Monday Inspiration: Before and After

I'm loving the before and afters on My Domicile Style--it's always inspirational to see before and after pictures that have been accomplished by folks like me. Okay, folks with a bit more style than me.

Friday Finds: Flights of Fancy

Pair of Brass Lovebirds from Fabulous Mess

There's perhaps nothing as inspirational as the image of a bird--delicate, quick, and colorful--here are some of the birds of Etsy.

Vintage Ceramic Bird Candle Holders from Black Cat Supply

Large Peacock Decor from dusty treasures

1950s Vintage Audubon Bird Print from Blasts from the Past

Vintage Bird Figurine with Green Tail from Need or Want?

Vintage Flying Bird Wall Decor from RubySue Vintage

DI-Wednesday: Cleaning the Bathtub

No doubt we've all faced the task of cleaning the bathtub at one time or another, and since I've been trying to use more natural products for housecleaning lately, I was searching for something that might take care of the grimy bathtub without my having to open a window to keep from choking. And then, eureka! It looks like I can accomplish a sparkling (and nice-smelling) tub with a grapefruit and salt! I just so happen to have a grapefruit tree out back, so I'll be trying this soon to see how it works.

Great Tucson Guide!

illustration by julia rothman

I just had to spread the word on this great guide from Design*Sponge on my hometown: Tucson! The guide ranges from dining to decorating--so many reasons to enjoy the southwest.

Tasty Tuesday: Fried Green Tomatoes

Even though I'm from the south, I've never actually had fried green tomatoes. But, our tomato plants are growing up a storm, and I've got to find some recipes to use them all up! This recipe is simple, and looks plenty tasty--can't wait to try it. Enjoy!

Monday Inspiration: Dining in Color

This great combo from design*sponge is a cheery and fresh combination of vintage modern elements--the teak chairs and the white table, coupled with the tree stencils in the background, are a perfect vignette for dining.

Friday Finds: In The Pink

Dusty Pink Swan Planter from Hello Victory

Even though it's usually gender-specific, pink is a gorgeous, warm and happy color we often associate with spring. Here are a few fabulous finds that put me in the pink.

Vintage Vanity Coral Pink Powder Box from SassyDoggs

Sexy Hollywood Regency Hot Pink Vintage Chandelier from Fabulous Mess

Vintage Vase Depression Glass from Aesthetikara

Stanford Pottery Planter from Vintage Vertigo

Pink Peach Resin Angel Fish from Cluttered Mind

Great Site for Low Water Landscaping

The Joshua Basin Water District site is a real find if you're into a water-smart garden, and, like me, are landscape planning challenged. The site has five landscaping plans, complete with placement guides and a list of low water plants.

DI-Wednesday: Rustic Modern Bench

I'm all about the simplicity of recycled materials in this project--just a plank of wood and a set of hairpin legs are all that separate you from a glorious rustic modern bench.

Tasty Tuesday: Strawberry Lemonade

Summer's here, and I've got a hankering for a nice glass of lemonade--with this recipe for strawberry lemonade, the strawberry adds a lovely sweet tartness to the average glass. Enjoy!

Monday Inspiration: Tiered Garden Stock Tanks

I love the mod-industrial look of stock tanks for gardening, but I'm ashamed to say I've never thought of this great idea for a tiered garden. The stock tanks have been cut to create overlapping circles and multi-layered planting beds. Genius!

Friday Finds: Green Green

Extra Large Sand Cast Glass Ashtray from TheLovelys

With gardening in my very near future, I've got green on my mind--here are some lovely Etsy finds celebrating the most vibrant of nature's colors, kept all the more vibrant by reusing fabulous vintage finds!

Vintage Emerald Green Round Seltzer Bottle from August Vintage

MEOW Vintage Silkscreen from Vintage Pickle

Vintage Sonette Salt and Pepper Shakers from The Sunday Times Market

Vintage Green Planter from Green & Pretty Vintage

Vintage Atomic Modern Avocado Platter from August Vintage

Neat Whatzit: Hold On Tight

This sliding square and wing nut combo keep your books where you need them, with a hint of modern flair. The simplicity of this is remarkable--the real thing is beautiful, but I think this could be duplicated by the more handy amongst us (though, it might not be as pretty).

Di-Wednesday: Creating a Garden Path

In my ever-present daydreaming on the perfect garden, I think of having circular pathways meandering around the backyard, giving me time to admire the kitchen garden, the citrus trees, and the variety of cacti. Here's a great and easy garden path DIY from Sunset--nothing too fancy or difficult, but with a spectacular result.

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken Marsala

This tasty dish often seems complex, but, as with most delicious things, it's a simple blend of flavors that makes chicken marsala so melt-in-your-mouth.

Monday Inspiration: Vintage Office Storage

I love any creative use of vintage storage solutions, so this office is a no-brainer! The gooseneck lighting and the wall mounted storage provides full use of the workspace below.

Making a Dog-Friendly Yard

I've got gardening on the brain, and there's no better focus for that than our roughed-up backyard--the main living space of our slightly destructive dog. I'd love to do something that we could all enjoy, and that could remain intact (for the most part) despite interference from our landscaper of a pup. Sunset has some great ideas for dog (and people) friendly spaces.

DI-Wednesday: Beet Print Cards

Remember when your mother's day gifts were simple items, constructed with crayons, blunted scissors and love? Well, there's no reason to stop the tradition--but your DIY gift can be far more sophisticated, now that hand-eye coordination isn't a problem. Take these simple beet-print cards--elegant and unique--just like mom!

Tasty Tuesday: Cuban Pork

The approaching summer always has me thinking about Latin food, for some reason--perhaps it's my love of garlic, smoky spices and margaritas that does it, but whatever it is, this Cuban pork recipe is perfect for it! Enjoy!

Monday Inspiration: Vintage Cool

I just love the vintage flea-market feel of this "small cool" place in Hong Kong--a wonderful blend of finds makes the space feel like there's a story to tell.