Lots of Kitchen inspiration!

Posted by Mr Wong at 11:10 AM 0

I've been cooking a lot more, and therefore spending most of my evenings in the kitchen. I don't know if my cooking will ever get better - but atleast I can make my kitchen a little tastier!



Love this clutter-free, retro kitchen.

Small herb pots on the counter are a favorite of mine



The lamp on the counter is such a charming touch. I love the cabinets, too.

via House to Home

If you don't have an island - just retrofit a small dresser or console with a few hooks and whatever else you'd need on hand.

via BHG

Gorgeous, light-filled interiors from photographer Emily Gilbert

Posted by Mr Wong at 1:57 PM 0

I randomly found Emily Gilbert website while looking for photographer portfolios. It usually takes me awhile before I find one who I don't exit out of at first glance, but hers was worth clicking through!













See more of her work at Emily Gilbert Photography.

Super cute idea for customizing your furniture with your favorite pattern

Posted by Mr Wong at 10:22 AM 0

I found this in the April 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Living, and I just love it.



marthastewart.com says:
Bring sprightly designs to inexpensive chairs by covering the backs with paper, in either a single bold pattern or several coordinating ones. Ready-to-assemble (and easy-to-disassemble) chairs work best.

Tools and Materials
* Chairs (this style available at Ikea)
* Kraft paper
* Pencil
* Craft knife (or scissors)
* Cutting mat
* Sturdy patterned paper
* Decoupage glue
* Foam brush
* Bone folder

Decorative Chair Backs How-To
1. Unscrew chair back. Lay it on kraft paper. Trace outline with pencil (press chair back against paper as you trace to account for curve).

2. Cut out template with craft knife, using a cutting mat.

3. Place patterned paper facedown on cutting mat. Place kraft-paper template on top, and trace. Cut out.

22"-by-30" handmade paper: (#7385), $6 per sheet, and (#8125), $6.25 per sheet, from Print Icon, 212-255-4489. Decoupage glue and sealer, by Martha Stewart Crafts, $3.99, from Michaels, 800-642-4235.

Another cool option - instructions here

Help sourcing a product...?

Posted by Mr Wong at 10:40 AM 0

A while back, Ann sent me a question asking where she could find large glass wine just like the ones featured in the first photo of my Tuscan Inspired Spaces post.

The jugs are on a shelf in the upper left corner.

Through my brief research, it looks like you can find them from antique dealers starting at $250.00. A lot of them are labeled as French or Belgian wine jugs, and I'm not sure how different they are from country to country. You can find them on Ebay for less, but of course the authenticity is questionable.

Does anyone know what these wine jugs are called in Italy, or where to find them? Or even where to find inexpensive reproductions if budget is an issue?

Thanks!



via Inessa Stewart's Antiques




via GoAntiques.com

via Ebay
via Ebay

Happy Birthday Cody!

Posted by Mr Wong at 9:39 AM 0

As some of you may know my Australian shepherd Cody died a week before Christmas after battling with lymphoma. It pummelled us, and though I can't speak for my family, I am a different person indeed. I've had a blessed life and never experienced watching a young, innocent, and scared loved one go through such a ravenous and merciless disease. I still go through the stages of grief all these months later - bargaining, denial, depression, anger -- you name it. My father has bred and owned many different breeds of dogs, and says that none came close to Cody. Yes, he could have quite the attitude, and silly antics, but he had, like most wise dogs, a quiet way of letting us know he was always concerned, and always constant. He was a gift.

On June 20th, I will be running a marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. I've been training for the past 6 months with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, and I've raised over $5,000 to go towards cancer research. I received a promotional postcard from them in the mail a few weeks after Cody died. I'd never heard of them, and never thought of running a marathon, but it seemed like a sign.

In honor of Cody on his birthday, please stop to give your pets and loved ones a few extra hugs and kisses, and don't hesitate to get your animal medical care at something seemingly small. Also, DON'T except "there's nothing wrong," take him/her back, and/or get a second opinion - you know when there's something really wrong.

Best to you and yours.
xoxo - Ashley

Enter a giveaway from Terri Conrad Designs

Posted by Mr Wong at 12:57 PM 0

Terri over at her blog "Hello! Beautiful" is having a drawing and graciously giving away a beautiful canvas with a photo of the winner's choice on it.


The super easy instructions:

Here's how to enter, play, and hopefully win:

1. leave a comment on Terri's blog, with your blog link (no blog? be sure to include your email addy in your comment)

2. post the above pic on your blog with our link back here, inviting your readers to play and win (kindly use image for this express purpose only)

3. visit Terri Conrad Designs to find something lovely for your heart & home (no purchase required)

On June 10 one winner will be randomly selected and given the choice of any "My Print & Pattern Canvas Wall Decor" to be customized in a 16x16 format.

She has lots of other pretty goodies at her online shop.

Bobo update

Posted by Mr Wong at 9:29 AM 0

I'm happy to announce that Bobo is in a loving foster home, but she still needs a permanent home. Here's the email:

" Bobo is currently in a foster home where she is doing wonderfully. She gets along well with the couple's two other dogs and is a total love with people and small children. Bottom line: Bobo has been rescued from the shelter, but still needs a loving, permanent home.

Thanks again for your caring......
Patty (NYCA)"

If you or anyone you know can give this sweetie a home, contact Patty asap at (212) 427-8273.

Here's more info. on Bobo from petfinder.