Welcome to Rooted & Rustic Living! I’m so glad you’re here. I hope you’ll find inspiration for your home, a new hobby to try, or simply something that makes you feel right at home.

I’m married and have three adult daughters and a stepdaughter. Together, we have nine grandchildren, most of whom are grown now. I currently work full time in retail and have spent much of my life in retail management. I’m hoping to ease into retirement soon—even if that means starting with part time—and have more time for the things I love.

I started Rooted & Rustic Living as a place to share my love of country living and the many hobbies that have been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

My love of crafting began in childhood. Back in the 1960s, I loved going through my grandmother’s sewing box, admiring her threads, beads, sequins, and whatever she was making. I remember watching her embroider cloth wall calendars and add the sequins and little decorations that came with the kits. Even looking through her quilting squares was a real treat.

Those memories have stayed with me. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed many kinds of crafts and have even participated in several craft shows. Cross stitch has always held a special place in my heart, and my collection has grown to well over 1,200 patterns! I also enjoy wreath making, and smaller quilting projects, such as wall hangings. I have a special love for gingerbread men.

My other grandmother collected antiques, and I caught that bug, too. Antiquing runs on that side of the family. I’m especially drawn to old kitchen pieces—the everyday things that bring a little history, character, and country charm into a home. Food and spice tins, rolling pins, nut grinders, flour sifters, enamel pans, ceramic bowls, vintage linens, and old kitchen utensils are just a few of my favorite collections. 

Gardening is another big part of my life. I grow both flowers and vegetables and preserve some of what I harvest. I especially enjoy growing pumpkins and gourds, then using them in my fall decorating. I love being outdoors, watching birds, and capturing nature through photography. Fall is my favorite season, with its apple picking, pumpkin patches, and all the reasons to make something homemade in the kitchen.

Cooking and baking are things I enjoy throughout the year, but there’s something about fall that makes me want to do even more of both.

One of my biggest passions is decorating, especially for the seasons. Dough bowls are one of my favorite things to decorate with. Years ago, I invited some employees to my home for a Christmas party. A few of the women told me it looked like a museum because of my antiques, old wooden cupboards that displayed my antiques, and seasonal displays. My home has since shifted toward modern farmhouse, but I still love the warmth and character of older things.

I also enjoy tackling DIY projects. Painting, laying floors, tiling walls and floors, adding trim, and installing backsplashes are all things I’ve taken on myself. Putting colors and textures together is another favorite creative outlet. I love finding combinations that feel beautiful and inviting, whether I’m working on a room, a seasonal display, or a color palette.

I’ve always loved making my home to smell as inviting as it feels. Candles, potpourri, and warm gourmand scents—like cinnamon, cloves, crème brûlée, and freshly baked cookies—are some of my favorites. I especially enjoy changing scents with the seasons. There’s something comforting about walking into a room filled with a familiar fragrance. To me, it’s one of those little touches that makes a house feel like home.

I am a social media creator, have a large following of Pinterest fans, and my boards are full of things that catch my eye. I look forward to sharing some of those favorites here, along with my own projects, photos, and ideas.

More than anything, I hope this little corner of the internet helps me connect with other people who enjoy the same things. If you can lose track of time in a home decor store, have more craft ideas than hours in the day, or get excited over pumpkins, pretty flowers, and decorating for a new season, we may have quite a bit in common.

I’m glad you found your way here. I hope you’ll stay awhile, find something that inspires you, and come back often. There’s always another season to welcome, something to make, and a little beauty to bring into everyday life.