Name: Homemade No-Churn Ice Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled); 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk ((Refrigerate before mixing.)); assorted mix-in ingredients ((cookies, cake, peanut butter, chocolate, etc.) )

The Best Strawberry Desserts for Summer

Recipes

Thursday
Jun / 20 / 2019
Comments 0

The Best Strawberry Desserts for Summer #summer #dessert #strawberry #cake #pie #recipe

I’m one of the many people who love strawberries! To me, they signal summer. For that reason, I so enjoy delighting my family and friends with strawberry desserts this time of year.

In this post, I’ve gathered recipes for cakes, pies, and other yummy things made with strawberries. I promise you will enjoy making and eating each of these strawberry desserts. (To add to the fun, I threw in a couple of other related posts from IBC!)

The Best Strawberry Desserts for Summer:

(Click on the photo or name for more details and the full recipe.)

Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake – Is it ice cream or cheesecake? With such a delicious concoction, I don’t think it matters. This rich and creamy strawberry treat is dreamy to look at and perfect to serve on a warm day.

Strawberry Coconut Cake – Made with a box mix, fresh strawberries, and coconut, this is a cake almost anyone can create and everyone will enjoy. I decorated it with my favorite cream cheese frosting, whole berries, plus strawberry leaves and blossoms. So beautiful!

Strawberry Cheerio Treat Bars – A simple dessert doesn’t have to be ordinary. To make these bright and fruity cereal bars, just combine strawberry-flavored oat cereal, mini marshmallows, and freeze-dried strawberries. Then press the mixture in a pan and drizzle with white chocolate.

Strawberry Limeade Naked Cake – This cake is gorgeous, and it tastes incredible. Beyond the usual ingredients for homemade cake, the recipe calls for pureed strawberries, lime zest, and lime juice, a flavor combination that surely says summer is here!

Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie – With its cake-like flavor, this smoothie lets you drink your dessert or have a bit of dessert for breakfast. Shortcake dessert shells are blended with strawberries, yogurt, and milk in this smoothie that falls somewhere between healthy and decadent. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream if you like to live on the wild side.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie – The sweetness of strawberries and tanginess of rhubarb play off each other wonderfully in this strawberry dessert topped with a crumble made from butter, flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. You’ll experience summer in every bite. My mouth is watering as I write about it.

More Strawberry Desserts:

Strawberry Rhubarb Cake – This naked Pink Velvet cake is elegant but easy and perfect for warm-weather entertaining. The layers are infused with strawberry rhubarb syrup and sandwiched together with buttercream frosting and sliced berries. The top is adorned with fresh flowers, a few whole strawberries, and more of that delectable frosting.

In case you’re craving more rhubarb concoctions, check out my roundup of favorite rhubarb recipes here.

Strawberry Hand Pies – I made this cute strawberry dessert for the first time during my series, “A Year of Pie.” These handhelds are great for lunches, snacks, or picnics. Hand pies have all the things I love about pie without any of challenges. What could be better when the weather is warm?

Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad – This is a classic strawberry recipe that’s great in any season. It’s loaded with contrasts: sweet – salty, creamy – crunchy, healthy – decadent, fresh – prepared. Something for everyone. No wonder it continues to be so popular.

I hope these recipes have inspired you. ‘Tis the season for strawberry desserts!

P.S. Just in case strawberries are not in plentiful supply right now at your favorite farmers market, you can probably pick up a quart or two at your local grocery store. Or if you prefer, you can buy the frozen variety any time of the year.

If you have time, patience, and a green thumb, you might even want to grow your own. Check out my Strawberry Planter here.

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Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Paint, Hardware, and Trim

Interiors

Friday
Jun / 14 / 2019
Comments 7

Bayberry Kitchen Panty Design Board #kitchen #pantry #design #board #remodel #inspiration

With only weeks left in my kitchen renovation, I wanted to share more about the finishes I’ve selected for my new space.

It’s been almost a month since my last Bayberry Kitchen renovation update. Things are still moving along at a good pace. If all goes as planned, it looks like I will have a working kitchen by July 1! Please keep your fingers crossed.

In my update post a few weeks ago (which you can find here), I shared some of the finishing details for the space, including my appliances, sinks, and faucets. Today I’m going to tell you about my paint and hardware selections. Initially, I wanted to include details about my countertops, tile, and lighting, but this post started to get really long, so I’ll save that information for next week.

To start things off, let’s talk paint!

Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Paint

As I’ve mentioned, my kitchen cabinets are custom with a lot of beautiful and unique details. (You can get a peek at them here and here.) They have a shaker-style inset with a small edge detail.

Here’s a look at two design boards my designer Katy Popple created.

As you will see, there’s one for the main kitchen and one for the pantry.

Kitchen Cabinets: Sherwin-Williams Egret White SW 7570 (Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel – Satin)

I opted for a neutral kitchen. The cabinets are a light putty color with white quartz countertops and a white tile backsplash. My reasons:

I love a light, bright, white kitchen. Always have and probably always will.
As a blogger, I use my kitchen and dining room a lot for photography. These neutrals will be a good backdrop for almost anything and everything I want to photograph.
I get bored with things quickly. As fun as it would be to have lavender cabinets (hypothetically), I know that I’d soon tire of them. Although a neutral palette may seem “boring,” it’s something I’m much less likely to grow tired of in the near future.
IBC readers know how much I love to decorate for the seasons. Having a neutral backdrop will let my seasonal decor shine.

I’m loving the Sherwin-Williams Egret White on my kitchen cabinets. It’s actually a light putty gray color. However, it seems to change in the light. Sometimes it looks gray; other times it looks creamy. Both are pretty to me!

Because I also did want to have a little fun with color, I mixed things up a bit in my butler’s pantry.

Pantry Cabinets: Sherwin-Williams Sage SW 2860 (Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel – Satin)

I had considered a deep blue color for this space but realized “everyone” was doing blue cabinets these days. For something different, I went with green. I love this sage green we ended up with.

I think it provides color and interest in the room while still acting as a neutral. I’m already imagining how great it will look paired with purples in the spring, yellows in the summer, oranges in the fall, and reds during the winter holidays.

Wall Paint: Sherwin-Williams Snowbound SW 7004 (Emerald Interior – Satin)

To help the kitchen, dining room, and pantry feel bright, connected, and uniform, they will all be painted with Sherwin-Williams Snowbound. This is a white color with just a touch of gray.

I think white paint is going to work well with the details in these spaces, but I am a bit nervous about it. Although I tend toward neutral paint colors, I’ve never gone with something so white. Down the line, I may change the color of the dining room. We shall see.

Trim Color: Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006 (ProClassic Semi-Gloss)

This is my go-to trim paint. It’s Extra White in Semi-Gloss, right out the can. It’s such a beautiful bright white, and it looks so crisp and clean. This is the same trim paint I used in my previous home. The only time I’ve used something different was in my recent master bedroom makeover.

Speaking of trim, let’s talk about that next!

Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Trim

During the demolition, all of the trim was removed from the kitchen, pantry, powder room, and dining room. While the trim in my house didn’t necessarily bother me, I thought this was an excellent opportunity to make it a bit more modern, substantial, and interesting.

Katy (my fantastic designer) and I visited Allegheny Millwork & Lumber to view trim samples. We ultimately decided on this base molding and this matching case molding.

Base Molding: Base #G3266 Poplar Contemporary Base

Casing Molding: Casing #G3166 Poplar Contemporary Casing

Note: I’m not sure if these numbers are particular to this store. However, the links provide the profile and measurements should you be looking for something similar.

I must tell you that this was one of the harder decisions for me. I’m a visual person, so I find it challenging to make choices based on a 3-inch sample of something. However, now that the trim is hung, I’m confident we chose well. The trim ticks off all of my boxes and looks fabulous!

Now that we’ve discussed paint and trim, let’s take a look at the cabinet hardware.

Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Hardware

All of the hardware is from Rejuvenation. I think it’s gorgeous, and the quality is unbeatable.

Without a doubt, Rejuvenation is one of my favorite sources for lighting and hardware. You’ll notice that their pieces show up a few times in this remodel.

Pulls for Drawer – Mission Bin Pull in Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Knobs for Doors – Ball Cabinet Knob in Oil-Rubbed Bronze

One small note here: Although both of these are in an oil-rubbed bronze finished, they read more matte black to me. There’s also no copper distressing around the edges. They are just a solid black color. They also have a satin finish which looks and feels so smooth.

As you can see, I opted for pulls for the drawers and knobs for the doors.

Because I chose a paneled refrigerator and dishwasher (allowing them to blend seamlessly with my cabinetry), I needed hardware for them as well.

To my surprise, appliance hardware is rather expensive. For quality pieces, you’re talking $100 – $300+ for one pull. Who knew!

I needed four pulls: one for the refrigerator, two for the freezer drawers, and one for the dishwasher.

Pulls for Refrigerator / Freezer – Emtek Keaton 18″ Appliance Pull
Pull for Dishwasher – Emtek Keaton 12″ Appliance Pull

You may be wondering about the powder room.

My new powder room is going to be a special little space, so I’ve decided to save the details about that for a separate post. I will work on getting that together in the coming weeks.

Phew! That was a lot of information.

My goal in sharing all of this is to not only give you an idea of what I’m doing but also to help you with your decision making should a kitchen refresh or total renovation be in your future.

As always, if you have questions, please let me know in the comments. I will do my best to answer them. Thanks for joining me on this remodeling journey!

Want more of my Bayberry Kitchen remodel? You can find all of the blog posts HERE.

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My Favorite Amazon Purchases of 2018

Life

Thursday
Jun / 13 / 2019
Comments 20

My Favorite Amazon Purchases #amazon #shopping #gifts #list #guide

Somedays I’m not sure whether it’s a blessing or a curse, but I’m a huge fan of Amazon and avid shopper on their site. Today I thought it might be fun and helpful to share some of my favorite Amazon purchases over the past couple of years.

Recently, I’ve seen several blogger friends share their list of favorite Amazon products on their blogs. I don’t know about you, but I find it interesting to see what other people buy. I’ve also discovered cool products that way.

Today I thought I’d join in and tell you about some of my favorite Amazon purchases. I decided to just focus on 2018 to narrow the list a bit. Of course, I’m not sharing everything I bought on Amazon. To make it on my list, an item had to check off all of these boxes:

love the product
use frequently
would purchase again
would recommend to a friend

Because this list is rather lengthy, I’ve kept my description of each item short. In case you have questions, I’d be happy to answer them in the comments.

Let’s get to it!

Favorite Amazon Purchases of 2018

(Click on the name of the item for a direct link to Amazon.)

AMAZON:
Amazon Prime – For me, Amazon Prime is a must. Free 2-day shipping (sometimes free 1-day shipping is available), is a game changer. (I also love the access to all the Amazon Prime shows / movies.) If you’re not on Amazon Prime and you shop a lot from Amazon, you’re definitely missing out. You can try it here FREE for 30 days.

Audible – As I’ve said in the past I’m not a big reader, but I LOVE Audible. I always use it on long trips in the car and often listen to book when I’m having a difficult time falling asleep. Audible is easily one of my favorite things. You can sign up here for a FREE 30 day trial along with two FREE audiobooks. Love that!

OUTDOOR:
Dewalt Leaf Blower – This may be my favorite purchase of the year. It’s the most efficient way to clean-up outside. I use this leaf blower almost daily.

Weber Genesis Grill (plus grill assembly) – I bought this grill because it was the cheapest one I could find, and at the time, they were running a promotion for free grill assembly. It’s turned out to be a great grill, and getting it assembled was the bomb.com. I love it on my deck.

Suncast Hose Hideaway – I have two of these. They are sturdy, well-built, and easy to use.

Outdoor String Lights – These have been hanging on my porch for over a year (even through the frigid PA winter), and I have yet to replace a bulb. The light is warm and cozy.

Woodhaven 8 Foot Firewood Log Rack – This is pricey but well worth it. I have one next to my house for indoor firewood, and I recently purchased another to store firewood near my outdoor fire pit.

Fireplace Color Changing Pine Cones – These are lots of fun. Just toss them into your fire for blue, green, and purple flames.

Bloem Deluxe Watering Can – Love this watering can! They are sturdy with a great water stream, and they are not too heavy when filled with water.

Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer – I use this mostly to clean my deck, porch, and sidewalk. It’s effective and not clumsy or heavy.

Gibraltar Mailbox (Extra Large Capacity) – Since I order a lot from Amazon, having an extra large mailbox is a must. This holds several of the smaller Amazon boxes perfectly. The mailman is a fan, too!

HOME:
Dyson Cord-Free Vacuum – I use this for quick clean-ups and pet hair removal. The small brush head works great for vacuuming cat hair from furniture. I believe this is an older model. If I were buying a new one, this is the one I’d purchase.

Sonos Speakers – I listen to all of my music through Spotify. If you use a music streaming service as well, these speakers are a game changer. They play through your wireless rather than Bluetooth so you can still use your phone while listening to music. I have two of these and will be purchasing this one in the near future. Amazing sound quality!

Buffalo Check Doormat – I’m one of those people who layers their front door mats. This is my favorite with a fun sisal mat on top.

Vornado Vintage Fan – This was an addition in my master bedroom after I removed the ceiling fan. I’m loving it!

Switch Plate Covers – I’ve been slowly updating all of my switch plates. These are my favorite.

P.F. Candle Amber & Moss (diffuser and candle) – Loving this scent! I use this diffuser in my bedroom and guest bedroom

NEST Reed Diffuser Grapefruit – This is the diffuser I used in my living room and family room during spring and summer.

NEST Reed Diffuser Birchwood Pine – This is the diffuser I used in my living spaces during the holidays.

Blink Indoor Security Cameras – While my home has a security system, it’s not equipped with cameras. These are so easy to install (no wires), and I can check on things while I’m away.

KITCHEN:
Moccamaster 10-Cup Coffee Brewer – My absolute favorite coffee maker. I use this every morning. It’s chic and brews the perfect cup of coffee.

ChicWrap Plastic Wrap – The initial investment isn’t pocket change, but you will never struggle with plastic wrap again. (You can purchase refills.)

Bounty Paper Towels – I’m trying to limit my use of paper towels. (In my previous home, I didn’t buy them.) I have these set up to be automatically shipped four times a year.

OXO Salad Spinner – This is a must this time of year for farmers market lettuce.

Sprayway Glass Cleaner (12 pack) – This is the BEST glass cleaner you will ever use. The 12-pack is also the best price.

CAT TOYS AND TREATS:
Tabby James Organic Catnip – This is definitely a bougie catnip, but Frankie is obsessed. One bottle typically lasts a couple of months.

Da Bird Cat Toy – This has become my cats’ favorite toy in the universe.

Jumbo Stuff Temptations Treats – The Jumbo Stuff treats are a must around here. The flavor is irrelevant.

MISCELLANEOUS:
Nestle Damak Milk Chocolate – I worked with this brand a few years ago on this post and have been obsessed with this chocolate bar ever since. (The dark chocolate is good; the milk chocolate is next-level good.)

Phaiser Bluetooth Headphones – These are my go-to headphones/earbuds. They stay in my ears while running, plus the price is good.

Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Tape – I’m not sure why, but I go through a lot of packing tape. This stuff is essential at my house.

Padded Furniture Movers – These padded furniture movers allow me to slide furniture without damaging the hardwood floors in my house. (I’m single so I need to be able to move stuff by myself.)

Giant Jell-O Shot Jenga Game – This was a gift to my dad for Father’s Day last year. It was a hit with him and the rest of the family!

Dare to Lead and Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown – I have every book by Brené Brown and love them all. My favorite is Daring Greatly, but these two are amazing as well.

Want more of my favorite items from Amazon? You can visit my Amazon Storefront HERE.

And that’s my Amazon list! I hope you learned a little something about me and picked up a few product recommendations for your own shopping.

Now, I must know, what was YOUR favorite Amazon purchase of 2018? Please tell us in the comments below.

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Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream

Recipes

Wednesday
Jun / 12 / 2019
Comments 5

This Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream recipe is so simple to make. You can customize it with any flavors or toppings you’d like for a unique and delicious warm weather treat.

Hot summer days always make me crave homemade ice cream. I want something that will keep my body cool and my tummy happy. However, if you’ve ever made ice cream at home, you’re aware that it’s not a quick task. Eggs must be tempered and cooked, the custard needs to be chilled and churned, etc.

That’s why today, I’m showing you how to make Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream in two different flavors.

Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream:

After seeing a few other bloggers and home cooks make homemade ice cream using only heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk (I said it was easy, not healthy.), I figured it was time to try this simple recipe for myself.

For my Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream, I chose two of my favorite flavors: birthday cake and cookies & cream.

How to Make No Churn Ice Cream:

The two things you will need are heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk. That’s it.

Making the ice cream is super simple. First, using an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until you achieve stiff peaks. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk, and beat it again until stiff peaks form and the mixture is thick.

Once your base is ready, you can mix in whatever flavors you like. Add a swirl of chocolate, mix in peanut butter, toss in some chopped candy, fold in fresh berries, etc. – the options are only limited by your creativity.

To give you an example, I thought I’d whip up two of my personal favorites: Cookies & Cream and Birthday Cake.

With minimal effort on my part and a bit of time in the freezer, the ice cream was ready. I was truly impressed with the results. Given that I used a piece of store-bought cake and Oreos and only two other ingredients, I was beyond pleased with the deliciously smooth and creamy results.

Besides being so easy to make, the best part about this recipe is that you can put in whatever “toppings” you like to create the ice cream of your dreams.

As I mentioned, I used a piece of cake I purchased at the supermarket, but any leftover cake will do. You’ll need about 1 cup of cake. Just crumble it (frosting included) into 2 cups of the ice cream base. I also added some sprinkles for extra color. Gently fold the cake into the ice cream, place it into a reusable container, and pop that in the freezer for at least six hours or overnight.

As you can imagine from these two ideas, you can recreate all of your favorite ice cream flavors or make a new taste sensation. I guarantee you’ll enjoy the process.

Consider yourself fully equipped to beat the heat any day you wish. Enjoy!

Have you ever tried this method of ice cream making? What is your favorite flavor combination?

Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream Recipe:

Homemade No-Churn Ice Cream

Servings: 4 people | Prep Time: 15 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 1 vote

This Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream recipe is so simple to make. You can customize it with any flavors or toppings you'd like for a unique and delicious warm weather treat.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream chilled
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (Refrigerate before mixing.)
assorted mix-in ingredients (cookies, cake, peanut butter, chocolate, etc.)

Instructions

Using medium speed, beat the heavy whipping cream in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment until the cream forms stiff peaks. (This can also be done with a hand mixer.)
Turn down the speed and pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Slowly increase the speed to medium and whip until the mixture is thick and stiff peaks again form.
At this point, add in any desired flavorings, sauces, or toppings. Gently fold in the ingredients.
(Cookies & Cream - 2 cups ice cream based + 2/3 cup chopped Oreo cookies)
(Birthday Cake - 2 cups ice cream base + 1 cup crumbled birthday cake.)
Place the ice cream in a resealable container and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

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My Favorite Pinwheel Recipes

Recipes

Tuesday
Jun / 11 / 2019
Comments 4

Whether you call them pinwheels or roll-ups, these flavor-packed swirly bites have become party classics. I love them because of the myriad flavor combinations you can put together. And just like their namesakes of the paper variety, these colorful pinwheel recipes will capture the attention of your guests and up the fun of your next celebration.

For this collection, I rounded up pinwheel recipes I’ve created and posted on Inspired by Charm during the past several years. To make a pinwheel, you simply spread filling on a flour tortilla, roll it up, and slice it. All of these pinwheel recipes are pretty simple, and not surprisingly, quite popular with readers of the blog.

My Favorite Pinwheel Recipes:

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: If you’re a fan of Buffalo wings, you will want to make these pinwheels. Just cook chicken breasts and allow them to cool. Then chop the meat and mix it with cheese, onion, spices, and, of course, Buffalo wing sauce. I like to serve these pinwheels with celery sticks. If you prefer, you could also provide ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Italian Sub Sandwich Pinwheels: These pinwheels channel the flavors of a classic Italian sub. A layer of cream cheese is blended with Italian seasonings and sub fixings, such as chopped banana peppers and black olives, is topped with pepperoni, salami, Provolone, tomato slices, and mixed greens. After you roll the tortillas up, insert a few toothpicks to hold them together. Your guests will want seconds and thirds of these pinwheels, so make plenty.

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pinwheels: The filling for these pinwheels is a mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and fresh basil leaves. The green and red elements play off each other, giving these pinwheels a delectable look and flavor. I promise you’ll be finding excuses to serve them.

Tortilla Roll-ups with Salsa Pinwheels: This pinwheel recipe gets its visual punch from green flour tortillas. While these pinwheels are delicious with salsa any time of the year, they are perfect for the holidays when stacked in a tree shape and garnished with cherry tomato “ornaments” and a yellow pepper “star.” Can you say, “Oh, tortilla Tannenbaum”?

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels: In this variation of a classic pinwheel, I boosted the flavor with minced fresh herbs, cooked and chopped thick-cut bacon, and powdered ranch dressing mix. A crowd pleaser, this pinwheel recipe is another one you’ll want to keep handy during the holiday season.

A couple of general notes about these pinwheel recipes:

· I often use whole-wheat tortillas for pinwheel recipes, but you can use any type of tortilla you prefer.
· Before cutting the pinwheels, I usually refrigerate the rolled-up tortillas. This allows them to firm up, resulting in a prettier presentation.

Which of these recipes will you make for your next dinner or party? Let us know what your favorite ingredients are and how you like to serve pinwheels.

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5 Practical, Easy, and Beautiful “Just Because” Gift Ideas

Life

Tuesday
Jun / 11 / 2019
Comments 15

5 Practical, Easy, and Beautiful "Just Because" Gift Ideas #gift #ideas #summer #card #present

This post has been sponsored by American Greetings. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Giving gifts has always been important to me. I especially love the “just because” gifts we present to someone in our life who needs a reason to smile. In today’s post, I’m going to share five practical, easy, and beautiful “just because” gift ideas.

I was at Walmart the other day perusing the great selection of American Greetings cards. (Anyone else obsessed with cute cards?) As I was deciding what to purchase, it dawned on me that I should put together a list of quick and easy gifts.

Below are some of my favorite “just because” gift ideas.

Whether you’re gifting something simple, such as a coffee gift card, or something more elaborate, like a summer essentials basket, all you need to go with your gift is a thoughtful card, and American Greetings has just the right selection.

5 Practical, Easy, and Beautiful “Just Because” Gift Ideas

1. Summer Essentials Basket

If you’re looking for a “just because” gift that’s on the generous side, this is it. The idea here is to create a basket full of things that are essential for a particular summer activity. For example, you could put together a basket of outdoor games, sides for a barbecue (ketchup, mustard, chips, etc.), water activities (water balloons, squirt guns, etc.), or a kit for making s’mores like I did here.

Just get a basket or container, fill it with everything you need for a certain activity (or at least a nice selection of goodies), and present that as your gift. Believe me, baskets like these really come in handy during the summer…

Bored kids? Outdoor game basket! Unexpected guests? S’mores party! Out of ketchup? Barbecue basket! See what I mean?

Keep things simple and be sure to include what the recipient will actually use. Top off the basket with a coordinating American Greetings card from Walmart!

Speaking of cards, if you’re ever stuck on what to write inside, American Greetings has a website dedicated to solving that dilemma. It’s helpful even if you only need something to start your thoughts. You can check out their “What to Write” page here.

2. Books/Magazines

I make it a point to sit down with a good book or a stack of unread magazines during the summer. Light reading and a cool beverage are perfect for self-care after a busy day or long week.

Here, I wrapped up a few magazines and several summer grilling recipes for a friend who loves to experiment on the barbecue. A couple of magazines and a cheeky card is all it takes to make someone feel special. (Well, an invitation to a barbecue would be nice, too! Haha. Just kidding. No invite required.)

3. A Cup of Coffee

I was especially excited to find this pack of “Thanks a Latte!” cards at Walmart. Pair one of the cards with a gift card from a local coffee shop, and you’ve got a fun gift. As little as $5 on a coffee gift card will give someone a little pick-me-up or refreshing summer drink. It doesn’t get any easier than this.

4. Potted Herbs, Flowers, or Vegetables

I just finished planting all my flowers, herbs, and even a vegetable garden so I have plants on my brain. I love potted plants, and in my experience, most other people seem to enjoy them as well.

Back when I moved into Bayberry House, a neighbor stopped by. She was in her car and had her vegetable CSA, so she offered me a head of lettuce. It was a small gesture, but it’s something I will long remember.

A potted herb or flowering plant is great for welcoming new people to your neighborhood. Your gift becomes a quick way for them to dress up their new space and make it feel like home. I recommend sticking with something fairly neutral so that it suits any style. For example, a simple terra cotta pot goes with anything and is fairly inexpensive.

Tuck in a coordinating card with your name and maybe even your address on it. This information helps the new resident connect names, faces, and houses.

5. Just a Card

In our digital world, receiving a cute, thoughtful, or funny card with a heartfelt handwritten note inside can truly make someone’s day. Whether you pop the card in the mail, leave it on the recipient’s desk, or slip it in their door, it’s an easy yet special way to show you care.

This can be a “just because” card or a card of thanks to a person who has been kind to you.

Well, those are my five practical, easy, and beautiful “just because” gift ideas for summer! I hope they inspire you. And while you’re at Walmart, pick up a few American Greetings cards to spread happiness and smiles this summer and beyond.

Love to all of you!

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Macaroni Salad (Miracle Whip Based)

Recipes

Thursday
Jun / 6 / 2019
Comments 6

Macaroni Salad (Miracle Whip Based) Recipe #macaronisalad #summer #grilling #recipe #pasta #salad #sidedish

Made with Miracle Whip, this Macaroni Salad is a summertime classic. This recipe, which was inspired by the salad my dad makes, has become one of my go-to sides for grilling and entertaining.

This post has been sponsored by HEINZ and Miracle Whip. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Yes, my friends, I’m back with another pasta/macaroni salad recipe. This type of salad is a favorite of mine, and I realize that most folks have their own way to make one. While I’ve shared a mayonnaise-based macaroni salad recipe with you in the past, this recipe for one made with Miracle Whip is long overdue.

Macaroni Salad with Miracle Whip:

This recipe is inspired by my dad’s. His macaroni salad is a popular dish at his annual Independence Day party, so I think you’re going to enjoy this salad. What I love about the Miracle Whip is the zip and tang taste it gives the macaroni salad.

To get all of the ingredients for this recipe, I headed to my local Giant Eagle. While I was there, I also picked up other grilling and entertaining essentials: hamburger, buns, cute gingham plates, and HEINZ Ketchup.

With everything purchased, I was ready to whip up a delicious and easy meal to celebrate the start of summer.

How to Make Miracle Whip Macaroni Salad:

Now, as much as I love my dad’s macaroni salad, his version is a bit basic for my tastes. To kick his recipe up a couple of notches, I add red peppers, celery, dill relish, and a few seasonings.

Another change I made was with the pasta. I decided to ditch the macaroni and use this fun Ditalini pasta. I thought it would make the dish feel special. Plus, I like how those little rings hold on to lots of dressing.

After cooking and draining the Ditalini, I added hard-boiled eggs, celery, red pepper, and onion. For the dressing, I whisked together the Miracle Whip, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, dill pickle relish, garlic salt, celery seed, and salt and pepper to taste.

Once the dressing was prepared, I added it to the pasta mixture and stirred it to combine everything. I recommend allowing the macaroni salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the salad to cool and the flavors to meld.

And what’s a perfect complement to macaroni salad? Hamburgers! So, I pulled out the grill and grilled up a few burgers to create a full meal of deliciousness. Top your burger the way you like it, but don’t forget a squirt of HEINZ Ketchup. It doesn’t get any better than that!

I don’t know how it is in your neck of the woods but in this area, HEINZ Ketchup is a must on the table. One of the reasons why is that HEINZ Ketchup is made right here in Pittsburgh. It’s been a favorite of my family for years.

I was especially excited to see that HEINZ has several new varieties which allow you to make healthier choices. HEINZ Organic Ketchup has the thick and rich flavor you love, but it’s made with USDA certificated Organic ingredients. There’s also HEINZ No Sugar Added, which again offers that wonderful thick and rich taste but with no sugar added. And finally, HEINZ Simply Ketchup is made with real, simple ingredients like red ripe tomatoes and sugar—no high fructose corn syrup.

With the table set, burgers grilled, and macaroni salad cooled, I was ready to announce, “Dinner is served.” Before anyone digs in, may I also tell you how much I like the look of red gingham for summer entertaining? These paper plates and napkins are so cute!

Want more pasta and macaroni salad recipes? Try these:

I think you are going to love this Miracle Whip-based Macaroni Salad. And remember, it’s Grilling Season at Giant Eagle so be sure to shop Giant Eagle for all your summer grilling essentials.

Enjoy!

Macaroni Salad Recipe (Miracle Whip based):

Macaroni Salad (Miracle Whip Based)

| Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 2 votes

Made with Miracle Whip, this Macaroni Salad is a summertime classic. This recipe, which was inspired by the salad my dad makes, has become one of my go-to sides for grilling and entertaining.

Ingredients

Pasta Salad:

1 pound Ditalini pasta cooked al dente
3 hard-boiled eggs peeled and chopped
1/2 onion chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped

Dressing:

1/2 cups Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon celery seed
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cooked Ditalini pasta, eggs, onion, celery, and red bell pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic salt, and celery seed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add the dressing to the pasta mixture and stir until well combined. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

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Summer Decorating: Porch and Patio Ideas + VIDEO

Interiors

Tuesday
Jun / 4 / 2019
Comments 14

Summer Decorating: Porch and Patio Ideas #porch #patio #decorating #ideas #outdoor #decor

I’m ready for summer! Today I’m sharing my summer porch decor plus unique patio ideas for decorating your own outdoor spaces.

Spring is always busy with preparation for the warmer weather and outdoor living that comes with summer. Recently, I spent time freshening up my porch, styling my deck, and planting lots of flowers so today I thought I’d give you a look around and share some creative patio ideas to add style and fun to your outdoor living area.

In this post, I’m also teaming up with my Seasons of Home friends. So, if you’re looking for even more ideas or going for a different style, I’ve linked all of them below. This is a group of exceptionally talented decorators, so I recommend clicking through to see all of their stunning patio ideas, porch decor, and outdoor style.

In addition, I filmed a short video tour of my porch. You can watch it below or join me on my YouTube channel to watch it or any of my other videos.

However, before you check any of that out, let me show you around my porch!

Porch and Patio Summer Decorating Ideas:

As some folks may know, I decorated this space for the first time not long after I moved into my home last year. Since that time, I’ve come to LOVE this space. As much as I enjoy my deck and its openness to the sun, a covered porch is a nice alternative when you want to stay out of the sun, wind, and rain. Because it’s somewhat protected from the elements, it’s also possible to have a bit more fun with decor and styling without the fear of weather quickly destroying things.

I kept the layout and lots of elements the same as last year. (You can check out how I styled the space last summer here and how I styled it for fall here.)

Some of the changes include this new rug I found at Target. I’m still on the fence about having a rug. The rain often blows onto the porch, so the rug stays wet. Last year I had problems with mold. I figured I’d try a rug again and power wash it if mold appears again.

I also decided to use this vintage wood bench. Previously, it was in my dining room. And before my bedroom got its big One Room Challenge makeover, the bench was in there. I really like the bench on the porch because the length suits the couch.

Speaking of my couch-and outdoor furniture, I’m happy to report that it’s held up well. (This is the collection of furniture I purchased last year.) I stored the cushions inside over the winter but left the wood frames on the porch. This spring I applied a quick coat of teakwood oil to bring them back to life. I think they look as good as new.

The cushions do have a few marks on them from dirt and pollen, but they’re hardly noticeable. I may power wash them once the spring pollen has passed. (And since someone may ask, this is the power washer I have. I love it!)

Beyond that, I used most of the outdoor pillows I had out there last year. I did add striped ones I recently picked up at HomeGoods.

I also kept my hanging lights up all winter. They looked beautiful at Christmas and added a little sparkle and magic in the summer. and fall. The lights are inexpensive ones I purchased from Amazon, but they seem to work great! They are almost a year old, and I haven’t had to change a bulb yet.

Unique Patio Ideas and Porch Decor:

The biggest new addition is the vintage chicken crate, which I posted about last week. It’s my new favorite find. I can’t wait to see how it looks when all of the vines and plants start trailing out. A few are popping out already.

I also picked up a couple of these vintage benches last year. They were looking a little rough then (which I didn’t mind), but the winter left them looking more distressed. When getting the porch ready for summer, I gave them a quick sanding and added a fresh coat of paint. I found the ducks at a local antique shop. They match wonderfully and provide the perfect amount of quirkiness. What do you think?

I also created this cute little container garden in the mulch which I’m calling, “Buddha and Begonias.”

In case you are wondering, the white pots in this space are from HomeGoods. They have a great selection of ceramic and clay pots at unbeatable prices. Most of my pots are white, basic terra cotta, or cement. I pick up a few each year so it’s even more affordable.

By the way, this is how the space looks 95% of the time. I thought about styling it with throws, fresh flowers, magazines, glasses of sangria, etc. And as much as I LOVE a beautifully styled shoot, I also wanted to show you how things actually look on a day-to-day basis. This is it. I am working on a fun entertaining shoot with HomeGoods, so I’ll have some more “styled” shots to share with you soon should you prefer that perspective.

As it is, everything in this space can get wet, dirty, etc. It all cleans up nicely.

Oh, and I should also mention, you also might have noticed a strange “structure” behind my porch. That’s my new garden! It’s nothing fancy. One of my goals was to get a small garden planted, and I figured out something that worked in my yard and was manageable with a limited budget. I’ll be sharing more about that soon.

Porch and Patio Ideas at Night:

Now, before you click away, I thought you might like to see my porch at night. I was outside as the sun was setting so I plugged in the string lights and snapped a few photos.

It’s amazing how much magic, warmth, and coziness a bunch of inexpensive lights can give an outdoor space.

So pretty, right?

Side Porch Source List:

Outdoor Sofa and Chairs
Outdoor Rug
String Lights
Round Wood Side Tables
Watering Can
Lanterns (Target – no longer sold)
Bar Cart (Target – no longer sold)
Planters – HomeGoods and locally sourced
Green Glass Citronella Candles – HomeGoods

Thrifted items:
Wood benches, ceramic ducks, vintage chicken crate

VIDEO: Porch and Patio Decorating Ideas:

Because many people seem to like my video tours, I thought it would be fun to do one of my porch and patio ideas. You can watch it using the video player below. If you are so inclined, I would love to have you join me on YouTube. There you will find all of my video content. You can even subscribe to my channel so you’ll never miss when I post a fun new video!

Hope you enjoyed my summer porch tour and picked up a few patio ideas for transforming or refreshing your own space for summer. As always, thank you so much for joining me. And remember, if you want more outdoor decor inspiration and beautiful porch and patio ideas, check out my friends below.

Happy decorating!

Seasons of Home Outdoor Patio Ideas:

Ella Claire & Co. | Zevy Joy | Inspired by Charm

City Farmhouse | Rooms for Rent | French Country Cottage

Maison de Cinq | Boxwood Avenue | Home Stories A to Z

My Sweet Savannah

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Before and After Senior Center Makeover for National Painting Week

Interiors

Monday
Jun / 3 / 2019
Comments 32

Before and After Senior Center Makeover #swpaintingweek #makeover #mountain #mural #painting

This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Who doesn’t love a fabulous makeover? This Senior Center makeover is something that I worked on for a couple of months. I actually completed it back in April, so I’m thrilled to finally be able to share it with you.

For the 8th year in a row, Sherwin-Williams is hosting National Painting Week. Each year neighborhood Sherwin-Williams stores and their employees across North America partner with a local organization to find spaces that could use a fresh coat of paint. They volunteer their time, paint, and supplies to give back to their neighborhood. The idea behind this special week is to show the transformative power of paint not only on our walls but in our communities. I am so honored to be partnering with Sherwin-Williams in this year’s effort.

I had the opportunity to help refresh a multifunctional lounge room at the Fox Township Senior Center located in Kersey, PA. (Kersey is near my hometown.)

The Senior Center serves hundreds of people in the area. Many seniors visit every weekday for lunch, socialization, and activities. There are also weekly bingo games, musical entertainment, field trips, and more. The center is an important part of the community and the lives of many seniors. I was both proud and delighted to help them update their space.

Before and After Makeover:

Before I show you the after, let’s take a look at the before.

As you can see, the lounge needed a little love. The walls throughout the space were off-white and lacking interest or character. And although this is technically a paint project, I did address those couches, too. My friends over at Pottery Barn graciously donated two new sofas, two leather chairs and a coffee table that not only make the space more beautiful, but more functional too!

My goal for this room was to bring in more life and fun. This lounge area is used for relaxing, light exercise, meetings, and so much more. In fact, this past April, the seniors made over 300 dozen coconut and peanut butter eggs to raise money for the center.

As I sought inspiration for this space, I began looking at colors in the room that couldn’t be changed. Pops of teal green and warm beige were present in the flooring and countertops. Then I referenced the Sherwin-Williams color deck and found a selection of colors I loved.

I also knew that I didn’t want to simply paint the walls. I turned to the mountains that surround this part of the state for more inspiration for the lounge makeover. A lot of the senior activities (visiting the local elk herd, learning about plants/animals as part of continuing education, etc.) take place outdoors, so I wanted a natural element in the space.

With all of that in mind and after a weekend of painting, here’s how I changed the space!

Quite an update, right?

As you can see, I turned the largest blank wall of the space into a major feature by painting the silhouette of a mountain range in light and dark shades from my selected color palette.

It’s a simple technique inspired by a wallpaper design I found online. However, it makes a huge impact in the room.

How to Mountain Wall Mural:

To create the mountain, I started at the top of the wall with the lightest shade of paint and worked my way down to the darkest color. I freehanded the mountain design using a paint brush. I followed no pattern. I just let the brush bring out the design.

In case you’re curious about any of the colors, here they are from lightest to darkest:

Usefual Gray SW 7050
Rainwashed SW 6211
Halcyon Green SW 6213
Gray Area SW 7052
Underseas SW 6214
Rocky River SW 6215
Jasper SW 6216

The rest of the room was painted as well. I used Emerald® Interior paint in Usefual Gray SW 7050 on the walls to give the space a more modern feel.

For another element of interest in the room, I painted this little window alcove with Underseas SW 6214 . It’s a small area, but the pop of color sets it off and, at the same time, ties it in with the new mountain range.

I couldn’t be more pleased with how the project came together. Even though I wasn’t able to see the space in person before selecting the colors, everything matched and coordinated well with the rest of the Senior Center. The revamped lounge fits in yet stands out in a beautiful way.

This was a large space to paint, so I’m extremely grateful to my mom for her assistance. Her help with the painting made the project go faster, however, it was her company and tasty lunches that truly made the weekend special. (I even got to sample some of those coconut eggs the seniors made. They were delish!)

As I mentioned above, Pottery Barn was so kind and offered all new furnishings for the space. They donating the two Roll Arm Slipcovered Sofas, two Irving Leather Armchairs, and their Metropolitan Rectangular Coffee Table.

I chose these pieces for their quality and craftsmanship. Not only are they built to withstand use, they are designed for comfort as well. As you can see, the furniture complements the paint colors and makes a big difference in the space.

The previous couches had to be propped up on wood blocks because they were so low and a challenge to get out of. These lovely new furnishings are a better height and will make standing up easier. I also love that the sofas are slipcovered so that they can easily be laundered whenever needed. The leather armchairs will also stand the test of time in this space as the leather will age / patine beautifully with use.

The seniors now have a much more user-friendly and comfortable space to gather. This wouldn’t have been possible without Pottery Barn’s generous donation! Thank you so much, Pottery Barn!

For the perfect finishing touches, I brought in a few pillows and used plants from the center’s mini-greenhouse.

And with that, this National Painting Week makeover was complete!

What do you think?

It was an honor to work on this space for such deserving folks. It’s my hope that the lounge will be enjoyed for years to come.

What places in your community could use a new coat of paint? More information on National Painting Week can be found at swpaintingweek.com

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Vintage Chicken Crate: Outdoor Wall Decor

DIY

Monday
May / 27 / 2019
Comments 13

Vintage Chicken Crate: Outdoor Wall Decor #outdoor #wall #decor #decorating #vintage #planter

This vintage chicken crate turned outdoor wall decor was the perfect way to add unique style and interest to my side porch.

One of my favorite spring activities is shopping for and planting flowers. I might have gotten a little carried away this year, but I just couldn’t stop myself. Not only did a get my usual haul of annual plants and hanging baskets, but I also picked up shrubs, perennials, and a couple of trees. I promise to show you what I found and where I planted everything.

Vintage Chicken Crate: Outdoor Wall Decor

To kick things off, I wanted to share my new outdoor wall decor! For the past year or so, I’ve been searching for a way to dress up the big blank wall on my side porch. Last week when I was antiquing I stumbled upon this vintage wood chicken crate. It was in excellent condition, and I knew immediately it would be perfect!

Once I got the chicken crate to my house, my challenge was figuring out how to hang it. It wasn’t especially heavy on its own, but I wanted to fill it with planted terra cotta pots. Because of that, I had to create something that would support the coop and the plants.

How to Hang Outdoor Wall Decor:

I ended up using a cleat hanger. This made the coop easier to hang, and it provides the support that is needed.

I used regular screws to attach one section of the cleat to the back of the crate. To attach the other part of the cleat to the brick wall, I purchased masonry screws and a masonry drill bit. This made for a secure hold.

Once the crate was up on the wall, it was time for planting!

I got my terra cotta pots and filled them with a few shade-loving plants and plants that would trail and spill out of the coop.

I went with creeping jenny (green vine), angel vine (tiny leafed vine), potato vine (maroon vine), streptocarpella (purple flower), euphorbia (white flower), and fiber optic grass.

I don’t always use saucers with my plants, but in this case, I placed matching terra cotta saucers in the crate before adding the potted plants. This way, any excess water or soil won’t get on my porch furniture.

And with that, my chicken crate turned outdoor wall decor was complete!

Vintage Chicken Crate: Outdoor Wall Planter

I think it’s the perfect addition to this space. Once all the trailing plants take hold, things will fill out beautifully with all sorts of cascading color and texture.

Pretty cute, right?

If you’re curious about my outdoor furniture, you can find it here. I purchased it last year and it’s held up beautifully!

I’ll be sharing more of my side porch on the blog next week, but I couldn’t resist giving you a sneak pick of my latest antique find. (If you also like antiquing, be sure to check out this post here. – In it I talk about my tips and tricks for successful and smart hunting.)

Want more unique Outdoor Wall Decor and Planter Ideas? Try these:

As always, thank you for visiting IBC! Have fun looking for your own creative outdoor wall decor. All it takes is an open mind, a hanger, and a couple of tools.

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Bayberry Kitchen Remodel: Drywall and Hardwood

Interiors

Tuesday
May / 21 / 2019
Comments 2

Bayberry Kitchen Update: Drywall and Hardwood #remodel #kitchen #hardwoodfloors #drywall

It’s time for another Bayberry Kitchen remodel update! Drywall and flooring are in!

I wasn’t sure whether this news required a full post and video, but it’s an exciting moment in the overall process, so I figured why not.

Why all the excitement? Well, after almost two months were spent making the space look “worse” in a sense, there’s finally visible progress. Demolition, framing, plumbing, and wiring are super important, but they don’t hint at project completion like drywall and floors do.

In addition, I knew that once the drywall and new flooring were in, the construction dust would start to subside. (And boy am I ready for less mess!)

To my surprise, the drywall process wasn’t as terrible as I anticipated. It was definitely dusty and noisy when the crew hung the drywall, but the mudding and sanding went smoothly (pun intended).

Once the drywall was up, it was time to lay the new hardwood.

As I mentioned previously, I chose to have hardwood on the entire first floor. I wanted to match what was in the living room and dining room. That meant laying new floors in the kitchen, entryway, pantry, and powder room.

As you can see, that’s exactly what was done.

Where the kitchen met the dining room and the living room met the entryway, the installers toothed in the flooring for a seamless look. Since the flooring in the family room (where the large brick fireplace is) runs the opposite direction, they just added a small threshold level with the floor. The flooring in the powder room was toothed into the family room flooring.

All of the hardwood is red oak. The old flooring is 60 years old, but it matches the new amazingly well. It’s hard to tell where the old floor ends and the new begins. Fingers crossed that there won’t be a discernable difference once the stain is applied!

You’ll also notice that my entire first floor is devoid of furniture and decor. Since I want all of the flooring to match, the existing hardwood is also getting sanded, stained, and sealed. That meant I had to move my furniture to the basement, garage, and upstairs. Yes, it was a major pain in the behind, but it will be worth it!

And there you have it. Another step forward in this remodel!

So what’s next? As I said, the floors need to be stained and sealed. Once they’re finished and cured, the trim (baseboards, casings, etc.) can go up. Then it will be time to paint. When the painting is complete, the cabinets will be installed. The finish line is getting closer!

In case you’re interested, I filmed a short video to give you a tour of the space with the drywall up and the floors laid.

You can watch that video below or join me on YouTube and watch it there.

I hope you enjoyed this Bayberry Kitchen update! In the next post, I’ll be back with details about paint colors, lighting choices, tile, cabinet hardware, etc. Stay tuned!

I also put together a list of all my kitchen update posts. You can find it below. I hope the list makes it easier to revisit previous posts or find something you might have missed.

Bayberry Kitchen Remodel Updates:

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Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Appliances, Sinks, and Faucets

Interiors

Friday
May / 17 / 2019
Comments 15

Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Sinks, Faucets, and Paint Colors

I can’t believe I’m finally talking about the finishing details for my new kitchen. The remodel has been a long process, but I’m happy to say we’re nearing the finish line. Right now the drywall is up and the new floors are in and ready for staining. I’ll be sharing an update on that song.

I wanted to talk about finishing details today – things like paint colors, faucets, cabinet hardware, appliances, tile, and lighting. In writing this post, I realized it was getting intense, so I’m breaking it into two parts. I wasn’t sure quite how to divide things, but this seems to make sense:

Part 1: Sinks, Faucets, Appliances (you are here)
Part 2: Paint Colors (Walls & Cabinets), Tile, Cabinet Hardware, Lighting (coming soon)

I’ll tell you about the powder room finishes in a separate post.

I also want to mention that none of my kitchen remodel is sponsored. (Sponsored means a blogger is paid to feature a particular product.) I’ve saved and planned to make this remodel happen. There are, however, a couple of finishing details that were provided to me at no charge because of my existing relationships with the brands. Even though I would have still chosen these things for my home, I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have these relationships. Transparency is important to me so I will make note of these gifted items.

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty!

Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: APPLIANCES

All of my appliances (with the exception of the range hood and wine/beverage cooler) were purchased locally from Don’s Appliances here in Pittsburgh (East Liberty location). This store has been amazing to work with. While I had an idea of what I wanted, they offered helpful recommendations and detailed product information.

Range: Wolf 36″ Duel Fuel Range with 6 Burners
I’m so excited about my first-ever gas range. I’ve wanted a gas range since my first apartment after college, and that dream is finally becoming a reality. I went with a dual fuel range. This means that the burners will be gas, and the oven will be electric. Electric provides much more even heat for baking and roasting.

Range Hood: Zephyr Monsoon Insert*
When it came to my range hood, Zephyr was the clear choice. A few years back, I was invited to tour their offices and learn about their products. I was so impressed and knew that when I needed a range hood, I’d choose Zephyr. This particular hood s work wonderfully in my space. I love when decisions are this easy!

Refrigerator: Sub Zero 36″ Integrated Refrigerator
As you saw in my design plan, the refrigerator will be fully-integrated in the cabinetry. Although I had a couple of options, the Sub Zero was the best one to achieve the look I was after.

Dishwasher: Bosch 24″ 800 DLX Panel Ready Dishwasher
I didn’t have strong feelings about the dishwasher. This is what was recommended. It will also be integrated into the cabinetry for a seamless look.

Wine / Beverage Cooler: Zephyr Presrv Duel Zone French Door Wine and Beverage Cooler*
As I thought about how I would use the pantry, I envisioned a small refrigerator in there. Along with giving me additional storage, I want the pantry to serve as a beverage center. Having this small cooler will allow me to store wine along with other beverages, plus cream/milk for my coffee.

As soon as I saw this wine/beverage cooler, I knew it would be perfect since it can serve both needs.

Coffee Maker: Bosch 800 Series Built-in Coffee Machine
This is another feature I’m super excited about. (In reality, I’m thrilled about everything! Haha!) I’ve always wanted to have a coffee maker that can do coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and more. This machine seems to be the answer! I looked at a few models, but this was the one the appliance store recommended.

*Product partnership with Zephyr

Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: SINKS

What do you do when you love the look of both a farmhouse style sink and an undermount sink? You install two sinks in your kitchen! Haha. Just kidding. Kind of.

I did go with two sinks: the main kitchen sink and a smaller pantry sink.

Both are fireclay sinks from Bocchi. Fireclay is a 100% natural organic and recyclable material. Because it’s fired in kilns up to 2000°F, it has an extremely durable surface that is resistant to chipping, discoloration, scratching, and cracking. It’s also backed with a limited Lifetime Warranty. I can be rough on sinks, so this was a must.

Kitchen Sink: Bocchi Classico 30 – Farmhouse Apron Front Fireclay Sink in White*

I chose a classic farmhouse-style sink because I love the look. I also prefer a single-bowl style sink. This was just the thing for me!

Pantry Sink: Bocchi Sotto 18R – Undermount 18″ Round Bowl Sink in White*

In the pantry, I wanted a smaller understated sink. This round undermount sink is perfect. It’s cute as a button and a great size for filling pitchers or vases, dumping liquids, and washing hands and dishes.

Having it next to the coffee maker also makes it handy for filling the water reserve.

All-in-all, I think these sinks will not only look fabulous but also be real workhorses in my kitchen.

*Product partnership with Bocchi.

Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: FAUCETS

As I always say, every space needs a little bling. These faucets add a whole lot of bling. They were definitely a splurge. I ordered them via Amazon. and after diligently saving my Amazon credit card reward points, I was able to almost cut the cost of both in half.

Kitchen Faucet: Perrin & Rowe Georgia Era Bridge Faucet in Unlacquered Brass

Pantry Faucet: Perrin & Rowe Georgia Era Single Lever Bar / Food Prep Faucet in Unlacquered Brass

They are the same style of faucet; they are just slightly different to suit their location and purpose.

I chose an unlacquered brass finish. This is a commitment for cleaning and maintenance, but the look is totally worth the effort. I also have the option of allowing the brass to age naturally for a beautiful aged look. (I think this naturally aged look is the way to go, so I’m looking forward to seeing it evolve.)

That’s it for part one of the post! I told you there would be a lot of information. I hope that seeing and reading about my selections is helpful and gives you ideas for your own kitchen renovation.

Stay tuned for the second part of this post and more Bayberry Kitchen updates!

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Trio of Farm-to-Table Inspired Crostini

Recipes

Thursday
May / 16 / 2019
Comments 9

A delicious and easy appetizer recipe inspired by the farmers market. Trio of Farm-to-Table Inspired Crostini | Inspired by Charm

If you ever need a beautiful, flavor-packed, all-occasion appetizer, look no further than crostini. Today I’m sharing three delicious crostini recipes that you can make for your next celebration.

This post is created with America’s Dairy Farm Families and Importers, in partnership with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. However, the views and opinions are my own.

In case you’re not familiar with crostini, it’s a tiny, open-faced sandwich. Like a sandwich, it’s layered with ingredients such as meats, cheese, fruit, veggies, and spreads. What’s not to love, right?

Crostini Appetizer Recipes:

Since cheese is one of my favorite foods, I often include it in recipes. And you might have noticed that this year I’m working with America’s Dairy Farm Families and Importers to share more dairy-inspired recipes and how the dairy foods we love to eat and drink we get from the farm, to our table.

Did you know that there’s an ongoing effort to make dairy farms more efficient? Today, a gallon of milk is produced with 90 percent less land, 65 percent less water, and a 63 percent smaller carbon footprint than in 1944.

The dairy community is committed to preserving our natural resources and creating a sustainable future for everyone, including their farms, families and their communities.

For those reasons (and honestly because I just love me some cheese), each of my crostini recipes starts with a different cheese as its inspiration. From there, I shopped one of my local farmers markets for other fresh goodies to complement the flavors. These are truly farm-to-table recipes.

To get started, you’ll need a baguette. I like to slice it on a diagonal. Doing this creates larger, fancier-looking slices. Place the bread slices in a baking pan, brush them with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.

Then pop the pan into your oven on broil for 4-5 minutes or until the bread is lightly browned. Toasting the bread this way not only adds flavor and crunch but also makes it a sturdy support for the toppings.

While the bread cools, gather and prepare your toppings. I’m sharing three different recipes. Each one makes 24 crostini, give or take.

How to make Crostini:

First up, Mozzarella Caprese Crostini.

Here, the toasted baguette is topped with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Tomatoes, which have been lightly tossed with oil, basil, salt, and pepper, are the next layer. The finishing touch is a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

This flavor combination is reminiscent of a classic caprese salad, and it’s just as delicious!

Click HERE for the Mozzarella Caprese Crostini Recipe.

The next crostini may well be my favorite: Blue Cheese, Pear, and Honey Crostini. I think I love this one the most because blue cheese makes my tummy happy.

To make this, I first put a slice of fresh pear on the crostini. Then I crumbled on some blue cheese and added chopped walnuts for crunch.

Because blue cheese pairs so well with something sweet, a drizzle of honey came next. Finally, since I have sage growing on my balcony, I added some of the baby leaves. What a cute and tasty bite!

Click HERE for the Blue Cheese, Pear, and Honey Crostini recipe.

For the final crostini, I paired together flavors inspired by a charcuterie: Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini.

I began by spreading a layer of fig jam on the toasted bread for a touch of sweetness. Up next, was a slice of creamy brie followed by thinly sliced prosciutto.

Some peppery arugula tossed lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper finished off the top. Bellissimo!

Click HERE for the Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini recipe.

Okay, I know that was a lot of information, but boy was it worth it! I could snack on any of these crostini every day of the week. In fact, the day I made them, they became my dinner. I couldn’t let one go to waste.

Beyond being delicious and beautiful, another thing I love about crostini is that you can make it your own. If you’re not a fan of one of the ingredients I used, swap it out for something you love.

Also, get creative with new recipes. Shop your local farmers markets and cheese shops for cheeses and farm fresh produce. Your options are endless.

I hope you enjoyed this trio of Farm-to-Table Inspired Crostini. Which is your favorite?

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My Tips for Antiquing

Life

Friday
May / 10 / 2019
Comments 6

Antique Finds for my Master Bedroom: One Room Challenge Week 4 #bedroom #decor #oneroomchallenge

Ever since I discovered my passion for decorating, incorporating “antiques” into my spaces has been a must. I love to bring in vintage items because they have history and help me tell a story. I also secretly love that an old piece is something that lots of folks aren’t likely to own. That is, it’s not something you can buy at Target. (No shade to Target, because I love them too!!)

A couple of weeks ago, I shared some of the “previously loved pieces” I used in my ORC Master Bedroom Makeover. In that post, I wanted to include tips for antiquing but chose not to because the article was getting too long. I promised I’d get back to you with those tips, so that’s what I’m going to share today.

Whether you’re new to antiquing/thrifting or just looking for helpful tips for your next hunt, here are my suggestions for a fun and fruitful antiquing adventure!

My Tips for Antiquing

Plan, but be open.

It never fails. If I’m searching for something specific, I never find it. When I go antiquing and am open to possibilities, I will find more things than I can fit in my vehicle. A prime example is the lamp I recently sourced for my Master Bedroom makeover. I wasn’t even looking for a floor lamp when I happened upon it. Now it’s among my favorite pieces in the room.

Because this is how antiquing/thrifting seems to work for me, I’ve developed a strategy. First, I make a list of all the things I’m hoping to find. I also take measurements and jot them down along with any colors or styles I want to keep in mind. If necessary, I make a note of how much I’m willing to pay for a particular item.

Shopping can be overwhelming so it helps to start with a plan. This detailed list can make it easier to stay within your budget if you’re tempted to overspend. Saying no to things you like but don’t have a need for is also easier with a digital or printed list.

Of course, you can veer from the list when you come across that unexpected piece that blows your mind or causes you to rethink your decor plan! Case in point: the desk/small table I found for my master bedroom.

Take your time. Walk through twice.

Whenever possible, give yourself time to thoroughly explore a store. Typically, I walk through once, quickly looking for anything on my list. Then I walk through again, a little more slowly, taking it all in and being open to all the possibilities. This is when the magic is likely to happen!

It might sound a little “woo hoo,” but I think “the antique will find you.” So don’t get hung up on when you go, where you go, or how often you go. That perfect piece will find its way to you.

Always ask for the best price.

Most stores will work with you on price. In fact, if you just ask for a better price, some dealers will automatically knock off 10%. This isn’t always the case, but antique shops with multiple vendors usually have systems in place so they don’t have to reach out to the booth owner every time someone asks if they can do better on the price.

It might feel uncomfortable at first, but you’ll always be glad you asked. I can assure you, it also gets easier once you become accustomed to saying: “Is that the lowest you can go?” (You might even practice saying it before you go shopping.)

One important thing to note: When an item is marked “FIRM” there’s rarely room for negotiation.

Bring Cash.

You will often get a better deal if you pay cash. I’ve found this to be the case 95% of the time. That’s why I try to carry greenbacks with me when antiquing. Buying with cash can also help to keep you within your budget. – Your spending limit is what you have in your pocket.

I like to have a variety of bills because this can prove helpful in negotiating a price. Let’s say, you spot a cute lamp that is marked $25. You might be able to get it for $20 if you offer a $20 bill.

Check Return Policies:

Most places in my area do not accept returns of any kind. Be sure to note return policies or ask before purchasing. This is why it’s so important that you come prepared with measurements, color samples, etc. Once you purchase something, it’s yours.

Those are my tips for antiquing. I hope they’re helpful. As with all aspects of creating your happy place, enjoy the process!

If I think of any other tips, I will be sure to update this post. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

I will also be putting together a post about my personal favorite antique shops here in Pittsburgh. I know this doesn’t apply to the vast majority of you, but I’ve had several requests to share where I go, so I’m happy to oblige.

Thank you so much and happy weekend!

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Master Bedroom Makeover Reveal

Interiors

Wednesday
May / 8 / 2019
Comments 98

Master Bedroom Makeover Reveal #masculine #modern #country #bedroom #design #oneroomchallenge

The day is finally here! After six weeks, the One Room Challenge is complete, and I’m ready to reveal my new Master Bedroom! This undertaking has been an exciting adventure. I am extremely honored to have been a part of the ORC and grateful for the opportunity to take you along with me.

If you missed any part of the challenge, you can catch up here:

Week 1 – Before Photos and Design Plan
Week 2 – Board and Batten
Week 3 – Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas
Week 4 – Antique Finds for my Bedroom
Week 5 – Finishing Details
Week 6 – Final Reveal! (You are here!)

I know you already got a peek at the new space in the photo above, but let’s take a brief look back.

Master Bedroom Makeover Before

And now here’s my completed Master Bedroom makeover! (Per usual, there are a lot of photos. I just can’t help myself! There’s also a video of the space at the end of this post.)

Master Bedroom Makeover After:

Quite a change, right?
(Please note that there is a full source list at the end of this post with links to all the products I used.)

As you might remember, the design inspiration for this space was this vintage paint-by-number. I love the colors and the general feeling of the painting. I am so pleased with how it’s come to life.

I’m also proud to have tackled this space completely on my own. I installed the trim, painted, changed electrical fixtures, hung the curtains, and so on. I did everything. Despite the occasional frustration over the past six weeks, I’m basking in the results.

As you will notice, this space got a lot cozier thanks to the beautiful board and batten treatment and crown molding made with Metrie trim. I painted the board and batten, trim, and crown with Sherwin-Williams Anew Gray SW 7030. On the upper wall space, I used Sherwin-Willams North Star SW 6246. I love this combo. It’s a subtle nod to the earth meeting the sky or the sand meeting the ocean.

Speaking of cozy, I added a lot of comfy touches, most notably in the bedding. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I spotted this upholstered bed a while back and knew I wanted it at some point in my life. It was a splurge, but a 15% off coupon code definitely helped.

I also updated my bedding with this handsome duvet cover and sheet set from Roostery. I am over-the-moon pleased with the design and quality of these pieces. You can bet I’ll be sourcing from them again when I need bed linens. The design options are endless, so I know I’ll always be able to find something. I also added this coverlet since we are entering summer, and I won’t need the heavy duvet.

This adorable pennant pillow was designed just for me by Susan of Fabric Scout Studio. I LOVE her work and couldn’t think of a better addition to my bed. It’s even personalized to my new Pittsburgh home. You might remember I purchased one of her Christmas pillows for my apartment bedroom; I’m thrilled to have another of her creations.

The Barn and Willow curtains are one of my favorite additions to the space. I just hung them this past weekend. I was a bit nervous about putting them up because I already liked the room so much as it was. However, after hanging them, I was head-over-heels in love. They are probably the nicest curtains I’ve ever owned, and they truly make this space feel like home.

On the opposite side of the room, I replaced my dresser with this new piece. I “Marie Kondo-ed” my clothes and was able to fit so much into it. This is another investment piece I imagine I’ll use for years to come.

I kept my existing leather chair because I thought it still worked well in my new decor. Finished off with vintage floor lamps (which I cleaned up with a fresh coat of paint) and a fiddle leaf fig I’ve had for years, the corner is now the perfect spot for book reading or kitty cuddling.

Above the new dresser, I hung a collection of artwork, including the paint-by-number that inspired the room. Most of the pieces are vintage, but I did bring in one new piece from Minted. As soon as I saw this Wild Sonoma Coast Wall Art, I knew it would be a great addition to this space. The colors are a perfect match, and it has a vintage feel.

Speaking of Minted, I bought two more of their pieces for my master bedroom. I had been admiring Drawing 369 (Man Print) and the Corner Farm House Print for some time. I think they look fabulous hung asymmetrically above my bed. (Somehow I also managed to get a shot of my typically camera-shy kitty, Jax.)

On the opposite side of the room, I kept the mirror I already had in that location. It worked well so there was no need to change it. (The mirror is from Rejuvenation. Even though they no longer carry the black finish, they do have similar options.)

Speaking of Rejuvenation, that’s where I got my stunning new light fixture. This is another favorite purchase. I think it works so nicely in this room.

Even though the ceiling fan wasn’t chic, I did enjoy having one in this room. I had never had a bedroom fan before and discovered I like the light breeze and subtle hum. That’s why I decided to go with this vintage-inspired one on my dresser. This fan has the looks and function I wanted.

To the right of my bed, I created a desk area. I found this green vintage table at a local antique store (Diamond Antiques for any fellow PGHers). The table cost $70 and was just the right size and color for my space. The chair was a $30 HomeGoods clearance item.

Speaking of thrifted, both of my end tables are vintage finds. I especially love this drawer piece I scored at Vintage Revival here in Pittsburgh.

As I mentioned in another post, the lamps I originally sourced for the space just didn’t work. (They were also crazy expensive.). I ended up getting these glass and brass lamps at HomeGoods. It took going to four different stores to find them, but it was worth the effort. I’m loving them!

I did extend the board and batten, crown molding, and paint into my open closet area to tie everything together. I also swapped out the closet door handles for these from Emtek. What a difference!

The lighting in the space was also updated. I opted for this schoolhouse-inspired fixture from Lamps Plus. It’s perfect. There had been another hanging pendant in this room over the makeup table, but I took it down and chose not to replace it.

One of my goals was to get a new storage piece for this closet area. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find exactly what I was after, so I’m still using the same chest of drawers. Although it functions OK, I want something warmer with a bit more character. The hunt continues.

I’m thinking about adding a rug to this little space. I have a gorgeous Loloi rug in my bedroom, and there’s a size that would match that. After looking at these pictures, I think this space needs a little softening.

Did you notice another big change in this area? Yes, the door! The door had swung into my bathroom, which made it difficult to maneuver in the small space.

I used this barn door system from Emtek and installed it in the closet space. The door is the same one that had been on my bathroom. It was a simple solution, and it functions beautifully.

My bathroom also received a mini-makeover. (I plan to fully renovate both of my bathrooms in the coming years.) I simply couldn’t leave this space as it was because I knew it would look old and tired next to the new bedroom. I’m glad I took the time to give the master bath a little love, too. Now, it ties in with the bedroom.

I will be sharing a larger reveal of this bathroom in a separate post, so stay tuned for that.

I gave everything a fresh coat of paint (Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW 6990), added new sconces, popped in a vintage rug (from Hot Haute Hot here in Pittsburgh), and painted the vanity. I also swapped out the vanity drawer knobs for these beauties from Emtek.

I switched up the decor, replaced the mirror with a vintage find, and organized my toiletries on the vanity so they’re not all over the counter. So. much. better!

And now, my One Room Challenge Master Bedroom makeover is complete! What do you think!?

Master Bedroom Makeover Reveal Video:

Since I started this challenge with a video, I thought I’d end it with one. You can watch the video below or head over to my YouTube channel to watch it there.

While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to my channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss a video!

And that’s a wrap, my friends! Thank you so much for joining me on this decorating adventure. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. If you like makeovers, I invite you to follow along as my Bayberry Kitchen remodel continues. It’s going to be an amazing before and after.

All of the ORC reveals should be live today, so you can click through each of the participants’ posts below. I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone has created.

You can find my complete product source list below.

One Room Challenge Participants:

At Home With Ashley | Casey Keasler | Dorsey Designs | The Farmhouse Project | Home Made by Carmona

House of Funk | House of Jade Interiors | House Seven Design | House That Lars Built | Inspired by Charm

Master Bedroom Source List:

Paint Colors:
Sherwin-Williams Anew Gray SW 7030 – Trim / Board and Batten
Sherwin-Willams North Star SW 6246 – Walls
Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW 6990– Bathroom

Furnishings:
Upholstered Bed
Leather Chair
Dresser
Desk Chair (HomeGoods)

Textiles:
Rug
Curtains
Duvet Cover
Bedsheets
Coverlet
Pennant Pillow
Bamboo Blinds

Hardware:
Barn Door System
Closet Door Knobs
Bathroom Vanity Knobs
Door Knob
Curtain Rods
Curtain Rod Rings

Lighting:
Bedroom Light
Closet Light
Bathroom Sconces
Desk Lamp
Bedside Lamps (HomeGoods)

Accessories:
Vintage-Inspired Fan
Amber and Moss Diffuser
Mini Porcelain Planter
Pencil / Scissor Holder
Flip Clock
Bathroom Candle
Bathroom Soap
Floor Mirror (Rejuvenation.. Black finish no longer sold)
Basket “planter” (Homegoods)

Artwork:
Standing Man Wall Art
Corner Farm House Wall Art
The Wild Sonoma Coast Wall Art

Vintage / Thrifted Items:
Desk
Floor Lamp
Wooden Box
Artwork
Binoculars
Green Planter Pot
Brass Planter Pot
Bathroom Mirrors
Bathroom Rug

A special thanks to Inspired by Charm’s One Room Challenge Sponsors:

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What’s the Tea: Spring 2019

Life

Monday
May / 6 / 2019
Comments 18

Well, my friends, somehow we’re already five months into 2019. It seems like I blinked, and the calendar fast forwarded to May. I don’t know about you, but I simply adore this time of year. It’s been a joy to see everything come back to life. I’m living for these warmer days when I’m able to work and play outside. It’s magic.

I haven’t posted one of these “What’s the Tea” updates in a while, so I thought I’d pop in today and catch you up on everything.

Inspired by Charm

Let’s talk about the blog. As you may or may not have noticed, I haven’t been sharing as much recently. This is for a few reasons. The main one being that 60% of my house is unusable at the moment due to my kitchen renovation. I did set up a tiny kitchen in the basement, but even that got covered in dust because the crew needed to access wiring and plumbing and such.

I knew that life and work would be messy during renovation, which is why I’ve been blogging about the kitchen redo and also why I took on the One Room Challenge, I thought both projects would allow me to continue sharing and connecting with all of you. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the many changes as my plans take shape.

During the next couple of weeks, the new hardwood floors will be installed, and the existing ones will be refinished. As each day passes, I feel as if we’re moving one step closer to normalcy.

Although I knew this renovation would upend things for a while, I didn’t realize what an impact all the disturbance would have on me. I’ve come to realize how much I count on my home to be a refuge from the world. I’m also an introvert so having a crew of people here every day and no place to recharge myself due to the construction mess all around me has been a challenge.

Despite the disruption to my peace and quiet, I am grateful to have a great group of professionals working in my house. They are task-focused and productive amidst the hustle and bustle all around them.

I’ve also been offering myself a lot of grace. Perhaps this is the season to be slow. Life has been crazy for the past couple of years, so taking time to inhale is a good thing – something that should be celebrated. It reminds me of this quote I love so much from Brené Brown.

“Tonight we will exhale and teach. Now it’s time to inhale. There is the in-breath and there is the out-breath, and it’s easy to believe that we must exhale all the time, without ever inhaling. But the inhale is absolutely essential if you want to continue to exhale.”
-Brené Brown

With all of that being said, as the ORC concludes this Wednesday (be sure to check the blog then for the reveal!), I’m going to “get back to work” (even though I’ve been working this whole time) to produce new creative, delicious, and inspiring content for the site.

Thanks for sticking with me!

Goodbye, Sebastian

While I have mentioned this on Instagram, I have yet to share it on the blog. At the end of February, my cat Sebastian passed away.

When I graduated college in 2005 and moved into my first apartment in Philadelphia, getting a cat was one of the top things on my to-do list. Sebastian was that cat. It was love at first sight when I adopted him from a local SPCA.

To make a long story short, I noticed in January that his back paws were extremely sensitive. I took him to the vet, and he was put on medicine. Shortly thereafter, he came down with a terrible cold. Again we went to the vet. That’s when they discovered he had a mass on his lung (which was causing metastasis in his paws.)

After several long weeks of caring for him, I eventually realized it was his time.

Saying goodbye was more difficult than I expected. As much as I love each of my cats, Sebastian and I just seemed to have a special bond. I miss him, but time is helping to heal the loss.

I’m also thankful that Frankie came into my life when he did. Adopting him was meant to be. He and Jax (my other cat) have become close. I am certainly glad to share my space with them.

Life Coach School: Scholars

Those of you who have been following for quite a while might remember that I decided to move to Pittsburgh roughly two years ago. (It was intended to be temporary, but then I ended up buying a house!) This whole process was a way to shake things up a bit and help me find some happiness.

Life is a rollercoaster, and there have been a lot of ups and downs since then, but I’m still happy I made the move. Like most folks, however, I have areas in my life that I want to improve. For the past year or so I’ve been listening to “The Life Coach School Podcast” with Brooke Castillo. During that time, I’ve fallen in love with her perspective, advice, and teachings. She has a program called Self-Coaching Scholars that I had been wanting to join for months. Well, I finally pulled the trigger. It’s a substantial monthly investment, but I’m hoping it will pay off.

If you’re looking for guidance in your life, I definitely recommend checking out her podcast. It’s free. I’m not in any way selling this program. I just thought it was worth mentioning. If it can help me, maybe it can help you, too. (Also, if there are any fellow Scholars out there, let’s connect!)

Other Tidbits:

I think that’s all the big stuff for now but In other news …

Since so many of you asked, I’ll be sharing an update on my front yard soon. The landscaper had to repair the lawn because the crew didn’t do it correctly the first time. I’m trying to let the grass fill in a bit before I snap new photos. Despite the troubles and weeds, it’s such a big improvement over the way it looked when I first purchased Bayberry House.

If you’re not on the list already, I would love to have you join the IBC mailing list. You’ll receive emails on new posts, inspiring ideas for the season, and a look back at the 2000+ posts here on IBC.

And this is where I ask you for your input. As always, if you have questions or would like to see something specific here on IBC, now is the time to share. Just let me know in the comments below. I always love hearing from you!

And I think that will do it! Have a happy week!!

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Dessert in a Jar Ideas

Recipes

Friday
May / 3 / 2019
Comments 4

Mason Jar Mixed Berry Shortcakes with Homemade Whipped Cream - easy summer dessert recipe from Inspired by Charm

It’s hard for me to resist most sweets, but it’s nigh on impossible to say no to dessert in a jar. These single-serving pies, cobblers, and cakes are adorable and perfect for entertaining, whether you have a lot of people over or only a few.

Although I didn’t invent dessert in a jar, I love it! I have posted many dessert in a jar ideas here on Inspired by Charm and hope you enjoy this roundup of recipes. If you’re like me, you’ll soon be planning the dessert selection for your next event.

Dessert in a Jar Ideas:

Cake in a Jar – I first made these cute and colorful individual cakes for a caticorn party, and this recipe brings me a lot of joy whenever I see it. The cake is from a boxed mix, but I whipped up my favorite buttercream frosting to go between the layers. Making frosting is easier than you might think, and, the taste beats the pre-made kind hands down!

Mini No-Bake Key Lime Pies – This artfully presented dessert in a jar is refreshing in so many ways. For starters, it doesn’t require you to heat up your kitchen on a hot day. Plus, the petite serving size allows indulgence with less guilt. Best of all, the minute you take a bite, the incredible key lime flavor will transport you to the Caribbean!

Mason Jar Cherry Supreme – My mom gave me this old-school recipe, but I’m the one who decided to serve it in a non-traditional way. You simply press graham cracker crumb crust into the bottom of the jars, pipe on a mixture of cream cheese and Dream Whip, and then spoon on cherry pie filling. I call it Cherry Supreme because I think it tastes better and looks prettier than the regular version.

Mason Jar Blueberry Pies – I put these cute little pies together by placing a circle of pie dough in each jar, spooning in a generous amount of blueberry filling, and covering it all with a star-shaped top crust. The final step before baking was trimming off excess dough and sprinkling the tops with sugar. As with regular blueberry pie, I recommend eating these guys warm.

Mini Cheesecakes in Mason Jars – You may have noticed that I have a thing for cheesecake. This basic recipe, made in small mason jars, is easy and quick to make any time of year. To dress mine up for the holidays, I crafted seasonally appropriate chocolate garnishes – stars, pine trees, and snowflakes. You could pipe bunnies for Easter, hearts for Valentine’s Day, . . . . You get the idea.

More Tasty Dessert in a Jar Ideas:

Strawberry Rhubarb Mason Jar Cobblers – Regular readers of IBC know I am fond of rhubarb and always looking for another way to fix it. This idea takes all the goodness of a strawberry rhubarb pie and puts it in a small container so that it’s convenient to serve and send home with dear ones. I can hardly wait ‘til the weather warms up in PA so I can use locally grown strawberries and rhubarb for this dessert in a jar.

Mixed Berry Shortcakes – When served in a mason jar, this summer dessert staple is certain to elicit oohs and aahs from your guests. The layers of shortcake, berries, and whipped cream are casual yet elegant. I prefer to make my own shortcake and whipped cream (For me, it’s about the taste and texture, and both are fairly simple.), but you can certainly go with the store-bought versions when pressed for time.

Mini Margarita Cheesecakes – If you like margaritas, this dessert in a jar is for you. The cheesecake mixture includes a splash of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Beyond the flavor, what’s especially memorable about this treat is the edible cactus garnish that you can create. Yummy, fun, and cute. – A triple win!

If you like these Delicious and Easy Hors D’oeuvres Ideas? Check out these:

Bonus Idea: Mason Jar Salads – I know this isn’t a dessert, but after all of the sweets, you might want something on the lighter side. In case you haven’t already had it, I promise you will enjoy Mason Jar Salad, no matter which of these you try: Dark and Tempting, Harmonious, or Sweet and Tart. – Those vague, generic names are intentional. I hope they’ve piqued your curiosity so you’ll click on the recipes.

I predict you’ll find a few new favorites among all of these recipes. There’s just something about eating out of a jar isn’t there!?

Please note: Although Mason jars can handle hot temperatures, they were not designed for baking. Please proceed with caution should you choose to bake in a mason jar.

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Master Bedroom Finishing Details: One Room Challenge Week 5

Interiors

Wednesday
May / 1 / 2019
Comments 9

Master Bedroom Finishing Details: Week Five #masterbedroom #oneroomchallenge #moderncountry #colonial

It’s Wednesday, so you know what that means: My latest update on the One Room Challenge!

I don’t have a lot to show you this week. Well, I DO have a lot, but I’m trying hard not to divulge too much before next week’s big reveal.

Today, I thought I’d tell you about a few more details of the space, let you in on some of the challenges of this ORC, and share a few of the things that changed from my original plan.

Master Bedroom Finishing Details:

Over the past week, I’ve been working on the finishing details of the space. In addition to visiting my favorite local shops and antique stores to source additional decorative items, I’ve been installing new switch plate covers, putting up light fixtures, touching up paint, and so on.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I also did a mini-makeover in my master bathroom. I’ve been busy painting that room, hanging new lights, and updating the vanity.

I got a beautiful package of goodies from Emtek so I’ve been installing those as well. I ordered a new door handle, knobs for my closet doors and bathroom vanity, plus a barn door system to free up space in my bathroom. (My master bath is smallish so having a door swing into it was not working for me.)

Over the years, I’ve learned how to install light fixtures, change light switches and outlets, do minor plumbing, and construct simple items. And although I have some experience, I don’t think I’m good at it. I blame my lack of patience and not having the right tools and all the required knowledge to complete a job. However, that doesn’t stop me from trying.

I’m proud to tell you I hung four light fixtures, changed a door handle, installed a barn door (still working on this one!), and even added crown molding and board & batten to the entire room. I realize my work isn’t on par with that of the professionals, but seeing what I’ve done makes me feel good every time I walk into the space. (I focus on the accomplishment rather than the small imperfections.)

Challenges:

A couple of weeks ago I was talking to the designer I’m working with on my kitchen, and both of us were saying that we like to see all the options before making a decision. Obviously, this is somewhat impossible as the choices for home decor items and finishes are practically endless.

This is where and why I’ve found this six-week ORC to be most challenging (but also most helpful). It typically takes me a looong time (that is, months and months) to finish a room. It’s not that the space isn’t “finished.” It’s just that I like to take my time in finding all the little details that make a room special. It can be difficult to have a room feel and look collected in a six-week period. I both love and loathe this quality because as much as I enjoy the hunt and shopping, it can get exhausting and stressful.

That’s why I jumped at the chance to participate in the ORC. I knew that it would force me to finish a space in six weeks. Six weeks! There is a joy walking into a space and knowing it’s done.

(Of course, if I’m honest with myself and you, none of my spaces are ever complete. Which I love. I’ll still be accessorizing, moving things around, and decorating a few months from now. I suppose that’s good for the blog, right?)

Still Sourcing:

And speaking of still trying to find things for my master bedroom … Overall, it’s coming together, but I’m still feeling a tad nervous about a couple of details. The bedside lamps that I sourced for my master bedroom didn’t work. They were too large and didn’t go with things like I’d hoped. I’m now on the hunt for new lamps. Since shipping is not a real option at this point, I’ll be hitting up a few of my local shops.

I also still haven’t found the perfect piece of furniture for my closet area. I’ll continue to source this week. I’m even attending a vintage market on Friday night. Here’s hoping my perseverance pays off!

Beyond all of that, I’m ready and excited to share my revamped master bedroom with you. Please join me back here next week for the big reveal.

In the meantime, you can click through all of my fellow ORC participants’ posts below. Enjoy them and thanks again for following us on this challenge!

IBC Master Bedroom Spring ORC:

Week 1 – Before Photos and Design Plan
Week 2 – Board and Batten
Week 3 – Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas
Week 4 – Antique Finds for my Bedroom
Week 5 – Finishing Details (You are here!)
Week 6 – Final Reveal!

Spring 2019 One Room Challenge Designers:

A special thanks to Inspired by Charm’s One Room Challenge Sponsors:

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Delicious and Easy Hors D’oeuvres Ideas

Recipes

Thursday
Apr / 25 / 2019
Comments 5

Delicious and Easy Hors D'oeuvres Ideas #appetizer #recipe #HorsDoeuvres #snacks

I love hors d’ oeuvres so much that I can make a meal of them. (And I have, on more than one occasion.) That may be why you will find a wide and growing array of appetizer recipes on Inspired by Charm.

In this round-up post, I’ve collected a variety of these hors d’ oeuvres ideas. All of them are simple to make and sure to delight your guests. The most difficult part will be deciding which of these savory snacks to serve at your next event.

Simply click on the image or recipe name for the full recipe.

Delicious and Easy Hors D’oeuvres Ideas:

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-ups:
Pretty, flavorful, and easy are three things I want in hors d’ oeuvres ideas, and this recipe checks off each of those boxes. To make these pinwheels, simply spread a mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic on a flour tortilla, add some fresh basil leaves, and then tightly roll up the tortilla. After being refrigerated for an hour or so, it’s ready to be sliced and plated.

Avocado-Pesto BLT Bites:
Creating beautiful, delicious appetizers is among my favorite things to do in the kitchen. In this hors d’ oeuvres recipe, I’ve accented bacon, baby arugula, and cherry tomatoes with an avocado-pesto sauce. I promise the look and flavor of these bites will wow you!

Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini
My mouth waters just thinking about a toasted slice of baguette layered with brie, fig jam, prosciutto, and arugula. Inspired by a charcuterie, this simple-to-make appetizer idea is perfect for a large gathering or an intimate dinner.

Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms:
These bite-sized portobellos are rich and substantial, making them an ideal nibble for fall and winter. The stuffing is a combination of bread crumbs, sour cream, herbs, blue cheese, and walnuts. I like to feature them on a grazing station or as an amuse-bouche.

Artichoke Wonton Wrappers:
At my request, my mom often serves this classic appetizer at our family’s Christmas Eve get-together. Baked in a mini muffin pan, this simple-but-fancy-looking savory snack features a warm and creamy artichoke mixture inside a crunchy wonton. What more could you want?

Roasted Parmesan Garlic Shrimp:
Speaking of my mom, I served this classy appetizer at her 60th birthday bash. All I did was roast medium-sized raw shrimp that I had tossed with olive oil, spices, Parmesan, and fresh garlic. Before setting them out at the party, I sprinkled them with fresh lemon juice and whipped up cocktail sauce for dipping.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Peppers:
Folks describe this hors d’oeuvre as a “party in your mouth,” and it only requires four ingredients: thick-sliced bacon, jalapeños, cream cheese, and Craisins. I suggest preparing plenty before your guests arrive because these peppers will disappear quickly. (This will also minimize time spent cooking during the festivities.)

More Delicious and Easy Appetizer Ideas:

Antipasto Kabobs:
In this attention-grabbing presentation, traditional antipasto ingredients, such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, are served on skewers and drizzled with pesto. For an unexpected and fun touch, I also included a few cooked tortellini on each kabob. My goal was to start a lively conversation about the actual meaning of antipasto.

Italian Sub Sandwich Roll-ups https://inspiredbycharm.com/italian-sub-sandwich-roll-ups/
This hors d’ oeuvres idea is a mashup of a traditional Italian sub and a pinwheel. You can quickly put together a couple of platters of these roll-ups for a shower, game-day celebration, or night-in with friends. All you need are flour tortillas, cream cheese, and your favorite Italian seasonings and sub fixings – pepperoni, salami, Provolone, tomatoes, mixed greens, and so on.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts:
My take on this tried-and-true recipe uses whole water chestnuts and thick-cut bacon. But what really sets this hors d’ oeuvres idea apart from the usual version is the sauce made from mayonnaise, brown sugar, chili sauce, and cranberries. I especially love the tartness and crunch from the cranberries.

If you like these Delicious and Easy Hors D’oeuvres Ideas? Check out these:

I hope all of these hors d’ oeuvres ideas have inspired you. Let me know which ones you plan to make!

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Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas

Entertaining

Thursday
Apr / 25 / 2019
Comments 17

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Okay, well not officially. But with it’s arrival less than two weeks away, I thought I’d use this week to share some Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas!

In my eight years of blogging, I’ve never before shared Cinco de Mayo-related ideas, so I’m really excited to show you what I’ve created. By styling one table I was able to create two unique cocktail recipes, a delicious snack, a creative dessert, and lots of fun Cinco de Mayo decorations!

Whether you use one or all of these Cinco de Mayo ideas, you can easily add a little fun, flavor, and color to your celebration!

Today I’m going to walk you through some of the essentials for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Then throughout the week I’ll share details about the recipes and projects I created to make my own fiesta. In other words, you’re going to want to check back all week. That’s not such a bad thing, right? You can always count me in for a week-long party.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

No, it’s not just a day for us to enjoy delicious Mexican food and drink margaritas. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla and the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French force of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862.

Unlike what many think, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16. (A fun factoid for you to share while you’re sipping your margarita (made with Sauza® Tequila, of course!))

Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas:

So, with the facts out of the way, let’s get into this party.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic celebration, this is not the place to get it. However, if you’re looking for some delicious recipes, inspired decor, and creative ideas in the spirit and celebration of Cinco de Mayo. I’m your guy!

Let me walk you through a few of the essentials for my kind of Cinco de Mayo Celebration.

Cinco de Mayo Party Decor Ideas:

Let’s start with the decorations. I always find it helpful to choose a color palette when you start your party planning. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made for a party. Having a color palette in mind will limit some of those choices immediately. As you can see I was inspired in part by bold blues colors for my decorations.

That was my jumping off point which helps me choose plates, napkins, and some of the other accessories. I even included a touch of gold (because you know how much I love gold) to add a little sparkle.

I also included a few things that were a nod to Cinco de Mayo like maracas, mini sombreros, and a DIY piñata. A macrame runner and color “splattered” chrysanthemums add texture and a casual feel.

Cinco de Mayo Recipe Ideas – Classic with a Twist:

If you’re struggling with party food or drink ideas, think “classic with a twist.” For example a margarita is a great option for a Cinco de Mayo party. However, add a twist by flavoring it with strawberry and mint or vanilla and pineapple. It’s still classic, but with something special.

That’s why I created a Vanilla Pineapple Margarita and Jalapeño Paloma cocktail for my celebration.

The same goes for decor. While classic and authentic are a great place to start, inject a bit of your personality, too. Everyone has seen the typical Cinco de Mayo decor, however, they haven’t seen your interpretation of it.

If you want a classic margarita, have no fear. I have THE BEST recipe for margarita mix. It’s so simple to make and it’s crazy delicious. You can find that HERE.

Cinco de Mayo Recipe Ideas:

Remember tequila isn’t just for cocktails. It goes nicely with food dishes as well. And since tequila is great with anything citrus, it also pairs well with food that works with citrus – things like seafood (i.e., tilapia, crab, shrimp), chicken, and even pork.

Since I think kabobs are such fun party food (plus it was an excuse to break out my grill in the spring), I used tequila to marinate my chicken before I skewered it with pineapple and sliced limes. That subtle touch of flavor worked nicely with the rest of my menu.

Cinco de Mayo Dessert Idea:

In my opinion, a party isn’t a party without something sweet. For this celebration, I thought I’d tweak my mason jar cheesecake recipe to suit the celebration. I dressed it up for the party with a splash of lime and tequila to create Mini Margarita Cheesecakes.

To make them extra special, I piped colored candy melts into different cactus shapes to adorn the cheesecakes. These mini cacti add the perfect pop of fun color and whimsy to my buffet.

More Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas:

I think it’s always fun to offer a small gift to your guests before they leave the party. And, when your small gift can double as party decor, you’re a really smart party planner. For this celebration I created these festive mini piñata boxes.

What I love about them is that they are multi-purpose. Not only do they make your table look fabulous and festive, they can also act as a place card for your guests. Just tuck each guest’s name into or on top of the piñata.

In addition, these piñatas are also boxes. Instead of smashing them, you simply open them to reveal a variety of yummy treats inside. Each guest can take one home as a little memento of the party. Learn how to make them here.

Cinco de Mayo Party Tip:

Lastly, remember to relax and have fun. A stressed out or nervous host isn’t fun for you or your guests, especially for Cinco de Mayo.

One thing I like to do is set aside 5-10 minutes before the event starts to sit down and enjoy a cocktail (in this case, a big ol’ margarita). Not only does this allow me to enjoy the fruits of my labor (and sample the product), but it also gives me a chance to relax before guests arrive.

When entertaining, strive for excellence, but remember to keep things simple. In other words, pay attention to the small details, but don’t let them drive you bananas. Guests will remember if you didn’t have limes and salt for their margaritas. However, they won’t care if the salt was imported or the limes were shaped like miniature swans.

Looking for more of my Cinco de Mayo party ideas?

With that, you’re ready to tackle Cinco de Mayo like a pro. I hope you found these creative and colorful Cinco de Mayo ideas helpful! Now let’s party!

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Antique Finds for my Master Bedroom: One Room Challenge Week 4

Interiors

Wednesday
Apr / 24 / 2019
Comments 3

Happy Wednesday and welcome to Week 4 of the One Room Challenge (ORC)! Today is all about my recent antiquing adventure and how I’m using my finds to decorate my master bedroom.

If you’ve been following Inspired by Charm for a while, you know much I love shopping at antique, thrift, and salvage stores. It’s something I’ve been doing since back in high school when I decorated my childhood bedroom. (Yes, I had curtain rods crafted from old spindles and a mirror made out of an old window.)

As I settled into Bayberry House, I knew I wanted to take time to hunt for vintage items to decorate my space. I hadn’t been thrifting that much recently and aimed to bring that aspect of my personality back into my new place in Pittsburgh. In fact, that’s why I included the term “country” in my Modern Country Colonial vision for my home. Rustic accessories and furniture with history have long been a part of my design aesthetic, and I wanted to make them a focus in this house.

Before we go any further, I must tell you that I use the term “antique” loosely. My “antique” finds aren’t necessarily valuable nor are they 100-or-more-years-old. I just happened to buy them at an antique (or thrift) store.

Antique Finds for my Master Bedroom:

When I decided to redo my bedroom as part of the ORC, I jotted down items I hoped to source from second-hand shops.

For my ORC Master Bedroom, I was looking for:

two nightstands
dresser
chest of drawers
desk
artwork
decorative accessories
bathroom mirror

With two weeks left in the challenge, I’m still joyfully searching for a few key pieces. I love the thrill of the hunt. Setting aside time to look for these things has been one of the biggest highs of this challenge. Even though I still need some of them, I’ve been pleased with my progress to date.

What I purchased as of today:

two nightstands
desk
artwork
floor lamp

I’ve scheduled another day or two to hit up my favorite shops in hopes of finding the rest of what’s on my list.

I should mention that I did decide to buy a new dresser. (This is the one I got.) After hunting for weeks, I couldn’t find a vintage one to suit my space. With everything’s that going on at my house right now, I also didn’t have time to clean or fix malfunctioning drawers in an antique piece. (I am still hoping to find a thrifted chest of drawers for my closet area.)

I’m keeping my fingers crossed I haven’t spoiled the reveal by tucking in images of a few of the items I thrifted. They hint at the design direction I’m taking in the bedroom, and I hope they generate excitement for the final reveal.

Although I love each of the pieces, I’m smitten with this vintage brass and enamel lamp. (It’s actually a piece I wasn’t looking for.)

It needs a bit of cleaning and a fresh coat of paint, but it’s my new favorite thing. I just want to leave it on all the time.

Another of my fabulous finds is this small green table. It’s definitely a-little-bit-country, but I’m crazy about it. I wasn’t set on the final layout of my bedroom until I found a similar table (which I didn’t purchase) at another store. That made me realize a small desk would be lovely in this room. As you can see, the new-to-me old table is already in use, especially by a certain kitty who likes to look out the window.

I’ve also been collecting inexpensive art. If I remember correctly, nothing was over $20. And although it all might not end up in this space, everything will find a spot somewhere in my home because it speaks to me. That, my friends, might be the best part of antiquing!

Now, to wrap all of this up, I wanted you to know that I will be sharing a separate post about my tips and tricks for antiquing. I had started to include that here, but I cut it out because things were getting too long. My plan is to share that info with you in a post that will go live on Thursday or Friday. Stay tuned!

Overall, I’m feeling a tad more confident about where I am with the challenge. I can’t wait to show the completed space to you in just two short weeks! I hope this bedroom overhaul has been fun and informative for you.

IBC Master Bedroom Spring ORC:

Week 1 – Before Photos and Design Plan
Week 2 – Board and Batten
Week 3 – Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas
Week 4 – Antique Finds for my Bedroom (You are here!)
Week 5 – Finishing Details
Week 6 – Final Reveal!

For more ORC adventures, be sure to click through all of the participants linked below.

Spring 2019 One Room Challenge Designers:

A special thanks to Inspired by Charm’s One Room Challenge Sponsors:

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Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas: One Room Challenge Week 3

Interiors

Wednesday
Apr / 17 / 2019
Comments 13

Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas #oneroomchallenge #bedroom #masterbedroom #design

Welcome back to the One Room Challenge here on Inspired by Charm! As you may know, I’m working on my bedroom. Today I thought I’d talk about textiles and some cozy bedroom design ideas.

For anyone who’s new here: I’m participating in the One Room Challenge to make over my master bedroom in six weeks. During Week 1, I posted my design plan. Last week I shared how I installed board and batten trim to add detail and style.

This week I want to tell you about some of the textiles I’m bringing into the space. Since it’s a bedroom, the bedding, rugs, curtains, and other furnishings are essential for making it look (and actually be) cozy.

We spend 7-8 hours each day sleeping (or at least we should), so our rooms and our beds, in particular, need to be restful and inviting. It was with that goal in mind that I selected the soft furnishings for my bedroom. Let me walk you through my choices.

Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas:

Bedding

I was especially excited to update my bedding as part of this challenge when I learned that Roostery (a sister company of Spoonflower) is one of the ORC sponsors.

Roostery offers made-on-demand home decor in thousands of designs. They have everything from napkins and bedding to pillows and wallpaper. After I was done clicking through their website, I had ideas for multiple spaces in my home.

For my bedroom, I focused on their bedding. I searched their site for different patterns and colors that would work in my design. I then ordered six fabric samples so I could view the colors in my space before making any decisions.

After reviewing the samples. I chose this Jumbo Scale Double Dash pattern for my duvet cover and shams. For my sheets, I went with this slate blue windowpane pattern.

I was over the moon when the bedding arrived. Everything is absolutely lovely. And even though I’m sleeping in my room during the makeover, I’m waiting until the reveal before I deck out my bed in these beauties.

Rug

I don’t know about you, but I often find sourcing rugs to be a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, a couple of years ago I discovered Loloi, and they’ve been my go-to source ever since. (You might recognize their name. Joanna Gaines has a collection of rugs with them.)

I already own a few Loloi rugs, including the rug that was in my dining room and the rug I had in my apartment living room. I’m excited to add another to my bedroom.

Per my design plan, I selected the Layla rug in Ocean/Rust. Typically. I prefer a thicker wool rug. However, I’ve been a tad annoyed with all of the fuzz created by many of my wool rugs, so I opted for something different this time.

This particular rug has low pile thanks to its power-loomed construction. It’s a thinner rug, but it’s still butter soft and silky smooth. It’s heavenly! I may never go back to wool rugs. For added cushion, I used this rug pad underneath it.

I’m absolutely loving the colors and the pattern. As you can see, it’s going to work beautifully with my other choices for the space. I shared a little peek of the rug on Instagram as I unrolled it. Folks were delighting in its loveliness as much as I was. (Thank you!)

Curtains and Blinds

This room would probably be beautiful without drapes. However, I’m aiming for soft and cozy so curtains are a must. To find the perfect ones, I turned to Barn & Willow.

What I love about Barn & Willow is that they make the process of selecting drapes so easy and intuitive. I started by looking through their swatches (which are free!) to find the right color and fabric. I was able to narrow it down to three: Belgian Flax Linen – Natural, Organic Cotton – Birch, Organic Cotton – Bisque. Since a small sample is often not enough to base a decision on, Barn & Willow also offers panel samples. Even though they run $15 each, the amount is refunded when you return them. Shipping is free both ways. I told you this was easy!

After trying the panels on my walls, the clear winner was Belgian Flax Linen in Natural. I love the feel and airiness of the linen and how the color works with my new board and batten. The fabric drapes beautifully so I know it will look lovely framing my windows.

Barn & Willow also has a Measurement Finder so you can quickly determine the correct curtain size. What a handy tool it is! Your custom drapes will fit perfectly. There’s no need for hemming or living with curtains that are too short.

These curtains are going to look great! I had a credit from when I purchased my sofa, so I also picked up these curtain rods from Pottery Barn.

I decided to keep the blinds that I have. (Redecorating a space doesn’t mean replacing everything.) The color looks great in the room, and I love the way they work and how much privacy they provide. I found them last year at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I’m a little disappointed, however, that they seem to be phasing them out. (I assume that’s case because the size selection is now limited.)

Furnishings

When I decided to tackle my master bedroom for this challenge, I knew immediately what bed I would select. I spotted this upholstered bed at Crate & Barrel about a year ago, and it was love at first sight.

For me, an upholstered headboard (or in this case a fully upholstered bed) is the ultimate in coziness. I especially like how the ends of the frame curve in toward the bed rather than being flush with the wall.

I’ve been sleeping in the bed for a week now, and that slight curve gives me the feeling of being tucked in.

I picked the gray fabric to complement the walls. Originally, I thought a lighter color would be ideal, but I soon realized that was a little too beachy for the design.

I wanted a comfy chair for this space, but instead of sourcing something new, I opted to use this leather swivel chair that I already owned. Once the room was painted, and I put the chari in place, I really loved how it looked in the space. It adds a touch of richness while providing a dedicated area for reading.

Other than a few decorative pillows and perhaps a throw blanket, I think that’s all of the textiles I’m using to create my new cozy master bedroom.

I know this post contains a lot of information, but I hope these cozy bedroom design ideas have been both helpful and interesting.

While I don’t have a video to share with you today, yesterday I posted an update of my big kitchen remodel which included a video tour of that space. You can find that video over on my YouTube channel.

Next week, I’m taking you thrifting and showing you some of the amazing vintage and second-hand pieces I found for my bedroom. You’re not going to want to miss that post!

IBC Master Bedroom Spring ORC:

Week 1 – Before Photos and Design Plan
Week 2 – Board and Batten
Week 3 – Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas (You are here!)
Week 4 – Antique Finds for my Bedroom
Week 5 – Finishing Details
Week 6 – Final Reveal!

And for more ORC excitement, be sure to check out all of the featured participants below to see how their spaces are coming along!

Spring 2019 One Room Challenge Designers:

A special thanks to Inspired by Charm’s One Room Challenge Sponsors:

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Kitchen Windows and Doors: Bayberry Kitchen Update

Interiors

Monday
Apr / 15 / 2019
Comments 8

Kitchen Windows and Doors: Bayberry Kitchen Update #kitchen #renovation #windows #doors

Well, my friends, it’s hard to believe it’s been almost a month since I last posted about my Bayberry Kitchen remodel. I figured it was time to update you on the progress, so today I’m going to give you a look at my new windows and doors!

In case you’re new to Inspired by Charm, I am currently renovating the kitchen in the house I purchased last summer. I’ve been documenting the process here on IBC. If you’d like to catch up, you can find before pictures and a video tour here. I also posted the design plan for the new kitchen here.

Kitchen Windows and Doors:

Since I last checked in, there have been lots of changes. Most noticeable are my new windows and doors. Let’s take a look at those first.

(If you’ve enjoyed my videos, and prefer that mode, I’ve created a new one with a full walkthrough of the kitchen. You can find that video at the end of this post.)

One of the things I wanted in my kitchen was more natural light. To achieve that, I decided to open the wall between the dining room and kitchen and install a bank of windows in the dining room. I now have these three glorious windows.

While this was definitely an added expense, I’m so happy with my decision. The space is much brighter, and the windows are an attention grabber in the dining room. Plus, since the windows overlook my driveway, I can easily look out and see if I have company. I love this unanticipated benefit.

As you will see with most of the new windows, this change required some masonry work. Holes had to be created in the exterior brick and then filled in again.

You can see here when the new window was initially added …

… and then you can see here when they filled in the brick. It’s been interesting to watch how this is done.

Back inside I also replaced the French doors in the dining room. These allow a lot more light into the space, and I love the simple horizontal grid design.

All of the windows and doors are Marvin Integrity. My contractor spoke highly of them, so that’s what I decided to purchase. And even though it might make cleaning a bit more time-consuming, I chose to have the muntins placed on the glass rather than between the panes. This detail is just so beautiful, and I think it suits the style of Bayberry House.

Over in the kitchen, the single window above the sink was replaced with two windows.

The double doors in the kitchen are being replaced with a Dutch door. I’ve purchased this one from Simpson Doors. Since all of Simpson Doors are custom made (and I had them add a special detail), the door won’t be here for another few weeks.

Sidenote: I will talk about all of my lessons learned when this project is complete. However, I want to note that timing is crucial. For example, having to wait several weeks for a door could potentially throw off your entire timeline. Thankfully, my contractor has been flexible and able to keep the project moving without this door.

I did sacrifice some natural light here with the removal of the two doors. While it might seem a little dark now, more light will come in once the Dutch door is in place.

Here, you can also see into the new butler’s pantry and powder room. Both of these spaces have been framed out and also have new windows.

You can get a peek at the vanity for the powder room. It’s a vintage two-drawer table that will be topped with marble and fitted with a vessel sink. The faucet will be mounted on the wall, and there will be a marble backsplash.

You might also notice that the back wall of the powder room has been studded out twice. This was done in order to add an extra layer of insulation. Since the faucet is wall mounted, the pipes will be running through an exterior wall. This additional layer will prevent the pipes from freezing in the winter.

Besides making all of these changes, the crew has been working to finish the plumbing and run the electrical. We ran into a few issues along the way but were able to find creative solutions.

Next week drywall will be put up. (Hopefully, that’s the last of the messy/dusty steps!) The floors will be laid after that and the hardwood throughout the entire first floor will be refinished. Anyone have a beach house I can stay at for a week? Ha!

Knock on wood, but so far everything has gone pretty smoothly.

It is crazy having a construction zone on my first floor and working on my master bedroom for the One Room Challenge. However, this week things are feeling more settled, and it’s been exciting to see the positive changes.

I greatly appreciate your patience with me and the blog throughout this process. I expected that creating content and recipes would be challenging during this renovation, but I’ve discovered that all of the upheaval affects my spirit. My home is a big source of peace for me, so having it torn up can get to me at times. I do realize the mess and inconvenience are normal in any remodel and that the end result will make it worthwhile. In the interim, I’m so thankful for an outstanding crew, contractor, and designer who are helping to implement my vision for Bayberry House.

Kitchen Windows and Doors Video:

As promised, you can check out my latest video below. In it, I take you on a guided walk around the space.

I would love it if you also could subscribe to my YouTube channel. Just click on the subscribe button. Even if you don’t watch the videos on YouTube, having you as a subscriber will really help my channel. Thanks in advance!

As always, I hope you enjoyed this update on my kitchen remodel. I’ll be certain to show you around again once the drywall is complete. I also want to give you a peek at some of the finishes, including the tile, paint, cabinet pulls, and lighting. That will be a fun post, so stay tuned.

Have a great week, friends!

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How to Choose Paint Colors

Interiors

Thursday
Apr / 11 / 2019
Comments 3

How to Choose Paint Colors - Tips and Tricks #paint #swcolorlove #sherwinwilliams #oneroomchallenge

This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Paint colors and color selection always seem to be of interest. Anytime I post a picture of a room on Instagram, someone seems to ask, “What paint color is that?” I think this happens for a couple of reasons.

First, paint color makes a big impact in a room. Because the paint usually covers a larger surface, it influences how a room looks and feels. Secondly, choosing a paint color may seem like a daunting task. With so many colors to pick from, it is a big decision and can quickly be overwhelming.

In today’s post, I’m going to walk you through how to choose paint colors. Since I’m working on a few big projects in my home, now seemed like the perfect time to share my process.

As you may know, I’m redecorating my master bedroom. And I just went through this entire paint selection process. As I did this, I made notes so that I could tell you what I did step-by-step and share tips and tricks that helped me.

Let’s get started!

How to Choose Paint Colors:

1. Find Inspiration

Anytime I work on a new space, there’s usually some sort of inspiration. For example, last fall I painted my living room with Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029. My inspiration for that color choice was two-fold.

I wanted a neutral backdrop that would work with seasonal decor. (With Christmas on the horizon, I was especially thinking about that.)

Plus, I had recently purchased two emerald green velvet chairs. These chairs are statement pieces, so I wanted a wall color that would allow them to shine. After some testing and researching, I ended up with Agreeable Gray.

For my master bedroom, I’ve derived my inspiration from a vintage paint-by-number painting. I love the colors in it, so I figured it might lead me to the right color for the room, and that’s exactly what happened.

2. Color Match

Once you’ve found your inspiration, you’re ready to pick paint to match. One of my new favorite tools for doing this is the Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap^®Visualizer.

The ColorSnap Visualizer is an online tool that helps you turn any image into a palette of paint. You can upload an image or enter a website URL and the tool will provide a palette of colors based on your inspiration image.

So that’s exactly what I did. I used my phone to take a picture of the paint-by-number painting, uploaded it into the ColorSnap Visualizer, and received this beautiful palette.

In an instant, I was presented with colors that I loved: Icelandic SW 6526, Tigereye SW 6362, Caviar SW 6990, and Anonymous SW 7046.

There’s also an option in the ColorSnap Visualizer that allows you to “edit colors.” This gives you five additional colors for your palette. From there, you can drag and drop colors to find the perfect sampling for your space.

Because my particular inspiration painting has a wide variety of colors, I zoomed in on a few areas to pick up some of the green and orange colors. Doing this gave me a few more gems, including Roycroft Bottle Green SW 2847, Chartreuse SW 0073, and Harvest Gold SW 2858.

3. Look at the Color Fan Deck

Once I had narrowed down the colors for my bedroom, I turned to my color fan deck and in-store swatches to see the colors “in real life.” As great as technology is, colors can vary on your computer screen, so I always take a look at paint swatches.

If you do a lot of painting, it can be super helpful to have a fan deck of all the colors at home. However, you can also head to your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store to peruse their giant wall of paint swatches.

Pull out all of your paint swatches and look at them together. You’ll want to compare them to your inspiration as well as any textiles you plan to have in your space. Here, you can see an upholstery sample for my bed plus fabric for my curtains.

I also started to assemble a virtual design board where I included a potential rug, light, furniture, and other furnishings for the space. Even though colors can be misleading on a computer screen, this gives a general idea of how the paint colors will work with the whole look.

3. Purchase Paint Samples

Once you have a solid idea of your paint color selection, it’s time to sample. I like to pare down my selections to one or two colors before I get to this stage. I know I can get overwhelmed by too many choices, so testing a limited number of colors works best for me.

Sherwin-Williams Color to Go^®samples are designed for this purpose. You can sample any of their over 1,500 colors.

I’ve found that sampling colors in my own home is essential. Falling in love with a paint color you see in a photo or online doesn’t mean you will be able to achieve the same look in your space with that color.

The furnishings, floor color, ceiling height, amount of natural light in your space, and direction your home faces all impact how a color looks in your room. In addition, a lot of professional photos online are the result of a filter or color correction, meaning you can never be sure of the color. That’s why this paint sampling step is so important. You definitely want to see how a particular color is going to look in YOUR space.

Because of my research, plans for the master bedroom, and use of the ColorSnap Visualizer tool, I decided to sample two colors: Anew Gray SW 7030 on my molding and board and batten and Icelandic on the walls.

4. Sample Paints on Your Walls

With your samples purchased, you’re ready to apply them. You can do this one of two ways: directly paint your walls or paint pieces of paper, poster board, or foam board.

I prefer to sample directly on the surfaces I’ll be painting. However, if you don’t want big swatches of different colors on your surfaces, using paper or poster/foam board can be a good alternative.

As I mentioned above, for me this sampling step is crucial. While paint swatches are amazing for sourcing, a color can look very different on your walls than it does on a 2×2-inch square.

I also recommend trying the sample colors in a few areas of the room. See how it looks next to your molding or how it looks in a darker area of the room versus a wall opposite a window. You’ll also want to see what the color looks during the day with sunlight and what it looks like at night. It’s amazing how light changes the appearance of colors.

Once I had my sample colors on the wall, I noticed two things. First, Anew Gray was an instant winner for me. It was beautifully saturated but still light. Although I like to incorporate color into my home, I still prefer lighter colored rooms.

The second thing I noticed was that Icelandic wasn’t the color for me. Bummer. It seemed too baby blue. It gave the room more of a beach vibe, which wasn’t what I was after.

So I pulled out my color fan deck and found two other options I’m going to try: Lullaby SW 9136 and North Star SW SW6246. Both seem to be a bit more subtle, almost a dirty blue. I’m thinking that one will be a much better pairing with Anew Gray. One of these colors worked beautitfully, so you’ll have to follow along with the makeover to see which one is the winner!

As you can see, this step is important. I assumed my initial color choices would be a beautiful combination, but once they were on the walls, the pairing just didn’t work for me.

5. Paint

With your colors selected, you’re now ready to paint! Grab your tools, cover your surfaces, and get that paint on.

These are the Sherwin-Williams products I will be using for my Master Bedroom:

Sherwin-Williams Emerald^®Interior : Wall Paint (Satin)
Sherwin-Williams Emerald^®Urethane Trim Enamel : Trim Paint (Typically semi-gloss, but for this project, I’m trying satin.)

While these are my favorites, Sherwin-Williams has a variety of options to suit your preferences and budget. And the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. If you’re confused about which product is best for you and your project, just ask for their advice.

And that, my friends, is how to choose paint colors. Or at least how I choose paint colors.

I realize this may seem time-consuming, but it’s actually a pretty simple process that I highly recommend. I speak from experience. It is no fun to paint an entire room only to realize you don’t like the color or it’s not right for the space.

There’s no science to choosing paint colors, but I hope that reading about my process helps you the next time you tackle a paint project in your home.

Happy Painting!

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