Home Decor

The Local Antique Shop

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Hello friends, hope you all are well and enjoying the new year.

Today’s blog post features pictures from a local Chinese antique store, The Oriental Place, that a friend and I visited last week.  This local shop has been in business since 1999, and offers original antiques from China.  The prices were reasonable, they carry anything from one of a kind porcelain, small unique gifts, up to large furniture pieces.   For the ladies stationed on the island they will open their shop for coffees or business meetings, and offer information about their beautiful Chinese antiques.

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imageHope you enjoyed taking a look at this lovely Antique store, all the intricate carving and colorful painted furniture are amazing.  The brushes you saw in a few pictures that look like old shaving cream brushes are caligraphy brushes, they are a great affordable gift idea, I’d never seen these until moving here.  If you are in the area it’s definitely worth checking out.   They also offer gift cards, perfect for a friend or family member, they are available starting at $25.  Their website is www.orientalplaceokinawa.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orientalplaceokinawa.

oriental map

Thank-you for stopping by!  Have a great weekend!

Jessica

Traditional Christmas Decor

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Happy Holidays friends!  Just a little more than a week until Christmas. Cole gets home this week from Guam and the kiddos finish up school on Friday.  I hope you all have completed your shopping and are enjoying your holiday parties and time with family.

Last week my blog post was about using gold Christmas decor, this week I wanted to show you a few of my favorite traditional red and green decor picks.

via www.southernliving.com  This wreath is a lovely way to greet your guests for the holidays.

via www.pinterest.com/pin/76420524900985729/  In keeping with the holly theme, this is a simple arrangement but when in an oversized container in a group of three it’s a show stopper!

via www.tginteriors.blogspot.jp If you aren’t able to get your hands on any holly, cedar or pine trimmings are a beautiful festive option to add to your Christmas decor.

via www.countryliving.com Branches with ornaments for those of you who may not have the space or access to a Christmas tree.

via www.southernliving.com Cranberries and magnolia leaves, a beautiful combination.
via www.marthastewart.com A cute alternative to displaying your Christmas cards.

via www.atlantahomesmag.com This trio is also a lovely welcome for guests, made of pinecones, blue spruce and a deep green velvet ribbon.

via www.southernliving.com

via http://room-galleries.myhomeideas.com

via  http://room-galleries.myhomeideas.com  A beautiful entrance to this home using fruit, boxwood and blue spruce trimmings, accented with touches of red.

via www.laurengeiger.blogspot

via  www.megduerksen.typepad.com Click this picture for more details.  I love the vintage Christmas ornaments and crystal mixed with the silver trees.

via www.auntpeaches.com Another simple and affordable idea for your chandelier.

via www.ext.homedepot.com  If you don’t have a chandelier, create your own focal point. This wreath hung with ribbon is a beautiful alternative.

via www.rainydays-snowynights.tumblr.com

via www.potterybarn.com/ Nostalgic Christmas Tree

via www.traditionalhome.com This is my favorite tree mixed all types of ornaments, no specific theme.

via www.marthastewart.com   Keep your holiday cards organized and on display.  Click the picture for step-by-step instructions.

via www.southernliving.com For all my friends who have these hanging in their living rooms, sure to put a smile on your guests face.

via www.bhg.com Pomegranate and holly berries.

via www.traditionalhome.com

Hope you enjoyed taking a look at a few of my favorite Christmas decor ideas.  Click the pictures for sources and more information.  Enjoy your holiday and remember the reason for the season!

Take Care,

Jessica

Golden Christmas

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Hope you all have had a wonderful weekend.  We are doing well in Okinawa, we’ve had a few cooler evenings, it’s finally feeling like fall.  Just got our last package mailed off, my Christmas shopping is almost complete, now I’m ready to enjoy the season.

This post is about choosing your Christmas decor.  The options are endless, if you are looking to change it up a bit this year I have found a few options that are affordable DIY projects.  Other than traditional red and green, gold would be my choice for Christmas decor.  The gold tones will go well with any color home decor and has a bit more of a formal look.  With all the wonderful metallic paints available this look is easy to accomplish.  No worries if you’ve already got your Christmas decor up for the season, plan ahead for next year, hit the after Christmas sales and stock up on all things gold.  Check out a few of the lovely trees and DIY projects below for a little inspiration.

via www.potterybarn.com  Love this tree topper.

via  www.MarthaStewart.com

via www.bhg.com

via www.countryliving.com

via www.maureenstevens.com Branches sprayed with metallic paint, these could be used as a tree topper or as an arrangement.

via www.thesweetestoccasion.com Check out this site for step-by-step instruction on how to make this beautiful garland.  Drape this from your mantel or around your tree.

via www.MarthaStewart.com  Click the picture for step-by-step instructions on to create these lovely gilded pinecones.

via www.homedit.com  Artificial greenery come to life with gold metallic spray paint,  add candles for a beautiful glow.  Live greenery also works great, I’ve used this to help the tree look fuller, it looks beautiful with the lights reflecting off the gold.

via  www.weheartit.com Use artificial fruit from the dollar store and glitter to create a centerpiece or add to your tree.

via www.anightowlblog.com Another option for your artificial fruit.

via www.williamsburgmarketplace.com Bay leaves, magnolia leaves, or even a pine wreath completely covered or just adding a light coat of metallic paint. This would look great on your front door or above your mantel.

via www.yournestdesign.blogspot  This combination is beautiful.

via www.pinterest.com Simple magnolia leaf wreath with gold ribbon.

via www.marthastewart.com Click the picture for more Christmas wreath ideas from MarthaStewart.com.  The wide satin ribbon tied in a loose knot make the wreath.

via www.MarthaStewart.com  Gold magnolia leaf garland draped with wide satin ribbon.  Click the picture for how-to instructions.

via www.lowes.com I have used Rustoleum for several of my projects and have read several reviews, this seems to be the top choice.

via www.krylon.com  This spray comes in a rainbow of colors, much easier than the glue and glitter technique from back in the day.

via www.pinterest.com If you decide to go with the gold theme or another of your favorite metallic tones don’t forget the gift wrap.

via www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com

All the pictures above have clickable links for more info.

Hope you have enjoyed this post, happy decorating!  Next post, traditional red and green decor.  Don’t forget to subscribe and please share with your friends.  Have a wonderful week and take time to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

Jessica

 

 

Thanksgiving Table

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Hello friends, Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it’s time to start thinking about setting your table for family and friends, which can often be a daunting task.  I like the simple, timeless approach,  try to avoid buying trendy items that you may look back and say, “What was I thinking?”

This season there are many affordable options, depending where you live and what you have access to.  I’ve seen beautiful arrangements this season using cotton, pheasant feathers, wheat, just to name a few.  The colors I’m loving this fall are plum and burgundy, an easy option is always fruit and fall foliage.

Click the pictures below for the link and more info.

plumvia www.boho-weddings.com This is the color scheme my pick this fall, check out more amazing pics. on Boho-weddings.com.
via www.weddingchicks.com  How beautiful is this linen napkin, pheasant feather, and brass napkin ring combination?  
via www.blog.birdsparty.com  More of the beautiful plum color, mixed with magnolia leaves and persimmons.
 via www.vignettedesign.net  Beautiful color combination.
pomvia  www.bridalguide.com This is a beautiful combination with the pine cones, pomegranates, and orchids.        
via www.blog.xoxobride.com Another simple, yet beautiful option for using pomegranates.
via www.stylemepretty.com This is another amazing arrangement, if you have access to fresh cut cotton.
via www.findinghomeonline.com  Black and white gingham, striped tea towel, and  a small twig of lavender.
via  www.potterybarn.com  These lovely ikat napkins would be perfect on any Thanksgiving table, priced at $16.00 for a set of four.  
via www.pinterest.com  Accorns and lavender.
via  www.intimateweddings.com Another great look if you have access to fresh-cut wheat.
via www.southernliving.com  Fall foliage and miniature pumpkins,  pop against the white table linens and dinnerware. 
via www.hgtv.com  This is a great idea for your guests or kiddos, write what your thankful, a beautiful keepsake.
leaves 1via www.eastcoastcreativeblog.com  Lovely craft idea for the kiddos, also another option for guests to share what they are thankful for.
via www.eastcoastcreativeblog.com  Creative artwork idea for the kiddos, using dry magnolia leaves.
 
Hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look at a few of my favorite picks for our Thanksgiving table and it’s helped get the creative juices flowing.
 
Thank-you for reading my blog!  Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your friends.  
 
Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! 
  
Jessica
 
 
 

Halloween Treats for All

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Halloween is only a few weeks away,  it’s time for parties and gatherings with friends and family.  This season the options are endless for goolish, tasty treats that the kiddos are sure to enjoy, and a few for mom, too!  Here are a few of  my favorites picks, sure to be tasty and not too difficult to prepare.  The pictures have clickable links to the source for recipes and step-by-step instructions.

via  www.southernliving.com  Try using pumpkins to add interesting height to your buffet this Halloween.

via www.dixiecrystals.com  This yummy treat has only six ingredients, Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles.

via www.erinsfoodfiles.com  Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles, another pumpkin truffle option, they look delish!

via www.marthastewart.com  Marshmallow skulls top madeleines shrouded in bittersweet chocolate.

via www.notquitenigella.com  How about brains, grotesque with a blood clot hidden inside the cupcake?

via  www.cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com  Love this simple vampire bite cupcake, it is vanilla cake with bloody jam centre and bloodied fang marks.

via  www.karaspartyideas.com  This is a cute idea for a fall party, using mini Oreos and Reese’s pieces.

via www.tasteofhome.com  Adorable ghosts, a simple way to decorate your juicy strawberries.

via www.annies-eats.com  If you need a chocolate fix, this colorful Halloween bark is a good balance of sweet and salty.

 

bandaids via  www.katherinemariephotography.com   This is an easy idea for the kids to help prepare.

via www.craftberrybush.com  This is definitely the cutest idea for older kids and adults, how can you resist a candy apple bar? Bite size is perfect and you can try them all. Check out Lucy’s blog for recipes and more cute ideas.

via www.pinterest.com/pin/68724549731  Beautiful presentation of a candied apple bar.

via  www.mylitter.com Here is another great option for candied apples, great for little hands.  Be sure to read the helpful tips, under the recipe on www.mylitter.com.

via www.life-in-the-lofthouse.com  If you are not into candied apples, how about a little caramel apple dip?  This recipe also looks delicious.

via  www.shewearsmanyhats.com  Here’s a simple recipe for your pumpkin seeds after carving your jack-o-lantern ,  this one has only five ingredients.

via  www.dearcrissy.com This is another simple recipe, only six ingredients, most are already in your pantry.  This with your morning coffee, yes, please!

via www.marthastewart.com  I had to add this jack-o-lattern pick, made me smile.

Hope you enjoyed this post and are hungry now!  Dont’t forget to subscribe and share with your friends.  Have wonderful day!

Jessica

Custom Built Home Tour

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Hello all, hope this blog post finds you doing well and enjoying the beautiful October weather.

I’ve been in South Carolina now for about two months waiting on my husband to finish up his training in Oregon.  While here I’ve  enjoyed checking out a few sites in the area.   It’s no surprise, Charleston is still my favorite, the city is full of historic homes and sites.  If you’ve never been you need to add Charleston to your list of things to do.

While checking out the area I found a building company owned by Richard Jackson.   The company is Jackson Built Custom Homes it’s based in Daniel Island, South Carolina.  This builder has amazing taste, the homes are beautiful down to the smallest detail.  Their website has home tours that leave you wanting to see more.  I am not affiliated with this company in any way, but just thought I would share one of their house tours.  Click on the pictures for more details and contact information.

This screened in porch with fireplace has to be my favorite along with the kitchen.  A great room for watching a little Alabama football.

I think most women have a dream kitchen, this one is pretty close to mine.  The white cabinetry with Carrara marble and three windows centered over the sink, overlooking the back yard are amazing.  The copper hood, the cabinetry, the ceiling details, the beams, all show what wonderful craftsmanship this company puts into their homes.

 This butler’s pantry has an abundant amount of storage that will eliminate any clutter in your kitchen.

The dining and living area are open to one another.  The neutral color palette is timeless and not to mention great when decorating for the holidays.

The built-ins and molding are beautiful, I can just see a fire burning and my Christmas tree sitting in the corner.

Hope you enjoyed taking a tour of this beautiful Jackson Built Custom Home.  If you are ever in the Charleston area check them out.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Jessica

Halloween and Fall Decor

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Happy Fall Y’all!  Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the cooler weather.  This week the hubs is headed home, so it will be especially sweet at the Johnson household.

Last week we were outdoors, so this week we are moving inside and checking out a few great ideas for decorating your home for the fall season.  The pictures below have clickable links that will take you to the source.
via  www.bhg.com   Make ordinary objects a little creepier with a coat of black paint.  Find a tree branch (the more twisted and gnarled, the better) and spray-paint it black. Once dry, insert the branch in an urn or pot. Finish by placing a few black ravens on the branch.

via  www.babble.com  This is another cute idea to hang in you entryway, above your table or island.

via www.marthastewart.com How about this for your coffee table? If you have boys, this would definitely get two thumbs up.  Made of tea-dyed eggs and fishing lures, it’s sure to make guests scream.

via  www.marthastewart.com  Another cute idea that the boys are sure to love, a nice dining room table centerpiece.

via  www.marthastewart.com  This is an option for those who have little ones that are scared of jack-o-lanterns.  These are made of daikon radishes and turnips, and an easy project to make with the kiddos.

autumvia www.countryliving.com  This a great option if you’re not into the traditional Halloween colors, keeping it simple with neutral decor.

via www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/aunt-ruthies-autumn-home-tour, for more pics.  I like the look of the lit branches on your mantel or at an entry.  I’ve seen the pre-lit branches at Kirkland’s and Target for around $10-12 dollars.

 

via www.hgtv.com  Using leaves the kiddos have collected is another creative way to decorate your dining room, mantel, or over your kitchen sink.

via  www.MarthaStewart.com  To make this you need: miniature gourds, a drill with a fine bit, and twine. Drill a hole through the center of each gourd. Thread twine through an embroidery needle; run it through the holes, knotting it at both sides of each gourd to secure in place. Click on the picture complete step-by-step instructions.  This garland is great for indoors or out.

via www.countryliving.com  Dried gourds and squash on this mantle remind me of my grandmother.   Additional ‘Tiny Bottle’ gourds hang from a garland of chestnuts.

via www.marthastewart.com  This is a great option if you are going for a more formal look, great for Halloween or Thanksgiving.  All you need to accomplish this look is a can of silver spray paint and pumpkins in various sizes.

via www.countryliving.com Love the colors in the wreath and rug.

via  www.southernliving.com  How about this festive retreat to enjoy your morning cup of coffee.  These lovely mantle arrangements are a combination of autumn leaves, hydrangea, berries, oak and magnolia leaves.

via  www.southernliving.com  An arrangement like this is alway sitting on my dining room table as soon as the leaves start to turn, the bigger the better.   Branches of leaves cut from the yard,  can’t get any more affordable or beautiful.

via www.marthastewart.com  How about this half bat, half pumpkin pace setting?

via www.craftychickscuppacoffee.blogspot.com

via  www.diana212m.blogspot.com  How about this perfect fall potpourri to make your house smell like autumn?  Click the picture to take you to the recipe on Diana’s blog.

Hope you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to subscribe and share with your friends.  Have a great weekend!

Jessica

This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (NLT) ( Joshua 1:9 )

 

Give Your Porch Spook-Tastic Flair for Halloween

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It’s finally fall, my favorite time of the year.  I love that the weather is cooling off, the Halloween carnivals and festivals, football games, pumpkin patches, and last but not least decorating my home for the fall season.  The decorative options for a pumpkin or two are endless,  I’ve found a few of my favorites and I hope they inspire you to start decorating too.  The pictures below have clickable links to the source for more information.

via www.bhg.com Love the look of this look, it’s simple, affordable and will look great through the Thanksgiving holiday.

via www.bhg.com  With this arrangement stabilize the bottom pumpkin with rocks or sand; stack the pumpkins from largest to smallest, leaving lids with stems off on all but the top pumpkin.

via www.bhg.com  If you’re into carving your pumpkins, this is a cute idea with sunflower seeds.

via www.southernliving.com  To create this topiary, sandwich bay wreaths between pumpkins stacked in concrete urns, and top with a small pumpkin.

via www.pinterest.com  This raven wreath is so simple, I would have never thought of something like this!   The ravens you can find at just about any store that sells Halloween decor.  The foam wreath is just painted or wrapped in a black ribbon.

via www.thegatheringplacedesign.blogspot.com  This wreath is a great fall decor option to get you through the Thanksgiving holiday season and simple to make.

via www.susieharrisblog.com  Check out Susie’s blog for step-by-step instructions on how to make these lovely fall wreaths.

www.bhg.com  Love the color combination of this one.

via www.marthastewart.com  This is a great alternative for the front door if you are going to be away with your own trick-or-treaters.  I have actually done this the past few years, very easy and looks great.

via www.thistlewoodfarms.com

via www.marthastewart.com

via www.countryliving.com  Another creative idea for your fall decor, a little metallic spray paint to add a nontraditional twist to your pumpkins.

via www.goodhousekeeping.com Carrying on with the raven theme, this makes a dramatic statement, sure to spook your little trick-or-treaters.

via www.marthastewart.com  This one is a little more simple, but still very cute.

www.southernliving.com

via  www.bhg.com  The door decorations made from painted gourds are sure to catch the eye and chill the heart in the dark.

via www.potterybarn.com

via www.marthastewart.com  This one is simply a large shredded garbage bag(the thin cheaper bags work best), I have also done this the past two years and looks great.  It does tend to get very tangled,  if you live in a windy area you may want to wait until a day or two before the trick-or-treaters arrive.

via www.bhg.com  Easy to pose and secure with nearly invisible fishing line, the plastic skeletons can withstand the weather and hang out the entire season.

via www.bhg.com  These spooky silhouettes are simply traced onto black paper or poster with a light placed behind. This is a project the kiddos can definitely help with.

Hope you have enjoyed this post and it has inspired you to get decorating for Halloween.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and please share with your friends.  If you have recently subscribed and haven’t received email notifications please subscribe again, I’m still trying to iron out a few glitches.  Have a great day!

Jessica

Provence, France

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If you are looking for a dream vacation across the pond I’ve found a few stunning rental properties that might suit your fancy.  Take a peak and get your passports ready.

This lovely home is in the heart of the Alpilles of Provence, Le Grand Mas .  The six bedroom home will run you about 1,100 euros or $1,400 per night. The home is minimally decorated allowing the architecture and views to speak for themselves in Provence’s most highly sought after region.  This provencal house of old stone, surrounded by a great pool house and gardens, is just a short walk away from the center of Saint Remy de Provence. It stands in a flourishing and manicured park of olive trees and roses. The sublimely decorated home boasts modern amenities and gorgeous scenery.

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Provence is most famous for its striking, fragrant lavender fields which bloom in early summer.  Other notable destinations include the Roman city of Arles, the city of Avignon with its famous medieval bridge, the Pont d’Avignon, and Les Baux de Provence, a fortified hilltop village.  On the coast of Provence you’ll find the fishing village of Cassis, where you can take a boat tour of the harbor.  Further west you’ll find Marseille, France’s oldest city and an important trading port throughout history.

Amphitheatre – Arles France

Avignon’s famous medieval bridge

 Cassis, France

The next home is equally beautiful, the main house offers great views of the Massif d’Etoiles. Guests have access to most of the estate including the tennis court, swimming pool, gardens and olive groves.  The house sleeps 12 and runs  about $2,000 per night.

Hope you have enjoyed taking a little peek at the lovely Provence.  The homes shown above have clickable links for more pictures and details about the properties.

Thank-you so much for following my blog.  Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your friends.

Jessica

 

Fall Flowers

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Now that the weather is about to start cooling off  and football season is well on its way, its time to start thinking about planting our favorite fall flowers.  Your choice of fall flowers will be with throughout the holiday season.  What better way to greet your guests than with two beautiful planters flanking your front door or fall flowers lining your sidewalk.   There are so many beautiful colors and combinations to choose from.  Below are a few of my favorites and a some simple steps to hopefully keep your flowers looking lovely throughout the season.

via www.homestoriesatoz.com  via www.southernliving.com  This lovely trio is orange pansies, violas, and orange panels, also paired with wheat grass and ivy.

How to care for your pansies.  Pansies are not difficult to grow. Good soil, steady moisture, and at least partial sun will provide the results you’re looking for. What they don’t tolerate is heat and humidity, which is why they thrive in spring and fall. Plant pansies 6 to 8 inches apart.  Pansies respond well to regular deadheading. As often as possible, every couple of days if you can, pinch off faded blooms and any fruit (small green seed capsules) that may be forming. This will spur plants to continue blooming.  Be sure they’re growing in a well-drained location, pansies are susceptible to saturated soil.

via www.southernliving.com   This arrangement of pink blooms of ‘Strawberry Sundae’ twin spurs (Diascia hybrid) is paired with a beautiful pale purple pansy.

via www.southernliving.com  Pair colorful pansies with an evergreen for an established planting that can still change from season to season.

via www.southernliving.com  Place two of these cheerful pots flanking your front door to welcome your guests.

via www.southernliving.com

With mums, what you see is what you get, so buy the bigger plant.  When night temps drop (mid-September), buy plants as they start to break bud. You’ll maximize bloom time. Once buds start to open, you’re pretty much guaranteed flowers―no matter where you display them, they are happiest in sun.  Another tip via Southern Living to keep flowers coming is by watering and pinching. Soil should be moist, but never wet. Check daily while weather is warm, every other day when it’s cooler. Fertilizing is not necessary. Remove faded blooms to encourage even more buds to open and you’ll have color through October.  If plants dry out, submerge in a bucket of water, or jab a sharp pencil into the soil several times and then water.

via  www.katesgarden.ca  This site has beautiful spring and fall arrangement ideas.

Kale and Ornamental cabbage plants prefer cool weather.  The best time to plant them is in the early fall.  Planting kale in August or early September will allow the plant to become established.  Ornamental Cabbage and kale should be planted in a sunny location in a moderately moist, rich soil.  Water ornamental kale if the soil dries out about 1 inch deep. Water with 1 inch of water so the water seeps deep into the soil. If your fall and winters are normally wet, you might not need to water them at all.

This gorgeous arrangement was found on www.serendipityrefined.com, absolutely beautiful.

via www.reposhture.blogspot.com  Ornamental cabbage, mixed with an established evergreen and ivy.  This arrangement has a few Christmas tree branches, pine cones, and decorative branches to transition from the fall to Christmas holidays.

cabbage 3via www.southernliving.com  This combination of evergreens, ornamental cabbage, and pansies are lovely.

via www.lovethispic.com  One last picture for a little inspiration.

I hope this post has given you a few ideas for starting your fall plantings.  The pictures above have clickable links for further details.

Thank-you for following my blog, hope you enjoyed this post.  Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your friends.  Have a great week!

Jessica