THE DAINTY SQUID
  • blog
    • all the posts!
    • stroup mansion
    • some of my favorite posts
    • plants + gardening
    • beauty, fashion + hair
    • reviews
    • window shopping
    • explore everywhere
  • about me
  • contact
  • shop
Tag:

Archive

my mother’s irises

by Kaylah Stroup June 14, 2023

Time for my annual photoshoot with my late mother’s flowers.

In 2021, the year I started my massive circle shaped flower bed (ahem, see here!) my dad gave me free reign of my late mother’s flower beds. My mom LOVED her gardens so despite the fact that none of the flowers that were still surviving excited me, I happily brought a bunch home to care for in my own garden.

That first season, even though we transplanted at the ‘wrong’ time, the plants still managed to product flowers. From then on I have been straight up obsessed with these plants.

This is their third season in my garden and I truly can’t imagine them looking any prettier than this. Every single bloom just feels like pure magic.

purple iris

left 2021 // right 2022 // 2023 below

It breaks my heart she isn’t here to see my garden. I know she’d love it. Growing up, she couldn’t pass by a garden center without stopping in to see what they had. It drove me nuts at the time. She always said “You’ll get it someday!” and by golly, I do now. What I wouldn’t give to browse a garden center with her again. ❤

See also: Mom’s daylillies – a post from July of 2021

1 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail

spring so far…

by Kaylah Stroup March 25, 2023

Spring has officially sprung and my goodness, it feels good to get outside again.

Since the beginning of this blog, each year I’ve written about how excited I am for spring. It just never ceases to make me feel refreshed, especially now that I actually own property. There’s just so much to look forward to.

It’s been spring for less than a week and in that week it feels like so much has changed! My daffodils are getting ready to explode. The peepers started making noise (truly the best noise to fall asleep to!) I’m seeing more bunnies in the yard. It’s just such a treat to watch the yard wake up and know that in a few short months I’ll have a garden FULL of flowers, as well as a lush green yard.

Anyway, there’s nothing I can say here that I haven’t already said in one of the other twenty spring posts I’ve written in the past. I really just wanted to share some photos from the last week.

Shot with a Canon 7D mark ii and a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens.

1 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail

our new windows!

by Kaylah Stroup September 29, 2021

This post is sponsored by .

Patio door off kitchen before + in progress.

We just celebrated one full year of living in Stroup Mansion. In these last twelve months, I’ve accomplished SO much. I’ve refinished original hardwood floors, hung new drywall, gone through gallons of paint but honestly, one of the most exciting things we’ve done for the house is get her new windows and a functioning patio door!

I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with the last few months and wanted to write a little bit about my experience and how easy it was to update our windows (and doors)!

The laundry room before + after.

We had a total of six windows replaced by . Three in the attic (you can see those in this video!), two in the hallway (above in the photo with Klaus), and one in the laundry room. The laundry room window is one of my favorite improvements. It was one of the worst windows in the house. It hadn’t been replaced by the previous owner despite the fact it was cracked. I knew it needed to be replaced just based on that but I truly wasn’t expecting how much better a new window would look! I swear, it’s like the room has a whole new view of the yard now simply because you can actually see out of the window now.

The whole process was a breeze. Universal Windows Direct offers free estimates. They’ll come out to your home, show off product samples and talk everything over with you. They even do a neat little demonstration with a torch to show how their windows keep extreme temps from coming into your home. After you’ve picked out what you want, the next step is a measure tech visiting. This literally took no time at all. He came in, measured everything up, and then the order was sent to production.

Installation day is what you have to look forward to next. Can I just start by saying that when you’ve been DIY-ing everything it is SO nice to watch someone else work on your house. The install team was courteous, friendly, and super efficient!

Patio door off kitchen before and after.

not only does windows but doors as well! Off our kitchen, we have a little concrete platform, absolutely perfect for plants and coffee breaks, but when we moved in it wasn’t accessible from the inside. The opening had been filled with two large windows that were held together and in place by boards. They were clearly placed like this with the intention they wouldn’t be opened.

Before this collaboration, I was a bit at a loss with what to do about this opening. I absolutely wanted it to be a door but quickly discovered it was a weird size. I would never be able to just find a door waiting for me at the store. The good news is that Universal Windows Direct makes everything custom. My goofy-sized door opening? Not a problem!

I don’t want to admit it but winter is well on its way here in Ohio. I’m not excited to have to turn our heat back on but at least I know our bill will be lower now that we have new windows that will keep the cold out!

Now is the perfect time to get new windows! is offering buy one get one free on all windows (with no limit! Literally you could buy ten and get ten free which is pretty amazing!) Their windows have a lifetime warranty and if you sell your home that warranty is transferable to the next homeowner for 30 years! Can’t forget that they are also offering 24 months no payments, no interest!

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail

decorate with me – curiosity cabinet

by Kaylah Stroup October 15, 2020

When we bought our new home, the owner offered to leave us any pieces of furniture that we wanted. He was getting divorced and most likely moving to a much smaller home. (That’s just me assuming because this place is massive!) It kind of felt awkward going through the house and pointing out things we wanted to keep. One thing I wasn’t shy about asking for was this glass cabinet.

I’d been eyeing up a similar one (perhaps even the same one?) from Ikea for years! I just thought it would make the most perfect display cabinet for oddities. In my old apartment, I simply didn’t have the room. So when I spotted it in the bathroom of this house, I had to make sure it stayed with the house.

We ended up bringing it downstairs and as luck would have it, my living room has the perfect wall for it.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail

metal detecting our 150 year old yard!

by Kaylah Stroup October 7, 2020

this post contains affiliate links.

a few of our found treasures from the yard

One of the first things I thought after falling in love with our 150-year-old house at the first showing was ‘holy cow, there’s gotta be lots of treasure in this yard!’ We had the opportunity to meet the previous owner and while showing us some random bits and bobs he’d saved from around the house, metal detecting came up in the conversation. He said that at one point he’d let a friend do a little detecting but nothing was really found. I think Jeff and I both kind of took that as a challenge because a house this old? There has to be something cool buried in the yard!

It’s been just over three weeks since we moved in and while we’ve done a little bit of metal detecting here and there, over the weekend was the first time we really spent some time searching for treasure.

Our equipment – metal detector ▴ pinpointer

I highly recommend both! The metal detector is a great brand and this is a solid model. Easy enough for beginners to start with but good enough for enthusiasts as well! Personally, I think a pinpointer is a must. It and the metal detector go hand in hand. You’re going to have a much better time looking for treasures if you have the pinpointer’s help!

I’m already so excited to get back out there and spend another couple of hours hunting for treasures in our yard. xoxo

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail

friday favorites #562

by Kaylah Stroup August 14, 2020

this post contains affiliate links.

A cat with a plant.

Oh sheet. These are cute.

These colors on this dress are perfect!! I actually have sandals that match almost perfectly.

Aren’t these handmade earrings so cute!?

Look how cool this secret storage planter is!!!

Be well!

I already own this dress in the black and white polka dot pattern and gosh darn it, I’m digging this one too. It’s such a cute dress.

This handmade mug! So pretty!

I’m kind of on a mirror kick at the moment. I just love the look of this one.

This lamp!

This stay weird sticker from Redbubble looks so cute on my mirror. I have a list of some more of favorites from Redbubble here and you can use code RBC-B2S20-thedaintysquid for 15% off!

Loving the color of this throw blanket!

Link love…

  • Umbra makes some of the coolest home decor things. I’m loving this shelf / planter.
  • I LOVE this stained glass spider web.
  • Tooth lovers, I found the mug for you!!
  • Yet another super cute mirror.
  • It’s almost sweater weather! I am very excited and definitely eyeing up this cozy looking striped cardigan.
  • I am 100000% obsessed with this snake door knocker.
  • Well, hello! This doormat is ca-yoooot!
  • It’s been months (maybe even years?!) and I am still dying over this lamp. It’s seriously perfect. I mean, other than the price tag.

Happy Friday! xoxo

1 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail

friday favorites #561

by Kaylah Stroup June 26, 2020

this post contains affiliate links.

Plant person. It’s me! I really just love everything from Hemleva!

These opossum stickers are so silly. I love them.

LOVE these earrings. If you even kind of like these, you have to check out the rest of Lace & Pearls handmade jewelry.

A recent favorite purchase – this striped dress. It is PERFECT for summer. It’s breezy, comfortable and looks great without anything else added.

Elena Zaycman’s work is just incredible. I love this moth suncatcher.

I think the fact this pin is called ‘tiny dancer‘ is what really draws me in. So silly.

No touching!

A surprise mini cactus in a handmade planter. This is such a cute gift idea.

Mmmm! Cinnamon Chai!

The universe needs more humans like you!

How cute is this phone case!?

This shirt cracks me up.

link love…

  • I got these sandals this month and I’m probably just gonna never take them off.
  • Folks with cats – have you ever tried squeeze tube treats?! I bought my babies these ones and I LOVE treat time. It took them both a couple of tries before they really understood not to try to bite it and run away. It’s reeeeeally cute.
  • I am just obsessed with the packaging design of this fish head enamel pin. So clever.
  • I love Maria Tilyard’s animal pillows! This greyhound is incredible.
  • A planter made from cork! So neat!

Happy Friday! xoxo

3 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail

friday favorites – black owned small biz edition!

by Kaylah Stroup June 5, 2020

Nash + Pino has 10 free vegan nail polishes! Caramel Macchiato (pictured below!) is my favorite. Issa Vibe is also gorgeous.

NaturalAnnie’s candles are so fun.

These cocktail-inspired soaps from Soap Distillery sound great! I’m particularly interested in the one called ‘beer and cigarettes‘ (hops, tobacco and lavender! Gosh, that’s gotta be so good!)

Diggin Studio Nom’s work! She even has a DIY kit available if you’d prefer to make something for your wall.

Worthy and Badass has a wide variety of goods I think y’all will like! I’m particularly fond of her mirror sticker & monstera propagation station (which comes with a cutting of your choice!)

No Justice No Peace!

This planter by rkitekt is the cutest!

Blade + Bloom makes skin care balms, candles, scrubs, soaps and more.

Loving BobbiMadeThis’s earrings!

Hello Wildflowerrr has so many cute sticker designs!

Same!

Within three minutes of discovering Paige’s Candle Co I had one of her candles in my cart. I bought rum & tobacco but I REALLY want them all.

Love this junk food wrapping paper by Siyo Boutique!

Even more!

  • Pretty Honest Shop has so many lovely sounding candles!
  • Pi Colors Luxury Nail Polish has color changing polish!!
  • Everything from Chanvre Naturals sounds like an absolute treat.
  • Life Goal : Pet All The Doggos.
  • EcoVibe Style has so much awesome stuff I can’t even choose what to highlight.
  • The Lotus Bloom Co’s handmade wedding dresses… OMG.
  • Her shop is currently empty but y’all have to check out moonflesh on instagram! Her work is seriously out of this world.
  • Also amazing with an empty shop – Lolly Lolly Ceramics.
  • Gina Kirlew makes art featuring happy food that is so cute it hurts. She also does custom work!
  • Ahem. What’s that? Another candle shop? Yup. I freaking love candles and this tobacco caramel one sounds incredible. Black Orchid Apothecary also has a three for $35 deal!

Etsy also has a Black-owned shop feature right now. Check it out here.

After you’re done clicking around here & checking out all these black-owned small businesses, please check out this link. It has up to date links to petitions, places to donate, and perhaps most importantly, resources to educate yourself. xoxo

Also, just gonna note that at the the time of publishing, these shops all still had stock left. If they’ve sold out, bookmark them and come back another day! This isn’t a one time deal. Make an effort to support black-owned businesses everyday!

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail

friday favorites #559

by Kaylah Stroup May 15, 2020

this post contains affiliate links.

I’m normally more into scented candles than decorative ones but these things are seriously awesome!

I bought this dress this week. I am so excited to wear it! Gonna pair it with my jean jacket + Tevas!

This pin is precious.

This dog planter is just absurdly cute.

Two of my favorite things – eyes + rainbows!

I have broken two pairs of sunglasses in the last week. I can’t decide if that’s a really good reason to buy these or a good reason not to buy them. Aren’t they so snazzy!?

These handmade lip balms come in so many amazing sounding flavors. Coffee! Root Beer!? Chai? Sign me up!

I literally never ever put food in bowls like this but gosh, these bowls with tiny houses! Too cute!

I went looking for a polka dot summer dress and ending up finding this wrap dress. Not exactly what I had in mind but better. It’s also available in other colors and patterns.

This beach towel!!

Very into these shirts by Residential Ghost.

Link love…

  • This peacock doorknocker!! Seriously, why would you ever have something boring and plain when things like this exist?!
  • A polka dot T-shirt with a crocodile in the pocket!
  • I can’t decide if I think these corgi butt bloomers are the best or the worst.
  • This vintage cat painting is so so so good!
  • I’ve linked to this bra a couple of times before but gosh, I still love it so much. Paired with some joggers it’s the sexiest cozy outfit ever.
  • This jumpsuit looks so comfy and breezy. Perfect for summer!

Happy Friday! xoxo

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

About Me

About Me

Hello!

I'm Kaylah! Renovating a 150-year-old home in Northeast Ohio. Likely found in my garden.

Categories

  • all the posts!
  • animals + nature
  • beauty, fashion + hair
  • explore everywhere
    • abandoned
    • cemeteries
  • plants + gardening
  • reviews
    • books
  • some of my favorite posts
  • stroup mansion
  • window shopping

disclosure

click to drop down
The Dainty Squid is a for profit blog. and we participate in a number of affiliate programs meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase through one of those links. For more details click here

psssst! while you're here, check out my stained glass. Dainty Squid stained glass

copyright 2026 the dainty squid / kaylah stroup. please contact me about photo usage.


Back To Top
THE DAINTY SQUID
  • blog
    • all the posts!
    • stroup mansion
    • some of my favorite posts
    • plants + gardening
    • beauty, fashion + hair
    • reviews
    • window shopping
    • explore everywhere
  • about me
  • contact
  • shop