It has taken all the patience I can muster not to buy outdoor furniture these last few years. I’ve committed to waiting until the back yard is fully and completely landscaped before moving in furniture. I’ve made do with folding chairs and tables. This has also given me an opportunity to evaluate the various styles […]
Outdoor furniture mood board Read More »
The demolition of the back yard at Casa Beija-flor has begun. The landscaping crew was there yesterday to begin hauling away shrubs, patio cover, and bricks. They’re also breaking up the old concrete and demolishing the infamous tool shed. I removed the few garden tools I plan to keep and hauled away two large boxes
Garden I’ve spent the last six months talking with landscape contractors, general contractors, and kitchen designers. I have decided that the landscape architect was a waste of time and money, and regret having turned to one. She clearly does not garden, as she was placing plantings under the fig tree–a messy site at the end
Napa Cottage Remodel Read More »
For the last several months I have been pouring over landscaping plans. I’ve been debating between simply removing and replacing the concrete patio, or installing a new deck. I’ve debated between going basic (cedar) or upgrading to ipe. I’m seriously considering installing the deck right on top of the existing (ugly) concrete patio and creating a
Up-cycling and the “Maker” Bug Read More »
It’s been three weeks since the contractor completed the last of the punch list items, and I’ve been slowly, very slowly, moving things back into the house in Napa. In packing up the house, I purged a lot of things for charities. And now, in moving back in, I purge once again. I have tried
The Road to Urzelina Read More »
I received word this morning that the contractor has completed my punch list and I’m fully ready to move back into the house! I did manage to get a little jump start last week with the sofa, a floor lamp, dining table and chairs, and a media stand being delivered. MA went up with me
Contractor crews officially *finished* Read More »
There is a trend on Pinterest that features “dupes” for make-up—colors of lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, etc., at less expensive stores like Target that look nearly identical to the more expensive brands at department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom. It’s an interesting exercise and argument for shopping around. For the last few months I have been
Furniture Dupes—Extendable Dining Table Read More »
The interior remodel of the cottage is nearly complete. Appliances are in. Lights are hung. The paper protecting the floors is gone. There are a few i’s to dot and t’s to cross, but we’re about done. It’s so very exciting! Seeing as we’re so darn close, I’m going to hold off on the pictures
