The Midwest is amazing in summer as the landscape grows lush and moods grow lighter. Farmer’s markets, festivals, and lake life begin. A peek outside at the garden reveals growth happening at lightning speed. And the weeds! I was tackling them today, and goodness gracious. I need a break so we are revisiting Hello Lovely posts with timeless stories…please give ’em some love!
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Timeless Stories & Tranquil Ideas
Peeks at My Underbaked Renovated Kitchen
I share personal reflections when the spirit moves me. Find them HERE if you dare.
I wish it weren’t true, but it is far more vulnerable in 2026 to share peeks at home than it was back in 2010.
More online cruelty and unproductive chatter.
However, if you consider such cruelty hails from just 2% of folks who actively engage and comment, things don’t seem nearly as gloomy.
Of all of the people who use the internet, only 2% of them actually type responses and participate.
So if ever it seems “everyone” is negative…bear in mind it’s only a portion of the 2%. 98% of internet users? Simply lurking! They don’t leave footprints in the form of positive or negative feedback.
The marble bowl on the board above is a favorite, and good gracious, I’m thinking about getting another since it looks good everywhere for holding jewelry to flowers to fruit.
A Timeless House Tour You’ll Fall For!
French Chateau Paint Palette
Mais non, mademoiselle, we are not too intimidated by a breathtaking Provence chateau to take cues from its color story for our own selfish purposes…come see!
Still trying to tweak my own French courtyard in our backyard. While I don’t own a collection of beautiful pricey aged French pots, I have a setting to die for!
Don’t you love how seagrass and rattan feels right at home in summer? Relaxes me in one fell swoop.
Modern French Fantasies of Tranquility
We can never go too long without touring a surprising South of France wonder.
Such a modern and edgy approach to making over this chateau, and for me, its success has nothing to do with whether I agree with every design choice. What I celebrate is FREEDOM and agency.
Freedom, guys. To dream, scheme, then do what suits you and your very personal preferences and needs.
Freedom to enjoy it all with a liberal dose of humor and heart.
I won’t stop mentioning HEARTFULNESS! It matters more than ever.
Mood Board YUM
I still love me a cute mood board and can’t say I ever tire of seeing those created by others!
No sponsored relationships for products like these below, just authentic satisfaction with repurchasing them:
Are chocolate chip cookies your weakness? Please direct me to your favorite recipe or baking secret!
Memorably Greige
Finding Lovely’s gorgeous farmhouse kitchen with light grey cabinets, white walls, and rustic wood is a model of serene elegance in THIS.
If you live with chronic illness, than you may relate more to this than you care to:
I have a few unsavory symptoms at the moment, and I struggle to feel I am still a part of life. Social media can amplify the illusion I’m not really a participant. But I’m here to remind you that in fact, life does not shrink when an illness blooms. It simply transforms. Like a season. Like weather. Things get better. There’s a pattern, and resurrection is part of it.
Greet Lefevre’s Belgian Home
We love her style and gorgeous Belgian interiors and gardens.
My nervous system calms as I behold the perfectly pared down rustic beauty here.
Before & Afters from Hello Lovely
We revisited renovations my husband and I muddled through in THIS.
Ever wonder if I miss the homes we perfected then left behind since I’m always seeing photos?
I do! I honestly do, and it aches at times. But a desire to create, make room for new, and then grow stronger is fierce. This may not make much sense to those called to sink their roots deep. We’re a diverse bunch, and what a gift to be free to express your deepest values.
Thinking About Adding White Quartz?
READ THIS first.
Stockholm Inspo
Take this for a spin to peek at chic Swedish style.
Have you visited Scandinavia? It’s on my list.
Which Viatera Quartz?
I have ideas for you in THIS.
I love those counter stools! So coastal!
Review of Soprano Quartz Counters
When we remodeled our Arizona kitchen, I thought we would stay for a long time so we opted for lots of high quality fixtures. Even though we didn’t hang on to the property, those choices definitely helped us stand out in the market.
Mary Oliver Magic
Her poetry and books are such a gift, and here’s a collection of some favorite excerpts.
What is it about blue in summertime? Oh my, this kitchen just tugs at my heartstrings!
Tranquil Colors to Sample
It helps to see various rooms painted the same color since the lighting and context make such a difference as far as how it conveys. See THIS for zen neutrals.
And now I’m craving strawberry shortcake! Not sure I have had it since the dawn of low rise jeans.
Even though this tweet above is silly, it’s wise. Two is still a very low number of rodeos. Duh.
Days of Encouragement & Roses
There are days where we need to prop each other up. These pinnable quotes and reflections on roses are just for you.
When I consider the baskets below, I’m reminded that my own collection is scattered all around the house, with even more in the basement. Just the thought of alike things spread over three levelss makes me nutty. Time to organize the stuff I use to organize. Wait. What?
Thanks for reading me with tenderness, visiting here, praying for me, and leaving such kindhearted responses. I am feeling the power of your prayers for me, and it never gets old! xox
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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