Siesta in the Sun

Not only do I have a very strong desire to live in a home that feels collected, global inspired, and warm; but I also have a very strong desire to live abroad at some point.  In due time, in due time!

Regardless of that, this home in the sunny south of Spain has so many beautiful features.  The hardwood flooring throughout was installed by the owner who is a carpenter and the white plaster walls and ceilings only highlight the level of amazing woodwork that is present.  Breezy windows with gauzy coverings add to the feeling of restfulness.

I just such a big fan of the various colors and textures that make this home feel cozy, chic, and rustic all at once.

How do you feel? Perfectly ecclectic, or too much for your taste?

Have a SPLENDID Thursday!

Photos via Mi Casa

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Have & Make: Fabric Coated Clean


When it comes to spring cleaning (anyone still have that on their to-do list?), wooden corn brush brooms are my favorite.  Partly because they work the best, and partly because the design is classic.  I covered my handle, however in a pretty floral fabric to give this old staple a little more pep.

I love using decoupage with fabric because although it absorbs the glue, it dries clear and you can still see the pattern of the weave. For this project, use any thinner patterned fabric (I used an old sheet from the thrift store) and cut a strip wide enough to cover the handle. Spray the entire length of the handle with spray adhesive, then wrap the fabric tightly around the wood.  Make sure to work from one end and overlap the fabric in the same direction the entire way down.

Once the fabric is secured, go to town with your decoupage.  I mean, really… go to town.  Use a ton.  Really saturate the fabric with it and brush until you have a smooth surface.  Let the broom dry for about 24 hours, then spray with a high gloss clear coat spray paint for a hard-to-the-touch finish. If you don’t think the clear coat is thick enough, just repeat the decoupage step (allowing for it to dry completely in between coats) before spraying with the clear coat.

There… Sweet Sweeping!

Have a PRETTY Wednesday!

 

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Cool and Cafe

Something about the warmer air moving in makes me want to sit street-side sipping cool and refreshing cocktails.  Throw in a good book and I’m all set.

This week, try something new with the French 75.  It’s a simple concoction of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and champagne; and seems like something I could sip into the early evening before enjoying dinner al fresco.

I know it’s only Tuesday, but its already May!! Doesn’t the impending summer just do the same to you?

Have a SWEET Tuesday!

Cafe photo via

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Spring into Action

When it comes to having an old farmhouse, some things need much more maintenance than others.

I was planning on kicking off this past weekend with a little landscaping and hanging some big boston ferns on the porch, but when I walked around to the front of our home, I realized that I should probably get a lot more serious about the exterior than just some pretty plants.

Our porch is in poor shape.  The lattice is broken and falling off, there are floorboards that need repair, and the whole thing needs a good scrub and new paint.

Last fall, I posted about the exterior as a whole, and painting and fixing the porch was a big chunk of that to-do list.  We did get a new roof and I updated our house numbers and porch light, which made me feel accomplished, but with summer looming, I can’t ignore the porch anymore.  I need to get myself in gear!

Four years ago we painted the porch ourselves, but this time I am really thinking about outsourcing the work and leaving it to the professionals.  Have you guys ever had your exterior painted?  Did you hire out, or DIY?

I hope your Monday is off to a great start!

P.S. how about my little hostas poking out of the ground?! I’m pretty excited about them.

 

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Friday Faves 4.27

ONE Florence Broadhurst for Kate Spade playing cards $14; TWO Honeycomb glass pendant shade $68 Urban Outfitters; THREE Kate Spade Sandpiper app tray $60; FOUR turkey claw placecard holder set $28 for 4 from Leif; FIVE bonjour! frenchie print from Sycamore Street Press $35; SIX Inkwell organic shams $24 at CB2.

 

Happy weekend!  I’m so excited to spend some extra time home relaxing with Matty.  He was away last weekend, and the previous one we were in Vegas, so it will be nice to slow things down a bit. I plan get some landscaping and yardwork done and maybe get started on some plans I have for the house exterior.  Maybe I’ll throw a pedicure in there!

Have a good one, guys!

 

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Calling the Young and the Talented

I don’t dip into fashion much here on House of Earnest, but by day, I do work in the fashion industry and I really got my feet wet in DIY with making my own clothing creations (you should ask my college roommate about the crazy stuff I used to make and wear!)  Although I may not share many outfit or clothing trends (except for on instagram!), I certainly love exploring creative new designs. I know there are so many of you who create and design out there, and Zuuz Style wants to see your style!

I was selected as one in a panel of judges to review and judge the last of three rounds of voting in Zuuz Styles’ The Young and the Talented fashion design competition. The good news is, you have the opportunity to enter! There are five categories for designs, and the winner from each category wins $500, so Hurry, because you must have all entries in by April 30th. More information here!

I’m super excited to see all of the entires, so if you’re a designer (jewelry and accessories too), go enter! I’ll wait right here for you.

 

Have a BEAUTIFUL Thursday!

 

P.S. Since I’m on the topic of fashion, next time you see me, ask me about the custom design I imposed upon the strap of my newest LV bag… the guy at the store almost DIED when he saw it.

 

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Details with // Vmac+Cheese

Victoria from Vmac+Cheese shares with us her three favorite little home details:

ONE A fluted and footed milk glass bowl, right now hanging out next to some cheery orange ranunculus. I got this little bowl from High Street Market several years ago. Kelly always finds the best stuff, seriously. TWO Pretty napkins that Elizabeth sent me from her store, Stone Textile. I love how neutral they are, but will pair so well with bright place settings! THREE A salad plate I use to add some extra depth and interest to a Capri Blue candle from Anthro. Lately I’ve been keeping this candle and plate on our entry table. It makes the house smell so good and makes me smile every time I walk in the door.

A special thanks to Victoria for being our inagural guest on ‘Details With’!

Have a BEAUTIFUL Wednesday, guys!

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Mint Infused Bourbon with Free Printables

When spring rolls around, I start thinking a lot about weddings, and this year is especially prone to these thoughts because we have several good friends tying the knot.

I’ve noticed, however, that there are a severe lack of manly favors and goodies out there.  So whether you’re bachelor party bound, or just getting in the Derby spirit, here is a fun little flavor infused bourbon for your spring.

With bottles supplied by Specialty Bottle (at just two bucks a piece), I bottled my own Mint infused bourbon, and for kicks threw in some homemade simple syrup.  Together they make a great Mint Julip with minimal headache – everything is already included, so all the recipient had to do is pour over crushed ice.

First, bruise and crush about seven sprigs of mint into a vessel which can tightly close.  Completely submerge the mint with a liter of bourbon.  Let the mixture sit for a week to two weeks allowing the flavors to incorporate.  Pour the flavored concoction into your vessel and cap!  If you also want to make the simple syrup, it’s just one part water to one part sugar.  Heat in a small saucepan on medium heat until the sugar is full melted.  Let the syrup cool before bottling.  How easy was that?

You can download the Mint Bourbon and Simple Syrup Printable for your own private use.  They fit perfectly for the size of the Boston Glass 8.5 oz bottle from Specialty Bottle that I mentioned above.

Do you think you’ll try this out?  The only special skill you need is a bit of patience, which I understand it’s kind of a lot to ask with minty flavor bourbon taunting you.

Have an INCREDIBLE Tuesday!

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Friday Faves 4.20

ONE Platinum lined ceramic bowls $27 from canvas; TWO punchy patterned cocktail linens $8 ea from Anthropologie; THREE ceramic pig planter $29 from Fruit Fly Pie; FOUR Aran printed floor mat $19 West Elm; FIVE drink me!  wooden stirrers from BHLDN $18; SIX wood nested stool from House Doctor spring collection.

 

It’s Friday!  We made it and I want to hear your plans for the weekend?  Is there anything going on that you’re excited about?

Matty is out of town, so I’ll be spending the weekend doing all of the things I’ve been neglecting around the house and blog.  Laundry, cleaning, resizing a gazillion photos in preparation for my new site launch, you know, the norm! I have a fun business meeting planned with a potential collaborator, a dinner with my sister-in-law and mother in law, and a lot of old fashioned relaxing.  I’ll see you guys back around here Monday with our new look!

Have a FANTASTIC Weekend!

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