a kitchen refresh

What to do with an amazing space..

with amazing pieces...

with amazing views...

for a special friend?

 

A little refresh is all it took.

This was a fun project and the results were..

amazing! 

 

 

The sunlight that streams through the surrounding windows

brings the entire space to life. 

 

It is a spacious kitchen yet it still feel so cozy.

 

The cupboards mimic the antique German cabinet

which creates a lovely balance.

 

Sometimes life really is just a bowl of cherries...

Ever wonder where this phrase comes from?

Since I love all things vintage here is the answer:

A song from the 1930's

 

"Just Like a Bowl of Cherries"

 

Life is just a bowl of cherries;
Don't make it serious;
Life's too mysterious.
You work, you save, you worry so,
But you can't take your dough when you go, go, go.
So keep repeating it's the berries;
The strongest oak must fall.
The sweet things in life
To you were just loaned,
So how can you lose what you've never owned?
Life is just a bowl of cherries,
So live and laugh at it all. 

 

It's all in the details...

 

My very favorite part of this entire beautiful kitchen

most people will never notice.

High atop the kitchen cabinet sits a tiny little mouse

watching over all who visit.

 

I do love my job and it is made even sweeter

when I can work for dear friends.

The kitchen refresh is complete and my heart is full.

Onto the next project.

 

mina and clara...

Here are a few more pictures from the Romantic Homes magazine photo shoot of the beautiful roses at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates on the gulf Coast of Florida.

 

Mina Miller before she married Thomas Edison. She grew up and educated young lady with an appreciation of nature and her surroundings...

 

The Florida home of Thomas and Mina.

They escaped the cold North and spent winters at the lovely estate formerly known as the Seminole Lodge. 

 

The homes and grounds have been meticulously maintained

and are open to the public.

 

Walking the property is like stepping back in time...

 

 

Thomas Edison...

 

 

Mina created a beautiful oasis where she and her family loved spending time.

 

The gardens and greenhouses on the grounds were primarily Thomas' research gardens. He had species from all around the world. Mina missed the flowers from her Northern home so she found species that would thrive in the heat and sandy soil of the South.

The view of the rose garden from Mina's bedroom...

 

The “Safrano” tea rose introduced in 1839. The Safrano has been categorized as an Earthkind rose which means it has met the criteria for growing in tough conditions (minimal care, no extra water or fertilizers, and no specific pruning) over a 4 year trial period. 

 

Clara Ford, pictured here in 1923, had a love of gardening that stretched from her sprawling estate in Michigan all the way to her southern winter estate in Florida. Photo credit The Henry Ford.

 

Clara and Henry Ford's arts and crafts style home in Florida sits right next door to Thomas and Mina's home...

 

 

The beautiful “Marie Van Houtte” tea rose introduced in 1871.

 

 

Directly beside the front porch of the home sits Clara’s rose garden. It is but a small homage to her grand rose gardens in Michigan. Pictured here is the “General Gallieni” rose introduced in 1899.

 

The pristine white pergola that covers the walkway between the Edison’s home and guest house is flanked by incredible flowers including the “Mrs. B. R. Cant” Rose.

 

The “Louis Philippe” is a China rose that was introduced in 1834. Located in several locations around the Edison Estates, the “Louis Philippe” loves the warm tropical climate. The deep crimson color is offset by a pale blush center. As with antique China roses, the “Louis Philippe” also features the occasional white streaks.

 

Today visitors from all over the world can visit the lovely award winning estates Mina and Clara once called home. Although most people stop to learn about Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and all of their grand accomplishments, many leave inspired by Mina and Clara’s many beautiful contributions to the estates. Next time you see a rose, don’t just stop and take in the wonderful scent. Reflect for a moment on the history of this beautiful botanical treasure. It has not only been cultivated and studied for centuries but it has been loved and honored by generations.

 

Can't find this issue of the magazine...? Click below for subscriptions:

 

Romantic Homes Magazine

 

 

It was a pleasure to spend time wandering the grounds of the Edison and Ford winter estates. I hope if you are ever in the area you will stop in for a visit. In the meantime you can visit their website...

 

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

 

Go and smell the roses!

 

june in bloom...

With the arrival of June comes the abundance of flowers in gardens both north and south. The June issue of Romantic Homes magazine is the much anticipated Rose Issue.

Here is a peek at my article form the June issue of

Romantic Homes magazine... 

 

 I was so happy to share a local landmark...

The Ford and Edison Winter Estates. Of course it is known for the legendary owners Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. But I was so taken by the ladies...Mina and Clara. In many ways they were as responsible for the beauty of the property as their remarkable husbands.

 Both gals grew up in the North surrounded by beautiful gardens. Although the South was a new climate and terrain they found ways to surround themselves with familiar flowers from home.

 

I hope you had a chance to see the article. Even better, if you would like to visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates you can click here for more information...

 

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

 

dining alfresco

The picnic season has officially begun! Here are a few ideas for decorating an outdoor table in style...and on a budget!

Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose

 

Use what you have...

 

I removed the wax residue from old candles

and created this garden inspired glass hurricane.

 

Place a votive sized cup inside a 3 wick candle holder.

Fill the gap with moss and add a candle.

 

Layer mix and match green Transferware.

 

For an uncomplicated but dramatic centerpiece start by gathering a basket, pots, bottles, garden cuttings, small plants and moss.

 

Fill the basket with plants and cuttings...

 

Fill the gaps with moss and voila...

 

Upcycle old garden items like this metal sprinkler

into a candle holder!

 

Even Pea is amazed at how good the table is starting to look...

 

Dress your outdoor tables with the same attention to detail

that you give your indoor settings...

 

I hope you are inspired to dine alfresco this evening!

 

 

gardens under glass

I am so happy to be a guest blogger...aka the Domestic Diva...

at Garden Variety.

 

 

 To read a short tutorial on making terrariums,

I hope you will jump over to GV to take a look.

 

Click Here

 

I couldn't help myself...I had to add a few seashells!

 

I hope you are inspired to make a mini garden under glass...