Domino Inspiration: Part V

Here in Seattle we've had what seems like weeks of continuous, dreary, rainy days... and with Memorial Day weekend looking no better, I'm drinking a nice cup of coffee and daydreaming of beautiful weather and lazy summer days outside. (Because I know it will get nice again, eventually! :)

Since I'm stuck inside, I thought it was the perfect time

to peruse a few old summertime issues of Domino and look for something pretty to inspire me; of course, I wasn't disappointed! I love these ideas for using gorgeous outdoor fabrics to make your outside spaces a little more stylish and cozy!

Of course, I love the mix of driftwood with the preppy stripes in this next one:

And what girl wouldn't want to lounge in this perfectly luxurious poolside retreat?!

Photos: Domino/May 2007

Hope you all have a lovely and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!!

Cheers!

Sal

My Potting Bench!!

Okay, so this is my first attempt at building a table of any sort, so it's definitely a little rough around the edges, but hey - it's the rustic look, right?! I used old lumber driftwood that washed ashore at my grandparents' beach... the pictures aren't perfect because there's not a ton of space to shoot between our fence and the wall of the house, but I just had to share...

Photos: Sea Studio

Of course, I already have a few potting projects standing by... Now all we need is some sunshine!!

Happy Thursday!

xo,

Sal

Seed Bombs!!!

I couldn't have found these at a better time... just this morning, I told my husband of a brilliant plan I'd concocted: To sow wildflower seeds in the enormous, ugly, abandoned lot behind our home!! I checked at the local nursery today, and wildflower seeds were surprisingly expensive (!) so I didn't buy them - and then I came across these little gems while browsing Anthropologie:

They're already mixed with soil, and you can order a package that's created especially for your region - amazing, right!? I will be sure to share pictures when we have a beautiful field of wildflowers outside our kitchen window. :)

Also, just in time for Mother's Day, I must share my favorite monogrammed mugs from Anthro:

Photos: Anthropologie

I love buying these as gifts, and it would be perfect paired with your mom's favorite tea or coffee beans and some homemade cookies for a sweet Mother's Day surprise!! :)

On a side note, sorry I've been behind on posting - I've been busy gardening and building potting tables and editing millions of pictures!! I promise to be better with my "daily" blog!

xoxo,

Sal

Domino Inspiration: Part IV

I've been working away on our little garden (despite the gloomy Seattle rain - boo!) and I even have a little potting bench project to share with you in the very near future (as in, I am building a potting table/bench - crazy, I know!!). In the meantime, I'll share a little insight into my gardening endeavors for the season...

This year, I have plans to blend many more edibles into the landscape, starting with some lovely zucchini and cucumber plants I just got from a friend (thanks, Erica!!:). The best project this spring, though, is our entryway! We've lived in our little townhouse for three years now, and I've never done more than a few potted plants out front - but no longer! Our "front yard" is going to be inviting and lush - and inspired, as usual, by the gardens of Italy and France!!

Here are some pictures from Salvatore and James Ferragamo's grandmother's garden in Fiesole, Italy...

I always have a few potted red geraniums... and the Italian Cypress by the front door will evoke this landscape, despite our lack of acreage. :)

I apologize for the poor scan quality, but I had to share this next shot - I just love the lemon trees, the vines on the wall, and of course, the little red bench!!

Photos: Katherine Wolkoff for Domino Magazine/September 2006

Thank goodness I saved every issue of Domino I ever had!! Still missing my monthly dose!

xo,

Sal