Plants and Other Projects

There have been lots of DIYs happening around here. I feel like with summer right around the corner, the porch has been the focal point of my efforts. I started by sprucing it up with a cute iron table and teal chairs set and planted a few pots of fresh herbs. So far, I've managed not to kill basil, mint, and cilantro. They're actually bright green, thriving, and fully edible! I also have a strong affinity for succulents, and have been pinning away creative ideas for terrariums and little displays with them. Over the weekend, I took a cue from the Beautiful Mess blog (so many cute ideas over there!) and prettied up some plain old terra cotta pots for my new succulents. It was a super quick and budget-friendly way to add some fun decor to the porch. Plus, I'm happy to report that M and I have enjoyed dinner al fresco three times this past week. See, there are so many benefits to revamping the porch! Now I'm on the hunt for some fun paper lanterns or little strings of lights for nighttime ambiance.

What have you been up to?

DIY terra cotta pot painting on the porch

acrylic paint + foam craft brush + miniature terra cotta pots

first, add a coat of white paint as a base

then, paint the rest (or part) of the pot a different color; allow to dry completely

fill the pot with some pebbles at the bottom, then top with soil and succulents

the pale yellow pot is my fav!

citrus fruit for fresh squeezed margaritas

bright orange ranunculus from the farmer's market

I love how perfectly symmetrical they were when they began to bloom!

juicy watermelon that went into a salad with feta cheese and mint

leisurely Sunday brunch at the Armsby

trying a bright lipstick for the first time-Spellbound by Cover Girl

Going Gray

The best part of painting is witnessing the drastic transformation of the room. When M saw the (almost) finished product, he said it felt like a completely new living room. I can't wait to see what it all looks like when the furniture is back in place and the pictures are up on the walls. I have a fun Pinterest-inspired project in store for above the fireplace, too!

Tedious Taping

Well, it's Friday night and the living room walls have been washed, sanded, and taped. The cutting-in has begun and the rolling will commence tomorrow bright and early! I'm excited to see the transformation. I hope I like the color!

Home DIY in the Works

I love deliberating over paint samples. It's about time for the living room to get a fresh coat, pending landlord approval, of course!

Weekend Snapshots: Around Town

Lots of fresh flowers spotted at the farmer's market.


DIY supplies: colorful clay + embroidery thread.


Neon clay bangles worn to a backyard bbq.


Early stages of a teeny friendship bracelet.


Homemade zucchini bread.


Date night on Thayer Street. Go see this movie if you haven't already. Seriously, go. It made me miss Paris.


Long line during the grand opening weekend at Pinkberry in Garden City.


My watermelon + original swirl.


Sunset and illuminated clouds.

Another great summer weekend is in the books! I'm looking forward to lots more in the next few weeks (including a beach day!) and tons of visitors coming in August.

I love summer.

Friends Forever

I've been spotting more and more friendship bracelets around the blogosphere and in stores, so I was inspired to make some of my very own. After at least five failed attempts and multiple knotty messes of thread, I finally re-read the directions in this tutorial (for the millionth time) and figured out what I was doing wrong (a lot, as it turns out). I'm finally starting to get into a good rhythm and actually see a pattern! I can't wait to make a more complicated pattern, like a chevron stripe.

Between the clay bangles, Sally Hansen nail effects, and now these friendship bracelets, I've completely reverted into a 13 year old. Equal parts fun and embarrassing!

P.S. You have to see all the great friendship bracelets here. Maegan hates them, but she has some really pretty pictures.

Bangle, Bangle, Bangle

I made it out of clay!

As soon as I saw this post, I knew I was going to have to make some bangles of my own. I love stacks of bracelets (more=better), and these neon babies are a great addition to my collection. The process was so easy and much cheaper than shelling out dough for similar bracelets at J. Crew.

Scope out the full tutorial here.