Step 1. Plan beautiful, luscious flower beds. Balance colors and peak blooms so it looks lovely all season. Save internet and magazine photos, consult gardening co-workers.

Step 2. Invest a fair chunk of money in blooms. Spend an entire Saturday planting. Avoid insects at all costs, make best effort to prevent any dirt from staining hands {an outdoor girl I am NOT}. Book manicure appointment to fix the damage.

Step 3. Water and weed religiously.

Step 4. Get tired of watering and weeding religiously {generally by the end of June}.

Step 5. Cease all watering and weeding. Let nature take its course.

Need further proof of my decidely NOT green thumb? Here is a photo of one of my window boxes last year, I’ll date it between steps 4 and 5:

However, we are currently in the midst of step 1 and this year, THIS YEAR, I am determined to succeed. I know I am capable of nurturing. So, without further ado, here are some blooms I am determined to coax into a state worthy of Better Homes and Gardens.

allium {I love the color AND the fun shape}

phlox {I actually have some of this already, but for some reason it refused to bloom last year…..}

peony {I also have several of these, but I transplanted them and, yes, they refuse to bloom.}

hydrangea {I would love a row of these in front of our house…..perfection}

J is a master gardener, perhaps she will come to my aid…..

How about you? Do you prefer to plant flowers or vegetables {or both, you over-achievers}? Green-thumbs, help a girl out! What is the secret?!?

Gratefully,

 {an admitted plant-murderer}

To try to atone for our misdeeds, I have compiled a lovely collection of Easter decor. I know, over-the-top and completely unnecessary, right? Actually I may have an ulterior motive – I am hosting Easter dinner this weekend and need some inspiration for my tablescape.  Who do I turn to for help? None other than my girl, Martha. Behold:

You can bet I will be trying to master these Bunny Fold Napkins. An origami expert I am not. I’ll let you know how it goes…..

{All images courtesy of MarthaStewart.com}

Happy Easter AND happy spring, Homage!

ANYWAY. Check out this fabulous boy’s room:

Isn’t that a great idea?!? It combines two of my favorite things: chalkboard paint and stripes on walls {reminiscent of the stripe I coerced G. to paint in our dining room}:

Here’s to writing on walls!

Because it is Monday and GLORIOUS outside, and because I am partially Dutch, enjoy some tulip loveliness. Click on the images to go to the Etsy listings.

Hope you enjoy some sunshine today!

She started with this dated brass number:

+ a drum shade and some fabric

+ an apothecary jar lid

+ silver spray paint

+ some bling {this is turning into a long equation…….luckily I LOVE algebra}

= this oh-so-chic chandelier

Can you believe it’s the same fixture?!? I know – Shock. And. Awe.

Hope your Monday is bright, shiny, and chic,

Furniture, however, is not the point of this post. Check out the gallery of paintings she has assembled over her staircase:

I love photo galleries, but something about these nautical-inspired paintings {most are thrift store finds} speaks to me.

Check out this collection featured by a life’s design {I love how they incorporated shelves!}

The only problem is I don’t have any paintings nor am I an accomplished artist like J. Luckily I enjoy a shopping challenge, so an art collector I will be! Now, to clear some wall space……

Have an artsy Tuesday,

Are you totally lost? Don’t worry, I’m known for random tangents and awkward segue {Case in point – I learned how to spell “segue” while sitting next to G in a COLLEGE lecture. He wrote it in his notes {yes, I was reading over his shoulder}. Previously I was sure it was spelled “segway.” It was a true “aha” moment for me, and now whenever I see the word I think of that moment. Aren’t you glad I shared that with you?}

Anyway. If you don’t get the reference, click here.

And now I will get to the point. You’re welcome.

Design*Sponge is one of my favorite sites to peruse. They feature all kinds of decor-inspired content, from stunning DIY projects to designer spaces. What’s not to love? I always grab quite a selection of photos for my inspiration files, and last week I noticed a theme: red chandeliers. Behold:

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I love the unexpected pops of color {not to mention the painted stripes…….can I get an “amen”?!?}

I have a chandelier identical to the last one just sitting in my basement. You better believe I’m wracking my brain to come up with a spot for it…..

Hope your Monday is full of pops of color!

Are you crafty? Me neither. If I give my love a card, it’s generally something pretty I found at Hallmark or Target. But…there are so many adorable and simple DIY Valentines out there! I am going to take some initiative this year. Because I know A. will really appreciate the extra effort. Because he loves cards. And poems. And Valentine’s Day. me.

The beauty above is a sewn paper Valentine by Molly at the purl bee. Now that K. has a sewing machine, I am fully expecting one of these in my mailbox.

No sewing skills? Don’t fret – you could make these cutesy doily envelopes a la Martha:

Or, if you really want to get your craft on, go the extra mile and make a pop-up card:

And, lastly, if you’re crafty like me, you’ll stop pretending that you know where to buy doilies and just find something awesome you can print out. And fill with brownies. Yes.

Have a sweet Tuesday,

Exhibit A:

I love this garland – fabulous AND simple {my two favorite things…}. I found it here – stop by and prepare to be inspired. Everything the woman does is chic and fun, in particular her children’s wardrobes. I stopped saving inspiration photos and just bookmarked the whole site!

Dreaming of spring and dry pavement,

Joi at Nuestra Vida Dulce made this sweet garland:

She found the instructions here.

The focus of this post is the funky wreath, but I’m loving the paper snowflakes falling from the mantel

Snowflakes can also give a boring corkboard a brand new look

There. I feel a little better now. And the Valentine’s candy is out in force……silver lining, people.

Love,