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Category Archives: garden

Cool A Roo Sail Shades Offer Sun Protection With Style

14 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by SOF in garden, Outdoor

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Outdoor Decorating Ideas

Cool a Roo Shade SailFor the past year I’ve been wanting to get an old sail and hang it over my deck which is southwest facing and doesn’t get a drop of shade throughout most of the day. Awnings can be nice, but I just don’t feel they suit our house and I love the idea of a big triangular sail shading half the deck. But this week I came across the Cool A Roo Shade Sail and was seriously impressed.

The Cool A Roo Shade Sail is made from weather and UV-resistant fabric and comes in triangles, rectangles, and squares ranging from 9 feet long to an 18-foot square. And it comes in lots of great colors including several shades of blue as well as orange, red, yellow, green, slate gray, black, beige, and others so there’s a color to suit your decor.

In addition, the prices start low–much lower than your typical umbrella for the smaller sizes and even the larger ones are very reasonable compared to installing an awning. The 9-foot triangular Shade Sail is $35 (but you can get it for even less at Casa.com, and the largest one is $475. So if you’re looking for great looking and reasonably sun protection on your deck, check out the Cool A Roo line of Shade Sails. They’re perfect for a modern loft or a nautical beachside retreat.

Gorgeous Bouquets Straight From the Garden

08 Friday Jun 2012

Posted by SOF in garden, Outdoor

≈ 1 Comment

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Dahlias, Peony Bouquets

My garden is filled with my favorite flowers–peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, lilacs, iris, and more, and I love sitting out back and admiring their beauty when it’s each of their turns to bloom. I very rarely cut them unless there is a special occasion to but I also love having fresh flowers in the house. The problem is that there never seems to be enough of them (especially the peonies!) to enjoy them both inside and out nor enough time to enjoy them, but I’ve turned a corner this year.

I’m vowing to not worry about what the garden looks like and just make beautiful bouquets to enjoy indoors at least once a week for myself…and others too. Yes, pretty soon you’ll be seeing the C&B Farmstand setting up shop in my front yard, and I’m so excited. I hope to have it up and running by next weekend, and you can be sure I’ll let you know about our opening day. Until then, take some time to stop and smell the peonies.

If you like gardening, you might like these:
Dahlia Bouquet
The Peonies Have Popped
A Beautiful Fall Wedding in the Berkshires

Outdoor Shower Makeover on a Budget

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by AMM in Bath, beach, D.I.Y., furniture, garden, Inspiration, Outdoor

≈ 2 Comments

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galvanized bucket, gardening, gutter planter, ideas for updating the outdoor shower, outdoor shower, striped shower curtain

A few years ago my brother built us this outdoor shower.  We already had the hot water hook up and it only cost 75 bucks for the parts and installation!  It has been invaluable for rinsing post beach and I find having a rinse is the most refreshing part of my day.  I hadn’t really cared as much about the way it looked as the functionality of the unit, that is until I used it for the first time this season.  We installed it with no shelving or stool.  Only a few towel hooks.

It’s pretty empty and devoid of character.  So I decided to revamp it!

I adjusted the slate tiles and added some tropical plants.  There is an old cast iron gutter that lines the house and is not actually functioning as a gutter these days. I had the idea a few years ago to turn it into a planter box and this was the perfect excuse to give it a shot.  I lined it with a straw mat and filled the bottom with stone and some potting soil.  I added plants and some top soil and the planters were complete.  I  chose plants that were happy in partial shade and also in high moisture.  I also chose plants that will grow and drape over the side.

outdoor shower with gutter planter

Lastly, to solve the shelf issue, I looked online at all the options out there.  Most were super pricey and we like the idea of having something either re-purposed or handmade.  It dawned on me that we had a galvanized bucket sitting around and it would make a great shower caddy/ towel holder!

There you have it, an outdoor shower makeover that cost very little and looks a whole lot better!

If you like this post, rinse and repeat with some others:
Upcycling the Office with a Nautical Touch
Spring is Coming! Create a Garden Journal
My Favorite Day of the Year

How to Protect Your Strawberry Fields Forever

21 Monday May 2012

Posted by SOF in garden, Outdoor

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gardening tips, Growing Fruits and Vegetables

Ok, so this might not be our most glamorous post, but an essential part of any home is its garden. We love growing our own fruits and vegetables, but there are two things about it that frustrate me to no end. One is that there is never enough space to plant everything, and the other is that the bunnies and other critters are always getting to my garden before I do. But this year we’re fixing both of those problems. Over the past two weekends, my husband has expanded our vegetable garden by rototilling a large section behind our garage and enclosing it with wire fencing. It’s not fancy, but it does the trick, and once all of the plants get planted and grow in nobody will be looking at the wire and posts anyway.

While that will keep the bunnies out of the garden, it doesn’t help with the birds. Every year I get so excited to pick strawberries, and every year the birds eat them all before we can pick them. So my husband created the above enclosure for them which still allows the sun in and let’s us easily reach in to pick them when they’re ripe. He cut four pieces of PVC tube to about 8 inches long and then hammered them into the ground in each corner. Then he inserted two long white flexible tubes into the black tubes crossing the garden on the longer axis and creating in arch. He attached chicken wire across the two arches for the length of the garden, and then on the sides he affixed netting using twist ties. I might still catch a bird or two in there if they figure their way in on the side, but overall this should greatly reduce the stealing of our strawberries and I look forward to having several nice big juicy bowls of berries in about a month.

If you like this post, then you might like these:
D.I.Y.:  Vegetable Garden
Escape in Porch Living
D.I.Y.:  Colorful Pots

Brimfield Antiques Show: Something for Everyone!

11 Friday May 2012

Posted by SOF in Accessories, fabrics, Furniture, furniture, garden, Inspiration, lighting, Living Room, Outdoor, pillows, Shops We Love, textiles

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Brimfield Antique Show, vintage finds

Yesterday I decided that the pull of the Brimfield Antiques Show was too much to resist and at the last minute I decided to get up at the crack of dawn and make the nearly two hour trek from my home to the biggest outdoor antiques show in the country. For those of you who don’t know what Brimfield (it’s referred to by one word like Madonna and Shaq because that’s what it’s status is in the world of antiques) is, it is essentially an entire downtown population filling their yards and fields with antique dealers (well, technically some people are importers and purveyors of new items, but either way there are lots of goods). And if the land owners don’t have dealers, then they are turning their land into parking lots to profit off the zillions of people who attend this thrice annual show (in May, July, and September). Chances are if you’ve bought a reproduction of a vintage piece at a major retailer, the original piece came from Brimfield.

Above, the lone vintage garden chairs gather together in hopes of finding a new home. I wonder what kind of green certification this show warrants as it is saving a lot of items from ending up in a landfill. But the most awesome thing about Brimfield is that there is literally something for everyone and the entire show is proof that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you are a collector of anything from toys to Fiestaware to garden gnomes to baseball bats, you will find what you love at Brimfield. You will also find lots and lots of things that you cannot believe anyone would ever buy, but they do. And you will see everyone from the quirky hillbilly to the high end antiques dealer co-mingling to find the coolest stuff at the best deals. Television shows are lurking about filming to share the experience with people across the country.

I hope that this collection of photos gives you an idea of the breadth of items available at the show. I wish I had taken even more pictures, but as my hands became full with purchases, my camera made its way out less frequently.

I really loved this vintage glass cake stand, but while I would have happily picked up a cool cake stand, I knew that I could get a similar look for less in reproduction and since I wasn’t particularly passionate about having a vintage or glass one, I didn’t think the $45 price tag was worth it. The vendors are keen on trends and with the influx of dessert tables, they’re smart to price things high that are trendy.

If you are a collector of any type or color of glass then Brimfield is the place to go. It was only day three when I was there, and most of the glass was already 50% off. I was incredibly tempted, but since I didn’t really have a use for it at the moment, I decided to wait until I build that dream pantry/party closet.

Also in the world of glass are lots of cool glass jars.

These vintage vials of color dyes were very cool, but with children in my house I could only envision my living room rug turning a new color.

What’s with the vials? I really was drawn to them, but seeing as I couldn’t come up with what I would use them for, I couldn’t justify buying them. I’ve bought enough things in my life that still don’t have a purpose to know that.

Then I moved onto furniture. There is tons of fine furniture at this show, but that’s not what I’m really drawn to lately. I really loved this potting bench because of its rustic feel and the fact that it had a real sink in it. I could probably find a spot for it, but not one that hooks up to plumbing.

The Newporter in me loved this porthole side table.

And this amazing filing cabinet went from drab to nautical chic with some paint and a little nautical flag knowledge.

Why am I so drawn to the Union Jack even though I have little tie to it other than having been to Great Britain twice in my life?

Speaking of European inspired furniture, how about this French bistro inspired children’s set?! Unfortunately, my oldest is too big for it and my second isn’t too far behind so it wasn’t worth it.

This mirror bordered linen tufted headboard was to die for! It came from an Atlanta vendor who also had…

lots of other amazing headboards, and starting at $550, they were well priced too.

The same vendor had these great crab paintings as well as some oyster ones. I’m tempted to go back again and get one as they would look amazing in my living room and were pretty well priced. I have the guy’s contact info so if anyone is interested just message me.

He also had these fabulous wicker pendant lights for $95. Again, if I only had a place to put them!

When it comes to accessories, the options are endless, but these vintage books grouped by color reminded me of many of our previous bookshelf styling posts.

And all the twine you could ever imagine.

And if you’re fond of wooden crates, this is the place to go, although I was bummed to not be able to find any as well priced and good looking as the ones I got the last time I went.

We’ve seen grain sack pillows and coffee sack pillows, but how about a money bag pillow? These were reasonably priced at $20, but considering they weren’t even sewn and just closed with a safety pin at the top, I’m pretty sure you could make these yourself without thinking twice…if you happen to have a bunch of money bags laying around. Oddly, I think I might have a few, but sadly they aren’t filled with money.

And if you’re more into fashion than home goods, there is plenty for you too. The former jewelry designer in me was incredibly tempted by this table, but then I remembered all of the beads in my basement and refrained from indulging. However, the vintage clothing, bags, jewelry, etc. are endless at this show.

So what did I end up going home with? I picked up this two-tiered round table because I was inspired by my friend Dani’s use of a similar one although I’m not sure I’ll use it the same way. I was also looking for a bench for my mudroom, but then I found these two wooden bistro chairs for a song and think they’ll work really nicely with my vision for my mudroom redesign. Plus, they’ll be easy extra seating for when I have a large group for dinner. And the baseball bat for my five-year-old who’s currently obsessed with all things baseball and the Red Sox.

I also picked up this turquoise mason jar which I can’t wait to fill with the peonies from my garden, and the amazing vintage turquoise burlap which it sits on.

And lastly, I grabbed this French stripe banding. I’m really excited to work these items into my own home and to make some of it into new products which you might just have the opportunity to buy yourself!

So if you are within a few hours radius of Brimfield, MA and looking for something to do this weekend, hop in the car and check it out.

Just remember:

1. Go with a set budget or else you’ll blow it in the first hour. Giving yourself a limit makes you really second guess whether you need something or not.

2. Have an idea of what you’re looking for and what it typically sells for so that you don’t overpay.

3. Be prepared to bargain. Everything is negotiable!

4. Carry a large tote or bring a wagon in case any of your purchases are heavy. I carried those chairs a long way.

5. If you really love something, buy it immediately or else it may be gone the moment you turn around.

6. Never forget that an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. For instance what some people would normally throw in their recycling bin, might be worth $1 each.

I really hope nobody paid for these, but as I said one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and that’s what Brimfield is all about!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Vintage Red Objets
Brimfield Report
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Sweet Meas for Upcycled Vintage Finds

World Market Offers Fantastic Summer Collections at Affordable Prices

10 Thursday May 2012

Posted by SOF in Furniture, furniture, garden, Outdoor, pillows, Tabletop, textiles

≈ 2 Comments

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Outdoor Decorating Ideas, outdoor entertaining, World Market

I recently had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at the summer collections from Cost Plus World Market. They are really vibrant and fun while still offering classic style that will take you seamlessly from year to year. I’m most excited about the Timber Cove collection–living in Newport automatically draws me to all things navy & white and sea life themed. But I really love the Timber Cove Outdoor Dining Collection as well as it comes in a white wash look and you can mix and match between benches, side chairs, and arm chairs for seating. It definitely needs to be added to my list of best outdoor dining tables under $500.

This furniture will be even more comfortable with these fabulous outdoor throw pillows. I can’t decide which is my favorite!

And I’m really in love with the dishes in the collection which include lobster, crab, starfish, and coral motifs. These would be great for our beach parties this summer.

Of course, the melamine nautical themed plates might be more practical for our beach outings or perhaps I’ll just bring them for the kids.

Another item I love in the summer collection is the Pompeian Metal Garden Stool (also available in white and teal).

It would look great next to their colorful Adirondack chairs.

And I’m quite certain that I would be very comfortable lounging in the Catalina Deep Bench. Can someone get me a Margarita please!

Besides the fabulous designs that World Market offers, one of my favorite things about them is that they are all also really affordable! There are so many more products that are on my must-have list from here. Stay-tuned for a follow-up post!

If you like outdoor living, check out these:
Colorful Plantation Chairs for Lounging
New Pillows for the Patio
Our Picks for Pottery Barn’s Best of Summer 2012

Privet House at Target Opens Sunday!

04 Friday May 2012

Posted by SOF in Accessories, Dining Room, furniture, garden, Outdoor, Shops We Love, Tabletop, textiles

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Privet House, The Shops at Target

This Sunday Target will launch it’s exciting new concept of shop-in-shops called The Shops. They’ve hand-picked five boutiques from across the country to re-create the experience within Target stores with merchandise exclusively designed for Target. While the shops offer everything from dog biscuits to candy, I am of course most excited for the Privet House shop. This Connecticut based home emporium offers a wonderful collection of home goods including antiques and new merchandise and Target has done an excellent job recreating the look and feel of the shop with products that are certain to be highly sought after. Here’s a peak!

The colors, the patterns, the style, the whole collection is just fabulous!

And just for the record I’m pretty excited for all the other shops too.

See you on Sunday at Target!

*All images courtesy of Target*

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Mattie Luxe for Personalized Placemats and Trays
Interlock Cutlery as Place Settings
Home Decor Hunt in Newburyport

Our Picks for Pottery Barn’s Best of Summer 2012

27 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by SOF in Accessories, furniture, garden, Inspiration, Kids, Kitchen, lighting, Living Room, Outdoor, Parties, rugs, Tabletop

≈ 7 Comments

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Chevron Rugs, Potter's Bench, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Summer 2012, Rope Lamp, Sail Canopy, Wicker Furniture

Did you get the new Pottery Barn catalog last week? I have to say that there are quite a few treasures in there, actually in both the regular catalog and the kids catalog. So many in fact that I thought I’d cull some of them out and share some of the amazing-ness with you, just in cased you missed it! Let’s start with the insane boat cleat and nautical rope gallery wall above (sorry, I couldn’t find a better picture). Love, love, love!

And since you know I love all things nautical, this Rope Table Lamp definitely fits the bill. You just have to make sure to use it as a fun accent and not as overkill. For instance you wouldn’t want to have a ship’s wheel coffee table (just in case you happen to have one of those) and these lamps. Sometimes less is more!

Also in lighting, the new Caged Glass Pendant is a great look and a great size at a great price!

The Woven Rattan Drink Cooler is perfect for summer entertaining indoors or out!

As you may remember, I love salt cellars, and this turtle set couldn’t be cuter. Plus, they have lids which makes me think that maybe, just maybe, my salt won’t get sticky in them here by the ocean where it’s a major problem.

I’m kind of obsessed with the dhurrie rugs in a chevron pattern or bordered in colors like pink, navy, and chocolate.

And the pint sized Chesapeake Potter’s Bench–can you stand it!

The Tavern Chairs have an awesome vintage vibe and I love the colors, but I have to say I probably wouldn’t spend $119 each on them. Fingers crossed for a great sale!

The Tree Fort Loft Bed rocks!

The Wicker Elephant Table may be in the kids catalog, but it would be equally at home in an adult space too.

The Woven Shark also is super cool and only $39.

If I weren’t married to a sail maker, I’d be all over this Sail Canopy.

I think I could keep going, but that ought to be enough to start your summer shopping!

If you like this post, you might like these:
Be Prepared for Warm Weather
Knot Nice
Color in the Conch Repulic

From Farmhouse to Your House

09 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by PEY in Accessories, garden, Kitchen, Shops We Love, Tabletop

≈ 1 Comment

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Cast Iron Welly Door Knocker, Dog Biscuit Box, Farmhouse Wares, Glass Dryer Rack, Paris Cafe Clock, vintage, Wire Gathering Baskets, Zinc place card

After a quick trip out to my favorite bakery to satiate my need for cupcakes, I took a moment to enjoy the eclectic finds at Farmhouse Wares.  If you don’t have a chance to day trip out to Newburyport, or your neighboring towns for one-of-a-kind shopping, then spend a couple of moments letting your fingers shop on-line.  This shop has new and vintage goodies for the kitchen as well as your garden, an offering of dry goods from salts to soaps, and unique items to add that special touch to your home – the Cast Iron Welly Door Knocker (above) would outshine any standard knocker!

This Dog Biscuit Box adds a pop of color to your kitchen as well as a convenient storage bin for treats.

No time to dine out at your favorite bistro, then this Paris Cafe Clock should help set the mood for your French culinary experience at home.

The Rustic Glass Dryer Rack is great for glasses, mugs, or even all of the plastic cups and containers that aren’t dishwasher safe.

We’re always on the hunt for unique place card settings or creative ways to identify dishes on a buffet, and these Zinc place cards would be a great solution and rustic addition to the party closet.

This set of two wire gathering baskets would be great for fruit, vegetables and other pantry items, or perfect for an Easter egg hunt!

Happy hunting!

12 Days of Holiday Decor Ideas: Go Big or Go Home

15 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by SOF in Celebrations, D.I.Y., garden, Holidays, Outdoor

≈ 3 Comments

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Christmas in Newport, Colonial Christmas, Newport's Historic Point

One of my favorite things about living in Newport is all of the amazing design and architecture we have, but also that people take their decorating seriously, especially at Christmas time and particularly in Newport’s Historic Point neighborhood. This house stopped me in my tracks today (well technically I had to drive around the block to find a parking spot to take the pictures) because of the grandeur of its decorations on a tiny side street. The pine cones were ginormous! This picture doesn’t even do them justice, but they made such a statement and took this house up a few notches from beautiful to drop dead gorgeous.

The owners carried the pine cone theme throughout the garland and on the wreaths on every door to create a cohesive and just plain lovely holiday home. I’m not a firm believer in bigger is better, but in this case there is no doubt that statement is true.

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