BATHROOM INSPIRATION

I am working on a floor plan for some local clients.  They are a sweet couple with two equally sweet children, and they live in a darling old house, just a few blocks from us.  They are looking to remodel one of their bathrooms, and I thought I would share some of the photos I used for inspiration.

The house is an old Craftsman.  The owner loved the idea of an apron/farm style sink.

I don't blame her, I love the idea as well!

We also decided to go with a clawfoot tub/shower combo instead of a walk-in tiled shower.

Flooring and wall covering will most likely be determined by the budget.

And we can't forget light fixtures!

I love my job!

FREE PRINTABLES :: {for summer}

Remember when I mentioned how great the TomKat Studio website is?  It's one of my favorite websites!

Just thought I would share these cute summer printables that you can download from their website.

Aren't they darling?

xoxo~Darci

RUFFLED APRONS :: a non-tutorial

I am really bad about taking photos of my projects.  I am usually rushing to get through the project and I just go on  and forget!

I have been trying to work on Walk in the Park projects "here and there".   There is not a lot of "here and there" time with a 2 year old and a 2 month old, but I love to have little projects going.

I thought I would sew a few aprons for our booth.

I have a thing for ruffles.

I am not necessarily good at sewing them, but I sure love having them on curtains, pillows, and aprons!

Since one of my many faults is not being able to follow a sewing pattern, I just started sewing these aprons.  I wish I had detailed step-by-step instructions for you!

They aren't perfect, but I think they make cooking and kitchen chores a bit more fun!

xoxo~ Darci

JULY 24th :: BRING YOUR OWN PIECE WORKSHOP

Good Monday to ya!

Just a quick note to say we added a Wednesday night 'BRING YOUR OWN PIECE' Chalk Paint® workshop in the month of July.  This is such a fun class!!!  We teach four techniques, you get to use our paint and supplies, you get a super cute canvas MD HANEY & CO. tote, and you take home your beautifully painted piece!!  Here are the details....

CANON BEACH :: a 4th of July tradition

Have you been to Canon Beach?

It is one of my favorite beach towns {in Oregon}!  The shops, the food, the houses, the ocean, I love everything about it!

Three years ago, a friend told us that the entire city celebrates the 4th of July.  That they have a darling parade and great fireworks.  She was so right!

It has now become a tradition.....starting with breakfast at the Canon Beach Bakery....

Cheering on the participants in the parade.....

Packing a picnic for the beach.....

The past two years, we also did a lot of shopping.  Funny thing; a 2 year old and 2 month old aren't really into shopping....

So, this year we didn't check out any of the darling little shops, looks like we will just have to make another trip later this month ;-)

Hope you and your family had a lovely 4th....we are so very blessed to live in a free country!!

xoxo~Darci

BEFORE + AFTER :: our dining room furniture

 Happy Tuesday friends!

I thought I would show you a few photos of our dining room furniture.  I am in the middle of re-decorating {or really just shopping the house and re-arranging} our dining room.

Confession ::  I would love to buy a long, rustic dining room table.  Pair it with linen slip covered chairs and I would be a happy girl.  But,  it's hard to justify that when we have a dining room set that works just great!

I thought I would try painting our furniture to see if I would like it a little better.  If I hadn't been introduced to Chalk Paint®, I would have never dreamed of tackling our dining room furniture!  What a pain!  Sanding, priming, several coats of painting, yucky fumes.....just doesn't sound appealing.  However, with the ease and beauty of Chalk Paint®, I was willing to give it a try.

I tried a coat of 'French Linen' on the table top.  I was curious to see how well it would cover.

Two coats of paint on the top, and I was convinced it was worth it to paint it!

I painted the table top and bench a gray...."French Linen".  The chairs and base of the table are painted a soft white..."Old White".

Sweet little Pea was quite the helper.

She happily slept in the swing and gave me a solid two hours of painting time!

I distressed the edges and table top.  I wanted the original black to show through,  but just a little bit.

I applied a coat of Clear Wax, and called it good!

The table, bench and six chairs, took about eight hours to complete.

Start to finish.

And, I was able to do the entire project right in the dining room!  I am so lazy when it comes to painting.....yet another reason I love this paint!

I still have a ways to go until I get the dining room put back together, but at least the furniture is painted...

 and the table is set!

Now all I need to do is prepare dinner!

xoxo~Darci

FREE PRINTABLES :: a cute way to celebrate every day

It's a fact,  I function best when I am organized.

I have become a lot more relaxed after having kiddos, but I still like my "to-do" list.

You may already know about The TomKat Studio.  But, if not, you should check out her website.  She has inspiring party ideas, and some fabulous tutorials.

One of my favorite sections of the website is the 'Free Printables'.

I just wanted to share this fun resource with you girls.  I know you will love, love, love the ideas, inspiration and adorable printables!

Happy Creating!!

CARLTON'S WALK IN THE PARK :: August 17th & 18th

One of the many things I love about our darling little town, is the annual Walk in the Park festival.

The food is always a treat, the wine is flowing, the live entertainment is super fun and the art vendors are extremely talented.

For the past 8 or nine years, I have volunteered.  It's always a fun excuse to see neighbors and a great way to support our sweet little town.

This year, I will be attending as a vendor.  Not quite sure how it all happened, but I will be there {with bells on of course}!  I have started compiling a list of the different items I want to make to sell.  I am super excited to be a part of this wonderful event.

Hopefully you will stop by and say hello!!

**all of these fun photos are from the Walk in the Park website**

TV CABINET :: to build or not to build

Matt has designed and built numerous TV cabinets for different clients.  As you all know, custom built-ins can make such a difference in a living space!  When we remodeled our home, we talked about doing an entire wall of cabinetry in the living room.  But, life happens and living room cabinetry falls to the bottom of the priority list. So, we use this cabinet.

It has served it's purpose well.  It's nothing fancy or custom.

It holds cozy blankets, electronics, bibles and books that we are currently reading.

Matt modified the door {with wire mesh} so that the remote can still register with the electronics.

It works just great.

I vote that we save our money, time and energy for a summer vacation.

But talk to me this winter and my answer may be different {wink}!

SWEET TREAT :: home made ice cream sandwiches

We love ice cream at the Haney house.

We also love home made cookies.

The highlight of my day is {usually} snuggling on the couch with my handsome hubby and eating a big bowl of ice cream and a cookie {or two}.  I know it's not a healthy habit, but it sure is one of my favorite habits!

This weekend, I combined two of  my {many} loves and made

peanut butter and chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches.

I used this peanut butter cookie recipe, but I left out the chocolate chips.

I usually have my frozen chocolate chip cookie dough on hand, so I thought we would make chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches too.  You know, so we can compare which cookie/ice cream combo we prefer ;-)

I made a fresh batch of my honey vanilla ice cream.

It's seriously the easiest ice cream to make....and it always tastes so good!

When you are making ice cream sandwiches, it's easiest to let the ice cream soften a bit, then scoop it into a baking dish.  I wanted my ice cream centers about 1/2" thick, so I spread the ice cream about 1/2" thick over the entire dish.  Toss it back in the freezer.  When you are ready to assemble your sandwiches, cut the ice cream into the same shape/size of your cookie.  Layer them up, then pop them back into the freezer until you are ready to indulge!

This summer, we will experiment with different cookie and ice cream flavors.  Until then, I am quite happy with the simple, but classic flavors of vanilla, peanut butter and chocolate chip!

Do you have a favorite ice cream sandwich combination??

THE DESIGN STUDIO :: things are always changing

I am having so much fun at the Design Studio on Fridays!  It has been such a treat to meet so many sweet and creative ladies.  Part of the fun, is that I am always changing things up and adding to the space.  These pictures are from a few weeks ago and they are already so dated!!

I have already changed the front porch since I took this picture, but I will have a long ways to go until I get it 'right where I want it'.  

I have an order of candles due to arrive any day.  These COCO & BUBBLES candles have been so popular....and for good reason!  They burn clean, smell fabulous and at $18.50 each, they are a great buy!

I am really excited about the party supplies!

I love to throw a party, and it is especially fun when you have cute products!!  I have some really great new items due to arrive in the studio over the next few weeks.  I will be sure to keep you posted!

Once we get past the 'newborn stage' with baby Savanna, I plan on having fun drinks and treats each Friday.

 **side note** I have absolutely no desire to rush through the 'newborn stage'!!  I love cuddling with my sweet little girl and am trying to savor every moment of her sweetness!  So sweet friends, it may be a while until I have the drinks and treats on Friday because I just don't want my little one to grow up!

OK friends...that's all for now!  Go and have a wonderful weekend!!

BRING YOUR OWN PIECE :: a Chalk Paint® workshop

Summer is almost officially upon us!  I love so many things about summer....a relaxed schedule, fresh fruits and veggies from the garden, late night dinners with friends....the list could go on and on.  For some reason, summer always inspires my creativity.  Maybe it's the longer days, maybe it's the sunshine, whatever it is, summer is when I start a gazillion projects!

Summer is also the start of our creative workshops at the design studio.

The 'BRING YOUR OWN PIECE' workshop has sparked a lot of interest.  This Saturday's class is full, but we are changing the schedule a bit.  We are going to offer the 'BRING YOUR OWN PIECE' class on Saturday, June 29th instead of the 'HOW TO PAINT FURNITURE' class!

So fun....right!?!

Here are the details....

SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH 10am-12pm

A hands-on workshop using Chalk Paint®, soft waxes and varied techniques. Use our paints, wax and supplies to complete your own project. Your project must be small enough to complete in a 2 hour session {i.e. frame, shelf, mirror, small side table, etc} This workshop will give you the confidence to complete your next -and bigger- project!

WORKSHOP FEE :: $65 {full amount due to reserve a spot, deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferred to another date}

WORKSHOP INCLUDES :: 2 hour class, use of Chalk Paint® paint, brushes and wax, {supplies} painted sample pieces {to take home}, MD HANEY & CO. tote, beverages and snacks. **Space is limited to 6 participants.** 

Call {503.857.8176} or email {info@mdhaneyco.com} to reserve your spot!

SWEET TREAT :: strawberry + balsamic ice cream

Our strawberries are just getting ripe.  It's pretty hard to beat sun-ripened strawberries, fresh from the garden.

I think the only thing that "beats that", is watching little ones hunt for the tasty red treasures!

We picked a few extra strawberries so that we could make a tasty frozen treat.....Strawberry + Balsamic Ice Cream.

Delish!!

I made it a few weeks ago with store bought strawberries.  Let me tell you, fresh-from-the-garden strawberries make all the difference!

STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC {AND ROSEMARY} ICE CREAM

Ingredients (1 quart): - 1 pint strawberries - 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar (depending on how sweet your strawberries are) - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup whole milk - 3/4 granulated sugar (use a little more if you like really sweet ice cream) - 1 large sprig of fresh rosemary - pinch of sea salt - 4-5 egg yolks - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Hull and slice the strawberries and then place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar and balsamic vinegar and let them macerate for about 15 minutes. Roast in oven for 10-15 minutes. Roasting them helps remove excess water, which can make for overly “icy” ice cream.

Mash with potato masher. If you prefer a smoother ice cream, puree in a blender or food processor. {I mash mine}. Cool and place berries and accumulated syrup into a container and refrigerate.

Heat cream, milk, sugar, salt and rosemary on the stove until very hot, but not boiling. Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl and add about a 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture into the eggs while whisking. This will help “temper” them so they don’t scramble. Return egg mixture to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Remove rosemary and strain. Stir in vanilla extract. If you pureed your strawberries, you can mix these now as well, otherwise, leave them separate. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. It’s very important that both the custard and the strawberries are very cold before putting them in the ice cream maker.

Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions, adding the strawberries during the final five minutes (unless you pureed them). Enjoy immediately if you prefer a “soft serve” consistency, or freeze for an additional couple hours for more traditional ice cream consistency.

recipe adapted from here

Enjoy!!

BEFORE + AFTER :: coffee table

Hello friends!

Last Saturday I loaded Addilyn into the car, left a crying baby {with Matt},  and ventured out to a garage sale.

If I am completely honest with you, I don't enjoy garage sale-ing.  I know a lot of people who love it.  I wish I was cool like that.  I am just not.  But, I need a few pieces of furniture for the new covered patio, and I hate asking my sweet {and quite talented hubby} to always build something for me.

We went to one garage sale.

One.

Pretty pathetic.

But, we did see some old friends so it was a great time of chatting and catching up with each other.

Also, I walked away with this little gem.

$10.

Done.

Sold.

I am not a negotiator, it's just not my thing - kind of like garage sale-ing - but I digress.

It is sturdy, and just the right size for an outdoor coffee table.

The legs are wood, and the top shelves covered in a wood laminate {quite 70's}.

I lightly sanded the laminate and wiped off the dust.

Then I painted her Old Violet.

Just two, light coats.

Slightly sanded, then waxed.

The entire process took less than two hours.

Did I mention that I painted right over laminate?!?

That is the beauty of Chalk Paint® decorative paint, it's made for impatient girls like me!

Happy Painting friends!

AND THE WINNER IS :: a giveaway

At the Open House last weekend, we had a little drawing for gals who signed up to receive periodic newsletters from MD HANEY & CO.

The winner receives 2 dozen freshly baked chocolate cookies {I am thinking double chocolate chip with sea salt, but I haven't quite decided}, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers!  All delivered to the front door, or place of work.

So fun....right?!?

And, the winner is....

Betsy, I will email you to get your address and find out when I can drop off "the goods!"

Have a lovely weekend ladies!

PS~  If you would like to sign up for the newsletter, just leave a comment and I will be sure to add you to the list!!

FABRIC FLOWER POSY :: a tutorial

I know there are a lot of flower posy tutorials floating around the internet!  There are so many cute styles to choose from!!  I thought I would share my favorite fabric flower posy, it is super easy, and a great way to use up those cute fabric scraps!

 First, you want to gather your fabric pieces.  I just use left over scraps, but of course you can by specific fabrics!

Next you want to cut your fabric into two or three different sized circles.  I used a small canning lid for the template of my largest circle.  The sized and cut the other two accordingly.

If I am going to take the time to make a flower posy, I cut up plenty of fabric pieces.  It is much faster to make several at once as opposed to one at a time.

You will want to cut a felt circle, about the size of your smallest fabric piece.  You will be hot glueing your fabric petals to the round piece of felt.  I will show you the felt in a couple of steps....I forgot to take a picture of it!

Fold your fabric circle in half....

and then in half again.  Put a dab of hot glue at the bottom intersection of the fabric so that the petal holds this shape.

Glue all of your folded fabric pieces to the circle of felt.  You can layer folded fabric pieces to make your posy extra full.  I glued a hair clip onto the back.

You can sew or glue a button, or any cute embellishment.

I love making them for Addilyn's hair.  However, I also love adding them to my sweaters, tops or bags.....the possibilities are endless!

Happy creating!!

OPEN HOUSE :: and inspiring creativity

Thank you to all of the lovelies who made their way to Carlton to help us celebrate our Open House!  Friday marked our first official day of this new chapter in our business.  I have dreamed {for years} of having a creative space to inspire others and work on projects.  I feel so blessed to now be at that point in my life!

Every Friday, the design studio will be open from 9am-7pm.

My little collection of home decor, vintage items and handmade goods continues to grow.  My hope is to have items rotating every week.  So, for the fabulous gals {and men} who want to stop by every week, there will always be something new and different.  We will have our various classes every month in the new workroom Matt remodeled.  Once I have finished decorating the workroom, I will post pictures!

I am really excited to offer unique and fun party supplies!  I always struggle with finding items I want when it comes time to throw a party.  I searched high and low to find my favorite items.  There are still items I want to add, but this way it is super easy for YOU to find little treasures when you are ready to throw a party!

My little assistant truly is a joy to be around!  She loves helping and 'painting'.  What a treat to get to be with my sweet little girls all day.  Some days they drive me crazy, but I know before long they will be in school and I will miss all of our times together!

Thanks again to new friends and old friends that made their way to Carlton this weekend, it truly was a treat!

Have a lovely holiday!

A FEW FAVORITE :: cookbooks

Now that sweet baby is one month old, I figure I should get back into the routine of preparing dinners for my little family.   I do enjoy meal planning and preparing meals.....not all of the time......but for the most part, it's something I look forward to.

I find about half of my recipes online.  The other half are from some of my favorite cookbooks....

The Farm Chicks cookbook is full of easy, and tasty recipes for breakfast, lunch, dessert and appetizers.

I was just given this cookbook by a sweet friend.  I love Ina!  I read through the cookbook in one afternoon and can't wait to start trying some recipes.

I love cooking from Ree's cookbook.  I usually cut the recipe in half, but she makes reading a recipe super easy!

The Four Season Farm is my "go to" cookbook.  I try to cook seasonally and with a lot of garden-grown-goodness.  This cookbook not only has great recipes, it is a great source of inspiration when you have an abundance of anything in the garden.

What are your favorite recipe resources?  Blogs? Pinterest?  Cookbooks?

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND OPEN HOUSE :: at the design studio

Chalk Paint® :: summer workshops

So, my little assistant has been helping stock and decorate the design studio.  She is quite entertaining!  Although the process would go much faster without her help,  she brings such joy and laughter to the table, it would be too boring without her help!

I just finalized the Chalk Paint® decorative paint summer workshop schedule.   It's going to be so fun!!  If you haven't used Chalk Paint before, you  are in for a real treat!  It is a easy and unique paint, one that almost guarantees amazing results each time.  Seriously!

For anyone attending one of the workshops from out of town, we are happy to offer a 25% discount off of their nightly stay at the Loft!  Pretty fun.....right?!?

If you have questions, or would like more details, feel free to call or email!!  I will post some fun 'BEFORE + AFTER' Chalk Paint pieces later in the week.

Until then, have a lovely day....