~a vintage sign reproduction 2 ways~

I have always loved this vintage sign:

A few years ago I made this one for our front porch, and have since sold it.

I kept going back to that original sign really wanting it again, so over the weekend I made another one.

This time  I used an old window frame and the same raspberry color that are in my pillows.

Yes, I took the flag down.

I love it, but when I brought back the pink pillows it clashed.

The beauty of it is, when I tire of this one, I can switch the pillows out again and put the flag back up!

So which look do you like better, the pink with the lake view sign or the flag with the more neutral pillows?

xoxo

~garden goodness~

My neighbor Carol's garden is magical.

It has it all, fruits, veggies, gorgeous flowers, a cutting garden, and a place to sit and relax. 

I could lay in that hammock for hours. 

We have been working a lot in our own yard, and while it is not nearly as fabulous as this, I can't wait to show you soon!

xoxo

~winter at Crystal Lake~

We haven't seen any snow yet, and are still crossing our fingers that the lake will freeze over thick enough for a round or two of ice hockey, but the trees are putting on quite the show this winter!

Aren't they beautiful?

~Happy Friday~

xoxo

~a special Christmas gift~

The long drive into our neighborhood has a walking trail parallel to it.

It also has a cute little bridge that was built and dedicated to my father in law, who passed away last May.

The trail and the bridge hold a special place in our hearts.

Below is our hallway gallery wall, and thanks to my dad we have a special new addition.

For Christmas, my dad painted and gifted us with a canvas of "papas bridge"

Let me tell you, all 4 of us were crying when we opened it.

It's just beautiful and has such a special meaning.

My dad is one talented guy with a big heart.

This is something we will cherish forever.

xoxo

~mother's day~

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Here are a few highlights from ours.

Savannah and I:

 Our little family at the bridge that was dedicated to

 my father in law for his years of service at Crystal Lake.

 Daddy's girl….

My mother in law with only some of the grandkids!

My husband, his mom, and 4 out of 6 of his sisters.

Even Cody who hates getting his picture taken, put up with a few for Mother's Day!

I hope you had a wonderful day as well.

xoxo

~FALL in love~

The woods are full of wonder; the lake is full of fish; the trees are
full of golden leaves; let's make an autumn wish.

Blessings from Crystal Lake.

xoxo

~create a gallery wall with Ikea Ribba frames~

Yesterday I received an email inquiring about the gallery wall in our living room.
I have had several questions about it, so I thought I would address it here today.

First of all, as with most things in our home, this wall has seen a lot of changes.
However, this is the one look I have been the happiest with, and it is the one that stays.

I used these inexpensive frames from Ikea.
I LOVE ribba frames. I have them everywhere in my house, they create the biggest bang for your buck.
No, Ikea did not pay me to say that~but if you are reading........ :)
So for $120.00 plus tax, I created a great statement wall!

In the frames, I printed out vintage photos from early Crystal Lake days.

{the neighborhood where we live}

These photos date back to the 1920's and are a great nod to the past.
There's fishing photos, photos of the lodge covered in snow, and pictures of little kids playing, some of who now are in their 90's
and still live here. I just love the history.

So there you have it, a easy and inexpensive way to create a big impact if you have a large wall!

xoxo

~an eclectic garden~

Do you wanna take a peek at my neighbors garden?
It's gorgeous and I just have to share.

Thank you Carol for letting me take photos of your beautiful yard and gardens!
xoxo