DIY: Coppertop Penny Table

What You Need: A table that is damaged and/or boring, a lot of pennies (depending on size), fast drying poly, and a sponge brush.

What's The Process: Paint layers of poly and add pennies to sticky surface. Allow to dry and then coat with 2 layers of Poly to create a glassy & even surface.

What You Get: A converation piece for people not "made of money" (pun intended!).

How Hard Would It Be: Flower Chandelier

I am digging this chandelier I spotting this weekend. I think this is very doable: fabric and pretty silk flowers and voila!!!

Before and After- Earring Holder

Before:
Wood with an old window screen. Did the trick but wasn't so pretty.

After:
I spray painted the frame crackled white and hot glued an open weave lace to the back. It really makes it lighter and more girly!

Idea Gallery: Window Treatment

I love this idea for a window treatment I found in a home design store in Croton-on-Hudson. The wooden piece is a great way to provide some privacy and visual interest, all while letting the sun shine in.

Finds: One of A Kind Sculpture

I fell in love with this guy yesterday. A hand-painted & signed antique parrot sculpture from Spain. This picture does not do it justice. I found it at Rezidenzia in Dobbs Ferry, the place is amazing and the owner is so nice and great to talk to. She is rare in that she is a collector and only has things in her store that she truly loves. When I told her I just had to have it, she needed a moment to say goodbye, a good sign in a shop to me. Everytime I see it- it just makes me happy.

Dreaming of... Amazing Pools!

Is this heaven? No, it is Northern California, at a home that I think is my version of heaven. Vineyard, check. Infinity pool, check. Amazing weather, check.

Dear New York weather gods- could we have a day with a high under 89?!

Progress: Sprucing Up the Hallway

So the hallway has been a work in progress. Still need to put up the chair rail, but in the mean time I have been sprucing it up with some art(mirror $20 at Homegoods) and accessories. Check out my grandfather's wooden skiis! How cool are they?! Stay tuned for an official Before and After...

How Hard Would It Be: Outdoor Shower

While I have far from this view to work with, I do have a fairly private yard and love the idea of an outdoor shower. This one from Restoration Hardware and uses your outdoor hose. This item is apparently a hot commodity as they are completely sold out, but by looking at it- the construction and plumbing are pretty simple (when your hubby is a carpenter). Do you hear the wheels churning and see my husbands eyes rolling?

Things I Love Today: Fun & Inviting Laundry Room

Image via Coastal Living

Making laundry fun in so many ways! The shell chandelier is awesome, the rustic island for folding, the painted green middle cabinet for pop, the vintage sink with striped skirt, the bright art as a backsplash. Love!!

Idea Gallery: Antique Mirror Display

This is my mirror wall in the bathroom. I like the mix of small mirrors to make a larger statement.

Idea Gallery: Hallway Space-Saving Design

Image via HomeLife

This is a great idea in a narrow hallway. Floating shelves at counter height with storage drawers give you a spot for your keys, sunglasses, mail, etc but while not taking up visual space with a bulky console.

Finds: Blue Arm Chair

I had been stalking these blue wooden chairs at TJ Maxx. They started off at $99 and I snagged them for $33, at that price I bought two.

These "Isabella" chairs are on sale at Pottery Barn for $139. Sorry PB you lose again (and mine has arms)!

I Think I Am In Love: Double Sided Couch

Image via Elle Decor

What a great way to layout a long living room: double-sided couch!!! Two intimate conversation areas in a big room. This is just so cool- next house:)

New Use For: Cloth Napkins

Here's a great DIY window treatment idea from Better, Homes & Gardens.

Purchase a rivet and grommet kit from a fabric store. Join the edges of two napkins together with jeans rivets spaced every 2 inches. To install, cut a small hole in the fabric, insert both pieces of the rivet or grommet, and use the tool that comes in the kit to press them together. Repeat until all napkins are attached and the panel is wide enough to cover your window. Add the large grommets along the tops of the panels and thread onto a curtain rod.

There are so many adorable cloth napkins- the possibilities are endless. You could also do this for a valance as well as the cafe curtains above.

Finds: Cushioned Kitchen Mat

So I found these cushioned mats at Marshalls very similar to the ones at Williams-Sonoma for only $20. They are soft and resilient, and ease the strain on feet & legs while you cook and wash dishes. I bought two and put them together, now I have a sweet runner. I love the feel and look and price!!!

Things I Love Today: New Irish Pottery Wall

A housewarming gift from the In-Laws (haha). Love handmade pottery- found these two pieces perfect for the narrow space by the front door at a lovely little shop called Hedgerows.

So if you ever find yourself in Birr, Co. Offaly- definitely pop in!

What Not To Do: Dry Carpet Squares in 90+ Heat

So I am constantly suggesting things to do on my blog, so here is something to NOT do.
Attempting to dry carpet tiles on your lawn in 90+ degree heat was not the most brillant plan me and my hubby have ever had, we thought that one day wouldn't hurt- famous last words. Now we have a burnt grass version of hopscotch.

Idea Gallery: Beachy Kitchen

Image via Coastal Living

What a beachy, laid-back kitchen! Love the distressed white stools, the muted tiled counters, and most of all the use of a retro screen door for the pantry. That is just adorable!

Lifesaver: Decorative Box

My vanity was really bothering me. It looked messy and unbalanced, but I didn't want to hide all my makeup & lotions away and not have it easily accessible (being that I don't give myself too much extra time to get ready- would rather spend those minutes sleeping!)

Solution: Cool Asian-inspired fushia box I found at Homegoods for $15. It is big enough to hold all my makeup, perfume, lotions etc. and pretty enough to display. I still have some things I want to change about this area, but that one accessory made a big improvement.

Craving: Patriotic Treats

Image via Better Homes & Gardens

So simple and so yummy! Layer blueberries, ice cream / frozen yogurt and strawberries, and it is like America in a glass (Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness). Definitely the latter!!!

Happy 4th!

I Think I Am In Love: New Lounger

My birthday gift from the hubster! "The Deluxe Orbit Lounger" is a little taste of paradise. I think I know where most of my holiday weekend will be spent!!!!