Things I Love Today: Ivy on Anything!

I have always loved ivy. Maybe because the house I grew up in had ivy growing on one side. I just think it makes a house look alive and almost mysterious. These pictures were of course taken in Ireland, all in County Offaly (same as the last post) where my better half is from:)

Color Combos: Irish Exteriors

I love the bright paint colors in Irish towns, they are so cheerful and inviting. American exteriors seem so boring in comparison (white, beige, gray). Think we could all use some color!!!!

Says It All: Back from The Emerald Isle

More to come, once the jet-lag settles!

New Use for: Rectangular Basket

For a quick and cheap side table, flip over a rectangular basket you can basically get anywhere, place something you like on top (I have a embroidered placemat, but you could use art, photos, cool wallpaper, etc.), put glass or plexi over it and voila, a smooth surface with character!

Side Note: My next project is that lamp- stay tuned....

Quick Project: Deck Decor

Why not hang art on the outside of your house? We count our deck as a room- we eat outside and hangout there constantly so why not jazz it up! Just make sure to not hang your Rothko and Pollock's where they will get too wet! You can get extremley cheap art at any of my favs: TJ's, Homegoods, etc. Just make sure to get canvas or even some of the metal art works well too- you just might want to spray some sealer on top!

Idea Gallery: Cool & Comfortable Family Room

Image Via Coastal Living

I love the setup, color combo, and vibe of this room (and the view doesn't hurt). The ottomans and couches around the coffee table invite conversation or a music session. The beachy shades of turquoise, periwinkle, and bluey-grays mix beautifully with shades of brown, tan, and white. The straw rug as wall art is unexpected, and the casual fabric lanterns are modern but still organic.

Finds: Glass Beverage Dispenser

Image Via My Home Ideas

I found one very similar to this at Homegoods. I am excited to fill it with a festive drink- I am thinking White Sangria. Such a good idea for a outdoor party, keeps all the bugs out & I love the mason jar glasses too.

Just in Time for Summer: Tom's Shoes Wedges

I love Toms shoes, and now in a cute and comfy wedge- I am in! They have several fun colors- but I am digging the orange! The best part is every pair of Toms shoes you buy, they donate a pair to a child in need. Need I say more!

How Hard Would It Be...Garden Trellis

Image Via Canadian House & Home

How hard would this be? It looks like a fairly simple construction. Love the vines climbing up and the privacy it creates...oh, carpenter hubby...!

Color Combos: Hamptoms Living Room

Image Via Elle Decor

I thought this color combination was so fresh and unique. The taupe walls with accents of fushia, red, yellow and browns look unexpectedly fluid. I love the mix of patterns and the fun and functional accent furniture. That large ottoman pulls it all together.

DIY: Framed Ferns

Pressing ferns [leaves/grasses]:

1. Choose fresh ferns with good color & all fronds intact.

2. Cut stems as long as possible.

3. Press ferns in between sheets of newspaper or lg magazine pages by placing fern or leaf flat on the newspaper/magazine page and carefully covering it with a few blank pages. Be sure that it is flattened and not overlapping. But really---little imperfections only add to the natural appeal.

4. Weight with a heavy book and allow to press for at least a week.

5. Carefully remove pages to check - you want the fern/leaf to be flattened. Trim the stem to fit your frame, if necessary. You can center one or arrange a collection.

6. Ready to frame. Floating frames work well, as you are basically sandwiching the leaf between the sheets of glass. Large poster type frames also work well, but you'll need to stick the leaf on a good quality paper before framing.

7. Hang and Enjoy!

Things I Love Today: Console Areas

Image via Coastal Living

I love a cool console area. I really want one in the corner of our living room but I think the space is too tight. Love the collection of pots underneath the carved table and the driftwood mirror is to die for.

Idea Gallery: Herb Window Box

I put up window boxes on our shed at first to just make it look nicer- but after thinking about it, it turned out to be a great place for my herbs and some veggies. This spot is very sunny so I planted green beans, greek cilantro, rosemary, parsley, and some marigolds for color. The best part is no bunnies munching on my crop and it looks really pretty!

Before and After- Master Bedroom

Before:

After(s):

It is amazing what accessories (pillows, throws, cushions), window treatments, a rug, and some wall decor can do!

In The Garden: Faux Stone Border Edge

So we dug up our flowerbeds and planted deer resistant plants (minus the hostas) and flowers in them (I did my research!) I found faux stone edging at Kmart on sale and I was really happy surprised by them- they are easy to install (they all link together) and I think it really looks nice (and will not destroy our lawn mower)!

Here is another view from the deck- check out my peonies. They make me so happy- I know I'm a nerd!

And here is the edging we did on the other side of the garden. Those are all lilies and they are ready to pop-can't wait to see them in full bloom!