When creating trendy outdoor living spaces… don’t forget to give the chair rungs some flare.
Break up the monotony of green grass with tasteful lawn ornaments.
Adding accents to flowerbeds keeps spaces interesting and also serve as a great places to hide your spare keys. Dual purpose hardscape-design details are always a plus.
A classic country item like a barrel or trough can easily be converted into a fountain. To keep water from becoming stagnant, it is a good idea to install a windmill water pump.
When updating your country kitchen, keep in mind that faucets are one of the most important components of your kitchen area. Select a faucet that is not only functional but also gives your kitchen a customized look especially when matched with a unique and stylish spout.
If you choose to carpet the bedrooms of the house, be sure to select shades to compliment any color or style of furniture.
The garage should be outfitted with workbench and storage. Artwork may be added to define the space. Remember to bring the outdoors in with elements of nature in every room.
———————Interesting Stuff to Check Out———————
Click on the mailbox to stop junk mail, save trees, and have a tree planted on your behalf. It’s free!
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I also wanted to touch on a more personal issue: depression. We keep it pretty light around here — with plenty of animals and adventures but we weren’t always so fortunate. Before moving to our home in Georgia, we lived in Washington state. Washington is a beautiful area of the country but spends several winter months with reduced sunlight and a great deal of rain. It’s difficult to imagine that such a gorgeous place could ever be dark and dreary when you experience the summer there:
Oh, but winter is NOTHING like summer. Constant rain fell for twenty-seven days in a row during Josh’s first deployment of our married life together. I could scarcely drag myself out of bed and tasks like like leaving the house or getting the mail became incredibly taxing. Apart from intense loneliness (I was 3,000 miles from home and my husband was in the war), I had no energy. Zip. All I wanted to do was curl up in a big blanket, wear my husband’s pjs, and sleep.
I discovered that I was suffering from S.S.A.D. or Subsyndromal Seasonally Affective Disorder, which is quite common in the northwest and other regions where there is reduced sunlight in the winter months. My husband and I began researching natural treatments for my depression. We found several easy ways to create positive energy in our home to combat the depression. Guess what? They worked. My good friend, Robin, encouraged me to share this information with you:
In order to increase the flow of negative ions into our home, Josh converted an inexpensive resin planter into a fountain for me. He added some bamboo and an elephant (because I LOVE elephants):
He also spent his leave (military vacation time) helping me buy and plant flowers so I would be surrounded by natural aromatherapy and vibrant colors. Color and scent are known to promote feelings of health and well-being.
Josh surprised me with a rose wreathe (which he made using real roses).
He also brought me flowers from the yard to arrange in vases throughout our house. I ended up with potted plants and flowers in every room. See why I love him so much?
We also replaced all of our lights bulbs with white light bulbs. To mimic sunlight during the darkest months (when it honestly didn’t matter whether the shades were drawn or not — the light was the same).
There are many ways to combat depression naturally. Simplifying your life and immersing yourself in the activities which promote happiness may not cure your depression or be a substitute for medication but it can’t hurt to give it a try.
The most important thing to remember when dealing with depression of any level is not to isolate yourself but to reach out because while you feel as though you are the only one — you are not.
Want to heal the past by living in the present? Check out Holly’s site, Looking Through the Glass.
Jessica - Wonderful post!
I know how you feel about deployments, as we have been through 3 and are looking at number 4 in about 6 months. It’s nice to know that during such hard times we have the Lord to lean on.
jayedee - good for you! it’s not easy to talk about depression……i’ve been dealing with depression, off and on for 30 years. much more so since my son, jordin, died 3 years ago.
i’ve chosen to work thru it using natural (herbs, light, aromatherapy etc) means, but i know a few people who have been truly blessed by going the anti depressant route.
you’re a blessing to many people lacy! i’m glad you’re a part of my life!
jayedee - ps………i love the country decorating tips! very clever and cute as can be!
Christina - First… “tasteful” lawn ornaments or “tasty” lawn ornaments! But seriously, Depression in all it’s forms is not easy to deal with whether it is your self or a family member or a friend. Military wives have it tougher than most. Our soldiers and sailors and airmen are sent to dangerous places for long periods of time and no matter how much they want to be there for us…. we protect them and don’t let them know what is going on with us! I am proud to have been a military wife for 22 years. Not only to support my man who was protecting our country etc. , but because of the tremendous amount of support that we as home bound spouses were able to give each other. Eash post we went to it was like having instant friends. It didn’t matter how long you had known some one, they were there if you needed them! You couldn’t pay me to live in the dark dreary rainy NW…. Give me my sunshine! Sometimes winter is too long in NC! It is fantastic that you have your Josh! I pray for you everyday! When those babies come into your life, you will make such a fantastic, creative, fun mom! Hugs… Christina
The Holly Tree - Morning, Lacy – happy Hump Day! 🙂 I just love the way you’ve used your animals in tandem with writing a great piece on enhancing your space. LOL The faucet spout really made me laugh. LOLOL
As to depression and S.S.A.D., well, I totally understand. I have S.A.D., and where I live, our weather changes so often that it’s a wonder we have any sane people here at all. 😀 Winter is the most difficult season, for sure; so many gray, gloomy days… I bought a full-spectrum day light, though, and it’s been extremely helpful. It’s a special light that gives you the UV you need to combat the effects of the lack o
Well, Hump Day chuckles are up, if you feel like talking a gander over to the ol’ Tree. 🙂
Have a great day, my friend – and thanks for the referrals to the new place. *hug*
Michelle aka Applie - I love your decorations. So natural like. LOL You have done a fine job with your home. 🙂
Thanks for sharing about depression. I know a lot of people have to deal with that. 🙁
Jana - HI!! I have been trying to leave comments the last couple posts and have been unable too, but here I am now! 🙂
I think the “decorations” are adorable!!! And that is so great that you can open up about the depression and it’s also great that you have such a good support system.
Wish you all the best, and I will be back…
Jana
healinglife - Thanks for the referrals, Lacy. 🙂 I hope your faith in me is justified… *crosses fingers* 🙂
lifehealing - Ooops – wrong name, there. Sorry about that! ::blush::
YDavis - Very nice country home decorations! They are so cute!
Thank you for sharing with us about your depression. There is nothing to be ashame of and I’m sure maybe your readers might learn a few things from this post about depression and ways to cope.deal with it.
I often admire military wives! I could only imagine how hard it is for you(military wives)being here by yourself, some raising the family while your husbands are out there risking their lives protecting our country. So, to military wives: I salute you! And of course I am very proud of all the soldiers and sailors and airmen!!!
Tia Julie - Awesome Post!
lifehealing - I understand, my friend. It’s so hard to see things like that and not feel like a failure in some way. I know it took me a really long time for me to reach that point; I’m not totally healed of those feelings, yet, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to grieve about it. What matters, my dear friend, is that you don’t allow that process to take over your entire life…
Shari - Awesome post Lacy. Thanks for the gentle reminder that if you are going through a bad time, because of depression or something else, don’t shut down. Reach out to your friends, instead.
Debbie - Wow…you have such a flair for decorating! Also…awwww, what a sweet husband. I understand about the rain and dreary days, we lived in Oregon for about 9 months…it rained every day…I was never warm or dry enough! But it was beautiful…if only I could move the entire state to the south!
Robin - Hi! This was so very refreshing to read after coming in from doing heavy duty yard work for six hours straight. 🙂
I love your decorating style. Very classic 1880’s Chic Country with a French Cafe Twist.
I just really love yours/your husband’s natural treatments from the SADD you dealt with in the Pacific NorthWest a few years ago. Awesome!!
You are awesome! Hugs, Robin
Leah - Your decorating tips are fabulous. Magazine worthy even. 😀
Both my boyfriend and I have dealt with depression off and on for a long time – him moreso than me. We both also have a tendency to go into lockdown and pull into ourselves when we’re going through a bought of it. Since we got together though, we’ve slowly been learning we can talk it all out with each other and if nothing else we know we have someone to vent to who will just be there to listen and let the other cry, yell, whatever is needed to get it out and start healing again, without fear of being judged or anything. His mom is pretty awesome about being there even in the worst times without ever judging too.
KH - Awwwww! That’s truly adorable ~ and it made me laugh out loud as I was not expecting those photos from the title. What a great post!
Oh, and depression. I didn’t know about the negative ion thing, but it certainly makes sense. I’ve struggled with depression and still do from time to time. Thanks for the openness in which you shared what helped you.
God bless,
KH
Farm Chick Paula - Oh, I’m enjoying my visit here SO MUCH! Thanks so much for stopping by my place- I love meeting new people!
LOVE the pictures.
I have a question… I love your soap recipes and would love to try making some, but where do you get your lye? No one sells it around where I live… even places like Home Depot and the local hardware stores have stopped because of people buying it to make METH of all things. (Apparently Andersonville, TN, population 1400, is a mecca for Meth labs. Who knew?) Any help would be appreciated!
Just wanted to let you know I stopped by- I’ll be back again!
Leah - Nope. It was… *goes to the kitchen to check and see* Good Housekeeping’s Quick & Simple. Though now I am curious about Paula’s strawberry cake. That woman sure knows how to cook some yummy food!
Kim S. - Now that’s my kinda decorating! 100% natural, really brings your living space alive!
Kudos on your determination to go natural with your health issues. I have used many of those ideas, including the light therapy which I find essential between November and February. The other important things you have also included, faith, family and friends, essential anytime of the year!
I admire the energy you are putting into your lifestyle. It will bring you many happy memories, and interesting stories. I’ll be back to read more of them.
Tina - hi,
Jayedee shared your blog with me…and actually mentioned the country decorating tips.
how cute.
could you please email me? I am an editor for an online e-zine called “Small Town Living” at http://www.stliving.net
and would like to speak with you.Feel free to visit my blog also at: http://www.gardengoose.blogspot.com
Thanks,
Tina
Kim - Great post! Love your imagination, your blog is a lot of fun to read!
Your write up on depression was good as well. I see a lot of depressed people in the ED and sadly have seen several tragic endings as a result, one just recently that really hit home. It can be a serious problem for many and I think reaching out to nature is very therapeutic and wish more people who try turning to that before heading to the medicine cabinet.
Hayden - loved your decorating hints!
re: SAD – I’ve been a sufferer for years. Recently learned that vitamin D (make sure you use D-3 (natural) NOT D-2 (artificial) ) has a track record of helping with SAD – which makes a lot of sense. Not much sun on skin to make natural vitamin D during the winter… In the study I read they tried both D-2 and D-3; the results were uniformly strong for D-3. With D-2 it either took 4X as much, or it seemed to make things worse. I’m taking cod liver oil now, hoping to get my D levels up before next fall hits – then I’ll learn if it works for me!
Leah - Hey! Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting! I think you’re the only person I don’t know IRL to find it! 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading more about your life. I’ve read a lot about sustainable/local eating, and we are trying to do so in baby steps. Love your decorating tips. Is that what prompts people to use fake roosters and mallards in their decorating schemes??
Ugh…deployments just suck. I’m sure the rain made it much worse, but I think you’d be hard pressed to find a military spouse who isn’t depressed at least part of the time. It’s a rough life!
Leah E. - Ah! I see there are two Leahs here! I’ll be Leah E. from now on. 🙂
Shelli - Hi Lacy,
I have a hard time every year in Jan, Feb, and Mar. This year was so much better than ever before. I had my husband install daylight bulbs over my desk at work. It really made a difference. I also decorate with bright colors and have my garden pictures all over my house, they help get me through the winter.
I love your tongue in cheek decorating advice, it was very amusing!
Valarie in AL - See, this is why I don’t think I could live up there. I would do the same thing.
Oh and those chickens and things are just everywhere aren’t they. 🙂
Simple Livin' gal - Thank you so much for all of your terrific comments!
-L
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