Weekend Roundup: Life + Projects This Week at Duke Manor Farm
Fall is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to tackle those small home projects to finish before fall. This week has been full—between family milestones, a DMF project in South Georgia, and a few touch-ups at home, I’ve been reminded how much the little things can make a big difference.
Twins’ Last Homecoming
Last weekend was a big one—our twins celebrated their last high school homecoming. Making the floral bouquets (I love doing this!) taking the pictures, and proud mom moments made for a night I’ll never forget. It’s bittersweet watching these chapters close, but also exciting to see what’s ahead for them.
Lily’s Cross Country Meet
Another highlight this week was cheering on Lily at her cross country meet. Watching her push through the course with such determination makes me so proud. I just love watching her run. It’s amazing how the discipline of running connects with so much in life—showing up, working hard, and running your race no matter the conditions. Did I mention she gets up at 4:30 every week day to go to early morning practice?
DMF Project: Refreshing Porches in South Georgia
Our DMF team (our side biz) headed to South Georgia this week to work on a clients house. It was a list of things that needed attention particularly the front and side porch. A fresh coat of paint on the walls, floor and ceiling, and a new pop of color on the door made this outdoor space feel brand-new. It’s proof that even small projects can completely transform the way a home feels. I’ll share more of the before and after’s of this project down the road.
Small home projects to finish before fall
Back at Duke Manor Farm, I tackled a simple but important task—touching up the white kitchen cabinets. Years of daily use had left scuffs and chips, but a little sanding and paint was all it took to bring them back to life. While I was at it, I also changed out the hardware to these brushed brass knobs. Sometimes the best small home projects to finish before fall are the ones that simply restore what you already have.
You can see when I painted the kitchen cabinets white years ago and the various colors that my kitchen island has had over the years here.
Final Thoughts
From cheering for my runner, to celebrating the last homecoming, this week has been a reminder that life is about balance. Big milestones matter, but so do the small touches around the home that prepare us for a new season.
I’m reminding myself as I get ready to put some fall wreaths on the doors and change out some some pillows, that as you get ready for fall, remember—it doesn’t take much to make your spaces cozy, and refreshed.
Enjoy the week ahead.
