Fool-Proof Method For Hanging Pictures Straight

May 20, 2016May 19, 2016 RefreshHer4 Comments

picture hanging

Whenever I used to have a picture to hang that had two hooks – one on each end, I’d suffer through many nail holes in the wall trying to get it straight. But I have a pretty much fool-proof method now that keeps me sane while hanging this type of picture or ornament on the wall.

Here’s how I do it:

I put a piece of tape – scotch or masking will work fine – all the way across the picture from one hook to the other. I mark the middle of each hook on the tape.

pic line

Then I take the tape off and put it on the wall where I want the picture to hang. I get it as straight as my eye can tell, then I pull out the level and put it across the top of the tape and check to see if it’s crooked.

I move the tape up or down, as necessary. Now the piece of tape is straight and the marks where the nails go are clear. I tap the nails into place and hang the picture!

I hung this rack in my entry way this week and love it! It was a clearance find at Hobby Lobby. The regular price was $27.99 – I paid under $10 for it! Woo Hoo! I popped the little Hello sign on top for a little whimsy. That was a $3 Target spot find.

Anyone else have trouble with getting things hung straight? I hope this will keep you from making a dozen holes in your walls!

Stay refreshed,

Home decor

Transitioning Into Spring

March 4, 2016March 4, 2016 RefreshHerLeave a comment

Now that it’s March, it’s time, in my estimation, to begin making that turn – the metamorphosis into Spring. I’m referring to areas of both home and wardrobe. Throughout this week I’ve worn bright yellow, lime green and hot pink (again, each on different days! ). I’ve also added some changes to my home and I’m loving it!

Are you ready to add some spring into your life? Here are a few ideas to do just that:

Wardrobe: Since the temperatures can fluctuate and you still need to dress warmly, add some color to your layers; that will take away the winter look. Take off the wools, too. Layer more, if needed, but stay away from the heavy winter fabrics.

yellow sweater — I’m not a fan of these jeans, but I love the pop of yellow with the scarf! Also the canvas shoes are a nice spring touch!

I love this next combo of colors, patterns and layers from White Coat Fashion...

I read a post about how helpful a denim jacket is in transitioning from one season to another. She has some great outfit combos with a denim jacket. Check it out!

Now how about adding some Spring at home?

Start with color at the front door! Either paint the door or add a colorful wreath.

I’m still in love with my front door color! It makes me smile every time I pull into the driveway!

Or even a chalkboard can add spring decoration…

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I love how airy and light this look is:

Check out this beautiful home decorated for Spring on Jenna Sue Design | Friday Favorites at www.andersonandgrant.com:

HGTV added floral stems and a pop of color for this look:

How about you? Are you ready to add some Spring to your life? What have you done so far? I hope this has inspired you!

Have a great weekend!

Stay refreshed,

Home decor

Valentine Decor at Home

February 10, 2016February 9, 2016 RefreshHer2 Comments

Valentines 1

I’m so thankful for holidays and seasons that allow us to change or add decor to our homes. I think adding a decorative touch for the little holidays like Valentine’s Day tells our family that they’re special. School classrooms get decorated, store windows are embellished, and magazines are filled with special touches. Home should be the most special place, and one way to do that is to add decorative embellishments.

I thought I’d share my simple Valentine touches with you today. With my love for Shabby Chic, the pink and white, the roses and the feminine pieces are perfect!

Of course the first place I love to start is my chalkboard. The picture below was my inspiration found on PInterest :

Valentine's Chalkboard Art:

Here’s the drawing on my chalkboard: Valentines 1.jpg

My mantle is red and white – a heart=shaped box, a book that says. “Love” on the cover and other red and white books, roses and a red candle.

We have our kitchen table pulled up to the fireside for the cold months, which is a cozy touch for Valentine’s Day, too! I love the painted mason jar that’s holding my pink daisies.

Valentines 2c

My bookcase has lots of red-covered books – I DO sometimes buy a book for it’s cover, though I’d never judge it because of it! =)

Valentiines 4a

The paper and lace doily banner hanging below was found in Target’s dollar section. I made the red and white toile chair covers several years ago, and their color is perfect for February decor!

Valentines 3

My entry way just has a simple red berry and gingham wreath and a heart hanging from my old window. Red M&M’s are the chocolate treat in the dish. Kisses would be perfect, too!

Valentines 5.jpg

I hope you’ve added some fun touches to your home for Valentine’s Day (I’d love to hear about it!), and if you haven’t that these simple pictures might inspire you to do so!

With love,

Cooking · Home decor

Favorite Things

January 22, 2016January 21, 2016 RefreshHer6 Comments

Julie Andrew likes raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens – I like home decor and utensils that make life easier! Today I thought I’d share two things that I purchased quite some time ago, that have become some of my favorite things!

The first is my artificial Boxwood Wreath.

I love it because it can be hung at any season. After Christmas it seems hard to know what to hang on the front door – it’s too early for Valentine’s decor or spring-y wreaths, so what to do? The boxwood is perfect. I embellished mine with a chevron bow and our monogram for my winter door.

I’ve also used this wreath inside and it looks great, adding just a little touch of green and life in the house.

I found this one at Tuesday Mornings a couple years ago and I paid $20 for it, which is a great price. Even if you have to pay more, it’s really a super investment!

Another favorite item that’s a kitchen tool is the Pampered Chef Micro Cooker. It is obviously used in the microwave, and it’s great at warming and cooking things! I melt butter in mine when I’m baking and the lid keeps it from splattering all over the microwave. It’s also great for heating up soups or leftovers.

But one really great use for this cooker is browning hamburger.

Put the hamburger in the cooker and break it up with a spoon. Cook for a minute. Stir and break up the meat. Keep doing this at one minute intervals until the meat is cooked. It only takes about 5 minutes for a pound of hamburger! Then you simply pour the fat off through the strainer/lid!

I love to use this method to brown meat and have it in the freezer to use for future meals like tacos, pizza toppings or quesadillas.

I hope you’ve been inspired to purchase a boxwood wreath or a Pampered chef cooker! I don’t think you’ll be sorry!

What item have you purchased that has become a favorite thing?

Stay refreshed,

home · Home decor

My Favorite Photos of the Week

January 6, 2016January 5, 2016 RefreshHer8 Comments

Here’s the camera roll for the last week:

In the morniing chalkboard

I’ve changed some decor around after taking the Christmas beauty down. Why can’t I just scribble and draw on my chalkboards every day? It’s a favorite past time. This saying is so true – Jesus…He’s what I need every. single.day.

bedroom mantle

This is my bedroom mantle. I love the painting of the skaters. My talented mom painted this – it’s only one of many she’s done. Yeah, I scribble – she paints! I usually hang this over my piano for the winter months, but the aquas look so pretty in my bedroom, I decided to leave it in there.

paper box

My organized daughter, Whitney challenged me to get my wrapping box in order after the rush of Christmas caused it to be ~~a disaster~~ in disarray. All the gift bags are stacked according to size and holiday, the ribbons are in one place and the tissue is on top. She approved. =)

winter mornings

I love winter mornings. When we get up, it’s still plenty dark outside. Inside it’s cozy with candles flickering and soft lights glowing. I came downstairs for a second cup of coffee this week and found my husband reading his Bible on his phone and Liza Jane ~~waiting for a treat~~ bowing in prayer beside him. =^..^=

latte

My daughter, Alli and I met in Jonesborough on Monday morning to catch up and chat at the cutest little coffee shop that’s recently opened in town. I had my first Chai Latte. It was delicious! I hope it won’t be my last!

As I look back on these six photos, I see a thread –

~The joy of making the most of each day.

~Organizing to make tasks easier and more fun.

~Decorating, crafting and embellishing to create an inviting environment in our home.

~Simplicity that brings delight.

God is so good, so generous, and loving to allow eyes to see, hands to work, and hearts to love at home, my favorite place.

What have you enjoyed about home this week?

With love from my country home,