Spring Backyard Project: Plant/Garden Box

It's Spring! 

Time for garden projects :)

Hubby constructed this plant/garden box himself :)

materials from Lowe's and/or Home Depot

1

time to paint!

we used the extra paint from our pergola 

left this to dry for the whole day

loaded the garden box with potting soil and 3 tomato plants

2 hybrid tomatoes and one cherry tomato

Project: Walk-in Closet Reorganization (Meek and Simple)

This weekend I devoted time to de-clutter my slightly spacious closet and  boy oh, boy... believe me it was easier said than done and though this may look fairly simple and nothing fancy, I am just glad that this little space is tidier than when I started. This walk-in is probably around 8x8 feet and each side has built in hanger racks/shelving that was already installed from the get-go. I did not want any handyman skills involved such as tearing down stuff and remounting them. My goal was to remove the main bulky furniture and downgrade it but retain functionality. I took out the Ikea Kallax shelf that consumed so much room at the far end wall and replaced it with a smaller, slimmer one also from Ikea the Bitrade shelf in white (which I couldn't find online) that I purchased at Emeryville.

Gray storage boxes from Ikea, plastic drawer storage from The Container Store.

I wish I took a before photo but at the same time I'm glad I didn't because it just was not a pretty sight. The clutter I cleared were empty makeup packages and boxes that have accumulated the past year or so - apparently I like hoarding cardboard and I am so bad LOL; some of the other stuff are also what you see in the pictures like my vampire book collection - both Twilight memorabilia and paperback paranormal romance novels. As shown in the photo above I have my makeup collection here and for now this is temporary and subject to change. 

these are ALL empty... so sad to see these go :(  

Hello Bella!  :)

One thing I took into consideration this time was to go with a white color shelving unit to match the wall so not to visually take away from an already tiny space. I find that bold solid color furniture seem to appear embossed from the background and can occupy way too much.  The previous brown shelving unit was just such an "in your face" object that appeared closer to the center of the closet that when you go inside it feels as if it is drawing attention from the space - bulky, hulking and intimidating. A space should feel and be both personal and efficient where you need not stress over where to find things but know that all is properly stowed away in a system that best works for you yet reflects your sense of style or overall personality. 

shelf top

view from the doorway, as you can see I have clothes hanging on the lefthand side

Beach/Coastal Theme Mini Cupcake Platter

Running out of party ideas on dessert presentation? Need something not too time consuming, cute, fresh and inexpensive? If you're hosting a beach or coastal theme party and need to give your dessert bar some love... here's how I put this little set up together ---

my own creation for my sister's bridal shower

 

  

What you'll need:

• brown sugar (for sand), the amount depends on the quantity of cupcakes and platter size
• cupcakes (homemade, catered or store bought) topped with Aqua colored icing or any color of your choice
• seashell mold
• white chocolate chips or candy melts 
• food coloring
• small seashells for added decoration
• shallow plastic party platter/tray

What to do:

Follow the instructions on how to make white chocolate candy or refer to other recipes online how to achieve this, just add in a swirl of food coloring before pouring into the mold and allowing to harden. Stick to the color of your motif. This is the only step that will need a little bit of time :)

In a party platter, pour the brown sugar in and spread thoroughly, pack down if you wish. This represents our sand element.*Note: add white sugar if desired to give a more lighter sandy look.

Arrange the mini cupcakes, white chocolate candy shells and real seashells on top of the brown sugar, avoid overcrowding. Set on serving table covered with linen or any material that presents a classic beachy feel.

Other tips:

You may also include a few starfishes, conk shells, tea light candles (consider battery operated ones if there are children around to avoid fire hazard) and such as added decor to your tablescape! A lantern can also give that authentic coastal touch to the overall presentation.

 

Have fun and enjoy the rest of the Summer!