We had such a great response to our Patio Makeover! THANK YOU! The video we shared included a little DIY project that we threw in, and I knew we would get lots of questions about the patio lights (and we did!), so I'm dropping in here today to give out a little more details on how to make these birch log lighting! I’m not even sure how the idea came to me, but I know for sure I haven’t seen ... [ Read More ]
Patio Refresh + Video!
I’ve shared the story how we found / purchased our house, and 8 years later, it’s hard to believe it used to look like this: After a couple years of living here, Nick and I started talking about how nice it would be to have a nice outdoor space for entertaining and just hanging out. We dreamed up a rounded patio with a corresponding rounded pergola, because we like to be complicated and ... [ Read More ]
Annual Fam Camping 2017
It’s become a bit of a tradition to share our annual family camping adventures here on the blog! I have to admit, after last summer’s camping trip where I unknowingly get a little cozy with a deer tick, and was infected with Lyme Disease, I wasn’t quite as excited to pitch a tent in the wilderness this summer. I have this mama-bear quality where I fiercely want to protect my littles from danger. ... [ Read More ]
The Painting of the Potting Bench
I think we can all agree that color is good in moderation, tastefully balanced with neutrals and textures. Of course if your taste is ‘farmhouse’ you might gravitate toward neutrals more. Or if you love boho décor, you might be brave with vibrant color and patterns. There’s no right or wrong! So when it came time to make a choice about what color to paint our potting bench, I was ... [ Read More ]
Potting Bench with Hidden Garbage Can Enclosure
Ya’ll, it’s been HOT where we live. Like Arizona-in-the-early-spring-hot. Like hotter than what we’re accustomed to in Iowa. But we survived the weekend, and lost a combined total of 3 meeeeeellion pounds in sweat, as a family. That’s a lie actually. But at least the sweat we produced was coupled with sunscreen and FUN. Nick and I designed a potting bench together to fit our needs. I wanted a lot ... [ Read More ]
Free-Standing Strawberry Garden w/ Hanging Planters
Nick and I have always TALKED about planting a strawberry garden. And lately, the girls have been asking about growing strawberries. So this year, it was meant to be! *This post is sponsored by EcoScraps. Thank you for supporting the amazing brands that make Reality Daydream possible! This post contains affiliate links.* Supplies for Hanging Strawberry Garden 10 foot 4x4 cedar board ... [ Read More ]
Circle Monogram Pallet Sign
I love the look of big monogram décor on front porches, and had an idea in my head to pull off something showstopping! Unfortunately, we don’t have an obvious place to put something this large on either of our two porchy areas, so I decided to make it for my parents… can we call it a Mother’s Day gift?! Hehe! *This post is sponsored by Rockler. Thank you for supporting the brand partners that make ... [ Read More ]
The beginner’s Guide to a Green Thumb {keeping plants alive}
You’ve heard me lament about my love for house plants and potted plants (especially on instagram <<do you follow me there?) And I’ve had a lot of readers asking me to write this blog post about my green thumb for awhile now, and I finally am going to lay it all out there for you. I’m Proof that there is a cure for the dreaded BLACK THUMB! There is hope! For you! And you! And ... [ Read More ]
Grandpa’s Chippy Tailgate Bench
Mornin’ buddies! Today we have a fun tutorial for all you buildy-types. But you know I can’t jump into it without sharing a bit of back story to set the scene. My mom grew up on a farm here in Iowa, and my grandmother still lives there (at age 97). So you can imagine there’s nearly 100 years worth of ‘old stuff’ hanging out in the out buildings. Old implement, coffee cans from 1920, barbed ... [ Read More ]
Custom Cedar Mailbox Stand {with Corbels!}
So you know I’m super sentimental, right? Well this year for my 34th birthday, Nick giftwrapped a very old and weathered corbel from my late Grandfather’s beautiful ornate mailbox design. He was a very talented carpenter, and was always busy building with his hands. I have lots of his pieces in my home that I cherish. And as my birthday gift, Nick pledged to build us a mailbox stand inspired by my ... [ Read More ]