What Is Your Favorite Sign Of Summer?

Crickets chirping

Flip flops flapping and painted toenails

The aroma of suntan lotion

Fresh berries with sugar and cream

Picnics and Cookouts

Kiddie pools, lakes, and ponds

Cherry stains on shirts.

Dirt under fingernails

Multiple skinned knees and elbows.

AND...

An endless supply of laundry...

This is the mental list I made today, as I was reveling in the delight of my squealing children playing around the rhythmic sound of the sprinkler.

I found myself trying to capture this moment in time as my toes were tickled by the cool blades of grass beneath me.

I took a deep breath and was drinking in the warm sun of summer.

Summer is a season for less is more. Less stress and schedule and more time to play and rest. Take some time out to enjoy the uniqueness of this season and all it has to offer.

What are your favorite things about summer?

Kitchen Banquettes

Lately I have been a bit obsessed with kitchen banquettes. I am considering how to create one in my own home. I love the way banquettes add a cozy eating space to any dining or kitchen area. They add a sense of "built-in" history to your home as if it was a fixture from years ago.

Banquettes can be created rather easily. Either built in or created with the proper furniture.

Banquettes are great space savers for your home, and can be nestled into an unused corner.

You can accent your banquette with beadboard for the classic cottage style, or consider adding decorative wood molding. Maybe even paint it an accent color to brighten up your kitchen.

The bench portion of the banquettes can even be created with stock upper kitchen cabinets.

One great asset to having a kitchen banquette is the provided additional storage. Make sure you have the benches made with a hinge top or front cabinet doors for easy access to stored items.

Of course don't forget the fun part of decorating your banquette with accent cushions and pillows to perk up your kitchen, giving a cozy place to sit and a practical space all in one.

A banquette can be a simple as a straight built in bench with a table pulled up to it.

OR...create a window seat, then pull up a table to the bench when additional seating is needed, giving you double pleasure and usefulness.

Maybe you would like to consider adding a kitchen banquette to your home, giving it a sense of history and long-term appeal!

(Photos courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens)

My Pottery Barn Sink

I have been admiring this cool vintage inspired trough style sink in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog. I want this sink for my new combo laundry and mudroom.

I could envision using this utility sink for not only laundry, but also for my busy boys to come in and clean their grimy hands off after playing outside. My list of uses could go on...

We live in a very old farmhouse (more than 100 years old) so this would fit perfectly. We are getting ready to do major renovation and adding onto the house.

In doing so, I am looking for some key pieces that will add an element of interest and history to my already very old house.

So I went on the hunt for this sink,

and VIOLA!

I was able to locate the sink at Home Depot of all places. It is reminiscent of a school house sink, and made by Kohler.

Now mind you... this is a spendy little thing, but feel I can make a splurge here and there in an attempt to add character to my house.

In order to save a bit, I am going to order it in a two faucet version with the soap holder in the middle. That will give me a considerable savings.



What are you looking for....
Something interesting? Do you have things catch your eye? Don't give up and do your research, you just may find what you are looking for!

Summertime Pleasures

What are you doing this summer to slow down the pace?

Are you enjoying outdoor gatherings, fellowship with friends, and summertime pleasures?


The very season that beckons us to slow down and take time out for relaxation, sunny weather activities and a slower pace, just seems to still go faster than I would prefer, how about you?

My summer hardly has to be planned, as the activities come my way without much effort. My kids keep me busy and before I know it the summer will have slipped away.


What can I do to slow down the pace?

Take time to smell the roses... (literally)

Read a really good book...

Take time for friends and family with outdoor eating and activites...

Play with my kids...

Enjoy this moment which will quickly change...

Before we know it the leaves will be turning golden shades and we will be celebrating our fall season. Take some time to slow down the pace and enjoy every moment you can...

New Painting Projects With Dutch Boy

I was just contacted by Dutch Boy paints offering me 4 gallons of complimentary paint in exchange for a review of their product. They just sent me a beautiful fan deck to choose my new colors. I can't wait! Check out their website here.

I am looking forward to trying this brand of paint and now I need to decide what new project to tackle. I will probably paint my 16 year old son's room and then from there I am not sure.

For all you DIYers out there. Dutch Boy has another site called Restore My Decor, where you can submit pictures of rooms you need help with. You can even enter a chance to win a room makeover!

Have you ever used Dutch Boy paint? I would love to hear your feedback on this brand of paint. Be sure to stay tuned for my painting results. I'll let you know how it turns out.