beach house vintage windows + vinyl lettering

i’m surprised i haven’t seen more of these on the internets.  don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of old windows and vinyl lettering with cute quotes… but none that are inspired from the subway posters that pay tribute to a city or town’s points of interest. so i’ll claim this as an original as i […]

Norm! how to paint Cheers-y bar stools

if you don’t get this post’s title, you’re too young.  i’ve just started and already i’ve digressed. anyway, you’ve seen these bar stools, right? these maple-ish wood bar stools were hip 10 years ago, but you’ve still got them laying around.  they’re sturdy and make for a perfect soccer goal backstop. with a little elbow […]

DON’T shop at appliancesconnection.com

As a DIY enthusiast and blogger, I’m warning you that this post isn’t about chalk paint or how to decorate. It’s about NOT EVER SHOPPING at appliancesconnection.com I’ve had the unfortunate experience of buying a washer, dryer and refrigerator through them for a friend’s home in San Diego. They’re super when you’re ready to buy.  They’re […]

beach house vintage windows

i’ve got a little project up my sleeve. it involves a few old windows that i picked up at a friend’s house… and some vinyl lettering from Do It Yourself Lettering i call this, beach house nostalgia. i’m helping some friends decorate their new beach pad and am so excited! here are my inspiration pins.  our […]

kids’ modern beachy bathroom

the past few months have been a whirlwind! we’re finished with the kids’ bathroom remodel.  amen. the goal was beachy, and something the rugrats could grow into…..cuz hunny, i don’t plan on moving for  LONG time!  not after this past move. no thanks. do not pass go. don’t even look at me. with the help […]

yummy summer garden party by Heidi Ristau

  my friend Heidi Ristau is a woman of many talents.  she’s a high-powered and hard-charging product manager during the day, and caters for high end events on the weekends. her food is an inspiration as i aspire to create such tasty and wonderful dishes for my get togethers! Heidi’s use of fresh, local and […]

Traditional + beachy Newport Beach home tour

looking for some fantastic traditional home decorating and interior design ideas? our friends recently remodeled this spectacular ocean view home in Newport Beach.  bright whites are contrasted with touches of ocean blues, and they’ve also perfectly incorporated their love of east coast traditional decor. as you enter, you’re greeted with this grandiose entrance and sweeping […]

vintage painted dresser for a friend

a neighbor was tossing this vintage dresser that had been in her daughter’s room for 20 years. it had taken a beating. i wish i had a before picture, but alas, i don’t.  suffice it to say there was a lot of scotch tape, stickers, and fingerprints on this lovely. a friend is moving back […]

Regency coffee table gets a chalk paint makeover

we’re in the midst of remodeling a bit of our new house.  nothing major…carpet, paint, new tile in the bathrooms. along with the new comes a lot of furniture painting. most of my pals know that i bought a Ford F-150 b/c i pick up so much random furniture to paint.  so when i noticed […]

Restoration Hardware finish on a keg

i blog for fun..and mostly about painting furniture.  so when one of my 3 readers asks for technique tips, i’m humbled and sort of freaked out.  i’m by no means an expert.  i just sneak moments after the kids are asleep to paint stuff i find on the side of the road. with kids, i’ve […]

neighbors and cookies

  we’re blessed with wonderful neighbors. isn’t it awesome to come home from a busy day to this sitting at your door? yummy peanut butter cookies with hershey kisses on a cute white heart-shaped plate?   and this is from a woman who has 6 kids.  i mean, she found time to make these and bring […]

paint technique to make Ikea Hemnes mirror look like Restoration Hardware finish

  i picked up this Ikea Hemnes mirror for a property in Mammoth Lakes.  i wanted a rustic look to match the gorgeous and majestic Sherwin Mountain Range that is viewable from the house.  i started with a light dry-brushing of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint’s Paris Grey.  after brushing in the direction of the grain, […]

painting an Ikea Malm dresser w/ASCP to get a Restoration Hardware finish

    when one of your closest friends decides to move to another state, first you cry.  then you dry your tears, get out the paint brush and start painting everything she’s got stashed in her garage.   my buddy had these two Ikea Malm dressers that she picked up at Goodwill for $5.  i […]

fresh garden salsa

there’s something really magical about fresh, homemade, garden salsa. the colors are vibrant.  the flavors are unmatched. and when paired homemade tortilla chips, just so ever slightly salted, you’ll just want to eat the entire bowl. if you grow nothing else this spring than cilantro, tomatoes and some chili peppers, you’ll still be happy after […]

shabby metal urns

  i had these laying around the garage for a while. and as you know by now, nothing is safe from my paint brush! i’m racing out to Palm Springs for a photo shoot at this hip mid century modern Villa with the ever talented Jimmy Cheng.  what are your weekend plans? have a great […]