I’m pretty good at fake calligraphy {learn how here}. I even made my own font with my faux-script {get it free here}. But I’ve always wanted to learn how to write all fancy with a real calligraphy pen. And so I am taking a real class.… Continue Reading…learning calligraphy – for real this time
To all you office/computer/desk workers … this one’s for you. My computer mouse doesn’t really require a mouse pad, but after not using one for a few months, it was starting to scratch the painted surface of my desk. Option 1: sand and repaint the… Continue Reading…it’s the little things {diy mousepad}
One year in college my best friend {and roommate} made fun of me because I brought with me a few of my favorite children’s picture books. Not only did I travel with them from Seattle to LA, but I proudly displayed them on our coffee… Continue Reading…displaying books in the playroom
My best friend K.C. and I {and our seven children} took a shopping trip to IKEA yesterday. I love that it is close enough to just pop in on a random thursday morning. I hate that even on a random thursday morning the play area… Continue Reading…the love-hate relationship continues
I have a problem. It is not particularly big or of great importance, but it has bothered me for, oh, six years now. Here it is: What were our builders thinking putting all of these switches, thermostats, outlets on one wall with such random placement?… Continue Reading…a problem spot
Large chalkboard for just $25? Yes, please. That’s what we just added to our kitchen. I used a frame from Ikea {this one} and rather than having a piece of wood cut for the chalkboard, I simply used the flat side of the backer board.… Continue Reading…simple diy chalkboard
This tutorial will show you how to make your own gift tags with a free template and printable paper. You’d think since I design stationery, I’d be great at including cards with gifts. Not so much. I much prefer gift tags. They are petite, decorative… Continue Reading…diy gift tags {free template} and printable paper
{originally posted 07.11.11 but a good one to revisit} I’ve been wanting to make homemade jam for a few years, but was intimidated by the intense process of preparing the jars, boiling the liquid, timing everything just right. But last weekend my Aunt Laura eased… Continue Reading…raspberry jam + printable labels {oldie but goodie}
I can hardly contain my excitement for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. {via} First of all, the events are exciting and captivating and so much fun to watch. It doesn’t even matter if you’ve never heard of the sport – if its an olympic… Continue Reading…to London we go
loving: fresh cut hydrangeas from our yard. Especially these on my desk. reading: Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. Intriguing story, good pace, a little crass. Just finished The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom which is now my new favorite book. I could not put that… Continue Reading…currently
Saturday morning breakfasts are a tradition in our household and our most favorite of all breakfast treats are crepes {or swedish pancakes}. Thin, buttery and easy to make. FYI: I just looked up the difference between crepes and swedish pancakes and it turns out there… Continue Reading…we’re making crepes
Like many new construction homes, our front entry has a nice tall door and sidelight windows on either side. These are great for letting in natural light during the day, but not so great for privacy in the evenings. It was Ryan’s idea to hang… Continue Reading…new curtains for the entry
I have a slight love affair with ferns. Their bright, fresh color, delicate texture, slightly wild arms going every which way … they add just the right feel to my otherwise neutral rooms. {in my office} {on the front porch} {in the kitchen} {in my… Continue Reading…things I like: ferns
Summer reading is in full swing, but sometimes its hard to find a good one. Here are five of my most recent reads, all of them a different genre and all excellent in their own way. 1. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Perhaps the most captivating… Continue Reading…5 books worth reading
Once upon a time there was a plain lampshade that sat upon a thrift store lamp in the corner of my desk. It was a perfectly fine lampshade, but just so plain. And so I gave her a pretty facelift. Do you have a lampshade… Continue Reading…painted lampshade {tutorial}
