Karen Cooper

A DIY (Dress-It-Yourself) Hot Dog Bar for July 4th

Not sure what to have at your 4th of July cookout? Tired of the same old burgers? Try a DIY (Dress-It-Yourself) Hot Dog Bar! For our hot dog bar, I grilled organic, uncured, all-beef hot dogs and sweet Italian sausages. You could include kielbasa, veggie dogs, chicken sausages – anything! I also served both whole …

Favorite Outdoor Furniture Trends

Warm spring temperatures mean that summer is right around the corner. Are you ready to update your outdoor space for summer? Here are my favorite outdoor furniture trends this year: Taking the indoors out.     Mohawk Home Tofino Chevron Indoor/Outdoor Rug from the Oasis Collection Outdoor furniture used to consist of metal and plastic chairs. …

Cottage Style Decor

When I say “cottage style decor,” the picture of what that looks like instantly comes to mind. It’s a distinctive, relaxed style that can be customized to any home. Here are ways to add this style to your home’s decor. (1) White and Bright A trademark of cottage style is the use of white and light …

Best Hostess Gifts Under $20

‘Tis the season for visiting family and friends. And that means needing hostess gifts – you can’t show up at someone’s house empty-handed! Here are the best hostess gifts under $20 – fun ways to show your appreciation without breaking the bank! Gifts to Pamper Your host is probably working hard to ensure you have …

DIY Gift Ideas

Do you have a long list of people to whom you give holiday gifts? Or maybe you want to give something unique this year? Why not DIY your holiday gifts this year? It’s fun, it’s usually less expensive than buying already-made gifts, and the recipient knows you put a lot of time and work into …

The Antiquer’s Tablescape

Thanksgiving is almost here! Time to think about setting the table for the holiday meal.   Whether you have sentimental family heirlooms or vintage treasures you’ve found, you can incorporate them into your Thanksgiving table decor for a fun, festive look. Here’s how to create “the antiquer’s tablescape” – one that blends old and new for a beautiful …

Decorate a Fall Mantel with Natural Elements

People think of spring as a time for buds and blooms. But I love decorating my home for fall with branches, berries, leaves, and other natural elements.   A fireplace mantel is the perfect place to add fall decor. Here are some great ideas for how to decorate a fall mantel with natural elements. Use …

Make the Most of Daylight Savings Time Ending

I love that extra hour of sleep that happens when daylight savings time ends! For those of us in states that still follow the “fall back, spring forward” time change, that extra hour is glorious! Here are some ways to make the most of daylight savings time ending this weekend! 1. Enjoy the extra hour …

Inexpensive, Easy Fall Decorating Ideas

I love decorating for fall. Unlike decorating for specific holidays, fall decorating can be left out and enjoyed for months. Plus, the warm colors make my home feel cozy and comfy. Decorating for fall doesn’t have to break the bank, though! Here are some inexpensive, easy fall decorating ideas that will warm up your home as …

Blending Old and New in Your Home

I love a good vintage find. I shop at thrift stores, estate sales, and salvage yards, looking for good quality older pieces for our home. But there are some things I won’t buy second-hand, such as upholstered pieces or anything else that’s hard to clean. So, how do you decorate a home merging these old …

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