The Nest Thing

I love the graphic text and logos/types and the natural colour of the wood, so I hung them in a vertical line above my bar tray table. A natural and fitting location, don't you think?

Look what I found: Four beautiful wine crate pieces with the winery names and logos. I found them at my local Salvation Army Thrift Shop today for only $1.49 each! I'll post again later with what I plan to do with these lovelies.

My oh my! What eye candy:

I could live here and never want to leave!

My latest DIY project was inspired by the Camaroon juju hat. I set out to create something as similar as possible, and without the hefty price tag, but was really limited by the type of feathers available. So I ended up with a cross between a juju hat and a starburst mirror. I'm thrilled with the result! Oh, and I guess I should mention that the total cost was only about $12. Yes, that's right, twelve dollars!

I LOVE the mix of the clean lined modern elements with what looks like a cast-off from the industrial revolution. It's so wonderfully distracting to the mechanically minded that one might just forget to wash behind their ears!

I've decided to replace my modern white and chrome shiny glam bar stools with something more natural and modest. Do you think I'm crazy? Right now I'm loving the gunmetal grey of the legs. It's a rare masculine element in my very feminine abode... but I'm sure they will be painted white soon enough! What do you think?

I discovered this band last night while watching the movie "Driving Lessons". Cuba meets Scotland and the results are awesome! I hope you enjoy their performance as much as I do.

Just a few words of inspiration before sitting down at your desk to work. I'm inspired!

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes

This is one of the best art walls ever, cleverly camouflaging a door bell, thermostat, light switch and electrical outlet. Bravo!

This one in an entry hall and is more than one board joined together for a truly inspiring display.

I like the vintage vibe here... and I love that lamp!

I've painted floors white and loved it every time. It makes the furniture in a room appear as if it's floating. If I could have white floors now I definitely would,but I must settle for a white rug.

After a busy day of work I had a cluttered desk, a cluttered (computer) desktop and a cluttered brain. So I put my feet up and watched some Fashion Television on CTV.ca . Ahhhh.... that takes care of the cluttered brain... I'll deal with the rest later....

I am in love... especially with the first two kitchens! All that tarnished silver and white dishes makes my heart beat a wee bit faster. And I love open shelving where you can display your lovely and functional wares and inspirational ingredients, and have them easily accessible as you are whipping up some wonderful meals for family and friends. I say let it all hang out... where nothing is too precious to be used and enjoyed.

My Spicy Mexican Bean Soup This is the most delicious soup that I make all the time because it's so quick and easy. Don't let the long list of ingredients fool you... from grocery bag to bowl in about 20 minutes! It's equally yummy at room temperature or slightly chilled, which makes it a perfect summer soup. If you have the time/inclination/means use grilled peppers and corn to up the flavour. Ingredients: 1 large Onion, diced 1 clove Garlic, minced 1 large Red Pepper, diced 1 or 2 large Jalapeno peppers, seeded & finely diced 1 can Diced Tomatoes, 796 ml (28 fl oz) 1 can Black Beans, 540 ml (19 fl oz), drained and rinsed 1 can Garbanzo Beans (Chick Peas), 540 ml (19 fl oz), drained and rinsed 1 can Kernel Corn, 341 ml (12 fl oz) 1 litre of liquid: Chicken/Vegetable Stock, Water or a combination of both (it's what I do - half and half) 1 1/2 Tbsp Ground Chili Powder 1 1/2 Tbsp Ground Cumin Salt & Pepper to taste Fresh Cilantro, large handful c...

Nobody can accuse me of being a minimalist, which is one of the reasons I love these spaces. But I also love pretty, whimsy and pink... oh, and fabrics and paper and paint! I'm so inspired that I'm going to make something now. I'll show you later...

Dos Locos - worth blogging about: Yes, a pre-mixed Margarita from a can. Unlike so many, it's not tooth-achingly sweet. And if you like the taste of tequila (I certainly do!), you'll like this! And be careful, as the 7% alcohol content provides an extra bit of kick! BC Liquor stores don't carry it, but you'll likely find it in the independent liquor stores. I originally discovered it at the Waddling Dog Beer & Wine Store in Saanichton, then more recently at the Castle Beer and Wine Store and the 17 Mile House Liquor Shoppe  in Sooke. Cheers!

It's raining here in Sooke, but the sun is shining on this cottage featured in Country Living .