BIRD/LIKE

SABBATICAL

2012-02-25T08:29:00.003-08:00

Just to let you know that I'm going to take a brief sabbatical from blogging... a spring break, so to speak!

I'll probably be checking in with your blogs from time to time and hopefully will have my creative energy recharged so I can return with inspiring ideas for bringing nature into your home decor!

A bientot!

LOVE IS IN THE AIR...

2012-02-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

Birds do it, bees do it... you know that old song? Its true!

It doesn't matter if you're gorgeous...

or not...

whether you live in a fancy house...

or not...

whether you're a picture perfect couple like Tom and Giselle...

or a couple of mutts...

and it really doesn't matter if your loved one is a show off...

or kind of goofy...

or if he's a little inconsiderate now and then...

Its not important whether or not he's a good dancer...

or not...

Its still his sleeping face on the pillow next to you...

sharing your dreams...

he's the one who helps you raise your family...

who defends you...

who's fun to talk with...

and who keeps you from feeling sad on a gray day.

So on this Valentine's Day, I wish all of you a sweet day with your loved one!

THE BIRDING LIFE: Beautiful Book

2012-02-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

I read recently about a new book, The Birding Life: A Passion for Birds at Home and Afield published by Clarkson Potter. Traditional Home magazine describes it thus:

"Meet bird enthusiasts -- from illustrators to falconers -- in this

gorgeous tabletop book, which also shares charming ideas

for feathering your nest with bird inspired art and decor."

Well! Of course I had to tell you about it!

Part I tell stories of famous birders, from Audubon to Roger Tory Peterson. Part II, "Birdhouses," welcomes you into the homes and studios of bird enthusiasts, artists, and collectors, including Texas artists Lisa Ludwig and Joseph Havel, whose home includes an aviary for injured birds. And in Part III, "At Home With Birds," the authors visit homes whose decor reflects the owners love of birds.

Here are some of the delicious images to be found within:

Wallpapers and textiles by Thomas Paul

I'm off to the bookstore to check it out!

Mid Winter Sea Decor

2012-01-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

Right about now, the commercials for Caribbean beach holidays are lookin' good! So, I thought I'd do my part to lighten up the dark winter months with a touch of seashore decor... let's daydream!

Photo credit No Minimalist Here

Photo credit 0u8nartist2

Photo credit Free Range Designs

Photo credit Driftwood Decor

Coral is gorgeous in decor, but for larger projects, faux is the way to go... all of the following items are artificial coral but look just like the real (endangered) thing.

Such as these lovely vintage table bases...

Photo credit Red Moden Furniture

GARDEN ROOMS

2012-01-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the pictures. Be inspired. Bring nature closer.

REMODEL REVEAL: The Tubes

2011-12-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

I love my house, but it has one major design flaw. A bathroom opening right into the kitchen/dining area. Oh, please! What were they thinking?

There's simply no way to move it,so I've been trying to figure out a good way to separate it visually. (Fortunately, its at least soundproof.)

Recently I saw a picture of a nice kitchen entryway with bookshelves, and came up with an idea.. create privacy behind a bookshelf and pillar.

Remember those cardboard carpet tubes?

They make great faux pillars. I got them for free from a carpet store, painted and stenciled one of them, and made fake tops and bottoms with scrap wood, The idea was to see how I liked the look. I do like it, so the next step will be to install a real interior pillar.

and voila! Now you cannot see the powder room from the dining area, and it really gives more of a private feeling.

RESOLUTION: Useful and Beautiful

2011-12-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.' William Morris

This is my resolution for 2012 (and beyond, hopefully...)

Its just too easy to accumulate. I regularly cart boxes of stuff to the local thrift shop, yet I always have more than I need. Trouble is, I love variety and change. I can't imagine having my house look the same for years on end!

But.... when is enough, enough? I sometimes make a list of the perfect minimalist furnishings. One large stock pot, three perfect cooking knives, etc... I yearn to live as lightly as possible.

I am going to use Morris's thought as my guidepost to how I keep my home. And hopefully, most of the useful things will also be beautiful. (At least as much as possible, since I don't live alone, and husbands have their stuff too..)

Here are a few of the essentials I will keep...

dried lavender to scent rooms and laundry

vintage wood and silver to hold other necessary/beautiful things

white dishes for everyday

a soft bed in a quiet room

simple linen and cotton to dress tables

and wipe dishes and hands

sparkling crystal to reflect and bring light into the rooms

bookshelves for idling time and making it feel like home

...to name just a few. What about you? What would be on your 'beautiful and useful' list?

PANTRY UPDATE, NEW SIGN, and an UPCOMING REVEAL...

2011-12-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

First, wanted to show you this little sign that I made from wood scraps a while back. I decided to keep it for myself... its French for "enjoy!"

and, I've finally completed the pantry makeover... I think? Since I posted about turning the laundry area into a butler's pantry here, I've made a few more changes. I replaced the shelf and curtain with a Home Depot sink cabinet, tiled the top, painted the walls a warm khaki, and painted all the woodwork tea-stained cream to match the kitchen. So much brighter! btw, I primed everything with Annie Sloan chalk paint so that I wouldn't have to sand (I'm nothing if not lazy...) and it turned out great!

Next... what are these cardboard tubes doing here...?

Stay tuned, a remodel reveal is upcoming! (as soon as I shake this cold and get back to work on it....)

Partying with...

NATURAL WALL ART

2011-12-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Wall and ceiling (and sometimes floor) decor has an extraordinary ability to completely change your interior world. It can enchant, stimulate, cheer, soothe, and transport. Here are some delightful examples of nature taking shape inside the house, via artful painting and print.

See the bunny?

HOLIDAY BEDROOM MANTLE

2011-12-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

Stuck indoors by a snowstorm, I've been spending a lot of time browsing design sites, and thinking about what to tweak here at home. My bedroom mantle crossed my sights, and I decided its much too plain and needed some

... so away went the beach painting, and out came silver bowls, white candles, lighted garland, and an antiqued mirror. I even found a place for my vintage chicken feeder, which fits on the mantle now that its splayed legs are removed. (This is actually very exciting to me, I'd been having a devil of a time finding a good place for the silly treasure.)

I'm still tinkering with it (thinking, rosemary topiaries and silver candlesticks) but here's today's version...

Linking to

MOUNTAIN ROOMS

2011-12-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

I live in a lakeside mountain village at 5600 feet, surrounded by old oak and conifer forest. Compared to the typical Irvine Co. style imposed on most homes in Orange County, its been fun to see homes that aren't cookie cutter. Houses up here range from small rustic cabins to vast lakeside estates, but they all borrow certain elements from our beautiful surroundings; wood, stone, and big windows to take in the views.

I thought it would be fun to take a look at mountain style, ranging from rustic to minimalist.

I love the open simplicity of this small cabin by a stream.

and how about this amazing enclosed pool!

Just because you're in the mountains, doesn't mean everything has to be woody and rustic. This is a wonderful way to acommodate a bunch of grandkids.

Another example of light, airy style under a typical mountain peaked wood ceiling.

A couple of more traditional mountain bedrooms, with stone fireplaces

and natural wood color.

There's just something about bookshelves that make a large room

cozy, especially when its freezing outside.

One of the best things about mountain homes is the use of wood and stone

for interior walls. I hate drywall!

On the other hand, contemporary style also works in a rustic setting.

Its all about windows, isn't it!

ANOTHER GLORIOUS HOLIDAY SONG

2011-12-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

I am addicted to this version of Handel's Messiah conducted by Andre Rieu, and play it at an insanely high volume in my car during the holidays...singing at the top of my lungs!

Ok, now that you know about a bit of my madness, take a few minutes and watch this and see if it doesn't have you sitting up straight and singing, Hallelujah!!

Radio City Music Hall Hallelujah Chorus Video

not a BLUE CHRISTMAS

2011-12-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Once again, I bring you my annual holiday gift... an all time sexy video of Jon Bon Jovi singing Blue Christmas... complete with tux and a sly Elvis channeling... enjoy!

BLUE CHRISTMAS VIDEO

RECLAIMED WOOD IN THE KITCHEN

2011-11-29T09:35:00.001-08:00

We don't need to cut any new trees to furnish our kitchens... seriously! There's a lot of 'reclaimed' wood out there...and its not just an environmentally good alternative, its also gorgeous!

Just look at these kitchens using reclaimed wood for cabinets, tables, floors, shelves, and ceilings...

Photo courtesy of La Brocanteuse

Here's are some great resources for using recycled wood in your home...

13 DIY Pallet Projects

DIY Recycled Wood Floors

Recycled Wooden Kitchen Table

Recyled Wood Flooring

Green Your Kitchen with Recycled Wood

Country Road Reclaimed Wood Projects

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

2011-11-25T10:46:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is an important shopping day... nope, not "Black Friday' giveaways from the big chain stores... tomorrow, we turn our attention (and buying power) to the small local business owned by our friends and neighbors.

Its SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! Everyone is encouraged to shop at a locally owned small business. To boost the event, American Express is giving a $25 credit to all of its cardholders who spend $25 or more at a registered small business. Nice, Amex! Who doesn't like free stuff!

You can find the shops in your community that are participating HERE.

But even if you don't have an Amex card, its a great idea!

2011-11-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

We ought to make the moments notes

Of happy, glad Thanksgiving;

The hours and days a silent phrase

Of music we are living.

And so the theme should swell and grow

As weeks and months pass o’er us,

And rise sublime at this good time,

A grand Thanksgiving chorus.... Ella Wheeler Wilcox

HAPPY THANKSGIVING MY FRIENDS!

CHRISTMAS BIRDS AND BUGS

2011-11-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Too early to put up the tree? Mine's up, I love the sparkle and glow. My tree is crystal, gold, silver and white, and populated by many enchanted little creatures and their accessories...

The tree is next to my computer desk and my little macaw, Olive, begs to come sit with me, I think she's as mesmerized by the glitter as I am...!

This is my newest ornament. I buy one every year from Rogers Gardens. I fell for its pink feet.

Here are some other sweet creatures that I found in webland...

Old World Bird Ornaments

Visiting with

TABLETOP HOLIDAY TOOLBOX

2011-11-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

My faithful refurbished wooden tool box ($1 at the thrift shop) has been temporarily re-assigned from its job as magazine holder to holiday tabletop decor. I filled it with moss covered balls, silvery ornaments, mini willow wreaths and two white ceramic birds. Then I decoupaged a piece of wood to read "Joyeux Noel" and glued it on... easy to remove when the season is over.

Linking to

BIRDS' NEST

2011-11-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

I got my Christmas gift early from my favorite thrift store. Popped in to see what new treasures might await, and I was not disappointed. The perfect piece of art had just arrived, and I quickly claimed it for the grand price of $2.50.

Why is it perfect? Because our house is named 'Birds' Nest' in honor of our three pet birds... and so my new quirky, perfectly rusty treasure is proudly adorning our entry...

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECES FROM NATURE

2011-11-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, its that time again. Thanksgiving! Table settings! Here are a few ideas for using nature's bounty to decorate your table.

Corn centerpiece

Kale centerpiece

Mini pumpkin candleholder

Pumpkins as vases

Contemporary corn candleholder and stenciled pumpkins

Gilded gourds

Fruit and veg runner

Simple white pumpkins and candles

Moss centerpiece

Cranberry topiaries

Birch bark bouquet

Bleached pinecone basket

Pomengranate and pinecones

NATURE IN THE HOUSE: STONE WALLS

2011-11-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Just look at this gorgeous stone wall....

and guess what... its faux! Sharon, of Great Paint for Great Homes, has done it again... she is the most outrageously talented painter, and her creations never fail to delight! I just noticed this older post on her blog, and had to share it... she took a blah bare wall, and turned it into a scene from Under the Tuscan Sun... gorgeous!

This is just one of the many projects she shows on her blog... I heartily recommend a visit!

Liebster love

2011-11-04T15:15:00.001-07:00

A nice thing just happened... my sweet friend Jen from Country Weekend just gave me a 'liebster' award... for 'up and coming blogs with fewer than 200 followers..." thank you, Jen!

We're supposed to follow up by nominating five other blogs...Jen did the coolest thing with her nominations... she added four descriptive words for each blog... i'm going to copy her and do the same!So here are my nominations... (I am not going to duplicate hers although otherwise I would include Kat...)

A Garden Carried in the Pocket : intriguing, literary, mysterious, clever

Summerland Cottage Studio: creative, colorful, artistic, beachy

The Robin and Sparrow: charming, sparkly, birdy, crafty

On Hollyhock Farm: humorous, smart, decorative, friendly

House of Mood; chic, gorgeous, decorative, unique

If you don't know about these blogs, do check them out.. I think you'll enjoy 'em!

MY PHOTO BLOG

2011-11-02T19:40:00.001-07:00

I've started another blog, a picture a day of something beautiful.

Morning's Born

TWIG DECOR: GUEST POST FROM HOUZZ

2011-11-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SEE ALL THE GREAT IDEAS!

Guest Picks: Gettin' Twiggy With It

Browse Accessories And Decor on Houzz- For Example:

Books · Candles And Candle Holders · Clocks · Frames · Indoor Pots And Planters · Paints Stains And Glazes · Screens And Wall Dividers · Vases ·

MY LATEST PASSION...EMBROIDERY

2011-10-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

1. I saw a gorgeous white duvet cover with a white appliqued scroll and fell in lust.

2. It cost $540.00. That dimmed the flame.

3. I thought, ha! I can do simple embroidery.

4. I found a nice clean white king sheet at the thrift shop for $2. If I screw it up, so what?

5. Drew a stenciled pattern on the sheet with a fabric marker. Bought tan embroidery thread so the design would show up better.

Ta DA!

p.s. An extra perk... embroidery is really relaxing. Keeps me from futzing with my heel calluses while I watch tv.

Don't have a photo of the duvet I saw, but this is close...

Here's my version... it'll look better after its ironed.

Do any of you embroider or do needle crafts for pleasure?

Linking to:
http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com

Chalkboard and Chalk Paint Projects

2011-10-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

We're invited for dinner tonight, and I wanted to bring a little housegift. Also, its a mild sunny day, perfect for pottering around in the garage with a project.

I have all sorts of bits and pieces of wood lying around, so I put together this double chalkboard with parts of an old desk, chalkboard paint, and an old chain. I scruffed up the paint surface a bit to give it an antique look, plus a monogram. Hope she likes it!

My second project was re-doing an electric light fixture that I got at the dump thrift shop for $4.00. It was originally brass and pretty dirty. But, it had such a lovely shape! I cleaned it up, removed the electrical stuff,and painted it with Annie Sloan chalk paint in Antique White. Its perfect for holding a candle. (I take the top off while its burning.)

Joining the parties over at

Country Weekend Field Bags

2011-10-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Jen at Country Weekend has the most delightful shop in the Catskills. Aren't these field bags wonderful, with their cool colors and nature theme? I highly recommend a visit to her online shop for a browse through her collection of charming, unique,and quirky treasures.

Birds in the Bedroom: Guest Post from Arcardian Lighting

2011-10-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Today’s guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Lighting is an online source for home lighting fixtures and lamps. Since they started selling decorative home lighting products nine years ago, Arcadian Lighting has become one of the top sources for home lighting products and trends.

Birds are a hot trend in design today that may be here to stay. Birds can be found in home décor as objects, patterns on wallpaper and textiles, on bed linens, and as artwork. Let's take a look at some charming examples of birds in bedroom décor.

Urban Outfitters

If you want to bring the bird trend into your bedroom but don't want to invest a lot of time or money, a duvet cover with a bird pattern is the way to go. Adding bird embellishments to existing textiles would also work.

The Old Painted Cottage

Love the bird drawn on the chalkboard painted wall above the bed. Bird wallpaper or even bird fabric hung behind the bed would look lovely.

Burke décor

Another pretty bird lamp that would make perfect light fixture for a bedside table. The black shade could easily be covered in colorful fabric or ribbon accent to brighten up the shade.

Kate and Gray

Bird fabric can make wonderful duvets, pillows, and curtains. These toile style curtains with a bird pattern are so stylish. Great in a master bedroom.

Sweet and Lovely

Birds in a child's bedroom décor are so charming. This custom stencil border is adorable and creates a whimsical style for the bedroom.

Spools Sewing

Another charming way to add birds to a kids' room or nursery is this bird mobile from Spools Sewing. Great DIY project.

Poetic Home

One of the most charming lamps ever, this is actually a repurposed birdcage. Love the bird inside and the little bird finial on top. Perfect for next to a bed.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Love the birdhouses that give a subtle nod to birds in décor. The hand painted bird near the door and the birds on the ceiling are such charming decorating ideas for a nursery.

Image credits: { 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 }

What do you think of the bird decor ideas? Come check out Arcadian Lighting for more options for your lighting or lamps!

SO CAL SOCIAL -- FABULOUS!

2011-10-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

I went to the So Cal Social yesterday in Old Orange and had the most amazing time -- it was fabulous! Our hostesses, Vivienne from The V Spot, Holly from 504 Main , and Beverly from Flamingo Toes did a knock-out job organizing the premier of this event.

About 38 of us southern California bloggers (and a few from further away) met up at the park in Old Orange and then set off on a 'swag walk' through the delightful surrounding shops. I don't want to sound like too much of a material girl, but OMG there were SO many goodies handed out! Not just the participating shops, but also a big swag bag at lunch. Raffle prizes as well (yours truly scored a gorgeous sterling silver ring...) and cupcakes!

I had a great time meeting other bloggers... what a fun mix of personalities and styles! I 'swagged' with Joni from Pop Art Minis, who posted some great pics from the day here. She's a uniquely talented artist! Our third pal was Christy from Fudge Ripple, a pastry chef with a food blog who added to the goodies with her handmade truffles. Thanks, Christy, I was doing ok on my low carb diet until I tasted one of those...and so worth it.

Old Orange overflows with cool shops and cafes: antiques, vintage clothes and accessories, books, tea shops, linens, cooking stuff...we all ended up at the Bruerie, a micro brewery where we tasted beers and enjoyed their giveaway of cheese and salami.

Then, off to the luncheon at the Filling Station where we shared a lovely patio, good food, and a ton of laughs. The guest speaker was Mark Montano, a charming crafting wizard who enjoyed the day with us and gave out copies of his new book, The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2.

You can read other participants' posts about the event,with better pictures, HERE.

Holly, Beverly, and Vivienne, you made it the best day ever... can't wait till next year!

THRIFTY CHICKENS and DUCKS

2011-09-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Just got to 'crow' (yuk yuk) about another great find at my favorite thrift shop. A wire chicken basket, for 25 cents!!

and.... unlike the sharp witted ladies at the Senior Center thrift shop in Toptown, the folks at the Blue Jay store have not caught on to the trend (promoted by Martha in a recent issue) for collecting vintage cooking pamphlets... and so I was able to score these quirky little books for a quarter each.

I especially love the "Body Building Dishes for Children" with its Bobbsey Twins tone of perky naiveity... for example, this description of a roasted duck:

'For a really hilarious dinner nothing equals this schoolmate of Donald Duck.'

OH, THE HORROR.

Partying over at

ROAD TRIP: OLYMPIC PENINSULA

2011-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

SIGH....so lovely to escape for a few days to a new place! We're back from a five day road trip to the Washington (state) Olympic Peninsula, and the northern Oregon coast. SWEET! My mind and soul were saturated by miles of quiet roads lined with deep misty forests, lakes, rustic villages, and the Pacific's quiet face.

First stop was a long delayed visit to a dear friend who'd moved to Portland. Then, on to the Olympic Peninsula and our first destination, Sequim. Home to the world's biggest lavender growing region outside of Provence. Our temporary home was a gorgeous private beach cottage. Bald eagles roosted nearby. Seagulls and foghorns. A beach for sipping cocktails and coffee.

THE SITTING AREA AT OUR SEQUIM COTTAGE

THE BEACH ACROSS THE STREET

FLOWERS AT OUR COTTAGE

EAGLES!! ROOSTING EVERYDAY ON THE TREE OUTSIDE OUR DOOR.

BEACHY DECOR IN THE COTTAGE

A NEARBY GARDEN ON THE BEACH ROAD

Of COURSE I was in lavender heaven. Visited Purple Haze farm, bought armfuls of Grosso, lavender honey, lavender soaps. As a bonus, lavender bushes were abundant on the streets of the town, and I filled my pockets with buds.

LAVENDER HAZE FARM IN SEQUIM

As expected, the seafood was fantastically fresh everywhere we ate. Local bistros offering local, organic food. Best bouillabaise EVER at this tiny dockside restaurant.

DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT IN SEQUIM -- DELICIOUS!

We took a day trip to Port Townsend and Whidbey Island. PT is a charming Victorian era town with great restaurants, shops, and flowers everywhere!

PORT TOWNSEND LIGHTHOUSE

YES, INDEED

STREET GARDEN

PT SEEN FROM THE FERRY

... on to the Oregon coast, via the western side of the Olympic Peninsula. A picnic by Crescent Lake...

a stop to buy vodka in Twilight-infamous Forks (no vampires, but some walking dead...)

an overnight stay at the Lake Quinault Lodge at the bottom of the OP... terrible room! but ok, the view was nice...

rounding up the trip at Cannon Beach Oregon. Sweet village! Flowers, my God, eveywhere. Delightful beachfront room (Schooner Cove Inn) and even got to witness a small wedding on the beach.

MAIN STREET IN CANNON BEACH

VIEW FROM OUR ROOM

Nice to be home... and ready for another journey!

DINING ROOM REVEAL

2011-09-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it! I painted the dining room set and changed the curtains, and am 98% toward my French Country 'makeover.' Just a few accessory tweaks to go...

Like everyone said, the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is wonderful. Two coats of the Antique White and it developed a flawless suede finish, not a brush mark to be seen (and that's saying something, since I'm not a good painter...) Since there is no odor, I was able to paint the table in place. I like the soft matte finish so much that I've decided not to apply the wax finish.

So, here's the before...

Here's the inspiration photo....

and here is the result!

I found this wonderful plaid at my favorite fabric store for $3.00 a yard!

and remember the rusty candelabra I considered painting? It shows up fine against the lighter drapes.

The table base as originally painted had a faint gold scroll that my husband liked, so I re-created it with a stencil.

I played with this frame forever, and finally decided to use it to display vintage menus and cafe images. Ran out of manila paper, have one frame to go...

Two of the menus are family 'heirlooms'...

a 1932 West Point Thanksgiving meal, from when my father in law was a cadet... (they had cigarettes on the menu-- sign of the times! and what is American Brick ice cream?)

and the Captain's Dinner menu from our Pacific ship crossing to the Philippines in 1952... note that we had authentic Sunkist oranges.)

To protect the originals I photocopied them onto manila paper... I may still add a mirror behind the frame to reflect more light.

I am really pleased with the results... and even have enough chalk paint left over to paint my pantry cabinets!

Paint: $50 Fabric: $20 Frame: $5.00 Artwork: Free... so total cost was $75.00!

LINKING TO:

AUTUMN INSPIRED CANDLES

2011-09-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Evenings are coming sooner... time to warm up our houses with candlelight. Here are a few nature inspired candles and candleholders with an autumn theme...

POTTERY BARN GLITTER CANDLES

ROOST CANDLES

WOVEN TWIG CANDLEHOLDERS FROM WILD WINGS COLLECTION

A fun and simple idea... this would also look good with dried peas and yellow lentils, wild rice, or nuts in the shell.

CANDLE WITH CORN IDEA FROM HOSTESS JO

Hand decorated candles by Rose Bush Designs

TWIG CANDLES FROM THE CABIN SHOP

Here's a lovely candleholder that you could probably make yourself, by attaching twigs (either natural or painted) to the outside of a glass candleholder.

CREATIVE TWIG CANDLEHOLDER BY BELLA PATINA

HOME MADE LEAF CANDLE JAR BY GINGERBREAD SNOWFLAKES

FALLEN LEAF CANDLES FROM BELLA REGALO

SQUIRREL BUTT

2011-09-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

He sat like this for quite some time as I stood at the window. Is he telling me his opinion of my failure to put out more peanuts after the chipmunks and blue jays took them all?

This is the ultimate 'lazy post' but really, I have a reveal coming up soon... started redoing the dining room yesterday, putting up the new drapes and buying the Antique White Annie Sloan paint and soft wax... should be done this week and then I will have something to post about besides disgruntled wildlife....

GOIN' TO THE SO CAL BLOG SOCIAL!

2011-09-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm excited! I'm going to the SoCal Social on October 8th in Old Town Orange! What's this? A fun get together, with a BUNCH of sponsors giving away good stuff, swag bags, a yummy luncheon, and the opportunity to meet other southern California bloggers and crafters. Hope you're going too, so we can meet in person!

Here's the link...

SO CAL SOCIAL

ANOTHER 'PAINT OR NOT?' PROJECT

2011-09-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

(I haven''t been posting many 'birdlike' things lately, so I apologize to anyone who reads my blog for that purpose... will get back to that soon, promise!)

I'm on a mission. Country French, lighter colors. My dining room is just too dark and serious....

Now, here is a room I LOVE, esp those chipper drapes!

Photo courtesy of Cote de Texas

So, I'm thinking some Annie Sloan paint, brighter curtains, maybe a lighter rug... paint the cane chairs (they were originally cream... oh well....) Sort of like this...

For over the fireplace, I have a project in mind. My latest dump thrift shop find was a wonderful chipped up french window, which I'm in the middle of cleaning up. Maybe put a mirror behind it with some stenciling on the glass panes to reflect more light... along these lines...

Photo courtesy of usawoodworks

Your thoughts?

AN UPCOMING VISIT TO THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA

2011-09-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

I am so looking forward to our next mini-vacation... a five day driving trip from Portland to the Olympic Peninsula. We'll be visiting Sequim (pronounced "Skwim") Washington, home to bald eagles, lavender fields, and beautiful mountain and water views. Maybe a future home? I still daydream about buying land and building a small exactly-how-i-want-it house with a stone terrace overlooking an acre of gardens ... a kitchen garden, an orchard, a butterfly/bird garden, a lavender and sunflower garden...

Planning a hop over to Victoria for tea and a visit to Buchart Gardens.... how divine!

Here are a few of the sights we are looking forward to...

Sequim Bay

Sequim Harbor

Sequim lavender fields

Crossing to Victoria

Buchart Gardens

We're staying here on the return trip.

????

FIND THE SWEETNESS

2011-09-02T00:02:00.000-07:00

Sweet Cassie of Primitive and Proper won my hand painted sign giveaway, and her request was something simple that would give her a smile each time she sees it (and maybe with a bird on it...) Cassie, I hope it does make you smile!

Life holds so many sweet moments, whether its the sight of a bird feeding its young,

Photo courtesy of Coral Reef Photos

or the sound of water

or a tree picked apricot

or a surprise kiss...

I don't know what our journeys here on earth are meant to signify, but certainly we have been given so many gifts of beauty. Try to notice at least one each day!

THE GUEST TOWEL DILEMNA, RESOLVED

2011-08-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

FINALLY. I've been trying to figure out where/how to display my growing collection of guest and tea towels for ages. Didn't want to clutter up my walls with all the patterns and colors, but I just hated storing them where I never see them. Yesterday I decided to go for it! but limited the display to the vintage embroidered guest towels (all inherited from Mom and mother-in-law) which have more muted tones and unified patterns.

I found a broken clothes rack at the thrift shop for 50 cents, took it apart, added another dowel and painted it. Its the perfect size for the wall space between the dining room and kitchen. ~~Put several holes in the wall~~ Hung it from two cup hooks and even my husband said it looks ok. Success!

Each towel really is a little work of art.

The towel on the left is the only non-vintage one.

TO PAINT, OR NOT TO PAINT...

2011-08-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

That is the question... found this gorgeous iron plant stand at a local design shop. This one wasn't thrifty, but now and then, a splurge is ok, right? I was drawn to its crusty rusty finish. But, that same dark finish isn't working now that its in the house. I have a perfect spot for it, but during the day it vanishes in the shadows.

So, should I paint it? If so, what color? I plan to fill the holders with a combo of white candles and plants.

So come, my creative friends, and I will lend you my ears!

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2011-08-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Random.org, I've drawn a winner for my 100th post giveaway -- Cassie of Primitive and Proper! Cassie, email me and let me know what you want your sign to say (up to 6 words will fit) and give me your mailing address, and your handpainted sign will be on its way. And thank you for following Bird/Like!

Everyone else, thank you so much for your sweet comments and for reading my blog, I will always visit you in return!

and, just a sweet picture of bathing hummingbirds, to give you a smile...

FINALLY, MY COUNTRY FRENCH CHAIRS!

2011-08-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting a country French settee in my kitchen forEVER... but have balked at the seriously 'chere' price tag... I've been keeping an eye out for rush seat chairs, but so far the ones I've seen have been flimsy, unmatched, or too plain.

And then... the neighboring village opened a new second hand store.... and there they were... four disheveled, decidedly chippy, but wonderfully shaped rush chairs. Asked the price, expected a hefty tag, but -- amazingly-- she only wanted $22 each. Be still my heart! I just needed two of them (the ones with arms) so I offered her $50 for the pair and she accepted. Amazingly, although they are solid, heavy creatures, they fit into my back seat, and off we went.

The next day I spent happily scraping, sanding, and washing them down. I left on the paint that resisted sanding, and hand whitewashed over it to let the chippiness show through. I learned that rush seats like water, so they got a nice washing up with mild detergent and then spent two sunny days drying in the driveway.

and, TAH DAH! I have an almost-settee, as French Country as can be.

p.s. The linen fabric on the credenza behind the chairs is another wonderful thrifty find! A local antique store was selling it as remnants for around $1 a yard, in several colors. As you can guess, I bought up almost every bit they had!

Linking to:

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100th POST: SOME THINGS ABOUT ME, AND A GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

It is a blogging tradition, I'm told, that when you reach your 100th post, you list 100 things about yourself. But really, I think that would be tedious for all of us! so I'll limit it to 25 things, and spend the rest of the post telling you about my GIVEAWAY, ok? So, here goes...

1. My middle name is Ellen.

2. I'm a native Californian, but grew up in the Phillippines, Taiwan, France, New York City, and Virginia.

3. I'm an only child/Army brat married to another only child/Army brat.

4. I adore lizards.

5. My husband and I are childless by choice.

6. I am most relaxed when working in the garden.

7. At age 8 I nearly drowned, and had a near death experience which gave me a strong spiritual belief.

8. I think that simple courtesy is one of the most important tools for getting along with others.

9. I love wicked dark humor.

10. I think Jon Bon Jovi is the sexiest man alive. Gorgeous and also generous.

11. I'm crazy about science fiction disaster movies.

12. My favorite junk meal is canned chili over spaghetti.

13. I really want to live in Europe again someday.

14. I used to sail on San Francisco Bay.

15. I love white blouses and never wear bright colors.

16. I am hyper-sensitive to noise and just spent a lot of money on custom earplugs.

17. I think Bridges of Madison County and its ilk are the worst books ever written.

18. I hope to leave a lot of money to animal and habitat conservation causes.

19. I have a tattoo representing my pet birds.

20. My favorite perfume is Pure Grace by Philosophy because it smells like Ivory soap.

21. I remember my dreams and falling asleep is like going to the movies for me.

22. My first job after college was interviewing men in prison to qualify them for drug rehabilitation programs.

23. I never grew wisdom teeth or half my adult molars.

24. I love the expression 'life is but a dream.'

25. I truly value the interaction I experience through blogging and if you've read this far, you're awesome!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Now, for the GIVEAWAY!
Leave me a comment and in one week I will randomly pick a name and send the winner a hand painted wooden sign with their choice of wording (up to six words.)

HELP WANTED-- WITH CONVERTING MY DINING ROOM

2011-08-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Seems like there's been a lot of chat about dining rooms lately on the blogs I visit. Is it the hint of fall, around the corner, that's making us think of gathering around the table?

I like my dining room -- I don't love it. My ideal dining room would be a combination dining/sitting/library room. ... I'm not the formal dining room type. I'd love to convert what I have now into that kind of room.

So, here is how it looks now.... its a pretty big area, and central to the house, which is why I hate to restrict it to a dining only space.

and here's the picture that I've been obsessing on...

living room design by portland interior designer Janell Beals - Isabella & Max

That room is so close to mine, even the table is the same! but I'm not sure about the placement of the loveseat. And, I've got the credenza to deal with -- I don't want to move it, but maybe reverse it so the doors open into the kitchen?

What do you think?

FLIGHTS OF FANCIFUL

2011-08-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

I've decided that we humans are more affected by our vestigal bird DNA than we suppose. Otherwise...

Why do we like decorating our homes?

And shiny things?

feeling the breezes blow through our windows...

and flying great distances?

splashing water...

This photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

Sweet morsels of jewel-like fruit,

Colorful garb...

Photo courtesy of The Pocket Stylist

and sheltering beds.

Photo courtesy of House Design Trends

There is something to be said for harking back to our primordial nesting instinct...

Photo courtesy of Busyboo

looking down on the world from a sheltered perch...

succumbing to the enticement of lush blossoms...

and falling into the quiet rhythms of nature.

If these are the pleasure of being a bird, then I am content to claim the kinship.

ENTRYWAY

2011-08-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

Rene at Cottage and Vine is hosting a new monthly party called "Room by Room". She thought it would be fun to share the rooms we are always tweaking one room at a time. Sounds like fun! Her first party will be featuring our entries. I recently re-did mine, and am happy to share the project.

BEFORE: When we moved in the entry had a shiny slippery white tile floor and a shiny golden oak door.

We changed the floor immediately to a terra cotta tile, but by the time I added our mahogany/marble antique table and whitewashed buffet, there were way too many clashing elements.

I decided the golden oak had to go, so decided to try my hand at 'pickling.' love the results! (P.S. Since my husband cringes whenever he sees me approaching something with a paint brush, I did it while he was away, and never mentioned it to him. He still hasn't noticed-- which is a good thing, I guess, since it means I didn't botch it up!)

AFTER: In addition to whitewashing the door, I also painted a formerly green pot a flat white, removed a messy coatrack, and simplified the accessories. I also added sheer drapes to set the room off (and to keep our pet bird from flying out the door...)

Here's how it looks now...

Linking to

A SEASON OF GORGEOUS FABRIC

2011-08-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

Like paint, fabric offers a wonderfully approachable (and affordable) way to add beauty to our homes. Here are just a few nature inspired prints to bring the summer inside!

Love these ethereal prints by Wooster and Prince:

SPRING

SUMMER

GARDEN

The saturated colors of these Terri Conrad prints are a perfect representation of summer's bounty...

LAKE

SUMMER

WINDSONG

The crisp cheerfulness of this print would be perfect in a breakfast nook!

SMALL TALK by Waverly

A more subtle presence of the natural world...this comes in navy and dark red, as well.

NATURAL by Terri Conrad

ANTIQUE by Chad Barrett

Cape Cod, anyone?

NAUTICAL by Veronique Charron

This fabric looks the way a fresh summer breeze feels...

COUNTRY HOUSE by Waverly

and what is summer without a rose garden?

Rose Cummings Floral Chintz

or a sweet vintage floral print...

Floral Fabric offered by Vintage Gifts on Etsy

and speaking of flowers, umm, wow!

Floral Thai Silk

Did you know that butterflies like cupcakes? What would summer be without sweet desserts?

CAMELLIA by Sweet Tooth

FIELD NOTES and CHICKEN FEEDER REVISITED

2011-07-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Love this little gift from Jen at Country Weekend -- a terrific blog about her homes in Massachussets and the Catskills, where she has a wonderful shop. She also sells great vintage stuff at her Etsy shop, Pine Cone Vintage. Thank you, Jen!

Its a chic little Field Notes notebook. So Abercrombie & Fitch, dontcha think? I'll have to get some khaki shorts with lots of pockets and straps to go with.

Remember my $3 thrift shop chicken feeder over which I made a public idiot of myself? ("Mine! MINE!) It's graduated from the garage to its first house role: table centerpiece wound with a bit of fake ivy...i'm thinking of adding clusters of battery votives as well.

BIRDS WITH HATS

2011-07-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with the whimsy of party hats on birds over at Tales From an OC Cottage.

I was immediately inspired to start a series of wooden signs of birds with hats. That's flattery, right? I also have to admit that some of the hat ideas were inspired by Kate and Will's wedding...

There are three in the series to date. The pictures are all hand painted from my imagination but the letters are stenciled... when he saw them my ~~art critic~~ husband rolled his eyes back into his head and said something with the words "too much time on your hands..." but they make me HAPPY! What do you think?

Joining the parties at

Nope, Not Too Many Birds

2011-07-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

I've met some very cool bloggers at the "Where Bloggers Create" party, including one after my own heart. At Tales From an OC Cottage there are bird projects galore! Today she is showing some delightful paper creations that she seemed to effortlessly toss off after being inspired by a photograph. Here's a sampling of what you'll find over at She Makes Too Many Birds, Doesn't She? Not as far as I'm concerned!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! I also found these gorgeous bird tags made by Kelly over at Dreaming of Vintage. Love them!

WHERE BLOGGERS CREATE 2011

2011-07-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

Karen over at My Desert Cottage is hosting a party called Where Bloggers Create. Hundreds of bloggers are inviting us to visit their 'creative spaces' and sharing stories about their work. Sounded like fun so I've signed up, and here's my story:

I grew up watching my mother sew, craft, and garden, but until I reached my fifties, I was too busy working as an attorney to do much of it myself. Then, in 2005, I took a leave of absence for family medical reasons, and after a couple of months realized that I didn't want to go back to the grind. So, I decided to make a big life change. I love gardening, so I went back to school to study horticulture, then found a job at a garden center. That led to work in its design program, which led to a certification as a Nursery Professional.... which led to my private landscape design practice. Suddenly my days were spent in a world of color, design, creativity -- amazing! Creating is addictive, my friends. I took up painting as a hobby, and then crafting.

Since we moved last year, my design practice has pretty much closed down, but I'm having fun learning to work with wood and other materials. I've started making wooden signs and refinishing furniture. You all inspire me!

So, here is where I play:

and here are a few of my creations...

painted furniture

THANK YOU fellow bloggers! for visiting, for encouraging me with your kind comments, for sharing your artistic, creative, and delightful projects and ideas!

PAINTED DRY SINK

2011-07-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

I have loved marble top dry sinks ever since my Mom bought a beautiful antique one when we lived in France. Alas, she didn't save it for me, so when I "grew up" I bought one of my own. Nothing special about it but its low price. The wood was ordinary with no detail.

HOWEVER.... having seen so many furniture transformations in blogland, I realized that it was a perfect candidate for a paint overhaul!

So the other day, it made the trip to the garage where it received a coat of primer, a coat of very pale sage green eggshell acrylic (the color looks more aqua in these pictures) and a "wash" of walnut stain for its corners. I didn't do anything to the old handle and hinges. It came out just as I hoped, with that antiquey French look. I am using this as a computer desk in my kitchen/dining area. There's a nook that's just the right size. I have other wood pieces in there and it was just too much dark material, so painting it a lighter color really brightened up the spot.

Thank you, fellow bloggers, for inspiring and teaching me!

LINKING TO and also to Sarah's paint party at Modern Country Style

BLUE JAY MORNING

2011-07-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Summer mornings! Warm enough to drink my coffee on the deck, seeing the sun sparkle on the pines and light up the basil, listening to the flickers and woodpeckers make their strange calls, the little fountain splash, and the stellar jays chatter. I bring peanuts out with me and enjoy the antics of the jays as they land, one at a time, on the table to get their share. Some are bold, some are shy, some are very crafty. I sip my coffee, smiling, and feel so blessed.

Tiny Florals With Birds on Top

2011-07-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Kat from KAT'S NATURE, created these fetching little watercolors with hand carved birds on top. Kat is a talented folk artist who specializes in bird and nature themed items, and I love her work! She has a SHOP on Etsy, and its definitely worth a visit.

GUEST POST FOR SENSE AND SIMPLICITY

2011-07-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

GRACE, from Sense and Simplicity, has invited other bloggers to guest post on her blog while she is journeying. I am delighted to be one of her guest posters!

Grace has asked her guest posters to give you three glimpses into our homes, including

The OLDEST thing in my home.
My FAVORITE MADE-OVER object.
My FAVORITE ROOM and why.

1. The oldest thing in my house: Being 'of a certain age,' my husband and I have now outlived a lot of family members and so have inherited some pretty old stuff. Not sure which is officially the oldest, but I'll show you what I consider the most unusual-- a lavishly curlicued, wildly patterned marble topped entry table that his parents bought in Germany in the 1950's.

2. My favorite 'made or made-over' item: Hmm, assuming this doesn't include a room, I think my favorite made-over item is the old breadbox I found in the attic when we moved in. It was rusted and dented, but it was the coolest breadbox I'd ever seen and I felt like a treasure hunter! I undented and painted it, polished the copper top, and added a bit of stenciling. Here it is:

3. My favorite room, and why: Close contest between the kitchen, the source of tea and cake, or the bedroom, which is the 'quiet place.' Ok, I'll say the bedroom, since peace and quiet feels SO good. Its cool colors, soft light, and cozy fireplace make it the perfect retreat.

Thank you, Grace, for the chance to contribute to your delightful blog!

xo Anne

SPLISH SPLASH-- Birdie Tea Towels

2011-07-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Some months ago I placed a back order for these adorable guest towels from Pottery Barn... and they arrived! They're made of a nice light linen with an embroidered scene of birds splashing and bathing. Sweet!!

I love tea towels. Here's another one from my collection:

Here are some others that I'm tempted to add ...

Bird Seeds Tea Towel

Peris and Corr Organic Tea Towel

Kate McRostie Handstitched Towel

Two's Company Appliqued Dish Towel

Spring Embroidered Towels

Dwell Studio for Target Kitchen Collection

Bees are good, too...

Mary Lake Thompson

DOLPHINS, MERMAIDS, TOUCAN MURAL

2011-07-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

My friend Sharon from GREAT PAINT FOR GREAT HOMES has done it again! She came up with a gorgeous handpainted mural just in time to give me something to post about. This is a custom mural featuring the client's children, who love mermaids, the beach, and toucans. The mural is even removeable, for the distant day when they tire of it. Very cool, Sharon!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, EVERYONE!!

THRIFTY TREASURES -- PERFECT DAMASK NAPKINS

2011-06-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

The monogrammed "P" must be for 'perfect" in the case of these gorgeous damask napkins that I just scored at the thrift shop. Six, for only $1.50, and not a spot on them. I don't think they'd ever been used, in fact! Even the man at the checkout was impressed by this wonderful find. I love offering large, classic white napkins at dinner parties and don't mind the special care they require. A spritz of lavender water, a nice hot iron, and they're ready to go!

linking to

JUNK CABINET REDO ADVENTURE..

2011-06-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Our dining area and kitchen are separated by a credenza. I decided to add more visual separation by putting a low bookshelf on top.

However... after looking at a zillion sites online (no furniture stores up here) I found nothing that would work. I wanted a very specific size -- no higher than 2 feet, same depth as the credenza, preferably the same width. Everything I saw was the wrong size, or made with veneer. The credenza is solid wood and beautiful and I want the additional piece to blend with it.

So, certain it would be futile, I hit the thrift shop at the dump. It's the best place for big items. And.... EUREKA! A homemade old wall cupboard, full of splinters and mouse droppings (yech!!) but exactly the right size. Plus, it was constructed of solid cedar -- no veneer! I snagged it for five dollars, loaded into the back seat with the help of a kind passerby, and hauled it into the garage/workshop.

Here's what I started with:

Now the results! I sanded it, sprayed the inside with bleach water to kill any leftover mouse germs, painted the interior with a coat of cream paint, added trim around the edges, used two stain colors to get a varied effect to blend with the credenza, and finished with two coats of amber marine varnish. And here she is...

My husband said, 'do you know that you have a shelf of all black books and a shelf of all white books? DUH. Honey, you've shared a closet with me for 23 years, this should not be any surprise...

I'm really liking how the stains matched the credenza. Beginners luck!

Found this 1920's book about Florian going abroad at the thrift shop. I removed the musty pages and filled it with a paperback, since it's just the cover I was after.

My 'cabinet of natural curiosities.' I really like the beat up character of the shelf edges.

This is the kitchen side. I painted it cream and added a pull to match the kitchen cabinets.

linking up to

COST THREE DOLLARS, FED HUNDREDS

2011-06-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

I KNOW YOU GIRLS OUT THERE WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME THING.

If you were in the thrift shop and you overheard the words "chicken feeder." And turned the corner and beheld it in all its shabby, rustic glory. You would have shrieked "OH MY GOD ITS AWESOME!" too, you know you would have!

Love how one side (obviously, the one facing the chickens) is all pecked to bits. I'm thinking of either planting it with herbs and keeping it outside, or using it to hold candles inside -- after a good spraying of bleach.

Why anyone would have given away such a treasure is beyond me....

Linking up to Flea Market Finds, Thrifty Finds This Week

NATURE BOOKS TO BEAUTIFY YOUR ROOMS

2011-06-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

Don't you love using books in your decor? I do, and I especially enjoy seeing pictures of how others are doing that. Whether its weathered books in a vintage basket...

Photo courtesy of French Pedestals and Dreams

or rows of delicious colorful cookbooks in a cozy kitchen....

Photo courtesy of La Dolce Vita

or richly filled bookshelves warming a dining room....

Photo courtesy of White and Wander

ITS ALL GORGEOUS!

So, my contribution today will be about nature and bird related books that are not only interesting, but also worthy of adorning your coffee and side tables.

This first one combines my love of birds and whimsy...

The Bedside Book of Birds

A COLLABORATION WITH NATURE by Andy Goldsworthy

I would own these next three books for the beauty of their covers alone...

FLOWER by Christopher Beane

PLATEAU LIGHT by David Meunch

ARCHIPELAGO by Littschwager and Middleton

Amazing monographs from the late 19th Century naturalist whose work still influences artists and designers to this day.

ART FORMS IN NATURE by Haeckel

Piet Oudolf is an astonishingly original landscape designer, and this book gives a glimpse into his genius...

PLANTING THE NATURAL GARDEN by Oudolf

One reviewer calls this'simply the most beautiful photography book I have seen.'

INTIMATIONS OF PARADISE by Christopher Burkett

the first time I saw a beetle under a magnifying glass, I was astounded. To see the beauty without actually having to touch the bugs, try

...

LIVING JEWELS by Poul Beckmann

and the classic coffee table book of all time...

AUDUBON'S BIRDS OF AMERICA Baby Elephant Folio

which, in its original form, is the The World's Most Expensive Book.

HAPPY BROWSING!

GUEST POST: DROUGHT TOLERANT COTTAGE GARDENS

2011-06-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Talk about shameless self promotion! I'm a bit rushed for time today so I'm borrowing from my own website, GARDENWRIGHT, which is all about my garden design work. It's planting time! and I think you might enjoy this post about how to get a lush garden without using tons of water and chemicals.

DROUGHT TOLERANT COTTAGE GARDENS

Here in California and other arid states, we're really having to watch our water. But that doesn't mean that we have to forego lush, colorful, flowery gardens! There are plenty of plants that give us lush foliage and flowers, without demanding a lot of water or work.

BASIC DESIGN TIPS FOR A DROUGHT TOLERANT COTTAGE GARDEN

I. REDUCE YOUR LAWN: Lawns are not a key feature for a cottage garden anyway, and making them smaller will give you more room for those gorgeous colorful flowers. There are three basic techniques to do this:

-- Turn the big square lawn into a small, free form shape surrounded by planting beds, or perhaps a grass path between the plants.

-- Use native grasses such as Blue Grama, Sedge, or Buffalo grass. These give a soft meadowy look, and do not need to be mowed. Once established, they need no water during the winter, and only occasional water in summer.

-- Try the new artificial lawns. This ain't your daddy's Astroturf! It looks great and although a bit pricey to install, it makes up for the cost in zero water, maintenance, and fertilizer use.

II. USE RAISED BEDS: You can edge the beds with cobbles, bricks, wood, broken pieces of concrete (a great recycling use for an old concrete driveway being torn up), or keystone. Try to match the material to the style of your house. Or, you can simply mound a few yards of good planting mix and plant in that. Add compost and a balanced organic fertilizer, and the good soil will reduce water runoff and waste. Make sure that the beds are at least three feet wide so that you can plant in three layers: high, medium, and low.

III. ADD FOCAL POINTS like birdbaths, benches, fountains, statuary, or mirrors on the wall. This is a design, rather than drought tolerant, tip.

IV. PLANT IN A 'NATURAL' STYLE, combining flowers, vegetables, shrubs, herbs, and climbing vines. Let the colors mingle and alter the heights of the plants in a non-formal way. Add tuteurs or topiary shapes to give some vertical lines, and mix in some spiky plants (flax, kangaroo paw) to contrast with the broad leaf plants.

GREAT DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS FOR THE 'COTTAGE' LOOK-- Organized by Color

PURPLE/LAVENDER/PINK

Geraldton Waxflower

Tall plants: Ceanothus, Manzanita, Waxflower

Medium : Sweet lavender, Indian Hawthorne 'Jack Evans' or 'Pink Ballerina', Penstemon, Rockrose, Gaura.

'Quasti' dwarf Spanish lavender

Gaura

Short : Rosy buckwheat, Pelargonium, Monarda, California wild Strawberry, purple Alyssum

Monarda (Bee Balm)

Rosy Buckwheat -- Attracts butterflies

BLUE

Tall: Ceanothus 'Dark Star,', Blue Juniper

Ceanothus (fragrant, attracts honeybees)

Medium: Perovskia, Salvia 'Indigo Spires', 'Waverly', or Clevelandii, Westringia 'Wynnabie Gem'

Perovskia (Russian Sage)

Salvia Waverly -- loved by hummingbirds!

Short : Scabiosa, trailing rosemary, Convolvulus groundcover, Cranesbill 'Johnson's Blue.'

Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower -- attracts butterflies)

Cranesbill

YELLOW, RED, ORANGE

Tall: Grevillea 'Long John', Bottlebrush, Cotoneaster, Arborvitae 'Aureum'

Grevillea "Long John"

Medium: Tagetes, Leonitis, Penstemon, Salvia 'greggii', Jerusalem sage

Tagetes (Mexican Marigold) Foliage smells like pineapple

Penstemon -- attracts hummingbirds

Short: Gazania, Mimulus, Lantana, Grevillea 'Golden Dragon'

Coreopsis

Mimulus

WHITE/CHARTREUSE/SILVER

Tall: Pittosporum tenufolium 'Marjorie Channon' or 'Silver Magic,' Matilija poppy, white Waxflower

Waxflower

Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon'

Medium: Westringia, dwarf fruitless Olive bush, Tansy, Morning Glory bush

Westringia

Dwarf Olive Bush

Low: Yarrow (white flower), Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost', Heuchera 'Lime Rickey,' Euphorbia 'wulfenii'

Euphorbia

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost'

' SPIKY ACCENT PLANTS

Phormium (flax), Kangaroo Paw, Sedge
Phormium 'Rainbow Queen'
Kangaroo Paw

Sedge

BURGUNDY ACCENT PLANTS

Lophomyrtus, Coprosma 'County Park Red,' Euphorbia 'Blackbird', Heuchera 'Purple Ruffles'

Lophomyrtus

Coprosma

Cordyline

Euphorbia 'Blackbird'

ADVANCE PEEK : DIVINE GUEST ROOM

2011-06-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Sharon over at Great Paint for Great Homes, whose bunny mural was in my recent Visiting Other Nests posts, is a talented artist who loves color. She's decided to challenge herself by creating a white on white guest bedroom. Her post today, Guest Bedroom Beginnings, gives a few hints of what's to come, and it looks great!

Salvaged Doors Headboard

Formerly blue lamp

Room Numbers

THRIFTY TREASURES: BIRD CAKE PLATE

2011-06-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Before I lived in the mountains, I was five minutes away in every direction from shops. TJ Maxx, Sephora, Home Goods, Nordstroms....not to mention what my friend calls "The Mother Ship" -- South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. I don't buy a lot, but I do love to wander among the eye candy.

So, earlier this week I decided to treat myself and drive 'down the hill' to our closest shopping center. My main objective was the nursery at Home Depot, where I did ~~buy a ton of plants~~ do a bit of damage. But first, I stopped in Marshalls. And, I just happened to find these adorable china dishes, perfect for serving scoops of ice cream and berries! Four dishes for $7... plus a little footed bowl with the --to me-- irresistable quality of being white with a bird on it. (Yes, put a bird on it!!)
A very satisfying outing!

SUCCUMBING TO VINTAGE...

2011-06-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

I often feel like a butterfly brain -- constantly flitting from one thing to another -- except that butterflies are purposeful in their flitting and I am simply... distractable?

The point being that, although I try to stick to my theme of bird and nature inspired decor, I'm constantly tempted to talk about unrelated things, like my garden, antique jewelry, tea parties, rusty garden decor...

So today, I'm indulging myself in one of my favorite things-- vintage eye candy! Every day, I ooh and aah at the lovely things I see on your blogs. If its weathered, creamy white, or sparkly, I crave it! I do have a few of those things myself, so today I'm going to stray from the nature theme to share them with you.

The old basket sitting above my kitchen sink

Vintage Opera Glasses owned by my Grandmother

My favorite cups

More flea market baskets. I was so jazzed to find a bee skup!

Charm Bracelet given to me at age 5, added to for each country where we lived

Old pot filled with thyme in front of a piece from a broken fountain

A favorite tureen and fragment from a bird feeder

Inherited jewelry ranging from the 1920's to the swinging 60's

I have a weakness for girly white blouses

The rhinestone pin that I gave my mother for her birthday in 1959. I remember buying it at the PX on Governor's Island in New York, and I love that she saved it all these years!

IKEA carries wonderful filmy voile drapes!

Vintage Japanese lusterware from my first forays to Ebay

Well, that's out of my system and I can go back to bird and nature theme now. Hope you enjoyed this visit to my vintagey girly side, I always enjoy seeing yours!

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WEDNESDAYS' VISITING OTHER NESTS...Bunnies and more...

2011-05-31T00:02:00.000-07:00

See, this is why I love getting comments on my blog... because it introduces me to other bloggers and I keep discovering such cool stuff! This time, it was a sweet message from Charlotta that led me to her blog, Charlotta Ward Art, Design, Decor. She creates delightfully whimsical creatures, including a lot of birds... like these:

Her art includes lots of other charming creatures, like rabbits, dragons, and hedgehogs...

This one is my favorite. Love the nesting birds!

and speaking of bunnies, I swooned when I saw this handpainted mural by Sharon, my good friend over at Great Paint for Great Homes.

This isn't a bunny, but I'm in love with this gorgeous transferware cup seen over at Cabin and Cottage

BUTLERS PANTRY UPDATED

2011-05-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted about how I turned our laundry 'pass through' into a butler's pantry. (It just sounds so nice to include the word 'butler.') Since the original post, I've redone the space, and I think I'm finally happy with it.

The 'room' is a pass through area between the garage and the kitchen. Originally, it was used for the washer and dryer. It was becoming quite the clutter collector.

This was taken before we painted the cabinets and changed the floor.

After we moved the washer and dryer, I added a shelf for all the coffee paraphenalia, the the microwave, etc... and it looked like this:

This is where the washer and dryer were.

The opposite side, above the sink.

Since then, I added a cabinet, and re-did the area over the sink. Here's how it looks now.

I painted the wall, removed the cabinet door, added another shelf, and painted the cupboard door with chalkboard paint to use for the grocery list. I nailed some cork squares double thickness to the wall for a bulletin board.

This ready-assembled cabinet from Home Depot was a cinch to install! The hardest part was fitting the box into my car (I didn't, had to wait a week for a friend to bring it over.)

Under this shelf (hidden by the linen curtain shown above) is the recycling bin, bird seed canisters, stepladder, fire extinguisher, and my rain boots.

The fabric, tiles, plywood for the shelf, and paint were all leftover from other projects. The only item I bought was the cabinet. Total makeover cost: around $100.

P.S. Since then, I replaced the shelf and curtain with a Home Depot sink cabinet, and painted all the woodwork with Annie Sloan Old White and a topcoat of cream semi-gloss. Here's how it looks now...

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