In early 2023, we gave our front yard drainage ditch a much-needed makeover. After battling weeds and overgrown plants for years, I decided it was time to tackle the mess. From moving plants and adding new ones like hydrangeas, lavender, and rosemary to laying down weed paper and bark, this transformation was a lot of work—but so worth it!

This DIY fireplace bench cushion came to life when our son started crawling and we needed a safer option for our brick hearth. With help from my mother-in-law, we used plywood, foam, and fabric to create a cozy, kid-friendly bench that we still use daily—especially on chilly winter days by the fire.