Capital Home & Garden Show

 

Like many of you, I am ready for Spring to get here. Probably more so this year considering the snowmageddon of a winter we've had. Needless to say, after this recent cold and blustery week, I can tell we have officially been diagnosed with Spring fever. I have proof...quote from the hubs last night, "You know what I'd like to be doing right now? I'd like to be outside, pushing a lawnmower, sweating with grass clippings stuck to me". I kid you not. And yes ladies and gentleman, I married this man. The man who enjoys mowing the lawn on Saturdays in 95 degree weather. He's like a pig in slop. So we will be gearing up for Spring this weekend by heading over to the Capital Home & Garden Show. We have plenty of landscaping and outdoor projects on our (what seems like infinite) list things to-do. So if anything, hope we walk away with some inspiration and ideas to put our DIY skills to the test. I hope to bring my camera and document our findings so stay tuned for updates. Have a great weekend!

Dear Martha

 

Dear Martha,

I've been a fan of yours for quite some time. Sort of a love/hate thing. Let me clarify...I am a fan of your crafts, your ideas, your recipes and other projects, but just not YOU. They say wisdom comes with age and as I steadily approach 30, the more I realize this. I have come to the conclusion that the guests you have on The Martha Stewart Show are merely there to help you plug one of your 9230983 product lines. Yet I find myself going out of my way to peruse your product section at Michael's. Plus your product lines seem to be creeping up everywhere, don't you ever sleep? And kudos to your daughter for having the balls (excuse my french) to host, Whatever Martha! This is quite possibly the greatest show on tv. I love the fact that she says what everyone else is thinking while watching one of your show segments.

But back to my point. I was in Home Depot today looking at paint colors for the home office and what to my wondering eyes should appear but a pamphlet containing all of your paint chip colors...for FREE! Well, I think it was free. The pamphlet and I walked right past the check out counter and out to the car without losing a step. This pamphlet is something that I will surely keep on hand for a very long time. And I am sorry to say, but I will probably be using one of YOUR paint chips for Home Depot to match in their own brand paint. I am thinking the color - Milk Pail #122 - is just perfect for the home office. 

Sincerely yours,

Erika

Happy Valentines Day (one day late!)

I am spending this Valentine's Day away from home and working (on a weekend no less!). All I have to say is BOO-HOO. My sister, who I like to call Martha Stewart, and I took on a crafty-project together and both made these heart wreaths for our front doors. Check out my sisters pink version over at The Quirky Frog. I think we both did a FABulous job! Hope you all have a Happy Heart Day!

Cupcakes.....yummmmm

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, I thought I would share my love for all things cupcake. I have to credit my bestie from childhood for rekindling such love for these sweet confections. It all started with a trip to NYC to visit her and a stop at Crumbs Bakery for some delicious cupcakes. I mean, de-LISH-ious! If you haven't been there, I suggest you go next time you are in NY/NJ. After being snowed-in last week for 5 whole days, I broke down and made some cupcakes. I admit, I did cheat and use some help from Betty Crocker. Oh, do you know her too? Isn't she just fabulous?!

A Diamond in the Rough

I bought this chair for $25 at the Lucketts Fair last summer. What a bargain. I have been looking for a Louis XV-esq chair to refinish. I couldn't pass up this "diamond in the rough". This is a work in progress, as the project officially started in August 2009. I have managed to sand and strip the wood, carefully disassemble the upholstery and keep the pieces for templates for the new fabric...if I should ever decide on some! I came across the Chairloom website recently and am truly inspired by their "reuse & reinvent" mentality and just love love love their use of funky fabrics. The hubs has been bugging me to finish the chair, but I keep telling him it's not that easy! I plan on revisiting the project this spring (once the 28 inches of snow melts) with a little help from my very handy & crafty mom and sister. I will definitely post pictures of the progress and of course the finished product...if I should ever get there!