Good Monday morning! Soaking up the views this morning after a very busy weekend and realizing that CHRISTMAS is next week!!! Up until now I’ve been all about the DIYs...making garland, wreaths, ornaments, pillows and decorating the house. I actually haven’t done ANY holiday baking yet...unless you count these dried oranges and dried grapefruit as baking🤣 It actually turned out to be one of my favorite projects this year! I added the dried grapefruit and orange slices, along with pine cones and greenery to these hoop wreaths! I actually ended up using the dried citrus in 5 different ways! I have all the details on my Christmas DIYs up on the blog if you want to check it out! I’m pretty sure my family is ready for me to transition from DIYs into making Christmas cookies now...but I have one more Christmas diy project that I want to tackle first! Any guesses on what I’m making???? How about you? Are you still in the decorating for Christmas stage or have you moved onto Christmas baking?! If you’re baking...whatcha making?! . . . #christmaswreaths #christmasdiy #balsamhill #hoopwreaths #diychristmasdecor #diywreaths #diywreath #fletchercreekcottage #driedoranges #driedorangeslices #diygarland #christmastree #bhgcelebrate #bhgchristmas #farmhousechristmas #christmasdecorideas #handmadechristmasornaments #handmadechristmas #handmadewreath #holidayhomedecor #countrychristmas #christmasdecorideas 
“Walking in a winter wonderland “ We had our first big snowfall and it looks like a magical winter wonderland! Bring on the sledding, skiing and the hot chocolate! We’re ready to play! Sure, winters here in northern Michigan are cold...but gosh, they’re also incredibly beautiful! And there’s so many fun things we can do outside now that we have snow! First up...make a sledding run out on our hills with our tubes! Woohoo! I’m so grateful for this day...this beautiful day that the Lord has made! Sometimes it’s hard to believe that we get to live back in our hometown near family and Fletcher Creek Cottage is our home🤍 I don’t think I’ll ever get over it...just how grateful we are to be HOME! Happy Sunday friends! . . . #diygarland #magicalwinter #puremichigan #christmastree #porchchristmas #christmasporchdecor #holidaydecorating #snowfall #winterwonderland #christmasdecor #countrylivingmagazine #magnolianetwork #familyiseverything #fletchercreekcottage #vintagechristmasdecor #snowfalling #outdoorchristmasdecor #christmasgarland #diygarlandwreath #christmastreedecorations #christmashometour #handmadechristmas #christmasfarmhouse #christmascottage 
One thousand...crazy...one thousand pictures ago I decided to share our home and our story with the world....I took a chance and you know what...I’m so glad I did. You see, our story is a story of hope and this home represents so much more than meets the eye. It’s not elaborate, furnished with high end pieces or anything magnificent (by the world’s standards)...but to us, it may as well be a mansion. Others may look at our house and just see a house. But we look at it and see how much we’re loved by our families who poured their time into helping us build our home. We see 17 years of renovating homes and acquiring the construction skills we needed to build this home with our own hands. We look at this home and we see the huge financial sacrifices we made to be able to move back to our hometown after years away,so we could raise our children near family. We look at our home and we’re reminded of Gods faithfulness throughout it all and how our faith grew as we trusted Him when we didn’t know how things would work out. Getting here took everything we had, physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and grew us and stretched us like we’d never would have imagined. It’s true what they say...”If you work hard for what you want you’ll appreciate it a lot more”. When I see our home I can’t help but appreciate it...I can’t help but think just how incredibly blessed we are...right here...right now...in our small cottage... that we built...as a family...despite all the challenges...we built something special. We didn’t give up and didn’t loose heart....even when things seemed impossible. We trusted it would all work out and put one foot in front of the other ...until one day...it was done and our dream had come to life! Thank you for all your kindness throughout the 1000 times that I’ve share my home (and my heart) with you! And whatever journey you’re on, I hope that our story brings you hope and inspires you to have the courage to keep pressing on ❤️❤️❤️ It’ll be worth it...I promise! . . #diyer #diyhomebuild #farmhousechristmasdecor #cottagestyle#fletchercreekcottage #dreambigworkhard #christmasporch #hgtv #farmhousediy #diyblog #diymagazine 
Okay guys...It’s Monday and if you followed along in stories over the weekend then you know I finished stitching this diy Christmas tree pillow and had a goal to finish my second pillow by today!!! Who thinks I was able to finish it?! I’m not going to tell if I did or didn’t until tomorrow...so you’ll have to wait and see😉 I will say that I was able to spend the day with my sister yesterday for her birthday and had a blast making her a GF/DF/Almond free cake with a winter/holiday theme! Ill share a quick picture of the cake in stories for ya😁 And I also spent the better part of today drying grapefruit and orange garland! I actually just took the last tray out of the oven and I’ll be sharing how it worked out tomorrow in stories and how I’ll be using them in a couple Christmas wreaths and some garland as well! . . . #diypillow #diychristmasdecor #diyprojects #diyhomedecor #countrylivingmag #countrychristmas #diyshelf #herringbonetile #shiplapwalls #christmastreedecorations #neutralchristmas #holidaydiy #christmasgarland #vintagechristmas #christmasdecorideas #homefortheholidays #potterybarnfurniture #cottagechristmas #farmhousechristmas #balsamhill #diypillow #woodsandwhites #modernfarmhouselivingroom 
Yay!!! I finally finished decorating (one) Christmas tree and I guess you could call it a “Rustic” or “Woodland” Christmas tree because I kept it simple with a few woodland ornaments, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, burlap ribbon and some #diyornaments I made last year with my mom! I also kept the “It’s a wonderful life” theme that I have on our mantel on the tree by adding lots of small brass bells...and the tree totally feels like US! I’m so excited to have it all done! Now we can enjoy it! I used the painted “shiplap” tree collar I made out of scraps and then added my vintage sleigh bench and antique shovel around the tree! On today’s agenda ...make hot chocolate and finish decorating our family tree with the kids on our real tree upstairs!! Happy December everyone! . . . . #americanfarmhousestyle #diyhomedecor #christmastreedecorating #woodlanddecor #christmasdecorating #holidaydecor #herringbonefloor #diyflooring #vintagechristmas #diytreecollar #hgtvhome #balsamhill #mychristmastree #cottagechristmas #countrychristmas #farmhousechristmastree #woodlandchristmastree #naturalchristmasdecor #handmadeornaments #handmadechristmasdecorations #farmhousestylechristmas #farmhousestyledecor #burlapdecor #burlapchristmas 
Happy Monday Friends! What a day!!! Christmas came early for me because my husband surprised me and took today OFF work!!! So needless to say, I had a wonderful day...even though I mostly just spent the day running errands with him! It was so refreshing! Not only did we get to spend the day together but we also went and got our fresh cut family Christmas tree with the kids at our great Aunt and Uncles Christmas tree farm! I know I don’t share my family too often here ...but I did share some of our tree hunting adventure today in stories for those of you who always want to know what my husband is REALLY like 😂you’re welcome!!! 🤣 Be sure and let me know if you want me to share more family/behind the scenes stuff! . . . . #cottagechristmas #christmasporch #christmasporchdecor #holidaydecor #farmhousechristmas #garland #snowwhitechristmas #whitechristmas #christmastreefarm #christmastime #holidayfun #countrylivingmag #fletchercreekcottage #familychristmas #christmasatthecottage #cottagecharm #countrychristmas #bhgchristmas #bhgcelebrate #diyhouse #webuiltourownhouse #christmasmagic #puremichiganwinter #winterwonderland #christmasporchdecorating #christmasdecorideas 
I’ve spent the morning right here, with my laptop, doing a whole lot of Christmas shopping because today is Small Business Saturday! I love supporting small businesses all year round, but even more at Christmas because every little purchase matters....and because I’m all about quality over quantity! When you shop small business you know you’re getting quality...makers pour their hearts into everything they do and nothing is better than a one of a kind or handmade gift! Today is such an important day for our communities...supporting small shops, makers and entrepreneurs is something we can all do to make a difference in our communities and families lives around us!! Small businesses need us this year more than ever...if you can shop in person, that’s fantastic...and if not almost all small shops have an online store and they’re counting on us to show up! If you’re looking for some incredible small shops and makers to support this holiday season...head to my stories to see some of my personal favorite small shops/makers! All of the shops I’m sharing have incredible handmade items that make fantastic gifts for your loved ones! If you’re looking for gift ideas, I hope you’ll take a few minutes and head to my stories to check them out! Happy Small Business Saturday and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!! . . #christmastree #shopsmall #smallshopsupporter #christmasdecor #holidaydecor #diyholidaydecor #bhghome #countrylivingmag #mypotterybarn #cottagechristmas #rusticchristmas #christmasmantle #herringbonefloor #balsamhill #crateandbarrel #supportsmallbusiness #diychristmasdecor #garland #countrychristmas #bhgchristmas #modernfarmhousedecor #farmhousechristmasdecor #farmhousechristmas #balsamhilltree #diytreeskirt #shiplap #vintagechristmas #vintagechristmasdecor #fletchercreekcottage 
The views today...wow! I couldn’t help but share a few pics with you guys tonight! All it took was a little bit of snow and everything seems magical around here...and it probably helped that I spent most the day putting up Christmas decorations! I can’t wait to show you guys what I’ve got up so far! I didn’t mean to leave you hanging in stories...all the decorating footage I took got deleted accidentally 😬🤪 so I couldn’t share the process! But oh well, we did get a lot done! We had my favorite holiday playlist going and I had some great helpers too 😉 so I’d say it’s been a fantastic day! The view out our window makes me so glad I took the time to make all the garland again this year! Seeing it all dusted with snow makes it all worth it. It’s one tradition I’d like to keep alive for a long time to come🌲 What are some holiday traditions that you LOVE keeping alive?! What are you looking forward to this Thanksgiving and Christmas season?! Things look so different this year, but we’re keeping whatever traditions we can alive and focusing on what we can do instead of what we can’t this holiday season🤍 It helps...it’s still hard.....but I think it really helps us appreciate what we do have more than ever before. #makingthebestofit #holidaycheer #holidaydecorating #cottagechristmas #hgtvholiday #bhghome #bhgchristmas #countrychristmastree #realgarland #garland #christmasporch #winterwonderland #fletchercreekcottage #diygarland #diychristmasdecor #homedecor #christmashomedecor #farmhousechristmasdecor #farmhousechristmas #makingmemoriestogether #exteriorchristmasdecor #modernfarmhouse #countrylivingmagazine #christmasdiydecor #makingchristmas 
Just curious do you prefer a fresh Christmas trees or faux tree?! It’s not up yet, but I’m determined to have at least one tree up inside by the end of the day! I ordered this beautiful 9’ Fraser Fir in July and set it up in the pavilion for some “Christmas in July” fun! I’m actually not really a faux tree kind of girl...we ALWAYS have a fresh cut tree as our main family tree...but the quality of some artificial trees these days blows me away! It’s incredible how real they look! I think this ones going to go in our living room this year and we’ll set up a real tree in the loft! This tree is way too pretty to be out in the pavilion! Although I think the pavilion does need at least one tree (I’ve got a plan for that)! I’ve got a busy day ahead of me...but fingers crossed ...If all goes well I’ll get this beauty set up today! Happy Monday everyone!! . . . #balsamhill #christmastree #fletchercreekcottage #countrychristmas #holidaydecor #holidaydecorating #cottagechristmasdecor #farmhousechristmasdecor #9ftchristmastree #balsamhilltree #christmasporchdecorations #decoratingforchristmas #diychristmasdecor #diyblogger #homedecorchristmas #holidaydecorating #holidayhomedecor 
Who else spent their day decorating for Christmas?! Anyone?! I totally took advantage of the sunshine and spent afternoon finishing up decorating the front porch! I shared all about how I make my diy fresh garland over on the blog and I shared how I decorated the porch in stories today too so be sure and check that out if you’re curious😉 Next up...start decorating inside! I can’t believe it but all I’ve done as far as decorating indoors is get all the Christmas tubs down from the attic and organize what I’m going to use this year! Nothings really decorated yet...but I’ve got all day tomorrow set aside for that! I’m so excited... I’m going to blast my favorite Christmas playlist and deck the halls!!! Do you have a tree up or are you like me and are just getting started?! Last year I had everything up for Christmas by November 1st🤣 Lol! Oh well, I told myself I wasn’t going to put pressure on myself and I kept my word😁...I’m just going to decorate as I have the time and ENJOY IT 🌲🤗 Have a wonderful rest of your weekend friends! . . . #christmasporch #christmasporchdecor #holidayseason #holidayporch #frontporchdecor #christmasdecor #christmasgarland #americanfarmhousestyle #diygarland #garland #countrylivingmag #cottagechristmas #christmasdecoratingideas #christmasinthecountry #countrychristmas #decoratingforchristmas #fletchercreekcottage #realgarland #christmastreefarm #christmasspirit #farmhousechristmas #farmhousechristmasdecor #farmhousestyledecor