summer's not over yet!

it's the last month of summer - no, it aint' over yet!!!

while it's still warm and sunny, why not invite friends, family, and neighbors over
to enjoy good food and hospitality... and easy summertime style.

simply combine vintage and new dishes & glassware,

along with some vacation souvenirs, found objects, and stuff you have around the house.
in no time at all, you'll be back on the beach! 

continue reading to see my easy tips for creating a stunning summer tablescape...

grocery store flower + herb bouquet

welcome, August!

this last month of the summer season always slows me down. 

i find myself taking more walks, reading more books, just enjoying the 'now'

instead of constantly planning and making lists for all that is coming in the future...

and isn't that what summer is all about? being in the moment? enjoying life?

i take it easy when it comes to decor, as well. take flowers, for example... 

combining a grocery store bunch of mixed flowers with a handful of fresh herbs from my garden, 

i quickly created a stylish and fragrant late-summer bouquet!

continue reading to see my easy tips...

easy canvas awning valance

we decided that the window treatments in our home would be simple and coordinated -

nothing heavy or complex to make the rooms feel closed in.

so white wood blinds went up first for privacy and sun control 

then simple side panels made of canvas dropcloths that fall from floor to ceiling,

adding softness to the hard edges.

when it came to the kitchen window, i needed something different.

and though i STILL haven't found the vintage metal awning i really want for this space,

i came up with a solution that gives the window style in the meantime...

continue reading to see how easy this faux awning valance was to make!

why i planted pvc pipes in my yard...

when we designed our backyard, we had to work with some limitations
(as all design projects do)...
turns out, 'planting' a few pvc pipes on our raised bed slope solved one!

continue reading to see my easy DIY solution...