Tuesday, May 19, 2015

A beautiful nursery...Peconic River Herb Farm

Only 30 minutes from my home and my first time here! This place has been on my long list of places to see and I'm so glad we (took my mom for her birthday) finally went. I can tell you I will be a regular. And if you are on Long Island, it's a must see, you won't be sorry.  A large peaceful property right on the river with many places to sit and take it all in.

Just a few pics of the beautiful flowers and grounds. Enjoy!


















They also rent the space for weddings and other events. Visit their website HERE. Make sure you click on the "Rent" tab to see some great rustic wedding inspiration!


Thursday, May 14, 2015

a quick update...beams and lighting

Look what beams do to a room...LOVE! And that fixture! Now for the fun stuff...furniture and accessories.  My sister-in-law works quick so I'm predicting the room will be complete by the end of next week. Will share all sources for you when all is done!


Previous posts on this covered patio -> dining room conversion.
First post HERE
Update 1 HERE


Sunday, May 10, 2015

Mother's Day Wishes

Wishing you all a beautiful Mother's Day!


I've started creating social media greetings (because they're so much fun!). Feel free to share.
Personal use only.

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Weathered Wood - how-to



I know there are many techniques for achieving the weathered wood look many of us love. And I have tried many of those combinations without getting the tone I was looking for. So for my "new" coffee table I went with my own technique which gave me exactly what I wanted.


This table was being tossed by my neighbor (thank you Debbie!).

It was definitely a bit weathered, chipped and water stained. Nothing we can't fix with a good sanding.


We didn't worry about getting into the crevices too much.
And here are the products I used to achieve the weathered wood finish.
Minwax Stain- Special Walnut
Rustoleum Stain - Weathered Gray
Minwax Polycrylic in Clear Satin
Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray


So I think the technique I used is maybe what made a difference. I started with a coat of Special Walnut. But instead of brushing on the stain and wiping off, I used a rag (dipped in stain and squeezed out) to lightly rub the stain into the wood. Then I did the same with the Weathered Gray stain but even lighter on the amount. I was really just looking to tone down the stain with the gray but I still wanted to see warm wood tones, like it was just starting to weather. Here it is with just the top board wiped down with the weathered gray.  The bottom boards just have the Special Walnut stain.




And if you put a little too much of the gray (which I did in some spots), I just lightly sanded when all was dry.  Here is one piece all done and the other before gray was applied. Such a difference!


I didn't photograph the metal frame being painted but that's where the Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze spray was used. Here we are in place.


Now, all wood will take the finish differently so make sure you do a test before you begin. I just tested a few different stains on the underside of my tabletop.  I bet oak would take this nicely with the grain.





If you give this technique a try, please share! I would love to see!



Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Update...Covered patio --> Dining Room Conversion



Things are moving along on my brother's renovation project. Moulding is up and looking great. They were painting yesterday which is always an exciting moment!






































Next up will be grouting and sealing the brick floor and putting up the ceiling beams. I got a peek at the furniture and chandelier. Can't wait to see this room all decorated!




Remember the before?



Post one: HERE

Monday, May 04, 2015

Snippets of a beach wedding...

This weekend we celebrated a family wedding at a gorgeous beach house on the ocean in Amagansett, NY. Amagansett is located between Montauk and the Hamptons on the South Fork of Long Island.
Unbelievable location and weather! I put together a couple of collages highlighting the beautiful decor...you know I just love the details!  My niece made the beautiful cupcakes! 



When you have the beach, you don't need much else. Driftwood, baby's breath, beach glass, shells.




Such a perfect day for the perfect couple!

Friday, May 01, 2015

"new" coffee table...a before and after

A great curbside find with a new weathered wood finish.  I will do a tutorial on how I gave this table it's new look. I finally found the combination I've been looking for to get a nice grey finish to a warm wood stain.  Busy weekend ahead so I will post the steps next week. Enjoy your weekend!