Climbing roses located on my front porch trellis. The shrub was planted probably ten years prior before we moved into our house. That was twelve years ago. At the time, I knew nothing about roses. How to feed, how to prune was beyond my forte. Therefore, for several year's I only did minor maintenance care to it.

And no surprise, eventually, the shrub's appearance grew lackluster. With fewer blooms, disease/dead/and crossing canes, it was time to take charge! So three springs ago, the first major step was learning to properly prune. The rest was easy such as watering requirements, organic composting, mulching, deadheading, and feeding. Note: The feed I've recently converted to instead of synthetic slow-release granules is organic fish fertilizer.

Since taking charge. . . thus far we've been rewarded with a healthier shrub filled with a riot of vivid blooms.

Hope you have a great weekend!
~ June

A few informative places featuring rose care:
Pruning Roses the Sissinghurst Method (Article located on my all time favorite gardener's website - Sarah Raven)
How to Prune Climbing Roses (video)
When to Fertilize Climbing Roses

SNEAK PEEK! Here is a before shot of a lovely vintage dresser. Purchased a few months ago at an antique store, it also includes an original matching mirror. The dealer had no history of the piece regarding age and manufacturer. Possibly 1920s thru 1930s? I've been searching for similar pieces online. . . as yet to discover any pertinent information about it.

When time permits, the piece will require plentiful restoration work before available to sell at our shop. Stay tuned!

Cheers,
~ June

P.S. If anyone has knowledge about this particular type of furniture (date/manufacturer), please leave a comment or contact us via our email. Thanks.

Gradually, we're pleasantly greeted with breathtaking views. Left and right, lush rugged cliffs topped with windswept trees. In front of us, ocean waves rise then plunge onto the wet hard packed beach. At once, I'm struck by that strong and nostalgic reaction to explore like a child this mysterious beauty.

Strolling through the streets of Seabrook it felt as if we had been transported to New England. Everywhere. . . a treasure trove of Cape Cod-style homes. I was quite smitten considering this is one of my favorite architectural styles.

Something poignant about them - charming yet strong-willed enough to withstand harsh coastal weather conditions. Without a doubt, they instill magnificence on the landscape.

Not long ago, the husband and I including close relatives met up in the beach town called Seabrook. It would be a much needed four-day adventure amid beach cottages, fresh salt air, a vast ocean and family togetherness. All in all, a most humbling experience.

Located on Washington state's rugged Pacific coast, Seabrook offers serene cottage retreats for couples and families yearning for that magical small beach town appeal amongst gorgeous natural surroundings.



Here is where my oldest sister booked us to stay for several days. Kudos to her! Set on a bluff with beach front views, this stunning cottage rental (Seabluff) was impressive beyond words. We lucked out with this place. But not so much the rainy weather.



Another view of this lovely cottage. If you look closely at the bottom left window belonging to a door, there are three starfish lined up behind the glass pane. So cute.



The topmost window belongs to the game room. One day as rain poured outside, we played pool. And with hours spent amid sounds of cue ball strikes, and rolling rumbles of brightly colored balls before dropping into corner pockets, I couldn't help but be impressed by my father's pool expertise. Now in his late 80's, he nearly won every game! Bravo pops!


Here is the wonderful wraparound covered porch. A real treat to spend with family while consuming delicious homemade meals and hot drinks. And it served as contemplative refuge too. Contentment this. Really, nothing more satisfying than to simply sit and listen to the rain drum onto the shingled rooftop. All the while, off in the far distance, seagulls drift above a silvery gray ocean.

I love porches. To be sure, they make cozy friends.


In the photo above, LED rope lights run the length of the entire porch. Unfortunately, never had a chance to photograph them at night with their charming display of warm white glows.



One late afternoon when the rain had stopped and sunlight appeared, my brother and I set off on bicycles provided by the cottage owners. The bikes have old-timey foot brakes and are a blast to ride. Once while taking twists and turns through cottage lined streets, I grew teary-eyed recalling fond childhood memories bicycling around countless places lived before. It's unfortunate we can't turn back time if only for a little while. Well, at least we have our memories.

More in next post. 
~ June

A photo from last summer featuring a display of potted plants set before our garden shed. Built by my husband two years ago, the small shed has been used mainly to store garden implements, bags of potting soils, watering cans, paints, boxes, and other miscellaneous stuff. It's in complete disarray. Nevermind, beginning this year in March, various trays of seedlings (annuals & perennials) were kept. Surprisingly a majority survived. And just last week, began the task of transplanting them into various beds throughout the back yard. Fortunately, just a few more left to do this week.

Next, in-between tons of other garden chores (too many to list), is to declutter the shed. Afterward, I'll use it as a place to simply relax. I'm visualizing. . .  wicker chair in one corner, nearby awaits tall glass of iced tea and stacks of garden books. Can't wait.

Coming later: lots before and after garden shed photos including how I made the wall plaque seen hanging above flowers in this photo; seedlings from trays to garden beds, plus all the other many transformations happening around home and garden.

Have a great week, especially all the gardeners out there!
~ June

A new look for our kitchen! This table I purchased last summer at an antique show was initially planned to sell in our shop. However, after removing layers of glossy green latex paint, sanding and repainting using my custom chalk paint recipe, it's now a keeper in our kitchen. The chalk painted chairs actually matched a round pedestal table previously used in this space. Fortunately, the chairs compliment the table in regards to style and size. Glad repainting them for the umpteenth time was unnecessary! The color has a slight variation in tone then table.

In addition, the chairs do have custom made seat cushions but were temporarily removed until I can find time to re-change floral pattern for possibly a linen striped fabric. Of course, I would love to use vintage French grain sacks, but too costly. Meanwhile, contemplating whether to dress the kitchen windows using either solid white or striped blue and white curtains. Or, perhaps solid or striped shades. . . Decisions, decisions!!




Note: The photos seen here were taken last month during the shop's opening launch photo shoot. 

Below are three inspiring links for you to visit:

The Polished Pebble (post featuring various kitchens); also Kelley's slipcovered chair post here.
Vintage Interior (Possibly my all-time favorite vintage interior design blog.
Skillingaryd (In the market for a lovely 1900s villa located in Skillingaryd Sweden? You'll need to scroll down the page to view tons of photos. Check out the kitchen. Imagine this villa located further out in the countryside with gardens and wildflower meadows. 

That's it for now. Hope you're having a great week.
~ June

UPDATE: May 4th, 2016 - DRESSER HAS SOLD! Another hand painted furniture item now available to purchase at our Studio Shop. Lots of detailed photos to view when you click on the link below. Meanwhile, I'm very busy creating a new "Painted Furniture Category" which will take you on tours of how not only this dresser but previous and eventual upcoming shop items were transformed from beginning to completion.

To view other items featuring detailed photos, please click HERE. You'll be taken to Chairish online website.

~ June

Yesterday while doing garden chores, I took time out to photograph this wisteria. A dream come true to have abundant gorgeous blooms appear like amethyst jewels against the sky. Even the leaves are healthy and supple.

Have a great week.
~ June