How to Propagate Hydrangea Plants

by Evin // May 7, 2024 // 4 Comments

Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers. I carried them as my wedding bouquet and when I see them it reminds of me of that day. The plant is beloved for the stunning blooms and vibrant colors, making them a... Continue reading →

Natural Ways to Ward Off Spiders and Insects

by Evin // October 31, 2023 // No Comments

As the seasons change, unwanted guests like spiders and insects often find their way into our homes. We have an old house which was peppered with spiders when we moved in. No other bugs, just spiders. Usually, I don’t intervene... Continue reading →

Choose Upcycled Bedding for Your Next Sewing Project

by Evin // April 20, 2023 // 4 Comments

I recently started sewing from patterns for the first time. Until now, I just made clothes based on measurements and tried them on along the way. It is especially easy for me to do that with alterations. Since most of... Continue reading →

Keeping Your Small Backyard Pond Healthy

by Evin // April 18, 2023 // No Comments

A small garden pond can be a beautiful and peaceful addition to your outdoor space, but it does require regular maintenance to keep it clean and healthy. For me, it is a priority not just because it’s prettier when it’s... Continue reading →

Favorite Purchases We’ve Made for Our Home, Garden, and Pond.

by Evin // June 28, 2022 // 2 Comments

As a child, our neighbour had a koi pond in their backyard and later I worked for a wonderful consultancy in DC which had a koi pond in their garden as well. I loved the peacefulness of sitting beside the pond. The... Continue reading →

A Budget-minded Woodland Nursery Theme

by Evin // January 22, 2019 // No Comments

I’m in the midst of redecorating my sons’ shared bedroom which has me thinking about the first incarnation of our former guest room being spruced up as we were about to become parents. So, naturally, I am writing a post... Continue reading →

Pin-free Bulletin Board

by Evin // November 20, 2018 // No Comments

As another son begins exploring our home on two feet (not on knees and hands), we are careful to not introduce any hazards while still meeting our organizing needs. One approach I’ve found very useful is the pin-free bulletin board.... Continue reading →

A Tale of Two Play Kitchens

by Evin // October 11, 2018 // 1 Comment

We built and refurbished two play kitchens in recent years, but I thought it would be worth an update to share how well they have held up to significant abuse use. I’ll profile each separately since they’re quite different. The... Continue reading →

Burlap Table Card Display for Rustic Wedding | EvinOK.com

Making a Burlap Table Card Display for a Rustic Wedding

by Evin // August 31, 2017 // 2 Comments

This summer, I had the joy and honor of helping my friend and culinary goddess with a few crafty tasks for her daughter’s wedding. She kept my glass of rosé full and my baby occupied while I crafted away. Little... Continue reading →

Sprucing Up a Play Kitchen…Again

by Evin // August 22, 2017 // No Comments

A few years ago, I unearthed my old play kitchen cabinet from the basement of my parents’ house. It had some damage to the wood base, but our friend patched it up and I spray painted it for a quick... Continue reading →

Creating Your Own Beach Retreat with Surf Café Living

by Evin // April 7, 2015 // No Comments

A beautiful book which brings you the best of cooking, eating, surfing and living life by the coast. Surfers Jane and Myles Lamberth are living their dream, running a bustling seaside café, creating a gorgeous home and enjoying the coastal... Continue reading →

Deck the Walls with Artwork

by Evin // December 9, 2014 // No Comments

With the holidays quickly approaching and guests on their way, here are a few ideas for wall art (one suggestion for every room in a house) based on how I would decorate my theoretical house. Hope this gives you a jumping... Continue reading →

The Gobbler – Turkey-inspired Interior Design

by Evin // November 26, 2014 // No Comments

Yes, you read correctly, today’s post is about turkey-inspired interior design. Back in 2003, I had a bad day so a friend sent me the link to take an online tour of The Gobbler, a defunct hotel in Wisconsin. I... Continue reading →

Fish-shaped Chalkboard Decal Accents on IKEA Rast Dressers

by Evin // August 12, 2014 // No Comments

I love fish. Wait, I think I’ve confessed that before. I fight the adoration and strive to diversify my designs and projects, but deep in my heart I would love little fish and nautical touches to surround me in every... Continue reading →

Newly Redecorated Bathroom for Under $50

by Evin // January 24, 2014 // 2 Comments

As I mentioned last summer, I visited my parents to see them and planned to work on many projects in their house. One of those projects is the redecoration of my Mom’s bathroom which she can see from her bed, where... Continue reading →

Redecorating a Breakfast Room for Under $100

by Evin // January 23, 2014 // No Comments

You know how I visited my parents over the summer and wanted to get lots done in their house? This post is about what I did to their breakfast room! As I’ve mentioned before, my Mom has Multiple Sclerosis and... Continue reading →

Updated Child’s Play Kitchen

by Evin // January 22, 2014 // No Comments

When we visited my parents this past summer, LB and I tried to travel light so no toys came with us. My parents found a tool bench and trike through CraigsList and friends, so he wasn’t by any means bored.... Continue reading →

Painting the Living Room Curtains with My Toddler

by Evin // January 17, 2014 // No Comments

Yesterday, LB and I had a morning craft adventure! After glaring at our bland beige blackout shade curtains (in the living room) for far too long, I decided a change was needed. Covering them in a sheer yet elegant fabric... Continue reading →

Beautiful Hostel Overnight in Parede, Portugal

by Evin // October 9, 2013 // 1 Comment

While in Portugal, we were fortunate to visit the Aloha Beach House Hostel in Parede, which is about 20 minutes by train from Lisbon along the coast. The hostel itself is in a rather posh residential area two blocks from... Continue reading →

DIY Home Project Wish List

by Evin // June 26, 2013 // 2 Comments

As I’ve mentioned before, my Mom has Multiple Sclerosis and spends much of her time in a wheelchair or in bed. Because of her recent homebounded-ness, I want to do some DIY projects on their home so she can really... Continue reading →