A Summer Getaway

I don't think you can ever underestimate the need for a change of scenery every once in a while. For me, crystal blue water and swaying palm trees does the trick every time!

Last year Marc and I flew to the Conch Republic - or Key West for those you who have never been. It was an amazing week that I still think on very fondly. The weather was amazing, the ocean breezes so fine, and the resort, food and shopping spectacular.

It is so easy to get around the island on foot or by bike. We rented beach bikes for the week and used them to go everywhere. There was so much to do and see. The architecture, gardens, and lush vegetation were simply amazing.

One interesting oddity was all of the wild chickens running around all over the island. They are very tame and protected by law. There were chickens, roosters and chicks all over the place. It made it a little difficult to order the chicken sandwich at the many open air cafes and restaurants that dot the island, but we did anyway! There was a lighthouse, amazing sunsets on the one and only Mallory Square where there is a sunset party every evening with jugglers, magicians, musicians, and more! The food was delicious, fresh and plentiful. The thing I remember the most were the beautiful evenings with the cool breezes. There is nothing like riding your bike down Duval Street at night and taking in all of the sounds, sights and smells.

If you ever get the chance to visit Key West, do it! It is a little slice of paradise!

New Way To "Handle It!"

Are you looking for a unique drawer or cabinet pull that is really different? During our kitchen re-do we used old spoons found at an antiques / junk shop. This is a very easy and decorative way to add a practical and whimsical look to your cabinets.

Depending on the design of the spoons you may want to drill a small hole in one or two places in the spoon. Bend the spoon outward as shown so as to create a handle shape. Attach to your cabinets with small round head screws and you are done!

Everyone who comes into our kitchen is instantly drawn to these pulls. We experimented with knives and forks but liked the look of the spoons better. Don't be afraid to mix and match the spoons for a collected look. It's these kind of details that make your house a home and a personal statement!

This cute little chair was found at a back yard sale for $2.00. The lonely little fellow was an orphan with no mate, and I whisked it away in the back of my truck. 

I had been wanting to try my hand at decorative painting and this find seemed to scream to be painted. The seat is nice and flat and the perfect canvas for a cute paint job.

First I painted the chair a cheery robin's egg blue. Next I took a paper dessert-sized plate and centered it on the seat, tracing around its edges with a pencil so as to create the rounded shape I wanted. I sketched in the nest and eggs and began painting, using the paper plate as my artists palate. The nest was painted using a brown, black, and creme colored paint. I mixed them on the plate to create a multitude of shades of brown. I painted the eggs in the same robin's egg blue that I used for the chair.

The secret to this kind of painting is too take your time and shade so that the nest looks real. Darker brown paint around the eggs really makes them look like they are nestled down in the twigs and straw. The nest is lighter around the edge where the light would naturally hit it. I finished the chair by lightly distressing it with sandpaper (yes, also over the nest as well!) and applied a coat of clear wax.

I was very happy with the results and sold the cute chair the next day in the shop!

World Traveler

Do you dream of traveling the world? Bring a global viewpoint to your room with a unique decoupage treatment on the drawers of an old chest of drawers. Here we painted the body of the chest a nice satin black and then distressed. Next we decoupaged an old map on the front of the drawers. A little help from the sandpaper and a light hand helped to distress the drawers. We swapped out the old ugly handles for pieces of rope which were knotted inside of the drawer so they hold in place nicely. Top the piece with an old vintage globe and tada! Amazing awsomeness!!