Down Home at Dee’s

From Stuck to Shutter Savvy: My Breakthrough with A Year With My Camera

May 17, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

If you’ve ever stepped away from something only to come back and magically get it, then you’ll understand exactly where I am right now in my photography journey. After completing the Make 30 Photos challenge in December 2024, I slowly worked my way through Part 1 (Technical) of A Year With My Camera. While the lessons are designed for a weekly pace… let’s just say I took the scenic route. For the full backstory, check out my earlier post: My…

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Bluebells & Bald Eagles: My 52 Hike Challenge – April

May 2, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

April unfolded like a love letter to the outdoors—warm sun, blooming forests, and a few deeply meaningful moments that reminded me exactly why I committed to this 52-hike journey in the first place. Two hikes, both at Shenandoah River Park, each completely different in energy and emotion, yet equally memorable. One filled with the quiet awe of a forest carpeted in bluebells, the other marked by a bittersweet first—my first hike without Tigger—paired with the grandeur of spotting bald eagles…

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52 Week Sewing Challenge 2026 – May – Sew Much Color, Sew Much Fun

April 30, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

Welcome to a Year of Creative Joy! Hello, sewing friends! Are you ready to continue 2026 with creativity, community, and fun projects? The 52 Week Sewing Challenge – May is here, and this month’s theme is Color & Fun. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just threading your first needle, this month’s prompts are designed to spark inspiration, help you build new habits, and wrap you in the warmth of handmade goodness. Let’s dive into the weekly themes and discover…

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Today I Choose Joy Sign – A Rustic DIY That Inspires Every Day

April 23, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

There’s something truly special about handmade décor—especially when it carries a meaningful message. In a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming, surrounding yourself with reminders to slow down, breathe, and choose positivity can make a powerful difference. That’s exactly what this “Today I Choose Joy” rustic wood sign is all about. This project blends simple materials with charming primitive farmhouse-inspired details to create a piece that feels warm, personal, and inspiring. Whether you’re decorating your home, crafting for a…

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A Slow Start & a Stunning Finish: My 52 Hike Challenge – March

April 4, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

March has always felt like a month caught in between—winter reluctant to let go, spring not quite ready to commit. For us, that in-between energy showed up not just in the weather, but in our hiking momentum too. As proud participants in the 2026 52 Hike Challenge, we had big hopes for a strong start to the year. Instead, March greeted us with cold, gray skies, and more excuses than inspiration. Still, even slow months hold their own kind of…

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Sunshine in a Small Dish – Apple Cinnamon Crisp Mini Bake

March 31, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

Who says apple crisp is only for sweater weather? Because honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Crisp Mini Bake is here to prove that apples deserve their moment all year long. This is summer comfort—lighter, simpler, and perfectly portioned. The kind of dessert you make after dinner when the sun is still lingering, windows are open, and you want something sweet without turning your kitchen into a full baking project. This mini bake is warm without being heavy, cozy without feeling sleepy,…

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52 Week Sewing Challenge 2026 – April – Petals, Picnics & Playful Stitches

March 31, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

Welcome to a Year of Creative Joy! Hello, sewing friends! Are you ready to kick off 2026 with creativity, community, and cozy projects? The 52 Week Sewing Challenge – April is here and this month’s theme is Nature & Outdoor. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just threading your first needle, this month’s prompts are designed to spark inspiration, help you build new habits, and wrap you in the adventure of handmade goodness. Let’s dive into each week’s challenge, explore…

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Creamy Garlic Chicken & Spinach Casserole for One – Big Comfort, Tiny Dish

March 24, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

When Comfort Food Meets “Just Enough” There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a meal that’s made just for you. No leftovers competing for fridge space. No portion math. No reheating the same thing three days in a row. Just one cozy little dish, bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of garlic, cream, and melted cheese. That’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Spinach Casserole for One delivers. This recipe is perfect for those…

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Spring Just Got Cuter: Jute Bunny Wreath

March 19, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

Spring is finally in the air, which means it’s the perfect time to refresh your home décor with something cheerful, handmade, and bursting with seasonal charm. If you love rustic textures, neutral tones, and whimsical touches, this Bunny Jute Wreath is going to steal your heart. Made with simple supplies and a whole lot of personality, this wreath is the kind of project that looks high‑end but is totally achievable—even if you’re not a seasoned crafter. This bunny wreath combines…

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Big Flavor, Tiny Dish: Honey Pork & Sweet Potato Mini Bake

March 17, 2026 downhomeatdees Comments 0 Comment

When Comfort Food Comes in a Mini Size There is something deeply satisfying about cooking a meal that’s meant just for you. No leftovers haunting the fridge. No scaling recipes up or down. No complicated prep or giant pans to wash afterward. Just one cozy little dish, bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes you peek through the oven door every five minutes. That’s exactly where this Honey Garlic Pork & Sweet…

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