If you’ve ever spent a warm summer night next to a wetland area, you’ve probably seen lampyridae. Their name might not ring a bell, but their tiny glowing bodies do. Lampyridae are fireflies, those belly-glowing beetles that seem to take people’s breath away, especially when seen in multiples. In our second project from Lorene Edwards […]
Bruno and I have some big news brewing – we’re having a baby! Our first, Ayla, was born in 2009, and has been our greatest joy. So we’re ridiculously excited to add to the family. Of course, a new baby means a new nursery, so for the last few months I’ve been dreaming up color schemes […]
Gardens are one of the most creative things to do, whether it’s blending the colors of annuals in your pots for just that perfect contrast, or developing the perfect layout for your garden path. Gardening is all about creating. So we thought we would finish out the week with a fun creative project that gets […]
Nothing beats a DIY project made from free materials you were going to recycle anyway. Except for a DIY project made from free materials you were going to recycle anyway that prevents weeds from growing among your tasty veggies!  Â
If you’ve ever flown into or out of the Lindbergh terminal at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport during the summertime, you’ve probably noticed very large pots of (usually) petunias hanging from just about every lamp post bordering the entrance and exit routes. Every time I drive past them, I’m always struck by how thick the […]
One thing I learned while researching this blog post? You can make a planter out of anything. Seriously, anything. I left the toilets out (you’re welcome), but take a peek at seven other charming ways to give your green thumb a workout.
Gardening can be one of the greatest joys of your life, often very relaxing. I know that I love coming home to my garden and seeing all the new things sprouting and blooming. But getting that garden can be a hassle if your not growing the right plants. There are four key elements to picking […]
When I was a kid my grandpa was the gardener, and I would toddle around with him looking at the plants,  smelling the plants, and picking the plants…even when I wasn’t supposed to. I never knew how much he taught me until I started my own garden. So, here are a few tips from grandpa through […]
If you’ve ever planted something in your garden–vegetable or otherwise–and then subsequently forget what plant you planted in the spot until it produces fruit/vegetables/flowers, then you might need some plant markers. Luckily the intertubes are replete with ideas for making them. We’ll start with simpler options and then work our way into fancy-schmancy territory. We […]
During my growing-up years, my parents had a small garden in our backyard. As a result, we were all in the habit of tossing our fruit and veggie scraps into an empty milk jug, and then taking that jug outside to dump the day’s collection into our compost bin. A routine spreading of the compost […]
There’s a saying in the construction biz. It goes something like this: If you can’t build out, build up. It’s also the fuel that started the vertical gardening craze. But for those of us with the space to put in horizontal gardens, the vertical still beacon. Why? Ease of care, charm, esthetics? Probably all of […]
I have always been a front porch kind of girl. I love watching the world go by, waving to the neighbors and feeling inadequate as joggers run by. Today we look at 8 front porches I would gladly perch on. If any of them are yours, don’t be surprised to find me sitting there someday!
When my neighbor, Gina, moved in next door, a standalone porch swing appeared on our shared patio. The thing was at least thirty years old, and had been outside for just as long, and showed the wear of snowy winters, blazing hot summers, and all the rainy days in between. Not that it was likely […]
The midtown offices of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce has us musing Mad Men of late over at EcoSalon, so it seems only appropriate that much of this month’s post focuses on sustainability trends in skyscrapers, start-ups and big business.  Â
What makes these 5 ceiling fans magical? Some disappear when not in use, others are what dreams are made of. The first one is the Marea fan from bellacor in oil-rubbed bronze. The blade, which seems to sweep the air, is made of frosted acrylic. It comes in satin nickel too and will set you […]
Hi! I’m Alexandra Hedin – a lifestyle and entertaining expert from the Pacific Northwest. I provide inspiration, recipes, and crafts for creating a lovely life. It doesn’t take much to make everyday lovely – or to have fun. And isn’t that what life is about? All week I’ll be here showing you how I threw together […]
Hi! I’m Alexandra Hedin – a lifestyle and entertaining expert from the Pacific Northwest. I provide inspiration, recipes, and crafts for creating a lovely life. It doesn’t take much to make everyday lovely – or to have fun. And isn’t that what life is about? All week I’m here showing you how I threw together a […]
Who doesn’t love to usher in springtime with a new pair of fun shoes? Although these shoes look new, not all of them are. Some are from the thrift store, others are well-loved kicks that needed TLC, whereas others just needed a little ‘something’ to make them shine. The techniques used to transform them are easily […]
I don’t have the greenest of thumbs, but with spring in full force where I live, I am eager to get outside and play in the dirt. Not all of us have a lot of land to work with, but these small space garden ideas prove that it’s no excuse not to get growing.Â
To get everyone inspired and in the mood for “outdoor month” here at Curbly, we’re sharing some seriously drool-worthy patios and decks today! Â By the end, you’ll be craving lemonade, BBQ, and maybe even a patio makeover of your own. Â Enjoy! Â Â
