Friday, April 29, 2011

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.




 


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Colorful New-Victorian

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

Hall eclectic hall
Colorful Kitchen eclectic kitchen
Kids Bedroom eclectic bedroom
Owners Bath  bathroom
Powder Room eclectic powder room
Art Studio eclectic home office
Dining Room eclectic dining room
Exterior  exterior
Colorful Kitchen eclectic kitchen
Colorful Kitchen eclectic kitchen
Colorful Kitchen eclectic kitchen
Living room eclectic living room
Living Room eclectic living room

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

Saturday, April 23, 2011

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!



Thursday, April 21, 2011

"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!!


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

"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...

Sunday, April 17, 2011

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!

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