Friday Faves...favorite things around the house

We are in the middle of making decisions for our next big house project.  When we moved in we did some major changes in our new to us home.  We put in hardwood floors throughout all of the main areas of the house.  We turned the family room into a large dining room which included relocating the gas fireplace.  We now utilize the formal living and dining room as one large room.  We replaced light fixtures and faucets.  We replaced all the old appliances in the kitchen with stainless steel and plumbed natural gas into the kitchen for a gas range.  We had all of the off white doors and trim in the house painted a true white.  We are finally getting ready for our next project...new countertops and painting the cabinets in the kitchen.  We are still in the decision making stage of choosing the countertops.

Meanwhile, I thought I'd show you some of the little changes and favorite things around my house.  First up is this virtually carefree new plant that I've placed in the antique olive bucket in my living room.  I've struggled to find a plant that thrives in the relatively low light of that corner and isn't fussy when it comes to watering.  This sanserviera fits that bill.  It doesn't need a lot of light and only requires 1 cup of water every two weeks!  

Not much has changed on the fireplace mantel, but I still haven't tired of it.

I love the little touches of copper on the wooden vase and the tiny bird.

I love the simple black and white "faith can move mountains" print that I made.

On the shelves that are on the living room wall near my hub's favorite chair,

I recently added these two inexpensive blue and white vases found at Michael's.

Our living room is decorated with blue and white with red accents.

I think the vases add a fun touch of whimsy to the more formal items on the shelves.

My new favorite candles are made from Vineyard Hill.

I prefer the clean burning of soy candles.

This cedar and wild fern scent is amazing.

Another of my favorites is this macrame table runner from World Market.

I love it!

Perhaps my most favorite thing is simply bringing spring blooms indoors.

While I do love store bought bouquets, 

branches and flowers gathered from nature are even more lovely in my opinion.

Well, it's almost Friday, friends!

Have a HAPPY, HAPPY Friday

and

a safe and BLESSED weekend!