Taking it Out

This is finally the time of year when the weather starts to warm up, gardens start blooming and everything is green.  The outdoors is an often neglected area that is really an extension of your house .. so lets put away the weather beaten chairs and white plastic table .. it's time to make your outdoor room stylish, comfortable, and weather resistant.  Sounds simple.

The time and effort it takes to spruce up your outdoor living area will not only extend your living space giving you more room to relax and entertain but also inject much needed relaxation.  Being able to get outside to enjoy nature is good for your health (Dr. Shana says)

xo - Shana

Container Gardens

Looking for an easy and convenient way to garden?

In search of a backyard but reside in an urban jungle?

Allow me to introduce you to the wonderfully creative world of container gardens.  Containers can hold every type of plant from ground covers to flowering plants and small trees.  Container gardening is an easy way to introduce landscape decoration to a small space.

How tranquil?!

Where to look first .. between the gorg tile work and those plants

I love the idea of trading socks for soil and recycling old furniture

I am SWOONING over the ornamental grass in matching pots

An old birdbath with succulents .. yes please!!



These container plantings add perfect elegance to the front entry



Exuberant plants can add an over the top lushness to the entry

xo - Shana


My personal fave..

Green Wallpaper

It seems as though I keep hearing that wallpaper is making a comeback … is it still coming or are we there yet?? 

Anywho I am totally bananas over this GREENER approach to wallpaper, a way to have a room that is completely unique to your style & taste and cost virtually nothing…recycled paper goods as wallpaper.  This can be ANYTHING you love or just plain think looks good.

I mean we’re talking pages from your favorite novel, sheet music, maps, newspaper.  I mean how romantic would your favorite poems look?  How about pages from a Dr. Seuss book for the little ones?  The possibilities are endless but the idea is SO simple.  I’m planning on decoupaging the built in bookcase in my bedroom with pages from an old dictionary, as I L-O-V-E the dictionary.

Instructions:
~ Paper good of your fancy
~ Wallpaper paste
~ Sponge brush

~ Old credit card

~ Paint brush

~ Clear sealer

Lay the book page (etc.) face down on a protected surface, using the sponge brush, brush a thin layer of glue over the whole page, making sure to get the edges.

Place book page on surface and use an old credit card to smooth out the paper, make sure you are careful not to put too much pressure as the paper can tear.  The object is to get out any wrinkles or air bubbles.

Allow to dry overnight

Brush on a coat or two of clear sealer (non-yellowing) to protect your work, make sure everything dries completely between applications.

Completely easy-peasy and fab!!

xo - Shana