DI-Wednesday: Steampunk Light Plates

On my continuing foray into steampunk, I found this fantastic DIY for creating one of a kind metal switchplates. The creator here uses small metal gears, but you could easily modify the method to fit your style.

Tasty Tuesday: Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

I've got a bunch of ripe bananas that have a date with my blender. Here's a great, simple and filling recipe for a peanut butter and banana smoothie, when you're tired of the same old thing. Enjoy!

Monday Inspiration: Steampunk

There's something glorious about steampunk--the elegant Victorian clutter coupled with the emergence of darker, industrial pieces just works. My leanings are decidedly mid century modern, but the hubby is looking into a steampunk office for himself--so I'm looking for ideas. Here's a den in the steampunk style--love the cluttered order of it.

Friday Finds: Americana

Thomas Jefferson Bookends from Oh Me Oh My Treasure's

With the world cup in full swing, and the 4th of July around the corner, it's time for some good-ol' vintage Americana!

Vintage Antique Red and White Enamelware from Behind the Screen Door

Vintage Eagle Brass Flagpole Topper from 7:BC

Two Vintage Ball Aqua Jars from Callooh Callay

Vintage Cast Iron Cornbread Mold from The Gilded Zebra

Vintage Americana Brown and White Print Pyrex Bowl from Pen and Pencil

Great Site: The CSI Project

Here's a great site for the craft-loving, but unfocused, like myself: The CSI Project. CSI stands for craft, share, inspire--and it does just that, with crafting challenges and nifty, inexpensive ideas for the home--you can even win prizes!

DI-Wednesday: Citronella Candles

As much as I like gardening, it would be so much better if it weren't for the bug (especially the mosquitoes, who somehow manage to find me in the desert). Citronella candles seem more attractive than a smelly bug spray, but they've never been effective. Turns out that might be because the ones I've gotten don't actually contain citronella oils. Here's a great DIY to make sure you end up with the real thing from now on.

Tasty Tuesday: Grilled Zucchini and Tomato Salad

This simple, fresh recipe for Grilled Zucchini and Grape Tomato salad is great for a summer treat, and an escape from the usual salad--and with a pile of fresh tomatoes at home, I'll be trying this tonight!

Monday Inspiration: Backyard Vignette

I just love this cozy backyard vignette--chairs, plants, a path--even a fountain, all in a small space!

Friday Finds: Have a Seat!

Vintage Retro Children's Rocking Chair from Pour Toujours

It's summer, and it's time for a little bit of relaxation! To that end, here are a few choice places to set for a spell.

Vintage Industrial Stool from Me & Mike

Vintage Herman Miller Eames Armchair Rocker from CoMod Classics

Red Lucite and Chrome Chair from Mint Home

1960s Mid Century Modern COSCO Booster Chair from ModSwirls

Vintage 1950s Metal Motel Lawn Chairs from 7:BC

Great Site: OlioBoard

Moodboard from bmoreguy

Here's another great site for pulling your ideas together. OlioBoard is a mood board tool that has a library of items from a variety of stores (from Ikea to West Elm), even including accent items like pillows and art. Just drag and drop and you're good to go!

DI-Wednesday: Discover Your Style

Style quizzes abound lately, and they can be a great way to find out exactly what your style is, if you find that like myself, you are drawn to any number of things that don't quite go together. According to the variety of quizzes, I am Modern Original, Vintage Modern, Metro and Country Classic. You can find these quizzes here, here, here and here.

Monday Inspiration: Sunset Garden

As you can imagine, I'm drooling over this western garden...it looks so lush and effortless--it must have taken a lot of work!

Friday Finds: Pitcher This!

Check out this lovely collection of pitchers gathered by BethBoudin (including one from yours truly!). Perfect for lemonade or sangria!

Great Idea: Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme looks like a great plant to give stepping stones a 'lived in' look, while adding fragrant breezes to the garden. I love the versatility as well--you could easily find it in a country or modern garden.

DI-Wednesday: Mod Ceiling Lampshade

Here's a DIY that will give you an expensive look for less: a lovely drum shade for your ceiling light fixture. A few materials and a few bucks (no wiring required) gets you a great look, courtesy of Young House Love.

Tasty Tuesday: Quick and Easy Yogurt Cake

Here's a wonderful recipe for a tangy French yogurt cake, that looks to be the perfect compliment to summer berries. Enjoy!

Monday Inspiration: Retro Bathroom Remodel

Talk about inspiration! This great post from Retro Renovation shows a great bathroom remodel in keeping with the retro style of the house.

Great Site: Ikea Family Live

I often look at catalogues and wonder, 'how did they do that'? Everything is subtly matched and elegantly disheveled. That's why I love this site, Ikea Family Live. It shows us how real people (just like us) decorate and use their spaces, and makes me feel a little better about being a little disjointed from time to time.

DI-Wednesday: Photo Collections

This is a great idea for displaying your collections if you don't have a lot of space (or want to see them in every room!). Pull together a photo collage of your treasures--you can even use a photo editing software for added affect. Great, simple and inexpensive--the trifecta!

Tasty Tuesday: Heirloom Tomato Salad

I'm still looking to use up my tasty tomato harvest, and here's a simple summer salad that's just perfect. Reminiscent of bruschetta, but with a fresh pop of mint, and the make-ahead, no-cook advantage that works wonderfully with summer parties. Enjoy!