String Basket

I finally finished something around this place. Do you remember when I told you that this inspired me? Well, here is my interpretation of that

I added the string (aka floss) treatment to the rim of a basket. By the way, look how well my plant is doing....I think it is because I did not plant it.

On a recent trip to Goodwill, I picked up this sad little holiday basket

I cut off the dried cinnamon sticks and ribbon, and added a couple of decorative beads along with some gold floss.

Then I randomly chose colorful floss to stitch around the rim of the top

I must admit, I forgot how much I enjoy mindless needlework. I think the entire project took a couple of Dancing With The Stars episodes....and voila. Now what other projects would you wrap with string?

Watercolors

How often do you poke around on Etsy? For me, it is at least once a week. I am always so amazingly impressed by the talented artists that are only a click away. Here are some of the watercolors I am loving

Etsy Seller

Laura Trevey

 

Etsy Seller

Etsy Seller

Etsy Seller

Etsy Seller

This doesn't fit the theme...but how could I leave out my Buster?

Etsy Seller

What do you shop for on Etsy?

Two Good to be Tuesday

I am so glad it is a short week. This hot weather makes me want to be lazy. On Friday, just before the long weekend, I scored these two lovelies on CL. 

 

I was so nervous when I saw the listing just one hour after it was posted. I have been looking for a pair of mirrors for the longest time. Thanks to an app similar to this one, I got in first. I think I want to put them over my nightstands in my bedroom, but I am not positive. Because of the faux bamboo detailing

It reminds me of some mirrors I have seen around

Since my win will never be your loss....can I tell you that they were only $40 for the pair. I didn't have the balls heart to negotiate. What color would you paint them?

Happy Memorial Day

Let's all take time to remember those who have served.....

Source

...and have hope for the future.

Happy Memorial Day.

Friday's In the Garden...Not Mine

Hi Everyone! As of yesterday...it was still raining. This week was a total washout for my own garden.

I have been planning and working on an area of my yard that has a lot of shade (less than 3 hours of sun). This is the perfect area for a shade garden. Since most shade gardens get their color from interesting plant and leaf combinations, arrangement is key. Here are some images that inspire me

BHG

BHG

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Unknown

Unknown

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As they say in all things...maybe next week! What are your favorite shade plants?

Barbara Corcoran Shares Her Home

Did anyone else see The Nate Show the other day when Barbara Corcoran gave us a tour of her Manhattan home? I like Barbara...especially on the show Shark Tank. There is something about her approach and business savvy that I love and admire.

I think you might be surprised by her home. I know I was...just not what I expected...and she has an all white foyer! Here is the tour.

Did you like it? Be honest...she doesn't read my blog.

Another Rainy Day

Today it is raining.....just like yesterday.....and tomorrow! The good news is that it forces me to concentrate on an inside project, and you DIY-ers know how long that list is! The bad news is that I can't go play in my garden, which is what I dream about all winter long. It looks like the on again off again rain pattern might continue for quite some time. This made me realize ....I need an umbrella. I don't have one I like. Here are a few to consider

To the point....it would be funny! 

All the umbrellas are from Pinterest.  This quote isn't me....but maybe it could be?

Seriously, do you have an umbrella you like? Where did you get it?

I Want To Try This

On Sunday, I was clicking around....one click....leads to so many more. I stumbled upon this product at  Before After (she has a giveaway for it).

Upholstery Fabric Paint

Oh my, upholstery fabric paint.....ready to go! This is a DIY-ers dream.

 Check out the Today Show video

                         

I know the perfect application for this.....a painted rug. I have been wanting to paint this rug for quite some time. I love all the custom painted rugs that are currently all over the net. I especially like Lauren's rug.



 Charm Home did this fab rug

Have you tried to paint a rug? Would you?

Friday's In the Garden....Contain Yourself

Hello everyone, and welcome back. This week I managed to get some of my containers planted.

I spent Mother's Day in my garden. It is exactly where I wanted to be. My family was great...they washed my car (seems like an annual event), got my favorite breakfast sandwich, and some lovely cards along with a few gifts. The day ended with sushi! It was perfect. Here are some of my container choices this season

In the black self-watering container, I transplanted some Lambs Ear

For this small container...just a few different coleus

Again, I put in Lambs ear (it will perk up soon). I also transplanted a blue hosta and more coleus

 For the window boxes...every year I can't decide (remember the waffle). 

I went with a purple striped wave petunia and some chartreuse potato vines. I also mixed in a blue columnar juniper flanked by variegated boxwood's. Those three will live over the winter, so next year should be easier (who am I kidding?).

I only bought a hanging arrangement once...maybe twice...and each year I replant the basket with the colors of my current season. I have more to plant, so I am off. What are you doing in your containers? 

If you love window boxes, you may enjoy some of my window box posts here.

This Inspires Me

On a recent trip t o J Crew,  I saw this belt

OK,  you could do this to a belt....then I popped into Anthropologie, and saw these sandals

 Hmm, guess the string thing is hot.  A quick click over to Etsy, and I fell in love with these

Etsy Seller

..and then these

Etsy Seller

Are you feeling creative and inspired? I am.....and next week, I will show you how I interpreted this trend...hope I finish.

National Park Photography

Last year. our dear friends traveled to California. I loved looking at all of their pictures....but it was the National Park pictures that highlighted some of the true beauty Mother Nature does so well. It doesn't hurt that Steve is an awesome photographer, too.

All of the images were taken at Sequoia National Park. Have you ever spent any time at a National Park? It has been way too long for me.