this is a page for

Monthly Archives: March 2018

High-end for less: Decor ideas from a ‘Parade’ tour

Want to see inside? Yeah, we did too!

One of my family’s favorite vacation activities is seeking decor inspiration from Parade of Homes-type tours. It is SO refreshing and energizing to see style influences from another area. In particular, we love to draw ideas from the beauty and originality of high-end homes, then translate that style into something more affordable and realistic we can use in our own rooms.…

Boost your confidence 10 ways

Think of a person who radiates self-assurance, who seems to have an innate gift to “own the room.” 

They draw every eye with their poise and confidence, command attention while speaking, and have a personal magnetism that inspires and engages.  How do they do it? Practice… and lots of it. I say this from personal experience.

After a decade of working in TV news—emceeing large-scale events, interviewing high profile news makers and talking my way through a daily 2 1/2 hour morning show—I sometimes scratch my head.…

Five affordable ways to update your kitchen

Are you hoping to bring your dream kitchen to life, but aren’t quite ready to dive into a major renovation? The cost and time-investment for a kitchen update can be daunting. Never fear—you can get a refreshed look without a total revamp. Trust me, I’ve been there! 

When we moved from Wisconsin to Indiana, we left behind a “dream kitchen” in our “forever” house.…

Play: Why adults need ‘recess’ too

The opposite of play is not work, it is depression—Brian Sutton-Smith

There’s something to be said for keeping your “inner child” alive, active and entertained. It’s okay to be playful. In fact, it’s good for you. As adults, we have a tendency to think of play as an unproductive waste of time. I’m here to counter that argument.

At age 34, I still get giddy when passing a playground.…