Saturday, June 28, 2014

June Garden Happenings

I can't believe we're nearing the end of June already ~ gosh that went fast! I hope you've been spending lots of time outside relaxing, playing and watching your garden grow. Here's is a little tour of what's been happening in my garden this month ...
 
 
After the explosion of color in the May garden, we settled into a much calmer scene in the month of June. One by one, the perennials began to take their turn being in the spotlight.



The trick with perennials to have a mix of plants that bloom at different times. Each year they just get bigger and better. Many of them don't last long, but each one is a delight.





 






The vegetables in the raised beds are really taking off and almost spilling over the edges already! If you were here for the May garden tour, you can see what a difference a month makes.


And we're getting a hint of the bounty to come.


Look at those tiny little green beans!


The peas are Megan's favorite. She'll eat them right out of the garden. I wonder what Clare's favorite will be?

 

 
Nothing says summer better than a little red, white and blue ...
 


 
and a flag on the front porch!
 

Oh the joys of summer!


Thanks for joining me in the garden today!

See you on Tuesday for our July Garden Party!
 
Elizabeth and Co.

I'm sharing with ...

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Be Inspired Features and Link Party #124

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back for features and party day!
 
Elizabeth and Co.

I just love visiting all the party links each week, but choosing features is really hard! The talent and creativity out there just blows me away. Thanks so much for taking the time to share! Here are just a few of the links that caught my eye this week ...

This chest of drawers from Darrielle of D.D.'s Cottage and Design is a beauty on the outside ...


and has a wonderful surprise on the inside too!


Elisha from Pneumatic Addict Furniture shared the story behind these AMAZING built-in bookcases!


Have you taken the summer house tour over at Oliver and Rust? If not, you are in for a real treat! Meg has a fabulous sense of style and her home is a treasure trove of unique and interesting pieces! 

 
 


Laurel from The North End Loft shared all the details on the charming signs she made for her garden - such a fun touch!



Tanya from Dans le Lakehouse revealed her sweet budget-friendly DIY kitchen makeover - so bright and happy! 


Taking the time to do it right resulted in this beautiful backyard oasis at The Cape On The Corner!


I love this master bedroom makeover from Lora over at Vintage Home - so soft and pretty!


Barbara from 21 Rosemary Lane found the drama she was seeking for her guest room with this beautiful dresser makeover!


Dianne from Shabby Gals shared this totally adorable lampshade made from a tablecloth!

 
And now I want to throw a summer party just so I can serve a Berry Shortcake Platter just like this one from Simply Suzanne's!


Each guest can make their very own shortcake - how fun!


Thanks so much to everyone who linked up and linked back!
If you've been featured, feel free to grab a cute little button from
the sidebar!
 
Elizabeth and Co.

And don't forget that you can also share your garden and outdoor related projects all month long at our June Garden Party!
 
Elizabeth and Co.


Now on to this week's party...

*Link up your furniture makeovers, DIY projects, home decor, crafts, recipes, thrifty finds, etc... We want to see whatever is inspiring you at the moment!
 
*A link back would be appreciated, especially if you'd like to be considered for a feature.
 
*And we'd love to have you follow along with us!
 
We'll be back next Tuesday with features and a brand new party!
 

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Deep Sea Blue with a Touch of Gold

This vintage waterfall chest of drawers got a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint in a deep sea blue and a touch of gold!


I'm usually really good at remembering where every single piece of furniture came from, but this one has me stumped. And the funny thing is that I also have a matching dresser in the garage. Hmm, I'm sure it will come to me eventually! Luckily this one was in pretty good shape and didn't need a single repair.


I prepped it a light sanding and a good scrubbing with TSP. The deep blue is from Behr and it's appropriately called English Channel. I bought the paint and primer in one and mixed it up with the chalk paint recipe.
 


It's always a bonus when the original hardware is intact and in good shape.


After a good cleaning, I gave the pulls a once over with Antique Gold Rub 'n Buff. To save my fingers from going gold, I wore a glove on one hand and just rubbed lightly - a little goes a long way. For a more natural look, you really don't want to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Then just buff with a paper towel or soft cloth.


 Before and after!

 
 Pretty little details!

 
I finished up with a light distressing and a coat of Fiddes & Sons clear wax. I've been a little frustrated with the wax turning into little balls with the wax brush, so I'm back to using a soft cloth and that seems to have solved the problem. This particular wax dries very quickly and gives a really nice finish.


I love the deep sea blue with a touch of gold.