HOME
ABOUT
BLOG
- Celebrate
- Decorate
- DIY
- Favorite Things
- In the Garden
- Holidays
- Recipes
- Travel
DOWNLOADS
SHOP
CONTACT & SOCIAL

Contact

Best way to contact me is by email:

lori@giggleliving.com

Get social with me!

Pinterest
Facebook
X
More

Email
Print

COMMENTS ARE OFF THIS POST

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Your email address will never be shared or sold.

Email

giggleliving

Here’s a fun twist on a fall dessert charcuterie I

Here’s a fun twist on a fall dessert charcuterie I shared last year & thought it was worth sharing again!
Try choosing a basket over a board for a fun, fall presentation. Snuggle a yummy pumpkin spice dip into assorted crackers & cookies for a delicious and portable taste of the season! It would be easy to carry to a party, give as a hostess gift or just move around as your guests mingle!

🧡PUMPKIN SPICE DIP:

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
1 15oz pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
1 1/2 C powdered sugar
2 t cinnamon
1 1/2 t pumpkin pie spice
1 t vanilla

Blend the cream cheese until creamy adding pumpkin until combined. Add sugar, spices & vanilla and blend until smooth. Chill then serve with your favorite cookies, crackers or fruit!

Follow @giggleliving for creative & cozy home decor, crafty ideas, and hosting inspiration that’s easy to achieve! …a little thrifting & plenty of whimsy included!

#fallrecipes #autumnappetizers #fallcharcuterie #pumpkinspice #easyrecipes

Pumpkin spice recipes/ pumpkin spice dip/ fall charcuterie board/ fall entertaining / appetizer ideas/ fall recipes/ hostess gift idea /fall flavors

Inspired my the magic of nature… I did a lot of se

Inspired my the magic of nature…
I did a lot of seasonal crafting last week! 🍂Foraged & found elements & tidbits were what I used to create some Halloween magic for my dining room. A recycled wreath, bark, leaves & dried blooms from my yard, scraps of faux leftovers from my crafting bins, and a few paper cutouts came together on my kitchen counter and this whimsical wreath came to life!✨🦉 A reminder that you can often find all kinds of crafting supplies right in your back yard! And it can be a fun challenge to dig through your household supplies to see what you’ve got to add to it. So if you’re inspired to handcraft some seasonal decor, don’t worry about skills, just get creative and have fun! It’s Halloween after all, so no perfection required. In fact, imperfection might even be better! 🎃 Happy Halloween DIY-ing!!🧡

Follow @giggleliving for creative & cozy home decor, crafty ideas, and hosting inspiration that’s easy to achieve! …a little thrifting & plenty of whimsy included!

#halloweendecoration #halloweenwreath #gothicvibes #diyhalloween #halloweenideas

A beautiful, fall weekend got me inspired… so plen

A beautiful, fall weekend got me inspired…
so plenty of outdoor decorating took place!🍂🎃
This year I concentrated on foraged finds & local farm market pumpkins & gourds to take center stage. I really didn’t get out many Halloween decorations, but let all the natural elements highlight the few that I used. I foraged branches from a fallen tree in our local meadow, my own yard, and even scavenged from our neighbor’s yard waste. 🤭 Every time I walked the dog I came home with something. I’m convinced my neighbors think I’m nuts but one man’s trash is another’s treasure AND it was all free!!
Swipe to see my front & back door decor plus a few more simple views from around our yard. (you’ll see some in-process photos at the end too!)
I hope you enjoy it & find some inspo to forage yourself!!
•
•
Follow @giggleliving for creative & cozy home decor, crafty ideas, and hosting inspiration that’s easy to achieve! …a little thrifting & plenty of whimsy included!
•
•
#outdoorhalloweendecor #forageddecor #naturalhalloweendecorations #halloweeniscoming #halloweenaesthetic
@littlehomeglowup

Cozy home / autumn home / natural Halloween decorating / Halloween decorating / foraged decor/ casual home / entertaining at home / DIY Halloween/ Holiday inspiration / creative crafting

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! 🍁🎃🤎✨👻 I

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! 🍁🎃🤎✨👻
If you’re a fall fan, a Halloween lover or just thrilled about all the “ber” months, you might agree! So let’s cheers to all of the autumn entertaining, snacking, dining, and decorating!!🧡
Happy first full day of fall y’all!!😉🍂

Follow @giggleliving for creative & cozy home decor, crafty ideas, and hosting inspiration that’s easy to achieve! …a little thrifting & plenty of whimsy included!

#fallhomedecor #autumnmood #halloweeniscoming #autumn #halloweenaesthetic

Fall cozy… My house is 110 years old. My living ro

Fall cozy…
My house is 110 years old. My living room isn’t exactly small but it’s also not spacious…it wasn’t built with an open concept plan in mind. And though I sometimes dream of what this room isn’t, I also embrace what it IS. And when I do that, it feels right-even if I can’t follow decorating “rules” (which I think are overrated anyway) So here’s a peek at my living-room starting to look like fall…nothing perfect, just cozy throws, dried flowers, lots of candles, and maybe an autumn playlist in the background. All those little things that bring me joy will outshine the imperfections every time!!
Happy almost official fall!!🧡🍂🤎

Follow @giggleliving for creative & cozy home decor, crafty ideas, and hosting inspiration that’s easy to achieve! …a little thrifting & plenty of whimsy included!

#falldecorating #makehomeyours #makingmyhaven #autumnhome #cozyhomeviews

Historic home/ vintage decor / living room decor / dried hydrangeas / European style/ thrifted home/ thrifted home / casual styling / cozy home decor/ fall decorating/ autumn decor

Small additions can be magical!✨ I love layering b

Small additions can be magical!✨
I love layering botanical garlands over hutches, cabinets or shelves. It’s one of the easiest ways to decorate and the result is so pretty & cozy!
If you don’t have garlands you can still achieve the botanical look with stems of berries or branches. And don’t shy away from foraging from the yard! Autumn is such a forgiving season as fresh branches or blooms can still look beautiful & seasonal as they dry!🍂
And did you spy the grinning green jack-o-lanterns ?? I wasn’t going to buy more Halloween decor this year but these dollar spot goodies were too good to resist!💚🎃

Follow @giggleliving for creative & cozy home decor, crafty ideas, and hosting inspiration that’s easy to achieve! …a little thrifting & plenty of whimsy included!

#halloweendecor #autumndecorating #moodydecor #makehomeyours #cozyhomeviews

Practical magic vibes/ Cozy home decor/ Halloween decor / autumn decor / European aesthetic /vintage style/ cozy dining room / Halloween inspiration /moody interiors

Time for pumpkins & gourds… If your patio planter

Time for pumpkins & gourds…

If your patio planters are starting to look tired, just pluck out any dead or dying blooms and replace them with colorful pumpkins & gourds! It’s such a pretty way to extend the life of container!
And you can also try adding dried branches with pods & berries, grasses, and kale & cabbages. 🧡

#howihome #pumpkinseason #autumndecorating #autumnhome #cozycottagestyle

Pumpkins and gourds/ fall decorating/ autumn planters/ container gardens / autumn aesthetic/ patio decor/ outdoor spaces/ outdoor decor/ cottage style /

Feeling the autumn (maybe even Halloween) vibes? 🖤

Feeling the autumn (maybe even Halloween) vibes? 🖤 Then I have the cutest, easiest craft for you!! Mini rosemary witches brooms look just adorable, smell amazing, and add a sweet touch of spooky in a natural way! I whipped up several in minutes, using foraged goodies from the garden & yard! It’s SO simple to do…swipe to see how I made ‘em! 🧙‍♀️
Follow @giggleliving for creative & cozy home decor, crafty ideas, and hosting inspiration that’s easy to achieve! …a little thrifting & plenty of whimsy included!

#practicalmagichalloween #halloweencraft #halloweeninsipration #diyhalloweendecor #halloweenideas

DIY Halloween / Halloween crafting / botanical Halloween / practical magic Halloween / easy fall crafts / Halloween ideas / not so spooky Halloween /

How early fall is showing up in my home… Dried & f

How early fall is showing up in my home…
Dried & faux mixed together to create an arrangement that’s full of fall color mixed with hues of late summer! I’m loving the soft burgundy & mauve instead of diving right into full-on orange.
Swipe to see more…

And if you like what you see, follow @giggleliving for creative & cozy home decor, crafty ideas, and hosting inspiration that’s easy to achieve! …a little thrifting & plenty of whimsy included!

#displaywhatyoulove #cozyhome #falldecoratingideas #makehomeyourhaven

Cozy home / collected home / thrift finds / French country style / vintage style/ casual home / entertaining at home / gatherings / Holiday inspiration / creative crafting /

Dried hydrangeas simply laid across the mantle make a pretty garland with zero design skills needed!!

A basket full of loosely arranged fall foliage is super easy and it can be as big or small as you wish! And you can never go wrong with gingham OR fuzzy throws!

Drippy candle Chianti bottles scream late summer & fall to me! I display them on a tray so wax stays off the furniture. And I love adding personal touches like a cute match container, flower bottle topper, and a saved wine cork with the date both my boys
graduated-one from university and the other from HS! A fun little treasure that adds personality to my home!

Faux bittersweet tucked onto a cabinet adds just enough fall charm. A reminder you don’t have to create an elaborate display to create a beautiful look!

And what’s early fall without a little crafting behind the scenes!🎃 I’m not ready to display Halloween just yet…but I’ll be ready!!

Autumn is gradually gracing my home! 🍂 I love the

Autumn is gradually gracing my home! 🍂 I love the slow additions…it allows me to keep adding as the days continue to change…eventually leading up to Halloween at the end of the month. Swipe to see the materials found mostly @hobbylobby & @athomestores that helped me give my planters a hint of fall and see what they looked like prior! You don’t need a ton to add a fall facelift!🍂🧡

All my materials are faux-and not all manufactured for outside. However both my front & back patios are somewhat protected. If you’re considering faux and your area is exposed to elements, try materials made for that exposure. You can find them on Amazon or in stores like Homegoods! They resist water & fading.

I just used a few stems to add to what I already had…

This was my summer planter. All I did was remove the white blooms. Everything else stayed the same. When October comes, a jack-o-lantern might replace the fern! 🎃

My front planter also got a facelift! It didn’t take a lot especially after choosing a large kale to take up space!

Remember to shop the everyday faux shelves too. Not everything needs to scream brown & orange to give fall vibes. I added sage greens & soft blue stems to create a mid-season look

Here she was this spring…pretty in pink but change is good!😉

What do you think about adding fall gradually? 🍂🤎🧡🩵

Three easy ways I make my alfresco dinners feel fa

Three easy ways I make my alfresco dinners feel fancy…
Always light a candle on the table! If it’s a breezy night use a hurricane or lantern, but on still evenings I bring my favorite scented candles outside! Your guests will notice the beautiful aroma believe me! (This candle is from my favorite mother-daughter duo @itsmorethanahome)

Cut something fresh or foraged. Flowers, herbs, dried grasses, tiny branches…anything goes. And it doesn’t have to be grand. A tiny bottle makes the perfect vase!

If you have outdoor cabinets, shelves or tables, tuck battery candles or fairy lights onto the shelves or around your decor. As the sun sets, they’ll illuminate the cabinet or tabletop and create an enchanting atmosphere ✨ Adding extra blooms doesn’t hurt either 🌸😉 these shown here are displayed in a recycled candle container!

Follow for more simple details that will make your home shine!

Summer is winding down… But it doesn’t mean you ca

Summer is winding down…
But it doesn’t mean you can’t elevate the feeling a little longer! It’s Labor Day week leading to the holiday so it’s kind of the last fling of the season for many of us! And though my planters are starting to show the earliest signs of their demise, I found the most enchanting addition to keep them looking lovely!
My @gigalumi_flowers solar floral lights not only add color but charming fairy lights that are entwined in the stems. Operated with solar, they come on automatically at dusk (which is happening earlier now) and add beautiful illumination to my patio planters while we’re still soaking up the warm evenings outside.
You can tuck them anywhere-in planters, along a garden path, in window boxes…anywhere you want some unexpected lighting that will be sure to get noticed!🌸✨ Swipe to see how pretty they look-unlit, lit, and twinkling! ✨

Follow along for more home inspiration, easy design ideas and relaxed living!

Poached halibut Mediterranean style!🐟 Now that we

Poached halibut Mediterranean style!🐟
Now that we have 3 freezers full of Alaskan fish, seafood is on the menu several times a week! Even though I love most varieties of fish, I’m really not very familiar preparing it at home. Salmon is my only go-to so I feel confident with that, but the others are a new cooking adventure…

At one of our recent family dinner nights I tried a new recipe that ended up being a keeper! I’ve never poached anything before but this halibut recipe was so simple, quick and delicious! Keep swiping to see how easy it was…

If you don’t have fresh caught fish that’s ok! Grab a fillet at your local seafood market. A tip I learned about poaching halibut-leave the skin on to help keep the tender fish from falling apart in the liquid. You can remove it afterwards if desired. You’ll need approximately 1 lb of halibut cut into equal pieces…

In a shallow pan with lid (deep enough for the liquid to adequately cover the fillets) add:
3/4 C chicken broth
3/4 C white wine
3 T lemon juice
1 ounce minced shallot
2-3 minced garlic cloves
2 T capers
Pinch of saffron threads
1 t red pepper flakes
S&P
2-3 fresh thyme sprigs

Bring to boil for a couple minutes. Turn down heat to low, add fish & cover. Poach for 6-8 minutes until fish is opaque.

Remove fish and let rest while bringing liquid back to a boil until it’s reduced to half. Remove thyme and whisk in 3 T cubed butter-whisking a cube at a time to emulsify. Spoon over fish and serve with fresh herbs!

Poached halibut/seafood/easy recipes/seafood recipe/dinner ideas/healthy meal/high protein meal

Slow days of late summer that merge with autumn—so

Slow days of late summer that merge with autumn—some snippets of my faves…
Seashells & dahlias 🐚🌼

Warm breezes…

Garden goodies…

Cozy meals…🍗
Herb Butter Roasted Chicken
1 6 lb young chicken
1/4 c melted butter
3T olive oil
1/4 c dry white wine
1 lemon, halved
2 T chopped fresh parsley
4 cloves minced garlic
fresh rosemary sprigs

Mix butter, oil, wine, garlic, 1/2 lemon juice, 1 T parsley & S & P

Rub mix over chicken, inside the cavity & under skin
Place in roasting pan and top with remaining parsley. Slice or austérité the other half of lemon and put in cavity along with rosemary
Roast at 350 for approximately 2-2 1/2 hours or until reaches 165
Can sprinkle root veggies in pan if desired. Strain the pan drippings and add enough cornstarch to make a lovely gravy.

Nesting with thrifted finds…

Cozy corners…

Fall crafting…

What are your favorite seasonal transitions?
Happy almost weekend!!💛

Casual home decor/ thrifting/ flea market finds/ home styling/ Paris inspired home decor/ gardening /easy recipes

Time for small, seasonal changes… With August upon

Time for small, seasonal changes…
With August upon us, I’m admittedly dreaming of fall but at the same time I’m not close to wanting the slow days of summer to end! But I can add a blend of late summer decor to my home and include hints of the new season to come. Not in typical fall color but in softer tones that you might see as August turns to September. My mantle refresh includes a more muted color palette, mixed metals & wood, and a lingering summer seashell. And you may have noticed my sweet deer mount has a new home too. I love the change for now…who knows for how long-only time will tell!😉 it’s not crazy change, just enough to lead me toward fall but in a soft, subtle way.🌾
And speaking of change, I’ve taken lots of small IG breaks over the last year or so and part of that is truly enjoying the unplugged time but part is also to slow down a little on the content I’m sharing so I can figure out my next move. I feel like it’s time for a change & new direction with my account and blog. Not sure exactly what that is yet but it will definitely still be in the realm of entertaining, home decorating…maybe a little more DIY & crafting, and all the things I find pleasing in hopes you enjoy them too. So I truly appreciate those of you who are sticking around while I make some tweaks & figure it out! 💛💛 Happy new week!!

A night in New Orleans…was this year’s summer shin

A night in New Orleans…was this year’s summer shindig theme!✨
And I’m finally getting around to sharing. We look forward all year to our annual themed party! In fact, we usually have the next theme (sometimes the next two) already picked!! My whole family gives their input and it’s a really fun way to involve everyone. Not only that, it also gives us tons of time to DIY & shop ahead at after-holiday-sales, summer garage sales & thrift shops for unique party decor.
Hope you enjoy these snippets of what ended up being a beautiful night—hot, but no rain which had been forecasted! So we all let the good times roll with some NOLA fun!!⚜️ And a HUGE thank you to @patisserievillage for the delicious desserts, @alicelouisepress for the gorgeous invitations & food signs, and @jennamadda for the adorable craft paper banner!!💜
Happy August!!☀️💛

Bike baskets & beads…

Sweet truffle treats…

Spanish moss & beads swaying in the trees…

Casual places to relax & mingle…

Indoor decor, so guests can get relief from the heat & still feel festive!

EVERYONE wears beads😉

Simple details…

Masks and beads for the taking…

In New Orleans you HAVE to have muffulettas! Have you ever tried one?

Cute food tags!

King cake fun! With babies hidden inside!

Cutest banner crafted for me by a dear friend!!

Beads…

More beads…

Even more beads!

Mini bottle tree…

Hurricanes? But of course!!

My party gallery wall! A fun detail!
Hope you enjoyed the snippets and got some inspo for your next party! Mardis gras perhaps?💜

Our weekly Friday family-night dinner might be sim

Our weekly Friday family-night dinner might be simple but even the most casual, fill-your-own-plate from the kitchen can still look special! A few linens, a pretty server with appetizers, and fresh flowers-even if displayed in the tiniest bouquets-will make a table look beautiful for any get together!
Making my patio feel like an extension of our home is a seasonal priority to me. It allows us to utilize the extra space and gives us the same cozy & homey vibes that the inside rooms provide. And for me, thrifted items help keep it affordable without any reluctance of using these things outdoors permanently! Swipe to see how the simplest little details can add this charm to the patio! 💛

I took a much needed social media break during a super busy July😅 it’s been a good-busy—weddings, visiting family & kids, annual get togethers and weekend getaways! And as much fun as it is to document these things, I enjoyed soaking it all up, uninterrupted by my phone. It’s mentally refreshing for me to put it away from time to time! So as much as I miss keeping up with everyone here, It’s a routine of social silence I need.
But at the same time, I’m excited to catch up with you all and continue sharing some of the summer fun as I get back in the swing!
Hope everyone has been well and enjoying the dog days of summer!!☀️💛

Last minute 4th of July details… You can take your

Last minute 4th of July details…
You can take your simple table up a festive notch with these simple ideas…❤️🤍🩵

Don’t be afraid to mix paper & porcelain plates! Holiday paper products can easily add color to your table. They’re cute, afford and disposable! Use a full size paper plate, dessert plate OR both if you want even more cleanup convenience!

A simple cake pop adds delicious and festivity to each place setting. A sweet detail guests will love!

Fill any container with sparklers for guests to use later in the evening! You could also use these on each place setting in place or addition to the cake pops!

Tie a colorful straw onto your soda or waster bottles. An inexpensive detail that just looks special!

Ribbon always adds a cheerful touch! Tie them on wine bottles and glasses and now they look fit for the holiday!
Easy peasy, but details that shine!❤️🩵
Follow @giggleliving for more easy & casually refined ideas for celebrating & everyday living!

Can your lifestyle be casual, relaxed, easy yet st

Can your lifestyle be casual, relaxed, easy yet still refined? Of course!! Here’s some of my favorite tips that can make the ordinary, simple things feel elevated at the table…

🌱Use table linens or pretty placemats often (refined). Find moisture resistant ones to keep the laundering at a minimum (easy)

🌱Add fresh herbs & edible blooms to your charcuterie or snack trays (refined). Use ANY snack you have on hand, no need to buy fancy (easy) you can literally stick a sprig of basil in a bowl of peanuts and now it looks special!😉

🌱Use your dessert as part of your table decor!! It looks pretty and makes a table feel abundant with little effort! 🥧 …and gives guests an anticipatory peek at the deliciousness to come!!

🌱Add fresh flowers to your tabletops (refined) mix any combo of blooms & greens in a caning jar, pitcher or even a single bloom in a bud vase or juice cup will do (easy) The “vase” in this photo is a cookie jar…no vessel that holds water is off limits for consideration.🌺

Stay tuned for the holiday edition coming in time for 4th festivities!!
❤️🤍🩵

Follow for more casually refined living ideas @giggleliving💛

When it comes to flower arrangements… Are you team

When it comes to flower arrangements…
Are you team relaxed & “wildflowery” or coiffed & elegant? I love both looks but at home I’m very wild and whispy when it comes to my blooms! I really enjoy the casual, handpicked & shoved in a vase look-plus it’s easier to achieve😉 and speaking of vases, I rarely use a traditional one. Any vessel that holds water will help create a unique look that represents you!

A small ironstone pitcher looks pretty on my kitchen cabinet holding delicate feverfew & sprigs of dill. Use whatever you’ve got growing even herbs or branches will be beautiful. They’ll effortlessly make any space look so fresh for the season!

Fresh blooms & greens will always add a fresh breath of energy & beauty to any space!!🌱🌼

If you love finding ways to refine casual living in the easiest ways, follow along @giggleliving! ❤️

A tiny addition to our back entry area… I love how

A tiny addition to our back entry area…
I love how this small iron shelf is another way to make our newly completed back entry even more welcoming! It’s just another way I can bring that inside vibe to my outside spaces!
If you have a brick home, brick clips are the easiest way to attach things without drilling into the mortar so you won’t damage the wall. A brick “command strip” of sorts! They can support up to 60 lbs so they’re very versatile as to what they can hold and we use them for a multitude of things! (You can find them on Amazon)
But back to the shelf😉 I think it looks so cute displaying these little planters that add a touch of greenery near the back door. It’s hung far enough away so no one (aka: my husband) will knock it down carrying in groceries or boxes from Costco!😆
It was an estate sale find that gives a cottage vibe to our patio space and entry. I didn’t know I needed this little iron shelf, but I’m so happy I made the realization!

Follow on Instagram

Search for:

Family photos courtesy of:
Crystal Jozsa Photography

Top