dogs...

Ahh Tazza, sometimes she just makes my day!

She loves her bed (if you couldn't tell). Hope this made your day too...

chalkboard paint...

Anyone who has taken a look around the home improvement blogosphere knows how popular chalkboard paint has become.  You will see projects ranging from painted walls, appliances, furniture and even floors covered in the stuff.  In this edition of “So Easy…” my inspiration is from Restoration Hardware (pictured below) and is expensive at $499.00. WOW!! Can I pull it off?

I was off to a rough start...

A thin piece of 1/4 inch plywood for $8.00, add chalkboard paint with a small roller (3 coats) from your local hardware store.

Dad added some simple left over mill work (free!).  I liked the white washed "stain", so I left it.

Final touches include stencil stickers from TJ Maxx (I have to say, I was not a true believer in these until they were on the wall.  Sometimes they look cheap, but these are perfect and for $4.99 I take them down at any time) and a cute seasonal note!  How did I do for just under $20? Comment or leave pictures of your own chalkboard projects.

father's day table...

My Dad is a huge help around my house (you will see a lot of him in the posts to come) and to celebrate I fixed him dinner.  Unfortunately I did not get food pictures, (I had guests and people often don’t understand taking pictures of what you are eating) but I got just a snippet of the table scape.

The table cloth is from San Francisco’s Chinatown (a trip to visit one of my favorite cousins) and it was cheap even with matching napkins.  The taller candle holder (repurposed from Christmas decorations) and the candle lantern are from TJ Maxx. Both gold vases are from Goodwill, but with fresh cut roses they look high-end.  Ohh the wonder of beautiful flowers.

blooming...

My peonies are blooming, and they are beautiful.  Of course, as soon as things start blooming here in Western Washington it starts raining, hence the tomatoes cages.

Hot pink!

Baby pink!

Stay tuned, more colors to come.

i'm stumped...

I have recently started a new backyard project, removing a huge stump. I use the term "I have started a new project" loosely, really a neighbor’s grandson is doing all the heavy lifting.  Removing the stump is a small part of a larger yard project (more on that project to come) but, getting the stump out will make a huge difference.

We had a little help from our work foreman's. More of this project once it is completed.

so easy...

I can do it! This will be a regular post where I take inspiration and turn it into a decorating do-it-yourself!


I'm obsessed with wreaths, they are consistently part of my party decor and seasonal flair.
My inspiration from The Wright House...

My first attempt, was a paparazzi wreath. It is made entirely of gossip magazines (the perfect excuse for subscribing to US Weekly). It is currently hanging next to the front door.

Next I tried the paper puff type, and it turned out so cute; it is truly perfect for any occasion. I used this one for a recent baby shower, but it has now been moved into my guest room.

The trick to both these wreaths was a simple Styrofoam ring from Michaels’. I used a hot glue gun and floral wire.  For me, there was no step-by-step, I just started smooshing, cramming, sticking and pulling… you can’t go wrong. Good Luck!

things in bloom...

I was very tempted to post my beautifully blooming outdoor plantings; instead I decided to show off this delicious indoor plant.

It’s a Gardenia… I recently picked it up at Molbak’s, $12.99. So easy to maintain, smells and looks beautiful.

rusty boxes...

Often when I am out garage saleing or thrifting and I see a “must have piece” and at that moment I know exactly what I’m going to do with it.  This was not the case with these two metal boxes.  I found them at an Estate Sale, in the basement, and at 5 bucks each I thought they were a steal.  Once I got them home I realized they were very old Navy boat boxes… they have a lot of character!

These will make perfect planters once I do some slight modifications.

I drilled some holes for extra drainage, using a heavy duty drill bit.

Add rock, gravel and drainage cloth. This also anchors the trellis in place.

Add potting soil, plants and some sun loving herbs. Climbing plants for the trellises coming soon!

the best things in life are...FREE

I have put a new spin on "dumpster diver"; proving it's true, the best things in life are free. This is going to be a regular post about things I find, fix, freshen and put to work. 

As a newish home owner, my motto has become, "it never hurts to ask.” especially when it comes to free goodies. I found these wooden spools at an industrial park; their original purpose was to hold large amounts of electrical wire.  I asked if I could take some home, and the kind owners were happy to let me have them (I saved them having to dispose of these heavy duty beauties).

The options are endless, but the first set of spools has been transformed into some planter stands.

So simple, but they add impact to my patio!  More to come!

Celebrating the M's...

Wow, what a way to start the summer. Unfortunately the Mariners lost, but there is no better way to watch a baseball game than on the field (at least the pre-game). Yesterday was the WSU Alumni game; there was a great turn out of COUGS. A big thank you to Ashley for the hook up.... GO COUGS! More awesome pictures of beautiful Safeco field below.

Some things start off small...

Like puppies and this blog!  Hopefully there is plenty more fun stuff to come.

Testing, testing, testing

this is a test