beautiful houses

Spring has been behind here in northeast Illinois. It's been unseasonably cold with lots of rain, and even some snow. Buds are just now forming on the trees and my daffodils are finally up. Otherwise, we've had way too many days of gloom and not much sunshine. So when this past Sunday beckoned with warmer temps and sunshine, we headed to the lakefront (Lake Michigan) for a long walk.

This walking path along the lake was filled with people walking with dogs or pushing strollers, bikers and runners. One of those days where it simply felt good to be alive. One thing to be said about the long winters here: it sure makes one appreciate spring!

I've showed houses in Evanston on my blog in the past. This town has some real charmers. Hope you enjoy the ones I saw on my walk this time as much as I did...

Happy Easter and Passover to those who celebrate!

simple easter decor around my home

As I've mentioned on my blog before, the older I get, the less holiday decorating I do. I think it's a matter of liking less clutter, there's less work digging out holiday decor and putting it away, and it's not as exciting anymore during the holidays without having little kids around. I do have some cute Easter things, so I put simple touches here and there.

In the kitchen, I added a Beatrix Potter teapot (thrifted many years ago) to one of the shelves. 

I suppose I could leave this chick up all spring; it's not necessarily an Easter decoration. I just noticed from this photo that she's facing the wall, so I'm looking at her hiney. Perhaps I should turn her around!

I added a few bunnies to my china cabinet. The vintage one on the top shelf is my favorite.

Tiny wooden Easter eggs in a bowl in the living room "fauxyer". 

Little bunnies on the table next to the sofa.

And, a handmade ceramic egg that I bought at Goodwill a long time ago sits on a stack of books in a basket on the coffee table. Monkey used to love to sleep in this basket. I'd move the books so he could wedge his big body into the confines of the wicker.

A pair of ceramic chicks (they're salt & pepper shakers) and a vintage egg cup graces Brian's childhood cubby in the guest room/my office.

That's it for the Easter decor this year. 

How about you, do you go all out with the Easter decor (or Passover)?

 Or, do you keep it minimal?