how i hacked an Ikea Tarva dresser :: tutorial
i’ll always have fond memories of Ikea. i used to bring my kids there when they had trouble sleeping…. it always went something like this: “they’ll fall asleep in the stroller while i shop.” yup, i’m THAT mom with stuff stacked in the stroller, balanced on the kids’ heads, crammed into the small storage bin […]
Restoration Hardware inspired work bench
our neighbors had this piece in their back yard. it reminds me of my old place in w. hollywood. before married life, i restored a cute spanish-style home in west hollywood. the previous owners had redone the 1920s home in a very tacky home depot fashion. pink walls. cheapo pedestal sinks. linoleum floors. so […]
shabby chic mirrored door :: diy
this antique mirrored door has some history. she weighs about 40 pounds and is so super cool, so i’ve named her bessie. bessie was a late night craigslist curb alert find in garden grove. i’m sure she had a very interesting story before i stumbled upon her, but she’s also had great adventures since she’s […]
stain a bar to look rustic & weathered
my buddy built this bar for a client. they requested redwood with a clear coat of varnish. then they decided it was too red and didn’t match the rustic look they really wanted. so i got to work. on a dreadfully cold and rainy day, i bussed in the Minwax Dark Walnut and some watery […]
A beginner’s guide to hydroponics
Ok, who's ready to go on this hydroponic adventure with me? I've been working ridiculous hours the past couple of years and have completely neglected … [more...]
spring has sprung. hyacinths are popping already!
the first signs on spring are here...trouble is, we haven't really had winter. and as i write this, the temperature is dropping to the high 30s here … [more...]
Orchids 101
I've always loved orchids, but was always intimidated by them. Last year, a neighbor gave me the most gorgeous Phalaenopsis orchid (the most … [more...]
so cal garden explosion
we've got rogue tomato plants all over the garden. take exhibit A. i didn't plant this one and look how amazing it is! i'm sort of insulted, … [more...]
artichokes!!!
look what we saw in the garden today!?!? it only took 9 months. :) anyone have the recipe for the Bandera/Houston's artichoke? … [more...]
attack of the bunnies!
When we landscaped our yard, I specifically researched how to keep the rabbits out. We specifically built raised veggie beds so that the bunnies … [more...]
teeny, tiny peaches!
i love spring. the flowers are blooming, and you find cool stuff in the garden you've never seen before! like this one here...i've no clue what … [more...]
