Vanilla and Bean

Did you find a recipe you would like to try? If so, I would love to hear about it in the comments!

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The post FRESH AND EASY CRANBERRY RECIPES appeared first on A Fresh-Squeezed Life.

Last week I started looking for some fun, new crafts and I came across all of these DIY fairy garden ideas.  I am hooked!

Seriously, I can’t believe the cuteness and the creativity.  I am thinking about some of my outdoor planters and what I can do with them in Spring.  And, lucky for me, I also have several vintage suitcases and an old rusty wheelbarrow that I can use as containers for fairy gardens (see examples below).

I have always thought of fairy gardens as a children’s craft, but apparently that is not the case.  Of course, you could get your kids involved in this, but you can also do it just for YOU! 

Maybe this my inner child calling out for some playtime.

You are going to see a ton of fun ideas and tutorials, and I am also including links to some great kits and supplies.  That way, if you don’t have a lot of time, you can still add a miniature garden to your space.

***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosures.

SIMPLE FAIRY GARDEN IDEAS 

How to Make Suitcase Fairy Gardens by {Empress of Dirt}

DIY Vertical Fairy Garden by {Salvaged Living}

DIY Fairy Garden by {Aidee’s Hideaway}

FAIRY GARDEN ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES

The fun thing about shopping for fairy garden supplies is that they tend to be budget friendly.  You can purchase an entire kit or small pieces to add to whatever you design.  In other words, you can get as creative as you want or simply purchase something already done.  Click on the Amazon links below to get an idea of what is available:

Fairy Garden in a Teacup by {The Magic Onions}

DIY Mini Toadstools for Your Fairy Garden by {The Magic Onions}

Fairy House Garden by {Crafts by Amanda}

How to Make a Fairy House with Twigs and Moss by {What’s on My Porch}

Re-purpose a Lunchbox and Make a Gypsy Caravan by {A Crafty Mix}

How to Make an Enchanted Fairy Planter by {Kid Friendly Things To Do}

How to Make a Clock Fairy Garden and Porch Swing by {A Crafty Mix}

Wagon Fairy Garden by {Minnie’s Milestones}

HOW TO MAKE A FAIRY GARDEN

Now, I have not made one myself yet, but when I make one this Spring, this is how it will go for me:

• PICK YOUR LOCATION AND SIZE:  Fairy gardens can be either indoors or outdoors and they can be a wide variety of sizes.  You can create one in a small teacup or create a fairy village under a tree.  Keep weather in mind when you are deciding where the garden will be as some items won’t do well in direct sunlight or rain.
• CHOOSE YOUR LOOK: As you can see from all of these photos, a fairy garden can be whatever you want it to be.  Maybe you will want to create a theme from a favorite movie or book (Peter Pan perhaps?) or if you are going for a cottage or English garden theme.
• CREATE YOUR PLAN:  Drawing out what you have in mind is a great way to figure out what items you will actually need.  This way, you can see what you already have around the house and what you will need to purchase.
• CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS:  Do you want to use regular sized plants (this would be good for a large container) or actual fairy sized plants?  Many plant nurseries carry mini plants just for this purpose.
• CREATE YOUR GARDEN:  Now you get to have fun!  Arrange your plants and extra items as you have envisioned.  Take your time with placement and wait for the whole thing to come together. As you create your miniature garden, you might find yourself thinking of new things or a new theme.  Feel free to go with it.  The fun is in the creativity!

How to Make an Affordable Fairy Garden by {Mommy Moment}

DIY Fairy Garden Nightlight by {The How-to Mom}

The Fairy Garden by {Creamer Chronicles}

Teacup Fairy Garden by {See Vanessa Craft}

DIY Fairy House by {Carla Schauer}

Upcycled Flowerpot Fairy Garden by {The Homespun Hydrangea}

Fairies in the Garden by {Lisa’s Teatime}

Fairy Garden Tutorial by {Sew Much Ado}

The Cutest Fairy Garden Ever by {The Magic Onions}

INDOOR OR OUTDOOR FAIRY GARDENS

Making this choice might simply be a decision about size or the elements.  If you want to use sturdy supplies, feel free to create something in your backyard.  If you want to use more delicate accessories, something inside the house might be better.

Indoors, a teacup or an old clock (scroll to find the picture) will work great.  You can create something small and place it among your home decor.

A bigger container like a whiskey barrel planter or a vintage wagon will look great on your patio or in the garden.  A bigger item also allows you to create a larger theme.  Keep in mind that a larger container also demands more plants and supplies, which leads to a higher price point.

Kitchen Fairy Garden by {Living Locurto}

There are Fairies Living in the Garden by {The Burgh Baby}

DIY Teacup Fairy Garden by {A Cultivated Nest}

Succulent Fairy Garden by {Fairy Garden DIY}

Creating Your own Fairy Garden by {Norine’s Nest}

Make a Fairy Well by {The Juise}

Acorn Bird Nest by {Twig and Toadstool}

Have you been inspired?  I have!  This Spring I will be creating a fairy garden in at least one of my whiskey barrel planters.  I also have an antique suitcase and a super rusty wheelbarrow.  I think the suitcase will need to be indoors or under the cover of my patio. I am not sure I want it exposed to the elements.

Let me know if there is anything you particularly like in the comments.

Enjoy planning and creating your fairy garden!

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The post DIY FAIRY GARDEN IDEAS appeared first on A Fresh-Squeezed Life.

Seven years ago, I moved into my very own house and immediately started looking for small kitchen ideas.  I had just downsized after a divorce and my new house was about 1/4 the size of my previous one, so I needed to use the available space in the best way possible.

Overall, I find that being creative with using space is key to living in a small house, and I am pretty sure that I am an expert at it!

I do want to point out the picture above from Assortment.  That kitchen is in a 665 square foot house!  I recommend hopping over to their blog since there are so many good ideas for living small.  Very inspiring!

OK, back to small kitchens (and houses).

One very important factor in living small is getting rid of the excess.  When I first moved into my house, I actually had room on my shelves, even though my house was much smaller than my previous one.  After garage sales, dump runs, and thrift store drop-offs, I only had the goods that I needed and loved, and it felt great.  After 7 years, I think I need to go through stuff again, not because I have overstuffed shelves, but because I have a lot of stuff I don’t use.  And it just sits on shelves, taking up space.

SMALL KITCHEN IDEAS ON A BUDGET

DIY $350 Kitchen Makeover by {Serena Joyce}

6 Ways to Elevate Tiny Kitchen Design by {The Ginger Home}

Chic Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}

One of the bigger challenges with a small kitchen is where to put everything.  This is where the idea of “a place for everything and everything in its place” is helpful.  Some of us have the budget to remodel the space and create a new layout, but many of us need to use what we have to the fullest.

When the latter is the case, the best thing you can do is to keep what you need and get rid of the rest.

Most of us have way too many kitchen gadgets, even duplicates of some.  We don’t need it all, just the items we use regularly.

Click here to read Kitchen Storage Ideas for lots of tips and tricks to get you started.

Kitchen Trends by {Style by Emily Henderson}

SMALL KITCHEN DESIGN

Our Apartment by {Black and Blooms}

Tiny Home Tour by {Camille Styles}

Neutral Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}

Concrete Countertops by {Remodelaholic}

Small Modern Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}

Painted Kitchen Countertops by {The Kitchn}

How to Live with a Small Kitchen by {DIY Passion}

A Welcoming Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}

SMALL KITCHEN MAKEOVERS ON A BUDGET

Painted Kitchen Countertops by {Ugly Duckling House}

White Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}

When it comes to getting organized and figuring out what you need, here are some tips to get you started:

• Take some time to figure out what you NEED.  Go through all of the goods and make a pile of the necessary items.  This will help you to decide how much space you need for it all and whether you will need to add storage to make it all fit.
• Create piles of what can be donated/given away or thrown in the trash.  If you haven’t used an item for years, it can definitely be gotten rid of.  Often, we are worried that if we throw something away, we will need it again in the future.  Simply keep your goal in mind: a functional kitchen for today.  This makes giving things away a bit easier.
• Once you know what you are keeping, figure out if your kitchen has room for it all.  Do you need to make some changes?  Do you need to add storage?  Will a standing pantry solve a problem?  Or a hanging pot rack?  Or an island?
• Keep only frequently used items on your kitchen counter.  If you only use a rice cooker once a month, find a spot for it in the cupboards.  Don’t drink coffee every morning?  Store the coffee maker somewhere besides the counter.  This helps to create a workable area that makes cooking and cleaning simple rather than cluttered.

Help! I Don’t Have a Kitchen by {My Wee Abode}

Chalkboard Painted Countertops and Open Shelving by {Assortment Blog}

Cozy Farmhouse Kitchen Decor by {Shelterness}

Insta-Worthy Kitchen by {Apartment Therapy}

Farmhouse Style Kitchen by {Harper House}

One of my favorite things in my small kitchen is the island.  Not only does it add workspace, but I can also use it to hold decorative items when I am not using it.  The couple that owned my house prior to me built the island from scratch. 

Building an island can be a simple, weekend project if you choose a basic tutorial.  An old dresser with a new top added also works well and adds farmhouse charm to your kitchen, 

You can find tons of great ideas in this post, 25 Cheap Kitchen Island Ideas.

Working with a small kitchen design might be challenging, but it is more than doable.  Take the time to plan how you want to use your kitchen, what you need to make that happen, and then work your plan.  Whether your layout is L-shaped or Galley style, creating a workable space for you and your family is worth it.

Don’t let a small budget stop you!  Get creative and check out the Dollar Store, thrift stores and yard sales, and rework what you already have.  Storage containers such as plastic bins, wicker baskets, and mason jars all work to create something useful and stylish while staying on a budget.

Did you find anything inspiring?  Useful?  Just plain pretty?  Let me know in the comments.

I hope your pursuit of a functional kitchen is as fun and exciting as it was for me!  Enjoy the process and get ready to enjoy cooking with your family once again in your fabulous small kitchen!

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SMALL KITCHEN IDEAS

The post SMALL KITCHEN IDEAS appeared first on A Fresh-Squeezed Life.

KITCHEN STORAGE FOR SMALL KITCHENS

If you are anything like me, the kitchen is the most cluttered space in your home and that is why we need some kitchen storage ideas!  My house small and that means I have a bunch of items that need a space of their own in tight quarters.  Now only cooking items, but cookbooks, dishes, and the mandatory junk drawer (we all have one, don’t we?).

Because I use my kitchen so often, and it is connected to the living room and dining area, it tends to be a “drop off” area. When I walk in the door, kitchen counters seem to be the obvious spot to drop keys, packages, my purse, and general stuff brought into the house.  If I am not careful, the clutter will stack up and that makes me crazy!

Yes, I love order, and in order to keep things tidy, a plan is needed.  So, let’s jump in and figure out our plan!

***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosures.

DIY Door Spice Rack by {Shanty 2 Chic}

DIY Foil and Plastic Wrap Holder by {A Real Life Housewife}

DIY Cabinet Shelves by {My Perfect Nest}

KITCHEN STORAGE IDEAS ON AMAZON:

DIY Sliding Shelves by {The Navage Patch}

Great Crate Pantry Storage by {I Heart Organizing}

ORGANIZING THE KITCHEN

Organizing a kitchen is best done in an empty kitchen.  If you want to have the best success, remove all of the stuff.  You are reading that right!  Take it all out of the cupboards and the drawers and put it to the side.  This will help you to see what you actually have and take stock of what you might need.

If you don’t want to take that step, organize one cupboard at a time, one drawer at a time.  Use the tips below to create a functional kitchen with everything in arms reach.

• Only keep the items that you actually use.  There is no need to keep duplicates of most items.  If you haven’t used an item for a long time, don’t keep it.  This is a good time to remember that our cooking goes through stages so if you haven’t used the crock pot in 3 years, you probably won’t use it again.  If you feel guilty about tossing things, giving them away, donate them, or store them in the garage or shed, just in case.  Just get them out of the kitchen.
• Group similar items together.  Baking items, cookbooks, dishes, cookware, and kitchen appliances.  Create piles of items that are used together or that would best be stored together.
• Figure out the obvious spaces for the goods to go.  Glasses are best stored close to the sink.  Baking goods can be stored in a bottom cabinet.  Pots and pans are very convenient to reach when they are next to the stove.  Which appliances need to be on the counters?  Which lesser used ones can be stored in cabinets?  A little tip for families is to put dishes in bottom cabinets so kids can easily reach them.  This will make one less job for you at dinner time and allows your children to be part of the process.
• Think about containers that will create a more organized space. Baskets, plastic containers, jars and extra shelving are ideas that might help.  Will you buy them?  DIY them?  Make a plan.  If you are creative, this does not need to be expensive at all.
• Use your cabinet and drawer space wisely.  A lazy-susan, shelf risers, and cabinet organizers maximize your space.  Drawer dividers make everything easier to see and keep things close.  Your pantry is a great place for dividers and extra shelving.
• Put it all back and get rid of what you don’t need.  Over time you can adjust as necessary.  When you use an item, put it back in the correct place to avoid creating clutter again.

How to Organize Under the Kitchen Sink by {At Home with Nikki}

Mason Jar Pantry Storage by {The Rigneys}

Dish Drawer Organizer by {Queen Bee of Honey-dos}

Baking Sheet Organization by {Two Twenty One}

Pretty Dollar Store Pantry by {The Social Home}

Command Hook Packet Storage by {One Good Thing by Jillee}

DIY Chip Rack by {11 Magnolia Lane}

Fridge Organization with Bins and Mason Jars by {Clean and Scentsible}

KITCHEN STORAGE IDEAS ON AMAZON:

Wire Baskets Attached to the Island by {Golden Boys and Me}

DIY Lazy Susan by {Decor Chick}

Tiered Tray by {Two Twenty One}

CHEAP KITCHEN STORAGE IDEAS

Kitchen storage can be quite cheap if you are creative and willing to try new things.  A DIY project such as extra shelves in the pantry or a lazy-susan in a corner cabinet will add space, making the area more organized.  Another way to add a lot more space is to build a kitchen island.  This is a more complicated project, but it is doable.  Check out this post for 25 amazing ideas you can try.

If you want to purchase new baskets and storage containers, try the dollar store and Walmart.  They carry lots of great pieces that are inexpensive.  The dollar store has a ton of plastic containers that can be painted and labeled, which will give you eye-catching organization.  After all, storage is just storage until you make it cute!

How to Build a Custom Tilt-Out Trash Cabinet by {Just a Girl and her Blog}

Chest Freezer Organization by {Practically Functional}

Measurement Conversion Chart by {Infarrantly Creative}

Sliding Pegboard Kitchen Drawer by {Merrypad}

Basket Shelving for Cookbooks by {Rain on a Tin Roof}

DIY Wood Tray by {A Fresh-Squeezed Life}

Simple DIY Trash Bags on a Roll by {Simply Organized}

DIY Canned Food Organizer by {Classy Clutter}

Did you find any ideas that you like?  There is no need to re-do your entire kitchen in order to get it organized.  A little time and creativity are all you need.  Create a plan and make it happen.  You are inches away from kitchen storage that works for you and your family!

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KITCHEN STORAGE IDEAS

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MODERN FARMHOUSE HOME DECOR IDEAS

Farmhouse home decor has been a favorite for years, and for good reason.  Not only are a lot of neutrals used, but natural textures and used (refinished) furniture pieces are a big part of the look.  This, of course means that you can add farmhouse decor to your home without breaking the budget. 

It just takes a bit of imagination on your part!

Up until several years ago, the farmhouse look was typically neutral, without much added color.  Today, it is more common to start with a neutral background (furniture and wall color) and add colors that suit your fancy.  This makes it very simple to refresh a room and spend minimal money, since you are only switching out decor pieces as opposed to furniture. 

And while we are on the topic, many of those decor pieces can be painted with chalk paint and repurposed in a color you enjoy!  Chalk paint works well on wood, glass, and metal and can generally be used with minimal prep work.

Here is some more paint inspiration that you might like:

HOW TO PAINT CABINETS WITHOUT SANDING

DIY PAINTED BOOK STACKS

MY FAVORITE CHALK PAINT PROJECTS

***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosures.

Modern Farmhouse Living Room by {The Beauty Revival}

Furniture Makeovers by {American Farmhouse Style}

SHOP FARMHOUSE HOME DECOR ON AMAZON:

SHOP HERE

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Spring into My Foyer by {Nina Williams Blog}

Favorite Decorating Hacks by {Stone Gable Blog}

FARMHOUSE HOME DECORATING IDEAS

Below you can see one of my favorite colors to add to my own decor: aqua or sea glass.  I have two walls in my living room painted this same color.  It isn’t intrusive or overly noticeable, but it provides a pallet off of which to play with.  This color looks great with pink added throughout the room.

Other great wall colors are navy blue and pink.  They all add a richness to the look of a room, and they create a more colorful look than straight neutrals.

Black is also a great color to add to a wall, baseboards, doors, and other decor items.  It adds a nice modern touch to a space.  Since black is so dark, it also hides smudges and dirt better than white, and I consider that a big bonus!

Farmhouse Home Tour by {Rooms for Rent}

Dining Room Refresh by {My Vintage Porch}

DIY Old Door Desk by {Live Oak Nest}

Kitchen Makeover by {Bees and Burlap}

Spring Home Tour by {Gracie Blue}

Farmhouse Decor Ideas by {Sunny Day Family}

SHOP FARMHOUSE HOME DECOR ON AMAZON:

SHOP HERE

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Small Space Entryway by {Liz Marie Blog}

DIY FARMHOUSE DECOR IDEAS

When it comes to rustic, farmhouse home decor, it is simple to keep within your decorating budget.  All it takes is some imagination and a willingness to try new things.

A cheap and easy way to come up with furniture is to buy it at a yard sale or Facebook Marketplace.  You will be surprised how little money you will need to spend to get something amazing.  I have repurposed furniture throughout my house, and I have never paid more than $5 for a piece.  All you need to do is clean it up and paint it with chalk paint to have a whole new piece for your living room or bedroom.  You can see a few of my flips here:

MODERN FARMHOUSE GINGHAM CHAIRS

DRESSER TO CONSOLE FLIP

DIY DRESSER FLIP

All of those flips were simple and easy to do and all of them were cheap.  In fact, that is one of my favorite things about farmhouse home decor: the cost is low, and the look is amazing.

Another easy way to transform a room is with paint.  For a small room, all you need is a gallon, and you are set!  Painting walls is one of the easiest ways to brighten things up, even though, to be honest, it is one of my least favorite things to do.  I always remind myself of the benefits of painting in order to talk myself into doing it!

Boho Farmhouse Spring Decor by {Sarah Joy Blog}

Spring Mantel Decor by {Lolly Jane}

Modern Farmhouse Summer Living Room by {Cherished Bliss}

Farmhouse Master Bedroom by {Start at Home Decor}

Muted, Earthy, Neutral Decor by {Homemade Lovely}

Moody Fall Living Room by {Little Glass Jar}

SHOP FARMHOUSE HOME DECOR ON AMAZON:

SHOP HERE

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Did you find some inspiration in any of those ideas?  I sure hope so!

Adding rustic touches to your bedroom or kitchen, or even throughout your house is easy.  I suggest that you pick a pallet to use throughout your home, if you want the look to flow.  Then start working one room at a time.  Creating a Pinterest board that you can refer to is a huge help when you are planning and shopping.  

Be sure to give yourself lots of time to make your project plans into reality.  Trying to redecorate your home over a weekend (or even a month) will be frustrating and stressful.  A 6-month or year-long timeline is a better way to go, and if you end up finishing early, great!

Many of these ideas can be used in an apartment.  Even if you are unable to paint the walls, you can add lots of lovely touches throughout to make the space a little more “YOU”.

Shopping with your Pinterest board ideas will help you to know what to buy for each room.  If you are working on the bathroom but find something for the bedroom, buy it and set it aside until you are ready.

Shopping at yard sales, thrift stores, dollar stores, and Facebook Marketplace will all yield budget-friendly results. If you need to, put a limit on the amount you are willing to spend for a piece.  My limit is $5 and will only go over that if the piece is amazing.  Even then, my limit is $10.  I figure something else will come along in my price range if I keep looking.

Happy decorating, friends!

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