Summer is always a little slow to come our way in the mountains.  The mountains still have snow, and lilacs are just starting to bloom.  I was so touched by the different summer homes and old tack houses on our hike this weekend.

I wonder what it would be like to live on this old dirt road tucked in the mountains.

When bucks shed their antlers in the fall, a lot of people like to decorate with them.  All the white on the side of this building are antlers.  It’s so rustic and charming.

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When Katherine sent me a few pictures from around her new home, I was stunned at how beautiful her house is becoming.  She and her husband just moved in last fall, and like most newlyweds, they didn’t have much.  Katherine told me, “We moved in with nothing much more remarkable than a bed, a couch, and stacks upon stacks of books.”

I just knew I had to share her new home with all of you.  Katherine has some beautiful ideas for creating a home that’s both financially and environmentally responsible, so I think you’ll just love what she has to say.  (And swing by her blog if you get a chance, too.  We recently did a super fun interview about Gadanke over there.)  Okay, Katherine.  It’s all you…

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Nothing brings an international group of women together like chocolate. So when my uncle sent me an email to attend a chocolate truffle class he was giving, I was right on it! I even got Martin to come along.

We’d been hooked on my uncle’s chocolates ever since Christmas.

Yet when Martin and I arrived, I sort of forgot about the plan to learn to make chocolates. Martin and my uncle talked about nerdy stuff until the ladies started pouring in, and the next thing I knew, I was engulfed in a room of the friendliest Bulgarian and German women.

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We have a fabulous guest who’s back to share some more glimpses into her home with all of us.  You remember Janna, don’t you?  Back in February, she shared some favorite corners of her Portland, Oregon house along with some fabulous tips on living a simpler life without excess stuff.  (Go check out her first guest feature right here if you haven’t seen!)

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Today, Steph is inviting us into her home.  She says that people often walk into her house and comment about how bare or minimalist it is.  And guess what – that’s just how she wants it!  I just love what Steph has to say about family and home.  I hope you do, too.  Take it away, Steph:

My son is what inspires me to simplify life.

My husband, son & myself live in a 2200sq. ft. house-main floor & basement.  Not small by any means but when we  bought it, I was hoping to fill it with children.  When I was pregnant with my son, I developed a life threatening condition, which meant that we were couting our blessings that we had one healthy baby ,because the risks were much higher of a mom or baby dying in a second pregnancy, we knew our son would be our only child.

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Someone pinch me because I can’t believe our luck.  Janna and her husband purchased a 600 square foot (55.7 sq meter) one bedroom home in Portland, Oregon 3 1/2 years ago, and today Janna is sharing some of her wisdom in living small and creating a home that works for your family.  Yes – family!   Their home – built in 1925 – was in sad shape when they moved in.  But as you can see below, a lot of love (and a whole lot of hard work) has helped this couple create a home worthy of a standing ovation.

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