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Festive and easy Gingerbread House ideas!(1)

Lori

November 27

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giggleliving

More views of our son’s new place! We’re so ha

More views of our son’s new place! We’re so happy he got to have a weekend full of sharing his hard work with family & friends! 3 separate gatherings and family traveling here from out of town made for a busy but special weekend for all of us! 🤎
I have to say I’m envious of his home style—fun, energetic, bold…making me want to revamp our place!😉But it definitely showcases his personality & young vibe yet it’s classic too. Both our boys are so fortunate to have received so many beautiful treasures from my in-laws, my parents, as well as other handed down treasures from extended family! This helps them create cozy homes that look as though they’ve been collected over many years. We’re grateful and excited to see them on their new life adventures! But my oldest is the first of this next generation in our family to own his own place and we’re so proud of his accomplishments at such a young age! Watching my boys create their own spaces has also reminded me to throw caution to the wind when it comes to design and go with what feels right!! If you have a set vision-don’t let “rules” or opinions allow you to alter your style! And most importantly enjoy the process…even the hard bits!☺️

This may not look quite like my house…because it

This may not look quite like my house…because it’s not! I’m sharing a sneak peek of our son’s new home!🏡😍
One of several reasons I’ve not been super consistent on this platform since November!😅 He’s been working hard putting lots of sweat-equity into this place and we’ve been happy to let him put us to work too! Plus, you know I don’t mind helping him decorate and share the financial benefits & thrill-of-the-hunt at local thrift stores! 😉 Much of this adventure is a tad out of his wheelhouse but he’s definitely got a vision and it’s coming together! He’s learning so much along the way and might end up being very handy (courtesy of my hubby) which will be so beneficial and cost saving for him over his lifetime. We’re so proud of his accomplishments & hard work!
I’ll reveal more after he has a chance to share his place with visiting family and friends over the weekend. It will be a busy one but we’re all super excited to get to see family and share his joy!!
Have a great week everyone!!❤️

Time to edit… I have a tendency to want to displ

Time to edit…
I have a tendency to want to display every thing I own, everywhere & all at once… but over the years I have learned to edit.😉
I can swap things in and out, still display collections, but on the simple side which often resonates with me too. Sometimes I’m so conflicted between maximalism and minimalism☺️ Over the long weekend I decided to do some more editing in my living room as I was feeling like my decor was all over the place. Can anyone relate? So I simplified for spring. I think the room still looks collected & cozy and more importantly it feels right. It really is true that creating spaces that feel right to you is always evolving…and it’s perfectly acceptable to keep tweaking them until you get the result that makes YOU happy!
Hope you all had a lovely long weekend!!❤️

“L” is for “Love” AND little treats that m

“L” is for “Love” AND little treats that make your peeps feel special!!💓
I rounded up some of my favorite Valentine treat ideas—from the easiest snacks to pretty charcuterie boards, DIY waffle “pops”, Galentine ideas, and cute treat tables for your little cupids! 💕 swipe to see or check out more details, ideas and links to tutorials on the blog today! Hope you enjoy it!!
And best wishes for happy Valentine’s Day celebrations!!❤️🩷

#valentinesday❤️ #valentinesdaygoodies

Got chocolates? Got mini cupcake liners?
Then you’ve got the easiest way to serve up an effortless Valentine treat! We had several unopened boxes of candy leftover from Christmas, and if you’re in the same boat, you’ve already got what you need for serving up some Happy Hearts Day sweets! Give them a Valentine touch by using tiny holiday cupcake liners! Just drop your favorite chocolate inside, present them on a pretty dessert server or tray and boom! You’ve got the easiest treat ever!! Perfect for unexpected guests, last-minute get togethers or any celebration!❤️💕 It’s true the simplest things can really look grand!!

Happy February and happy Groundhog Day too!! Looks like we have 6 more weeks ❄️ 😳 Hope everyone in the path of the latest storm or frigid temperatures is surviving this crazy weather!!❤️

My “workshop” & pantry have been seen by few…until now😉
It’s not fancy, it might be considered messy, even a hodgepodge! But it’s where I store my decorations, party supplies I’ve saved over the years, extra serving dishes and where I can get messy with crafting or diy-ing! After sharing this space in stories a few weeks ago I got some messages to see more, so here’s a bigger peek into my organized chaos in our basement! It’s all on the blog today too!❤️
The pantry area not only stores dry goods but holiday dishes, dessert stands and miscellaneous serving pieces I can’t fit upstairs. Our house is 100+ years old so I don’t have modern conveniences where extra storage is concerned.
My “workshop” contains lots of utility items like a flower cart for keeping my faux stems organized (there’s a link to it in my blog post) or a basket filled with canning jars to keep my dried stems tidy.
Pegboard helps organize wreaths, ribbons, garlands & hanging decor.
Storage tubs, jars, baskets…whatever I have on hand hold crafting items, paper tags, supplies, tools, all the things I use for crafting & DIY projects around the house. And inexpensive shelves hold all the craft “bins” and decor items that I can swap out throughout the seasons.
This area might not be the prettiest on the block but it sure helps me save money by being able to reuse these items over & over again. Pop over to the blog if you want to see more. I hope you find inspo that might work for you!!❤️

Winter mantle magic… While the snow blew yesterd

Winter mantle magic…
While the snow blew yesterday I spent part of the day displaying my new antique find over my fireplace. 🤗 Lately I’ve been obsessed looking for a vintage deer mount-without breaking the bank to get it! And this weekend (prior to our winter storm) my husband spied this affordable beauty in our favorite antique mall! My son thinks we need to name him. Any suggestions??
Swipe to see the super casual faux & dried arrangements to help frame him and soften the look so it’s not too “hunting lodge”! We joked it looks like he’s ready to eat the blooms from the garden…which is a reality here!🦌🌸

Hope you all stayed safe in this crazy storm!! ❄️🩵

Detail in the perfect curtains can be the crowning

Winter centerpiece made extra easy! Even though I

Winter centerpiece made extra easy!
Even though I love the fresh feel in my home in January, I still struggle with how to truly decorate. Keep the winter magic longer? Head into valentines? Go all in for spring blooms? I’m never really sure.🤔 But while I was organizing & purging my house, I found these old antlers. I decided to use them in a centerpiece that feels right to me for the winter season. Some fresh houseplants, pinecones and moss give hints to winter AND spring…and definitely a cozy vibe! No expert styling skills needed either. I merely dropped the tiny plants into pots and scattered them around the antlers on a tray. The moss and cones are just tucked here & there so I can easily take the pots out to water them. This way I don’t need to line the tray with anything waterproof and when I’m done with this centerpiece they can easily move to my kitchen windowsill or be potted in a planter.
It’s all on the blog today with a few other tips for creating a January centerpiece that’s right for you!🌿

January feels… Embracing the new month and a fre

January feels…
Embracing the new month and a fresh mood in my home. Simple changes have a slight nod to spring which seems far away but I have a feeling will be here before we know it!
Bringing out all the greens & blooms (real or faux) always lightens the atmosphere. Whether they’re tucked in pots, bowls, baskets, or even in pottery form on a shelf…it’s funny how they can help my home go from ho ho holiday to 2026 serenity!
I guess it’s a no-brainer that greenery and flowers brightens any space, but just a little can go a long way! I usually use what I’ve got on hand but I can’t resist buying one new plant each year. There’s something about being in a greenhouse that reinvigorates me! Can you spy my new plant baby in the carousel?…she’s hard to miss! And you won’t believe I got her for under $30!😮 I found it at Home Depot which is a reminder to check those stores for good deals!

Happy first Monday of 2026!! ✨I had a lovely, ph

Happy first Monday of 2026!! ✨I had a lovely, phone-limited, media-free holiday spending time with family & friends! This is the first Christmas for me with my boys not being home full time so I’m happy I had no distractions and could soak up the moments!

Although I love taking media breaks, I do miss keeping up with everyone here and I truly hope you all had wonderful holiday celebrations full of all the joys!❤️

This week (or longer😉) I’ll be reorganizing & de cluttering my home after all the Christmas came down. Bittersweet but at the same time I’m ready for a change-and spring flowers!!😉
Have a great Monday and cheers to all the 2026 opportunities!!✨

Simple details… is what makes the holiday specia

Simple details…
is what makes the holiday special! It doesn’t need to be over the top, just tiny touches that elevate what you’ve already got!
In stories a couple weeks ago I shared my “scrap basket”. It’s a real thing I keep with cut or broken off faux greens & berry sprigs. I also include lengths of ribbon from packages etc. You might also find pinecones or a bell or two. Anything that might be worth saving that I can reuse around the house. Another easy holiday hack…stacking my holiday wares casually on the sideboard. Why wait to enjoy them until the big feast?
Swipe to see the easy ways I holiday-up my home with ordinary goodies and leftovers! It really is easy to do when you reuse what you’ve got!! ❤️

✨Our liquor cabinet gets holiday sparkle with fairy lights, an ornament simply hung over a decanter, and an old metal urn that makes its way around my house is now filled with a rustic Christmas scene.
✨the buffet is dinner ready…
✨favorite figurines are adorned with tiny wreaths
✨repurposed cornucopias get filled with all those “leftover” goodies to create a Christmas centerpiece
✨a silver bowl simply holds holiday greetings

Hope you enjoyed these Christmas details. A reminder that it really can be simple, easy, affordable and still be as festive as ever! 🎄

The tree is trimmed!🎄 And if you know our famil

The tree is trimmed!🎄
And if you know our family well you might be SHOCKED we didn’t use tinsel this year! But I used so much baby’s breath in my other holiday displays I decided to carry it over to the tree as well! Don’t get me wrong, I still adore tinsel 🤩, but I have to say I’m loving the dainty vibe this year! So with the help of my great aunt who donated dried bunches from her garden & our local florist to fill in the bare areas with fresh (which will dry in place beautifully)-I think we pulled off a pretty look!
Our tree is always a hodgepodge of collected ornaments from years past, trips, gifts, and handcrafted treasures! I can’t imagine it any other way! ❤️ We always get a fresh tree from a local tree lot that sells the fullest, most gorgeous ones I’ve seen…and every year I say this one can’t be beat! She sure takes up a fair amount of space in our not-super-spacious room but I do love the cozy vibe! And while the dried blossoms don’t shimmer, they do resemble fluffy snow!!❄️ for about $20 the baby’s breath was actually a little more affordable than tinsel (considering how much we normally pile on)😉 Would you ever try dried flowers on your tree?🌲

Baby it’s cold outside… Old man winter came ca

Baby it’s cold outside…
Old man winter came calling and I’m glad I got most of my outdoor decorations done before the snow came! ❄️ I have to admit everything looks extra pretty snow covered…although currently some are so covered you can’t even see them!🤣 …glad I got these shots beforehand!
My outside decor is once again rather simple this year. Garlands, wreaths, foraged greenery & ribbons tucked here, there and everywhere make it look so festive and they’re really beautiful all on their own! Swipe to see how I even made table “runners” with discarded pruned greens from my neighbor’s yard! I used wire to secure the branches to my tables so the winter winds wouldn’t blow them away! Most of my decor was an easy swap of greens & bows from what was pumpkins and leaves. It doesn’t have to be crazy decorated to look lovely…so no stress!!
Oh and can you believe my back door wreath is faux??? (From Lowe’s)
Hope you enjoy the outdoor captures from my home this year!🎄❤️ Happy December!! Let the countdown officially begin!!🎅🏻

Silent night…✨ A peek at our holiday bedroom,

Silent night…✨
A peek at our holiday bedroom, all snuggly & cozy as the daylight dims…just right to end and & begin each festive day of the season!
Life has been coming at us 100 miles an hour lately with winter prep, holiday prep, our oldest’s new home purchase & renovations, and our youngest son’s apartment search & out of state move coming up soon! Not enough hours. BUT we’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel! And settling down in a calm space after a busy day is exactly what we need each night. 😴 I know we’re not unique with the crazy busy schedule, but I’ve been struggling to keep up here as much as I’d like! So I’ll do my best and send you all the best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving and official kick off to Christmas!!❤️🎄 Have a great holiday week with your favorite people!!❤️

Nature…naturally perfect for Christmas!🌲🪹🌱❤️
Since I’m blending Thanksgiving & Christmas in most of my house until (November 28) I was inspired to keep the natural vibe for my decor this holiday! The greens on my mantle are embellished with pinecones & feathers, birds & baby’s breath, and festive ribbon! My DIY buckeye topiary went from my fall table to my Christmas mantle with a swap of burgundy ribbon to add a touch of traditional holiday color…and to the stockings as well. A little extra plaid always makes me happy too! 😉 Remember ribbon can be an economical way to add festive color & detail to just about anything in your home. If you can tie a bow (which I understand from experience can actually be daunting at times😂) you can create something special. Don’t worry about perfection-just tie your favorite colored strands onto anything your heart desires! From traditional greenery to houseplants,—candle sticks to cabinet pulls…let your imagination go! And if you love a soft drape in a bow, choose non-wired to get that soft fall. Swipe to see the simple elements that together look lovely for the holiday…and Salty enjoying the season in his special way!☺️
Hope this inspires you to throw holiday decorating stress out the window and have fun decking your halls however it feels natural to you! ♥️🌲

Ribbon @amazon
Clip birds @hobbylobby

Blended!🦃🎄 I started my holiday decorating!

Blended!🦃🎄
I started my holiday decorating! But I decided to marry the remnants of my fall decor & the first glimpses of Christmas in my home until turkey day! Fall is still slightly sprinkled into my holiday greens and I’m kind of loving it! So if you struggle with losing autumn but are itching for Christmas, give it a try! When the feast is over, I’ll be replacing the gourds with pinecones, dried blooms, fruit & ribbon. AND if you love decorating, this method allows you to have a second go at it when the fall goodies are removed! Best of both worlds!! Swipe to see and let me know what you think!🎄🦃

I think this is my cue to decorate for Christmas!!

I think this is my cue to decorate for Christmas!!
One of my girlfriends confirmed today it was definitely a sign!😉❄️🎄
We had our first snow and I’m not mad about it! Even though it was measurable, it won’t stick around long this early-we’ll be back in the 60 degree range in a week or so. But for now, it sure looks pretty…even though all the autumn leaves and decor make it seem a tad out of place! No matter, the Christmas music is on repeat and here we go! 🎄❄️

Last snippets of the fall details in my home… Th

Last snippets of the fall details in my home…
Then it’s all-out “ho ho ho” season! 😉🎄
I’m so excited for Christmas decor but at the same time, these simple touches of fall are still giving me the warm fuzzy feels! I really wish I could change the calendar so we’d have more time to enjoy this beautiful & peaceful season!!🧡 But since I can’t, I guess I’ll enjoy autumn for a few more days, then get my Christmas decorating underway!

If you saw my stories Monday you’ll know there’s been lots going on around here with our boys and exciting new adventures for both! New house purchase & new job offer…and we’re trying to help as much as possible as our parents always were so generous with their time when we were starting out…and still are! But all this helping out is keeping me on my toes and I’m not gonna lie, frazzling me a tad! 😅But I’m so grateful and making sure I soak it all in!! 🧡
I’ll try to share more holiday inspo as often as I physically can! It’s going to be a busy season…and I know I’m not alone on that! ❤️ Happy Friday eve everyone!!

Halloween is near and even though the gardens are

Halloween is near and even though the gardens are looking slightly tattered from the frost, I’m still loving the autumn view! 🍂
As my summer flowers keep dying, I’ve been adding more foraged branches & other natural items to take their place. Colorful oak leaves, gourds, dried grasses & stems are casually tucked about to fill any of the gaps. And a log with pretty ruffles of fungus is a natural backdrop for taper candles! A reminder that you can find beauty in almost anything in nature! And you can’t beat the cost!😉
Swipe to see these last glimpses of my patio decor before my fall planters are put to rest. Soon they’ll be stored away or filled with holiday greens…which I have to admit I’m getting excited for. But for now, I’ll soak up the last days of October!🍁

Anyone else tweak their holiday decor right up to

Anyone else tweak their holiday decor right up to the last minute?🧡🖤
I can’t help myself but I’m guilty!! 🤭
Little witch hats embellished with some dried stems & toadstools are the latest addition to my Halloween mantle! I didn’t buy anything new—the hats came off the over-the-table-rod from my holiday tablescape and the dried goodies from my craft stash in the basement! I was feeling the urge to start Thanksgiving decorating but now I’m giddy for Halloween all over again! 🎃It’s funny how little additions can create such a big impact and make something old feel new! (You can see a few posts back how this mantle started out)
I KNOW I’m not alone here, I’d love to know who else has the decor-tweaking urge! 🖤🎃👻

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Family photos courtesy of:
Crystal Jozsa Photography

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