Little Splurges

I often write about being on a budget...but every once in a while a product is so worth it's high price tag!

I absolutely love my Le Creuset dutch oven.

"LeCreuset was founded in 1925 in France by two Belgian industrialists - Armand Desaegher (a casting specialist) and Octave Aubecq (an enameling specialist). The pair introduced the signature Le Creuset round cocotte (French/Dutch Oven) soon after; the cocotte remains the company's most popular cookware piece to this day.
In 1934 Le Creuset introduced the signature Flame (orange) colored enamel on its cast iron cookware items."

(Wikipedia)

I was first attracted to the great colors available (big surprise), then I found out how wonderful they are to cook with. Everything just tastes better!

I have a 5 1/2 quart dutch oven in Caribbean that I leave on my stove top ready to go. This is a great size for a family of four.

We also have a 7 1/4 quart dutch oven in kiwi. Since my husband loves to cook for our family gatherings, this large size gets plenty of use.

New colors are always being added-purple is the newest.

The price for the 5 1/2 quart dutch oven is around $250, and yes it's worth every penny. All you really need is one, and with proper care it will be enjoyed by future generations.

 

Joining DebbieDoos Newbie Party

No White Walls!

I love color! So I have a "no white wall" rule.

Actually, we spent so many years moving around (my husband spent 20 years in the US Air Force) and living in rentals with white walls, that now I love living with colorful walls.

(all images Better Homes & Gardens)

One thing that makes all this color look really great...

White woodwork!

Colorful New-Victorian

I have found another great home on Houzz. This is a colorful new-victorian designed by Matty Adler. 

This is my kind of home...orange, yellow and aqua walls, whimsical lighting, fun collections, and eclectic furniture. This home makes me smile!

Spring?!

I planted bulbs last fall for the first time and of course I planted them under the area where we had the most snow. So, I was a little nervous to see if I would have anything pop up this spring...

The crocuses look amazing, just waiting on the daffodils. Now I am excited to plant more this fall.

I am hoping the weather stays nice so I can get the porch pulled together. Maine weather is very unpredictable!

"Agnes"

Agnes is a little coffee table I painted aqua.

The feet needed a little attention, I spray painted them in a wonderful "Textured Metallic Finish" from Rust-Oleum.

Remember the before? Actually she doesn't look so bad here, but the top was really scratched up. I like the look of wood on top but the veneer was too damaged to save, so I painted it.

Next on my list...

The dining room cabinet

I added paper to the back, but it needed more...

It's all part of my dining room upgrade project (Step it Up!). I'm hoping to have it done soon and I love how the cabinet is progressing!!

**I am joining Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Friday**

"Nelson"

I never got around to taking a "before" picture. Nelson was pretty much a boring oak dresser that had been neglected the last few years. I sanded, painted blue/gray, sanded, glazed, painted brass handles black and now he's ready to go...

(Nelson)

Next in line...Agnes, a little coffee table with great legs.

more to come soon...

**Joining Restore Interiors Restore Wednesday**

Nicola Manganello

Nicola Manganello is a local Maine Designer that specializes in renovating older homes. I love her design aesthetic, she's an expert at combining the old and the new.

Check out Nicola's site!