...because home doesn't happen overnight.
08.09.14 / Made Me Smile

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Last week I didn’t publish a Made Me Smile post. My grandmother passed away and my heart wasn’t up to the task. So this installment includes two weeks’ worth of smile-worthy links. I hope you find something that inspires you in some way!

*Did you listen to NPR’s TED radio hour, Growing Up, last week? I loved it.

*SHE FOUND HIM.

*Terrible real estate agent photos + hilarious captions = a good way to waste time.

*Be still my organizing, laundry-loving heart.

*My favorite hand soap in bulk refills!

*Such a great mix of old + new in a home with a family history. (The home is also featured in the current family issue of Anthology magazine. So good!)

*A smart and stylish galley kitchen. (Don’t let the initial 30-second ad turn you off. You won’t be disappointed!)

ensemble architecture

*Architecture lust.

*I’m usually one of the last people to try new apps and tech-y things but the issuu clip is right up my alley. Clipping and pinning directly from the pages of a magazine? Yesssss.

*Patrick Dempsey’s thoughts on being a caretaker of a home (not just an owner) make him even hotter. Trust me, it’s possible.

*Tips for creating a bright kitchen in a basement apartment.

*A house inspired by Tom and Jerry cartoons. Needless to say, it’s a giant indoor playground – for kids and adults!

*It’s National Book Lovers Day! A few on my wish list: Clutterfree with Kids, Tiny House Living, You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap).

What are you up to this weekend? We’re laying low and gearing up for the start of another school year. Here’s to backpacks, jackets, lunch boxes, books and homework overtaking the mudroom once again!

images: 1) Dana Miller for House*Tweaking 2) Ensemble Architecture

16 COMMENTS
budget decor, DIY, family life, inspiration, interior design, organization, renovation

16 Comments

Joy
09.August.2014

Hi Dana,
I have tears in my eyes as I type thinking of your Made Me Smile post with your grandmother’s picture. I also recently lost my grandmother yet was so happy that my children were able to know and love her as I have.
Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May the weeks you were able to spend there this summer live in your and your children’s memories forever.
xo Joy

Amanda
09.August.2014

As a Canadian living in the US – I love seeing that all this Canadian content made you smile this week! Yay for House and Home and Chatelaine!

Sara
09.August.2014

So sorry about the loss of your Grandmother.

housetweaking
09.August.2014

My paternal grandmother is the one who lives in FL. She’s doing well. My maternal grandmother passed away last week. Thank you for thinking of us!

housetweaking
09.August.2014

Thank you.

housetweaking
09.August.2014

We are neighbors after all, aren’t we? ;)

AlisonG
09.August.2014

Sorry to hear your Grandmother passed away.

Pat
09.August.2014

My condolences on the loss of your grandmother. Mine passed away in the ’60’s and I think of her constantly. I would have lived with her growing up if I’d been allowed to. :)

Thanks for sharing these features!
xo
Pat

Kellie
10.August.2014

Sorry to hear of your loss, very sad news :( xx

SC
11.August.2014

I’m so sorry for your loss, Dana. It can be so very hard to lose someone special.

Thank you for the fun links. I am inspired by Patrick Dempsey’s loft home!!!

Take care.

Robyn J,
11.August.2014

Sorry to hear of your loss. It always hard to lose a family member.

On another note, I’ve read You Can Buy Happiness, And It’s Cheap. Your downsizing self is going to love it!

Caroline
11.August.2014

So sorry to hear about your grandmother. No matter how old you are, it’s always so difficult to deal with the loss of a grandparent, especially as you get older.

I’ve found that even after almost 4 years of losing my grandmother, I still think of her weekly. Her favorite flower was a pink hibiscus so each time I look at our hibiscus plant, it reminds me of her and I know she’s at peace. Hoping you can find that same connection as you and your family heal!

Carol Ann
11.August.2014

So very sorry for your loss. Hoping you find comfort in happy memories.

I was very interested to see the Architectural Digest piece on Patrick Dempsey’s house in Malibu. Especially happy to see the garden which my daughter-in-law helped build, plant and maintain.
She had no idea who’s property she was working on (the dreaded confidentiality agreement) until
McDreamy came out to give her some lemonade.

Amber
11.August.2014

Those hilariously bad real estate agent photos had my girlfriend and I in tears! (Literally!) Thanks for sharing. :)

I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandmother. I know how painful that can be.

Carole
12.August.2014

Wishing you and your family peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Im so sorry for your loss Dana. Peace be with you and your family during this time. I love all the great inspiration you shared in this edition of MMS:)