If you don’t have a window but need a one, why not  hang a piece of stained glass and place a light behind it?

Or hang a neat old window there and then decorate it attractively. Maybe a picture or two or three in the panes:

Old windows can be found easily. Scoot yourself closer to one of your home’s windows, or create one just where you need it!

Be refreshed,

Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens

Tip Junkie

I’m still on the lookout for a yellow and gray rug.

This is also Liza’s room, so don’t mind that she wanted to be in my pictures!

Because laundry is a necessary part of housework means the room we do it in should be inviting and as pretty as possible.  Make it enjoyable to be in there!  What could you do to add a little element of creativity – even beauty to your laundry room?  Freshen it up…you might even want to do a load of laundry just so you can look at your lovely space!

I’m going to skip the encouragement challenge today because this post has been so long.  See you on Monday!

Be refreshed,

I showed you my entryway on Wednesday’s Peek from my Porch, but at night, it takes on a whole new look.

Here’s what it looks like in the daytime…

What kind of lights do you have outside? Freshen up your entryway by adding some battery operated ones. Gracious Designs has a battery operated candle that looks like a real flame. You can even put it on a timer! There are tons of these battery operated branches at places like Big lots, Michael’s and TJ Maxx. Why not add some sparkle and ambiance to your front door this fall? It will welcome your family and friends with a touch that says, “We were expecting you! Reminds me of that motel ad – “We’ll leave the light on for you!” It’s welcoming and inviting to see a light at the door. Pull yours out, or be on the lookout for one this weekend and come up with a clever way to add it to your decor.

Pastor’s Encouragement: Pray that your pastor will focus on the Word of God and walk in the fear of the Lord, rather than the fear of man as he prepares his messages. Pray that he will seek to please God rather than men, and pursue holiness rather than the praise of men.

Husband Encouragement: Is your spouse a man of integrity? Is he fair in his dealings with people? Does he understand the meaning of justice? Is he honest in business? Genuine in his faith? Consider all the ways a man can live in integrity, and praise your husband for one of them.

See you in church!

Be refreshed,

Having fresh herbs growing in the yard or on the kitchen counter is such a blessing!  The picture above is the thyme I planted in the little tube pan around my umbrella table.  It’s my favorite thing in my yard! It adds a centerpiece to the table without me having to do a thing when we go out there to eat.  It gives off a wonderful fragrance, and it’s so handy when I need a sprig of it to add to whatever I’m cooking.  All I do is step out to the deck and cut off what I need. 

If you don’t have an herb garden, why not buy a small pot in your produce department so you can enjoy the beauty, fragrance and flavor of fresh herbs?  They sure give a lot of pleasure for a small cost! 

I found pots of fresh Basil on sale at my Ingles store yesterday.  Look!  They’re less than $2.  Can’t beat that.  I bet even Whitney would think that’s a thrifty purchase!  =) 

Be refreshed,

Isn’t it amazing how you can overlook something in your house that is looking a little worn, outdated, or even dirty?  We go about our daily routine without paying much attention.  Recently when I was on my hands and knees washing the kitchen floor (don’t be impressed, I use a mop most of the time!), I looked over at the cabinet inches from my face and said, “oh my goodness!”  I hadn’t noticed how worn the paint was on the edges, or the little splashes on the cabinet front caused by cooking and washing dishes!  So now, I have a project I’d love to tackle this spring – refreshing my kitchen cabinets.

My cabinets are painted white, and I changed out the hardware for knobs a few years back, but the cabinets themselves are showing their age.  I’d love to spiff  them up somehow, without spending much money.  How about you?  Do your kitchen (or bathroom) cabinets need a touch up?

I went looking on the Internet and found some beautiful Pictures, which are all from Better Homes and Gardens web site.  What great ideas are here!  I had a friend tell me recently that looking at beautiful magazine pictures discouraged them and made them want what they saw.  In my case, it inspires me to make what I have a little better.  We can all improve things without coveting or being extreme.  Just do what you can afford and what makes your home a place that you love!  So, take a look and be inspired!



Crown molding added to these cabinets made them extra special!





Love the frosted glass.  Keeping the cabinets “perfect” wouldn’t be as crucial as clear glass. I also love the black paint!

 


Can I just say I love this?!  Chalkboard paint on one cabinet adds a pop of something different and makes you feel at home!  I think a can of this paint is in my future!




Chicken wire fronts show off pretty glassware.  I’m sure this is more cost-effective than glass!  My rooster dishes would be adorable behind this!




A glaze over paint gives this a softer appearance.




Distressing the cabinets after painting softens the look of the stainless appliances.



Maybe all you need to do is change the hardware.  these pulls add a lovely touch!