TODAY'S MENU {Banana Cream Cheesecake}

{Age before Beauty}

Sometimes it takes something old to make something brand spanking new! No matter what ingredients you start with you're guaranteed a beautiful finished product.

GET THE RECIPE

TODAY'S MENU {Cherry Clafoutis}

{The Ladder Theory}

What started as a love for sliding ladders in every kitchen, living room and study became my most practical decorating tool...

TODAY'S MENU {Picnic Watermelon}

{Life's a Picnic}

Lately I've been noticing a trend in restaurants that I hope to adopt as soon as I have, well, a house and enough friends to come visit me. The communal table is the culinary world's answer to the modern-day picnic table. Pair it with a bench, stool, even a tree stump and you've got yourself a hip family-style dining experience!

{photos by: flickr, john mariani , box interior design, serious eats, at home, tasted by two, in design live, sofa a rome, mappplr}

TODAY'S MENU {Mustard Seeds}

{Mustard Must-haves}

Last summer in Portugal I met a man from Australia. Amongst exchanging travel tales, I asked him "what are Canadians known for?" The man took about 30 seconds before answering "condiments!" I suppose I never realized we possess this reputation, but after giving it some thought I couldn't really argue with him.

If you set any hamburger, hot dog or french fry in front of me with the ageless choice of ketchup vs. mustard I would choose mustard in a heartbeat! Having always been partial to this fine seed, I'm laying more than a bottle on the table.

{photos by: country living, apartment therapy, apartment therapy, blog cdn, flickr, blaubushka, annes age, the price guide, laura bucci, etsy, design sponge, cooking light}

TODAY'S MENU {Grapes}

{Like Old Again}

Recently I acquired an old wooden desk. My neighbour was going to put it out for garbage but I insisted on giving the tattered table a new home (I love a good makeover and this was the perfect before and after story!) Like old grapes turned into a beautiful bottle of wine I have big plans for this little desk, after some sanding and a coat or two of paint, it will look just like, well, old again! 

{photo by: jibble}

{The Desk}

Similar to the one below, my desk is made of wood with chipping black paint, bamboo trim and 3 deep drawers.

{photo by: 2nd hand}

{The Finish}

This is the antique look I am hoping to achieve after sanding and painting the old layers away.

{photo by: fashion lovers cafe}

{The Colour}

A classic, Martha Stuart's Robin's Egg Blue.

{photo by: bonya}

{The Hardware}

Vintage knobs from Anthropologie are not only fun to choose, but each one is as beautiful as the last. 

{photos by: anthropologie}

{The Accessories}

Picking your favourite flower and showcasing them in a clear vase is a great way to accessories your tabletop.

{photo by: country living}

{The Mirror}

Looking to glamorize your front hall? Hang this mosaic-tile mirror from Ikea for a more elegant look.

{photo by: ikea}

{The Lighting}

Tie in colours through your favourite antique lamp!

{photo by: art and light gallery}

{The Key Holder}

Spice up that old key hook with a classic silver bowl.

{photo by: silver gallery}

{The Seating}

Try an old drafting stool for a more vintage feel.

{photo by: the goods design}