How to paint new wood to look like weathered, rustic wood.
How to grow hydrangeas from cuttings
September 18 by
It was a gorgeous day today. The sun was flooding into our kitchen nook. Don’t you just love days with no schedules? It seems like they’re trickier to find as the kids get older. But I’ve been more intentional about trying to find that quiet space…. ….more time to enjoy life’s treasures and simple beauties. So I […]
bright colored front doors :: my new obsession
September 13 by
i’ve always had a fascination with paint and color. when people ask for my opinion on colors, my instinct isn’t to be too matchy matchy. but i know that people don’t typically like this answer. so be forewarned…if you ask, i’m going to say “throw in some color!” life’s too short to have everything match perfectly. […]
farm house style bathroom
August 6 by
y’all! i’m soooo excited for this post as it’s been a loooong time coming. my pea brain has been swirling about this bathroom ever since we moved into our house last year. i originally bought this dresser on Craigslist to use as a vanity for the boys’ bathroom. but the cowboy carpenter we used for our initial […]
healthy spring side dishes
June 1 by
i love making introductions…and this one was particularly awesome b/c i got to enjoy the results…yummy and healthy spring salads at an awesome party! my foodie friend Peilin Breller is a food stylist, and she did me solid by catering another friend’s party. when you’ve got mad skills to make food look good in commercials and […]
organizing legos
May 31 by
this. this is a terrible picture of our living room fireplace. it’s a terrible b/c my lens is terrible. and my eyes are getting worse by the day. and i can’t seem to tell when things are in or out of focus. and i’ve lost my glasses. and.. and… ….and those are all of my […]
weathered wood whale tails
April 23 by
i came to the shop one day and saw these. my uber-creative carpenter partner in crime hand-cuts these cute things. mr. whale thinks these are perfect for a beach house.
transform a dark wood bed into a beachy chic treasure
September 21 by
i was in search of a queen bed for a beach property. i scoured craigslist over a few weeks and scrounged all the furniture that i planned on painting. GREAT deals to be had! this waterfront house is all whites and blues, to match the airy, beachy vibe of the lovely town, Coronado. i chose all solid wood […]
Coronado beach house tour
August 30 by
i recently helped a friend decorate her new beach house. it’s the perfect Coronado vacation rental, don’t you think? it’s a cute 3 bedroom waterfront condo in the heart of coronado that breathes so well. open the windows and the breeze just whips through the entire home. this was a fun project despite the blood, sweat […]
DON’T shop at appliancesconnection.com
August 6 by
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 […]
kids’ modern beachy bathroom
June 11 by
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
June 2 by
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
June 1 by
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
May 18 by
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 […]
Get a Swedish Gustavian look w/ Annie Sloan chalk paint
January 5 by
oh. my. word. i’m absolutely in love with this look right now. i found this perfectly-shaped headboard with a matching dresser on Craigslist. it was a lovely Bombay piece in pitch black with gold details. just not my style, but the shape and detailed wood work were perfect for my next Gustavian-inspired pieces. i usually […]
