Top 5 Posts Of 2017

Happy New Year and a look at the top 5 posts of 2017. Camping and cooking were a popular topic. As always a BIG thank you to all of you who visit regularly. From our family to yours, Happy New Year!


1. Easy RV Step Replacement

2. How We Keep Our RV Trailer Organized

3. American Flag Cake Recipe

4. How To Get Rid Of Pantry Moths

5. Vanilla Shortage and Price Hike

Benefits Of Frugality

The older I get and the longer I consider myself a frugal person, I see the many benefits of frugality. This is my opinion of how living frugally aids many other areas of our lives besides our finances. Frugal mindful living has brought me to a place where I am more content with life. I am happy with my little home and garden and thankful for what I have. Frugality as a way of life has many pluses. Here are a few I find most beneficial.

Wine Cork Craft Ideas

If you drink wine you have a lot of them, I have curated a small list of some of my favorite wine cork craft ideas. If you are wondering what to do with all those wine corks, there are no shortages of clever cork projects.

Maintaining The Roof Of Your Home

Your Roof Keeps You Comfortable; It’s Time to Return the Favor

With what the experts are calling an epic El Nino coming our way, we have been making preparations to ensure our home is ready to withstand higher than normal amounts of rain and likely heavy winds. 

The roof is the most important part of your home, providing shelter from the elements and keeping your family safe. But like anything else that braves the outdoors for 20 years or more, your home’s roof is bound to eventually show its age. You may get to a time when you need to use the repair services of a roofing company, or you might be in the market for a whole new lid for your house. Perhaps you just bought a new commercial property and want to learn about your options for roof replacement materials. We’ve gathered the basics of roof top considerations for you so that you can treat yours with care.

Types of Roofing Materials

The materials on your roof can depend largely on where you live and what type of building you’ve got. Commercial buildings often have flat – or low-slope -- roofs that are topped with hot asphalt and layers of felt or with polyurethane. Foam roofs are ideal in hot climates as they cut down on thermal shock and can help reduce energy costs.

Residential properties are much more likely to have asphalt shingles or clay tiles on top. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing around the country as they handle all types of weather well and have a long life. They also can be purchased in many different colors or even patterns. Clay or concrete tiles are popular in hot, arid climates and fit in nicely with Spanish- or Mediterranean-style architecture. They are extremely long lasting and also come in a variety of colors. One caveat with tile roofs is their weight. If you are considering installing a tile roof in place of an asphalt one, be sure the structure can support the additional load.

In the eastern part of the nation, metal roofs are more common, especially in places that get a lot of snow. The strength and durability of metal roofs make them perfect for that type of weather.

Places Damage Can Occur

No matter what type of roof you have or want to add to your home, there are certain parts of the system that are prone to problems. Water leaks are the most obvious indication that there’s an issue with your roof, but a visual inspection can also reveal a number of problems.

Flashing is the term used for metal that is used in roofing systems to divert water away from seams and valleys. Deterioration of the metal can lead to leaks and should be corrected right away. Sealants around vents and chimneys also are worth checking periodically for damage and should be re-caulked immediately if a leak occurs. Of course, Mother Nature can play a role in the lifespan of your roof. High winds can send trees crashing down or at the very least lead to missing or broken roofing materials.

Homeowners or commercial-property owners should plan a semi-annual inspection of their buildings to check for damage to the roof. The expertise of a roofing company can be helpful in assessing the damage and deciding which repairs should be made.

Extending Its Life

Regular inspections and repairs are two ways to prolong the life of your home’s roof. There are plenty of other actions you can take to boost its longevity, though. For example, if you have a tree located near your home, make sure none of its branches are scraping the top of your house. Repeated rubbing will damage the shingles or tiles and could lead to leaks. Leaf debris piles on the roof retain moisture and harbor pests, so they should be removed promptly. The same goes for your gutters. If they are full of leaves and can’t drain properly, there will likely be damage to the fascia boards around your roof line that could result in the need for costly repair.

Plan to conduct an inspection of your roof periodically and address any issues you find right away. Don’t wait until you have a water leak to take care of problems or you could be in for a much bigger bill. Plus, extending the life of your roof and home will

Roofing Contractors

When you do need the services of a roof repair company, be selective about which you choose to work with. Only consider candidates who have a contractor’s license, a tax identification number and liability insurance. Ask for references from recent clients and check the companies’ online reviews.

Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about your project. An experienced roofing contractor should be able to explain the process and products clearly, as well as indicate why he or she prefers certain materials. Walk away from any person who doesn’t plan to work under contract. You need that document in order to get an accurate representation of the scope of work and other details of the job. The contract should outline the materials, timeframe, responsibilities, and costs involved throughout the process. Don’t sign the dotted line until you are 100 percent comfortable with the details as stipulated.

How Your Roof Helps

Because the roof of your home or commercial building is a basic structure, you probably don’t spend time thinking about it unless there is a storm on the way. However, there’s a lot to know about how a roof affects your lifestyle. For example, if you are into conserving energy, you might want to install solar panels up there. Make sure to choose a licensed installation company that can do this without causing roof leaks.

Your roof also serves as a place to mount holiday lights or decorations. Never use nails to hang lights; removable plastic hooks are available for that purpose and don’t introduce holes. The soffits under your roof line likely have vents that allow air in the attic space to escape and minimize heating and cooling costs. Don’t let those vents get blocked or closed in any way, or you could be looking at come costly repairs.

The crown of you home does more than keep the rain out. It provides a safe structure that is important to your family’s comfort. When you take some time to make sure it can operate to its maximum efficiency, it can protect you for years to come.

With the drought we have had, I say bring on the rain. We are ready and prepared.

Christmas Kitchen Tour 2014 - Christmas Home Tour Part Two

Welcome to my Christmas Kitchen Tour for 2014. We like to change things up a bit each year and I think this year turned out to be on of my favorites. So come on in, grab a mug of something yummy and let's visit in my vintage kitchen.

Each year a hot chocolate station is a must. This year I used a small snowman cookie jar to hold our marshmallows for all the hot cocoa that we will enjoy.

Even the old '58 Western Holly oven gets dressed with a holiday towel.

I love gingerbread so it has been a theme in the kitchen for years.

Soon we will fire up the mixer and start our flurry of Christmas baking. My mom's best easy roll sugar cookie cutouts are so good. If you need a good cut out recipe, this is the one.

My gingerbread shelf decor is always a bit different. I can't help but add something new to the collection. And as always I have to give my hubby credit cause he does most of the decorating.

This year, one new addition is the vintage kitchen Christmas tree. It is my favorite tree this year, full of so many memories. You can read the story of it in my Christmas home tour part one.

Thanks so much friends for coming by for a visit to my Sunny Simple Life kitchen tour and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Chickens and Roosters in Kitchen Decor

As long as I have been married, I have always had chickens in my kitchen. I guess a bit much to some but I just love them and then the collection evolves. I decided this deep corner of the kitchen would go to the chickens. 

You can find the rooster canisters here.

Like these canisters I bought on a girls weekend this month. Half off, they had to come home. I am so tickled to find them.

I keep all sorts of useful things in the canisters. Rice, sugar, flour, popcorn, oatmeal and of course one for cookies. These are my second favorite chicken canisters. From a long closed country decor store but I have found similar ones you can order online here: rooster lid glass jars.

This little gal holds my dishwasher tabs. Handy but hidden away. So do you have a favorite animal that you collect home decor items in?

Affiliate link in this post.

Decorating in Red and White

My all time favorite cozy color combo is red and white. My home may have a prim rustic side but my vintage kitchen is all red and white galore.

Whether it is Christmas decor.

Or simple gingham gift wrappings, red and white decor just says home and comfort and cozy.

Even down to a couch and quilt, it makes me happy to see it in a room.

Heck, I even love red and white in a cup. My poor man's white chocolate peppermint mocha just makes me happy. Can't wait to make them this year.

But the Queen of red and white is my friend Shelly. Her house makes me smile and is such a treasure to sit in and look around. 

She has a way of display that is so darn cute. I have shared some tours of Shelly's place but if you want to see more of her home then you need to follow her pinterest boards. She refuses to blog, which saddens me but she pins pics of her home and if you scroll down on her pinterest boards to House of Bliss you can see her home everyday and at holidays. You will not be disappointed.

Americana Decor on the Old Washstand and a Handmade Basket from 1840 Farm

We have an old English pine wash stand that was our very first antique bought 21 years ago. I love all the old tiles that are still intact and unbroken.  We love to dress it up with a little Americana.

I have been wanting a handmade fabric egg basket from 1840 Farm for a while so I decided to order one in red,

 white and blue.

Jenn lives on a fifth generation farm in Dover, New Hampshire. I even love the little tag so I left it on to dress it up.

Buying old and handmade objects just appeals to me. The little basket will be cherished and passed down.

You can see Jenn's egg baskets and other handmades at her Etsy shop. You know I think Jenn is living my life up there on her New England farm. Have always felt I was meant to live there.

Where I've Been

Been on a weekend with some girlfriends up the central coast. We stayed at Elle Cottage and had a great time of visiting and running around. Came home to the house decorated for Halloween. You know I think the mister likes to do it without my input. Nonetheless it looks great and spooky and fun. Show you soon. I posted a few pics on my facebook and my instagram and even a video or two.

From a Mother's Heart

This has been an emotional week for me. My oldest child is moving out today. She is moving into a charming little house with a good friend. She has a great well paying job. She is responsible and plenty old enough. So what am I upset about? One of my chicks is leaving my nest. I was born to be a mom, have always wanted to be a mom, never regretted being a mom. It defines everything I am. I make no apologies, don't care what others think, just care about these four walls and my chicks in my nest. I only sleep well when they are all in their beds. I am just that kind of a mom.

For better or worse, that is who I am. I am sad but excited. Worried but calm. I want my mom to be here to tell me it will be okay, she will be fine. I want to cry but I smile. Want her to feel excited and happy. I am sure many of you have been through this and can tell me this is totally normal. I thought I would be happy to have one less kiddo to pick up after and clean for and cook for and tell shoosh when others are trying to sleep but I want the clock to go back. Back to when they were all small and thought I was the best thing ever. If you are a young mom, don't ever wish the early years away. Savor them all in your house, under your roof and safe in their beds. Someday they too will fly away and you will realize your work is done and it is time to let go. 

So what did I do to keep myself busy and pulled together? I packed her stuff up while she was working and made her a big care package of needful things. I am so happy she is only 20 minutes away and I will see her often (I hope).  Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder as I would not want to dampen her excitement. Pray I can give her a big hug and hold back the tears after we unload the car with her things. Okay, I have pulled myself together. She's just moving out right?

Fall Home Tour Part One

Fall home tour part one.

I am so excited for fall and to share my home with you. We love to decorate for it around here and as you can see we do it up. We decided to try something a little different this year and do a lot of fall/harvest in this front room and then do Halloween more in the den. So today I am sharing what we call the piano room or front room. Not much more than a room with a million doorways but fun to decorate for the seasons.

This was my new scarecrow I purchased this year. He is the star standing tall in the dry sink and ready to show you my fall home tour part one.

This room is really rather dark so I am playing with settings on the camera to pick up the natural light better.

I am learning but the camera is hard to figure out. I have to give fair credit to my hubby who really does all the decorating. I just let him have at it. I grew the real pumpkins in the garden this year. Enjoy the tour.

So there's the room. I have a new braided rug coming and I had so wished it would have been here by now. Our house is mostly decorated with freebee furniture given to us or thrifted finds. The dry sink is the only piece purchased in this room. We make do with what we have. Next time I will share the dining room and kitchen.

You can see another look here an
and my front porch here.

Autumn Tour Sneak Peek

Fall decorating has begun in our house. In fact it is about done. Wanted to share a peek at what we are up to.  

I love this autumn harvest sign. Pip berries in warm colors and the fall decor is set.

So there is a little peek. Meanwhile you can see fall at Sunny Simple Life from 2011, 2012 and more 2012.

Fall Decorating has Begun at Sunny Simple Life

Though the weather still says summer around these parts we are starting our fall decorating at Sunny Simple Life.  Here is a sneak peak. I will share a fall home tour coming up real soon.

Look what I made. Yes, this craft challenged gal actually made something attractive. I am working on the tutorial right now and will post that this coming week.

For more peeks into our fall decorating you can see some more of what I shared on Facebook and Instagram.