Exquisitely Unremarkable

DIY Outlet Cover Picture Frame

2026-03-11T07:00:00.004-04:00

Have you seen that trend where someone takes a baby proofing outlet cover, hot glues it to the back of a picture and sticks it into the outlet to cover it up?

Well, like most ideas, it's not really new.

Just one that's been reinvigorated thanks to the magic of TikTok.

Now, I'm not usually a trend follower, but this DIY has been on my list for years.Read More of This Article

21 Festive Easter DIY Decorations, Crafts and Dessert Ideas

2026-03-10T00:04:00.007-04:00

When I started blogging, exactly 13 years ago this month, I decorated for very few holidays.

Oh sure, I had a heart wreath for Valentine's Day, a Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween and Christmas was always a big event.

But overall, seasonal and everyday decor was my primary focus.

However, after a few years online, exposed to all the wonderfully creative holiday decor ideas out there, I jumped in with both feet.

And began creating my own decorations for just about every holiday on the calendar.

Including Easter.Read More of This Article

Is March A Lion Or A Lamb

2026-03-02T12:11:00.006-05:00

When I was teaching kindergarten and first grade, the daily calendar activities were very important business.

So much could be taught in those precious morning moments.

From reading, writing and math.

To the all important topic of weather.

Lots to unpack there...especially in March.

Like the old saying goes, it's often in like a lion and out like a lamb.Read More of This Article

How to Use a Sewing Machine for Beginners – Easy Towel Apron

2026-02-28T10:54:00.004-05:00

Over the past 13 years or so, I've shared a lot of fabric crafts and DIYs.

Everything from curtains and furniture skirts to pillows and more.

And invariably every time I do, someone says, You're so talented, I wish I could sew.

To which I always reply, Trust me, if you can drive a car, you can use a sewing machine.

And I mean that. 100%.Read More of This Article

How To Use Window Shrink Wrap To Stop Drafts

2026-02-25T14:16:00.004-05:00

Lately, I've been leaning into crafty home decor and thrift flips.

Those tend to be my favorite kind of DIYs.

Vine covered clocks. Whimsical pin cushions.

The pretty projects.

However.Read More of This Article

DIY Tin Top Wall Clock

2026-02-11T07:00:00.307-05:00

During the holidays the most delicious cake arrived on our doorstep.

It was a mouthwatering apple spice crumb cake that had everyone fighting for slices.

Everyone except me.

You see I was more interested in the metal canister it came in.Read More of This Article

February At The Beach

2026-02-02T13:23:00.008-05:00

Oh February, how do I love you?

Let me count the ways.

Um, actually, maybe that's not the best way to play this game.

You see, I'm not really a fan.

In my neck of the woods, it's generally too cold, too dark, too snowy and I feel too crunchy and dry all over.

Although, to be fair, that's not really February's fault, I mean we're only two days in. It's really winter as a whole that bums me out.Read More of This Article

Glass Vase Thrift Flip

2026-01-31T09:21:00.007-05:00

I turned an $2 glass vase into a showstopper by adding air dry clay molds to it. It was an easy craft and a fun idea to upcycle old glass pieces.

Get ready friends!

This weekend I completed another one of those just for fun crafts.

And this one is my favorite so far.

It's totally gorgeous, plus it was much easier to do than I expected. It's definitely an - if I can do it, anyone can - kind of DIY.

I promise.

Ok, so what is this fabulous new craft?

It's simple, I added clay to a glass vase for a huge upgrade.Read More of This Article

Tattooed Glass Jar Upcycle

2026-01-24T07:00:00.043-05:00

Lately, I've been working on a few projects, that I've always wanted to try, but were never at the top of the list.

I love crafting, but decorating has always been my true passion.

So naturally, I was focused on the product. The DIYs were just a means to an end.

I would make things, but only if I had a place for them in my home.

It was a lot of fun, but it was also quite limiting.Read More of This Article

Classic Painted Coffee Table Makeover

2026-01-20T11:23:00.001-05:00

When you come from a large family, hand me downs are just an expected part of daily life.

At least they were when I was growing up.

However, while most of my friends considered this practice kind of a bummer, I had a decidedly different perspective.

I thought it was great.

Of course, I wasn't getting a pair of worn jeans or last season's shoes.

Nope.Read More of This Article

Adorable DIY Pin Cushion Ideas

2026-01-14T07:00:00.106-05:00

As someone with a thrifting and upcycling addiction, I have a pretty large stash of treasures tucked away in my craft closet.

Some of the pieces are things I couldn't resist when I spotted them. Even though I had no idea what I was going to do with them when I got them home.

Others, I knew exactly what they could become, the moment I laid eyes on them.

And then there are the ones I went hunting for, with a very specific craft in mind.

Of course, the one thing that all my thrifting makeovers have in common, is that they usually sit for quite a while, before I get around to the DIY.Read More of This Article

Cozy Cottage Thrift Store Decor Finds

2026-01-09T10:15:00.011-05:00

Well, January is barely underway and I've already been to the thrift store.

Twice.

I just can't help myself.

And honestly, is anybody really surprised?

Once the tree comes down and the house can breathe again, I enjoy all that open space...for about 3 days.

Then my instinct to fill it up again kicks in.Read More of This Article

Thrift Store Wooden Swan Makeover

2026-01-03T13:51:00.009-05:00

I'm a true animal lover, and over the years, from childhood to parenthood, I've been a mother to many.

Pets in all shapes and sizes from dogs and cats, hamsters, rabbits to hermit crabs, frogs, turtles, fish and one parakeet named Tweety.

Who's last on that list for a reason.

You see in real life, I'm not a fan of birds. Well, close up anyway. They just creep me out.

Maybe it's thanks to Alfred Hitchcock and my history with his terrifying movie. Or perhaps it's because they're not soft and cuddly like the others. Honestly though, I think it all goes back to Tweety.Read More of This Article

The Beauty Of A Blank Page

2025-12-30T13:25:00.001-05:00

Happy (almost) New Year, folks!

Just one more day to go and we're off and running into 2026.

Don't you just love flipping the page on a brand new calendar?

A clean slate, a fresh start, so many possibilities and ways to fill those little numbered boxes.

How exciting.

Like many of you, during this week between Christmas and New Year's Day, I find myself contemplating exactly what I'd like the next few months to look like.Read More of This Article

Most Popular Crafts, DIYs, Thrift Finds and Tales Of The Year

2025-12-27T14:03:00.000-05:00

For over a decade now, as the year draws to a close, I like to revisit the crafts, DIYs and tales that were most popular over the last 12 months.

And reshare them.

I tell myself that perhaps you missed one, or it wasn't relevant at the time. Or maybe you weren't a follower in January or February...or July.

But to be honest, this annual round up is secretly for me. It's my chance look back, take stock and see what I accomplished over the last 12 months, because to be honest, sometimes I forget what I wrote about.

I know it sounds silly, but it's true.

I also find it incredibly fascinating to see what posts received the most visits and interaction. I always try to guess what topics will end up on the short list.

And 99% of the time, I'm way off.Read More of This Article

A Slow And Lovely December

2025-12-22T13:53:00.002-05:00

Ho-Ho-Ho friends and Merry Christmas!

I hope you're all having a wonder filled December and are ready for the festivities.

We're just a few days away now and I'm getting really excited.

To be honest, it's been a very different kind of December around here.

I guess the best way to describe it, is to say it's been a slow month.Read More of This Article

Thoughtful Thrifted Gift Ideas

2025-12-10T07:00:00.011-05:00

Trends are not my thing.

I guess I've just never been a follower.

I believe in doing my own thing. Filling my house - and my life - with stuff that makes me smile.

Regardless of what the magazines or celebrity influencers share.

And I've been saying that, in print and online, for over a decade.Read More of This Article

Busy, Busy, Busy...At Christmastime

2025-12-08T16:48:00.019-05:00

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite holiday traditions was curling up on the couch with my family to watch the animated Christmas specials.

I remember burying my head in my father's chest when the Abominable Snow Monster of the North roared at Rudolph's shiny nose.

I remember jumping off that sofa, to dance and sing along with Snow Miser and Heat Miser.

I can recall Charlie Brown's little tree, the Burgermeister's terrible laws and of course, Frosty's magic hat.

And, like many of you, now, decades later, I can still recite every line from these show.

Verbatim.Read More of This Article

DIY Lampshade Christmas Tree

2025-11-22T07:00:00.008-05:00

It's no secret that crafting, especially with thrift store finds, is my passion.

And there's no better time to do that than during the holidays.

Of course, I gather ideas for Christmas crafts all year long...but thrift shopping can tricky.

You can never be quite sure you'll find what you're looking for, when you're looking for it. So when I see things I think I might use in December, I grab them.

Regardless of what the calendar says.Read More of This Article

Crafting With Paint Inlays

2025-11-16T14:22:00.014-05:00

Lately, I've been very into trying new crafting techniques.

I finally bought myself some yarn and a hook to learn how to crochet.

I've been playing with glass paints and this week, I make a beautiful sign with paint inlays.

It's a relatively new way to get a hand painted look without stenciling or using furniture transfers.

And as soon as I saw them, I was smitten.Read More of This Article

Ikea Secretary Desk Makeover

2025-11-12T07:00:00.023-05:00

Several years ago, my daughter, an old soul who adores vintage pieces, decided she needed a secretary desk in her room.

Frankly, I didn't think it was the most functional piece for a middle school girl.

I knew that years of makeup mirrors and laptops, textbooks, notebooks and journals were all waiting in the wings.

And there was no way, they were all going to coexist peacefully on that small, fold down, writing area.

A pull down flap, that also forced her to push her chair back, in a tiny room, to access. Not practical. At all.

But she insisted and I gave in.
Read More of This Article

A Grateful, Thankful And Blessed DIY

2025-11-10T01:00:00.024-05:00

This week I decided to get a little crafty with some of my summer thrift finds.

I honestly have so many great pieces to makeover, it was hard to decide where to start.

So it's a little ironic that what I grabbed first was this Grateful, Thankful, Blessed pumpkin stencil from the dollar store.

You see, stenciling is not my favorite kind of DIY.

Well, not anymore anyway.

In the 80s and 90s it was my go to craft.

Although, I was never really very good at it. I'm a lazy crafter. I like quick and easy DIYs and stenciling requires patience and precision.Read More of This Article

A New Look In The Living Room For Fall

2025-11-06T10:08:00.005-05:00

So Halloween is over and apparently now, it's Christmas.

I get it, the season is short, Christmas is fabulous, and I fully support decorating decisions that make you smile.

However, at the moment, the only trees I'm interested in are the ones that have finally decided to change colors outside.

And I'm not ready to hurry my fall decor out of the house.

Albanian Squash Pie

2025-11-04T13:59:00.011-05:00

My mom was the most amazing cook.

Truly. She was the best.

And over the years, I've shared some of her delicious recipes.

However.

So far, I've only shared the Italian recipes.

You see, my dad was Sicilian and my mother learned how to make all of his favorites...and make them like she was born in Italy herself.

But she wasn't. She was Albanian.Read More of This Article

DIY Halloween Decorations For Your Home

2025-10-31T17:02:00.006-04:00

Happy Halloween!

It's a chilly day here on my island, school is almost out and the trick or treaters will be knocking on my door anytime now.

Before they do, however, I wanted to share some of the easy DIY decor I've crafted over the past several years.

To decorate for the day.

And celebrate.

I'm not a fan of anything super spooky or scary, so most of my decor falls into the adorable category.

If that's your jam, too, then settle in and let's take a peek around my holiday house.

1. Halloween Transfers On Glass

I used Halloween transfers from Dollar Tree to create fun glasses and candle holders for my table. It's a great way to add some sparkle to your costume party without breaking the bank.

2. Treat Bag Banner

Who says treat bags are just for candy? They can also be used to create a Halloween banner to liven up your living room. Mixed with a few gift tag ghosts, they make an elegant statement.

3. Splatter Screen Spider Wreath

Ok, I know I said I wasn't into spooky, but these spiders are the friendly kind. Neon green and made of rubber. They make the kids smile when they come to the door.

And since all the supplies were from Dollar Tree, the price makes me smile, too.

4. Spooky Napkin Thrifted Upcycle

This napkin caught me off guard, as well. It reminded me of an old mansion, one that was quite beautiful in its heyday. So I decided to use it on a thrifted find.

It's a bit scary, but the results was so beautiful, I can deal with it.

5. Jar Lantern Mummies

Ok, so back to the cute stuff. I'd wanted to make these lantern mummies for years. I finally got busy with my jars and gauze this season and whipped a few up.

I have to say, I'm smitten. They are so cute, they may stay up until Christmas.

6. Wooden Black Cat Sign

I've had a lot of cats. Although, I've never had an all black cat until I painted one a few Octobers ago.

A wooden porch sitter. Well, that's what she was supposed to be, but I loved her way too much to leave her outside. She stayed curled up in the kitchen. With me.

7. Beaded Ghost Art

This is one of my latest crafts for Halloween. A glam ghost with a little bit of sparkle. I may make more next year, because I found so many used for this little sparkler.

On my table and my mantel. In centerpieces, as name cards at parties and as hostess gifts. I'd better start stocking up on those beads now.

8. Painted Jack and Ghost Gourd

Did you know that I grew my own pumpkins this year? I did indeed. Of course, what I really wanted was a gourd.

Naturally those didn't sprout, but I was able to get one from my green thumbed neighbor to create a darling painted pair of Halloween friends.

9. Upcycled Ghost Lanterns

Don't tell the others, but this may be my favorite Halloween DIY crafty upcycle so far. It's one I made several years ago from old glass shades from a ceiling fan. Tell me they are the cutest ghosts you've ever seen.

10. Ghost and Pumpkin Fan Blade Signs

This is another fun Halloween upcycle. It falls under the junking craft tag, because the old fan blades were literally picked from the trash. That's alright, with a little paint, you'd never know.

11. Clay Ghost Garland

Air dry clay is great for all sorts of crafts, but I love to use it to make ornaments and banners. For Halloween, I used a thrifted ghost cookie cutter and a few household items to create a patterned garland for my kitchen.

Decorative and family fun for all. Win win!

12. A Boo-Tiful Pumpkin

Whimsical holiday decor? Yes please...especially when it's this easy to create. I just added a few stickers to a faux pumpkin and I was set.

Boo-tiful indeed!

13. Wooden Ghost Porch Sitter Sign

Sometimes I'm a big copycat. I see something I like and I have to make it myself. This ghost sign is one such example. Simple to make and super sturdy.

In fact, he's on my stoop right now. Third year in a row.

14. Model Magic Ghost Lanterns

Like I said earlier, air dry clay is a favorite of mine. So when I saw these tiny ghost votives pop up online, I had to make some of my own.

And again, the whole family joined in. I guess everyone likes clay.

15. Candy Corn On The Cob

So this one isn't a craft...not exactly anyway. A few years ago someone published that it was originally made so you could make an ear of corn. So I tried it.

Turns out it was just a silly rumor...but what's Halloween without candy corn?

I think it's fitting wrap up my round up, don't you?

Like I said, I'm all about the happy, colorful, cute Halloween decor.

And now you have 15 ideas for next year if that's your jam, too.

🎃

Happy Halloween, Friends!