stuff i’ve made

vintage mini bar :: cocktail anyone?

i was driving through a fancy newport neighborhood with a friend a few weeks ago and we spotted this vintage metal thing. we thought it was an ironing board, but upon closer inspection, it was what we believe to be a mini bar. i wish i had before pix, but i don’t.  the entire thing […]

queen anne dresser :: part 2

The Queen Anne dresser is coming along quite nicely. This is where I started:   These are the steps I’ve taken thus far: Pulled out all drawers and sanded the body of the dresser with a 220 grit paper.  Definitely wore a mask and had the garage door open as the dust was everywhere!  Wiped […]

Restoration Hardware-esque coffee table :: stands up to Hot Wheels!

many of you have read about our ‘zero to hero’ coffee table.  if not, you can read about it here. it’s been 5 months since i refinished this piece to have a restoration hardware weathered wood finish.  i used annie sloan’s chalk paint.  how much do i love that stuff?  i bought 4 quarts, have […]

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. […]

garden love

Transplanting potted plants to Kratky hydroponics

My new greenhouse is in full operation and I couldn't be more excited! I've been stalking MHP Gardener on YouTube, and he has this incredible … [more...]

summer flowers :: hydrangea, roses and lavender

i LOVE my garden, and particularly love the flower arrangements that come directly from the garden.   the hydrangea is quite … [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...]

summer’s here. the flowers prove it!

We've still got another month or so of what we southern Californians call June gloom.  That's right...don't come here expecting hot blazing days. … [more...]

spring garden party

the party went off without a hitch.  we're blessed with amazing friends who lend their time and help!  in between setting up, politely bossing my … [more...]

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...]

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...]

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