{ daybed with wooden boxes } july 24

I am so excited about my new outdoor daybed.  I have always wanted an outdoor bed where me, my sweetie and my kids could relax and watch the sun set and the stars come out.  We had this unused area of dirt outside our bedroom that really needed something special.  This little nook overlooks the kids play area and is right off the lawn.  So instead of making a patio with chairs I decided to make a daybed.  I don't know about you but I have loved looking at all the Pinterest photos of cool things to do with pallets.  I don't have any pallets but I do have these cool large wooden boxes.  I bought them off Craigs List last year for $2 each.  I LOVE THEM!  I bought 50 of them and hauled them down the freeway on my trailer.  My husband wants to know what the heck I plan to do with them...I just quickly change the subject and keep protecting them like they're gold!

I stacked 6 of these sweat boxes (originally used to dry figs) and placed a twin mattress on top.  We have 2 of these extra mattresses left from the kids - I think this is a great use for one, don't you?

For the pillows I went to a thrift store and bought cute skirts in fun patterns and textures.  I also bought gently used toss pillows - using my sewing machine I sewed the top of each skirt closed - put the pillow inside and "closed up" the skirts by gathering them tight with a ribbon - this made a really cute pillow cover that was super quick and about $5 each.  To wash just untie the ribbon - pull out the pillow and toss in washer.

My little "boyfriend" - Rocco - cooling off his toes in the small water fountain.  I try and squeeze in fountains whereever I possibly can - I love the sound of water - especially in the valley heat.  I adore summer for the longer evenings - we enjoy spending a few quite minutes out here before bedtime.

I added in a few lanterns for soft lighting and a metal side table...it is perfect for holding my magazines and drinks.

Vintage metal sconces - these hold tapper candles and are a great size for adding instant warmth. 

To finish off my daybed patio I added a few herbs and annuals along with a gravel path with pavers.  I love how these cute fuchsia balls create a little pop of color among the greenery and dirt.

{ nichole and matt } july 2012

Elegant, ultra feminine and sweet... three words to describe both Nichole and the wedding she planned.  She knew what she wanted and along with many helpers pulled off a lovely affair.  I was so excited to play a role in this yummie event.  Lavish gold silverware, stemware and candelabras paired perfectly with soft florals in blush, champagne, white, ivory and soft pink.  Mauve satin napkins and chair ties complimented soft taupe lace table cloths and gold chivari chairs.

{boutonniere with cream David Austen rose, champagne spray rose and velvet trim}





{gold candelabras by Town and Country Party Rental}

{ chivari chairs, lace linens and satin napkins by The Linen Shoppe}
{flatware and stemware by Classic Party Rentals}

{ceremony location - People's Church Chapel}

{wedding coordinated by Weddings By Cassandra}

{ design book review - design sponge at home }

My close friends and family will tell you that I have two major weaknesses - well many more, but I'm only fessing up to two this morning!  I love magazines and design books.  As I keep collecting them my rationale has been that I will use them someday in my flower barn cafe.  I picture ladies flipping through them while they sip coffee.  So I keep collecting and storing!  Thank you God for our dreams.

Like many of you I love the internet for the sheer amount of information that is available at the click of a button - but nothing can replace a glossy photo in my hand - one that I dog ear - coming back to again and again.  Gorgeous pictures really fill me with energy and inspire me.  Many of my projects have come from something I've seen in print.

I have decided to share with you some of the books that I have purchased and to give you a quick overview in case you might want one for yourself.  I buy all my design books at Barnes and Noble online in the used book section.  No matter where you purchase books I say always check the used book section - they are a fraction of the price and have all been in perfect condition.  Curl up with a cup of coffee and enjoy!

{ Design Sponge at Home } by Grace Bonney is amazing!  Grace started her blog design*sponge as a way to connect with other design hounds who love and have a passion for design.  On her blog one of the main features is her column called "Sneak Peek" where she highlights homes of her favorite designers.  In the book they feature many many designers and their homes - each spread has tips and many have coordinating floral arrangements.  Most of the homes are small and include decorating challenges that many of us face. The book also includes "how-to" tips for projects such as "DIY jewelry bust", "stamped fabric curtains" and "upholstered Otomi headboard". 

{image from barnesandnoble.com}

{ Cassie and Chris } June 23

It was such a pleasure working with the DeJager family on Cassie and Chris' wedding.  They celebrated with family and friends out at Wolf Lakes Park in the Garden venue.  Cassie chose shades of purples accented with greens and lavenders.

Her bouquet was accented with one of our unique rhinestone cuffs.

Inside the garden lovely arrangements lined the isle - dainty rhinestone chains finished the look perfectly.

 

For the reception we created three centerpiece designs - here is our rustic candle abra with a soft arrangement in the center.

For the second arrangement we used our rustic wooden boxes and filled them with three floating candles surrounded by lush florals.  I loved how they played up the groom's last name by doing Campbell soup table signs in the colors of the wedding.

Manzanita trees were created with attached blooms and long hanging rhinestone chains. Each tree sat in a glass vase filled with bright green moss.

{ yes you can - rope vase } tuesday july 10

Welcome Friends!  Today I am starting a new weekly topic called, "Yes You Can"!  This is going to be about fun stuff that you can do yourself.  So even if I can't be with you at home, I can encourage you to try new stuff here.  Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.  I saw this cool idea on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens earlier this summer.  Rope covered vases -- I loved them and new I had to try it. 

{ calla lily leaves and orange verbena from my yard }

To make rope vases - use heavy twine - mine was purchased at Lowe's.  For mine I used vases with skinny necks that I bought at a second hand store.  Start twine at bottom of vase - using hot glue start wrapping vase with twine close together - add glue as needed.  I was surprised how much twine it took so maybe buy an extra spool just in case.

Tin container with gravel holds a collection of various candles and votive's.  I think these candles would shine really cool at night against the tin.  Lemonaide at dusk anyone?

{ bottles with blooms } monday july 9

My husband and I inherited some beautiful antiques this weekend.  One special little piece is this mirror tray with gilded edging.  I'm loving it on my window sill - a great treasure to hold a few vintage bottles with blooms from my yard.

Another new favorite of mine is this Capri Blue mercury candle from Anthropology - a treasured birthday gift from my friend Kiley.

{ Chelsie and Brett } June 16 2012

I just loved one of the stories shared by the brides mom about Chelsie and Brett.  She told me that the grooms family grew up next door to them.  Having only daughters, she said, "I always told my girls, you watch out for those boys!"  Little did she know that years later the two would be walking down the isle.  Both moms couldn't be happier!  It was a sweet union and an even sweeter day.  For Chelsie's bouquet we used white peonies, cream David Austen roses and "White Chocolate" roses.

For the flower girl we created this dainty halo and miniature bouquet.

It was so fun making these centerpieces for Chelsie and Brett.  We created tall structures out of aged almond wood branches.  A lush full ball of flowers hung from the top complete with "flowering" branches.

 

{All linens and additional decor by Janet Seibert}