lazy days of summer...

I am not a big water fan. Well, ocean water, I should say. But, I love the images the beach stirs within me. I love sitting in the sand, with the breeze whipping my hair around,not a care in the world. I love iconic beach umbrellas and beach houses and oars and striped awnings. And I love the sun-drenched hues of white and bleached-out blue. Okay,mostly, I love the colors. Those are my current favorites, and I thought I would share a couple of my latest projects with you...

One way to add instant character to a spot is to take something very plain like this:

Buy a can of this:

Press the little button, and voila! You end up with this:

Once it is all dry, I will add more character by antiquing it. I will show y'all my techniques for that tomorrow! And then, I know the perfect place for this shelf...and it isn't in my home! Which reminds me that I have an exciting announcement...stay tuned for that in the next couple of days. You will be HAPPY, I know!

In the meantime, here are some other pieces that I have recently given a face lift to! Enjoy!

Users, unite!

I was recently asked to give a seminar on practical ways to decorate. It was then that I coined the phrase "use what you use" decorating! It is just that...using the items you use in your everyday life to beautify your spaces. To the right are some examples of how I do that in my home.

I had the great opportunity last week to help a couple of sweet ladies with their cute homes, and can't wait to show you the pictures!

I'd love to help you, too! Go here to get started...and check back for more ideas!