We got this plant for our garden a few weeks ago. Its called Russian Sage and has a heavenly fragrance to it. I also really like the delicate lavender colored flowers.
image: mdh
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From the category archives:
backyard
I was out all day today finally crossing off an item that has been on my to-do list FOREVER! Go see a doc. part of the “take better care of myself” new year resolution; get routine medical check-ups and stay healthy. I am terrified of needles and end up procrastinating seeing a doc until I have to. I overcame some of that fear and went for it. Mostly because it makes sense to get all this done while I have the time.
While waiting in the ridiculously SLOW lines, I was replying to emails, and blog surfing via my iphone {almost wishing I had not changed my mind about bringing the macbook} when I found photographer mark burstyn’s portfolio over at dti. Where I spend A LOT of my time : -) oh and a belated happy birthday kim. stay awesome.
Mark’s interior pictures are an instant pick-me-up. I love the composition, the styling and of course his versatility as a photographer.
Enjoy!
outdoor space decor. i am really into adding lights and lanterns when entertaining outdoors.
anyone know where this rug is from?
love this color palette and the elegance of the decor
I want this kitchen!
i have a similar pendant light waiting to be installed in my front porch. i kind of like it in the bathroom too.
doesnt glamming up closets makes all your stuff look so fabulous?
see more of mark’s work here
images: mark burstyn
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Here is a super cool DIY for your gardens. Make your own concrete spheres using designgal’s simple instructions.
Full DIY and more pictures here.
via designsponge
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Here’s a fun party decor idea that you can DIY. This “Pink Lotus Lounge” backyard party was hosted by jewelry designers {and sisters} Lori Roark and Denise Haynes-Port to celebrate a milestsone anniversary of their line LilyGirl. The decor was inspired by pink, orange and natural elements and they shopped at Ikea, Pier1 imports and World Market to get this look.
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Most of you in the blogosphere might already be following the FANTASTIC style (e)scapes over at Coco+Kelley this week. But for those of you who havent, you so have to! Style queen Cassandra has done an amazing job of compiling inspirations and resources for your outdoor spaces+ table top entertaining. Here’s a little taste…
See what I mean? See them all style (e)capes on Coco+Kelley here.
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While going through Mochatini’s archives, I came across this pic that I had posted back in Feb09.
While I like seeing Andre and Steffi together, I saved this pic because of the canopy bed by the pool. How awesome would it look in my backyard? VERY!!! They are the coziest day bed/ loungers EVER! I first came across one at a resort in Dubai and have wanted one since. They are the coziest day bed/ loungers EVER!
I created this inspiration board using the canopy bed for a glam summer party a while back. They remind me of tiny sail boats. I pictured guests enjoying lounging in them, sipping mochatinis, party chitter chatter, lanterns and fairy lights gleaming…… The idea of having several of these at our wedding reception for guests to lounge around in had crossed my mind, but I didn’t find a place that rented these in Sonoma, CA. You can view the inspiration board on polyvore.com and look for mochatini.
I saw a similar one from PB at MakingItLovely but the canopy on that isnt adjustable. Having an adjustable canopy is awesome. You can have it up for protection from the sun, and down when you want to enjoy the night sky. Then I found the Isla Outdoor Canopy Bed {the exact kind that I want} online at PatioProduction for $1600 with free shipping! Its wicker and the fabric is water resistant. yay. I have added this to the LOOOOOOONG list of items to buy when our budget allows!
PatioProductions also has one in orange, but it costs a lot more.
Have you come across this canopy bed from another vendor?
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I saw this super cool instant DIY for decks over at Chez Larsson. Two things instantly stuck out to me. The awesome awning and the flooring make the space more comfortable. Probably less leaves to sweep away too. I hope the Mr. digs, cause I really want an awning for our deck. I havent got any estimates for installing awnings but hear they are pretty steep. Any thoughts? Benita used beach mats for flooring…how clever!
While you are over at Chez Larsson, take a look at another cute DIY using leftover wallpaper.
images: Chez Larsson
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Its Friday! Only 5 more sleeps before BUENOS AIRES!!
Traveling to South America, and especially Argentina is on my list of “things-to- do-before-I-turn-30″, so I am BEYOND thrilled that we could make this trip happen. Thank you airmiles. I can hardly contain my excitement. All I can think about is the fantastic food, wine, tango, shopping, coffee shops, and the experience of being in a city like Buenos Aires. Oh the long long flight there {13+hours} doesnt not affect me one bit.
If I didnt have a zillion things to do, I would be driving up to NYC for the Domino sale tomorrow. So if you are in the city I urge you to check it out. Deets here.
While researching BA neighborhoods, I came across this modern hotel called HOME in Buenos Aires. It looks like a chic and fun place to stay.
Home is located in the neighborhood of Palermo Viejo, the creative heart and social pulse of Buenos Aires. This neighborhood has a high concentration of hip bars and restaurants catering to the dynamic crowds of fashionistas, interior designers and media moguls who live and work in the area. All of this in a typical Barrio with its old style character and cobble-stone, tree-lined streets.
Dont you like the decor of HOME? Its modern, but not overly so. Refreshing yet feels comfy like home. Tastefully done and looks so inviting. Arent the wallpapers gorgeous?
What do you think about the round white tables {Doksta series}? I have seen them around for a while, and thought they would be gone by now. But no, I see them everywhere. And I have to say, Im kind of happy they stuck around, I like their form, and I might avoid some daily injuries caused by sharp table edges. Your thoughts?
Stay tuned for BLINKS coming your way..
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Hello lovelies. Hope you had a good weekend.
Are you recharged for the week ahead? No? me too. I could so use another day or two off.
Friday, I finally put away those mountains of books and magazines. I used an old shoe rack to hang the ones that I currently need to review. Spent most of Saturday enjoying the sunshine in my backyard. My friend from NY visited and we had a nice time chatting, lounging and basking in the sun. We took a short walk to the creek, bbqd and later went to birthday party.
Sunday was mostly overcast. I didn’t go for the bike ride, but went for another walk along the creek, with Paul and the camera.
I absolutely love the different colors of leaves in this area. Where else can you see pink, purple, crimson, orange and lush green leaves on one street? And we are lucky to experience leaves changing their colors twice a year, spring and fall.
These homes are right next to the creek.
I am so jealous of the views from this sunroom.
Images by MDH and PDH, on an overcast Sunday evening in Takoma Park.
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I debated getting my outdoor furniture from mid level stores like PB, CB, and West Elm. But after weighing the pros and cons, I decided to go with the wallet friendlier option – Ikea. Ikea has some good budget options for outdoor living space. For the cost of a table at say West Elm, I bought tables, chairs, cushions, a bench, lighting and more. $$$ saved which goes towards my next vaca… big smile! Pics to come once we have it all set up.
If like me you dont want your home to look like a page from the Ikea catalog, then, you could paint the furniture with waterproof and weather resistant colors to create your own unique look. Or play with outdoor fabric options. Start with a mood board, or tear sheets from your fav magazines. Mix and match. And most important – have fun!
images: Ikea
PS: I will update this post later with product names and costs.
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5 bloggers, $500, one weekend.
5 budget outdoor living designs!!
BHG partnered with Home Depot and offered 5 home and garden bloggers the opportunity to create weekend outdoor living projects with a limited budget of $500. Throughout April, they will be blogging about the process – from inspiration to design to shopping and building. In May, BHG will post the finished projects and you can vote for your fav creative outdoor living project. The winner will receive a $5000 bonus.
What a fun and informative contest! As many of you who have ventured into outdoor living solutions know, these dream projects are not cheap. The list of wants are endless, and budgets can get seriously out of control.Not knowing where to cut corners can be stressful. Stone patio or wooden deck? solar lights or call the electrician?
I try to make almost all my furniture serve more than one purpose. For example, I am on the lookout for a long farmhouse table for my garden, that can seat about 10.
via cityflickr
A table this size serves multiple purposes for me. It will give me the space to work on my messy/ creative projects, spread magazines and have space for my macbook and drinks around. Additionally, I can host larger outdoor gatherings! While I have seen several I like, I didnt quite like the price tags. Contests like these can be useful in providing cost/design and time related information. Rest assured, I will keep you posted in the progress of the 48- hour challenge.
So lets see who these 5 lucky bloggers are -
John and Sherry. This couple’s home in Richmond, VA reminds me a bit of Paul and my home. Our house, about 70 is old enough to be my grandparent. And we are super excited about the upgrade in sq footage from our tiny apt in NY too!
I didn’t know there was another flower and garden blog out there. Dave Townsend’s informative blog needs to be on A bloom in time’s blog roll. I am really curious to see how he spends his 5 benjis.
I enjoy reading the “soon to be a mama” Nicole’s blog. Nicole spends an inordinate amout of time thinking about her house. Nicole, I’m right there with you. And she loves PINK!! wide smiles!!
Marc left his job in the biotech industry to pursue a career in woodworking, shortly after buying their first home. Two years and 100 episodes later Marc’s wood working business is doing fab.
A girl and her cottage adventures, Jen’s blog is filled with cute inspirations.
Looking forward to each of their projects and good luck!
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