my husband and i had an experience of a lifetime over Mother’s Day weekend. it’s apropos that i post this on Veteran’s Day. we were invited as Distinguished Visitors for a weekend on the US Navy’s USS Vinson, one of 7 aircraft carriers that travel around the world to protect and provide assistance in times of need. i […]
How to paint wood to look like weathered Restoration Hardware wood
hi friends! i’m back with another furniture painting tutorial on how to use chalk paint to get a weathered wood Restoration Hardware finish. here’s my inspiration. a wonderful wood pier that we visited on our summer road trip. the irony is that the piece i was painting, was in fact, a real Restoration Hardware dresser….from the early […]
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 […]
chocolate chip pancake goodness
we’ve been in a pancake phase here at the house for about 4 years. 🙂 this momma hides all kinds of goodness in pancakes. pureed veggies, eggs, milk. start ’em young and they won’t know the difference! the problem is that when i think i’m doing a favor by adding chocolate chips, the kids […]
a gorgeous, romantic, Napa wedding
we just returned from the most gorgeous and romantic wedding….ever. the setting was idyllic with the changing leaves and warm breezes. i wanted to practice my photo skills, especially in low lighting. and there’s no better place to do that than in napa at the pristine Beaulieu Garden, which i believe is the private family […]
cool, refreshing mint tea
it’s still very warm here in so cal. too warm to start the fall garden. and this cool, mint tea is my companion as i sit for hours at the computer today. the mint is going strong in the garden and we’ve placed a bit in jars around the house to keep the flies away. […]
glimpse into the Newport Beach countryside
yes, so there’s a quiet part of Newport Beach that offers horse properties and a rustic, farm, country feel. be still my heart! hello gorgeous! check out this precious chicken coop! in addition to a worm farm, i want chickens! and honestly, i don’t think my husband would ever find out… shhhh….don’t tell him where […]
blended iced coffee yumminess + a giveaway!
i had my bible study girls over for breakfast today. i’d envisioned a nice peaceful meal outside until i heard lil G casually ask “what are those bugs doing out there?” turns out they weren’t bugs…but in fact, a swarm of bees! run for the hills, batten down the hatches! then we were greeted by […]