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5 REASONS YOU THINK YOU CAN’T DECORATE

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5 REASONS YOU THINK YOU CAN'T DECORATE- let's address some reason we think we can't decorate and debunk them! YES you can decorate!

I can’t tell you how many times that I have heard someone say “I can’t decorate”.Guess what, you actually can!  There are many roadblocks you may come up against, but I am here today to help you overcome them and start creating a home that you love! So let’s look at the most common reasons you might think you can’t decorate and how to break free of these obstacles!

 

 

I’ve been playing with the decor in my living room and created a very monochromatic look for a little change!

So you think you can’t decorate? I’ll show you that you can!!!!

Here are five reasons that you might think you can’t decorate… 

1. FEELING BAD

Sometimes people think they can’t decorate because they don’t feel particularly great about themselves. Feeling bad can bleed into so many areas of our lives and home and is certainly one reason we think we can’t decorate.  

When we are feeling overwhelmed with life and not feeling the best about ourselves it is hard to create beauty around us. 

This is the time to take any energy you have and turn it loose onto messes in your home! Try de-cluttering! Any room… and mess!  You’ll feel a little stress lifted off your shoulders. Decluttering can be therapeutic!

Bring home a bouquet of flowers for your kitchen table or for a glass right beside your bed.  You’ll instantly feel uplifted.  And by the way… you totally deserve the flowers! 

Not many of you may know that I have been through the roughest time in my life. I have six surgeries over a 7 week period, have had a pic line and iv antibiotics for 8 weeks and been in a wheelchair for over 8 months.

I’ve been in and out of the hospital and in and out again. Each time I worked from my hospital bed. 

I have been in a very serious battle to save my left foot and my life. I’m finally coming out the other end of this rough time. I still have a long way to go but getting better and better and stronger and stronger every day! During these times decorating was really hard but in the end, made me feel better and gave me a creative outlet!

I KNOW how it feels to not feel good and at times not feel good about oneself.

But listen… be good to yourself if you are not at your best. Give yourself grace and give extra grace to all those around you! Everyone is going through something. Remember that! Pray for others and yourself! 

And if you are like me and love your home don’t get discouraged. Carve out little areas to beautify! Create little sanctuaries!

 

2. COMPARISON

So many of us suffer from the negative effects of comparing ourselves to others.  Have you ever visited someone’s home and just loved what they have done and feel like you would never be able to do that?  You are not alone, friends. 

Instead of seeing your friend’s homes as something you’ll never have, take what you love about the home and let it inspire you for changes you’d like to see made in your own home.  You could even take it a step further and ask your friend for help.  They would love it and you would have something to do together.  

Comparison is the death of creativity and inspiration. So when you feel those bad defeated feeling of comparison sneaking up on you call it what it is, a lie, and move forward. Don’t get stuck in the comparison rut!

 

3.  TOO BUSY TO DECORATE

 

Is your time limited? Every season of life is different, and we often find ourselves with no free time to spruce up our home. 

I totally understand! But here’s what I keep in mind during those busy times. Decorating is NOT remodeling. Decorating can be something little!

Decorating can be as simple as a new kitchen towel, a pretty pillow for the sofa or even rearranging the books on a bookshelf to make it more pleasing to the eye. 

Even the smallest touches can bring great joy to a room. 

 

4.  TOO LITTLE SPACE 

When you live in a small space, you may feel too cramped to make any decorating changes.  Small space decorating is actually one of my favorite things to do!  Do a quick clean up of your small space and then surround yourself with the things you love. 

Sometimes even really large pieces make a smaller space feel so impactful.  The key to small space decorating is “less is more” and keep it tidy.

 

5. TINY BUDGET

 

 

Forgive me if I sound like a broken record from some past posts, but decorating does not have to be expensive.  Shop your home for things to use in another way. You won’t believe how fresh a room can look until you try moving a piece of furniture from one room to another. Magic! 

Add a coat of spray paint to something to create an entirely new aesthetic.  You can even shop thrift stores and yard sales for inexpensive items that will bring great changes to a room. 

 It’s all about being creative! Pinterest is full of decorating ideas on a budget!

 

I’m sure there are other reasons you may have for not being able to decorate but I bet most of them can be debunked! Just get started! Once you dig in and start to enjoy the process of decorating in your home you will see how easy and enjoyable it can be.

StoneGable is a goldmine of how-to-decorate mini lessons! Go to the words HOME + GARDEN at the top of this blog and click on it. You will find tons of post about decorating broken up into doable lessons for you!

And make sure to see my Pinterest Board “STONEGALBE IDEAS” for all my decorating (and more) posts!

 

 

You might like to follow me on Pinterest and see what I am finding to pin every day HERE.

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Comments

  1. Yvonne,
    You and your site have been such a blessing and inspiration to me. When we moved into our forever home, I was so afraid to try anything new decorating wise. I happened upon your blog and felt that I could try and I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had. Thank you for all that you have done and for the work that you continue to do for us. I hope and pray that you continue to heal. God bless!

    Reply

  2. Yvonne – your home is warm and ever so welcoming. Every time I see your living room pictures it makes me smile with happiness. Your advise is practical and appreciated. Amazing that you’ve continued to work through all of your health challenges. Things that we are passionate about can offer us an outlet. Prayers for your continued recovery and may you gain strength and health each day.

    Reply

  3. Love the look of your living room.
    I love decorating my old 1904 home!
    And yes even a new pretty towel in the kitchen pleases me!
    So sorry to learn that you have had such a long stretch of serious health problems.
    Praying you will continue to heal.

    Reply

  4. You have.inspired me constantly, now it’s my turn. I am a retired dance teacher of all ages I know what dance can do for the heart and soul. Many have had to stop for health issues. My advice always stay dancing in your head, whilst sitting in your chair, whilst laying in bed, just dance. You don’t have to be the next ballerina, just a creative way to take your mind somewhere else away from the pain. Believe me it works…Happy dancing xx

    Reply

  5. I love to decorate but can’t get rid of my greatest roadblock because I’m married to him. LOL. He is an extremely practical man who is very much into function over form. I definitely don’t have free rein to decorate as I would like and I find compromise difficult. I do love your blog and your decorating style.

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  6. My question is: how do you manage the accommodation of so many pillows on the sofa when people are actually needing to sit on the sofa? Can it be beautiful and practical? ?

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  9. I really enjoyed your Monday Blooms today!! So many great tips from all of you! One flower type en masse is my favorite kind of arrangement!

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  10. Hello Yvonne..thank you for your inspirational words. May you get well soon and stay well!! I have been struggling to get better almost one year post surgery now, so I know how you feel.
    I just love all of your posts and use them to decorate my home!!
    Keep the faith!!

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  11. Yvonne, I am sorry to learn you have been through so many trials in your life. It is wonderful that you keep such a positive attitude. Praying for you.

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  12. Yvonne,
    So very sorry you’ve been going through such a hard time. Want you to know you’re a great inspiration to us all…..I have some ongoing health issues myself, and I agree, decorating our home is therapy for me. Believe with all my heart that God gives us beauty to take our minds off all the “ugly” around us. Fall is quickly descending on us here in Vermont….this morning, there were fabulous “showers” of leaves! Watching them brings such a sense of peace in a world of ongoing turmoil. God whispers to our hearts…be not afraid, I AM here….there are so many little signs around us each day of his watch care, and love….we need just be open to “see.” Take care…you will be in my prayers, Love Ginny

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  13. Yvonne, I read your Sunday posts because they are incredible in spirituality perspective. I, too, have been ill with surgeries to the spine and back trying to always keep my spirit up for others. GOD has given you a gift! Thank you for sharing the gift of your writing and teaching along with some decorating tíos. My husband had a surgery that led to the steps you are describing. With prayers and God’s healing he has his arm and swings a golf club ! God is good and I know the Great Physician will continue to work within your body and your soul. He brings us close when we can’t meander his world. Lord, I bring Yvonne to you. My prayers is for her continued healing. Strength to heed the doctors orders with therapy, comfort for the discomfort and joy to know YOU are working within and through her even now. In your precious son’s name, Amen.

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  14. ABSOLUTELY LOVE the back of your home ! It would be my ideal place. Sorry to hear about your illnesses but thank God you are on the road to recovery and just remember ” God is able ” . Will be praying for you and your family, how is your son doing? Have a Beautiful, Blessed, God filled day.

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  15. Hi, Yvonne, I am so sorry to hear about your medical issues. I am so thankful for you and pray that you recover fully! Wow, to endure what you have takes some energy and must have been stressful. I listen to Decorating Tip & Tricks, and love these podcasts!! You are amazing! Please know that you are appreciated. I have received so much decorating advice from you and the girls on DTT. Blessings, and take care of that foot!!!

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  16. Dear Yvonne,
    Thank you so much for sharing about your foot/health. I’m so glad you did because I am sure there are many of us who had no idea you are dealing with this–and would love to include you in our prayers for complete healing <3
    You are truly amazing – you so freely give of yourself, and I'm amazed that you have been going through this and seemingly (to all of us who eagerly & joyfully look forward to seeing your email each day) you have not skipped a beat!!
    May God Bless You and keep you… and you will be in my prayers XO
    PS…And, thank you for mentioning de-cluttering — so spot-on for me right now! 🙂

    Reply

  17. Yvonne, I love reading your daily blog , you have been an inspiration in so many ways.
    You are in my prayers, God bless you.

    Reply

  18. You are amazing, forging ahead, your health issues (my husband had these same ones) not withstanding. You have a beautiful soul, the heart of a teacher and encourager! I recommend your blog to all my customers at the home decor store where I work. My God keep you.

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  19. Thank you for sharing your heart, and letting us know of your serious health issues! It’s so easy to listen to a podcast or look at beautiful pictures of someone’s home and assume that you have a perfect life with no struggles. I will certainly be praying for your complete healing, Yvonne! You have impacted my life more than you will ever know. You bring so much inspiration to me, and are by far my favorite blogger! May God continue to touch you, encourage you and let you know how loved you are! God Bless You.

    Reply

  20. So sorry to hear of all the trouble you have had with your health. I enjoy all your messages and always look forward to reading them. Keep up the good work and may God bless you. Thank you.

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  21. I’m sorry you’ve gone thru so much! It not your help what do we truly have? Thank the good Lord you are making a recovery. I myself have had a major 2 year battle. First my house was destroyed by the major flooding in Louisiana and it took 2 years to rebuild. In the middle my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer and moved in for me to care for her. All construction stopped until she died 9 months later this past June 26. Now I’m finishing but the depression of my moms death and my last child moving away to college is just a heart breaking time for me. Thank goodness I can get my creativity back. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations in your home. ❤️ Heal with Godspeed!

    Reply

  22. I’m dying to see a close up of the large art work on the right of the room. It looks like a form of ceiling tile and some kind of 3D piece in the center. Can you post a larger view? I’m sorry I may not have seen that in another post. However I have about 12 of that size ceiling tiles which I purchased from auction from the old Notoway plantation in south Louisiana and I’d love to copy this whole look in condo I’m purchasing on the beach. Thank you!!

    Reply

  24. Yvonne,
    I’m so sorry to hear what you have been going through! I’m amazed at how you have managed to blog during this time and as a devoted reader of your blog I appreciate your dedication but please know as one of your followers I wish you first and foremost good health. Please don’t worry about losing your followers if you need to take some time off. Although blogging may be therapeutic for you so in that case blog on!! Wishing you all the best in your recovery and thank you for taking care of your readers with your awesome decorating advice.
    Regards,
    Pam

    Reply

  25. I get it, Yvonne. I know how hard it is to talk about things when you are overwhelmed. Just know that we love you and can pray without knowing the particulars. God knows your needs and His grace is more than sufficient. We all love you.

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  26. Oh, my. I had been wondering for a couple of weeks why I wasn’t receiving anything from your blog. So today, I thought, “There must be something wrong.” I found this post and it brought me up to date.

    I am so sorry for what you are going through. It’s tough to be so ill and it’s tough when your feet are affected. I, too, have had many foot surgeries, although not spaced as close as yours. My heart and my prayers go out to you.

    God bless and I pray every day you are stronger and healthier. I will remember you during my devotionals.

    I think yours might just be the most informative decorative blog I read.

    God bless,

    Rebecca

    Reply

  29. Yvonne,

    Thank you for sharing your amazing ideas and encouragement! This is exactly what I needed today.
    I will be praying healing prayers over you. Sending lots of love XO

    Blessings

    Reply

  30. So sorry to hear that you have had such health challenges; will pray for you. Thank you for your unfailing positive and useful messages to us.

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  32. Loved your post today. I am downsizing for the 3rd time, to a tiny one bedroom apartment. For years I have loved to decorate and over the last few years have been forced to downsize due to health and other age related issues. As a senior citizen, I don’t find myself entertaining as I once did and not having as many visitors. This kind of makes you feel “why bother”, but your post today helped to lift my spirits. Yes, I can surround my small space with the things I love, decorate for each season (on a smaller scale) and continue to do what I loved to do on a limited basis. Thanks for your encouraging words. As for your health, hang in there they do get better. You have a great attitude. Be Well!!!

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  33. I had no idea you were struggling with your health. You will certainly be in my prayers as you continue to recover. I enjoy your blog and love your decorating. I’m always glad to see a bit of color in your rooms. That adds interest. Best to you!

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  34. Yvonne, you are my hero and my decorating guru. Please take good care of yourself. Your personal strength and unwavering faith are amazing. God Bless.

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  35. So sorry to hear that you’ve been going through such a rough time! I may have missed it, but if you feel like sharing what you’ve been going through in greater depth, it may help someone else and enable us to pray for you more specifically. In any case, I’m praying for you today to have a full recovery! I enjoy your blog and appreciate your inspirational ideas!

    Reply

    • THanks, Jeanine. You did not miss anything. I have not shared this before, I just couldn’t. I have been covered in so much prayer and had so much help. I am very very grateful!!! Getting better every day!

      Reply

  36. Thank you so much Yvonne for Sharing about your physical condition. I have been going through major illness also for months. Then we lost our pastor four months ago to sudden illness. On top of that my daughters house burned five weeks ago. The enemy is busy. By the grace of God we will make.
    I love, love, love your blog. It is my favorite. It was one
    of the first that I started reading. Love and prayers to you.

    Reply

  37. All so true! Home is a feeling we create for our family, friends, and selves. For me, the first part of that is de-cluttering and making a home functional and clean. After that, it’s a process of nesting…making things attractive for the comfort of my family. I’m recently retired and suddenly Fisher Price is making a decorating statement in my home again with grandchildren. I wouldn’t have it any other way! But I also enjoy putting the kid stuff away and enjoying the spaces I’ve been able to create for my husband and myself to enjoy. It’s a process. Sometimes frustrating…sometimes just right.
    We really need for you to finish (start?) your decorating book for inspiration!

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  38. Sending hugs and prayers your way for a complete recovery. You are such a warm person and very talented. I enjoy your blog more than any other one I follow. Thank you for the wonderful ideas and recipes. You inspire me in so many ways.

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  39. YOU are so amazing and brave. I wish for you a speedy full recovery. You bring so much joy and pleasure, knowledge, spiritual and emotional help to us all in your blog. I still can’t decorate though- not like you!!!!
    Hope you feel better soon!

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  40. Thank you so much for this post. I am so sorry to hear you’ve been so sick and I am praying for you! You have no idea how much this post means to me because I, too, have been dealing with illness related physical limitations. And you’re right. We need to give ourselves grace and be patient with ourselves. And you’re also right about our self-belittling thoughts being lies. Thank you for your post and blog!!

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  41. I am so sorry to hear about your ongoing health issues. I hope you are feeling better soon! Your blog is always my first stop while enjoying my morning coffee. I look forward to it each day!

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  42. I am so so sorry to hear about your medical issues. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you heal. You are such an inspiration to so many of us! Thanks for being you!!!

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  43. LOVE LOVE LOVE all your ideas! Thank you for sharing! It has certainly influenced my decorating! And get well soon!

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  44. Oh, Yvonne, I cannot begin to tell you what an impact you have made in my life. Such amazing inspiration has encouraged me to make simple changes in my home that brighten my outlook. I do shop my house, as well as splurge on that beautiful pillow or two, that makes such a pretty statement. Just this morning, I finally finished my summer decor, by adding shells and starfish about. This items were picked with my grands on beach vacations. If your decorating budget is bankrupt, take a walk outside and glean from nature. Twigs, pinecones, fresh cut greenery, wildflowers, can all add an organic element to a room. Swap items with a friend. I traded a Quoizel hanging light for a set of blue willow dishes. Win win for both of us. Thank you for your encouragement, and continuing to pray for your recovery.

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  45. I’m happy you are coming to the end of a long road and I pray for continued healing.I agree with your post, sometimes the small things can change a room.I always shop my house and have a can of spray paint in hand !

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  46. So sorry to hear about your health issues. When you said “Everyone is going through something” it is so true. I had no idea what you have been dealing with as well as the next person.
    I loved this post. I’m always changing around things. My boys are tired of me changing things around, and my husband as well. They are both carpenters so when they stop in I ask for a favor. They shouldn’t mind because I let them and their families live with us while they were fixing up their homes at different times. We loved helping them out but 7 and 8 months was a long time. A lot of extra work cooking and cleaning. Now I want to get my house back in order.

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  47. Yvonne,
    I have been following your blog for some time and I would never have guessed you were having this struggle with your health. I want to thank you for All your words of wisdom on decorating for those of us who struggle. Your words/advice really do make a difference! Sending well wishes and thoughts your way!

    Reply

  48. Best of luck for a total recovery! If you have time, could you share where you found the pillows on your sofa? I especially love the pillows with the trellis/knot pattern on them. Good luck!

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  49. Dear Yvonne. Your posts are always so helpful and inspiring. I can’t wait to see what you have to say everyday. I am so sorry about your health issues and thankful you are on the road to recovery! Take care!

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  50. What a reassuring post. I love the small steps that teach us to appreciate the gifts we do have. We are enough and have enough. For me, cleaning up a room is the first step in decorating. Oh my Yvonne, we would have never guessed the depth of your medical situation. I will be praying for a full recovery for that foot. As a nurse, I do love a PICC line. What a wonderful way to get the medicine in. You are greatly loved!!! Thanks for sharing the personal side.

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  51. I am so sorry to hear about your illness. I hope everything is going well for you now & your foot is well or healing. I enjoy your blog, especially since I am always moving things around or thinking about it. I have a one bedroom apt. now & it has been challenging! Have had to “turn loose” of things but have found that is nothing to losing my husband to cancer. Keep up the interesting pictures!

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  52. Very inspiring post.

    I am so sorry to hear of your recent health issues. Keeping you in my prayers.

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  53. Yvonne, you are a daily inspiration to me. I look forward to your daily decorating advice and to viewing pics of your beautiful home. May God heal you and shower you with blessings for your faith and testimonies to Him.

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  54. I recently stumbled across your site-I have so admired you…you create beauty in your home, prepare meal plans but most of all, you feed us spiritually. Thank you for sharing about your medical battle — will be praying for you.

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  55. HI Yvonne Your post is soo inspiring and just what I needed today. Thank you. Keeping you in my prayers.

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  56. Yvonne, I pray for your well being and healing. By your posts and blog you would never know the health issues you were going through. Like you said, everyone is going through something. I’ve always loved my home and enjoy decorating it. I love your style and learn so much from you. I lost my husband suddenly in November and it brings me comfort to change things around, add something new, light candles, or just rearrange things. I miss him every day, don’t really know where I’m going, since we had a plan together and now I’m not sure. My home brings me peace and comfort. I will pray for you,thank you for sharing your life and your faith. Peace be with you.

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  57. Yvonne, You have fed our souls with your example as well as giving us good decorating advice. You are amazing. I remember a while back about your struggles but thought that you had totally recovered.I will be praying for you. I am humbled by your humility and tenacity.
    Thank you for the encouragement.

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  59. Wonderful ideas here, Yvonne. But most important, I didn’t know about your medical battle, but am praying for your full recovery, sooner than later.

    Connie

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  60. Had no idea re your serious health issues! Yet you continued with Tips and Tricks and were always upbeat! The Sunday blogs were so God honoring. Going thru a health issue of my own, a bit depressed, today’s posting was SO encouraging!@ Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Anne, it is this work and the podcast that kept me going. I chose not to blog about this time in my life while I was going through it. It was too hard. And I willed myself to move forward and not let this series of events keep me down. I got up every day and carried on by God’s grace.

      I had something to do and people that I deeply care about who were counting on me too! It’s all of you that helped me more than I can say!

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  61. Very wise advice! And your right, our homes are a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. I hope & pray you are feeling better each day. God bless!?? You are a wonderful inspiration to us all.

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  62. Praying for you Yvonne!!! God’s love and blessings and His Sonshine on you today!
    Thanks for your blogs.

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  63. Wonderful post and you hit so many good points and brought to the surface why people feel road-blocked when it comes to decorating. Praying for your recovery…you have endured quite a bit and fortunately you have your faith to see you through.

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  64. You are right on, Yvonne! I totally agree with everything you shared. It makes all the difference about how you are feeling about yourself and whether you are in a good space. As you said in another post our homes are a reflection of us. I shop my home all the time and move things around and swap things in and out..and it makes such a difference! And… you don’t have to spend a lot!! Great post! Thanks!

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    • I so needed to read this blog today and get an attitude adjustment. Your medical struggles have been long and hard but you hung in there to give so much to your readers. Thank you and praise God for His Blessings to us through you. I plan to pray for you each time I open my email from you!
      Mercy, Grace and Healing to you.

      Reply