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Welcome, friend! I’m Crystal — designer, gardener, builder’s wife, and the heart behind Sweet Valley Acres. This blog documents our family’s journey building a forever home on a steep, rocky acreage overlooking Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Whether you found me through a garden post, a home decor idea, or you stumbled across our infinity pool build — you’re in the right place. This page will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

If that sounds like you, pull up a chair. You belong here.

At the top of each page you will find categories with drop down menus to assist with your navigation around the site.

Here is a breakdown of the different categories. Click on the down arrow to see the sub-categories.

Begin with our About Us page to meet the team and understand the vision behind this project by clicking this link.

Then take the full home and property tour to see where it all led. Just click here.

If you would like to begin to read the whole build series, start with the Birth of Sweet Valley Acres, by clicking here. I promise, I will be adding new posts to carry your right through to the end of our build.

I have so much content that you will enjoy, like…

Kitchen design ideas for a functional home.

How to design a mudroom that is loaded with style.

Coastal style decorating ideas.

Upcycling an older dresser and giving it a definite feminine vibe.

Bringing the outdoors in to a sweet powder room.

Gardening is one of my greatest joys. I grow almost everything from seed and document the entire process — from starting indoors in late winter all the way through harvest and seed saving.

Here are some of my most popular posts:

How to grow peony poppies.

14 reasons why I love Zinnias.

A full tour of the gardens at Sweet Valley Acres.

How to build raised garden beds.

How to press flowers.

The story of Annie, our vintage window greenhouse.

I believe a home should feel both beautiful and lived-in. Here you’ll find seasonal decor, table settings, and recipes for gathering the people you love. You will also find all sorts of wedding and pre-wedding decor ideas as my daughter was recently married. Here is a selection of things you may enjoy:

Summer fresh recipes like a delicious strawberry shortcake in a parfait cup.

How to host an outdoor dinner party.

Decor and food ideas for a gorgeous garden bridal shower.

Elegant rose ice cubes for sparkly welcome drinks.

No matter the season, you will find plenty of fresh ideas here. As well, I cover most of the holidays including Christmas, Valentine’s, Easter, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Here are a few of my most popular posts.

Beautiful white and gold Thanksgiving tablescape ideas.

Fairytale-inspired winter wonderland decor ideas.

Spring flower meadow tablescape.

Ideas for fall raised garden beds.

Here is a link to my Amazon shop (just click here). For future reference, the tab is found in the top header on the right hand side under “Shop”. In my Amazon shop you will find a collection of pieces I use and love in my home, garden, and everyday life. Chosen for their beauty, simplicity, and function such as:

• Home & Design Favorites
• Garden & Outdoor Living
• Kitchen Essentials
• Seasonal & Holiday Finds

Thank you so much for being here. I hope Sweet Valley Acres becomes a place you return to whenever you need a little inspiration, beauty, or the reassurance that hard things are worth doing.

Crystal

FINAL STEP

A little inspiration, delivered to you

If you like what you have seen so far and want to stay connected, please sign up below. I send out weekly newsletters with the latest posts on home, garden, and gathering—along with seasonal inspiration and thoughtful details to help you create a space that feels peaceful and welcoming.