Handmade Bench--A Future Family Heirloom

A few months back, my husband and I visted his family farm back east in Georgia.  His very sweet and handy grandfather offered to help Britt make a bench out of an oak that had fallen on the property.

So the two of them spent a warm September afternoon out in the barn, measuring and drilling, sawing and laughing.

Once we got it home, I sanded, stained, and sealed it.

We love it.

And its transformation.

Simple and rustic.

It's not only a lovely piece of furniture....

But also a reminder of that sweet afternoon shared by Britt and his grandfather.

We'll keep the bench (and the memories) forever, and one day, hopefully our children will sit upon it. 

Instead of Amos.

Who for the time being

has claimed this future family heirloom for his own.

Crochet Doily

My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 14.  I loved it immediately. 

Unfortunately, crochet is one of those lovely pursuits that is fading away.  And as silly as it sounds, I do it not only because it's enjoyable, but because it's a little piece of the past that I refuse to release.

I'm an old pro at afghans and washcloths, but recently I tried my hand at something that required a little more finesse.

The doily.  The classic crochet piece.

 

It took a bit of time for my fingers to adjust to the tiny hook and tiny thread.

But eventually, some order began to emerge from the tangles.

My grandmother has given me doilies she made as well as some crocheted by her mother.  I always imagined the creation falling perfectly from their needles.

Not the case!

Once the doily is complete, you must wash it.  This is done by giving it a light handwash (no twisting or pulling!) in mild detergent and warm water, and then gently rolling the piece in a clean towel to remove the excess water without distorting its shape.   

Then you must "block" the piece.  This is done by unrolling it onto a flat, dry surface and gently shaping it as needed.  Then you can enjoy it on the coffee table under an antique vase or on your nightstand by the lamp, just the way the good Lord intended for doilies to be used.

So now, each time you visit your grandmother, and you see a hand-made doily, please always remember....

That it wasn't just crocheted....

It was loved into life!

Is It Really Fall?

Is it really fall?

The streadily growing okra makes me wonder.

So do the zinnias.

 

How can people have snow...

When my basil is growing?

Review with GreenSmart

GreenSmart is a true trash-to-treasure company.  They turn waste such as plastic bottles into "new," beautiful products.  They also practice socially-responsible labor, which is especially commendable.

For this review, I received a Narwhal Messenger Bag in ocean blue.

Here are a few of the bags features:

- Roomy interior with padded laptop bay fits up to 13.3"
- Full width back slash pocket
- Side pockets on both ends
- Organization pocket under flap

This bag is of great quality, and the colors are bold and vibrant--definitely beyond what I expected from a bag that is 98% composed of old plastic bottles!  It's also just as strong as "virgin" products, or those that are created from non-recycled materials.

Not only is this messenger bag stylish, but it is very functional as well.  It has various sections and smaller pockets for easy organization.

This messenger bag would be great for students as well as professionals.  It could also be useful for general travel, as well.

GreenSmart makes other great products, too!

I love this bright pink MacBook sleeve for stylish protection.



I also love this sandy-brown backpack (perfect for hiking!): 

Here's another great travel accessory--a wine carrier:

Ready to do a little Christmas shopping on GreenSmart?  Use the coupon code LH2865  for 15% off your purchase until December 21, 2011!

You can also connect with GreenSmart via their Twitter and Facebook pages.

Master Bedroom Makeover

As the weather (finally) turns colder, the bright pinks and greens of my bedroom didn't suit me anymore, and I bid them adieu until March ushers in the first hints of spring.

Digging through my house yielded suitable colors to more adequately reflect the stark, still peacefullness of fall.

The dresser got a makeover, complete with a new runner I made from dark brown burlap and linen.

No more summer in the white wire shelf....

And no more bright green on the dresser.  I created the vase on the right using a candleholder, a glass vase, white beans, and a faux branch.

Happy fall!

Two Winners!

I'm pleased to announce two giveaway winners tonight!  The winner of the CottonAge spa wrap giveaway is Debra, and the winner of the Ultimate Green Store $30 gift credit is Ruth!  Thanks so much to everyone who entered!