Trader Joe's Mixed Berry Scones

These are crazy easy and very good!

2/3 cup water. Mix with a fork.  Drop onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. (I sprinkled tops with some pearl sugar.).  Bake 15 minutes.  Yummy warm!  It looks like you fussed when you didn't!  

Things I bought at IKEA that I really Didn't Need

I know you've done it too, so don't judge me!

Blue and white dishes - to add to my collection, can't resist any blue and white dish!

During the summer, I plan one trip to Ikea just for fun.  Usually I have a list of things I am looking for, but typically end up with things that are completely different, just because they are cute and such good prices.  I try to go right at 10 am when they open - great parking, no crowds, and this time no line to check out!

White enamel colander - only $9.99, will use for fruit.

Cobalt blue serving bowls - $1.99, will go great with blue and white dishes!

Small Ribba frames with mats, price recently reduced to $1.99.  Have a clever project in mind for this!

Scented candles in glass holders - only $1.99!

Actually bought some of these lacy metal candle holders last spring, but picked up a couple more for outside because they make such a great light pattern in the dark!

Cute pillow, but really doesn't match the couch, might return.

These stencil stickers because....

I want to do this to an old dresser!

I've been trying to find a new bolster pillow for months.  This is a new addition at Ikea - think I bling it up a bit with some vintage fabric!

I didn't find the kind of shelves that I was looking for, but just had fun looking around.

Chalkboard Door

I've recently done some painting in my dining room.  One of the changes that I made was to change an ugly brown door to the upstairs into a chalkboard door.  Below is a "before" picture of the door.


 I used Valspar chalkboard paint that I purchased at Lowes.  I first put multiple coats of Rustoleum Magnetic Paint as a base.  I never could get the magnetic paint to really work - after about 4 coats it would hold a very light magnet, but not a piece of paper under the magnet.  It also left a very rough surface for the chalkboard paint.  This week I added several more coats of the magnetic paint and sanded it smooth, but most magnets still aren't sticking.  Then I covered it with another coat of chalkboard paint.  The chalkboard paint works great, so my advice is to skip the magnetic paint!

Anyone who knows me knows I love all things Apple, so this was my first drawing!

Today I made this inspirational message.   It's not perfect, but I love it!

I love having the challenge of coming up with ideas that will inspire and encourage me.

Here's a little closeup - I did get a few vintage button magnets to stick, so I used them as "dots" to embellish the drawing.
I've been somewhat obsessed recently with all the clever ways people are creating chalkboards.  If you want to see some more ideas, check out my Pinterest Chalkboard board!




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Vintage Italy Postcards

I have always loved the colors of vintage postcards.  I picked a bunch up at an antique shop after my return from my trip to Italy.  Today I was scanning them for a little digital project, and thought that I would also upload them to Flickr as well as post them here.  I hope you enjoy a few faded views of Rome, Venice, and Florence!