Pretty

I almost bought a house a few weeks ago.  Really, it was *this* close.

But, then I didn't.  It seemed like a good idea and then a bad idea and then there was just a void.

So, I went shopping.  I am forever on the hunt for strategies and decoration ideas for my condo.  My condo was built in 1981.  The early 80's was not a pretty time.  Nope.  It was a time of cheap constriction, weird angles and laminate everything.  I've done a lot to spruce it up, but it is a work in progress.

Last week, I made a few steps forward.  There is more pretty here now.

I went back and looked at this vintage print at least three times before I took it home with me.  I loved it more each time and finally ran back to get it, full of anxiety that someone else might have bought it.

Doesn't it look like it belongs here?

My biggest purchase was a new-to-me bed frame.  I have been planning to buy a twin frame for my second bedroom for a while, but I had no idea what I wanted.  Actually, I wanted this frame, but had no idea how I'd get it here.  Plus, it was a bit too pricey for me.

Then I found it:

I have no idea what type of frame this is, but the joints say that is about 100 years old.  I love it!  And, I will love it even more when it is painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (shhh . . . don't tell the seller I said that)!

The best part is, even with new slats, a re-paint AND a new mattress, it will about the same price as the original frame I wanted, above.

Last, but not least, I bought a 1840's clock case, refinished and sold by one of my favourite new spots in town, A French Touch.  I can't wait to find little treasures to display in side (and on the hooks at the bottom).

Lots of pretty.

Easter Brunch

Happy Easter!

Easter has never been a holiday that I have formally celebrated.  I did hunt for eggs as a child and attended a few church services.  We always had a nice dinner.  But, it has also been a holiday that I've skipped without remorse; it's not "big" in my mind.  

Despite this, I do love the symbolism of Easter and it's associations with spring and renewal.  Plus, there are flowers, pastel colours and chocolate.  All delightful things!

This year, I decided to have an Easter brunch in place of an Easter dinner.  I was not feeling inspired to cook a roasted meat of any kind and the sweet sunniness of brunch seems to suit the holiday perfectly.

My Easter table.

I even found a second hand pink tablecloth last week.  It is a bit "much" next to my blue walls, but I couldn't resist.  I love the collection of second hand finds that I am gathering.  There are so many at this table!

Brunch was crepes with a bevy of delicious toppings: bananas, chocolate, whipped cream, raspberries, strawberries, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, lemon and sugar.  There was even some local bacon on the side!

A delicious new tradition has been born!

Container Gardening Update

I planted my last batch of seeds early last fall.  I thought I might be able to squeeze out a winter crop of veggies.  It is theoretically possible, here on the west coast, but it didn't happen.  Everything sprouted beautifully and grew, very slowly, well in to December.  I even got quite a few batches of salad from the plantings.  But, late December and January put a hold on everything.  Sproutlings died or went into hibernation.

I thought I'd have to start again.

But, in March, things started changing and my mini garden has come to life!  The carrots are thriving and I ate my first container garden salad, using homegrown spinach and lettuce, a week ago.

The carrots have grown, even since I took this picture.

I also have beets and swiss chard in this planting.  I am no longer sure which is which and I am curious to see if they work out as container plantings.

I haven't decided how how far to go with my container gardening this year.  I'd love to go big and rely on it for veggies, but my options are limited with my northwest exposure.  Leafy greens and root vegetables seem to work well, while strawberries and tomatoes do not.  Everything else is just an experiment!

Another garden season begins!