fantastic idea

i was just describing to steve the other day an idea i had for our outdoor kitchen, when it comes to fruition (which, after building our swimming pool, will be after we win a lottery, any lottery, we're not particular).

anywho, i said that we need to place some sort of stainless bin, sink or trough on the counter, drain it to underneath, fill it with ice, and place either drinks or condiments in it to stay cold when we're entertaining.

i just saw this over here. same concept, different location. isn't it brilliant?

black and white

this was one of my favorite images from the new tradhome online magazine that released just a few days ago. (click to enlarge.)

via

the outdoor space was designed by jolene ballard and amanda malson. there's just something about black and white (this time mixed with shades of pink) that get me every time, especially in an outdoor space. the green of the outdoors complements the black and white so well.

here's another image of black and white in an outdoor space from the same issue, design by jamie herzlinger. pop over here to see more black and white incorporated into the outdoor spaces of this gorgeous home.

and then i remembered this space from one of my favorite bloggers, knight moves. it's her outdoor covered patio.

i popped onto pottery barn. lots of black and white in their outdoor merchandise this season.

including the drapes. just might have to put these on my wish list for the new home in dallas.

small world

images via treehouse point

sometimes you have to read a blog post written by a newlywed (and soon-to-be-mom) from new york , recapping a blog post written by an internationally acclaimed stylist, photographer and author who resides in sydney, paris and amsterdam to discover something in your own backyard.

this is treehouse point, which is, according to their site, "an intimate alternative for individuals and groups who seek comfort and style in friendly and natural surroundings. all accommodations are well designed and artfully decorated, with touches like handmade beds, original art and charming vintage furnishings. we offer a main lodge with two suites and two overflow rooms, two treehouses, and a deluxe cabin tent."

image via treehouse point

treehouse point is within 5 miles of our house. who knew. jasmine from show+tell recently honeymooned there. these are some of her images.

images from jasfritz

beautiful, huh? peaceful, serene too.

i want this in my own backyard.

image via treehouse point

next time we can't accomodate all our houseguests, we'll send them here. or better yet, give them our bedroom and we'll go stay at treehouse point.

patio makeover

found this at canadian house and home. i love before and afters. here's before.
and after! after sports acacia wood floor tiles (laid over exisiting concrete), painted chairs, bubble chandelier (under $50!) from ikea, and palm beach pretty colors.

i love the two seating areas, plant boxes on either end, and clamshell lounger. i'd love to be curled up on that lounger reading... or knowing me, napping.

homeowner and stylist sabrina linn
photos michael graydon
room design suzanne dimma

i need shade

seriously. the chocolate chips in the cabinet melted. the butter left on the counter for 15 minutes melted. we have butter soup now. the hershey bars (for yummy s'mores) in the pantry are squishy. i need shade. like this.

from here

i need a tall glass of ice water. i need my book. i need a pillow. this is perfect. feel free to remind me of this post when i'm complaining about the 33rd overcast day in january.

lovin' ...

this photo

from here

this garden path

via here

this table centerpiece

from here

these fans

from here

this small, bold manhattan kitchen

via here

these lanterns

from here

this room

via here

this handle

from here

this setting

via here

we're running away.

to escape the heat. it's gonna be in the mid-90s today. we don't have a/c. i'm hot. therefore i'm cranky. we're going up. to snoqualmie pass. to a lake. maybe it'll look like this.

via here

we're taking this little one. she's not so little anymore. i pulled out her baby picture which always make me smile. makes me less cranky.

see ya tomorrow.

Sunday

sunday started with chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes made from this, served with honey and sliced strawberries. yum. (and that's chocolate chips and blueberries together in the pancake... try it, it's awesome.)

steve actually prefers these, and we often have 2 batches going, his and hers. but today, only one.


pancakes were followed up by watching these 2 duke it out on the links. it's the one sport i can watch on tv.

photo from here

the weather was perfect. 75 and clear and sunny. i read this in the backyard.


i tended to a few plants while the master gardener mowed the lawn.


after a venture to the dog park for some exercise, we finished it by relaxing on the back deck with homemade sunny bunnies.

photo from here

juiced carrots, apples, ginger, and banana. another yum.

a quick pose for the camera and


and then back to relaxing.

it was a good day. no, a great day.

Happy July 4th

May your weekend have a little of this,

via here

a little of this,

via here

and a little of this.

via here

Happy Weekend

via canadian house & home via poppytalk