9.18.2008

Hob-Knobbing: Custom Look in No Time


I was looking at the Domino online newsletter today and their featured inspiration gallery was on decorative hardware. It got me to thinking that I have switched out a number of drawer pulls and knobs on furniture pieces so they suit that perfect look I am going for. Just because the hardware on a piece isn't to your liking doesn't mean you shouldn't get it. It's such an easy switch and can spice up any piece with little effort.


The three photos feature hardware I have selected specifically for the room and furniture. The vintage looking latch goes perfect for the throw-back vibe I am heading towards in our office/family room. We purchased those at Restoration Hardware (great selection of hardware!). The glass knobs I put on the antique vanity in our powder room to tie into the crystal pendants that hang above. And lastly, the brushed metal drawer pulls I replaced on a dresser since it came with boring square wood ones. And of all places, I think I got those at Target years ago.


Such a simple fix can give a dull piece of furniture some character and sparkle. So keep your eye out for some "furniture jewelry". Also, check out Anthropologie for some great vintage looking finds.

9.09.2008

DIY: Squeaky Clean


Over the last several years I have been switching over most of my household cleaning products to natural/less harmful products. I have found some good ones and also some that just don't stand up to the chemical loaded competition. Window cleaner has been one of them I have struggled with.

About a month ago or so, I found all these recipes on the Martha Stewart website on making your own cleaners which is the ultimate in green and also saves money over the long run. I had bought all the ingredients I needed, but was waiting for the ones I had purchased to run out so I could reuse their respective bottles already prelabeled. Alas the window cleaner ran out last weekend and so I decided it was time to venture in to the green of all green and make my first attempt at homemade cleaners.

I just have to say that I feel silly at how SIMPLE it was!!! It literally took me a minute to do and it works fantastic (see recipe below). For the Castile soap I bought the lavender scented in order to mask some of the vinegar smell which is very mild and dissipates super quick. It leaves NO streaks!!! Gone are my days of buying Windex and getting aggravated at having to wash and rewash windows to get rid of streaks. I can't wait to try the other cleaners that were listed in that article.

Window Cleaner
1/2 teaspoon Castile or plant-based liquid soap
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 cups water

9.04.2008

Fawn and Forest


Now that I have been in baby mode and searching the internet for all things cute, I have come across some sweet little sites (and some not so sweet!). One in particular really caught my eye and kept me perusing through. Fawn and Forest is so delightfully laid out and not to mention the name is quite catchy, that you can't help but want everything on their site for your baby or child. If nothing else, it's fun to stroll through just to put yourself in a good mood. Enjoy!