Oops, I Did It Again

You asked for it, so I did it!  Y’all liked the photo tour from last week’s townhome model crashing so much, I went and checked out some more.  These are the models for single family dwellings recently staged, and the homes are under construction in my town.  Being the looky loo that I am, I…

Model Crashing: Townhouse Tours

Ever since the real estate market crashed a few years ago, there’s been no significant building where we live.  Good news though, a few months ago a major building project began in my town, and I’ve been watching it for some time.  The new townhouse models opened up so naturally, being the looky loo that…

How To Brunch with Simplicity and Style

Ah, brunch.  Truly, nothing brings to mind relaxation on a weekend morning more than the thought of a leisurely brunch with friends.  If I’m ever on vacation on a Sunday, one question I always ask is “Where should we head for brunch in this town?”   Even at home, and especially at Easter, one of my…

Artist, Designer, Dentist!

I love getting inspiration from the most unexpected sources, and recently I found it in one of the most unusual places you could ever imagine: a dentist’s office.  A few weeks ago, I took my kids to a new dentist for the obligatory checkup.  The dentist happened to be the mom of a kid that…

BOTB 6.3.11

Hello and happy Sunday on this long weekend!  I’m back, bringing you another round of great projects found online in our continuing ‘Best of the Blogosphere’ series.  Sorry if you missed it last weekend, I was on the road so I took a week off, but now the series is back with more good stuff…

Guest Post: Painted Checkered Ceiling

G’day all, I’m finally back from my trip!  We spent six days traveling up and down the California coast, visiting friends and family along the way, making stops in several quaint and coastal towns.  We enjoyed plenty of sun, sand, and I even made good on a trip to Legoland that I promised my kids for their birthdays months ago.  It’s good…

Favorite Destinations + Link Party

Greetings all, happy Monday!  How’s your summer so far?  Hope it’s going well!   I’m headed home this week, but so happy to be talking about favorite destinations today.  Nothing inspires me more than travel to faraway places.   Given the cost, travel is a luxury these days.  Nevertheless, I think it’s important to venture beyond our own backyard, and…

Our Patio Cabana

Hey all, happy Friday, and welcome to anyone who caught my appearance on the Nate Berkus Show yesterday!   I”m still on vacation, but promised a peek at our new patio.  I’ve been working on the design for this space over the past few weeks, and I’m proud to announce this patio is one we now call our outdoor oasis!   How…

First Day of Summer Blues

Ah summer, I confess I’m getting lost in it.  I love the casual ‘kick your shoes off’ attitude of this season.  Long hours spent by the pool or simply watching the kids hop through a sprinkler.  Late night lingering over BBQ with heirloom tomatoes and berry cobbler.  The welcome evening breezes that arrive just in…

BOTB 6.19.11 + Happy Father’s Day!

Greetings all, how about another quick round of ‘Best of the Blogosphere’ on this Father’s Day.  Abi and I teamed up to bring you a few fun finds, we hope you enjoy them! If you’ve ever considered making a slipcover for your sofa, then you must read Part One and Part Two of Honeybear Lane’s…

Analysis of a Well Styled Bookcase

I truly love to see bookcases in homes because they are the perfect solution for adding storage and style to your surroundings.  Books and collectibles on display add warmth and personality to any space, whether it’s a living or dining area, bedroom or home office.  To any visitor, a bookcase will communicate what you read,…

Wine Barrels in Home Decor

I’ve had wine barrels on the brain ever since we began our plan to spruce up the upper patio.  They’re easy to get here in wine country, and they make the easiest and cheapest planters.  Just about everyone I know locally has a wine barrel for a planter, and I grow tomatoes in mine every…

BOTB 5.22.11

Happy weekend all, Abi and I rounded up some fun links for you in our continuing ‘Best of the Blogosphere’ series.  Here are a few great posts from this past week, we hope you enjoy them all! Mom of three Jenny of Little Green Notebook shares her favorite product for cleaning upholstery and removing stains…

Alfresco Ideas + Alma Help

Wow, thanks everyone for linking up your amazing projects at the ‘Outdoor Ideas’ party, so much inspiration to be seen in over 250 links!  A few caught my eye and I wanted to share.  Kathy from All About Vignettes built a screened in porch then furnished it with European flair.  Wow, this view is like…