About
Hi and welcome.
I’m Julie and this is my blog where I document some of the things I’m most passionate about, like interesting homes, good books, and charming places.
I’m married to Tom and we have two grown children, Lindsey and Grant, and a son-in-law, Morgan.

A little bit more about me:
- We’re from the Kansas City area (Kansas side, for those of you who speak KC).
- We love old homes but ended up in the suburbs where we were lucky to discover a newer (90s) home with an old soul.
- I’m an enthusiastic reader who is always happy to talk books.
- I’m an anxious traveler who has nonetheless been blessed to see some beautiful places.
Here are several ways we can connect:
- You can have Creating This Life posts delivered via email for free by clicking here.
- I’m also on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
- And comments on posts are always appreciated. I try to respond to them all.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m so glad you’re here.
Hi loved the hutch and entire dining room. My question is about the chandelier what do I search for on amazon to order one? A particular comp any or style name. Thank you. Can’t wait to enjoy the rest of your postings.
Hi Linda. Here’s a link to the light fixture on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNX43AK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CNX43AK&linkCode=as2&tag=thefamilyceo-20&linkId=SOJRRSBGNB4RCDHR
That’s my referral link, meaning if you buy through that link I earn a small commission (at no cost to you). If you don’t want to use my link you could search for wine glass chandelier or something like that.
Good luck!
Forgot to add where I first saw your postings. Enjoyed the tips and pictures.
Hi Julie,
We must be kindred spirits. I love “house” looking and am always curious if the people inside have dinner in the oven or fresh linens or their grandmother’s antiques in their homes.
I too am in a book club. We’ve been meeting for over 20 years. I am the youngest one (and I’m kind of old). We have two women who are in the 90’s but they are spry and active. We have read many of the same books and are always looking for new good reads. I will send you our list (I am the keeper of the list) if you’d like.
Just like you, I have a girl and a boy. My dauther, 24, moved to KC/Kansas this past summer. Her husband is in his last year of PT school rotations and he’s doing them in KC. I also have a son, in college in Arkansas.
I love your home and would bet there’s a lot of fun memories and laughter with in the walls of your house. Thank you for sharing all your ideas. Keep up the posts. Maybe when I visit my daughter and son-in-law, I’ll bump into you.
Mandy, we do sound like kindred spirits, right down to the ages and lifestages of our kids. It would be great to bump into you in KC sometime! Thanks for the comment.
Hi Julie! I just discovered your blog recently. I spent last evening scrolling through almost every post (it took awhile). I love your down to earth writing and your inspirational pics. I too am a Kansan, but from Hutchinson. All of our children graduated from KU and now live in Lawrence, so we visit frequently. I’m looking forward to following your blog and thank you for posting! Deb
Hi Deb, and thanks for your nice comment! I’m so happy to have you along as a reader. Thanks for taking the time to say hi. 🙂
My Aunt Dolores and Uncle Luke lived in Shawnee Mission, so I am familiar with your area. Is the shopping area with the beautiful mosaic tiles still there? TWA had their headquarters in K C, so my uncle had to leave his beloved Pittsburgh to relocate there. They ended up falling in love with the midwest.
Mary, yes…the area you are thinking of is the Country Club Plaza. It’s still there and we visit often. TWA was a very big deal in KC. I’m so glad your aunt and uncle enjoyed living here. KC is a hidden gem, I believe. Thank you for your comment!
Julie,
Have you been well? I haven’t seen any of your inspiring blogs since the June garden tour here in JoCo. Missing your wonderful thoughts and great pictures.
Nancee
Hi Nancee. I am fine, thank you for checking in. It’s so nice to be missed. I had my son home for the summer and recently took a part-time job so blogging has taken a back seat for a bit. Hope to be back to it soon. Hope all is well with you!
My daughter and I are in the process of creating wedding centerpieces. We are filling cylinder vases with twigs, water and a floating candle. I think these are elegant however the twigs float to the top and are sticking out on the sides of the candles which does not look very nice!! Help!!
Hi Susan. I get this question a lot and I’ve honestly never had a problem with it. I think it’s because I don’t use individual twigs, but twig “branches” if that makes sense. They’re a bit wider than the vase, so when you put them into the vase they expand and stay in place. Does that help at all? Congrats to your daughter. Have fun with the wedding planning!