Exquisitely Unremarkable

Are You A Homebody?

2026-05-19T16:36:46.817-04:00

Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend, discussing all the #homebody posts I've seen popping up on Instagram.

Have you seen them?

Quotes about the joys of staying home, often coupled with soft music or videos panning quiet gardens and dreamy decor.

My feed is full of them.

Probably because I stop to view them all.

Clearly, I relate.Read More of This Article

Romantic Cottage Style Textured Vase Makeover

2026-05-13T06:00:00.007-04:00

Thrift store makeovers are funny.

99 out of 100 times, I'm super happy with the transformation.

A huge hit. Better than anticipated.

And frankly, I'm rarely disappointed.

However.

There have been times when after a while, the shine wears off and I need to makeover my makeover.

Ever happen to you?Read More of This Article

Charming and Cheap: Creative Ideas For A Dreamy Cottage Garden

2026-05-11T16:59:00.004-04:00

We opened our pool this weekend and, honestly, it was the best Mother's Day present.

Once that awful green cover is removed and that gorgeous blue water comes into view again, it signals the beginning of the unofficial summer season, which is my favorite.

But around here, it's super short.

That's why as soon as the warm weather and sunshine arrive, I try to spend as much time as possible outside.

And while I adore the beach, and try to go almost every day, I'm a true homebody. This little 1929 bungalow is my haven.Read More of This Article

Be Careful What You Wish For..

2026-05-08T15:53:00.002-04:00

Be careful what you wish for...

That's a saying I heard around my house often, growing up.

My beautiful mother was the eternal optimist, but she also had a very practical side.

And a great sense of humor.

I don't remember asking for that ugly space when I wished for a sink!

So...when she wanted us to really consider the scope of what we were wishing for, that phrase was uttered in a serious tone.

When she thought our wants were a little nuts, she said it with a touch a sarcasm.Read More of This Article

Cake Tin Decoupage Makeover

2026-05-05T11:42:00.008-04:00

The other day I was looking for something in my crafting stash when I came across this old, white, topless tin.

It's the bottom half of a container that held a really yummy cake we received at Christmas from one of my husband's vendors.

Too pretty to toss, I added it to the "someday I'll do something with it" pile and forgot all about it.

Then in February, I stumbled upon it and decided to use the lid to make a very charming DIY clock.

But that bottom was returned to the old pile again since I had no idea what to do with it.

However, this time, as soon as I saw it, I knew.Read More of This Article

My Dreamy, Drop In Farmhouse Sink

2026-05-02T10:17:00.004-04:00

Today’s the day, folks.

The big day when I reveal my small kitchen makeover.

It's an update I’ve waited over 20 years for...and now I'm ready to share it with the world.

If you've been following me for a while then you know that when we first moved into our 1929 beach cottage, the kitchen was basically unusable for a modern family.

So we put an addition on the back of the house and created a new one.

And I got to design the entire room from scratch.Read More of This Article

The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Ants

2026-04-24T10:24:00.020-04:00

I'm generally a low tox kind of girl.

The switch started a long time ago, mainly due to my worsening allergies.

So over the years, I've become more conscious of what I choose to put in and on my body or use around the house.

These are the only ants I want in my house!

I don't wear perfume or use anything with a fragrance.

And I clean with vinegar and lemons whenever possible.

I try to find a natural solution to whatever problem I'm trying to solve...and when I can't I look for the least offensive product.

Because let's face it, sometimes all natural isn't really an option, but I like to get close.

That's how I found the most effective way to get rid of ants in my house.Read More of This Article

DIY Decal Pitcher Makeover

2026-04-08T07:00:00.027-04:00

I'm a huge fan of upcycling.

There's something about taking an old, thrifted or discarded item and giving it new purpose.

New form.

And new life.

Of course, that's not new news.

I share my thrift store transformations often.

However, what may not be as obvious, is the fact that, very often, the same item will receive multiple makeovers while in my possession.

I get bored or come up with a fresh take and I dive in. Again.Read More of This Article

April Flowers, Showers And A Whole Lot Of Rugs

2026-04-06T16:44:00.003-04:00

This weekend, April showed up in all its glory in my neck of the woods.

Yes, I know we were technically several days in, but Saturday and Sunday were quintessentially April.

There were showers and flowers.

And Easter!

When I was little, Easter was probably my second favorite holiday of the year.Read More of This Article

DIY Faux Sugar Egg For Easter

2026-04-03T10:42:00.011-04:00

I'm a big sale shopper.

Especially when it comes to craft supplies.

Sometimes, I catch a promotion and buy them before a holiday, with the intention of using them to decorate right away.

Other times, I pick them up on clearance, with the hopes of using them the following year.

Unfortunately, a lot of times what really happens is they get added to the craft closet...never be seen again.

Well, this year, I decided it was time to remedy that. My goal is to dig into all those sale purchases and finally make the time to make the crafts.

And this uninspired, plastic diorama egg is on the docket for today.

It stands 10" tall and I grabbed it way back in 2023, when I made my DIY Designer Easter Eggs.

It's been tucked away for 3 years, sharing space with these napkins.

Too long. So I put on an old movie - The Great Lie, with Bette Davis and Mary Astor - and got busy.

I started by separating the layers of my floral napkin...careful to remove both backing layers from the printed one.

Sometimes that third layer is a tricky, sticky one.

Next, I covered the entire exterior of the egg with Dixie Belle Satin Sealer.

I like it better than Mod Podge. Yes, it's more expensive, but lasts longer, is thinner, doesn't smell and I just find it easier to work with overall.

I used a large brush and applied it in thin, even strokes, so it wouldn't puddle up, soak the napkin and cause it to rip.

Then, I carefully laid the napkin on the egg.

And with a gloved hand, I smoothed the it down over the surface.

I made sure to bring the napkin all the way to the edge of the opening and tucked in inside a bit.

It took three napkins to completely cover the plastic. I slightly overlapped the areas where they met and tried to match the patterns as best I could. Since my napkin was pretty busy, like the ones I used on my decoupage candles, it didn't matter that much.

While I waited for the outside of the egg to dry, I separated the pink gingham napkin for the inside of egg.

Then I repeated the same steps to apply it.

Once all that boring white plastic was covered up, I needed something to mimic the icing that sugar eggs usually have around the opening of the diorama.

For that I decided to use some trim I had leftover from my lace valance. I thought its dainty scrolled loops would be a sweet accent - if you'll pardon the pun.

To secure it in place, I used a hot glue gun and my trusty finger protectors.

To cover the area where the two ends of the trim met, I dug through my scrap ribbon pile, pulled out a bit of green gingham and made a bow.

That was also secured with hot glue.

Of course, on its own the egg was so cute, but it definitely needed something to peek at inside.

Again, I reached into my craft stash and pulled out some tiny ceramic bunnies, I'd picked up long ago on sale, as well.

I added a bit of shredded paper and some moss to the bottom of the egg and tucked them inside.

I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting this one to turn out as cute as it did.

I don't know if it's the color of the napkins, the twirly trim or those happy little bunnies, but I think this is one of my all time favorite spring DIYs.

And trust me, over the years, I've made a lot of Easter crafts.

It looks almost good enough to eat, decorating my kitchen this spring.

A definite treat for my eyes.

Best yet, it didn't cost me a dime and I was able to clear out some space in my craft drawers.

Makes me wonder what other potential is hiding in there.

😉

Stay tuned!

Oh and Happy Easter, Friends!

Easter Bunny Table Runner to Pillow DIY (Easy Cottage Style Upcycle)

2026-03-28T07:00:00.003-04:00

My husband and I are pretty boring weekenders.

Our predictable Saturdays usually include a walk on the waterfront, a few hours down at the beach, game night or dinner with friends and of course a few DIYs around the house.

And if we're really feeling adventurous, we might hit the local odd lot store to poke around.

It's almost as exciting as thrifting, because you truly never know what you're going to find.

For example, a few weeks ago I was wandering down the kitchen aisle and found this darling spring table runner for $7.99.Read More of This Article

How To Make A Scrap Ribbon Bow

2026-03-26T11:03:00.013-04:00

Have tons of old ribbon in your craft stash? Short pieces and mixed patterns? Why not use them to make a lovely, scrap ribbon bow for a wreath or gift package. Here's a quick how to and inspiration for your next DIY.

Last week, I ended up at Hobby Lobby, looking for a few Easter napkins and walked out with this wreath.

Isn't it fabulous?

So bright, so cheerful.

So perfect for spring...and 40% off to boot.

Score! Except.

It didn't have a bow.Read More of This Article

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