Collected

Love this collection of Victorian breadboards. Up until now, I'd never known of them. It's a fun collection, out of the ordinary and I absolutely love the contrast of the boards on that deep blue wall!

Collections seem very popular at the moment and they really are fascinating. The Smith Museum of Anthropology at CSU Hayward is running an exhibit through June that explores the reasons behind collecting. I'm intrigued and hope to find time to squeeze in a visit.

Homes and Gardens

On Topic

While we are on the topic of gardens, I've been meaning to mention these great note cards by Linnea Designs. They are a perfect gift for a gardener. I don't know a single one who doesn't love bugs or gifts! I was pleasantly surprised when I received a set from a fantastic reader to celebrate the end of my chemo and radiation treatments. Thank you, Anne!

Form and Function

The logical purpose of a gate is to create a barrier but somehow, a garden gate does more to make me feel welcome than kept out. Maybe I'm mistaking welcome for intrigue. . .
Skona Hem

Finally

It's been raining here like mad for a long time. This week we've been promised lots of sun. I am certainly ready for that! The ground is so wet that it's going to be awhile before I can get into the yard, which is what I really want to be doing. I'm going to start seeds indoors today so they are ready to go in as soon as the swampiness subsides and I can get a little dirt under my nails without needing to wait until then.

*Adorable ceramic coaster shown above can be found here.

Solution

Often times, the cushions of a leather couch wear out long before the frame shows significant signs of aging. Here's a great solution, cover the cushions in an alternate fabric. This option not only prolongs the life of the couch, but it really looks great without any big expense.
Flor

Bunches

My sister brought me bunches of Calla Lilies yesterday, all from her yard. They are one of my favorite flowers both in the yard and cut for vases.

In the yard, they multiply like mad over the years which is why she has so many. I like that kind of pushy wildness in a perennial, less buying is necessary to fill in flower borders that way and they can be shared with other gardeners when it's time for dividing. These are early bloomers with a long bloom time so just when I'm feeling starved for spring, they pop up with a gusto and keep going for quite awhile. As cut flowers, they are beautiful and hold up well for close to a week. That's my kind of flower!

Things I Love

Sarah Rose Storm's use of my favorite art medium, watercolor, is especially pretty. This is a sample of her piece, Ode to Ornithology which I love.

Created by Storm

Check it Out

Subway tile, hanging pots and a cookbook library! This may be my favorite kitchen image, ever.

One of my favorite pass times includes reading through recipes; looking for something delicious and fairly simple to put together. Cookbooks can be costly and sometimes I find that I own an entire book but only really like a few recipes. This is were my local library comes in very handy with shelves and shelves of cookbooks to browse through. I can really take a good look before making a commitment.

Elle Decor

Anthro Windows

The windows at Anthropologie today(wish the picture quality was better). I always love their use of everyday items in creating amazing displays. When I saw these, I immediately thought of Kate Blanchett's Oscar gown, which I loved!

Choosing Favorites

Farrow & Ball have added a few new colors to their pallet for 2011. The purple(y) grey, Brassica, is bound to be a favorite.

Perhaps

I see at least one magnolia tree in my near future. One with pink fragrant blossoms and a beautiful grey-brown trunk. They are so beautiful. Here's an interesting fact about them, their blooms are pollinated not by bees or butterflies, but by beetles. Love.
Christchurch Botanical Garden, Kelly Oshiro

How To

I have to get my hands on a copy of the book, Home from the Hardware Store. I'm hoping that the headboard in this photo is one of the how to examples included within it's pages. Apparently, it's covered with paper. . . sure does look good! Read more about it's authors here.

Simply Adorned

Love this simple little adornment from Super Duper Things!

Seeing Stripes

Inspiration for a weekend project?
Down and Out Chic, Living Etc via Frolic