signing off for a bit.....

via

We will be packing and moving over the next couple of weeks........see you in February!!

xoxo

Darci

family rules

Good morning girls!

I thought I would share a little "crafty" project I took on last week.

I am beginning to accessorize some of the rooms in our home. We hope to make the move in the next couple of weeks and I have been busy painting, cleaning and furniture shopping!

I had seen this 'FAMILY RULES' canvas on a blog a while back. I didn't really have the space to put a larger piece in our tiny little cottage, but in the other house, I have lots of walls to fill!!

Here is the link to the 'original'......and she has better directions.......and prettier pictures.....

Basically, you want to grab a large canvas, pick out some of your favorite fabric pieces or pretty papers and decoupage the fabric/paper to your canvas......

You can {obviously} see my paper seams.....layers and layers of modge-podge helped even the seams out.....

There are a few different ways to create the rules. I printed mine and then modge-podged the heck out of them!

Matt built me a little frame, and they we go! Just the right amount of whimsy for my 'new' home office!

Let me know if you give it a try.....I would LOVE to hear about it!

Happy Sunday!!

xoxo

Darci

bathroom inspiration

Good morning ladies!

I thought I would share some inspiration photos for a master bathroom I am re-decorating for a client.

The couple lives in an older home {early 1900} and we want to keep the look, simple, classic and 'air-y'.......my FAVORITE!

Who doesn't love molding and trim work? The detail and character it adds to a space is amazing.

Love those windows above the bathtub...

I have a slight obsession with wallpaper. It adds color and or/texture. It can really help define the look of a space....and it's just so pretty!

Love the yummy basket under the sink....oh and look at the tile floor.....

Subway tile is so classic.....

Aren't these spaces beautiful? I just had to share!

Have a lovely day.....

xoxo

Darci

kitchen design

Good morning ladies!

Can I just tell you I.A.D.O.R.E Saturday mornings!

Around here, Saturday mornings start slow and relaxed. They usually end with a large breakfast, too much coffee, and a very full and happy heart!

Come nap time, I am ready to tackle the day! Which leads to know........I am sitting at my computer with a fresh cup of coffee and my creative juices flowing. It's time for me to wrap up some conceptual drawings for a new kitchen design.

I thought I would share a few photos.

Here is a BEFORE shot. .....

Now, the space is completely gutted. Matt has it down to studs and flooring.

After meeting with the clients and discussing wants, needs and wishes, here is a very "rough" conceptual design.

I love every aspect of design.....but I particularly love the fine tuning! Can't wait to show you the finished drawing....and of course the finished project!

Here are a few of my inspiration photos.....

The goal is to have a modern yet rustic look, a look that is cohesive with the rest of the interior and exterior.

Let the fun begin!

Hope you have a lovely weekend and your heart is filled to the brim with joy and peace!

xoxo

Darci

This Old House

Good morning ladies!

I thought I would post a link to the Jan./Feb. issue of This Old House. They have a really fun story on our attic space 'BEFORE + AFTER.'

This Old House

My sweet hubby is so talented!

He devoted countless hours, blood, sweat and tears {well, probably not tears} to fixing up this darling little cottage.

Be sure to look at the March/April issue of This Old House for another article they did on our little English Cottage!

Happy Thursday girlies...

xoxo

Darci

kombucha

Good morning lovelies!

Did you have a wonderful Christmas? We did. I have been soaking up every last minute of the holiday festivities. They go by so fast!

With the New Year fast approaching, conversations seem to turn to New Year's resolutions. As I have been chatting with friends about different resolutions, "health" usually is brought up. The "health" topic usually leads to Kombucha.

Kom what??

K-O-M-B-U-C-H-A.

We have been drinking it here in the Haney home for about a year. I brew a new batch once a week. It looks crazy, smells funny and it full of wonderful health benefits!

Here are a few tidbits from others who can explain it much better than I can!

Kombucha contains multiple species of yeast and bacteria along with the organic acids, active enzymes, amino acids, and polyphenols produced by these microbes. The precise quantities of a sample can only be determined by laboratory analysis.

Kombucha producers often make the claim that 'kombucha detoxifies the body and energizes the mind', although there is little published research on the health benefits of kombucha. Proponents of kombucha claim it aids cancer recovery, increases energy, sharpens eyesight, aids joint recovery, improves skin elasticity, aids digestion, and improves experience with foods that 'stick' going down such as rice or pasta.

Kombucha is typically produced by placing a culture in a sweetened tea, as sugars assist fermentation. Black tea is a popular choice but green tea or white tea may also be used. Blending of tea may produce more balanced flavors and benefits from the different types of teas. Herbal teas or those treated with oils may harm the Kombucha culture over time.

I have done quite a bit of research regarding Kombucha. If you would like more information, or a culture to brew your own, just email me. I am more than happy to share!!

Have a splendid New Year celebration!

xoxo

Darci

salted carmel shortbread bites

Good morning friends!

I hope you are enjoying these last days until Christmas!

I decided to spend some time in the kitchen yesterday.

Just me, the baby, and some Christmas music.

Over the past year, we have dramatically changed the way we eat. With that change, I don't do nearly the baking I use to.

I.LOVE.BAKING.

I want my sweet babe to enjoy baking as well {or at least know how to :}

She is off to a great start!

Yesterday, we made SALTED CARMEL SHORTBREAD BITES.

In all honesty, they didn't turn out as good as I had hoped. But, there were still sweet, salty, gooey, goodness.

I thought I would share the recipe with you, maybe you will have better luck!

Shortbread Layer:

• 10 tbsp. salted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Zest of half an orange
• 1 egg yolk, whisked
• 1 2/3 cups All Purpose flour

Caramel Topping:

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar

• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. orange extract

Sea salt flakes, to top

Directions

Prepare an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper with the edges of the parchment hanging over two of the sides. This allows you to remove the bars easily once cooled.

Combine the melted butter, sugar, salt and zest with a fork in a large bowl. Add the yolk and again combine with the fork. Add the flour and stir with a heavy spoon or your hands and combine the dough until it is well combined. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press down evenly with your hands until the pan is covered. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour. Remove and bake at 350 for 25-28 minutes, until very lightly browned. Allow to cool while you are preparing the caramel.

In a heavy bottomed pot, such as enameled cast iron, combine all caramel topping ingredients save for the extracts. Bring to a boil and stir until sugars are dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Using a candy thermometer, watch for the goal of about 230 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in the extracts. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes, then pour over the shortbread base. Sprinkle with sea salt, then refrigerate for several hours. Once chilled, cut into small squares, serve and enjoy!

Mine turned out really gooey. I think I let the carmel cook too long. I wrapped them up with wax paper and popped them in the refrigerator....

Enjoy!!

xoxo

Darci