Hayseed Homemade Happiness

A few simple Hayseed Homemade rules for a happier kitchen & home:

Keep a jar of fresh flowers on the table. (or a vase, whatever suits your style.)    
Minnesota winters can seem so dang long, especially when spring can't seem to commit to us around here.  So I've been keeping fresh flowers in the kitchen for the last few weeks as a pick-me-up.  I buy a new bouquet weekly (thankfully, my taste in flowers is pretty inexpensive: I like that country-wildflower look.)  Even if it's just a daisy or two, try it out... It'll put a little spring in your step.

Candles. 
Light a candle.  It's a mood thing & a nice finishing touch after cleaning.

Music.
Keep it playing: even if it's quietly in the background.  Dishes aren't as boring to the sound of a steel guitar & Strait.

Fresh Air & Sunshine.
Crack open a window, tie back your curtains.

Brew up some happiness.
I always keep hot coffee in the pot or cold tea & lemons in the fridge: depends on the season.

Simplify.  
Keep things around that are pretty, useful, and/or important.  Get rid of the rest.

Prettify.
It could be a pretty coffee cup, a pretty dish towel, or a pretty picture frame: get it in your life.  Functional doesn't have to be ordinary.

The Small Things.
Enjoy 'em.

Rise 'N Shine.
Make it a point to go to bed with a clean kitchen & a tidy living room (or wherever you spend most of your time.)  Wake up to a fresh start every day & take a little time to enjoy all of these things listed above- even if it means giving yourself a few minutes before the kids rise...& shine all over the house.


& a "Pinterest Friendly" photo:

  



     

   

Valentine's Day: Tinsel Garland & Tulle

 

 As you can see, we had a pretty classy Valentine's Day at our house.  This was my last minute attempt to decorate the house for the kids.  I decided this would be a good idea late last night & after hours of cleaning & making the kids' cards, I was up until 1:30 am - digging through Christmas storage boxes and stringing tinsel garland & tulled lights.  

  

Hoping everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Chandelier Makeover

We bought this chandelier a few years ago at Menard's for less than $50.  I loved something about the color, shape & style; it reminded me of something you'd see in a farmhouse.  I was so excited about this purchase, as it was the first change we made to our first home together.  It moved with us, from house to house.  Though I'm ready for a change & need a little more sparkle, I find myself emotionally attached to this plain Jane chandelier.  I've been thinking of ways to dress it up and the other day, while browsing a local thrift store, I found these [pictured below] pretty glass shades - $1.00 each.   

 

I had a couple of these pretty glass shades stored [from when I used them as candle holders at June's Junk Gypsy birthday party] but didn't have enough to finish this chandelier.  I was ecstatic when I saw 4 more of these beauts sitting on that store shelf.  Seriously, what are the odds?!  I think it was meant to be...
 

 & I love how they sparkle when lit up.

 

Valentine's Day : Twine & Lace Garland

The kids & I made this pretty twine garland simply by tying pieces of lace to twine with pink ribbons.  The possibilities with this quick project are endless, & it's easy enough for the little ones!

A Farmhouse Buffet

We spent the day up at my parents' farm & while we were here I thought my mom's buffet would be a fun "re-arranging" project.  So after an afternoon of playing around with her decor, here it is!

I'm in love with her Ironstone collection, so that took center stage.

 I found this pretty dried lavender & loved how it looked with the color of the eucalyptus wreath. [& the milk can was a nice contrast to all of the ivory Ironstone.]

& this chicken wire basket to collect the glass milk bottles in the kitchen.

  

 My mom loves birds, so you'll find her little feathered friends hidden throughout the house.  I found this guy in her eucalyptus wreath.

My Grandma Pauline made this gorgeous wreath!  [Every wreath she makes is incredible.]  It's one of my favorite things in the house.

I'll be back soon :) Happy Thursday!

Cupcake Stands

 

I made these mini cake stands by bonding an upside-down cup to a small saucer with 100% clear silicone caulk.  Once they are put together with the silicone, leave them untouched for 24 hours!  They are dishwasher safe.   

 

 How cute would this be on top of a dresser for jewelry?  Or a sink-side dish for soap & sponges?

Watch for these on our Coonskin June Etsy Shop [Coming Soon!]  I'll keep everyone posted on our grand opening!

Fireside Elf

I've been trying to get creative with this whole Elf on the Shelf deal because I'm running out of places to "hide" him.  So last night I set up this little fireside scene, using the centerpiece on our kitchen table.   I just added the small "fire pit" by surrounding a tea light candle with tiny stones & gave the elf a toothpick & a mini-marshmallow.  [I found them in the baking aisle... they're called "Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits"]