The View from Foxglove Hill
Have you ever looked back and realized that one unexpected project quietly changed the course of your life?
For me, it all began with an Alice in Wonderland baby shower.
Fourteen years ago, I wasn’t thinking about becoming a blogger. I wasn’t planning a business, building a brand, or worrying about Pinterest or Instagram. I was simply planning a baby shower for someone I loved and wanted every detail to feel magical.
Like so many of us, I started searching Pinterest for inspiration. Somewhere along the way, I kept landing on these things called blogs. I honestly don’t think I even knew what a blog was at the time! But I found myself fascinated by people who were sharing their ideas, tutorials, and celebrations with the world.
My dear friend Brian, who had attended so many of the parties and celebrations I’d hosted over the years, looked at those photos and said…
“You could do this. You should start a blog.”
Until that moment, the thought had never crossed my mind.
With Brian’s encouragement—and a little leap of faith—Celebrate & Decorate was born.
Looking back now, it’s amazing to think that one whimsical baby shower led to thousands of blog posts, countless decorating projects, wonderful friendships, and a community of readers who have been creating right alongside me ever since.
This week, I thought it would be fun to revisit where it all began by sharing those original Alice in Wonderland invitations. Looking through them brings back so many wonderful memories and reminds me how one creative idea can change the course of your life.
And while one project started this journey, another reminds me why I still love creating after all these years. I also refreshed one of my favorite late-summer DIYs—a picture frame wreath that’s perfect for this in-between season, when we’re ready for a little seasonal change but aren’t quite ready to bring out the pumpkins.
Thank you for joining me here each week at Foxglove Hill. Whether you’ve been reading since those early days or just recently found Celebrate & Decorate, I’m so grateful you’re here. I hope you’ll enjoy this little walk down memory lane—and perhaps find a bit of inspiration for your own home along the way.
Every blog has a beginning. Mine started with that whimsical Alice in Wonderland baby shower and a camera. Looking back at those early photos reminds me that you don’t have to know where the road leads—you simply have to take the first step. It also reminds me just how far this journey has taken me. My decorating style has evolved, my skills have grown, and thankfully, my photography has improved right along with them. It’s a wonderful reminder that none of us have to start out perfect—we simply have to begin. I still think those invitations were some of the most creative I have ever done!
While looking back at where this journey began has been a wonderful trip down memory lane, I’m always excited to create something new, too. This week I also refreshed one of my favorite late-summer DIY projects—a picture frame wreath that’s perfect for this in-between season. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to give your front door a fresh new look after the Fourth of July and before autumn officially arrives. If you’re craving a little seasonal change without decorating for fall just yet, I think you’ll enjoy this easy project.
Looking back at where this journey began has reminded me that the most meaningful things often start with one small idea, one creative project, or one simple “what if?” I hope this week’s inspiration encourages you to try something new, whether it’s hosting a gathering, creating a wreath for your front door, or simply adding a beautiful touch to your home. Thank you for being part of this wonderful community and for allowing me to share this journey with you. I’ll meet you back here next Tuesday with more inspiration from Foxglove Hill.