stuff i’ve made

Salt Wash tutorial :: mirror mirror on the wall

I love how Salt Wash makes a piece really look old and chippy. The textured layers allow more paint to poke through. Here’s my tutorial for Salt Wash. Enjoy!

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 […]

Duncan Phyfe drum table gets a Gustavian makeover

my latest obsession is Gustavian furniture.  whites and pale grays all inspired by the bright cheery homes found in Sweden.  makes sense given they have very limited light during the winter months. this Duncan Phyfe drum table was one of the very first furniture pieces i refinished…all prior to discovering Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. you […]

shabby chic mirrored door :: diy

this antique mirrored door has some history.  she weighs about 40 pounds and is so super cool, so i’ve named her bessie. bessie was a late night craigslist curb alert find in garden grove.  i’m sure she had a very interesting story before i stumbled upon her, but she’s also had great adventures since she’s […]

garden love

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...]

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 … [more...]

look who’s here? spring garden!

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a beautiful Japanese maple tree

isn't this gorgeous?  i was visiting a friend back east and spotted this stunning and massive tree. they used to have two trees, but one drowned by … [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...]

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...]

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...]

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