a real life art wall

I hope my sister-in-law doesn't mind that I took a photo of her paintings, but I love her art wall. This is the goal...

please advise

We have been moving this week and our internet isn't due to be set up for another week. Since I found a weak signal near by I am using it but be forewarned, posting may not be regular for the next couple of weeks.

I am finally fed up with my mismatched bookshelves. I am painting them this weekend. Although, my husband does not know this and may not be on board when he finds out, but it is happening. The question now is, white or turquoise?

how to cook everything

One of my good friends has raved about this cookbook for years, it is her go to bridal shower gift. I saw it at the library the other week so I checked it out, it looks awesome. I think I need it.

the best...

I saw this recipe for some perfect chocolate chip cookies on Try This! It has inspired me to resume my quest for the best brownie recipe, although for my diets sake I am going to have to limit it to a batch a month rather than a batch a week. In the meantime, I want to try these cookies when I go visit my family. Do you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe?

iphone cases

I really, really want an iPhone. I hope that the new version comes out in September so I can finally get one. My dream phone has one of these covers...

Kate Spade via Amazon

Pencil Shavings

and some more Kate Spade

ms. austen

image via google images

Last week Sotheby's auctioned off an unfinished Jane Austen manuscript for over a million dollars. I know there have been a couple of unfinished manuscripts found and at least one, Sanditon, has been completed by another author. I wonder if the purchaser plans on having someone complete the work. I hope not, I read Sanditon, but it just wasn't the same. What are your thoughts on current authors finishing a partial Jane Austen manuscript?

chocolate bars

These chocolate cake bars from Picky Palate look amazing. I think my sister and I will be testing them out this week

multi-purpose room

My parents are working on furnishing their new retirement home (they want to spend their winters out of the snow). Since they haven't actually retired they need office space without compromising guest space.

For a big desk to work in the same room as a bed I feel like you have to have a big space so it doesn't feel cramped.

I love the idea of turning closet space into an office.

One of my favorite ideas is the use a piece of furniture, like an armoire or roll top, to hold your office.

photos via house to home, two ellie, country living, little green notebook

end of an era

I didn't start reading or watching Harry Potter until four years ago so I can't say that I have grown up with the series. I have fallen in love with it though and I am sad to see it end (why can't JK write a couple more?) I can't wait to see the movie this weekend!!

via perfectly put together

Wouldn't this bathroom be perfect for a cabin?

thrift finds

While checking out thrift stores for dressers I found this frame and silver plate for a whopping total of two dollars. The frame I going to use for the currently unframed ACEO painting my husband gave me. The silver plate will be an excellent addition to my plate wall which hopefully will be going up on a wall for the first time next month.

And now to the dressers/bedside tables. I bought these two pieces. Next up for this furniture, a new paint job and new hardware.

birthday season

My husband and my niece have birthdays that are five days apart. Since today is smack dab in the middle of those birthdays I have cakes on the brain.

This past weekend we discovered a local grocery/bakery store with incredible cakes like this one. Looking at them was enough to convince me to buy a cake rather than make one this year for my husband's birthday. They look too good.

My sister, on the other hand, make a strawberry cake. Completely from scratch. I have never heard of a strawberry cake made with real strawberries. Not surprisingly, it got rave reviews. I found a recipe for a strawberry cake that uses real strawberries on A Dash of Sass. My sister used the recipe for Pink Lady Cake from Smitten Kitchen with a couple of alterations she saw recommended in the comments section

photos via a dash of sass and google images

canadian tour

The newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge just finished their, mostly Canadian, American tour. Here are my favorites of Kate's outfits, and yes, I did leave some out!

via Associated Press and Daily Mail.UK

dry goods

How do you store your flour and sugar? My Mom and Grandma always kept the flour and sugar in large drawers in the kitchen. I couldn't help but think of them when I saw these drawers on Pioneer Woman. I love her version with the glass front drawers.

I also love the sliding cover. My Grandma's flour and sugar drawers had this while my Mom's doesn't. Personally, I like the idea of having a cover for the drawer.

Would you ever store your four and sugar in a drawer?

luxury

via delight in your garden

I have never had a hammock but I have always envied those who do. Now that we are moving to a rental with a backyard, I want one. So my question is to those who have had a hammock, is it as wonderful as it seems?

one down

I have purchased the dresser that will be one of our bedside tables. The brown color and drawer pulls will go (the middle ones don't protrude enough to even help pull the drawer out).

These are some color inspiration photos. I think I want a metallic color in place of the brown.

photo via little green notebook and unknown

for the 4th

This caprese platter from Pioneer Woman looks like a perfect summer food. I think we may be having a smaller version of this come Monday.