Painted Candlesticks ~

DIY Paint | Inspiration

 

I recently picked up these bad boys.

Yep, that is wax melted all over that shiney wood- awesome!

I took them apart and diligently picked and sanded my way to the original wood. Luckily they came apart super easily. 

I then took them to my spray paint room (aka the side yard) and doused them with a little Rustoleum Heirloom White. My Mom then graciously sanded away until these lovelies appeared. 

Love them!

 

Linked to:

The Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming
Tickled Pink at 504 Main

Paper Mache Love ~

A Little Creative | Inspiration

I have been playing around with a few paper mache pieces I picked up - I have got to say, I simply love projects with no reason, no pre-planned notions, just gettin' creative with it!

Pulling out the paint. 

Pulling out the brushes.

Truly having fun.

 Smiles.

What have you been up to lately?

Last Minute Teacher Gifts ~

Teacher Gift | Inspiration

I am usually much better at time and preparation - but clearly not this time! So today is my kiddos last day of school which meant yesterday I was off to find teacher gifts...last minute teacher gifts. 

I am all for gifts that they can use or truly enjoy - and who doesn't love flowers? Right?

I picked up these lovely orchids (the kiddos helped pick them out) at my local grocery store (QFC) and was lucky enough to have the fabulous florist supply tissue paper, boxes and card sticks. 

I simply printed out a personal tag, double stick taped it to a little hot pink paper, added a ribbon and bang - personalized last minute teacher gifts!

I got the idea for the cute sayings from Delightful Order. My kiddos have four teachers so it was perfect: Grow, Blossom, Flourish and Thrive. And yes, they definitely all played a part!

A simple thank you to show our immense appreciation to our teachers. 

In case you are in disbelief that the end of the school year is here and you too are going to be last minute, this would also be great with any potted plant or flower bouquet.

Thank you teachers for all that you do throughout the year!

Amazon Fresh - I Love You ~

You all must know at this point how much I LOVE Amazon (yes Amazon, you are my favorite), well today I finally got my first Amazon Fresh delivery! 

 

I know, I know - I should have done this months ago, but last night I was able to sit and virtually shop. 

And this morning, bright eyed (stumbling for coffee) as we walked downstairs, guess what was sitting on my porch smiling back at me? Yep, my happy blue and green Amazon Fresh containers filled with goodies...well groceries.

And to top off my fabulous experience, I received these lovely flowers to make my morning extra special. 

Flowers from my hubby, a secret admirer or my Amazon Fresh delivery person - hey, in the morning it is all the same, I got flowers and I was happy!

I want you to know I was not contacted my Amazon Fresh, nor did I receive any compensation for this post - I just wanted to share my lovely experience with you.

It was easy, everything looks fresh and I think my kiddos thought we had won the lottery! And the best part, my grocery shopping is done, and we haven't even left the house - that my friend is priceless.

Veggie Garden in a Container ~

Summer Garden | Inspiration

The lovely sun finally peaked out this past weekend and I was able to start some of our Spring planting (yes, I know it is almost Summer...I blame it all on the sun). If you are short on space, or like me, just haven't designated a "space" for you veggies - how about growing them in a container? 

Here are a few photos inspiring container gardens just in case you have waited as long as I have to get planting!

images: 1. sunset.com, 2-5 bhg.com, 6. hgtv.com

Upcycled Bottle ~

DIY Upcycling | Inspiration

My darling hubby was sad when we ran out of one of his favorite balsamic vinegars last night, but I was delighted! As I was about to recycle the bottle, I realized...I could "upcycle" that baby! I have been working on a few bottles for an upcoming show, so I had bottles on my mind.

Here is the before:

And after a little cleaning.

Are you ready???

Amazing right? Oh, and I am lovin' that fabulous lion.

And then I pulled out a few "pieces" from my ever-growing stash. 

The options are endless.

Linked to:
Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest

Words to Live By ~

via sweet + lovely things

Color Me Happy ~

I recently purchased a new set of Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils. 

This set runs around $180, but I got mine for $90 from Ebay - thank you Ebay!! I decided they needed to be out of their box and easily accessible.

So I grabbed whatever glassware I had handy. And let the color coordinating begin - the kiddos enjoyed helping me "sort" all of the colors. 

I have got to say, colored pencils (really any art supply for that matter) really makes me smile. 

I love all of the colors...just waiting to create. 

I realize that the computer is now one of the most popular "mediums", but I still love the old fashion pen to paper. 

How about you, is there a specific art supply that makes you smile?

Al Fresco Dining ~

Entertaining | Summer Inspiration

Today I am dreaming of al fresco dining. I just love it when the air is still warm at night (dear sun, we miss you), the bbq is fired up, some yummy wine is uncorked and sitting around the table with friends and family...ah! And as always, the more the merrier.

It makes me smile. 

  

Here are a few photos that do the same. 

I love the casual elegance and rustic touches.  

images: house beautiful, christopher baker, homes and gardens, house beautiful, unknown

How about you? Do you dine al fresco when you can?

We have more rain in our forecast, but a girl can dream right?

Goodwill Finds ~

I have got to say, it has been way to long since I have seen my local Goodwill store - oh, how I missed you so!

Here are a few of our latest finds:

 We were really lovin' the tarnished silver and fun glass pieces. Oh, and that wood pillar, I feel a little spray painting coming on!

Stylish Finds ~

So we are officially back from vacation and adjusted back to our normal day-to-day activities...do you ever feel like you need an mini vacation after returning from vacation? That whole unpacking and readjusting phase...ah, time for a glass of vino!

While on our fabulous vacation, I sneaked into Anthropologie and spotted these fabulous Homegrown Monogram Mugs - $8 each.

I instantly feel in love with the fun whimsical patterns. And upon picking them up, they are an ideal weight and they feel perfect in my hands. I had to hold myself back from buying them right on the spot.

I hope you are all having a Happy Monday and are ready to take on the week!

Much Needed Vacation ~

via gingerella

So my darling hubby and I decided to surprise the kiddos with a 10 day vacation in Palm Springs! Of course, we have booked this bad boy weeks ago, it was exciting for all of us to hop on the plane - especially since the kids thought we were off to run errands. The look on this kiddos faces were priceless! And tomorrow we are surprising them with 2 days at Disneyland...I can't wait to hear the screams of joy (at 6am)!

I am off to play in the pool with the kiddos, get engrossed in a fabulous book and completly live in the moment...in 100 degree weather!

I hope you are all having a wonderful day!