the best gift
Saturday was my 42 birthday. It started off with apologies from Jeff and the boys that they couldn’t go out and buy me gifts and couldn’t take me out to a restaurant. It would be another day hunkering down at home. The fact that I wasn’t disappointed was surprising to me. I’ve always been a […]
“Boxwood” Green Studio Doors
Last week, I took some time to work on the studio doors. It’s been on my to-do list for a while, but it’s one of those projects that isn’t urgent, so it kept getting knocked down the list in favor of more exciting or pressing endeavors. With everyone home, trying to juggle school and work, […]
Live Painting Class | Landscape for Beginners
Last Friday, I held my very first live oil painting class and it was such fun! I have to admit I was very nervous, butterflies in my stomach and everything, but it ended up going well and I was floored at how many people participated and then shared their work with me. And I was […]
my silver patterns
I often receive comments about my flatware, even if I am posting about food or styling or something else entirely. I will admit that I have a thing for flatware and have inherited and collected some beautiful pieces. The pieces I inherited from at least five different women in my family are stunning and hard […]
chicken divan recipe
I’ve noticed that I’m not the only one into cooking comfort foods in these strange times. Not only are they comforting, hence the name, but they tend to be a good way to use up ingredients that are starting to turn or to use some of the canned goods in stock. I’ve used this excuse […]
studio DIY built-in shelf dimensions & cut list
Reminder – Always use caution and common sense when using power tools on all DIY projects including this built-in shelf. There are some projects that go beautifully as planned. It’s smooth sailing and there aren’t any hiccups or bumps. This DIY built-in shelf was not one of those projects! It wasn’t a disaster, but it […]
productive decorative play
I was in a real funk on Saturday. I think it had a lot to do with the dreary weather. It was gray and our daily walk was shortened by a cool wind and a spittle of rain. (Jeff’s second walk with Sebastian was shortened by a downpour laced with hail!) The weather was just […]
make-do spring decor
As the seasons begin to change, you’ll typically find me perusing a few of my favorite stores, looking for new pieces to mix in with my everyday items or ideas to get my creative wheels turning. Other than Christmas, I’m not big on seasonal decorating. It can get expensive and, if not checked, you can […]