sand room mishaps :: my attempt at wood working with a steak knife
sometimes i get hair-brained ideas in the middle of the night that keep me awake. my husband and i call this swirling. several months ago, i got this idea that i’d build a sand room. it’s like a mud room, but is really more for sand, since our family tracks more beach sand than mud. […]
when a zero becomes a hero :: ugly coffee table gets a life
our designer Erica Bryen, is incredible. she’s young, vibrant, hip, smart as a whip, and totally gets us. she works with clients all over southern california, has impeccable taste, and is no BS. she gets it done. she gets it. i’ve come to realize that it’s good to know what you don’t know…when you’re in […]
your grandma’s dining set has left the building
you’ve all seen this old maple dining set at your grannie’s house, right? most people cringe when they see this type of furniture. i start to twitch and try to hide my excitement. yup, i’ve got issues. my client just moved back from a mission trip abroad. they inherited some amazing furniture from friends and […]
queen anne dresser refinishing :: part 1
my husband and i took care of our uncle george for the past 18 months. he was a kind man with a generous nature. he had nothing, but gave everything he found to those in need. he treasured this queen anne dresser, which belonged to his parents. i decided it should stay in the family. […]
growing potatoes and yams in coffee sacks
i met a wonderfully delightful woman a few months ago at a baby shower. i started telling Cheri how i was obsessed with watching YouTube videos on … [more...]
summer hydrangea tablescape
i love hydrangeas. i had the luxury of spending a few hours in the garden today and cut a bunch of hydrangea as they're starting to look a … [more...]
How to grow hydrangeas from cuttings
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 … [more...]
spring flowers
remember that day last fall when i rode my bike around cutting hydrangea clippings from my neighbors? you don't remember? it's ok, … [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...]
fresh garden salsa
there's something really magical about fresh, homemade, garden salsa. the colors are vibrant. the flavors are unmatched. and when paired … [more...]
how’d that tomato plant get there?
i love seeing the world. but i also love returning and seeing what's happened in my garden after a week away. the trumpet vines on our garden … [more...]
