I always serve brunch on Mother’s Day for my Mom and Mother-in-law.  This year, I plan to set a very girly table. Shades of pink, lots of bling and pearls.

A few weeks ago, I started looking for vintage dinner plates with a floral design in pink. 

Design Tip: It doesn’t matter if all your dishes match, as long as you choose a theme.  In this case pink flowers.

I love a layered table, so I started with a pale pink tablecloth and added fuchsia placemats.

What could be more feminine than pearls?  (Think Grace Kelly, sigh!) These bracelets do double duty ~ napkin rings and gift for our mothers (no wrapping!).  This wrap style fits perfectly around the napkin.

Tuck in sentimental old photos to get the conversation going. Bisous means kisses in French.

For the centerpiece, I found various candle stands at Goodwill. None of them matched, but each has interesting patterns and texture.

A few coats of spray paint and ropes of pearls add another layer of glamour to table. I’m always on the look-out for costume jewelry on sale.  I can use them for props then wear them the next day!

Pamper your Mom with a meal and table that says I love you! And lavish her with pearls.

The bathroom is one of the most challenging rooms to remodel. It can be a very expensive project if you gut the space, enlarge the footprint or move the plumbing. A quick and less expensive bathroom make-over is to replace the old vanity, sink, faucet, mirror and light with something new and fabulous.

If you have room for two sinks, go for it. Who doesn’t want their own space?

Twin glass sinks (from Better Homes and Gardens) add drama to to a contemporary bathroom for two.

A Norwegian church converted into a modern, stylish home includes his and her vanities. The designer packed a lot into a small space.The Scandinavians make the most of limited daylight. I would love to do my makeup under this huge skylight.  Home Adore

Traditional his and her vanity from Johnson Design.  The center cabinet separates the two sinks and provides extra storage for both.

The white cabinetry makes this black and white bathroom feel clean and crisp. A really classic look. I would add a splash of color in towels and accessories. Fabulous Home Blog

Which style is yours?

April is Earth Month. Using fewer plastic bags is one way to help save Mother Earth. I love tote bags and use them every time I have to carry or haul something. When you make your own, you cover all the bases: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Denim skirts make perfect tote bags and denim is practically indestructible.  The seams are finished and reinforced.  They always come with pockets and you can find them for less than $4.00 at Goodwill.

With right sides together, sew the bottom. Turn right side out.

To create a box bottom, match the bottom and side seams to form a triangle. I measured a line to equal 5” across and stitched on that line. Repeat for other corner. Turn right side out.

Look for canvas belts to use as handles. They’re strong, durable and easier to sew than leather. I positioned them close to the belt loops.

Remove the buckle, cut in half and zig-zag each “raw” end to keep if from unraveling.

My lap-top fit perfectly in the mini skirt bag. Look for a child’s size skirt for your I-Pad. 

The longer skirt-bag is big enough for books or groceries.

Each has plenty of pockets for your phone and money and you can hook your keys on the belt loops.

So much classier than a plastic grocery bag don’t you think?

Kitchen islands might have been originally designed to give the baker an extra work surface, but over the years they’ve evolved into so much more. A spot for breakfast or homework, a gathering place during dinner preparation. They used to look just like the rest of the cabinets but today matching is not a requirement. I love to see a kitchen island made from a different material or at least finished in a contrasting color or stain. Of course, my favorites are  repurposed or upcycled from old materials.

This 1900s French bluestone-top table belongs to Ellen DeGeneres

A stainless steel restaurant-style island adds contemporary elegance to a country kitchen. Easy clean-up surface with storage underneath.

Better Homes and Gardens

A small kitchen is no reason not to install an island. This narrow shelf was once an aquarium stand. How clever is this idea?  Elle Decor

A well used tool or work bench from great-grandpa’s shed adds a rustic touch to any kitchen: country or contemporary.

Other island ideas?

• Old farm house table (with leg extensions)
• Bar cart
• Library card catalog cabinets
• Dresser, buffet or desk repurposed
• Industrial shelving

What are your ideas?

I just discovered two free web-sites that allow you to manipulate and change your photos. I know, I know, they’ve been around for quite awhile, but I decided to finally try them out. I’m hooked!

I downloaded some photos of flowers I took last year and played around with them until I found a combination I really like.

I think I just found my new artwork to hang on my kitchen wall.I could have one of these enlarged on a canvas. Better yet, I’m going to play around with a photo of the Eiffel Tower!

What do you think?

Picmonkey

ipiccy