The first taste and smell of summer

This is absolutely delicious ........
The smell is even coconut! And 0 Calories, 0 Carbs, and 0 Sugars!!!!

Kate's Anniversary

Kate's Anniversary is Sunday April 29th. I just think she is so stinking cute !!!!

In this image made available by in London, March 7, 2011, by The Middleton Family, Prince William and Kate Middleton pose together following their graduation from St. Andrews University, Scotland, on June 23, 2005.

Credit: AP Photo/The Middleton Family
Resource: CBS News

Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at a charity event for Absolute Return for Kids, ARK, in central London, June, 9, 2011. The charity gala was the first official engagement for the royal couple since they were married on April 29.

Credit: AP Photo/Alastair Grant
Resource: CBS News

Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, walk the red carpet with an umbrella as they attend the U.K. premiere of "War Horse" in London on Jan. 8, 2012.

Credit: Ian Gavan/AFP/Getty Images

An official photo of Prince William and his fiancee, Catherine Middleton, released April 28, 2011.

Credit: Mario Testino/Art Partner

Resourcs: CBS News



Ottoman Recover

This ottoman recovery cost less then $10.00

The Before

You will use;

Sisal Rope: Walmart $4.95 (you will have left over)

Burlap: Joann $2.99 / yard (depending on the size of your ottoman, you will have left over)

Upholstery Nails: Walmart $2.99

They come in a variety of colors

Lay the burlap over the ottoman, crease the edges. Use the rope to help hold in place while making your creased edges.

I used an iron to seam the edges.

Take a nap half way through if you need to.

Push the upholstery nails in, depending on your piece you may need to hammer the nails, Some I could push some needed a little hammering.

Braid the rope.If you are by yourself,  twist the end around a door knob to braid it.

Push the rope down, to create a tight seam on the edges.

The After.

And once you are finished, rest and take another nap!

Let me know ya'lls thoughts.......Is this something you would do???? Does it lead you to other ideas??????

For the Gentlemen In My Life

From His website : Colonel Littleton

 "People are always asking me, "How in the world did you get started in a business like this?"

I don't want to say "by accident," but it was a little that way.

My previous line of work took me to some of the finest men's stores in the country. Even though these stores had the best to offer in clothing and accessories and a clientele that appreciated finer things, I found their selection of gifts to be seriously lacking and not at all consistent in quality with their other merchandise.

So, I saw a real need for unique gift items of high quality.

It all started when I bought 17 pairs of vintage cufflinks back in 1987. After carefully hand designing the packaging for 17 pairs, I took them to a few of the stores on which I called. I returned empty handed, selling all 17 pairs.

The excitement of providing others with products that were unique and designing my own packaging set the wheels turning. The Col. Littleton business was born and is now in it's 25th year of operation.

From antique cufflinks I moved into pocket knives, which I had always personally liked. Knives became my new passion as I brought consumers fine collections with handles of Mother of Pearl and bone made much like they would have been made 100 years ago.

I saw a need for people to have family keepsakes, so personalization of products became important to me. My philosophy was "What would you take for your Granddaddy's pocket knife with his name and the date he received it engraved on the handle?" It would be priceless in most families.

I've always been a collector by nature, and I've always wanted to know how and why something worked. I was the little kid who took things apart and put them back together.

Most of the things I do have a nostalgic feel to them... things that are handcrafted... things that can be personalized and passed down in families. I have a real respect for days gone by and get a lot of inspiration for new products from the past.

Over the years, my business has expanded from cufflinks and knives to leather goods, home accessories, business accessories, belts, hats, jewelry and more - all quality, unique products crafted with a special touch.

I personally design each product - whether it's constructing a leather cell phone holster from scratch or coming up with a whole new concept in men's belts. Each product is brought to life in leathers and woods, brass and other materials with careful, detailed handwork.

My hope is that all Col. Littleton products have staying power, become special items to their owners and eventually become family heirlooms.

Col. Littleton's General Office and Works are located in Lynnville, Tennessee - about an hour's drive south of Nashville in the heart of downtown Lynnville. If you're ever in our part of the country, Stop By And See Us. "

Sourced from His Website : Colonel Littleton

I use a plate that a past client gave me as a gift for my daily collections. Sunglasses, a pair of earrings, a receipt I need to keep, the miscellaneous "stuff". This is a great idea for the gentlemen in your life that have miscellaneous "stuff".

I love these!

You can not forget the "best" gentlemen in your life !!!

There are Lady "things" as well : Colonel Littleton



Karen Robertson

I have the coastal love, after lving in Key West for three years, it is in my blood. Love these sea inspired decor.


Meet Karen Robertson,

"One of the finest sources of nature inspired visual and functional elements of fine decoration. A favorite among upscale interior retailers and design professionals looking for a classic line with a graphic, contemporary edge. Karen's artwork and accessories embrace the beauty found in nature's own magnificence. Karen dares to manipulate design principles and construction not attempted by others. Her work is sophisticated, timeless and of the moment.

"The organizing principle of most everything I do is natural history and marine life. My work is a way of bringing nature into the interior space", says Karen.

As a designer and manufacturer of nature's framed art, our work is truly unique. No two pieces are exactly alike, giving your clients and customers an original, one-of-a-kind treasure only nature can provide. Our line of fine accessories are recognized for their unique design and hand-crafted beauty.

Karen's 'Collections' are frequently featured in top interior and design magazines. Her work is sold world-wide in limited quantities.

Karen makes her home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida where she unearths much of her inspiration. Call her at 904 280-5758 for ideas and direction on any project. "

Resource: Karen Robertson

Photos are from her website, take a visit: Karen Roberston

Stunning Baths

Mrs. Howards recently discussed towel bars. A few of my favorite baths are below.  Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper

This pretty bathroom had heated towel bars, which are great.

Mrs. Howard

This bathroom just has two hooks flanking the vanity.

Mrs. Howard

Mrs. Howard

Mrs. Howard

VISIT HER WEBSITE: Phoebe Howard

Shake Me Down



This home stands apart from the rest with a cedar shingle roof, copper finishes, and white trim. The gold from the copper, grey from the siding, and white from the trim are all picked up in the unique blend of colors that make up the Boston Blend.

Stoneyard

Cape Cod Family Retreat

Designer Meredith Hutchison expands her family's 1950s Cape Cod cottage, keeping the flow and feeling of the old house while making room for all the relatives to stay. Generous living spaces and a nautical nod to the surrounding area make this the ultimate family retreat.

RESOURCE AND PHOTOGRAOHY: Family Retreat