I love a cheerful front door to welcome friends an I love a cheerful front door to welcome friends and family ❤️...

In this online space it's allllll about Christmas decor right now, but I've always been someone who likes to honor each holiday regardless.

I ran down to @shopluckyhome at Gilman Village last week and snatched up some of their last beautiful bits of fall decor to refresh my tired wreath (swipe for the before pic, which already had the faded pumpkins and hot glue globs torn off!).

Two of their talented designers helped me lay it out in store, then I brought it home and worked some magic with floral wire - and a bit of luck!

Didn't it turn out well? I've still got some gold ribbon to work into it but sometimes done is better than perfect 🤣! It's only got another week and a half to enjoy its view of our street before bells and green garland and cedar and pine take over!
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#falldecor #holidaydecor #fallwreath #fallwreaths #shopluckyhome #shoplocalshoplucky #frontdoor #frontdoordecor #frontdoordesign #frontporchdecor #thanksgivingwreath #homegirlbydesign #elevatetheeveryday #elevatedliving #homeismyhappyplace
'Tis the season... ...of celebration and family a 'Tis the season...

...of celebration and family and friends and merriment...and power outages, thanks to the perfect recipe of blustery winds, heavy rainfall, soggy ground and towering evergreens that fall on the power lines (hello, Seattle!).

Lucky for me, stormy weather means cozy days working from home with a lovely fire and all the candles lit. Be still my homebody heart.

Here's a new favorite this season - Fir and Firewood by @capribluecandles ...perfect for autumn all the way through your snowy, dreamy wintertime, and on sale now at @anthropologie .

What's your favorite scent? So many good ones!

Copy and paste this link to get yours: http://liketk.it/3rM77

Follow my shop @homegirlbydesign on the @shop.ltk app to shop this candle and more.

#ltkunder50 #ltkhome #ltkseasonal #ltkholiday #homegirlbydesign #capriblue #elevatetheeveryday #candlelight #poweroutage #cozyathome
Faux? Or Faux Pas? I fell in love with @nateberku Faux? Or Faux Pas?

I fell in love with @nateberkus eons ago, when he was first Oprah's "cutie pie" designer. (Still a cutie pie, btw.) He said that if you're going to decorate with plants and flowers, they need to be REAL. Something like, "if it's meant to be alive, let it be alive". Not his exact words, but you get the gist.

My preference is for real, but #reallife sometimes calls for longer lasting botanicals. I often mix real and faux for greatest impact.

What's your pick?
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P.S. If you haven't already, come join me @homegirlbydesign. See you there! xox
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#freshflowers #fauxflorals #floraldecor #botanicals #kitchendecor #coffeetabledecor #decoratinginspo #homegirl #homegirlbydesign #elevatedliving #elevatetheeveryday #freshisbest #happyathome #homeismyhappyplace #seattledecorating #pnwdecorating
It's WINSday, peeps! Feeling like I've brought my It's WINSday, peeps!

Feeling like I've brought my A-game today as last night I finally put to rest a silly tech challenge I've been putting off (avoiding) for far too long now.

I made it up to be this big impossible thing in my head, when in reality it just required an hour of my uninterrupted focus. 

I'm taking lots of baby steps in this entrepreneurial world, but I'm good with it! I'm learning how to digitally deliver the products so many of you have asked for, and it's got me excited for what's comig!

So what's YOUR win for the week? Fill my comments with good news, please, and I'll do the happy dance 💃🏻 with you.

P.S. If you haven't yet, come join me @homegirlbydesign - I appreciate your friendship and your follow ❤️!
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#homegirl
#homegirlbydesign
#elevatedliving
#elevatetheeveryday
#winsday
#winsdaywednesday
#happyathome
#homeismyhappyplace
#happydance
#happydancing
Monday, Monday... It's my favorite kind of Monday Monday, Monday...

It's my favorite kind of Monday today, with the start of a new week AND a new month - the perfect time to reset and get after it...so here's your friendly reminder that the sky's the limit!

I'm using that inspiration today to think about/dream about/strategize the month ahead. This means setting some goals in motion for myself, my business, my family and our home, all with a 30-day timeline.

What will YOU do this month with all your uncapped potential and endless possibilities? Anything goes! Read a book? Bake a pie? Start holiday shopping? Finish holiday shopping? Run 5 miles...or 50?

How are you going to elevate daily living in November? Tell me all about it in the comments 🙌🏼❤️.
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#homegirl
#homegirlbydesign
#elevatedliving
#goalsetting
#elevatetheeveryday 
#mondaymotivation
#mondayinspiration
#homeoffice
#planningtime
If the broom fits, fly it! I love Halloween with If the broom fits, fly it!

I love Halloween with all the festivities and kooky, spooky decorations. I remember dressing up as Peter Pan when I was a kid. I had a really bad pixie haircut in the 8th grade (don't ask), and my sister made me the coolest costume that made the awful coiffe seem okay for a day!

Today I'm carving jack-o-lanterns with my crew and heading to a friend's house with my daughter to help set up for her freaky fright night. I can't wait to see all the ghouls snd goblins!

How about you? Are you a lover or a hater?

Happy haunting this weekend! 👻🎃👹🤡🤖💀
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#halloweenhappiness
#frightnight
#whitepumpkins
#whitepumpkindecor
#homegirl
#homegirlbydesign
#elevatedliving
#elevatetheeveryday
#easyfalldecor
Wow, it's been a week! I'm grateful to be at my h Wow, it's been a week!

I'm grateful to be at my home desk today with the whirlwind of errands and appointments tucked nicely away in the past few days.

If you've followed me on Facebook for a while, you'll know that I am a homebody who aims to help you elevate every day living. But here's something my job description doesn't tell you:

Sometimes, elevating means slowing down. Lying low. Resting. Reading. Padding around in fuzzy socks and lighting a scented candle to create coziness. Taking in the details of your surroundings. Making the most of where you are by simply appreciating it rather than working to change it.

Just being.

I allow myself to rise above the busyness and see more clearly from a calmer, quieter point of view.

What about you? Comment below to tell me what grounds you. How do you elevate out of the flurry of life to find yourself again? I'd love to hear 💕.
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#homebody
#homegirl
#homegirlkaren
#homegirlbydesign
#elevatedliving
#elevateyourself
#elevatetheeveryday
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    • Home Styling Guide
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Lifestyle · July 7, 2020

Ideas for Summer Fun During a Pandemic

Well, that sucked. The absolute dumpster fire that was the first half of 2020 lingered way too long for most of us. But there’s good news: It’s finally over. It can only get better from here. Let’s hope. And right on schedule, summer has unofficially arrived in Seattle. The northwest has a well-earned reputation for holding out on summer weather every year until July 5, and this year was no different. So now that the sun’s out, it’s high time we cut our losses and think about a few ideas for summer fun during a pandemic.

We enjoyed a mostly gorgeous day for the 4th, and as I sat in the backyard lamenting the absence of fireworks shows and bike parades around town and the typical festive feeling that accompanies our homeland’s annual birthday celebration, I was instantly cheered by the next day’s forecast: Sun. And temps warm enough to be in cutoffs and a tee shirt without freezing my ass off. Huge win! You all know we all need a win right now. A little happiness goes such a long way these days. And it goes without saying that fun in the sun makes me happy!

Summer fun: Girl in outside hammock with dog, eating a strawberry.

Make Lemonade from the Lemon that is 2020 So Far

So, inspired by the sunshine and warmth today, I started thinking of ways to bring about happiness during this summer that lacks the usual anticipation and excitement around so much of what we love about this time of year: professional baseball, select baseball, lake and boat time with friends, road trips, beach vacations, sleepovers, dining al fresca at our favorite eateries, a backyard full of kids. We can still do a few of these things, but they all feel much more somber and are tempered with a high degree of unease and caution.

Regardless, here’s a list the fam and I came up with of things that spark joy in the summertime and give you some of that Watermelon Sugar High, especially when we’re staying home more than we’re accustomed to. There’s nothing too complicated here. Most of these are oldies but goodies. Good old-fashioned classics. My hope is that something here will spark memories of happy summers gone by and that you’ll scoop up an idea or two to try on these long days at home.

Summer fun: Dripping ice cream cones on a tile counter.

Making this list was a great reminder for us that we’re ultimately responsible for our own happiness, and that there are still a lot of opportunities for fun in the sun…weather permitting :).

Simple Ideas for Summertime Fun

  • Popsicles
  • Water balloons
  • Sprinklers
  • Root beer floats
  • Strawberry shortcake
  • Reading in a hammock
  • Snapping fresh green beans
  • Corn on the cob
  • Watermelon
  • Freshly squeezed lemonade
  • Picnics
  • Morning coffee outside
  • Burgers and bratwursts on the grill
  • Colorful fruits and veggies
  • Going to the farmers’ market
  • Paddle boarding
  • Bike rides
  • Ice cold sauvignon blanc
  • Trampoline acrobatics
  • Wearing flip flops
  • Beach excursions
  • Fresh berries (eating and picking)
  • Glow sticks
  • Churning homemade ice-cream the old-fashioned way
  • S’mores around a campfire
  • Kite flying
  • Stargazing
  • Kettle corn
  • Backyard games: bocce ball, croquet, corn hole
  • Floating on the lake or down the river
  • Hanging the Stars and Stripes
  • Cold beer
  • Margaritas
  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Putt-putt golf
  • Watching sunsets
  • Making jam and berry pies
  • Bubble wands
  • Wading pools
  • Water fights
  • Hide and seek after dark
  • Backyard camping
  • Listening to the chorus of early morning birds and late night frogs and crickets
Colorful fresh produce on countertop: Cilantro, cucumber, strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, plums, peppers, grapes, snap peas, nectarines.

These ideas make up a quintessential summer for my people and me. What sunny season necessities are on your list? Let’s share the wealth – drop me a comment below to let me know how you do summer wherever you are. I’d love to find a few new fail-safe, must-do ideas for summer fun to add to our warm weather repertoire!

Happy summer, y’all, and hang in there!

In: Lifestyle

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. There is no additional cost to you. Please note that I’ve linked to these products because I love them (and think you will, too!) and they are from companies I trust.

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10 Must-Haves that Help Make Home my Happy Place

Hi, I'm Karen, an intentional homebody. Home is my happy place. Let's make it yours, too!

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I love a cheerful front door to welcome friends an I love a cheerful front door to welcome friends and family ❤️...

In this online space it's allllll about Christmas decor right now, but I've always been someone who likes to honor each holiday regardless.

I ran down to @shopluckyhome at Gilman Village last week and snatched up some of their last beautiful bits of fall decor to refresh my tired wreath (swipe for the before pic, which already had the faded pumpkins and hot glue globs torn off!).

Two of their talented designers helped me lay it out in store, then I brought it home and worked some magic with floral wire - and a bit of luck!

Didn't it turn out well? I've still got some gold ribbon to work into it but sometimes done is better than perfect 🤣! It's only got another week and a half to enjoy its view of our street before bells and green garland and cedar and pine take over!
.
.
.
#falldecor #holidaydecor #fallwreath #fallwreaths #shopluckyhome #shoplocalshoplucky #frontdoor #frontdoordecor #frontdoordesign #frontporchdecor #thanksgivingwreath #homegirlbydesign #elevatetheeveryday #elevatedliving #homeismyhappyplace
'Tis the season... ...of celebration and family a 'Tis the season...

...of celebration and family and friends and merriment...and power outages, thanks to the perfect recipe of blustery winds, heavy rainfall, soggy ground and towering evergreens that fall on the power lines (hello, Seattle!).

Lucky for me, stormy weather means cozy days working from home with a lovely fire and all the candles lit. Be still my homebody heart.

Here's a new favorite this season - Fir and Firewood by @capribluecandles ...perfect for autumn all the way through your snowy, dreamy wintertime, and on sale now at @anthropologie .

What's your favorite scent? So many good ones!

Copy and paste this link to get yours: http://liketk.it/3rM77

Follow my shop @homegirlbydesign on the @shop.ltk app to shop this candle and more.

#ltkunder50 #ltkhome #ltkseasonal #ltkholiday #homegirlbydesign #capriblue #elevatetheeveryday #candlelight #poweroutage #cozyathome
Faux? Or Faux Pas? I fell in love with @nateberku Faux? Or Faux Pas?

I fell in love with @nateberkus eons ago, when he was first Oprah's "cutie pie" designer. (Still a cutie pie, btw.) He said that if you're going to decorate with plants and flowers, they need to be REAL. Something like, "if it's meant to be alive, let it be alive". Not his exact words, but you get the gist.

My preference is for real, but #reallife sometimes calls for longer lasting botanicals. I often mix real and faux for greatest impact.

What's your pick?
.
.
.
.
.
P.S. If you haven't already, come join me @homegirlbydesign. See you there! xox
.
.
#freshflowers #fauxflorals #floraldecor #botanicals #kitchendecor #coffeetabledecor #decoratinginspo #homegirl #homegirlbydesign #elevatedliving #elevatetheeveryday #freshisbest #happyathome #homeismyhappyplace #seattledecorating #pnwdecorating
It's WINSday, peeps! Feeling like I've brought my It's WINSday, peeps!

Feeling like I've brought my A-game today as last night I finally put to rest a silly tech challenge I've been putting off (avoiding) for far too long now.

I made it up to be this big impossible thing in my head, when in reality it just required an hour of my uninterrupted focus. 

I'm taking lots of baby steps in this entrepreneurial world, but I'm good with it! I'm learning how to digitally deliver the products so many of you have asked for, and it's got me excited for what's comig!

So what's YOUR win for the week? Fill my comments with good news, please, and I'll do the happy dance 💃🏻 with you.

P.S. If you haven't yet, come join me @homegirlbydesign - I appreciate your friendship and your follow ❤️!
.
.
.
.
.
#homegirl
#homegirlbydesign
#elevatedliving
#elevatetheeveryday
#winsday
#winsdaywednesday
#happyathome
#homeismyhappyplace
#happydance
#happydancing
Monday, Monday... It's my favorite kind of Monday Monday, Monday...

It's my favorite kind of Monday today, with the start of a new week AND a new month - the perfect time to reset and get after it...so here's your friendly reminder that the sky's the limit!

I'm using that inspiration today to think about/dream about/strategize the month ahead. This means setting some goals in motion for myself, my business, my family and our home, all with a 30-day timeline.

What will YOU do this month with all your uncapped potential and endless possibilities? Anything goes! Read a book? Bake a pie? Start holiday shopping? Finish holiday shopping? Run 5 miles...or 50?

How are you going to elevate daily living in November? Tell me all about it in the comments 🙌🏼❤️.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#homegirl
#homegirlbydesign
#elevatedliving
#goalsetting
#elevatetheeveryday 
#mondaymotivation
#mondayinspiration
#homeoffice
#planningtime
If the broom fits, fly it! I love Halloween with If the broom fits, fly it!

I love Halloween with all the festivities and kooky, spooky decorations. I remember dressing up as Peter Pan when I was a kid. I had a really bad pixie haircut in the 8th grade (don't ask), and my sister made me the coolest costume that made the awful coiffe seem okay for a day!

Today I'm carving jack-o-lanterns with my crew and heading to a friend's house with my daughter to help set up for her freaky fright night. I can't wait to see all the ghouls snd goblins!

How about you? Are you a lover or a hater?

Happy haunting this weekend! 👻🎃👹🤡🤖💀
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#halloweenhappiness
#frightnight
#whitepumpkins
#whitepumpkindecor
#homegirl
#homegirlbydesign
#elevatedliving
#elevatetheeveryday
#easyfalldecor
Wow, it's been a week! I'm grateful to be at my h Wow, it's been a week!

I'm grateful to be at my home desk today with the whirlwind of errands and appointments tucked nicely away in the past few days.

If you've followed me on Facebook for a while, you'll know that I am a homebody who aims to help you elevate every day living. But here's something my job description doesn't tell you:

Sometimes, elevating means slowing down. Lying low. Resting. Reading. Padding around in fuzzy socks and lighting a scented candle to create coziness. Taking in the details of your surroundings. Making the most of where you are by simply appreciating it rather than working to change it.

Just being.

I allow myself to rise above the busyness and see more clearly from a calmer, quieter point of view.

What about you? Comment below to tell me what grounds you. How do you elevate out of the flurry of life to find yourself again? I'd love to hear 💕.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#homebody
#homegirl
#homegirlkaren
#homegirlbydesign
#elevatedliving
#elevateyourself
#elevatetheeveryday

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