Handpicked Favorites

A few of my favorite home decor and DIY items for the month of February, plus recommendations from blogger friends.

Welcome to the month of love! I am getting busy with all the wedding things for Happy Girl’s Labor Day weekend wedding. We’re meeting with a florist, have a couple of dress shopping appointments, have already met with the wedding coordinator…oye vay! It’s going to be a busy year of love! All exciting, indeed; I only have one girl, so gotta live it up!

Since it’s the start of a new month, I’m joining my friends to send our favorite recommendations to you. For the new year, we’ve got a couple new ladies joining along. So you’ll get even more ideas! This Handpicked Favorites post is always a fun way to kick off the new month; enjoy our favorite decorating, DIY, and lifestyle picks!

Handpicked Favorites

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• My friend Stacy from Bricks n’ Blooms just published her first gardening book and it is amazing! Her photography is gorgeous and she has the best tips for turning your yard into a flower bouquet-filled dream! I got a preview copy and have been soaking it up. You can find “A Beautiful and Easy Care Flower Garden” HERE.
• We have had no winter here in MN and now the grass is getting green! The birds think it’s Spring, so I’m ready to pull out all the bird decor! I picked up this cute Blue Jay paint-by-number last weekend at an antique store. Find vintage bird PBN’s HERE. Or get your own kit to paint HERE.
• I’m in the project mood and I’ve always wanted to learn how to reupholster. This little stool is getting a cottage makeover. This basic set of upholstery staple remover tools is going to make the job so much easier. You can find the set HERE.
• Springtime weather gets me in the mood for botanical art. I picked up these framed prints and this fern poster last weekend. Think it’s time to decorate the mantel with a botanical vibe. You can find botanical art HERE and HERE.

Favorites From My Friends

Cindy, Reinvented Delaware

• My kids bought me some new jammies for Christmas and I had to share them with you! The fabric is unreal! Soft, not heavy and so warm & cozy! The company is called Little Sleepies and they make matching jammies for families. I have one pajama top and one pajama bottom in the Blue Rainbows. The best part is the tops and bottoms come separately which is perfect if you wear two different sizes like me!
• On Wednesday this week, I went thrift shopping with one of my sisters and she was telling me about these cool silicone freezing molds. One of my other sisters had told her about them so she got them in several sizes. The 1 cup size is in my Walmart cart now and I can’t wait to get it for the next time I want to freeze homemade chicken stock! It’s the little things that make me smile!
• My dentist recently told me the best way to keep plaque off of your teeth is to use a powered toothbrush twice a day. So that’s a goal of mine this year. I’ve used a battery-powered toothbrush for years but admittedly, I’ve only used it in the mornings. I use a regular toothbrush at night. The powered toothbrush has a timer and will remind you to brush for 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth. It’s super helpful for clean teeth and so cheap at $25!
• Are you dreaming of gardening yet? I’ve been browsing the seed catalogs lately and I’m excited to start planting! Zinnias are on my radar so I will be needing some new flower snips. While I am at it, I think I will replace my herb snips too. I’ll keep those in the kitchen since my herb garden is just outside of the kitchen window.

Anna, Sky Lark House

• With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this Mango Wood Heart Tray with a gold leaf interior is perfect. I love the natural wood and the subtle nod to Valentine’s Day.
• This Natural Handled Farmhouse Cheese Board is gorgeous and can be used as a charcuterie board. Hello Valentine’s Day!
• My MIL gave me that hand lotion and I love it. Winter can leave your skin really dry. Udderly smooth hand cream absorbs fast without a greasy residue.
• If you do have a charcuterie board, I highly recommend this Divina Fig Spread Jam. Normally, I am not a fan of fig jam but this one I love. Plus it’s nice to use for a special occasion.
• Finally, I love using candles- especially those made by Antique Candle Company. This bundle of 4 large 12 oz candles is perfect as we transition to spring. Shipping is also free!

Cindy, County Road 407

• I’m trying to talk the Mister into painting our blue kitchen walls. I agree, it wasn’t the best decision but in my defense, that was way back when I was working with dog puke gold walls in the rest of the house. Anyway, with those newly painted walls comes a whole new look for the breakfast area as well.  I thought these Cafe Curtains would be super cute because they’ll let in a lot of light and hide the grill sitting outside on the patio.

• I know a tension rod isn’t the normal go-to for hanging curtains.  But I have 3 reasons why this Brass Tension Rod is the way to go.  First, if I used a regular rod, the poles would be the height of my stomach (hips for most people) and the area around the table is a little tight so stabbing myself on a daily basis with the end of the rod isn’t ideal.  Second, these will make the Mister happier because we aren’t drilling more holes in the walls which means less heavy sighing.  And third, I like how close the edge of the rod will sit inside the window allowing the curtain to cover the entire window.

• We’ve lived in this particular house since 2009 and have used a rug only 3 times during the winter to help with the cold tile.  It was always a cowhide I’ve had for years and it never really helped.  This time, I’d like to try a real rug.  Our table is oval shaped and because I’d like to keep things neutral and durable, this Oval Jute Rug fits the bill.  And look how inexpensive it is!  Definitely worth trying.

• Anyone else have a bar area where the wall underneath looks like poop with scuff marks and dirt?  I’ve practically scrubbed the paint off trying to clean it.  I’ve decided to try Peel-N-Stick Wallpaper instead of repainting.  It’s a small area so the cost will be minimal.  It’s easy to install and because of the neutral color, it will make an exciting but subtle statement.  And I’m not worried about rips or tears since nothing has been that damaging in 15 years.

Diane, South House Designs

Last month, I refreshed our home, now I’m desperate for some closet refresh — Let’s start with the hardest part of our wardrobes. Yes, how about a collective sigh for pants shopping!!!

Pants — nothing worse to find, right? Until now — I’m excited to share my “Feminist Pants” (okay that’s what I call them). Finally there is a US firm that is designing and selling beautifully constructed pants (and I’m super picky) (made in China) in 5 lengths in every size and great pockets!!! Yes, we finally can order pants made for women but with all the features men have been enjoying for eons!!! FIVE lengths!!!! It’s like custom-tailored at ready-made prices.

• • I love these joggers – perfect in between tight yoga pants and baggy sweat pants. I had to return mine for a shorter length forgetting that a jogger should end short of your shoes. Easy peasy return! And six great colors.

• • And they have bootcut yoga pants that think they’re dress pants — comfortable enough for the gym, made for the office! 4 Colors, 5 Lengths

• • And for on top, I’m loving this lightweight V-neck “Henley” — the buttons, the cuffs! I’m layering it over a thin long sleeve T, now. But Henley’s weight on its own will be perfect for me into Summer. With 18 colors, it’s hard to decide the next one (or two) I’ll order.

• • I’m overdue for some waterproof puddle jumping, wading (and gardening) boots. Loving these, now to decide between the bright lake blue and the matte lake blue.

Lynn, Living Large In A Small House

Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner. If you are hosting or heading to someone’s home for the game, here are a few things you might need.

• • I’m planning on making chili and I love my slow cooker and it will keep the chili warm throughout the whole day.

• • Serving all the toppings in a chili bar style is my favorite way to enjoy this meal. I love these little white bowls for all the fixings.

• • A charcuterie board is a must for us for any event. I love this board from Target.

• • It wouldn’t be a Super Bowl Party without wings. I will load up this white tray with a few dozen.

February ideas and inspiration to enjoy:

“Vintage Valentine’s Day Hutch Decor Ideas”

“A Very Vintage Valentine’s Tablescape”

“Upcycled Vintage Valentine Cloche”

“Delicious Dessert Crepes”

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