0 Succulents in a Suitcase!

Look what I found last weekend at Sienna Antiques in Petaluma.

Although this cement planter isn't an antique, I didn't care because I immediately had plans for it.

Cast from an old suitcase, this thing weighs a ton! I knew it would be great planted with succulents. But first, it had to find a permanent home as it is too heavy to move around.

I decided to put it on this outdoor coffee table. The top is marble, which is great because there are drain holes at the bottom of this container. I don't have to worry about protecting the surface.

After planting the succulents, I got the idea to tuck in some lichen covered branches.

I added the stone candlesticks, brought in a few linen pillows, and voila!

I'm so happy with the final result!

Can't wait to sit here this evening and enjoy the new table top vignette, the view and a glass of wine with hors d'oeuvres.

Mr. A and I are taking a few days off and staying in the country until tomorrow. It's nice to have the time to do a little project like this, and just putter around. We're enjoying this unusual cool summer weather which is nice for working outside in the garden.

I'm joining Susan today at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.

Then on Tuesday, I'm joining Marty for Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life.

Also, I'll join Tiffany at Making the World Cuter for the first time.

On Wednesday, I'll join Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

Thanks Ladies for hosting!

0 The Evolution of Our Kitchen

Our kitchen has gone through a couple of mini remodels since we bought the house eleven years ago.

In 2001, we replaced the tile countertops with this granite. It was honed St. Cecelia. Eventually, I realized that I wanted polished, so now it's kind of polished, but not quite!

I could never figure out why the previous owners didn't center this cooktop! It has bugged me forever! I ended up creating this backsplash without a center focus, so as not to attract attention to the stove's placement. I fantasize about ripping it all out and putting the largest commercial range possible here!

The little cabinet on the wall used to be pine. I recently painted it white.

The island was also pine and I painted it black. Why you ask? Because the pine was dated (circa 1989) and really beat up.

When the countertops were replaced, I had this farmhouse sink installed. I still love it!

At the time I painted the cabinets, I also replaced the double ovens and dishwasher with stainless steel. The old appliances were at the end of their life, and I love stainless!

I replaced the panels on the refrigerator with stainless too.

The family room is just off the kitchen. My kids keep trying to talk me into getting a sectional sofa! But, they don't live here anymore, so I'm sticking to this traditional arrangement!

Notice the Charles Faudree book on the coffee table. I have to say he is my biggest influence when it comes to how I decorated this space.

The fireplace also used to be pine with embellishments. I took off the "gingerbread," sanded it and painted it black to tie in with the kitchen island.

This photo shows how it opens up to the eating area and the backyard.

Our casual dining area. When we bought the house, there was a flush mount light on the ceiling. I couldn't wait to hang a proper chandelier. I also hung my collection of majolica plates above the window.

So there you have the evolution of our kitchen! We plan on selling this house in a couple of years so it doesn't make sense to do any thing more. But! If we stayed here forever.....I would definitely replace the countertops! I just love Carrera marble! Next house.....

I'm linking up to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday. Also to Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday.

Thanks ladies for hosting!