Unfussy Fussiness

Last winter it was hard to imagine the garden would EVER return to a warm place bursting with bright, cheery flowers, playing host to slow, easy moments. But God keeps his promises and everything is born anew. He also knew that by giving us winter, spring is so much more pleasant! Below are the images from my winter garden post - - though I find even this barren landscape to be brimming with beauty. . .

As the months have passed, the peacefulness of winter melted into the renewal of spring . . .

And the renewal of spring gave way to the flip flops of summer . . .

Behind the small vegetable garden, a glimpse of a future Met Monday post - - the potting shed currently under construction.

Let's see that metamorphosis one more time.
From this

to this

From this

to this

From this

to this

Linking to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch Met Monday. Just click on the picture to visit Susan's blog and see the other great posts.

Thanks Susan!

Monday, June 21, 2010

My Five Favorites a/k/a Presentation Aids

Okay girls, gotta admit I'd NEVER go away for the weekend with only five products. Otherwise, I'm sure I'd be mistaken for someone who needs medical attention. But, to facilitate the baseline - - I-am-breathing-and-not-in-need-of-intervention - - look to greet the rest of humanity (even my cat appreciates it), below are the five products I could not exist without. For the record, I am also very ~~cheap~~ frugal. As I always say, there is no status in overpaying; stupidity maybe, but no status. So, I've found things that work and I stick with them. Believe me I've tried the department store brands and maybe there are new things out there that could transform my aging face, but my regimen seems to be working - - I even get the occasional "your skin looks so young" comment. Though the ultimate compliment "may I see your i.d.?" hasn't been tossed my direction in ~~months~~ years. Nonetheless, I'm happy with the following and even more happy that I'm not overpaying for things I use every day and can save my pennies to really indulge in the occasional girlfriend pampering weekend - - pedicures, massages, spa treatements, lots of wine . . . . ahhhh, I'm going to my happy place.

Available at all fine retailers (Wal-mart), this little Rimmel eyebrow pencil can double as an eyeliner in a pinch and the brush on the end helps soften things up. Without my eyes on I might as well give it up. If I could only make up one feature, it would be my eyes and I can get a lot of mileage out of this product for about $7.

I've never had naturally good hair. It's fine, limp and fuzzy if no product is applied. Suave's gel is inexpensive and let's me tell my hair where to go. It's not the only product I use on a daily basis but complying with the challenge here, it would be the one to go with if I could only pack five.

A razor, any brand. Those of you of also of Italian descent know what I mean - - a day without a razor would mean stay away from anything Velcro.

Oil of Olay Daily Beauty Fluid SPF 15 or the Wal-mart Equate version. Either are perfect for slathering all over face and neck before putting on foundation. At night I use a thicker version without the SPF, but when traveling one bottle is great for twice a day and at the low price of about $5.97 for the Equate bottle, I can use it as a sunscreen on my shoulders, arms and hands when I feel like I need a little extra protection (daily).

And finally, my own personal fountain of youth. I've used the Buf Puf since a dermatologist recommended it for deeper cleaning in my teenage years (decades ago). I use it twice a day every day without fail. I'm one of those who cannot, under any circumstances, sleep in make-up. Just can't do it. The Buf Puf is my wash cloth and it provides a gentle exfoliation every day. I am convinced it is the reason I get so many compliments on my skin (cause it's not genetic - -no offense to the gene donors on either side). I've never used expensive cleansers, exfoliators, masks, etc., just a Buf Puf and Dove soap (switched to Dove in my late 30s from Safeguard the dermatologist recommended for teenage skin). I've read that the reason men have smoother face skin than women as they age is because of the constant exfoliation from shaving. If that is true, it makes sense that a daily Buf Puf could provide the same results. In any event, I now order these little guys (about $4) in bulk from Amazon since my three tweens are starting to pay attention to skin care and because I'm constantly worried they are going to stop making them. I keep one in the shower and one in my travel soap dish which travels, but also lives under the sink so they are both within reach morning and night.

There you have it. Hope you try at least the Buf Puf!

Thanks to Rene at Cottage and Vine http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/ for a GREAT idea for a Linky Party!

Monday, April 5, 2010

The Glory of Easter allows Hope to Blossom

Easter tablescaping in a red dining room can be tricky . . .

but my Blue Willow, which is at ease in any season, takes on the challenge.

making a graceful entrance,

to create a comfortable, understated,

family-friendly,

Easter breakfast.

(Guess you noticed I changed the vase holding the forsythia to my $1.50 thrifted bunny pitcher half-way through the pics. That's what happens when one finds treasures in the off-season and nearly forgets them when the moment of their big reveal arrives.)

I liked the way the blue willow and Mr. Rabbit on the mantle were peeking through the forsythia. The yellow forsythia also corresponds to the yellow salad plate layer in the tablesetting. (Does one really use salad plates for breakfast? Yes, if it completes the tablescape, one does. Though I'm sure you seasoned tablescapers know what to call the plate layer during the breakfast meal.)

Not to be outdone by the blue willow, the daffodils and the hyacinth stepped into the spotlight outside on Easter morning as well.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Rolling out the Green Carpet!

I'm Irish at heart on St. Patrick's day, but I can't lie; to me this is better than finding a four-leaf clover!

It's practically a pot of gold.

My spirit is renewed.

May the luck of the Irish be with ye.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Paint Metamorphosis - From Bare to There (Click pics to enlarge)

I'm so sorry if you've seen this post at other recent linky parties. But, I couldn't pass this one up since Layla is the one who introduced me to Sherwin Williams Rice Grain, which eventually ended up on a lot of walls here in blogland, including my kitchen below.

When we built our home I had several of the walls just left builder white so I could take my time, get used to the house - - its moods, our moods, how the holidays would change things, how lighting at certain times of the year would change, and then decide what colors we might like best.

After taking five years, I decided it was time. THANKS TO LAYLA at The Lettered Cottage who blogged about Sherwin Williams Rice Grain. She found the color we knew immediately would work in our kitchen. See below.

A better indication of its true color and true metamorphosis is evident in the next two pictures. Seems subtle I know, but it's a HUGE difference to me. No more stark white builder's paint. It has really warmed up the space.

Hard to even detect a door before (of course the night vs. day shot helps.)

A couple more shots of the kitchen. To see how it really makes the white cabinets pop, just click on a picture to enlarge.

From the family room looking into the kitchen.

The family room.

. . . and rounding the corner, one final image of the family room. I had one wall already painted dark brown and left it. Thought it might detract from the traditional feel I was going for, but I like it. Plus the electric cords that would jump out against a lighter wall blend with the dark wall behind them. I'm really pleased with the look, but keep thinking a yellow accent rug or an animal print chair in front of the fake tree or at least something else on the brown wall would make a nice addition, but I have seriously tapped all my creative juices. I'm thinking some kind of window treatment would help soften the edges too but can't take the plunge. I'm really a less-is-more decorator and am feeling like my spaces are filled up.

And a little table I painted blue. Wish I had a before pic. I used about a tablespoon of blue paint, mixed it with water and let my 10 year old paint it with a foam brush while wiping with a cloth. Love the way it turned out. It was a fun way to repeat the blues in the blue willow and blue transferware displayed. I'm planning to distress the corners and drawer a little more.