The Nest Thing

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 .

With all this summer light, my place is undergoing a bit of a transformation... my furniture is changing into its summer whites. I'll show you more when they are all dressed;) Enjoy this longest day of the year dear blog friends!

I'm a bit of a sucker for inspirational quotes. I use them in many of my creations, including these Dupioni silk pillows. The silk is rather thin, so I printed the quotes in reverse and ironed them on the inside of the fabric for a softer look. It allows the nubby texture of the silk to show and eliminates the shiny surface of the iron-on transfer.  Two great sources for inspirational quotes are Inspiration Peak and Quotes to Inspire . Go ahead... GET INSPIRED!

Peonies are in full bloom around these parts. I walked to The Stick coffee house this morning for a coffee and they have a huge arrangement of peonies and lilies on the counter. The perfume filled the air and it was wonderful. Walking back I admired a neighbour's huge display of bright pink peonies by the side of their driveway. When I got home I was again greeted by my own small arrangement of the palest pink peonies (my favourite!) on my coffee table. I wish you could smell them, but they are very pretty too. Enjoy your day!

adjective 1  a   glamorous   woman :  beautiful ,  attractive ,  lovely ,  bewitching ,  enchanting , beguiling ;  elegant ,  chic ,  stylish ,  fashionable ;  charming ,  charismatic , appealing ,  alluring ,  seductive ;  informal  classy ,  glam .  ANTONYMS  dowdy ,  drab . 2  a  glamorous  lifestyle :  exciting ,  thrilling ,  stimulating ;  dazzling ,  glittering , glossy ,  colorful ,  exotic ;  informal  ritzy ,  glitzy ,  jet-setting .  ANTONYMS  boring , dull . This room featured in Rue Mag , is sophisticated and glamorous. I love the pleats on the side of the linen sectional and the little shots of purple and lavender. And that silver and glass table is to die for!

This colourful and interesting mix of art in an entrance hall definitely makes me want to see the rest of the house!

This is the latest addition to my growing silver collection. I found this Forbes silver plated mirrored tray at my local Salvation Army Thrift Shop for only $6.99! Shown here on my dining table with some candlesticks, but I'm sure at some point it'll end up on my dresser with containers of jewelry. It's so beautiful and I am so happy!

If Panton and Saarinen had a dinner party I'd love to be invited!

One of the best lofty spaces I've seen... and a very clever idea to maintain the open airy feel... I'm not sure if it's permanent, but note the absence of rugs... LOVE IT!

I have a huge mirror in my dining area and I'm thinking of a "treatment". Perhaps something like this:

The eye-popping colour and the opulence is simply intoxicating!