home
Here you will find a variety of items relating to one’s home, interior decor, gardening, and similar topics.
casa-style architecture
This modern architectural style focuses on sharp, clean lines with floor-to-ceiling windows in abundance, allowing one to enjoy the outdoor views.
Misc. modern architecture websites
ENGEL & VÖLKERS - www.marbella-ev.comRS
Saota - www.saota.com/single-residential/
SAOTA, South Africa/Architects Rendering - https://www.klapty.com/p/armando-ponce-hernandez/t/casa-c-millenium-villages-107602
3Difica - 3difica.com/
Saota - www.saota.com/single-residential/
SAOTA, South Africa/Architects Rendering - https://www.klapty.com/p/armando-ponce-hernandez/t/casa-c-millenium-villages-107602
3Difica - 3difica.com/
CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE GENERATOR AI
From DeepAI. Find inspiration here for casa home styles.
Ensure that the “Contemporary Architecture Style” button is chosen.
https://deepai.org/machine-learning-model/contemporary-architecture-generator
Ensure that the “Contemporary Architecture Style” button is chosen.
https://deepai.org/machine-learning-model/contemporary-architecture-generator
Miscellaneous Home
Finance
Hints & Tips for Saving Money
Here are some of my favorite ways to save money. Being retired on a fixed income, it’s especially important to watch where the money goes.
- Use AdBlock on your web browser
- Eat at home! This just makes sense: it saves money and you eat healthier. Save eating out for a once-a-week or a special treat.
- Shop only at specific places. What I do: 1) Grocery Store for groceries and drug items; 2) kohls.com for clothing & accessories; 3) amazon.com for everything else. If you use amazon.com frequently, I would suggest Amazon Prime, which offers free shipping and other amenities for $139 per year.
- Do not go to shopping malls nor “brick-and-mortar” stores. Shop online (see above); it’s safer, saves gas, and avoids all those temptations.
- When you get ads, coupons, and local offers in the mail, immediately put them in the recycle bin.
- Insurance - only get the necessaries, which are 1) health; 2) auto; and 3) home. Most other types of insurance are unnecessary/scams (example: identity theft insurance).
- Ditch the TV/Cable. Use Internet only.
-
- more coming…
cleaning
home misc.
home repair & maintenance
prepper
The way things are going in our world, it’s a good idea to be prepared for anything! This section will allow you to do just that.
What is Prepping?
Prepping is creating plans, gathering resources, and developing skills to overcome emergencies, disasters, and survival situations. The scope of preparedness is large and up to each prepper, ranging from simple to cataclysmic.
What is a Prepper?
A prepper is someone who creates a plan, gathers resources, and gains skills so that they can be more prepared for emergencies, disasters, and other survival situations. They’re normal people from all walks of life who understand the need to plan ahead to prevent hardship.
Preppers try to reduce their dependencies on infrastructure. Several strategies for this include:
- stockpiling and storing extra resources (especially food, water, tools)
- learning survival skills
- building resilient communities
- or going off-grid
Websites:
Backwoods Home Magazine - https://www.backwoodshome.com/
The Homestead Survival - https://thehomesteadsurvival.com/
MIND4SURVIVAL - https://mind4survival.com/
Modern Survival Blog - https://modernsurvivalblog.com/
Off Grid News - https://www.offthegridnews.com/#
PREPPER website - https://www.prepperwebsite.com/prepping-for-beginners/
The Prepared - https://theprepared.com/
The Prepper Journal - https://theprepperjournal.com/
Prepper’s Daily News (far-right conspiracy alert!) - https://preppersdailynews.com/
The Prepping Guide - https://thepreppingguide.com/
Primal Surviver - https://www.primalsurvivor.net/
reThinkSurvival - https://rethinksurvival.com/
Skilled Survival- https://www.skilledsurvival.com/
The Survival Blog - https://survivalblog.com/
Survival Life - https://survivallife.com/self-sufficiency/
SURVIVOPEDIA - https://www.survivopedia.com/
True Prepper - https://www.trueprepper.com/
Backwoods Home Magazine - https://www.backwoodshome.com/
The Homestead Survival - https://thehomesteadsurvival.com/
MIND4SURVIVAL - https://mind4survival.com/
Modern Survival Blog - https://modernsurvivalblog.com/
Off Grid News - https://www.offthegridnews.com/#
PREPPER website - https://www.prepperwebsite.com/prepping-for-beginners/
The Prepared - https://theprepared.com/
The Prepper Journal - https://theprepperjournal.com/
Prepper’s Daily News (far-right conspiracy alert!) - https://preppersdailynews.com/
The Prepping Guide - https://thepreppingguide.com/
Primal Surviver - https://www.primalsurvivor.net/
reThinkSurvival - https://rethinksurvival.com/
Skilled Survival- https://www.skilledsurvival.com/
The Survival Blog - https://survivalblog.com/
Survival Life - https://survivallife.com/self-sufficiency/
SURVIVOPEDIA - https://www.survivopedia.com/
True Prepper - https://www.trueprepper.com/
Wild Edibles:
Edible Wild Food - https://www.ediblewildfood.com/
50 Edible Wild Plants You Can Forage for a Free Meal - https://morningchores.com/edible-wild-plants/
Foraging: Ultimate Guide to Wild Food - https://www.wildedible.com/foraging
List of Edible Flowers - https://www.superfoodevolution.com/wild-edible-flowers.html
100+ Wild Edible Plants to Forage ~ Forager’s Bucket List - https://practicalselfreliance.com/wild-edible-plants/
Top Wild Edible Greens - https://www.superfoodevolution.com/wild-edible-greens.html
design
modern minimalist
Site for explaining the minimalist interior style:
https://www.dmlights.com/blog/minimalist-interior-style-explained/ |
Minimalist Interior Design Elements
Defining characteristics of western minimalist style interiors will often include:
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/minimalist-interior-design-101 |
ALLMODERN website features a variety of furniture & home furnishings - https://www.allmodern.com/
Contemporary Home Design/Omar Gandhi (article) - https://yourmoderncottage.com/modern-moves-a-contemporary-home-design-teaches-us-about-some-modern-design-elements/
Contemporary Home Design/Omar Gandhi (article) - https://yourmoderncottage.com/modern-moves-a-contemporary-home-design-teaches-us-about-some-modern-design-elements/
Design Blogs
Home & Design Magazines & Blogs
Home & Design:
Better Homes & Gardens - https://www.bhg.com/
BHG Archives (sign-in required) - https://archive.bhg.com/
Bliss Victoria (decorating & entertaining) - https://www.victoriamag.com/
The Cottage Journal - https://www.thecottagejournal.com/ | On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecottagejournal/?hl=en
The Cottage Journal on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/thecottagej/
Cottages & Gardens ($$) - https://www.cottagesgardens.com/
Country Living - https://www.countryliving.com/
Essential Elements of French Cottage Style - https://www.thecottagejournal.com/essential-elements-french-cottage-style/
Curated Interior - https://curatedinterior.com/
Design Milk - https://design-milk.com/
DESIGNTV - https://designtvbysandow.com/
Dezeen - https://www.dezeen.com/
Dwell (focus on mid-century modern) - https://www.dwell.com/
Elle Decor - https://www.elledecor.com/
French Country Style (sales site) - https://www.saffronmarigold.com/blog/french-cottage-french-country-style/
French Country Cottage (blog) - https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/blog
My French Country Home Magazine (online) - https://myfrenchcountryhomemagazine.com/
French Farmhouse Decor Guide A-Z - https://www.homilo.com/blog/french-farmhouse-decor/
Good Housekeeping (US) - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/
Good Housekeeping (UK) - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/
Home & Design Magazine - https://www.homeanddesign.com/
Homes & Gardens, the Best in Design, Decoration and Style - https://www.homesandgardens.com/
Homilo Blog - https://www.homilo.com/blog/
House Beautiful_Decorate - https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/
Interior Design Magazine - https://interiordesign.net/ | on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/intdesmag/
LAUNCH ($ design products) - https://openlaunch.com/#products
Luxe Interiors + Design - https://luxesource.com/ | on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/luxemagazine/
My Domaine - https://www.mydomaine.com/
Real Simple, Home - https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing
Southern Home Magazine - https://www.southernhomemagazine.com/
Veranda - https://www.veranda.com/
Vintage Home - https://www.vintagehomedesigns.com/
Vogue Living (AU [US edition N/A]) - https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living
Your Modern Cottage - https://yourmoderncottage.com/
Floral:
Lauret B. Bouquetier (florist) - https://www.laurentb-bouquetier.com/gallery-deco
Saipua (floral arrangements) - https://www.saipua.com/florals-2023
Flower Magazine - https://flowermag.com/
Miscellaneous:
MAGNOLIA - https://magnolia.com/blog/articles/
Magnolia Rouge (focus on weddings) website - https://www.magnoliarouge.com/inspiration/; Magazine - https://magnoliarouge.bigcartel.com/
Southern Hospitality Blog (One Woman's Life in the South) - https://southernhospitalityblog.com/
Tea Time Magazine - https://www.teatimemagazine.com/
Willow and Sage (homemade bath & body) - https://willowandsage.com/ | Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/willowandsagemag/?hl=en
Better Homes & Gardens - https://www.bhg.com/
BHG Archives (sign-in required) - https://archive.bhg.com/
Bliss Victoria (decorating & entertaining) - https://www.victoriamag.com/
The Cottage Journal - https://www.thecottagejournal.com/ | On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecottagejournal/?hl=en
The Cottage Journal on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/thecottagej/
Cottages & Gardens ($$) - https://www.cottagesgardens.com/
Country Living - https://www.countryliving.com/
Essential Elements of French Cottage Style - https://www.thecottagejournal.com/essential-elements-french-cottage-style/
Curated Interior - https://curatedinterior.com/
Design Milk - https://design-milk.com/
DESIGNTV - https://designtvbysandow.com/
Dezeen - https://www.dezeen.com/
Dwell (focus on mid-century modern) - https://www.dwell.com/
Elle Decor - https://www.elledecor.com/
French Country Style (sales site) - https://www.saffronmarigold.com/blog/french-cottage-french-country-style/
French Country Cottage (blog) - https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/blog
My French Country Home Magazine (online) - https://myfrenchcountryhomemagazine.com/
French Farmhouse Decor Guide A-Z - https://www.homilo.com/blog/french-farmhouse-decor/
Good Housekeeping (US) - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/
Good Housekeeping (UK) - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/
Home & Design Magazine - https://www.homeanddesign.com/
Homes & Gardens, the Best in Design, Decoration and Style - https://www.homesandgardens.com/
Homilo Blog - https://www.homilo.com/blog/
House Beautiful_Decorate - https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/
Interior Design Magazine - https://interiordesign.net/ | on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/intdesmag/
LAUNCH ($ design products) - https://openlaunch.com/#products
Luxe Interiors + Design - https://luxesource.com/ | on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/luxemagazine/
My Domaine - https://www.mydomaine.com/
Real Simple, Home - https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing
Southern Home Magazine - https://www.southernhomemagazine.com/
Veranda - https://www.veranda.com/
Vintage Home - https://www.vintagehomedesigns.com/
Vogue Living (AU [US edition N/A]) - https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living
Your Modern Cottage - https://yourmoderncottage.com/
Floral:
Lauret B. Bouquetier (florist) - https://www.laurentb-bouquetier.com/gallery-deco
Saipua (floral arrangements) - https://www.saipua.com/florals-2023
Flower Magazine - https://flowermag.com/
Miscellaneous:
MAGNOLIA - https://magnolia.com/blog/articles/
Magnolia Rouge (focus on weddings) website - https://www.magnoliarouge.com/inspiration/; Magazine - https://magnoliarouge.bigcartel.com/
Southern Hospitality Blog (One Woman's Life in the South) - https://southernhospitalityblog.com/
Tea Time Magazine - https://www.teatimemagazine.com/
Willow and Sage (homemade bath & body) - https://willowandsage.com/ | Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/willowandsagemag/?hl=en
home & design style on instagram
Paola (Polita) Merrill, AKA the_cottage_fairy (living country-style) - https://www.instagram.com/the_cottage_fairy/
more coming...
more coming...
wabi-sabi
Unsplash Photo by Annie Spratt
Definition:
"In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. It is prevalent throughout all forms of Japanese art.
"In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. It is prevalent throughout all forms of Japanese art.
Wabi sabi characteristics:
Characteristics of wabi sabi aesthetics and principles include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and the appreciation of both natural objects and the forces of nature.*
*Learn more at Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi
Characteristics of wabi sabi aesthetics and principles include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and the appreciation of both natural objects and the forces of nature.*
*Learn more at Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi
|
7 Ways to Achieve the Wabi Sabi Aesthetic (blog):
https://chloedominik.com/wabi-sabi-aesthetic-in-home-life-7-ways-achieving/ |
My "Dried Food & Plant Art"
|
shabby chic
Definition (from Wikipedia):
"Shabby chic is a style of interior design where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their appearance of age and signs of wear and tear or where new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique. At the same time, a soft, opulent, yet cottage-style decor, often with an affected feel is emphasized to differentiate it from genuine period decor."
"Shabby chic is a style of interior design where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their appearance of age and signs of wear and tear or where new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique. At the same time, a soft, opulent, yet cottage-style decor, often with an affected feel is emphasized to differentiate it from genuine period decor."
I like this style for its aesthetics--it's pretty, colorful, vintage, boho, fun, and also easy to mix-and-match. It's a trend that has been around for a long time and is not going anywhere.
|
Here is the Shabby Chic lady herself, Rachel Ashwell and where to find her style online:
Website - https://www.shabbychic.com/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/rachelashwellshabbychic/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/officialshabbychic/ More Shabby Chic Inspirations on this blog Jennelise Rose -http://jenneliserose.blogspot.com/2011/11/shabby-chic-inspirations.html |
color
see https://www.wallpaperflare.com/ for more wallpapers
Online Color Palettes Generators
Adobe Color (sign-in) - https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel
Coolors, the super-fast color palettes generator! - https://coolors.co/
Color Designer - https://colordesigner.io/color-mixer
Color Mixer - https://trycolors.com/
Color Picker by WebFX (also useful for web design) - https://www.webfx.com/web-design/color-picker/
Design Seeds - https://www.design-seeds.com/ | on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/designseeds/
Paletton, The Color Scheme Designer - https://paletton.com/#uid=1000u0kllllaFw0g0qFqFg0w0aF
Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap (web) - https://www.sherwin-williams.com/visualizer#/active
gardening
Unsplash photo by Christine
gardening
Spring Lawn & Garden 2023 - https://www.creators.com/special-sections/spring-lawn-and-garden-2023
miscellaneous gardening websites
Fine Gardening (some articles free/most require subscription) - https://www.finegardening.com/
A Greener View with Jeff Rugg @Creators - https://www.creators.com/features/jeff-rugg?cmdf=creators.com+Bob+Kast
Guide to Basic Gardening - https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/garden-basics
Mother Earth News Plant Growing Guide - https://gardenplanner.motherearthnews.com/plants/us-and-canada/
National Gardening Association - https://garden.org/
Search Plant Care Guides @Plantly - https://plantly.io/plant-care/
Smart Gardener Tips & Tricks - https://www.smartgardener.com/gardening-tips-and-tricks
Vegetable Growing Guides - http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene0391.html
Garden Planners:
Free Vegetable Garden Plans - http://www.vegetable-gardening-online.com/free-vegetable-garden-plans.html
The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden Planner - https://gardenplanner.almanac.com/plants/us-and-canada/
Garden Planner | Gardener's Supply - https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/garden-planner/garden-planner-home.html
Pests:
Bug Guide - https://bugguide.net/node/view/15740
Articles:
5 Shrubs for Fragrance (article) - https://yourmoderncottage.com/5-shrubs-for-fragrance/
Fine Gardening (some articles free/most require subscription) - https://www.finegardening.com/
A Greener View with Jeff Rugg @Creators - https://www.creators.com/features/jeff-rugg?cmdf=creators.com+Bob+Kast
Guide to Basic Gardening - https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/garden-basics
Mother Earth News Plant Growing Guide - https://gardenplanner.motherearthnews.com/plants/us-and-canada/
National Gardening Association - https://garden.org/
Search Plant Care Guides @Plantly - https://plantly.io/plant-care/
Smart Gardener Tips & Tricks - https://www.smartgardener.com/gardening-tips-and-tricks
Vegetable Growing Guides - http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene0391.html
Garden Planners:
Free Vegetable Garden Plans - http://www.vegetable-gardening-online.com/free-vegetable-garden-plans.html
The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden Planner - https://gardenplanner.almanac.com/plants/us-and-canada/
Garden Planner | Gardener's Supply - https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/garden-planner/garden-planner-home.html
Pests:
Bug Guide - https://bugguide.net/node/view/15740
Articles:
5 Shrubs for Fragrance (article) - https://yourmoderncottage.com/5-shrubs-for-fragrance/
plant databases
Find Your Plants @Proven Winners ($) - https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/search
The Garden.org Plants Database (user-submitted) - https://garden.org/plants/
USDA PLANTS Database - https://plants.usda.gov/home
Dave's Garden Plant Files - https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/#b
Listing of Plant databases & scientific resources for gardeners - https://help.plantsmap.com/article/34-plant-databases-and-scientific-resources-for-gardeners
Native Plants Database - https://www.wildflower.org/plants/
Native Plant Database - https://grownative.org/native-plant-database/
NWF Native Plant Finder (by zip code) - https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/plants
Plants of the World online - https://powo.science.kew.org/
The World Flora Online - http://worldfloraonline.org/
WFO Plant List - https://wfoplantlist.org/plant-list
Invasive Species - https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/species-type
The Garden.org Plants Database (user-submitted) - https://garden.org/plants/
USDA PLANTS Database - https://plants.usda.gov/home
Dave's Garden Plant Files - https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/#b
Listing of Plant databases & scientific resources for gardeners - https://help.plantsmap.com/article/34-plant-databases-and-scientific-resources-for-gardeners
Native Plants Database - https://www.wildflower.org/plants/
Native Plant Database - https://grownative.org/native-plant-database/
NWF Native Plant Finder (by zip code) - https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/plants
Plants of the World online - https://powo.science.kew.org/
The World Flora Online - http://worldfloraonline.org/
WFO Plant List - https://wfoplantlist.org/plant-list
Invasive Species - https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/species-type
Plant ID
What tree is it? - https://tree.oplin.org/
Enter characteristics to identify your plant - https://garden.org/plants/search/advanced.php
Is this plant a weed? - https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/
Enter characteristics to identify your plant - https://garden.org/plants/search/advanced.php
Is this plant a weed? - https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/
houseplants
Gardening Tools & Calculators
Average Frost Dates (Use this calculator at Almanac.com--enter your city & state or province to find your first & last frost dates & number of frost-free days) - https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates
Plant Hardiness Zone Map - https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
nature
Plant Search:
World flora - https://identify.plantnet.org/k-world-flora/identify
Wildflower Search - https://wildflowersearch.org/
Plant.ID - https://plant.id/
Advanced Plant Search - http://www.perennialresource.com/advanced_search.php
Native Plants of North America - https://www.wildflower.org/plants-main
USDA Plants Database by Geography - https://plants.usda.gov/home/stateSearch
Birds:
All About Birds @TheCornellLab - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search/
Birds&Blooms Magazine - https://www.birdsandblooms.com/
Birds of North America - https://www.birds-of-north-america.net/
Guide to North American Birds @Audobon - https://www.audubon.org/bird-guide
Search eBird (user-submitted) - https://media.ebird.org/catalog
Search Bird Songs @eBird - https://media.ebird.org/catalog?mediaType=audio
All About Birds @TheCornellLab - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search/
Birds&Blooms Magazine - https://www.birdsandblooms.com/
Birds of North America - https://www.birds-of-north-america.net/
Guide to North American Birds @Audobon - https://www.audubon.org/bird-guide
Search eBird (user-submitted) - https://media.ebird.org/catalog
Search Bird Songs @eBird - https://media.ebird.org/catalog?mediaType=audio
Trees:
Search for Trees & Shrubs @Arbor Day Foundation - https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/advancedsearch.cfm
Browse the Tree Database @Arbor Day Foundation - https://shop.arborday.org/treeguide
What Tree is That? @Arbor Day Foundation - https://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/fullonline.cfm
What Tree is It? (Identify by fruit, leaf, or name) - https://tree.oplin.org/
Encyclopedia of Trees - https://www.stihl.com/encyclopaedia-of-trees.aspx
leaf-ID, easy tree identification - http://www.leaf-id.com/
Morton Arboretum - https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/
Woody Plants Database @Cornell University - https://woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu/home
Nature Misc.
about animals, The Online Animal Encyclopedia - https://www.aboutanimals.com/
America’s Wildlife @NEF - https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide
Anomalia - Online animals encyclopedia - https://animalia.bio/
Digital Encyclopedia of Earth Science (excellent educational resource!) - https://earthathome.org/de/
Encyclopedia of Earth - https://editors.eol.org/eoearth/wiki/The_Encyclopedia_of_Earth
Encyclopedia of Life @Smithsonian (animals, plants, fungi, protists and bacteria) - https://eol.org/
Marine Life Encyclopedia - https://oceana.org/marine-life/
National Wildlife Magazine (WOKE!) - https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife
Nature @New World Encyclopedia - https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Nature
NatureServe Explorer (95,000 plants, fungi, and animals) - https://explorer.natureserve.org/