stuff i’ve made

Norm! how to paint Cheers-y bar stools

if you don’t get this post’s title, you’re too young.  i’ve just started and already i’ve digressed. anyway, you’ve seen these bar stools, right? these maple-ish wood bar stools were hip 10 years ago, but you’ve still got them laying around.  they’re sturdy and make for a perfect soccer goal backstop. with a little elbow […]

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 […]

How to get a modern look from Annie Sloan paints

i hosted a fun painting party earlier this week. my friend Peilin has been wanting to learn how to paint with Annie Sloan. she’s an incredibly talented food stylist and whips together a mean sardine, hummus, olive, fried egg and avocado sandwich when you’re not looking. but don’t tell her that i’m allergic to avocados, […]

queen anne dresser :: grand finale

don’t you love when life knocks you for a few loops?  i got the flu shot, and low and behold, got a 4 day mini flu.  at least it wasn’t the whole shebang, but 4 days of fever es no bueno, as we like to say in so cal. so, i took a few weeks […]

garden love

spring has sprung. hyacinths are popping already!

the first signs on spring are here...trouble is, we haven't really had winter.  and as i write this, the temperature is dropping to the high 30s here … [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...]

so cal garden explosion

we've got rogue tomato plants all over the garden.  take exhibit A.  i didn't plant this one and look how amazing it is! i'm sort of insulted, … [more...]

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...]

fall is HERE! i found a pumpkin in my garden.

that's right folks....i didn't think it would happen. i planted pumpkin seeds in june....and we had amazingly gorgeous huge leaves.  they grew all … [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...]

Rooting Brussels Sprouts

I love Brussels sprouts. Please move on if you don't...b/c this post is all about them and some uber-nerd techniques that I'm testing in the … [more...]

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