Downton Abbey Inspired Kitchen
This post was inspired by Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon. Learn more about the family who lived in Highclere Castle, where the popular British series Downton Abbey is filmed. Join From Left to Write on Dec. 17, when we discuss Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes. A little over a month ago I found out the From Left to Write December book was going to be Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey. Approximately 3.265443 seconds later, I completed the form to sign up…
Kitchen Disasters: A Simple Guide to Learning from My Mistakes
This is a wonderfully humorous guest post from a fellow foodie and mom! Kitchen disasters, we’ve all been there at some point in our lives, right? I hope you enjoy Mary’s reflections as much as I did. – Liza When I was seventeen, my mother decided she was done cooking dinner for the family every night. She threw her hands up in the air and exclaimed, “If you want a home cooked meal, you can make it yourself!” At the time, the only thing I was capable of doing was scrambling eggs. Over the next few years, I had some spectacular failures due to my lack of kitchen…
20 Ideas for a ’50s Diner Kitchen
From my latest Ideabook for Houzz.com: My sister and her boyfriend recently moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. They totally lucked out and found a cute, affordable two-bedroom apartment near Park Slope, in a little neighborhood complete with shops and a pub, and right around the corner from some amazing brownstones. They’re living the life I’d want to live if I were 30, childless and not tied up in a mortgage. I haven’t visited yet, but I’ve secured my bus ticket (it’s only 3 1/2 hours away) for later this summer. In the meantime, my sister has shared lots of photos of her new space…. [click here to read more]…
Modernizing Outdated Kitchens on a Budget
My husband and I have owned two houses together. The first one was built in 1953 and had all of the age and none of the charm from that era in terms of the kitchen: old wooden cabinets, cheap linoleum over-top old original flooring, rusting metal sink…you get the picture. Our second house was built in 1990, and while a few of the appliances had been updated before we moved in, it still had many of the just-out-of-the-80s touches you’d expect in a kitchen from 23 years ago: dark wood cabinets with brass pulls, builder’s grade drippy faucet, cream vinyl one-piece flooring and original paint. In both cases my husband…
Bring Flowers into Your Kitchen!
You know the saying: “April showers bring May flowers!” Well, consider embracing that this month and find something flowery and fabulous to add to your kitchen. I’m not telling you to run out and find kitschy 70s wallpaper to hang (although if that’s your thing, go for it!), but there are lots of cute, retro, simple floral designs that add just a hint of flower fabulousness to your kitchen. You’re in luck! My May Houzz.com Ideabook is full of clever ways to work blossoms, blooms and everything in between into your kitchen. Take a peek: Guest Picks: April Showers Bring May Flowers to Your Kitchen Houzz – Kitchen…
Vertical Garden Project: Location, Location, Location!
This is sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Home Depot. Last month I found out I’d be participating in a garden series with The Home Depot. There were lots of great projects available, and out of the bunch, I had to pick a few that I’d like to try. Included in my top five picks was the Vertical Garden project, a trellis based planter that would fit nicely along a wall or on the fence in our small townhouse backyard. And, it turns out that’s my project! This weekend I’m reading up on pointers for my vertical garden over at the Garden Club site, and then I’ll be heading…
Herb Gardens for Small Kitchens
There are lots of ways to maximize even the tiniest of spaces to make room for herb gardens in small kitchens, a deck, or even the outside wall. This time every year I start to think about my garden—or lack thereof. You see, while I appreciate fresh, local ingredients, I’m just not that great at growing them myself. The green thumb of the family? Not me. The green thumbs belong to my parents (they have a small homestead, which includes lots of produce and a flock of free-range chickens), and my sister (who started Truffula Seed Produce a few years ago, and then created and ran The Community Farm at Sandy…
Plan the Perfect Cinco de Mayo Party
This month’s Houzz.com Ideabook is quite timely if you’re still looking for the perfect kitchen and dining room accessories to accompany the party your planning. Regardless of whether you’re planning a small Mexican-themed meal for your family, or a big all-out soiree for all your greatest friends, you have to add an element of festive fun to the atmosphere! Let’s be clear – I’m not one to get all crafty and Martha Stewart-ish, but I might be inclined to have a little fun with accessories if given the chance. Hopefully something in my April 2012 Ideabook will help you too! Plan the Perfect Cinco de Mayo Party! Houzz– Kitchen Remodel,…
