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Welcoming Summer to Our Home

I am so looking forward to the simple pleasures of this season. Summer has become one of my favorite times of year ever since we moved here. The weather is just right for us—not too hot, but with plenty of sunshine—and it’s perfect for all of our little staycation...

Our NW Coastal Woodland Cottage Backyard: Progress + Challenges

Progress in our coastal woodland cottage backyard We're entering our fifth summer here. How can that even be? I had to count it four times on my hand, and it still doesn't feel right! Somehow time has flown by. I still feel like there's so much to be done, so I'm glad...

Our Coastal Cottage Lighting Sources: Every Light in Our Home

One of my most asked questions is where I get the lights in our home, so today I’m sharing a full roundup of the lighting throughout our home and the Tiny Cottage (at least the ones I’m able to source!). Most of these are the exact fixtures we have, and a few are...

Puttering Diaries: The First Week of May

I recently ran across one of my early blog posts where I wrote about puttering, probably for the first time. That post was 19 years ago. HOW? I can't even believe I've been blogging that long. Here's what I wrote at the start of that post: After 21 years together, my...

Paint Colors in Our Coastal Cottage (Benjamin Moore & Sherwin-Williams)

One of the questions I’m asked most often is about the paint colors in my home. Today I’m finally sharing an updated roundup of all the paint colors throughout our house (so far!). Before I share the colors, one important note: Before committing to any paint color, I...

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How to Have a Cozy Winter at Home (and a very cozy gift idea for everyone on your list)

I can’t say I love winter weather…but I absolutely love what winter invites us to do: settle in, get cozy, and savor all of the creature comforts of home. Truly, a cozy home is what makes me the happiest.

Give me a warm blanket (I’m loving this cable knit throw), a cup of coffee, a place to curl up and prop my feet, a crackling fireplace, and a fluffy pup by my side. What more do I need? I am a HomeBody through and through — this is exactly what home should feel like.

the latest on the blog

The Secret to Plants You Can’t Kill

Plants are an essential element in every room (if you ask me). They always make a house feel more “homey” and alive! Here’s the secret to plants you can’t kill…

Apr 13, 2022

Spring Decor That Tells A Story

Do you love to decorate with any family treasures or memorable pieces as a part of your seasonal decor? Here are a few of my thoughts on seasonal specific decorating!

Apr 13, 2022

A Lovely Life (aka Embrace your inner Coastal Grandmother)

A Lovely Life Book: What Is It About?

Over the past few years, I've written eleven books on creating a home. Home is near and dear to my...

Apr 11, 2022

Simple Strawberry Crisp Recipe with Easter Pie Crust Cutouts

Hi friends, it's Courtney (Melissa's daughter) here! Something I really enjoy doing throughout the...

Apr 4, 2022

Six Months in the “New Beach House”

Story time! If you’re new here or just catching up, six months ago we bought our beach house, and it’s now a place we get to call home every day! Read more about the story behind it and why it means so much to us!

Apr 4, 2022

Love the Home You Have + A Lovely Life

Today on the seventh anniversary of the release of my very first book, Love the Home You Have, I'm...

Mar 31, 2022

How to Decorate for Spring: Add a Whimsical Element

Decorating for spring should be fun, don’t you think? I found this adorable brass bunny candleholder recently and I love the whimsy it added to my simple spring mantel!

Mar 30, 2022