I am Canadian...Happy Canada Day!!

Although I began my life far across the ocean in Northern Ireland - and I am Irish, first and foremost - I definitely identify as a proud Canadian. I love that my country is a wide expanse of terrain that changes dramatically as you travel from east to west. Rich culture, diverse cities, prairies, staggering mountains, two oceans, the Niagara Falls, and the northern territories...a trip across the country is one I plan to take someday, and I look forward to acquainting myself with the beauty and wonder of this country I call home.

It may seem smug, but I think we can lay claim to some of the most talented singers (Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Bryan Adams, Nickelback, etc.), comedians (John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers) and designers (Debbie Travis, Candace Olsen, Sarah Richardson, Karim Rashid, Patricia Gray and more!) in the world. Like I said, I am proud to be Canadian, and when I sing our national anthem, I feel such a rush of that pride.

Canada Day, for us, always means fireworks, a parade, a few tattoos, outdoor games and a barbecue with all of the trimmings (thanks to well-organized and generous friends!). While the boys have outgrown their tolerance for donning a matching red, Canada Day t-shirt, Sophie is still game and wears the maple leaf with pride!

To my fellow Canadians - and as those of you south of the border head into your own Fourth of July celebrations - celebrate and enjoy what your country means to you. Fire up your barbecue and submit to a (temporary) patriotic tattoo or two. Fly those flags high and take a moment to reflect on what your country means to you.

Happy Canada Day, one and all!!

Take a Bow Tuesday

I don't mind saying I am struggling with this commitment thing. I am not a blogger who does well with an organized posting schedule. True to my nature, I am a bit of a fly-by-the-seat -of-my-pants kind of blogger. When a thought or post idea pops into my head, I start writing. Still, I am bound and determined to stick with my Tuesday feature of honouring my talented blogging friends.

And here is this week's edition:

• The most lovely laundry room ever...and she's Canadian, too!
• For those of you who love chalkboards, check out this fun alternative to labels. She also has the most amazing oil cloth products in cheery, Cath Kidston-style patterns!
• Check out the Design Dazzle website, where you get limitless inspiration for kid's spaces and parities, including this mermaid party - which is perfect for this time of year!
• You know how much I love camping and campers, especially vintage ones. Check out this lady's camper makeover...and she really likes pink!
• This blogger has one of the prettiest collection of empty picture frames, and knows just what to do with them. Be prepared to drool!

Now, please go and visit these bloggers and enjoy the view!!

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Stay tuned till later in the week, when I announce some very exciting news. I'd love to hear any guesses...and no, there is absolutely no baby involved!!

Just Passing Through...

While many of us focus our energy (and budget) on decorating the major living spaces of our homes, how many of us actually focus any attention on the hallways, corridors and foyers of our homes?Indeed, few of us are lucky enough to have large hallways that can be adorned with artwork on the walls and where children run carefree for more than a few feet. Still, the hallowed halls of our homes are the perfect spot for the following accessories and/or details:

Family photos

Collections, on shelves, in shadow boxes, or simply hung on the walls

A beautiful clock, to be glanced at as we hurry about our day

A gallery of our children's artwork, either framed or clipped causally onto dollar store clip boards

A great mirror to sneak a peak at our frazzled reflections as we rush out the door

A smart, stylish rug

Wallpaper, for those hesitant to "try it again for the first time" anywhere else:

A chalkboard wall, for those gutsier homeowners:

(photo: Wish magazine)

functional built-ins:

A mural, or other fun wall treatment (like this decal):

Architectural detailing, like this panel moulding:

Walls painted in bold, snappy stripes:

Or kept simple but highlighted by a fabulous lighting fixture:

So, as you walk down your hallway, don't just pass on by a great opportunity to decorate the passageways of your home. Look at them differently.

Because, as we all know, sometimes the journey can be so much better than the destination...

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(all photos, unless otherwise noted, from House to Home UK)

...and I am a Mother.

I have been thinking about my role as a mother lately. As I embrace the return of my children to my twenty-four hour care, I find myself not overwhelmed by them, but overwhelmed by the depth of my belonging to this role called mother. I have yet to feel the full effects of this thing called summer, but I am certainly feeling the finality of a series of endings.

Maybe it was the noticeable change in my youngest son's voice. Once husky and sweet, it is now hesitant and monotone, deeper, and not yet familiar. Perhaps it is the independent streak in my daughter, the baby, who still climbs up on my lap. yet skips away happily when another offer comes forth. More certainly, it is the transition of my eldest who is leaving behind junior high for the lofty heights of high school. The realization that I really love him as a person, has sent new fears to my heart that in three years time I will lose him, in the way that is expected, yet dreaded by mothers not ready to deliver their children to adulthood. As I watched him receive his diploma (a now common rite of passage from kindergarten to high school. apparently) and enjoyed the slide show of changes as the students travelled the path from grade seven to nine, I felt like bolting. I cannot explain it. As tall as his father, I don't feel ready to hand him over to this rapid transition. I remember feeling the same way on elementary registration day for my daughter: half annoyed that "these people" were dictating the submission of my youngest child. Preposterous really, when you think if it. Someone else is to be trusted with the children you had previously not let out of your sight?

The emotion ends full circle. I feel such a deep sense of gratitude that I have been entrusted in this role. I am so proud to wear the label, and honoured that these children love me back. I have always known it and felt this way, but somehow knowing that a season is closing in on me faster than I'd like sobers me, and makes me appreciate this gift I have been given.

This role, and these children, has and always will be my greatest gift.

One word of advice: the tough parts of parenting will ease, but the depth of your feelings will multiply until the day you die. Of this I am certain.

Appreciate your role.

Nautical By Nature...

(all images, Coastal Living.com)

As I chill out to the drone of my newly re-installed air conditioner, I am led to thoughts about the importance of keeping cool in the summer. While this summer has been highly anticipated after the long snowy winter we had, one only has to suffer through a day or two of high humidity and temperatures to crave cool breezes and/or a refreshing dip. While my pool is a bit too cool for me to take a dip just yet, I have done plenty of life-guarding for my more hardy offspring.

As I sat on the lounge chair today - sweat trickling down my lip and hair growing frizzier by the second - I tried to distract myself from my raging inner thermostat by planning how I can pretty up my pool deck. Things are almost complete on the little change house/area the handyman built, the flowers have been planted in their pots, and I have picked up some nautical accessories from my local vintage store. Still, I am pining for a more beachy feel, cooler colours and snappy style.

Basically, I am craving a little bit of this:

nautical done well,

and pretty on the inside and out!

If the threat of rain and the incessant humidity ever subsides, I will finish up my projects and share them with you. Stay cool!!

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Head on over to Julia's Hooked on Fridays event for more creative ideas from your favourite bloggers (and some sure to become favourites!).

Take a Bow Tuesday

It's that time again. My weekly round-up of great finds I've come across on some really great blogs. Honestly, I could list one hundred things, but instead I pop them all into my feature file to share with you all in due time.

Be sure to check out the following bloggers:

• Holly and her yummy "ice cream cone treat", perfect for celebrating that last day of school a summer birthday party, or just a really great summer's day that deserves a special nod!
  

• City Farmer is one of my favourites. This lady can repurpose furniture like nobody's business, but check out this patio umbrella makeover. Honestly, where do you ladies come up with this stuff??

• The Design Ties ladies have done what is arguably the best post featuring my very favourite colour of all times: turquoise (in all its intensities). If you share this colour passion, you must head on over there!! Oh, and did I mention they are Canadian, like me?
  

• Now, you all know Eddie...Eddie Ross, that is. Well, this design superstar be stilled my heart with his fabulous makeover of some Salvation Army finds, using some great retro-inspired fabric. Not fair: my local Salvation Army doesn't carry finds like the chairs Eddie transformed!!

• Sweet Aimee, who just had a new baby, somehow finds the time to keep her home beautiful and come up with some great decorating projects. Despite this, you really will like her, and her inventive way to re-use an old window to solve a curb appeal problem.

Now, take a bow, ladies (oops, and Eddie!)!!

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If you like give-aways, head on over to my friend P.J's for a great one.

She is giving away a $50 "e" gift certificate to Amazon.com. Starting Wednesday, June 24th, she will be posting her usual "What's Up For Wednesday". This time it will be called "You Write The Caption." She will post a photo and, to be entered in the drawing, all you need to do is post a caption.

Anyone interested in entering has until midnight Sunday 6/28. The winner's will be drawn on Monday, 6/29.

Now, all you have to do is enter!!

Vacation or Staycation?

photo source: Country Living.com

There seems to be a whole lot of catch phrases rolling around the tongues of magazines and blogs these days. Upcycling, Repurposing, and more! A favourite of mine is the totally "new" concept of Staycations. When I was young, it simply meant you weren't lucky enough to go on a real vacation (and we didn't). Nowadays, it is a socially acceptable practice that centers around exploring ones own town/city/ province/state in day trip form and/or tricking out your "outdoor space" to coax you into wanting to stay put. Harried mothers, desperate to entertain their children and keep to their budgets (it is a total fallacy that summer is less expensive than winter), comb though their local tourist guides and newspapers, searching for fun and entertaining destinations close to home.

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Jumping waves with family...free!

Things like collecting seashells and munching on picnic lunches at the beach to painting the sidewalk with a bucket filled with water are making their way onto many to-do lists. Trips to the zoo and drive-in movies are glamourized by mums like me and indoor rock climbing excursions seem almost affordable when compared to the luxury of renting a cottage by the sea for a week.

Tubing outside of Fredericton, N.B.

$10/person...I think!

Many are also looking to their back yards to corral their families and friends with promises of excitement. Many parents have upped the ante and added a trampoline and/or pool to the backyard landscape.

photo source: Coastal Living.com

Hot tubs, outdoor fire pits, badminton nets, outdoor kitchens offer up a resort-like atmosphere for those lucky enough to afford it. Gone are the days of plastic lawn chairs, picnic tables and metal swing sets. Families used to plush comforts at home are even turning up their noses at the ever affordable camping, especially in a tent . Of course, camping in our day didn't require deep pockets for theme parks, either.

I, myself, have fallen victim (happily) to the staycation concept. Although we have a camping trip to the states planned, we have added the above-ground pool and fire bowl as a way of keeping the kids happy throughout the summer months.

photo source: Toast.uk

Luckily, we also have the most spectacular beaches nearby so day trips really can be almost free (save for a few popsicles and a picnic lunch!). While our tent-trailer offers the opportunity for quick and affordable lodging when travelling, the cost of gasoline, snacks, and entertainment when on the road does not really make it as affordable as some would have you believe. Indeed, I honestly don't know how some afford to pack up the camper and family and go away every weekend!

What about you? What approach do you take to summer? Do you travel, rent cottages, or simply be tourists in your own town? Have you decked out your backyard spaces with all the trappings of rest and relaxation, so you can vacation at home?

Will you vacation or staycation?

Run Daddy, Run!!

Remember last year, when I ran what felt like a marathon, but was actually just 5K (~3 miles)? Well, that time rolled around again today, and my boys all laced up their sneakers and ran their part. Our two sons ran the 5k student challenge (in 22 and 23 minutes, respectively), and the handyman ran the half marathon...his idea of a great Father's Day (go figure...).

Did I run?

Well, no.

The reasons? You decide:

a) an injury sustained during training?

b) heel trauma induced by a cheapskate pedicure?

c) someone had to cheer on the runners (in the rain, no less).

d) somebody has barely run since last year, and can now barely run the length of herself...

The answer is d), but if I had planned to run, all of the above would have provided the perfect excuse to change my mind!!

Now, you all can make the shape of and L, and put it to your foreheads in my honour.

Really, I don't mind...

Don't you wish your girlfriend was dumb like me?

photo source: flickr.com

Have you ever gone through a dumb spell? I guess technically I'm not dumb: I have my nursing degree (some would say I'm dumb not to use it anymore) and was the official Queen Bee if my elementary school spelling bees (that's sayin' something).

But I can be dim at times.

Growing up, I was always pretty happy-go-lucky: in my own little world, you might say. My sister would always say I was academically smart, but a bit flighty in most other situations. Always clumsy, I could break anything that wasn't tied down, trip over invisible obstacles, and never clued in to what was going on. Always gullible, it wasn't difficult to pull the wool over my eyes.

A bit sharper as an adult, I seem to be suffering a bit of a relapse this week. Although I chalk it up to too much on my mind, I have done some dumb things this week. Always wanting to share in the lessons learned from my mistakes, I offer up the following advice:

Don't mow grass while wearing flip-flops. While you might be thinking I amputated a toe or something, that would at least elicit sympathy. No, I have been simply left with grass-green feet, which despite soaking them everyday, still remain...one week later!! Not very pretty!! I would not be good with those foot fetish fellas...

Don't be so cheap that you attempt your own pedicures. Now I'll be honest; I have never had a pedicure (or manicure). Like I said, I am cheap in many ways, so it was with real excitement that I saw an at-home pedicure kit (on sale, no less). Well, several "treatments" later, with what looked like a cheese grater (no, I didn't clue in at that point), in the hopes of restoring baby soft skin on my heels, and I am in pain. Like, cannot weight-bear on either foot pain. I hobble around like a senior citizen with a broken hip, yelping in pain with each step. Sure, I have pink soft heels, but only because I grated off the first two layers of skin.

But guess what? The soles of my feet are still green!!!

Don't fuel your car when you are half asleep. Because I stay up too late and have allergies, some mornings I wake up needing toothpicks to hold open my eyelids. The other day was one of those times. I took the boys to school and realized that I was literally driving on fumes (I always forget to check the gauge). I fueled up, hopped back into my car, and was thisclose to driving away. Oh, and a police car was parked in the lot of gas station. I screeched to a halt, hopped out and paid, trying to look all cool, like I meant to do it. Which, considering the proximity of the policeman, was probably really dumb...!

**At least I wasn't wearing my p.j.'s. Because I have been known to drive my boys to school that way - which you just know is a disaster waiting to happen!!

Anyway, throw in a few forgotten /mixed up appointments for myself and the kids and you have the makings of my week. Like the saying goes, "Stupid is as stupid does"

Great quote, but I have always been clueless as to what that means!!

Take a Bow Tuesdays

By the skin of my teeth, I got this post up before the clock struck midnight and it was Tuesday no more. As you can see, I am having difficulty sticking to my new schedule. I don't know how some bloggers have planned posts for each day of the week. I find it hard to commit to one!

Well, moving on, here is my weekly round-up and all things great in Blogland:

This blogger had me green with envy at her incredible find...and at a price even I could afford!!

Over at This Young House, I got the kick in the pants that I needed to get me inspired to rip open the box on my newest purchase...only they were purchased over a month ago! I seem to be very good at dilly-dallying lately, but after reading this post, I am thoroughly motivated to apply mine to some eager wall in my home. Now to go clear said wall, because you know I haven't really left a wall empty in my home...

Now, seeing as I posted about my playhouse, why not continue along the same vein and show you this awesome tutorial: how to make your own play kitchen. Even better is that hers is pink. Yours could be, too! Oh, and check out her blog, too, if you haven't already!

Now I know you have all probably seen this nugget of goodness, but if not, go check out Chris' new lockers. Being the Mudroom Locker Queen (I crowned myself that after I realized it was the number one Google search that brought newbies to my blog). Don't believe me? Just Google it yourself: mudroom lockers, I pop up at number one!

I take pride in small achievements.

But I digress...

Last but not least,

This blog just makes me laugh, nod my head, and makes me feel like I am normal when I am not wearing my rose-coloured glasses. Because after all, my faourite blogs are those with really great writing, chock full of humour and reality. Check her out.

Oh, and she makes really beautiful cakes!

There, I did it! I stuck to my Tuesday timetable. Don't forget to check out Matthew Mead's new summer website, and enter his give-away contest here.

A Little Landscaping...

Have I mentioned before that my yard is small? Of course, it doesn't help that we used up much of our back garden for our pool (above ground) area. So, adding charm to a geographically challenged area is a challenge in itself.

Sophie planted her own windowbox and vintage baby buggy

You have all seen the playhouse before. While it is complete on the inside, I am slowly, but surely, landscaping around it - attempting to surround it with a cottage-garden feel - as every playhouse deserves. Because our pool deck abuts it, it makes for a pretty barren landscape, indeed. My humble attempt to trick the eye into believing there is more than just deck boards as its vista, led me to do try a little Trompe L'oeuil of my own. Of course, because I am no artist, there was no paint involved...

Here is the before:

And after adding a grapevine garland, a door handle, knocker and some left over lighting from a former reno:

I know, it's not perfect, but it's all I could come up with!

Here is the playhouse with the little bit of landscaping I have done thus far. I still need to add a climber to that trellis, and a little flower bed filled with farm-girl favourites like daisies, cosmos, Sweet William and more. Literally, where that chair sits is basically where my garden ends.

It. is. tiny.

I did finally manage to get my planters filled. I can't wait until they fill in and get lush. I love daisies, so they fill most every container I own. I'll take a daisy over a rose any day...

Which is basically a perfect metaphor for me: more common daisy than elegant rose!!

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In other news:

I am happy to report that the flip house is sold!! It was listed on a Friday, and sold by that Monday!!

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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And for those who are wondering, I will post my Take a Bow Tuesday feature at 11:59 pm tonight. I may be squeaking it in under the wire, but it will still be Tuesday!!

Summer Lovin'...with Matthew Mead

Matthew Mead is kicking off summer in style!

As many of you who visit his beautiful website know, Matthew refreshes its content with the seasons. Well guess what? Matthew Mead has declared summer is here and it is time to start enjoying the season and all its bounty. From flowers to food, collecting to crafting, Matthew has put a delicious spin on that which tantalizes our senses. From the sweet tang of a blackberry as it pops in one's mouth to the succulent juices of the plump peaches he fills pies and tarts with, every recipe Matthew has shared with his readers leaves us wanting more. Heeding our call, Matthew has revamped the way he delivers the inspiration we seek. For those of us missing his monthly presence in (the former) Country Home, Matthew's new online magazine, found at Matthew Mead Style, is the perfect way to get our style fix. To preview the magazine, head on over; and if you want to see the entire e-zine - and ensure permanent access to all of the many crafting, collecting, cooking, downloads and decorating ideas Matthew shares - opt for a membership to his site, which you can find more information about here. Don't forget Matthew also has a blog where he shares updates on his busy life, work, and projects.

Matthew also want you to know that he is hosting another give-away, where you can win one of ten three-month memberships to his site! According to Matthew, to enter all you have to do is head over to his blog and leave a comment "describing your favorite summer recipe made with the berry featured on page six of the free summer preview and you can WIN. In addition to the membership, one lucky winner will also win a vintage piece of purple transferware selected by me" ...Matthew Mead

Take it from me, a membership to Matthew Mead Style is worth every penny! So head on over and check out what all the fuss is about... and enter the contest. You can tell Matthew I sent you!

What you Gonna Do with all that Junk?

Don't you just hate that song? Still, it is very fitting for me as I look around at my latest purchases. I have found that I have very little interest in what is in the shops lately, so I have been checking out my favourite junking/thrifting haunts. I love all things vintage, as many of you know, and while I am not in the leagues of those who transform junk as an art form, I do enjoy wielding a can of spray paint in the name of repurposing.

When on a consulting job recently, I found myself on a back road as my route home. I had heard about a true junking spot, where only the die-hards could see gold in the pile of real junk. Being one of those die-hards, I spotted my newest project as soon as I pulled up and scanned the piles...
What do you think I found?
Have you spotted it yet?

A quick trip to the paint store for a can of my favourite blue spray paint, a little fume inhalation, and it (my new stool, below)will be ready for your approval (hopefully). I have the perfect spot for this beauty, and I can't wait to set it in place. I have always yearned for those fun, aluminum stools that you see everywhere...the perfect example of cool retro. Now, I have the next best thing!

If it doesn't rain today you will find me adding yet another colour to my gravel driveway, which will be gone soon, I am happy to report. The only downside? I will have to find a new spot on which to transform my version of junk!

Stay tuned...!

Take a Bow Tuesday

I'm back at it. It's week two of my new, weekly feature where I tip my hat to bloggers who share inspiring projects, tips and/or finds. There is definitely never any shortage of them, and the following bloggers can come forward and Take a Bow...

(Click on the project to get the link)

Ki at Junk Camp...for her tutorial on how to make a kitty cat bed ( because you know I love cats...!). This bed could also be used for those of you who have Petite pups.

Chris at Just Beachy...she's always up to great projects. Honestly, when is she going to be hired already as HGTV's newest shop girl...or win a spot on Design Star?! This weekend, she dreamed up this great idea for decorating that prime real-estate below our patio umbrella...as only she can!

Head on over to Southern Whimsy, where she shares some great, new products to "trick out" your lights!

I found this little ditty at the What's Cooking blog a while ago, but for those of us with nasty, stained smooth-top ranges that are supposed to be "so easy" to clean, this one's for us...

(Now, all I need to do is figure out where in Canada I can get this!)

This is for all you wanna-be shop girls who, like me, have feigned ignorance when the men in your lives have asked, "If you want it (a project) done so badly, why don't you do it yourself?" While I simply bribe my handyman with some of his favourite meatloaf, if that ever stops working, I just might check out this tutorial from Thrifty Decor Chick about how to install beadboard..correctly! I have a mudroom that is just calling out for this to be done, and maybe, just maybe, the handyman will trust me with his nail gun to give this a go.

Now this one's just for fun, because I don't know how many of you are considering living on a boat; but if you are, then this is a fascinating blog written by a fascinating couple. They live on a boat...with kids! 'Nuff said... This means they are very adaptable and innovative parents, and they have been kind enough to share just how one lives on a boat with a baby, safely and well. It really makes for a fascinating read...(be sure to follow the link they provide).

Check back next week for more great links!

High School, babies, and monkey bars...

Back to High School...Musical, that is.

My daredevil son...

While there are blessing too numerable to count about having sons (and I am realizing boys are very easy on the heart and mind, too), having a daughter allows me moments where I am transported in a time machine back to my very childhood. I was a girly girl, and I am secretly pleased that my daughter is, too. Sure, I'd have been supportive if she wanted to spend her days playing baseball instead of dressing baby dolls. And I certainly know girls can do both and do them well. However, I seem to have a little girl who just naturally gravitates to dresses, babies, all things pink, and prefers to dance than carry a hockey stick (and I won't even pretend to mind that - I had my fill of hockey rinks with my eldest son!).

As my daughter grows, I am keenly aware that she could reject all of her favourites (and mine) at any time. She could instead fill her closet with jeans and t-shirts, decide dolls are beneath her, and trade pink for black. While I steel myself for the possibility, I dread it all the same. I find myself smiling wistfully as she carries a doll on her hip, or asks me to hold it while she gets it a diaper. One of her favourite Christmas gifts was a real baby stroller, which Santa so graciously left for her and her best friend, in identical polka-dot patterns. As she and her friend marched their babies down the street the other evening, I had a sudden urge to run for the camera...somehow fearing it might be my last moment to capture such sweetness.

One never knows when the winds of change will blow in...

Two weekends ago, I took my girlie to see High School Musical, live at Neptune Theatre (Halifax., N.S.), where we both clapped delightedly and bopped in our seats to the fantastic music and dance numbers. After the show, I had to literally push my squirming daughter to the front of the pack to be photographed with the actors (don't they look like the originals?). The look on her face reads embarrassment, but she fairly bolted out of the car to show the photos to her brothers.

Sometimes a mother just knows best...

visiting the Freaky Lunchbox after the show...

This final photo represents my girly-girl meets Bionic Woman best. She may be dressed all pretty-like, but beneath those sleeves lie some very developed biceps, capable of carrying her little body across those bars with aplomb. That's what happens when you are the sister of boys.

Ruffles and muscles meet!!

A sink-ing feeling...

photo: Country Homes and Interiors

With dishwashers a veritable must-have for most people buying or building a home, they have enjoyed a prominent role in our kitchens. In fact, they have done a bit of bullying to the poor old kitchen sink of yesteryear. Indeed, many home-owners select their dishwashers with care, paying attention to detail, and typically justify spending a bit more to get certain features. What's a kitchen sink to do when it no longer enjoys that after dinner fill-up of warm sudsy water, ready to restore the sparkle to our dirty dishes?

above photos: Country Living.com

Well, fortunately, kitchen designers are recognizing the sentimental role our kitchen sink once played, and are giving it its due attention and respect. No longer placed solely in a "butler's pantry" or tucked beneath the kitchen window, sinks are now being placed in oversize kitchen islands, where the cook can rinse the dishes while interacting with his/her family and/or guests. In turn, the folks who design such sinks have sat up and taken notice. Beautiful kitchen sinks are popping up in kitchens everywhere, and the notion that we just buy a $100 stainless steel vessel is losing its sensible footing. One needs to look no further than magazines and their local home building stores to see that farmhouse/apron sinks, copper beauties and soapstone sinks are enjoying a nostalgic resurgence. Sink manufacturers are introducing sinks that appeal to every design aesthetic; and whether you yearn for clean, modern lines - think undermount sink in stainless steel, concrete, or solid surfacing - or vintage style, there is a sink to suit your fancy.

photo: Country Living.com

photo source: Carrie Raphael's kitchen, used with permission

I naturally prefer the vintage variety, especially when paired with a beautiful bridge faucet; and while I like the idea of washing up while being part of the action, I prefer zoning out and daydreaming as I gaze out the window... warm water lulling me into forgetting that I am washing dishes that my cheap (but pretty) dishwasher failed to clean properly.

After all, this is my view...

And this is hers:

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Be sure to check out Julia's Hooked On Fridays event. While you're at it, join the party!!