Last May, we had Hanstone Quartz countertops (in the pattern Monterey) installed in our kitchen and I thought I would give an update now that we’ve been using them for over a year. Of course, a review after 1o years or 20 years would hold more weight, but well…I don’t have a time machine, so you’re getting a one year … Read More
annoying projects
While the boys are home and dedicated, quiet creative work time is limited (or non-existent), I am trying to knock out some projects that are quick and mindless and have been hanging around undone for months. The projects that fit in that category are on my “annoying project list”. Every once in a while I dedicate an entire day to … Read More
a lifetime supply of almond extract & honey
This week I’ve been working on organizing our kitchen. It’s one of the spaces that has been bugging me the most (organizationally speaking). I hadn’t moved things around since we moved in and, after cooking in this kitchen for a year and a half, it has become clear that some things were put in the wrong place initially. Everything looked … Read More
Christmas Butler’s Pantry
I gave the butler’s pantry a makeover this summer, so this is the first time I get to decorate it for Christmas! It’s a small thing, but I was excited about it none-the-less. With that rich, green color, it’s just begging to be decorated for Christmas. And, I kept the Christmas decor very simple. I just added some cinnamon sticks, … Read More
hand painted bread sign
Let me start off by saying this was supposed to be a tutorial, but it won’t be. The reason is that I mindlessly deleted all of the process photos!! Ah! I try to keep my camera card “uncluttered”, so I delete all files once they are uploaded. Well, I got a little overenthusiastic in my decluttering and deleted these files … Read More
where julia shopped
One of the things on my to-do list when visiting Paris was to buy a copper sauce pot, either a useable antique one from the flea market or a new one from E. Dehillerin, the kitchen supply store that was Julia Child’s favorite. The copper at the flea market was mouthwateringly gorgeous, but it was way out of my price … Read More
fluffing & organizing
I usually blog in “real time”, but I did a slew of projects one right after the other over the past few weeks that I missed a few of the smaller things that happened in between the bigger things. Giving something a total makeover is the flashy part, but sometimes it’s the little details that follow, the fluffing and organizing, … Read More
Wellsworks Furniture Farm Table
Within a couple of weeks of moving into our new house, my mom and I picked up a table and chair set off of craigslist. The size was perfect and I loved the little scalloped, dotted detail around the apron. I thought it was the perfect candidate for painting and refinishing and would see our family through the high school … Read More