I haven’t jumped on the Dry January bandwagon (I feel like I did my time with multiple pregnancies), but I am doing a “No Doordash January” instead.  We looked at our Doordash spending for the year, and it was not pretty.  Granted, we didn’t pay for all of it, since we all use the account, but it was a wake up call.  I have been working on cooking more anyway, so this plan feeds into that as well.  I’m happy to say that I have held up my end of the deal! Let’s get on with this Weekend 5+1, shall we? This post contains some affiliate links. Pretty Oil/Vinegar Bottles Since I’ve been working on cooking more and branching out with recipes, it makes sense that these pretty oil and vinegar bottles caught my eye.  I have my olive oil out on the counter, and I’m upgrading it to something pretty.  If salt and pepper get their own pinch pots, then why not oils and vinegars?  They even come with labels so you can make them custom to your needs. St. Tropez Self Tanner I know I’ve shared the St. Tropez Self Tanning Mousse before, but it warrants sharing it again. […]

The post Weekend 5+1 (5 Things I Love + 1 Thing I Don’t) – 1.28.24 appeared first on Evolution of Style.

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve put together a post, and I ended up not doing a holiday tour this year because it’s super stressful, and I just needed a break.  It may come back next year, in some form, but for once, it was nice to step back a bit, even though the holidays are still busy and hectic! I’ve been giving some thought to things that I want to work on this year, and I would like to get get back to blog basics this year.  Home projects, paint colors, kitchen projects, design ideas.  I have a lot of projects on my to do list here at home, and that’s what I have always loved sharing on this blog. First Project for 2024 My first project is finishing up what once was a basement spare bedroom.  It’s been torn up for awhile due to a water issue that we couldn’t figure out.  We spent an inordinate amount of time and money getting to the bottom of the problem, but it’s finally fixed, and it forced me to think outside the box in terms of design, because I now have a second sump pump in this space. Attractive, yes?  […]

The post 2024 Projects and Plans appeared first on Evolution of Style.

This post about choosing the best white oak floors has been a long time coming.  As part of our kitchen remodel, the project snowballed into unifying the flooring throughout our main level, with the exception of the bedrooms, which remained carpeted.  I tried to convince my husband to do hardwood in our bedroom, but he couldn’t buy into the logic of putting in hardwood floors, only to have them covered by a big rug.  You have to take the wins when you get them, right?  That said, I knew what I wanted when it came to flooring – I’ve seen it all over Instagram and Pinterest.  White oak hardwood flooring.  Wide plank.  Natural color.  A pretty white oak grain.  However, finding and choosing white oak floors, was much more difficult than I expected.  Having gone through this experience, with more flooring samples than I care to count, I thought it would be worthwhile to share what I’ve learned, and the floors that we ultimately chose. This post is sponsored by Cochran’s Lumber who provided me discounted floors for this project.  As always all opinions are my own. Color In choosing white oak floors, I knew I wanted a light stain, […]

The post The Best White Oak Floors appeared first on Evolution of Style.

Since it’s a holiday weekend, I’m sending this out on a Monday and still calling it the weekend. Over the past few weeks I’ve cobbled together some finds that I think you’ll find useful (I did at least).  Let’s get on with this 5+1!  This post contains some affiliate links. The New House I’m trying to get back into a good book reading mode, and The New House helped me kick off the year on a high note.  If you like the psychological thriller genre (and I think this one falls under “domestic thriller”, which I like), this book should be on your radar.  It starts out as a book about three different couples who are entwined as a result of real estate transactions.  Couples are buying homes from other couples.  But there ends up being much more to the story – situations and circumstances going on between the couples spill over and turn it into something so compelling it’s hard to put down. Customizable Light Bulbs You all know my frustration with the state of the light bulb market right now.  It’s overwhelming, expensive and confusing.  Too many options, and it makes me nuts when I go to change […]

The post Weekend 5+1 (5 Things I Love + 1 Thing I Don’t) – 1.16.23 appeared first on Evolution of Style.

I’m a little late, but I’m excited to share my favorite books of 2022!  I’ll admit, I read less this year than usual, in part, because I wasn’t working as much (and I listen to books a lot while I work).  That said, I still did a lot of reading this year – about 30 – but a far cry from what I have read in previous years.  I need to get back on track and find some new books, as I’ve been in a bit of a book rut as of late.  I’m all ears if you’ve read something recently that you’ve loved. This post contains some affiliate links. The Last House on the Street The Last House on the Street is another home run from Diane Chamberlain.  If you haven’t read any of her books, I can honestly say to pick one and get started, as I’ve never been disappointed with anything she’s written.  She’s extremely versatile as well – a quality I admire so much in good authors, and the subjects of her books are equally diverse.  Since I’m not always great at giving the plot of a book in a succinct matter, I’m going to rely […]

The post Favorite Books of 2022 appeared first on Evolution of Style.

We’re winding things on the 2022 Holiday Home Tour down today with some cozy holiday bedrooms today.  Once again, there is something for everyone, which is what I love most about this tour.  Plus, a holiday decorated bedroom always makes it feel extra special.  Christmas lights are magical like that. Jennifer at Dimples and Tangles is always bold and bright with her ideas and decor, and Christmas is no different! How fun and joyful is this beautiful bedroom? Sincerely Marie Designs brings a cozy traditional vibe to her primary bedroom. The greenery, coupled with the touches of blue amid the neutrals just makes you want to cozy up with a big snowstorm outside. This is Our Bliss is showing off her newly redone bedroom from the One Room Challenge. How fun to have a newly redone room to deck out for the holidays!  Rachael always brings some moody vibes to her decor, and her Christmas decorating is no different.  It’s a great backdrop for holiday touches. My sweet friend Lisa at Shine Your Light is sharing her cozy and welcoming guest room that’s ready for holiday visitors.  What a better welcome than a perfectly appointed holiday room for friends. Once […]

The post 2022 Holiday Home Tour – Bedrooms appeared first on Evolution of Style.

Every year, I look forward to seeing what sort of Homearama trends will be in store with their annual tour.  Sometimes I’m on board, other times not, but usually it’s a mix.  This year proved to keep with that theme, but some things caught me by surprise.  I’ll be curious to see what you think based on trends you see in your area. Moody Colors I have always loved rich and moody paint colors, and was curious as to if/how they would come into play in this year’s tour.  The kitchens didn’t go very moody with paint, but I did see color on the walls, and in some of the cabinetry in the bathrooms and bar areas.  I think you have to be careful not to go overboard, as too much of a good thing can definitely backfire.  You can also go moody with tile, counters, floors – and there was plenty of that to go around too. I loved this little butler’s pantry area – a perfect spot for moody finishes. A moody office – yes, please. I love this shade of green in this dining area.  So warm and gorgeous. Forgive the glare – but this shower was […]

The post 2022 Homearama Trends appeared first on Evolution of Style.

One of the biggest design decisions in a kitchen remodel is choosing your countertops.  Quartz, granite, marble, quartzite – the choices can be overwhelming.  As part of that decision, you need to consider the care and maintenance involved.  We opted for honed quartzite countertops as part of our kitchen remodel, because I loved the look of natural stone and quartzite is also very durable.  Given that quartzite is kind of the new kid on the block, I had a lot of questions about maintenance and care.   What kind of sealer do you use on quartzite? How often do you seal quartzite? How do you get water rings out of quartzite? How do you get oil stains out of quartzite? What will stain quartzite? How do you clean quartzite? Do quartzite countertops need to be sealed?  Yes.  Typically, your fabricator will seal them once they’re installed.  Although one thing I discovered in this process, is that not all stone sealers are created equally. When it comes to sealing out stains, oils and water marks, it took some work to find the best sealer for quartzite countertops. This post contains some affiliate links. Our fabricator said that since the counters were honed, […]

The post The Best Sealer for Quartzite Countertops appeared first on Evolution of Style.

We’re rounding out the Holiday Home Tour with bedrooms today.  I don’t know if you’ve ever decorated a bedroom for Christmas, but having the glow of Christmas lights in any bedroom is really great.  Especially when it gets dark out so early.  Nothing quite beats the ambiance of Christmas lights does it?  So here is a sneak peek at today’s tours! Speaking of a cozy ambiance, the guest bedroom at Quarters One sure hits a high note.  What a lucky guest to stay here! I love the coziness coupled with the beautiful plaid in this bedroom at Just a Girl.  I am a sucker for plaid to begin with, but when it’s added in for a Christmas theme, I’m all in. Postcards from the Ridge covers the bases of being bright and cheerful while also warm and welcoming. Another vote for bright and merry with festive Christmas touches in this little girl’s room at Decor Adventures. Marty is sharing her warm winter master bedroom at A Stroll Thru Life.  Looks like the perfect spot for a winter nap.  Lots of beautiful winter bedroom ideas can be found over at County Road 407.  Even a small tree brings Christmas into your space. […]

The post Holiday Home Tour Bedrooms appeared first on Evolution of Style.

I hope you all were able to have a great Thanksgiving celebration with friends and family this year!  We hosted this year, and it was so great to put my new kitchen to work!  It was built for that kind of celebrating, and I’m looking forward to more holiday celebrations this year.  My cookie exchange was canceled last year, and I’m so thankful to be bringing it back this year – it’s definitely one of the highlights of the season for me! But today, we’re kicking off the 2021 Holiday Home Tour!  I always love this tour, and am grateful to have such an awesome group of bloggers joining in to share their holiday homes with you.  Today, we’re starting with front porches and outdoor spaces.  Here’s a sneak peek! Southern Hospitality is kicking things off with her bright and festive front porch. A Blissful Nest is sharing her pretty front porch with touches of blue. At Most Lovely Things, you’ll find a rustic and natural look – so gorgeous. Cindy Hattersley Design takes her front porch to a new level with her front porch and outdoor spaces – this is the fun you get to have when you live […]

The post 2021 Holiday Home Tour – Front Porches! appeared first on Evolution of Style.