Subtract Trees, Add Curb Appeal
The landscape has been slowing changing around this home (here and here). Yesterday, it was time for some minor tree removal.
We are so lucky to have huge oak, maple and beech trees all around our yard. Those we wouldn’t touch.
But there were some smaller, less attractive trees that needed to be dealt with. Like these in the front…
This photo isn’t the best angle, but there are actually two of the same tree right next too each other. Both of them had pretty flowers in the spring, but they are way too close to the house and the berries stain our driveway in the fall.
They had to go!
Our house looks bigger, there is more sunshine in the yard and it just plain looks better. Even Tom from Tom’s Trees said we have more curb appeal now. Thanks Tom!
Wallpaper Source
In case you haven’t heard, wallpaper is back.
The selection at The Wallpaper Collective is to-die-for.
Some of my favorites:
Wouldn’t that be adorable in a nursery? (Not in this house yet people, take it easy.)
See anything you like?
Entryway: Current State
I’ve been contemplating some minor changes to our front entryway (after finally deciding what to call it). Before I do, I thought I’d show you what it looks like right now.
From Front Door Looking Left
From Front Door Looking Right
View From Kitchen
Coat Closet (Fairly Organized, Room for Improvement)
What would you do first? Change the rugs? Add more art to the walls? Something else? I’m all ears.
One Fun Thing: Digital Color Wheel
Trouble with color? Check this out. This tool will help you mix and match color options. Best of all, it’s free!
Thanks to Creature Comforts Blog for pointing this out.
Best Part About the Farmer’s Market?
Fresh flowers!
Sunflowers are in season. Love them.
Note to self: Expand your collections of vases. This one isn’t cutting it anymore.
One Fun Thing: Swing in Style
Don’t you kind of want one of these?
Available here. Via Handmade Charlotte.
Why Did Moose Cross the Road?
Art fairs can be a great place to find lawn ornaments. I’m pretty selective when it comes to yard decor, and often go home empty handed. But, what I found last weekend was too good to pass up. The vendor had several to choose from: ”cat crossing,” “dog crossing” and….
I think he likes it. He’s vain like that.
Etsy Finds: Vinyl Decals for the Kitchen
My mom mentioned she’s looking for some decoration for the soffit above the cabinets in her red, chef inspired kitchen. I recommended she look on Etsy for some vinyl decals, and then decided it would be fun to look for her. Here’s what I found (most of them are available in a variety of colors, click on each picture to find the listing):
Landscape Plan: Front Porch
These old-school evergreen shrubs were all that adorned the right side of our front porch when we moved in. And there they sat for three years. I was never a fan, but replacing them just wasn’t high on the list of priorities.
We called in some professional help to remove the bushes and change the shape of the border. Here’s what it looks like right now:
We hope to fill the new bed with shade-loving plants like hostas and ferns. Here’s my (novice and not-to-scale) plan:
And for those of you (like I was before my research) who have no idea what those plants are, this photo guide will be helpful:
Am I on the right track? Any advice to make my green thumb greener?
Berry Crisp Recipe
I just have to share one of my favorite recipes with you. I’ve been making it for years. It’s the perfect thing for the day you come home from the farmer’s market with fresh berries. The recipe came from one of those “magazines” that you probably get from your local hospital. Quick, relatively healthy, yummy…
What you need:
3/4 cups quick oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp. melted butter
3 tbsp. canola oil
3 1/2 cups mixed berries (or one kind of berry, or even peaches)
1 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch
8″ x8″ or 9″ x9″ baking dish
What you do:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine oats, flour, sugar, butter and oil. Mix well. Set aside.
3. Add cornstarch to berries and combine gently.
4. Pour berries into the baking dish.
5. Spread crisp mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.
Enjoy!
