One of my favorite blogs, Young House Love, got some love itself recently when its authors were featured in a project that celebrates a return to old fasioned values. I love it! Congrats John and Sherry!
http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/03/bringing-stodgy-back-2/
March 10, 2011
March 7, 2011
My Favorite Things: March 2011
It's been a while since I did a "favorite things" post, so it's time. If nothing else it helps keep a focus on the positive while we wait for spring to arrive here in snow-buried Boston. Here's this month's run-down:
1. My new camera, a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. I bought a new camera because my old one went for a swim in the ocean and was not fixable. Can't say I'm sad because that old Sony was pretty bad at picture taking, and the new Lumix is worlds better! I got it for a steal ($169 on a regular price of $278) because I happened to be shopping right before the new line of cameras rolled out. The store was trying to clear out its old models, so I got a camera with high end features like 12x optical zoom and manual controls that I can use if I decide to take that photography class I keep talking about.
1. My new camera, a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. I bought a new camera because my old one went for a swim in the ocean and was not fixable. Can't say I'm sad because that old Sony was pretty bad at picture taking, and the new Lumix is worlds better! I got it for a steal ($169 on a regular price of $278) because I happened to be shopping right before the new line of cameras rolled out. The store was trying to clear out its old models, so I got a camera with high end features like 12x optical zoom and manual controls that I can use if I decide to take that photography class I keep talking about.
2. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. I needed a new camera because I was heading out on vacation to Cabo with two friends. And I quickly fell in love with our location. It's about 19 miles away from Cabo San Lucas and is the slightly quieter cousin to that Cabo's party reputation (they're called "Los Cabos" because they're so close to one another). Here are just a few of the reasons I fell in love with this beautiful spot (thanks to #1 above!):
3. My new spice rack. I know I already posted about this, but I can't help it. I just smile every time I see it!
4. The perfect nude strappy sandals. These were a complete impulse purchase at Nordstrom's yesterday. But they're the perfect color, just the right combination of casual and dressy, a nice heel height without being painful, and so, so, so comfortable. I had a bit of sticker shock, but the comfort and quality construction convinced me that these were an investment that I would have for a long, long time. (Make: Via Spiga, Model: "Horizon")
5. Daffodils. I saw someone carrying a bunch of daffodils last week and smiled, because to me these scream "spring is here!". I remember them most from the Daffodil Days fundraiser that someone in my small child's circle did when I was young (don't recall who). That association still comes back each year, plus they're just pretty and yellow and after all that dirty, dingy snow a little pop of bright yellow will cheer anyone up.
So there you have it...five things I'm loving right now. And now that I've got a camera back stay tuned for more updates on decor, spring fashion, and other domestic pursuits!
Spicing up the kitchen!
Because I live in apartment there are many things I can't do decor-wise, but I managed to find a way to implement one of my favorite kitchen ideas without getting in trouble with the landlord. It's a metallic spice rack over my stove, implemented thanks to the magic of Command Adhesive Strips. I used 6 of their picture hanging strips on the back of a sheet of galvanized steel that I bought (pre cut!) at Lowe's. Those strips allowed me to stick the metal to the tile behind my stove, and (so far) have been more than enough to hold 18 fabulous metallic spice canisters from Bed, bath & Beyond.
I love looking at it and - even better - it's inspired me to cook more and use the lovely spices that are so beautifully displayed. I was also able to move some of my other spices from a basket atop the cabinets to my spice rack inside the cabinet so the full array of options is in arms reach.
So if you're thinking your hands are tied with decorating because of landlord limitations, have faith! With a little creativity you just might find a way to work around it. And here's a photo of my masterpiece:
The total cost of this project was lower than what I saw for pre-made kits online, which were over $100. I spent about $73. Probably could have gotten the spice jars for less, but I wanted it done ASAP so I skipped the online bargain hunt this time. Here's the breakdown:
Command picture hooks (Lowe's): $5
12 x 24 pre-cut sheet of steel (Lowe's): $10 (make sure it's steel or they won't stick!)
18 spice jars (Bed, Bath & Beyond): $53
Clear cartridge for label maker (Target): $5
Total = $73
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)