Arrow Hill Cottage

TRENDING IN HOME DESIGN & DECOR: BOLD WALLPAPER

There is a saying ‘What goes around comes around’. It’s true in fashion, entertainment, and even home decor. Wallpaper is in the middle of a revival moment that doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon.

WHAT IT IS

Machine printed wallpaper was introduced in the late 1700’s, as a means to decorate interior walls of domestic and public buildings. It is most commonly sold in rolls, with graphics in repeating patterns. These patterns overlap so that they look continuous when installed.

Unlike the wallpaper of years gone by, the newer versions are much more simple to install and don’t require the paste to be awkwardly applied to the back of each piece before being hung. Some types are even removable, meaning that if your style changes, you can switch it out easily.

The patterns and colors available today are so diverse that there is sure to be something that matches your style.

OVERSIZED FLORALS

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TEXTURED/3D

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GEOMETRIC

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WHERE/HOW TO USE IT

Wallpaper is most typically used, well, on walls of course! From the bathroom to the kitchen, homeowners are finding a pattern they love and making a major statement!

FULL ROOMS

Mix & Match Design Company

ACCENT WALLS

Claire Brody Designs

Creative people have proved that wallpaper is useful for other purposes as well! These are some interesting applications:

ACCENT THE BACK OF CABINETS

Practically Functional Blog

LINING DRAWERS

Duece Cities Henhouse

FURNITURE

Salvaged Inspirations Blog

STAIRS

Bower Power Blog

If the thought of installing wallpaper is what is holding you back, read this article from dwell titled ’12 Pro Tips For Installing Wallpaper In Your Home’. It is well written, and the step by step guide proves that this DIY project can be done easily.

WHERE TO BUY

Wallpaper can be purchased in home improvement stores, as well as Interior Design shops. The most common place to find the widest variety of options though, is online.

This a collection of my favorite finds from Amazon

From top, left to right

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS HOME DESIGN TREND

Wallpaper has notoriously had a bad reputation of creating a ‘dated’ look to a home, and is typically one of the first things removed when new owners move into a house, along with popcorn ceilings and shag carpeting. That fact has more to do with the personal nature of wallpaper than anything else. Though one homeowner may find a print that they love enough to make a statement on a wall, or in an entire room, that print might not be a favorite of someone else.

With that being said, I think that wallpaper is a great way to personalize. If you are living in your ‘forever home’ then by all means, go with what you love. But, if you will be selling your home in the near future, you might want to consider something in a neutral tone or with a simple pattern, or better yet with a peel + stick backing so that it can be removed before the house is listed.

If you would like more wallpaper inspiration, check out my Pinterest Board on the topic!

***This post contains affiliate links***

FALL DECORATING IDEAS

Today I share some of my favorite Fall decorating ideas. The natural elements and rusty hues are sure to make an impression!

We are officially in the heart of the Fall season. Most of the leaves have already changed colors and fallen off of the trees in our area. A bit of snow has even been seen, though thankfully melted away.

This is our last Fall living in our rental home. We are hopeful that by this time next year we will be in Arrow Hill Cottage. It is likely we will be cozy by the fireplace and decorating with pumpkins and foliage. Decorating our new home for the holidays is something I am very excited for!

Until then, I will be collecting decor ideas to use as inspiration for when I do get the chance.

Today, I want to share some of the unique and beautiful Fall Vignettes that are inspiring me! Click on the links below each photo to learn more about the creative people behind these beautiful decorating ideas!

FALL DECOR IDEAS FROM ARROW HILL COTTAGE

Nature Inspired Fall Centerpieces

Printable ‘Thankful’ Art

Enjoy Fall everyone!

HARVEST DINING TABLE DESIGN

I’ve got the basics of the kitchen plan figured out, and have begun the transformation of the dining chairs. Now is a good time to work on the design of the harvest dining table that our family will use at Arrow Hill Cottage.

This will be a custom piece, and hopefully an heirloom that will be passed down for generations. As such, I want to think through every detail to be sure it will stand the test of time.

OUR DINING PHILOSOPHY

Our family enjoys eating our meals together as a group. It is something we strive to maintain as a top priority, even while the kids grow and become more involved in other activities.

The space where the dining table will reside is directly to the right of the kitchen. In fact, I would consider our kitchen to be a kitchen/dining combination. The dining area is pulled off to the side a bit. This helps to maintain the kitchen work triangle as well as define the eating area as a place of importance.

HARVEST TABLE DESIGN BASICS

The harvest dining table design is heavily influenced by a few factors:

First, we are a family of seven. While we only need seven chairs around the table, we want to be sure to always have a few extras for guests. The set of 10 vintage chairs we are refinishing will surround the table, leaving 3 seats always ready for company. I specifically looked for chairs that had a smaller profile, knowing that we would have many set up at all times.

Second, The space where the table and chairs will sit is a bit narrow, and because of that I know that the table will need to be narrow as well.

Lastly, The table top will be made of solid wood boards – hopefully harvested from our property. We do not want to complicate the design by making a table that has extendable leaves. Whatever size the table is, it will be one hundred percent of the time.

Considering all of these factors, I knew from the start that I would be designing a long and narrow table.

HARVEST DINING TABLE INSPIRATION

I found inspiration in the form of a ‘dry sink’ turned table that I spotted at a local antique store last year.

It apparently had been used in a one room schoolhouse in the early 1900’s. When I spotted it, I kind of wanted to just take it home with me right then and there. Unfortunately, I couldn’t justify the price tag or the fact that it would need to sit in storage for over a year before it could be utilized.

Instead, I kept my eyes open for table legs that looked similar to those used on the dry sink. I finally found them in Kansas, on the surprise anniversary road trip Craig took me on in June.

They were just the shape I had been looking for, and I love that they will hold memories of the special trip that we had together.

After measuring the chairs and determining how much space is needed between them, I came to the conclusion that the size of the table top will be 3′-0″ wide x 8′-6″ long.

DESIGNING IN THE THIRD DIMENSION

With all of this information in mind, I set to work with my favorite 3D designing tool – Sketchup. I’ve written before why 3D modeling is important during home design process. Many of the same reasons ring true for other design endeavors as well. The third dimension is just so helpful in visualizing what the end product might look like.

In this case, it also helped me to determine what sizes and lengths of lumber might be needed to get the job done. The below image lays out the 2×4 material. This configuration will be used for the framing and stability of the table. Higher quality wood will be added to the face. If we have enough, it may even be wood harvested from our land.

table framing

The legs of the table are positioned at the very ends, allowing enough space for 5 chairs on either side.

For added support, I am anticipating that there will need to be a center brace that runs from one end of the table to the other.

I have yet to determine the finish of the legs. I go back and forth with either stained wood or painted black. We may not be able to make a full decision until we begin finishing the legs. If we can’t get the stain to blend well with the lumber from our land they may need to be painted.

I think the piece will fit beautifully in the space! It will add just the right amount of simple charm. You’d better believe I am looking forward to eating many home-cooked meals with my family in this very spot!

THOUGHTS ON REST

The past few weeks have been a rough go for our family. First, my uncle passed away suddenly at the age of 59. We gathered for his funeral to celebrate the life of a man who loved people and music, and tearfully said our goodbyes. Only a few days later, my cousin had an unexpected medical emergency that eventually required a liver transplant.

And, just this past Saturday, our own little {L} was in a freak accident that slashed one of his tendons and broke his pinky finger. After an ER visit and a night in the hospital, he is now the proud owner of a purple cast and is expected to make a full recovery.

Scary stuff – Life changing events

I display many ‘type -A’ personality characteristics. I’m a perfectionist who likes to accomplish tasks and keep busy, a hard worker who sees things through. I’ll be the first to admit, though, that I am not good about taking time to rest.

I will make to-do lists and check the items off as I go. Subconsciously, I think to myself ‘once the to-do list is finished, I will rest.’

But then another item comes up that needs to be added, and then another. The list is seemingly unending, and, while I am generally good at multi-tasking, there inevitably comes a point when it all builds up and becomes too much. I call those moments ‘spinning’ – when there is so much to be done and coordinated, that I bounce from one task to the next, without making any real progress on anything. My brain simply can’t catch up.

If a thought bubble was visible above my head during a ‘spinning’ moment, you would probably see a throbber.

Just like a computer, my ‘spinning’ is an indication that I need a good re-start or refresh. The events of these past weeks have made this go-getter realize something very important.

Rest is needed, even when you’re not overwhelmed

Life is precious, and finite. It can change course in a matter of seconds. It shouldn’t take an overload to make a person slow down and reset. We tend to find time for all sorts of things: work, exercise, eating, even social media – yet forget to rest. In reality, rest is something that should be worked into the everyday, so that life can be enjoyed, not endured.

Sure, with five young kids it isn’t like I can trade in all of my responsibilities for relaxation, but I can make an effort to truly rest a bit each day. To take a step back and smell the crisp Fall air, read a good book, or snuggle with my kids and my husband.

If you’re like me and need to make a conscious effort to rest, I encourage you to take on this daily approach with me. I’m convinced that only good can come of it.

ANTIQUE CABINET RESTORATION

In this post, I describe the steps we took during our antique cabinet restoration – taking a beat up old cabinet and making it look new again!

Last winter, I happened to be driving through a nearby town and noticed an antique store I had never been in. I decided to stop and have a look around.

It was packed with all sorts of treasures, which made it a bit hard to see individual items. I get a little claustrophobic when I am surrounded by things. And so, if i’m honest being honest, I was walking through the shop quickly. Just as I was getting ready to head out, I spotted a pair of antique cabinets in the corner.

They were so wedged in that it was hard for me to determine their condition. I asked the store owner to pull them out a bit so that I could take a look. She did the best she could. However, it was impossible to see all sides of the cabinets without rearranging a ton of items.

She told me about the cabinets history, mentioning they had been salvaged from an old house during a recent remodel. The notches on their sides indicate where they had been built into walls. She also informed me that she would only sell the cabinets as a pair. And that the one in back wasn’t in great shape.

THE CABINETS

Undeterred, I texted Craig this photo and asked for his consent to purchase. This is the cabinet that was more visible. I loved the glass door, and the size of the cabinet seemed to be good for a variety of purposes

Though he was skeptical on what we would do with them, he has known me long enough to realize that once I fall for an item, it is pretty hard to shake it from my mind. He agreed that the cabinets could become ours. A couple of weeks later, he went to retrieve them.

Upon arriving home, Craig announced that the second cabinet was basically falling apart, and that it probably wasn’t worth salvaging.

The ‘nice’ cabinet was given a spot in our rental home. The ‘ugly duckling’ cabinet was left in the garage.

the nicer cabinet, in our dining room

THOUGHTS OF RESTORATION

Sitting in the garage, the cabinet was something we saw every day. Perhaps Craig became annoyed seeing an unfinished project, or perhaps he began to see it’s merit. Either way, he eventually decided to take it on as his personal restoration project.

I was all for it! If he was going to do the work, I certainly wasn’t going to get in his way!

Unfortunately, I didn’t take many good pictures before he started the antique cabinet restoration. I can tell you though, it was in really rough shape. The door was barely hanging on by it’s hinges, the glass was broken, and some of the wooden grilles were missing. There was a large crack on the top, and a broken piece on the side.

ANTIQUE CABINET RESTORATION

Craig spent many long hours in the garage sanding, gluing, and sanding some more.

There sure was a lot of sanding and gluing to be done! He mostly used an orbital sander with varying grits of paper. For the finest details, he used a sanding block.

Craig took pieces of the cabinet apart…

… then put them back together

REFINISHING THE ANTIQUE CABINET

After literal months of very hard work, the cabinet was once again standing tall and ready for it’s finishing. Once the sanding was complete, it was much easier to see all of the beautiful wood grain details.

The lighter wood pieces are replacements. Although they are the same wood species, they are not aged in the way that the rest of the cabinet pieces are.

CHOOSING THE STAIN COLOR

It was a difficult decision on what type and color of stain to use. The cabinet is made of 100% red oak – but some of it has a tighter grain, while other parts a more loose and wavy grain.

We had some samples made up at a local Sherwin Williams, then brought them back to the house to look at for a while.

Ultimately, we agreed upon a Minwax stain called ‘Dark Walnut’. We felt that it gave us a nice deep color, which would help to neutralize the grain a bit. The Sherwin Williams associate suggested a Minwax water based urethane in a semi-gloss finish. Popular Woodworking has a great post about how to properly apply stain.

The cabinet absolutely soaked up the stain. The wood looked amazing, but wasn’t quite as dark as I had wanted after the first coating.

Cabinet after one coat of stain (sitting in the garage)

As you can see in the photos above, the newer wood pieces were still pretty obvious after the first coat. We waited a couple of days, and then applied another stain coating. This time we had success with the color. We brought it indoors to dry for another two days, and then added two coats of the clear semi-gloss finish. The spar urethane really made the cabinet shine, and darkened the color a bit more.

Finished cabinet with lower door open

Detail of cubbies. Might be perfect for sorting mail!

Detail of the molding and repaired cabinet top

The original writing on the side of the cabinet – which indicates the part number, and the early 1900’s homeowner.

FUTURE FOR THE ANTIQUE CABINETS

Now that the antique cabinet restoration is complete, we are dreaming about it’s future. We love that this historic piece will be given a prominent spot in Arrow Hill Cottage – to define our entryway from the living room! You can read more about our first floor layout in THIS POST.

We are also very excited to see how the ‘nicer’ cabinet turns out. And to see BOTH of the cabinets, together once again in the new house, will be such a thrill!

PIN THIS ANTIQUE CABINET RESTORATION

If you enjoyed seeing this old cabinet become new again, be sure to follow this blog to see the other restored!

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE BUNGALOW HOME STYLE

Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month, I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the bungalow home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.

HISTORY OF THE BUNGALOW STYLE

The very term ‘bungalow’ has roots from the Indian/ Hindi word ‘bangala’ – which describes a one story house with a low, extended roof. During the British occupation in India, troops created bangalas in higher elevation ‘hill stations’. The home’s wide, covered verandas, provided shade in the hot climate as well as a comfortable cross ventilation in the hot stuffy months.

Bangalas were later built in the UK, presumably by the British colonials who had finished their tour of duty in India. Coined as ‘bungalows’, they were adapted once again for America in the early 1900’s, popping up first in the temperate climate of California. From that time until the early 1930’s, the bungalow style’s popularity reached nearly every state in the union.

When Bungalows were introduced in America, they were seen as a progressive ideal – and in many ways an opposite way of life to that of the Victorian era. The straight-forward use of materials, informal plan layout and accessibility to the outdoors that bungalow homes provided were attractive to middle-class families in particular – those who felt secure enough about their social standing that they didn’t need their home to be a status symbol or showcase their worth.

Similar to the American Foursquare home, the Bungalow style were widely available through mail-order catalogs. For those with limited means – the bungalow provided more than just the need for shelter, they provided fulfillment of the American dream.

There are also examples of architecturally designed bungalow homes. The most notable architects of this style were the Greene brothers, who practiced in California in the early 1900’s – focusing their work on the Arts & Crafts movement.

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE BUNGALOW STYLE

LOCATION

Bungalows first began to make their U.S appearance in Southern California – that is where the most iconic examples still stand today. However, there are bungalow examples scattered throughout North America.

This housing style fills neighborhoods that are near the city center, which is an attractive asset to homeowners looking for close proximity to schools, work, and shopping districts. Generally these neighborhoods are pedestrian friendly. It is not uncommon to see multiple Bungalows situated next to one another long the street – something that creates a strong sense of community for the people who call the neighborhoods home.

SIZE

These homes are often small, with efficient, yet flexible, floor plans. Their economical use of space is especially appealing to first time homeowners and young families.

Though relatively compact, Bungalows make efficient use of every available square foot – with built in cabinets and cupboards for organization.

EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

LOW PROFILE: Because they are meant to be unassuming, bungalows keep a low profile to the street. Generally they are one story in height. If a second floor is included, the living space is typically built into the roof structure. Exterior detailing of bungalows accentuate the horizontal lines, further grounding their facades.

PORCH: most Bungalow homes feature large front porches. Not only do porches give the homeowners a direct connection to the outdoors, they also promote neighborhood interaction – both important Bungalow ideals.

DOMINATING ROOF WITH DORMERS: Bungalow generally have roofs that slope toward the street – aiding in their one story appearance. Those with second floor living space may have dormers that accentuate the roof line.
USE OF REGIONAL MATERIALS: Builders of the original bungalows favored the use of regional materials for their lower cost and reduced maintenance. Those built on the west coast tend to employ stucco as a primary exterior material, where those in the Midwest – such as Chicago and Milwaukee – feature brick. Northeast bungalows were, at least partially, clad in shingles.

INTERIOR SPACES

Interior layouts lack redundant walls and useless space. Hallways are not common. Compared to their Victorian ancestors, the Bungalow features an open first floor plan – with rooms that have overlapping functions.

Continuing the function of space, many Bungalows feature built in cabinetry as room dividers – as opposed to full height walls. These built ins allowed rooms to flow into one another, while at the same time maintaining some separation of space.

image source

COLOR SCHEME

The original bungalow owners would often strive to use warm colors and textures that would make their homes feel welcoming and cozy. Earth tones such as tan, brown and harvest gold were, and still are common both on the exterior detailing and interior finishes and furnishings

traditional bungalow colors

from the book Bungalow Colors: Exterior, by Robert Schweitzer

NOTABLE BUNGALOW HOUSES

‘Bungalow City’ | Boise, Idaho | Houses built between 1910-1930

This neighborhood was nicknamed ‘Bungalow City’ because of the vast amount of Bungalows that were built there in the early 1900’s. There are many prime examples of the style that are well maintained.

INSPIRING BUNGALOWS FROM AROUND THE WEB

These classic homes showcase the Bungalow style well. Take a closer look!

1916 Bungalow

Itty Bitty Bungalow

I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the Bungalow style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles HERE.

SATURDAY SKETCHBOOK: LOWER LEVEL

The lower level of the cottage is really starting to take shape! I think it is pretty close to what the final revision will be, and thought it might be a good time to share it with all of you.

I have to say that one of the things we have missed the most while living in our rental farmhouse is a finished basement. We used the basement in our last house as a place for the kids to be rowdy during the day, and a quiet retreat for the grownups at night. I wanted to design in those same functions for the new house – also keeping in mind that our kids will be teenagers in not too many years, and we would love it if they had friends over to our house to hang out.

The layout of the lower level is quite simple, with one very exciting bonus space

lower level plan

The lower level in 3D plan form

To the right of the stairs is a large mechanical room, which will probably have a little space within it for storage of items such as Christmas decorations.

When you first step down the stairs you enter an open family room. I have always envisioned a large, comfy sectional sofa and a couple of overstuffed chairs. On the wall – a giant tv – one of the things that Craig and the boys are most excited for. I imagine this area will be used for family movie night, as well as Playstation tournaments with friends!

Off to the other side of the room is a small space for a table and chairs. This is the table we are currently using in our dining space – and is a hand me down from Craig’s grandparents. It’s an antique piece and will serve as the perfect spot to play games as a family, or set up snacks.

After much debate, we decided to add a walkout door from the family room. This door will provide access to a future outdoor patio / fire pit area. We love that the large windows in this room will let in a lot of natural light and the visual connection to the outdoors will ensure that the space won’t feel like a basement.

From the family room, there is a small hallway space that has access to a 3/4 bathroom on one side and the den on the other. Though the room will have both an egress window and closet, so that it can be considered another legal ‘bedroom’ for the house, the den is technically going to be Craig’s space – or ‘man land’ as he calls it. He has been dreaming of a little room of his own for years! In each of the places we have lived, I have had my own office or craft room/ creative space. It’s about time that he has a chance. I imagine he will spend many hours here working on computer projects and watching sports on tv, maybe reading a book in the recliner with a cup of coffee in hand.

The couch contains a pull out queen size bed that can be used for guests when they visit.

The final space in the lower level is quite possibly going to be the most used room in the entire house. The Rec Room. A 16′ x 25′ open space for large motor activities – running, jumping, kicking, etc – it will serve as a small indoor gym. A portion of the ceiling will be 16′ high, so that we can set up a basketball hoop and shoot free throws.

This room was on the drawing board, then off, then back on again. Once we got word from our contractor that the extra space won’t be terribly expensive (because of how our site slopes and how deep the footings will need to go for other portions of the house), we figured we would not regret adding it. It will be unfinished at the beginning of the build, until we can afford to finish it the way we’d like.

The room is large enough to shoot free throws in!

A pair of windows provide some natural lighting

If you ask the kids which room they are most excited for – I think they would collectively say that the Rec Room is the most anticipated. And, Craig and I might be right there with them on that sentiment! This indoor space will allow us to stay active even in the cold winter months, and will be especially handy now that we have discontinued our local gym membership. We have been talking about getting a treadmill, some free weights, a kicking net, pull up bar, and possibly incorporating a small rock climbing area. It will also, of course, be the perfect spot to play ping pong! All sport equipment will be stored in a large walk in closet located in the back of the room – keeping the rec room as open and uncluttered as possible.

View from rec room into family room space. Closet door is to the right in this image.

Notice the ceiling height change from 8′ to 16′

As we approach the cold winter months here in the Midwest, we are bracing ourselves while at the same time thinking that we should be in our new house next year at this time. When the snow melts in the spring, we want to be ready to break ground as soon as possible! So exciting!

HOME MAINTENANCE BUDGET TIPS

Anyone who owns a home knows for certain one fact: THINGS WILL BREAK. And unlike renters, homeowners need to be able to pay for the repairs out of their own pockets. Because of this, it is wise to have a home maintenance budget in place.

Issues may be a minor patch jobs that can be done over a weekend. Or there may be extensive damage that requires the expertise of a seasoned professional. The tricky thing is, you never know which kind will pop up, and/or how much these fixes may cost.

It is very wise to be prepared upfront, but starting a home maintenance budget. The following tips can help you determine how much to save, and where to keep the funds for the inevitable ‘rainy day’ when they will be needed.

TIP #1: THE ONE PERCENT RULE

If you have just moved into your home, and have yet to repair anything, you may want to start with this rule. Use the purchase price of your home as a guide, and save 1% of that figure for repairs. If you purchased your home for $250,000, for example, expect to save $2,500 per year for maintenance.

TIP #2: THE SQUARE FOOTAGE RULE

Another easy calculation is to save $1 per square foot per year. If your home is 1,500 square feet – that would equate to $1,500 available for repairs each year.

TIP #3: CONSIDER THE AGE OF THE HOUSE

Obviously, a newer home should need less maintenance than one that is older. In the first 5-10 years after a home is built, there should be only minor repair needs. Between 10 and 20 years, common maintenance includes re-painting, window replacement, and flooring removal/replacement. Homes that are over 30 years are more of a challenge. Major systems such as the roofing, electrical, and plumbing- may begin to fail.

A graduated savings plan might be a good idea. Save a smaller amount of money each year for the first 10 years and increasing the amount put into the account as the house ages. Any money that isn’t used in the early years can be applied to the more costly repair items that inflict a home in it’s later years.

TIP #4: CONSIDER THE CLIMATE THE HOUSE RESIDES IN

Houses located in areas of the country that receive freezing temperatures, large amounts of snowfall, and ice storms are more susceptible to exterior damage.

Houses located in areas that receive heavy annual rainfall and humid summer months can be subject to termite damage, which can weaken the wooden structure.

If you live in one of these areas, it is a good idea to pad your savings a bit.

TIP #5: CONSIDER PRIOR + FUTURE MAINTENANCE

Small problems will become larger ones if left unattended. It is important to keep on top of the small issues as soon as they are discovered. If you aren’t the first owner of your house, you may have inherited unresolved issues that are beginning to turn into big problems. A house that has had poor past maintenance is going to require a heftier savings for repairs.

On the flip side, the previous owners may have done a great job keeping the house maintained. If this is the case, you will be able to primarily focus on future repairs.

Not all repair and maintenance items are surprises. Be sure to consider what ELECTIVE projects you plan to tackle in the future. Do you dream of a brand new kitchen or hardwood floors throughout? Go ahead and beef up your fund to reflect these improvements.

TIP #6: KEEP THE MONEY LIQUID

Once you determine the amount you will be saving for your home maintenance and repair, you need to decide where to put the funds.

The primary thought is that this money should be available, yet forgotten about. For example, keeping the funds in the standard checking account might not be the best idea. They will be more susceptible to being used for not house-related items. Converting the cash into savings bonds is also not ideal, as they can be more difficult to access when the need arises.

A money market account may be able to get you a bit of interest over time, but also has the disadvantage of losing value if the money needs to be pulled out at a low point in the market.

The best approach is to set up a separate savings or checking account that can be linked to your primary checking. When maintenance costs are incurred, you can easily move funds from savings to checking in order to pay the bills.

Use these tips to determine how much money to save, then be diligent to do just that! Having a home maintenance + repair budget isn’t the most glamorous thing you can imagine doing with your money, but it will give your family a sense of peace knowing that if a problem arises it can be easily taken care of, without a financial burden.

PIN THESE IDEAS FOR LATER

AROUND HERE: SEPTEMBER 2018

Around here, we have been…

CELEBRATING birthdays for both of the girls! {K} turned 8 and {M} turned 5! Last year we celebrated their birthdays together, but this year we decided to have small family parties for each of them separately.

{K} had a ‘magic pony’ aka unicorn party. We even bought her a a unicorn headband so that she could pretend to be one herself. She received many art supplies and creative tools, which she loved. Her biggest wish, though, was to unwrap her ‘stinky present’ – her purple arm cast. ha ha! That wish was realized about a week after her birthday, and she is now cast free!

{M} had a confetti/ celebration themed party and received gifts that included a magnet learning toy, drawing book, and a wooden pizza party set to use with her play kitchen. She soaked up all the attention, especially at school with her friends – while passing out cookies and listening to them sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song to her.

We are blessed to have these two little girls as part of our family and pray that the year ahead of them is filled with favor.

GETTING our exercise. Before the very cold weather blows in, and the snow begins to fall, we are trying to pack in as much outdoor time as possible. Both {D} and {L} continue with their football programs.

Being the first year for {L}, he is still very much learning the rules – along with his teammates. It is sometimes funny to watch them out on the field. That being said, we are proud of {L}’s hustle and his ability to follow instruction.

Craig is coaching {D}’s team, and reports that they are a great group of boys. As of the writing of this post, the ‘mean machine’ (team name determined by the kids) is undefeated, and have yet to have any points scored against them! In his free time, he is still living and breathing field goal kicking. Through a series of events, he was able to match up with a former college football kicker – who is willing to give {D} private kicking lessons!

This Fall has found {I} doing a lot of running, and he seems to really love it! His first experience with distance running was the elementary 1 mile fun run, which is an optional event for all 4th and 5th graders in our school district. Though he was hesitant to sign up, Angela took him on a practice run. Once he realized that it was possible for him to go the distance, he was all in! He finished his mile race with a time of 7:47! Since the race, he has run with Angela a few different times – up to the distance of 3 miles! He is always trying to beat his time for the mile, and now has a PR of 7:25. Perhaps he will have a cross country career in his future?

WORKING our jobs. This month, Craig took a work trip to Philadelphia where he was able to take in some of the famous city’s historic landmarks, such as the Liberty Bell and the ‘Rocky steps’. He was also able to eat a classic Philly Cheese steak sandwich.

Angela began her new part-time work venture – as a para/ aide in the Preschool room at our kid’s school. She is now with {M} for half of her school days on M/W/F. She loves the position so far. Because it is part time, she is able to run errands in the afternoons on those days and ‘recharge’ on the days between.

CHANGING some of the design aspects of our future house. While doing a bit of fine tuning and simplifying, Angela somewhat stumbled upon a major planning change for the new house. It adds so much value, including an attached bathroom for the main floor bedroom. We are really excited about that!

We will soon be contacting the bank and getting our preliminary estimate/appraisal done. At that point we will also work with our contractor and excavator to determine the house position, and begin to cut down some of the main trees that will need to be removed. The large trees, we hope, can be milled into boards that we can use for furniture pieces in the house.

This is just a glimpse at what our family has been up to. If you’d like a closer look, be sure to check out our weekly ‘mini vlogs’ on our YouTube channel ARROW HILL FAMILY. Be well everyone!

18 CREATIVE COLLECTION DISPLAY IDEAS

If you have a collection of items you love, but are unsure of the best way to display them, check out these 18 creative collection display ideas.

Because homes are personal spaces – and are reflective of the people who live within their walls – it only makes sense that they would be filled with the things the homeowners love.

And for many people, if they love something enough, they may just want to have more than one of that item. After awhile, a little collection may begin to take shape.

These 18 creative ways to display collections can help you showcase the items that bring you happiness. Visit the links below each image to learn more about these collections ideas.

SET THEM ON SHELVES

Probably the most basic way to display collectibles is to set them together on shelves. The similar objects play off of the beauty of one other when placed side by side. This display option allows you to easily add more shelf space as your collection size increases. The downside is that you may find yourself doing a lot of dusting to protect your collectibles!

Teapot Collection

Shelves Of Lunchboxes

Vintage Record Collection

FRAME THEM

For flat or uniquely shaped items, consider frames or small cubes that can act as miniature gallery podiums. If the items you collect are flat – such as vintage prints or handkerchiefs – you may be able to get UV protective glass for your frames, which can add a layer of protection.

Framed Handkerchiefs

Vintage Camera Display

Stamp Collection

GROUP THEM IN GLASS CONTAINERS

Smaller items can find a place in clear containers such as glass mason cans or apothecary jars. These containers are easily moved and can themselves be grouped together for an additional level of display. You will not be able to see each and every angle of your small collectible items if they are displayed this way – unless you pick them out to look at them. This may be a downfall for some collectors.

Vacation Memory Jars

Cookie Cutter Collection

Items In Dome Displays

HANG THEM UP

A fun, and ‘outside the box’ way to display your collection might have you looking UP. Create a floating mobile of postcards, or a lampshade of old love letters. A hanging line might even allow you to pin up items that are heavier.

Pins on a Lampshade

Tin Collection

Postcard Mobile

CLUSTER THEM TOGETHER

Perhaps the items you collect are large and bulky. Or perhaps you have a collection of items that are still in regular use – such as picnic baskets or tableware. These items might be displayed easily by simply clustering them together on a side table or even on the floor.

Vintage Crock Collection

Picnic Basket Group

Globe Collection

PROTECT THEM IN A CABINET

For the more delicate items that should not be handled often, consider protecting them behind glass doors. A hutch or curio can be a safe place for items that are easily breakable. Some cabinets may even have the option of showcasing your display with light.

Stoneware Collection

Vintage Silver

Pottery In A Cabinet

MORE DISPLAY INSPIRATION

Aren’t these ideas so fun? If you’d like more inspiration, be sure to take a look at my Pinterest Board ‘Collection Displays‘ – I am always adding to it!

If you collect books, consider reading this post on 9 creative ways to decorate with them.

I would love to hear which of these collection ideas is your favorite and/or if you have found other unique and inspiring ways to display the things you cherish most. Please comment below!