After seeing the progress on the house, it is amazing that it is finally taking shape. As I walk around our future home, I can remember every step and home advice decision made along the way during the home design project. As a result, there are things that I have learned that were essential to […]
April 1, 2019
Countdown to Move In – When the Project Does Not Go As Planned
It is week 8 in the countdown. This week I am writing about one of the most frustrating things in new home construction and new house construction design – when not everything goes as planned! Building a new home and designing a new house has its challenges! Home Construction Mistake #1: Not according to plan […]
March 28, 2019
Pantry Pain Turns Into Pantry Inspiration
During our home construction journey, we made a decision along the way not to go with expensive kitchen pantry cabinetry. Nor did we decide to go with standard kitchen pantry organization in the form of shelves. So, I needed some interesting kitchen pantry design ideas and pantry inspiration STAT! Let me explain our kitchen pantry […]
March 25, 2019
Week 9: Happy (Home) Ever After
I’m often asked how we selected the house design for our home construction project. The key is to finding your architectural design based on the story you want to live. First, it depends on the type of house construction project. If it is a spec home, you may be required to assume the house design […]
March 17, 2019
Countdown: 10 Weeks to Move In
One of the things I have observed on our how to build a house journey, as we have progressed during our home construction over the past several months, is that there is not a lot of visual progress during the various steps to building a house. As the saying goes, “There’s a lot of talk, […]
March 7, 2019
Countdown: 11 Weeks To Move In
We are now at 11 weeks in the Construction Chronicles countdown! The big change this week is that the kitchen cabinets have arrived and the wood floors are being laid. The trim is finishing up as well. With the exception of one bathroom, all the tiles are down too. Last week, I spent most of […]
February 25, 2019
Countdown: 12 Weeks to Move In
Want to know what is it like to go through the house building process? To build a house from scratch? Interested in learning how to work with architects, builders, and designers? I’ve got some stories to share as I count down the day until we move {finally] into our new family home. The Backstory It […]
February 19, 2019
Outfit Planner: Tips on Putting Together An Outfit
Need outfit ideas or an outfit planner? Wondering what to wear today or tomorrow or how to pick an outfit? Whether you wonder what to wear with black leggings or what to wear with a white shirt, I have some tips to share to make putting together an outfit easy! Step One: Put Together an […]
February 4, 2019
Tips on Hiring an Interior Designer (and Why You Should)
If you are building a new home or want to undergo a remodel of your new home, you know to call the contractor and architect – but what about an interior designer? With tight budgets, decorating may seem like a frivolous thing. Especial if you want to be on trend. However, in actuality, it may […]
January 31, 2019
Current Interior Decorating Ideas for Your Home
With our new house underway, decorating has become a new hobby! As we have progressed on our house, we have learned about several current interior decorating ideas for our home. Working with many interior designers, tile specialists, home stores and contractors, there are key trends that are popular for home decorating right now. Especially if […]
January 18, 2019
Best Dog Toys for Your New Puppy
Dogs need to play and they have fun playing. It is also an essential bonding opportunity between owner and his/her best friend! Whether playing in your family room, backyard or dog park, having a dog toy box with a great selection of toys, is essential for your pack mate. Think about stocking up on toys […]
January 17, 2019
Five Fun Finds for Dog Agility at Home
Whether you want to give your dog a fun thing to do, provide a fun fitness option, or more formal agility training, there are five items you need to have at home. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank! These are easy to find and great price points to get […]
January 16, 2019
Puppy Extras: Fun Things for a New Puppy
When it is time to bring a new puppy home, it can be daunting. Just like babies, it is amazing how much you need! While it’s true that all dogs need is food, water, collar, leash, and a place to sleep, it is a lot more than that for most pet owners. After having 6 […]
January 15, 2019
The Essentials You Need for a New Puppy
You are now a puppy-to-be parent or you just became a puppy parent and need supplies fast! It is all about the essentials and the must haves you need for a new puppy. The extras can wait. This is all about the list for puppy survival! Crate Collar and Leash Food Bowls Treats Pee Pads […]
January 7, 2019
You CAN Adopt Two Littermates from the Same Litter!
You CAN adopt two littermates and bring home two puppies from the same litter at the same time. Don’t let those other online blogs tell you that you cannot. You may have landed on my site in tears because they have made you feel so horrible about even contemplating such a canine crime! While adopting […]
January 3, 2019
Home Organization Goals for the New Year
Happy New Year everyone! A new year means new goals and resolutions. However, those goals can be really daunting. If getting organized and staying organized is your aim for the new year, here are tips on how to be more organized. How To Be More Organized? One Day at a Time! With this New Year How […]
July 30, 2018
Is Getting Two Puppies at the Same Time a Bad Idea?
When I hired a dog trainer, he said that 9 out of 10 trainers would discourage anyone from getting two puppies at the same time. However, many breeders/dog agents think it is fine to get two puppies at the same time and be raising two puppies at once. So who is right? Our Own Tale […]
July 17, 2018
Best Bubbleezz Squishy Smoothie Recipe
If you have a lot of squishies, you know each squishy is a cute, cool and calming fidget collectible. However, there is another one to add to your squishy collection now – Bubbleezz by Orb Toys. In honor of the launch, I am sharing a great smoothie recipe without milk (or without any dairy like […]
May 23, 2018
How Much Money to Spend on a Birthday Gift
Once you get that “{Your child’s name} has been invited to {friend’s name} birthday party!}” – the big question looms – “How Much to Spend on the Birthday Gift” for said friend? I often wonder how much of a ‘friend’ this person is to my child too. Are the besties? Does this child even say […]
May 1, 2018
How to Host a Kentucky Derby Party
Most folks don’t think of having a Kentucky Derby Party. However, it is a fun theme that also kicks off spring! It is also unique enough that you probably won’t have to compete with another event. The Kentucky Derby is always held on the first Saturday in May. So here is how to celebrate the […]
May 1, 2018
A Marvelous Mocktail Mint Julep Recipe
I always think Mint Juleps are so classy. Perfect for late spring and early summer cocktails. There are a lot of Mint Julep recipes out there. (This site has my favorite, including a Mint Tulip option.) However, if you want a Mint Julep without alcohol, then here is a simple Mocktail Mint Julep recipe to […]
April 18, 2018
DIY of the Week: Pet Picture Blanket
It can be hard when a pet passes on. However, what I didn’t realize is how hard it can be on other pets that are still living. When my oldest dog passed recently, my other dog was clearly depressed. They had snuggled and slept together all the time and when the older dog didn’t come […]
January 29, 2018
Boogie Board Blackboard Review & Uses
The Blackboard by Boogie Board made it to my ‘best list’ for getting organized in the new year. You can see that post here. In this post, however, I’m sharing why you might want to get one for your kids. Benefits of the Blackboard The Blackboard by Boogie Board can be a great teaching tool […]
January 15, 2018
Five Finds to Get You Organized
I always spend January trying to get organized after the hectic holidays. In addition, I always look for new ideas or organization products to reach that goal. So I wanted to share my five finds to help you get organized in 2018. Organization Products Keeping Track of To Dos I’ve fallen in love with the […]
October 16, 2017
Five Ideas for Used Coffee Grounds
We recently got into the cold brew craze, and started cold brewing at home. However, with a lot of coffee grounds left over, I wondered how to reuse coffee grounds. I came up with five beneficial ways on how to use used coffee grounds. Cold Brew Maker Our family are not hot coffee drinkers, but […]
Hi! I'm Charlene! I chronicle one find at a time. From shoes to strollers, cruises to cell phones, and fitness to food; I seek, search and share the spectacular. I'm not interested in the amount of the megapixels on my phone..only if it will survive in the hands of my kids. So how did I start these chronicles? 
