(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

As soon as tulips hit our stores and supermarkets, I love to grab some bouquets and pots and bring them home to decorate our cabin.

One of my favorite parts of adding in flowers is deciding what vases or vintage vessels to put them in.

Living on a lake, I love using minnow buckets in many ways, like on our entry buffet to hold blooms. See more ideas HERE.

Looking for more ideas for how to use vintage containers to hold flowers?

See THIS POST and THIS POST.

Welcome to my Filled Up Series where I’m sharing about all the good stuff that fills my heart, body, mind and soul. 

Today I’m sharing Flowers.

Enjoy these other posts in the series:

• FITNESS | INSPIRING WHOLE HEALTH: JOIN WHITE ARROWS WELLNESS SOCIETY
• FASHION FINDS | The Perfect White Shoe

My blog covers these topics regularly as I hope to inspire you to find your fuel in the good things. 

You can also get encouragement over on Threads as I share on all these topics all day long.

Tulips, with their vibrant hues and delicate petals, have captivated hearts for centuries.

Originating from Central Asia and later gaining popularity in the Netherlands, these charming flowers have become synonymous with beauty and grace.

Decorating with Tulips

Decorating with tulips can add a touch of elegance, color, and freshness to any space.

Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or a formal event, tulips offer versatility and charm.

Here are some creative ideas for decorating with tulips:

1. Table Centerpieces: Arrange tulips in a variety of colors in a vase or several small vases to create stunning table centerpieces. Mix different tulip varieties and heights for visual interest. You can also incorporate other elements like candles, greenery, or decorative stones to complement the tulips.
2. Tulip Bouquets: Create beautiful tulip bouquets to place in vases or jars around your home. You can use monochromatic bouquets for a sleek and modern look, or mix and match colors for a vibrant and eclectic display. Place them on mantels, shelves, or side tables to brighten up any room.
3. Tulip Wreaths: Make a spring-inspired wreath using fresh or artificial tulips. Attach tulip heads to a wreath form using floral wire or hot glue, and add greenery or ribbon for extra embellishment. Hang the wreath on your front door or above a fireplace to welcome guests with a burst of color.
4. Tulip Garland: String fresh tulips together to create a beautiful garland for decorating mantels, staircases, or entryways. Use floral wire or twine to attach the tulips to the string, leaving a few inches of space between each bloom. Hang the garland vertically or drape it horizontally for a festive touch.
5. Tulip Place Settings: Incorporate tulips into your table settings by placing a single stem in each napkin or using tulip-shaped placeholders. You can also tie tulip blooms to the back of chairs with ribbon for an elegant and whimsical touch.
6. Floating Tulips: Float tulip heads in a shallow bowl or glass vase filled with water for a simple yet striking centerpiece. Add floating candles or LED lights to enhance the ambiance and create a romantic atmosphere.
7. Tulip Terrariums: Create mini tulip terrariums using glass jars or containers filled with soil, moss, and tulip bulbs. Place them on windowsills or shelves and watch as the bulbs sprout and bloom, adding a touch of nature to your indoor space.
8. Tulip Art: Incorporate tulips into your wall art or DIY projects by painting or drawing them on canvas, paper, or wood. You can also use tulip-shaped stencils to add floral patterns to walls, furniture, or fabric for a unique and personalized touch.

With their vibrant colors and graceful blooms, tulips offer endless possibilities for decorating your home or special events.

Whether used alone or combined with other elements, tulips can instantly brighten any space and bring a touch of springtime beauty indoors.

Caring for cut Tulips

Caring for cut tulips can help prolong their beauty and freshness, allowing you to enjoy them for as long as possible.

Here are some tips for caring for cut tulips:

1. Trim the Stems: Upon receiving or cutting tulips, trim about half an inch to an inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This helps create a fresh surface for water absorption.
2. Use Clean Water: Place the tulips in a clean vase filled with lukewarm water. Make sure to use clean water to prevent the growth of bacteria, which can shorten the lifespan of the flowers.
3. Remove Excess Foliage: Remove any foliage that will be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth. However, leave some foliage on the stems to continue providing nutrients to the flowers.
4. Keep Them Cool: Tulips prefer cool temperatures, so place the vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid placing them near ripening fruits, as the ethylene gas produced by fruits can cause the tulips to deteriorate more quickly.
5. Change the Water Regularly: Change the water in the vase every two days or whenever it starts to look cloudy. Recut the stems each time you change the water to maintain their ability to absorb water.
6. Provide Support: Tulip stems can sometimes be floppy, especially as they continue to grow in the vase. Consider using a floral preservative or a clean, empty soda can filled with water to provide support and keep the stems upright.
7. Avoid Crowding: Tulips release a substance that can shorten the lifespan of other flowers, so it’s best to display them on their own or with other tulips. If you want to mix them with other flowers, consider using separate vases.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cut tulips remain fresh and beautiful for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy their vibrant colors and elegant beauty indoors.

Can a Penny keep tulips from drooping

Using a penny in the vase with tulips is a common folk remedy believed to help extend their lifespan.

The idea behind this practice is that the copper in the penny acts as a fungicide, preventing the growth of bacteria in the water and thereby keeping the tulips fresh for a longer period.

While using a penny with tulips is a popular practice, its effectiveness is debated.

Some people swear by it, claiming that it helps extend the life of the flowers, while others haven’t noticed any significant difference.

Regardless, proper care and maintenance, such as changing the water regularly and keeping the tulips in a cool environment, are key factors in preserving the freshness of cut tulips.

A friend gifted me these tulips as a hostess thank you in the sweet vintage pitcher.

Caring for Tulips in the Garden

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, caring for tulips is relatively straightforward.

These resilient flowers thrive in well-drained soil and require ample sunlight to flourish.

With proper care and attention, tulips can bloom year after year, bringing joy and beauty to any garden.

History of Tulips

Tulips have a rich history that spans centuries and continents.

Originating in the Ottoman Empire, tulips were first cultivated in the 10th century.

They were cherished for their beauty and soon became a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

In the 16th century, tulips made their way to the Netherlands, where they sparked a phenomenon known as “Tulip Mania.”

During this time, tulip bulbs were traded at exorbitant prices, making them more valuable than gold.

What do Tulips Symbolize?

I love learning about the meanings of flowers, what they symbolize and the message they can share.

It’s a beautiful way to give a gift when the meaning is shared along with the blooms.

Tulips are not only admired for their aesthetic appeal but also for the symbolism they carry.

In many cultures, tulips represent love, passion, and romance.

Different colors of tulips hold different meanings; red tulips symbolize true love, while yellow tulips represent cheerful thoughts and sunshine.

White tulips, on the other hand, are often associated with purity and forgiveness.

In the Netherlands, tulips are celebrated during the annual Tulip Festival, where millions of tulips bloom in a riot of colors across the countryside.

The Dutch also have a tradition of giving tulips as gifts, especially during special occasions such as birthdays and weddings.

Tulips are more than just flowers; they are symbols of love, beauty, and resilience.

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The post Filling Up With Flowers: Tips for Decorating with Tulips appeared first on White Arrows Home.

I’ve been participating in these for years, but haven’t been able to join in the last few months.

It was so sweet of Cindy to keep me in the loop so I could jump back in!

There are a few reasons I enjoy joining these virtual blog hops.

• the girls participating are truly amazing, kind, supportive friends even though I have not met most in person.
• there is inspiration all gathered together where you can see how one idea photo takes different directions with the style and creativity of each blogger.
• I can pass on all the ideas to you!

If you following the hop in order you are coming over from Cindy’s and her 5 reasons container gardens are perfect for her and for us too.

This month’s photo is a Pinterest Pin from Carlene at Organized Clutter.

There are several items that jump out to me right away and speak to things I love.

• Vintage
• Galvanized
• Geraniums
• Reds and Yellows
• Watering Cans
• Picket Fence
• Green Gardening Table

Often I recreate a visual space similar to what is inspiring me in the photo, but with my White Arrows Home twist.

These past posts are good examples:

This month, even though we have had an incredibly warm winter, we still don’t have flowers where I can plant.

So, I’m going back into my old garden photos to bring some ideas that still work well.

Vintage

I love using vintage containers to hold my plants and this old metal wagon is one of my favorites.

Later in the Summer heading into Fall, I can change up the plantings for the season.

Galvanized

For several of my containers, I just simply set the already potted plant inside the container.

I did this with one of my Skotch Koolers because I didn’t want to actually fill it with dirt.

It also saves a lot of time.

Red and Yellow

I love decorating with red and yellow blooms around the house.

Geraniums

Geraniums are my favorite summer flower for the cabin.

Gardening With Kids

This week I’ve been sharing a Blog Series on Parenting and this post fits in beautifully.

One of my favorite ways to spend time with my kids is outside in nature whether hiking and exploring, letting them find adventure while I read nearby or working on projects.

Gardening with kids has so many benefits in their development.

• Responsibility
• Seeing the results of their hard work
• Results appear quickly to keep them encouraged and engaged
• Pride in consistency
• Increased independence
• Trying new things with low risk in failure

Next up you are heading over to to DIY Beautify where Cindy is sharing planting pansies in baskets.

Thanks so much for coming by.

Here’s a full list of all the blogs participating so you can be sure not to miss any.

Take the Tour

Vintage Cake Carriers

When a cake carrier catches my eye, it may make it’s way home with me too.

This red hand painted piece is simply a cake cover that I add to the top of one of my cake stands to help the cake stay fresh longer.

Using a cake cover can also add a layer of surprise as you keep your treat covered until serving.

When you want to take your cake to share, carrying it in a vintage carrier is such an easy way to give it a more special appearance, an extra “no need to say it in words” way to communicate that you hope your sharing brings joy.

Shop Cake Carriers

Next up you are headed over to my talented friend Robyn’s house and blog Robyn’s French Nest where she is sharing 15 ideas to decorate for free.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Take the Tour

Kristin | White Arrows Home ~ Robyn | Robyn’s French Nest ~ Lora | Create and Ponder ~ Ann | Dabbling & Decorating ~ Rachel | The Ponds Farmhouse ~ Joanna | Joanna Anastasia

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT?

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YOU CAN JOIN ONE OF MY FREE FACEBOOK GROUPS:

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Call Me Old Fashioned Group over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Fun Finds + Fabulous Deals Group over on Facebook. Request to join​ HERE. 

LOOKING FOR CONNECTION?

Join one of the clubs at my shop located in our Paddle Club. 

We have game nights, book clubs, cookbook clubs, craft clubs, workshops and events.

You can see what’s coming up next and sign up HERE.

The post Come Over For Cake: Beautiful Thrifted Vintage Cake Plates and Cake Carriers appeared first on White Arrows Home.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

Thanks so much to Bluesky at Home for hosting this hop.

On this tour, you’ll get spring and Easter inspiration from nine bloggers.

You can find links to each at the bottom of this post.

If you are coming over from Thistle Key Lane, welcome! Didn’t you love her beautiful green and white spring tablescape?

Welcome to Camp Paradise

Welcome to Wisconsin and our lakeside log cabin home way up north in an area known as The Northwoods.

Vintage Picnic Baskets

I love mixing in vintage decor and accessories throughout our home.

Seasonally I can pull pieces together based on their colors to add layers of interest.

This stack of green picnic baskets looks pretty all year long, but especially in the spring.

I’ve used them in other seasons as well, mixed in with mums in the Fall and full of trees at Christmas.

Vintage Wood Crates

I love collecting old wood crates with great graphics like this Black Bear Beverages.

This crate is usually holding blankets up in the loft, but it made a great holder for Easter lilies too.

Hens & Chicks + Vintage Dishes

My vintage dishes are one of my favorite collections to pull out, mix and match and style with.

I use my dishes not just at the table, but under candles, to hold items in drawers, as soap dishes…

I’m also always adding to my milk glass collection and a few hen and chick dishes when I find one I like.

Decorating with Lambs

This lamb cookie jar was a fun find and addition to my Easter decor.

I found it for under $10 at an antique shop and that made it an easy decision too.

Decorating with Bunnies

I have a wooden bunny that is my favorite pull out for Easter.

Decorating with natural elements in our log cabin is inspired by the forest that surrounds the house and the views outside our window.

So the rugged bark of the bunny is perfect.

He’s found his spot many places over the years.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Next on the tour you are headed over to Peacock Ridge Farm to see her beautiful spring touches.

Take the Tour

Are you looking for more encouragement?

FOLLOW ALONG

Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ YouTube ~ Tik Tok ~ Liketoknow.it

You can join one of my FREE Facebook groups:

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Call Me Old Fashioned Group over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Fun Finds + Fabulous Deals Group over on Facebook. Request to join​ HERE. 

Join one of the clubs at my shop located in our Paddle Club. 

We have game nights, book clubs, cookbook clubs, craft clubs, workshops and events.

You can see what’s coming up next and sign up HERE.

The post Reusing Holiday Decor in New Ways at Easter appeared first on White Arrows Home.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

A big thank you to my friend Marty of A Stroll Thru Life for organizing this Spring Home Tour blog hop.

A full list of participants and links can be found at the bottom of this post.

If you are taking the tour in order, then you just came over from Peacock Ridge Farm, who finished up Monday’s tours.

Welcome to Camp Paradise, my lakeside log cabin home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where I am kicking off Tuesdays round of virtual home stops.

Welcome to Camp Paradise

In a few months trees and plants will begin budding in our area.

Usually we don’t get much of a Spring, just a quick mud season between Winter and Summer.

But this year we had a very weird Winter with no snow and warm temps, it has felt like a really long Spring.

We can get as much as 100 feet of snow in the Winter and our local tourism depends on it as recreational enthusiasts flood our area for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and ice fishing, but this year the trails couldn’t even open.

It’s been hard on the economy.

Typically, our Winters are long and cold and last from October into April and we truly have a need to feel refreshed in home and heart as Spring begins to break through.

Even without all the snow and freezing temps this year though I’m still craving these reviving practices.

Refreshing the Home

There’s lots to do this time of year to give our cabin home a refresh.

With the new buds and blooms outdoors also comes a rebidding of freshness and color inside.

So Fresh & So Clean

Going through the cabin and giving everything a deep clean feels amazing in Spring.

Opening up the windows and doors to let in the fresh air is invigorating.

I break the giant job of cleaning the entire cabin into doable chunks that don’t overwhelm, put in my earbuds, start my audiobook and get to work. See what I’m listening to HERE.

Organize

As i go around and clean, I’m also decluttering, moving extra decor into crates to take down in my storage room.

Winter has more layers not only in clothing, but in our home with lots of throw blankets and seasonal decor.

It simplifies for Spring.

Color Bursts

After the bright lights and colors of Christmas, my Winter decor matches the view outside our windows and goes to more neutral palette of browns and whites.

The bursts of color then that begin popping out inside in March bring a refreshing joy throughout.

Adding florals and mosses is one of the quickest ways to boost the color levels.

Shop Some Spring Favorites

More Spring Inspiration

• OVER 20 WISH LIST ITEMS FOR SPRING ANTIQUE FLEA MARKETS
• SPRING AT THE SILOS AT MAGNOLIA MARKET IN WACO, TEXAS
• SPRING EASTER CRAFTS THAT ARE CLASSY, QUICK & EASY

Refreshing the Heart

With all that’s refreshing in our home, I’m also getting a reboot to my creativity and energy in myself.

Refresh Your Routines + Habits

This time of year is a great time to refresh routines and habits.

Morning sunlight makes it easier to wake up and get the day started strong from the get go.

Just like the beginning of the calendar year in January, Spring gives us another natural inclination toward trying again with habits like those of a productive morning.

A New Journal

Each season I love getting a new journal with fresh, clean pages.

I love keeping journals for my daily to do lists, my morning pages writing and other idea dumps.

There’s something about a blank page that leads to an energizing, reboot and abounding possibilities.

Maybe a new project will evolve.

Maybe a new workout plan will forge forward.

Menu planning will include new clean recipes with lots of fresh ingredients.

Looking for a little encouragement? Join my 5 Day Wellness Challenge HERE.

Refresh Your Mindset

For some Winter can be hard on energy levels and mood.

Spring brings a refresh of our mindset with more sunny days and daylight.

Getting outside more can really bring a boost in positive thinking.

Shop Some Spring Favorites

Thanks so much for visiting!

I hope your Spring is refreshing to not only your home, but your heart as well!

Next up you are headed to my friend Thistle Key Lane and her green and blue spring tour.

Take the Tour

Monday March 4th

A Stroll Thru Life – Worthing Court – StoneGable – Decor To Adore – Peacock Ridge Farm

Tuesday March 5th

White Arrows Home – Thistle Key Lane – Calypso In The Country – Eleanor Rose Home – A Pretty Life In The Suburbs

Wednesday March 6th

Whispering Pines Homestead – Our Southern Home – Thrifty and Chic – Bluesky At Home – County Road 407

Thursday March 7th

It All Started With Paint – Bungalow 47 – Lyndale Drive – From Farmhouse to Florida – My Thrift Store Addiction

Friday March 8th

Pasha is Home – Follow The Yellow Brick Home – The House of Silverado – My Family Thyme – Rae Elizabeth’s House

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT?

FOLLOW ALONG

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YOU CAN JOIN ONE OF MY FREE FACEBOOK GROUPS:

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Call Me Old Fashioned Group over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Fun Finds + Fabulous Deals Group over on Facebook. Request to join​ HERE. 

JOIN ONE OF THE CLUBS AT MY SHOP LOCATED IN OUR PADDLE CLUB. 

We have game nights, book clubs, cookbook clubs, craft clubs, workshops and events.

You can see what’s coming up next and sign up HERE.

The post A Home and Heart Refresh For Spring appeared first on White Arrows Home.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

Winter decor helps snow days feel more cozy, but it can also add to our overall attitude.

When it’s cold outside, whether there is snow or not, the addition of extra cozy measures indoors make a big difference in how we embrace the season.

In many ways I crave the winter and the rest and restoration it brings.

There is comfort in the slowing down and extra self care that come into play in these darker months.

Welcome to Camp Paradise

What a difference this year has been in The Northwoods.

The first winter we lived Up North there was around 100 inches of snow.

My husband was driving his truck on the ice to plow an ice skating rink for the kids.

We were ice bowling, ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Each winter has brought those fun outdoor activities where coming inside to warm up is such a welcome part of the memory making moments.

But this year we have no snow.

We’ve had some snowfall off and on, a few inches at times, but right now the driveway is clear for basketball playing instead of piled high for fort building.

The temperatures at times require a coat, but have often been just right in only a sweater, more like the Texas winters I grew up in.

It has been a disappointment for many who travel to our area for their winter recreational fun like snowmobiling the miles of trails, for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

The businesses have been struggling as well with loss of revenue by the down numbers in tourism.

A few things can add to the positive twist when even the weather is unexpected and brings disappointment and hardship.

• mindset
• habits
• support
• adapting

Gain a positive mindset

We talk about the weather a lot.

It’s a common way to start a conversation and connect.

Much of it is just surface banter, but it can be a bit of a downer to those we visit with and to our own psyche.

So we need to make conscious decisions to keep our thoughts positive and our actions intentional to shift toward joyful moments.

We can embrace the new, the temporary and the challenges by keeping them in perspective, holding out hope and creating a haven at home.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Tiny moments to look forward to can build on each other adding happy drops of pleasure into our days when we feel a bit emptied out.

Warm drinks bring a great deal of comfort, warm in our hands and warming our insides as they go down sip by sip.

Use common items in uncommon ways. What do you have around that could make a great tray to set or serve on? I love using a snowshoe in winter.

There are habits to do around your home that take seconds, but add hours of enjoyment.

Lay soft blankets over the arms of chairs.

As you get home, as you walk into the room, it will beckon you to come curl up and sit a while.

When you do sit, be purposeful about what you then fill your mind, eyes, ears and heart with.

Maybe not the news or the weather.

Maybe have a book sitting there waiting, or a hobby you’ve begun like embroidery or knitting, a journal to write in.

Do you have a pastime you love? One you’ve dreamed of starting?

Give your mind some true downtime.

Be intentional about capturing negative or frustrating thoughts right away and replace them with uplifting ones.

If you don’t know where to start then begin by listing and filling your mind with things you’re grateful for.

Great Habits Lead to Gorgeous Home Life

Keeping it simple with habits that become automatic can stack and build to cozy moments in a gorgeous home life.

Even everyday objects like pretty slippers become a piece of decoration when set by the door or the side of the bed waiting for you.

Make a practice of waking and sliding into your soft slippers and pulling on a warm robe you have laying at the end of the bed.

Walk in the door or after running errands or working all day and switch into your slippers, take off your coat and pull on a cozy sweater.

Mr. Rogers had a lot of wisdom and it started in those first moments coming in the door.

It only takes a moment to serve yourself a treat or a sliced up apple on a pretty dish instead of a paper towel or plastic plate.

Keeping my eye out for beautiful dishes is one of my favorite treasure hunts when I’m out thrifting or at antique shops.

I own a brick and mortar shop in Minocqua, Wisconsin and one of my favorite areas is our Dish Bar, a little room full of dishes, tea cups and saucers, tea pots and goblets all waiting to be mix and matched or discovered.

Plan a visit or see what else we offer on our online website showcasing thousands of antique, vintage and new items.

Have morning and nighttime rituals that restore you and prepare you, comfort you and nurture you.

Light the fire in the fireplace.

Pour a kombucha or glass of wine.

Keep on some background music.

Wake up and calm down surrounded by lamp light.

Get in the habit of lighting candles and filling your home with fragrances that relax.

Support Local Small Businesses

A cozy winter enjoyment is searching out and supporting the local small businesses in your area.

Frequent the coffee shops, sit a while and gather with friends or take along a stack of notecards and write a few notes to some you haven’t seen in a while.

Purchase items that add to your home’s winter decor layers from these stores.

Pick up a candle, a throw blanket, a vase to add some fresh flowers from the grocery or some found natural objects.

Be in tune with what’s happening in your local economy or those you support around the country.

When you hear times are tough you can still support by shopping online, buying a gift card or even sending an encouraging message.

The messages I receive from followers and customers really help keep me smiling.

Home decor goes deeper than just outside accessories, it truly can add to our comfort, elevate our attitudes and fill our hearts.

Adapting

This year, winter has not been typical, not what was expected, but adapting my expectations, my outlook and the way I spend my time can help turn possible disappointments into possible marvelous moments.

One of the prayers I keep close to my mind and lips is The Serenity Prayer.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

If I cannot change something (like the weather) then what is the point of being frustrated by it.

It wastes my time and my energy when I can better adapt and refocus on ways to enjoy what I do have control over.

Not doing the usual outdoor activities, while still not having the weather to work on landscaping and other outdoor projects, has freed up some time for me to work on indoor plans.

Organizing my closet.

I’m calling it the Last Chance Closet- what I don’t wear gets donated and not dreamed of the day I will fit in it again or have an event to wear it to.

Reallocating storage spaces.

Turning the coat closet outside the kitchen into my dream dish pantry and moving all the cleaning supplies from there into the closet under the stairs.

Sorting through the kids memory boxes and finishing up scrapbooks.

I can’t wait to surprise my youngest son (now 15) with some finished books.

So adapting to what I cannot change and embracing what I can is so productive and powerful.

I’m adapting these days in more ways than to the weather as my kids are all growing up and becoming young adults.

One in college, one abroad, one in the work force and two in high school.

Though not empty nesters yet, my husband and I do find our busy, bustling home much quieter these days and are adjusting to more downtime just the two of us.

I heard something the other day I loved, we aren’t empty nesters, we are bird launchers.

My decor usually is inspired by what I see outside the windows of my cabin in the forest and the lake, but this year maybe my decor will inspire a bit more snow to fall outside.

Well, I can wish.

A few more pretty snowfalls would be welcomed before true spring.

But even if the flakes don’t fall, I’ll adapt and lean into my decorating to uplift my mindset, support local, small business practicing habits that bring joy.

Are you looking for more encouragement?

FOLLOW ALONG

Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ YouTube ~ Tik Tok ~ Liketoknow.it

You can join one of my FREE Facebook groups:

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Call Me Old Fashioned Group over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Fun Finds + Fabulous Deals Group over on Facebook. Request to join​ HERE. 

Join one of the clubs at my shop located in our Paddle Club. 

We have game nights, book clubs, cookbook clubs, craft clubs, workshops and events.

You can see what’s coming up next and sign up HERE.

The post Cozy Up in Winter with Decor To Elevate Our Mindset appeared first on White Arrows Home.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

What style have you decorated your home in?

For many the style of the home’s exterior determines how we style the inside.

For our log cabin home the overall look is what you would expect walking in: rustic, natural, a mix of patterns and textures, antique heirlooms and finds mixed with new statement pieces.

Do you change your style often?

Go with trends?

Stay traditional?

Are you someone who likes consistency or do you like to change things up?

Are you a do it “yourselfer” or do you bring help in?

If you are looking for ideas to give you inspiration and direction follow along with my Get the Look posts.

You can find many ideas broken into rooms for items in similar style to how we’ve decorated our cabin on my HOME TOUR page.

There are so many ways to get the cabin look throughout your home whether you live in a true log cabin or not.

I have followers from so many situations, many do live in a full log cabin like mine that looks as if they live inside one of the Lincoln Log toy structures we built as kids.

Others live in a cabin that has drywall on the inside giving a blank slate to how the inside is styled.

Within cabin style there are lots of directions to go too, more traditional, more modern or more rustic.

I have some followers who live smack dab in the middle of a city, but love cabins and decorate their whole home or even just a room with some cabin style.

They surround themselves with what they love and what brings them joy.

As I’ve worked with decor clients to help them decorate their cottages, cabins, and houses, I’ve truly enjoyed bringing styling ideas together to give them a home they will love whether for themselves or as a rental.

As a decorator, my passion is for designing spaces that invite gathering, relaxing and bringing family and friends together. I enjoy listening to my clients’ ideas and helping them find their style. 

Shop Cabin Living Room ideas HERE.

When I was a little girl I loved Laura Ingalls and her little house in the big woods and on the prairie.

There so much romanticism that surrounds cabin life.

So many of us have some of our best memories from getaways to cabins growing up.

Did you know I cohost a Podcast called The Cabincast.

Each episode is a mixture of conversation between Eric and me, commentary on favorite recipes, cocktails, music, products, traditions, activities and more fun having to do with the cabin lifestyle.

There are also interviews with amazing guests.

With over 100 episodes there is a lot of great content to listen to HERE.

Maybe my favorite space to decorate in a cabin are the bedrooms.

Shop Cabin Bedrooms HERE.

One of the favorite ways for cabin owners Up North to decorate is what we call Cutesy Cabin.

They want all the bears, moose, deer, fish and plaids.

Shop Cutesy Cabin HERE.

There are certain accessories you can add to your home to give it the look of a lakeside cabin.

Items that include fish, loons, boating and nautical touches.

Shop Lake Cabin ideas HERE.

The grand old lodge look?

Add classic patterns in Pendleton style patterns, bold, big statement pieces and nostalgic furniture made of hickory.

Think of the grand lodges of the National Parks.

Need more inspiration check out THIS BOOK that also looks amazing sitting on your coffee table.

Shop Lodge Cabin HERE.

Shop more National Park inspired pieces HERE.

One of my biggest pieces of advice is to enjoy the process of finding your style.

Use resources, build Pinterest boards, mark pages in books and magazines.

Here are more cabin books I love.

Once you know what you love reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed to a designer or decor consultant like me. More info HERE.

The choosing your pieces, adding a little bit more to get the look you want is a fun journey.

Keep following along here for more inspiration as you go.

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post Get the Look- Cabin Style appeared first on White Arrows Home.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

• I turned 50! My friend Diana threw me a birthday party. She gave me a few choices and the only thing I hadn’t done before was hatchet throwing, so I chose that idea. Other than what we were doing and the date and time I didn’t know what was going to happen. It was such a special night. She had even invited my mom, sister and friend from Iowa, Carolin. Carolin knows several of my local friends after traveling with my White Arrows Team on a few of our team travels, so it was fun for all of them to see each other as well as an amazing surprise for me! One of my friends knit lumberjack beards for all of us to wear while we threw the axes. It was hilarious! It was such a special and fun night surrounded by so many friends.

• My friend from Iowa stayed the night and it was such fun to stay up late chatting and catching up and then going to breakfast the next morning. On her way out of town she was able to stop and see The Shop. She hadn’t been to town since we moved to our new location last year.
• Watching my youngest son’s basketball games. He is so much fun to watch play!
• Winter Ball for my high schoolers! It’s such fun to see their excitement around the event! My son is a freshman and my daughter, a junior, but they are great friends and their friend groups all enjoy each other.

WHAT I’M READING

I could not put down The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel.

See more of what I’ve been reading this month in THIS POST.

I’m also excited about my friend Stacy of Bricks ‘n Blooms new book, A Beautiful & Easy-Care Flower Garden, coming out in February.

You can pre-order it HERE.

WHAT I’M WATCHING

Have you seen Buried on Netflix yet?

It was an amazing one episode story about about the 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche.

I highly recommend it!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

I shared in my Instagram Stories this week a wonderful Podcast full of inspiring wisdom and ideas you’ll want to even write down to remember as Annie F. Downs interviewed Michelle McKinney Hammond on That Sounds Fun about Living a Life of Whimsy.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Passing on a quote I heard this week and didn’t want to forget.

THIS WEEK’S POSTS

I didn’t have any new posts this week other than yesterday’s Welcome Home Saturday.

WELCOME HOME SATURDAY

SUPER BOWL SNACK- WHISKEY & BITTERS NUT MIX

EARN YOUR COZY- FINDING TIME TO RELAX AFTER WORKING HARD

DID YOU SEE THIS?

IN THE SHOP

Join me for our Paddle Club Thursday night Clubs: Game Night, Cookbook Club, Book Club and Craft Club. Sign up HERE.

MORE INSPIRATION FROM AROUND THE WEB

• My friend Ann has 20 beautiful ideas to decorate with vintage books.
• Rachel has a pretty Valentine DIY using rustic book page Dollar Tree.
• Over in Maine, Molly has easy sewing projects to warm your kitchen and table for Winter.
• My friend Kim has a post sharing how to force cut branches to bloom indoors.
• Stacy has delicious Galentine brunch ideas.

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post From My Neck of the Woods No. 62 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

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The Christmas Holidays are behind us and I am fully embracing Winter.

Winter where I live lasts a long time.

Our first snowfall is typically around Halloween and stays into April.

Even though it is long, I love the beauty of Winter and the opportunities it gives not only for fun recreation, but for cozy indoor moments too.

The holidays that come along during the long Winter also give a fun chance to celebrate and break the time up.

Valentine’s Day will be up next and I love layering in some of my special decor both old and new.

My friend Carol of Bluesky at Home hosts a monthly Celebrate the Holiday blog hop and this month’s theme is Valentine’s so perfect timing for gathering inspiration.

There are seven bloggers on the tour (you’ll find links to all at the bottom of my post,) and I’m honored to be one of them.

If you are coming over from Sonata Home Design welcome to White Arrows Home.

My blog and business are named White Arrows Home after the white arrow shaped signs that line our road sides here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

White arrow signs with Valentine phrases are a great way to add an easy fun layer.

I love looking through old postcards at antique shops for different holidays and the Valentine cards are always so cute.

The cards usually are very affordable.

I’ve found all mine for around a dollar each.

I love them in one of the vintage typewriters from my collection, but they are also cute paired with little birch branches under cloche.

Roses are always a good idea.

And don’t wait for them as a gift, grab some cute bunches at the grocery store on your next shopping trip and add them to a fun container like the pewter mug above or a chippy crate in the photo below.

When I use a big item like the crate, I just put mason jars inside to hold the water and stems.

Vintage Valentine Favorites Video

Check out a little closer peek at how I use some of my favorite vintage valentine finds in this video:

Each year when I decorate for a holiday, as I pull the tub out, I think I will decorate just as I did the year before and then I get lost in the fun of styling.

This Lovit beverage crate was a favorite find and you can see in this post several of the spots it has ended up in over the years: full of blankets by a chair, full of roses on the coffee table and full of firewood and stacked on picnic baskets.

Often items I pull together for a holiday are around the house in other spots during the year, but when I group for a seasonal color, like reds for Valentine’s, it is an instant, easy and inexpensive way to decorate.

• Pull together books with seasonal covers and stack, line up or group together
• Switch pillows between rooms or have covers to interchange
• Lay out coffee table books by season

White Arrows Home the Shop

Along with blogging I have a brick and mortar shop in Minocqua, Wisconsin, three hours north of Madison and east of the Twin Cities.

If you aren’t able to make it to my shop, everything is online so you can still shop from anywhere.

We sell antique, vintage and new furniture, decor, accessories and gifts.

There’s new and restored clothing, books and pantry items, a shop for how you love to live life.

Seasonal items are scattered throughout the store all the time, but right when you come in the door is set for what is currently the mood.

Right now, that’s “Bluetiful Winter”.

Here’s a look back at last year’s Valentine’s.

Shop HERE

Thanks so much for stopping by.

If you aren’t already, I hope you will become a regular!

Want to get daily encouragement? SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any posts!

My tour wraps up this festive hop.

If you started here with me, then circle back to the beginning with Bluesky at Home.

Use the links below to find all the inspiration.

Take the Tour

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post Love Your Home: Easy Valentine Decorating appeared first on White Arrows Home.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

THRIFTING WITH THE GALS

It’s so much fun to share thrifting adventures with you over on Instagram Stories and throughout the week and here on my blog as I shop my local antique shops in Minocqua, Wisconsin and on my travels.

My Thrifting With The Gals friends also share from where they live in Vermont and Maine, North Carolina, Florida and Texas, Colorado and more map dots across the country. 

You can search our hashtag #thriftingwiththegals to follow along.

I love passing on all the storied adventures to you as each gal shares. 

Each month my Thrifting With the Gals cohosts come together for a blog hop to share how we are decorating with our treasures in our own homes. 

For the monthly hops we have a guest host as well and in December we do a round up of all our favorite posts from the year and include our guests again.

There’s always so much inspiration and some amazing upcycling and craft projects too.

Thanks so much to Ann Dabbling & Decorating for getting this fun group started a few years ago. 

 SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any inspiration!

MEET THE GALS

Ann @ Dabbling & Decorating | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Rachel @ The Ponds Farmhouse | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Kristin @ White Arrows Home | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Robyn @ Robyn’s French Nest | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

We welcome our guest hosts too:

• Kelly @ The Tattered Pew | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
• Joanna @Joanna Anastasia Lifestyle & Design | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
• Renae @ Peacock Ridge Farm | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
• Cindy @ Country Road 407 | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
• Wendy @ WM Design Style | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
• Cindy @ DIY Beautify | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

WELCOME TO CAMP PARADISE

Welcome to our Wisconsin lakeside log cabin home where I love decorating all year round with my thrifted finds.

One of the most positive benefits of Instagram is the friendships I have made and gals I’ve connected to.

Each of them inspire me so much and I’m excited to share their posts with you below.

Take the Tour

Ann @ Dabbling & Decorating

Ann is sharing an old drum, trumpet, violin, and vintage high school band photo found at a second-hand shop. That’s how this musical instrument Christmas and winter theme all began for an eclectic vintage interior design ideas with old holiday stuff.

Robyn @ Robyn’s French Nest

Robyn has 17 easy ideas to decorate a ladder for Christmas.

Kristin @ White Arrows Home

I share Christmas decorating with vintage Holiday thermos.

Rachel @ The Ponds Farmhouse

Rachel has 10 Amazing Vintage Milk Glass Christmas Decorating Ideas.

Kelly @ The Tattered Pew

My friend Kelly is sharing vintage wicker demijohn decor ideas (& where to buy them).

Joanna @ Joanna Anastasia

Joanna is sharing colorful and cozy holiday vibes using thrifted and second hand finds.

Renea @ Peacock Ridge Farm
Find out how you can add a touch of timeless, vintage charm to your dining room using vintage finds. Renea is sharing how to give your home an instant character boost with her easy-to-follow tips!

Heidi @ Eleanor Rose Home

Learn how to create unique DIY fridge magnets using vintage plates, and discover the art of transforming everyday items into charming accents for your kitchen space.

Cindy @ Cindy of DIY Beautify

Dive into the process of crafting antique-inspired advertising pots and crocks with the help of a complimentary sheet of printables provided by Cindy.

Wendy @ WM Design House

Wendy shares 15 effortless and imaginative approaches to styling apothecary jars in the kitchen, transforming them into captivating focal points that effortlessly blend practicality with aesthetic allure.

Cindy @ County Road 407

Cindy styles candles to exude fascination and reflect personal expression, inspiring you to do the same.

Thanks so much for reading along!

If you are a blogger who loves decorating with thrifted finds and would like to join us in 2024 as a guest host, reach out about joining in.

Everyone can join in over on Instagram as you share your own finds using the #thriftingwiththegals.

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post Inspiration for Decorating with Thrifted Finds appeared first on White Arrows Home.