stuff i’ve made

Rustic mid-century inspired dining table

How to paint new wood to look like weathered, rustic wood.

precious twin headboard for a pink-lovin’ girl

these aren’t the most glamorous pix you’ve ever seen, but sometimes when this mamma paints at 11:30 pm, the lighting ain’t great… my friend found this headboard on the side of the road.  yes, these are the treasures we find in Orange County.  nuts. at our painting party earlier this week, it was decided we’d […]

A shabby chic take on an inherited hutch :: Annie Sloan style

my client inherited this from a good friend.  it’s a gorgeous piece and again, i sort of felt weird painting it. but i was assured that no one would know since they’re no longer with us.  is that weird? so i worked under the don’t ask, don’t tell guidelines…though i wouldn’t know who to tell. […]

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, […]

garden love

artichokes!!!

look what we saw in the garden today!?!? it only took 9 months.  :) anyone have the recipe for the Bandera/Houston's artichoke? … [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...]

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...]

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...]

look who’s here? spring garden!

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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...]

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