The ultimate list of gifts that moms really want for Mother's Day I participate in the Amazon Associates program. This site contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Moms are the absolute best. They provide unconditional love, support, and encouragement. They make our favorite dishes, give the biggest hugs, sing our praises, and believe we can achieve anything. I mean, what would we do without them? There are so many things to appreciate and if you're like me, knowing all of the incredible things they do on a daily basis makes shopping for the perfect gift a little daunting. What do moms really want for Mother's day anyway? I guarantee rest and free time is very high on the list, but any gift that aligns to your mom's interests is where you should start. Is she a culinary queen, a fashionista, fitness focused, or a HGTV pro? What does she value? Here are some gift ideas to consider: Spa day at home: Treat your mom to a day of pampering at home. She can enjoy a facial or other treatments. eye gel pads // jade roller // pmd cleansing brush // facial steamer // whipped mask // foot spa // bath set // slippers //robe Cookware or kitchen gadgets: If your mom enjoys cooking, you could get her some cute kitchen accessories or a new appliance she's been eyeing. knives // dutch oven // espresso maker // champagne flutes Gift basket: you can create a gift basket with an assortment of her favorite things. wine tumbler // perfume // stanley cup // tray // travel set // canvas tote Fitness and wellness: If your mom values wellness, you can get her new sneakers or gym bag. I love the Lululemon belt bag too! gym bag // leggings // sneakers // planner // lululemon bag // sports bra // A gift box: there are so many gift boxes available on Amazon now. Find one that fits her interests, whether it's a beauty box, book box, or food box. These a perfect if you don't have time to craft one yourself. I want someone to get me the fit for a queen (gorgeous) gift box. Maybe I should drop some hints! awesome box // fabulous box // fruit and nut box // gorgeous box // tea box // coffee box Fun jewelry: I love Kendra Scott jewelry. They have pieces by birthstone and other designs that are stylish. earrings // necklace // bracelet I hope this was helpful!

Ok guys! Keeping this post short and sweet. I finally updated my front porch and it looks so pretty! I'm happy with the way it turned out. In an earlier post, I talked about how I was thinking about doing a DIY wreath. Well, I attempted to do one and failed miserably. I won't bore you with the details, but I needed more flowers. Instead of ordering more, I caved and bought these wreaths from Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates program. This site contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The wreaths are 22 inches wide and a nice addition to my front porch. However, I'm not sure if the balls are supposed to be two toned. It's a minor flaw in my opinion. Overall, this wreath definitely exceeded my expectations. I love the variety of flowers used, the colors, and the arrangement itself. I bought the peonies, containers, and boxwoods last year. I have to admit. When I first received the boxwoods, I was a little disappointed in the color. I thought they would be a vibrant green. But they match the wreaths perfectly! It all worked out in the end. I love when that happens. I snagged the vibrant pillow this year as well. It looks so good against the black and white. Just the right amount of color for me. I added a stack of books to the table to add height and voila! All done with this year's spring front porch. Let's see if I change them out in the summer or leave until fall. Sidebar, I think I need to stuff the containers with more flowers, but will leave it for now. Trying to live by the motto that done is better than perfect. Allthingsdivinehome.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program where sites can earn a small commission for providing links to Amazon.com.

It's amazing to see the excitement and joy on my kids' faces for each holiday. Easter is no exception. Although we don't have any major traditions, we do go to church and my husband makes a reservation for brunch. Other than that, we try to spend time outdoors as a family. If I don't have time to make a small basket, I do like to surprise them with a little gift. Here's my gift guide for Easter this year. I also added some cute outfits below, which include many price drop items. Happy shopping! Gift Guide For Boys binoculars 2. aqua art 3. dino light up bath toys 4. Paw Patrol watch 5. sunglasses 6. easter book 7. LCD tablet 8. golf set 9. bunny 10. pajamas 11. backpack 12. chalk 13. spill proof bubbles 14. night light 15. See Kai Run sneakers 16. easter book 17. sweatsuit 18. activity book 19. water bottle 20. push pop I participate in the Amazon Associates program. This site contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Gift Guide for Girls waterproof camera 2. pink dress 3. unicorn push pop 4. nail polish 5. heart sunglasses 6. easter book 7. Melissa & Doug wand kit 8. pink purse 9. glitter crocs 10. garden kit 11. bunny purse 12. chalk 13. bracelet 14. Fancy Nancy Easter book 15. easter bunny 16. karaoke microphone 17. pajamas 18. squish animals 19. water bottle 20. coloring pad Girls - white sweater // yellow dress // sandals // ballet flat // white & stripe bottom dress // blue flower dress // white & pink dress // pink flower dress Boys - khaki pants // pink & blue plaid shirt // sperry shoes // polo sneakers // sunglasses // boat shoes // blue polo shirt // coral shorts // pink shorts // white shorts // pink & green plaid shirt // blue plaid shirt // hat allthingsdivinehome.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program where sites can earn a small commission for providing links to Amazon.com.

The year seems to be flying by! This always happens. I blink and it's Valentine's Day. I blink again and it's Easter. I don't really decorate my home for this particular holiday, but I do like to build cute baskets for my kids. If you're looking for ideas, but haven't started shopping yet, it's not too late. I got you! Amazon is typically my go to for most items because things ship so fast. My kids are small, ages 5 and 3. They still love to draw and appreciate small toys. For their baskets, I try to put one or two treats, arts and crafts, some books and something they need (like a cup or fun socks). There are a few price drop items so check it out soon! Happy Shopping! I participate in the Amazon Associates program. This site contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For Girls - easter basket // bunny // pre-filled easter eggs // sunglasses // LCD tablet // contigo cup // bracelet kit //egg decorator kit // chalk // book For Boys - easter basket // pre-filled easter eggs // sunglasses // LCD tablet // pop-it // Peppa Pig toy // chalk // fubbles // aqua art // contigo cup

Spring is finally here and I can't wait for the weather to warm up! With the change in season comes change in front porch decor. Before I start buying items, I usually put together some kind of mood board. It is the only way I can visualize the look I have in my head. I try to scale the items so that it is close to the final outcome (did not do below). I used to purchase a ton of items from Amazon and would go through a trial and error process, but found that I rarely have time for returns. By creating a board, I reduce the chance for an unnecessary trip to UPS or Kohls. Anyway, back to spring decor. I'm a little behind on refreshing my porch, but have been browsing Amazon for some inspiration. I love using pops of color. I came across some pretty items that use yellow, purple, and pink. With the exception of the wreaths, I have this exact setup. I purchased some green eucalyptus wreaths from Walmart and was planning on experimenting with a little DIY project by adding peonies myself, but I think the wreaths in the board below are gorgeous. I am so torn! I like the variety in the first board, but I love the idea of attempting a small DIY project that would also save me a little money. In the meantime, take a look at some other items below. I don't have links to the planters, but will update if I find them on the At Home site. There are similar items on Amazon, but I have not seen them in person so I don't want to recommend. The color and quality of planters can be tricky so definitely view them in person if possible! I participate in the Amazon Associates program. This site contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own based on my home decor journey.

This week's finds are all things coffee bar. It’s been on my mind as of late. I’ve focused on so many other areas in my house, but have neglected the space we use for our coffee station. The current state is a mix of random items that I’ve purchased over time so I need to transform it into something more divine-ish. Although I love beautiful spaces, I always take functionality into consideration when thinking through a design and items I want to purchase. I really want to bring the coffee shop vibe home so I'm on the hunt for some pretty canisters, a tray and a nice way to display things like syrup and sugar. Take a look at what I pulled together thus far. Stay tuned to see how my coffee station comes together! In the meantime, shop my look below. I participate in the Amazon Associates program. This site contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own based on my home decor journey.

Simple, everyday items that make your kitchen look gorgeous I participate in the Amazon Associates program. This site contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own based on my home decor journey. I like to keep my kitchen countertops clear of any large appliances, but do feel they need a little something to look stylish. After transforming my builder grade kitchen, I decided I needed to give a give a proper refresh to the space as well. This is what I've done so far. I added some jars I've used every inch of my pantry, but want to organize my baking ingredients My kids love pancakes and I have countertop space so I purchased the Anchor Hocking glass jars. I love this. They are easy to access and look so pretty. I upgraded the storage for my salt, pepper, and oil l knew I wanted to replace my salt cellar, but can't believe I found these cute versions on Amazon! I bought new spoons Because my kitchen is predominately white, I knew I had to bring something earthy in and purchased these wooden spoons. I use them all the time now. I added some books I'm not a huge fan of phrase art or books for that matter, but this is necessary for me. It's a good reminder for me to spend more time doing the things I enjoy. Below are some other items to consider for your kitchen. It's amazing how the small things can make you feel like you have a brand new space. Happy shopping! Shop this post

I participate in the Amazon Associates program. This site contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own based on my home decor journey. Coffee tables can feel like a blank canvas, but I want to share some of my favorite items that I think help take the guess work out of styling or adding decor. No matter the shape or size of the table, these are staple items that you will see interior designers and home decor enthusiasts (like myself) use over and over again. Make sure you incorporate these. coffee table decor ideas. click on the links below to shop chain link // hammered bowl // green moss // decorative boxes // coffee table book // coasters // Jo Malone candle // tray // coffee table book // bonus decor item #1 - A Tray Trays are so versatile and can take up a lot of table real estate, which really takes the pressure off when trying to figure out decor. To me, it's the same as a catch all or valet that is used for your keys and coins. But this is obviously on a much larger scale and you're going to swap out the keys for stacked books, a decorative accessory or candle instead. #2 Candles Candles bring warmth and set the mood in any space. I've decorated with luxe candles as well as some bought at Home Goods. Doesn't matter. It brings the same vibe to your space and adds elegance to your coffee table. They also make the room smell great! Diffusers or room sprays are other good options. #3 - Coffee table books Of course this has to make it to the list. They're stylish and add personality. You've probably seen the fashion books from Tom Ford or Louis Vuitton, but you don't have to use them. I own a Tom Ford, but I also have golf, political, and home organization books. I truly believe that home decor should be a reflection of your taste or personal interests so use this as a way to mix that in. Coffee table books are also an easy way to add height to a table, which is needed in decor. Some suggest that you should use odd numbers. You can see I followed that in the picture below, but I've done stacks of two and it worked just fine as well. #4 - Flowers! In my opinion, flowers are needed in every room. Fake or real will do, but I do recommend real if you're having guests over. They make your home feel welcoming and cozy. I use a mixture throughout my home. My favorite real flowers are hydrangeas, roses, and tulips. For fake, I LOVE using peonies. #5 - Something green I know this is a little vague, but honestly anything will work! A large bowl with green moss, eucalyptus, or a plant will do just fine. The idea is to add a natural element in the room. We associate nature with life, which is why it's refreshing. It will also bring a nice color contrast to your space. This eucalyptus arrangement looks great in the tray and worked out much better than I thought. I love the pop of color it adds to the espresso table and gold tray. It even compliments the candle, which was not planned! There are many decorative pieces that you can add to a table, but these are my favorite. Make sure you check out the coasters in the design board. They are so pretty in person. Hope this was helpful Other Coffee Table Ideas - Shop Below

Smart Ways to Save on Decor When Furnishing Your Home Quality furniture can be expensive and I always seem to fall in love with a piece that's way out of my budget. Covid made things even worse. Prices for things like sofas and tables have sky rocketed now that demand and inflation are up. I recently saw a table that I purchased for $1,200 retails for $2,100 now. Yikes. That's certainly no fun. When we moved into our home, we brought very little over. It was also a significant upgrade from our two bedroom apartment, but we still decided it was best to leave behind our entire living room set, our nightstands, and dressers. Why move furniture you planned to replace? Made sense at the time. Our house echoed for the first few months and was driving my husband and I crazy. So I began to search for quality furniture that I wouldn't get tired of. I am still in process of filling our home, but I've learned some saving tricks along the way. Check out my top tips below. 1. Shop at a furniture outlet This is obviously not a huge revelation, but I think people forget that you can get quality furniture at a fraction of the original cost. The common misconception is that severely damaged, poorly made, or low quality items are at these stores. But that's untrue. There are many reasons why furniture gets sent to an outlet. Returned items, discontinued, out of season, special order, and overstock are all other types. At the end of the day, companies have to run a business and move inventory. Almost every major brand you can think of has locations throughout the country. Some of my favorites are Frontgate, Restoration Hardware (yes, they have several stores), Pottery Barn, Serena and Lily, Arhaus, and Crate and Barrel. Just go to the website of your favorite brands to view locations. They often list retail and outlet stores. From one of my trips to the RH outlet in Asheville, NC You will be surprised at what you're able to find. Granted most items are final sale and without a warranty, but you can save anywhere between 30% to 70%. I purchased $900 counter height stools for $250 from Frontgate. I purchased dining room chairs for $225. Outlet shopping has honestly been a saving grace. Just be sure to check items for defects and save away! 2. Shop around special sales or promos Of course there are the usual holiday sales (Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas), but some stores run other annual or seasonal promotions to get you in the door. Does buy more save more sound familiar? I remember finding a dining table at Pottery Barn. I knew buy more save more was going to start the following week so I held off on the purchase. I bought one of their best selling tables at 30% off just because I waited for this event. If you recently purchased a home and have to buy a lot of pieces, then buy more save more makes so much sense. Aside from the table, I also purchased drapes, new towels, dinnerware, and bedding. I hit the spend required to trigger the discount. You can also get a better deal on furniture around January and February or August and September. Most retailers are trying to get rid of the old stuff to make room for new styles and inventory. William Sonoma Warehouse Sale Ad 3. Buy secondhand and try discount stores Thrift stores, flea markets, or consignment shops. I love my Instagram community for sharing their finds. They get the best items and made me a believer. This is something a lot of interior designers practice as well. They source items from these stores, not only as a way to save money for their clients, but to also find unique items that will add character and personality to a home. Don't forget about places like T.J Maxx and Home Goods for the ultimate affordable finds. Things like candles, books, artwork, decorative bowls, dinnerware, and holiday decor are all available at a discount. 4. Price tracking tools Capital One shopping is a great tool that helps you compare prices to find the best deal. It's absolutely free for everyone ( you don't need a Capital One account) and they automatically search for online codes and rewards from over 30,000 retailers. I've used it a few times and I'm a fan. They are not the only price tracker though. There are so many other tools available these days. Every little bit helps so check it out when you get a chance. 5. Try an overstock/liquidation warehouse I haven't tried this myself, but I know there are Target and Costco warehouses that carry a wide range of products, including furniture. I came across this information on Instagram and by googling. Apparently this is a thing. If you are going to try this, know that a lot of the locations tend to change, but you can get up to 50% off of home decor and more. This option seems doable for things like accessories, accent chairs, or area rugs. 6. Buy the brand inspired version, aka the dupe As much as I love certain designer brands, I'm not always willing to shell out thousands of dollars for the real thing. Often times, you can find a much cheaper version through other retailers. Amazon is one of them. I saw a beautiful chandelier at RH for $7,000. I have so much more to buy for my home and definitely can't swing that for a light fixture. So I googled and came a cross a similar version on Amazon for $500. It's just as beautiful and I can use the savings to buy other furniture pieces needed for bedrooms, our home office etc. In fact, lighting is one area where I generally try to save. Honorable mention I have never tried this, but many have mentioned using FB marketplace as a source for scoring furniture at a discount. I'm a little hesitant to go to a stranger's house, but who knows. For the right deal I may consider. You never know. Something to keep in mind Quality furniture can be expensive, but many interior designers suggest a good rule of thumb for creating a budget is to take a percentage of your home's value. It can be as low as 10% or has high as 40% percent. Do what feels comfortable. The point is to have a number in mind and try to stick to it. Know where you should spend the money vs where you want to spend the money. I will admit that staying within a budget was very challenging for me. In an earlier post, I talked about splurging on the focal point/largest item in the room. That's still true. However I also forced myself to balance by spending less on other items such as lamps, drapes, and throw pillows. Sticking to a budget is savings in itself. Hope you found this helpful. Remember, you don't have to do it all at once. Stick to your budget and go slowly to avoid buying something you'll regret later. Happy shopping!

A compilation of decor tips and mistakes The day we moved into our new home was one of the best moments of my life. Originally, from New York, we relocated to the south because of my husband's job and chose new construction through a national builder. We had been patiently waiting for this moment. After living in a 2 bedroom apartment, we were excited to get a little bit more space and our own backyard. Not something you can easily come by living in New York. I convinced my husband to leave all of our furniture behind. Well not all, but most. Everything was sized for dimensions much smaller so I thought it made very little sense to move it. However, once we got settled, it started to sink in. I had a lot of stuff to buy! The excitement quickly turned into anxiety. Anytime we talked, you could hear the echos bouncing off of the walls. It was overwhelming and yet I still decided to attempt home decor on my own. If I'm being honest, after I made that decision, it felt like I bit off more than I could chew. Filling a house is nothing like filling an apartment. I briefly thought about hiring an interior designer. Not only was cost a factor in my decision against it, but at the time, I wasn't sure how to articulate my style. Back then, I was all over the place. I was team farmhouse, contemporary, and mid century modern. You name it, I loved it. I googled, read magazine articles, and looked at a lot of pictures on Instagram before finally settling on transitional (a combination of traditional and contemporary design). As I was doing my research, I also came across the same advice over and over again. I'm going to share theses main tips and also tell you what happens if you don't follow them. For some reason, I felt the need to challenge them. Tip: Pick a home style There's so many to choose from: boho chic, modern farmhouse, modern, transitional, and contemporary to name a few. I can find something I admire or love about each aesthetic, but it's important to narrow down a style. Think about which one best represents your taste. What vibe are you going for? Does it match your lifestyle? What do you want to feel when you walk in the room? A bit of nostalgia? Minimalist and clean? Or loud and vibrant? You're going to see your decor everyday and you should feel good in your space! Consider using Pinterest or Instagram to find inspiration. It helped me tremendously as I was trying to find a look that I wouldn't get tired of in a few months. My Mistake - I did the research and came really close to narrowing down a style, but I didn't actually commit to one before I started shopping. In the beginning, because so much of the house was empty, I became impulsive and rushed my purchases. Some items had nothing to do with the style I landed on, but I thought it would magically come together. Spoiler alert - I am still waiting for that to happen and there is a good chance I am going to have to re-buy some items. Tip: Figure out a whole house color palette This one is especially true for open concept homes where you can see multiple spaces at the same time. The reason whole house palettes or color schemes are so important is similar to why you need to choose a home style. It's to prevent a disjointed look in your home. The ultimate goal is to achieve cohesiveness on the first try so that you don't have to correct it at a later point in time. I am currently in the middle of fixing my own mistakes and trust me, it's stressful! Whole house palettes usually consist of one primary color and 3 - 5 accent colors. The primary should be a neutral tone such as white, beige, or gray. The accent colors can be repeated in different ways throughout the house by using items like pillows, rugs, throws. My Mistake - I used gray as my primary for all of the first floor with the exception of our gym area. We converted our sunroom during the pandemic and I chose a navy to create separation. This is probably personal preference, but I wish I would not have done that. The openness of the floor plan does not allow for the separation and it feels very cold in that area. Tip: Take measurements before your start purchasing Before you even get to furniture sizing, you need to measure the room or the space you plan to furnish. Not only should you focus on whether or not the furniture can fit, you want to make sure it's also scaled properly. There's nothing worse than getting something delivered that's too small or too big. Try putting painter's tape down if you're having trouble visualizing. My Mistake - I bought a console for my mounted TV in my living room and it was all wrong because of the size. I measured many times, but ignored the math because I really loved the console. It was beautiful, but the same length as my TV. I knew I needed a few inches on each side, but convinced myself that I could get away with it and I was wrong. In the end, numbers don't lie. That mistake obviously cost me because I had to buy another console better suited for that space. Moral of the story: proportion and scale are soooooooo important. Don't take this one for granted like I did. So much better!! I don't know what I was thinking! Tip: Buy quality furniture and the larger pieces first I know. Furniture is expensive, but hear me out on this one. If you invest in quality pieces, they will stand the test of time. Furniture made of solid wood or upgraded fabric can last for decades as opposed to having to replace something that will fall apart. Keep in mind that you don't have to buy everything at once or splurge on every piece. Consider spending a little extra on the items that will take up the most space in a room. So if you're furnishing your living room, the sofa is where you want to make the investment. It can serve as a foundation or focal point due to the size. However, don't spend blindly. Make sure you do some research before buying. Just because it costs a lot doesn't mean it's high quality. Take the time to read the fine print to ensure the right materials (i.e real wood) are being used. By doing research, you may also discover that some brands you thought were going to be too expensive are actually within your budget or vice versa. My Mistake - none. Probably the only tip I didn't challenge! I love the way my home has progressed over time, but trying to fix some of the mistakes I've made has not been fun. So remember it's a process and nothing happens overnight. Spend the time upfront to avoid wasted energy, effort, and money later. If you don't have the patience or time, you may need to outsource this job and hire a designer. Hope this was helpful. Happy decorating!

Welcome to my blog! I'm so happy you're here. I've wanted to document every aspect of my first home for some time now. I thought it would be so cool to look back at the evolution, especially since we bought new construction and it was very empty when we moved in. The idea really took shape while I was pregnant with my second child. I made some pretty good strides until the pandemic rocked the world and I was lucky enough to give birth at the start of it. A lot of people turned to social media as an outlet and a way to stay connected, but if I'm being honest, I felt very stuck. Having a c-section, trying to heal, and caring for two young kids in the midst of an emergency shutdown stressed me tf out! I couldn't imagine adding one more thing to the long list of to dos so I iced the idea. Although I didn't start the blog, being at home 24/7 definitely gave me the opportunity to spend more time than ever reflecting on what I really want in life, what I value, what I picture for myself as a mom, a professional, and a wife. My day job is very numbers driven, but I could no longer deny the crave to do something creative. I had other revelations during the pandemic. Although I will say, the first one should've been obvious. First revelation being: As a mom, your health and wellness needs to be a priority. My best friend reminded me, you can't pour from an empty cup. You need to carve out time for yourself. Pandemic or not. We've heard it a millions times, but how many of us actually do it? I can tell you I was one of those people, nodding my head yes, then spending every second trying to play catch up....and I never actually caught up. I realized that in my professional life, I subscribed to a do more, work harder environment and it spilled over into other areas. I didn't know how to turn it off. In fact, becoming a mom actually made it harder. If you're type A, then you can relate. I would drive myself crazy trying to check everything off of my to do list. More times than not, I felt frazzled, very drained, and upset because there was always a handful of items I didn't get to. Often times, I completely forgot about my needs and quite honestly stopped taking care of myself. I knew it was getting really bad when I would avoid the mirror. Even when I brushed my teeth, I looked down at the sink because I couldn't recognize myself anymore. I was confused about how I got to a place where I felt so low when I "had everything". But I didn't realize how much I was giving and not replenishing. I was pouring into my family, job, and other obligations. A friend said to me, you can't pour from an empty cup. I had to learn how to let things fall apart, learn that done is better than perfect, and honestly learn myself all over again so that I could get back to doing things that brought me joy. The second revelation: Give yourself permission to mess up. I've always known that I struggle with perfectionism, but I had no idea how bad it was. Mom guilt was in full swing after my second and it was so hard to accept that it was ok if I forgot about a doctor's appointment or missed princess day at my daughter's daycare. Maybe this goes back to #momlife, but it was extremely difficult to give myself permission to mess up. After a few meltdowns, I realized that I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself and the version of "mom" that I had in my head was unrealistic. I really had to work on changing my mindset and I am happy to say that I've made progress. I make sure to incorporate more breaks and when something slips, I figure out how to course correct, then move on. I realized that it's ok to give myself space to be upset, but I can't dwell. I still have some work to do on this, but I am proud of my growth! The third: Your current path doesn't have to be your only path. It's ok to change your mind. During the pandemic, I watched a lot of content from people of all backgrounds while my son slept in my arms or nearby. I realized I put myself in a box that limited me to what I was familiar with personally and professionally. I felt like certain things were out of reach because I had gone down the corporate path for so long and I was completely lost. But by decorating my empty home, I unexpectedly discovered my love for decor and design, giving me the creative outlet my heart really desired. Things I told myself I could never do, I am now willing to explore or try. Never in a million years did I think I could experiment with DIY or use a miter saw, yet here I am. I'm so happy to share this first post and quick story of how I got here! Over time I've learned journeys are exciting, but messy. I'm learning to embrace both as I continue to explore my passion for home decor and figure out what's next. This blog is very much a part of a new path, a way to not only work on my home, but myself too. This is my "me time", the way I refill my cup. I hope you enjoy.

Brunch on the weekend is my absolute favorite, especially when I have visitors. Of course I want it look pretty (I can't help it), but sometimes dread the effort and energy it requires. Nowadays, life seems to move very fast. The last thing I want to do is spend a lot of time in the kitchen. But I learned the key to an easy, yet successful brunch is to mix in some make ahead items to your spread. If you want to learn how to pull off a fancy brunch that doesn't make you crazy, keep reading. I came up with some simple dishes that can wow any crowd and give your guests the ultimate brunch experience. Fruit platter My husband makes fun of me because this platter comes out every single time we have visitors. Every. Single. Time. And here's why. It may sound basic, but I guarantee the pop of color from the fruit will instantly make your table look gorgeous. It's also healthy, sweet, and so easy to put together. I like to think of this platter as a side that compliments a main dish. As you start putting other items on the table, everything comes together to showcase an assortment of delicious food and offers a very beautiful presentation . It can be made the day before you plan to serve. Soft berries (especially raspberries) tend to get soggy and are the only items I like to add the day of. Everything else is washed and prepped before hand. I like to have a nice variety but you can try anything! This is what I typically use to get a good mixture of color: Strawberries Melon or Pineapple Green grapes blue berries blackberries or raspberries Sometimes I add mint as a garnish, especially during the summer. Meaty options - you choose! Anything goes when it comes to serving breakfast meat as part of your brunch spread. However, I find making bacon in the oven to be the easiest solution when catering to a crowd. You don't have to man the stove, there's less mess, and you can make a large amount at once. Outside of bacon, my absolute favorite thing to serve is chicken apple sausage. It's sweet, yet savory, and a great alternative for those who like to avoid pork. It reminds me of my brunches at Sarabeth's in New York. I couldn't resist ordering their sausage because it came with a delightful apple jam. Sometimes recreating those moments at home makes everything taste better. Lox & bagels A smoked salmon platter requires very little effort, but plates very well. I am a die hard Ina Garten fan and own many of her books. While I was on maternity leave, I binge watched several seasons available on the Food Network. As a busy mom of two young kids, I've completely embraced her well known phrase, "store bought is fine". Lox is such a treat for breakfast and for the most part, it can be made in advance. I like to plate the smoked salmon with lemon, red onions, and some dill, but you can use whatever suits your taste. Hard boiled eggs, avocado, and cream cheese are great additions too. Because bagels tend to get hard, I try to buy the day of. I am fortunate enough that my deli is only a few minutes away so I stop by in the morning. I pre-slice them, place them in my bread basket, and the smoked salmon platter was done the night before. As Ina would say, "how easy is that?" Greens - spinach salad, pear, arugula Creating a diverse menu plays a key part in giving the ultimate brunch experience. Why not add an arugula or spinach salad with a vinaigrette? You need something to balance the more decadent items like waffles or a casserole. For the first time, I served a pear and arugula salad for Christmas. It was lightly tossed in a champagne dressing by Brianna's. Everyone loved it and I'm sure we all felt a little less guilty about indulging in some of the heartier options. Pancakes or waffles We are finally at a dish that takes a little bit more work. For those guests who like to indulge, I try to add something savory like waffles or pancakes. I make them the day of and keep them warm in the oven. This is the last item to come out. Pastries Not a must, but more like a nice to have. If you're going to have a good amount of people over, then a variety of pastries will be a nice touch. I like to serve tarts, tea cakes, chocolate croissants, scones, or muffins. Champagne as the cocktail We love making things a little fancy in our home. For that extra fancy touch, you need a good cocktail and there's nothing better than some champagne. You can serve orange juice and guests can make mimosas if they'd like. Hold the eggs I know they are a common staple for any brunch, but I either make it on demand or I don't serve them at all. I personally don't like to make eggs in bulk because they get cold quickly and everyone has different preferences. Some want fried instead of scrambled, or prefer them fried hard, while others like it a little runny. Honestly, with so many things on the table, no one misses them. If you have to have an egg dish, then I suggest a frittata that you can pull out of the oven and take straight to the table. I know hosting can be stressful, but these dishes are pretty easy to prepare and make your table look gorgeous without all the fuss. You don't have to make them all. Just pick a few, add some fresh flowers to the table, and you're all set. Hope you found these tips helpful. Bon Appetit!