stuff i’ve made

How to refinish furniture with a Restoration Hardware wood finish :: Annie Sloan tutorial

oh Restoration Hardware… how i love thee… Big A is currently in his converted crib.  Problem is that he’s getting too big for us to comfortably snuggle and read books in the glider. and sitting on the floor to read to him isn’t fun. so mamma started searching for a new bed on craigslist…. and […]

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 […]

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 […]

weathered wood bars

things have gotten really busy in my garage as my buddy and i’ve been building and painting up a storm. ok, fine. he’s been building. and i’ve been painting…and painting…and painting…. what you’re looking at here are a few rolling bars. perfect for any type of party. but as y’all know, while i love wood. i […]

garden love

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...]

Harvesting and germinating rose seeds

I just love roses. I don't know their varieties or names, but instead, I'm the gal at the nursery going around sniffing all the roses to see which … [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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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