One Small Step for Melinda, One Giant Leaf for Mankind

I’m of a relatively small stature, but I’m pretty sure this leaf would still look ginormous even if Andre the Giant were holding it. As for me, if I suddenly found myself having to spend the night in the park, I could use it has a blanket. This is one seriously huge leaf!

No trick photography here!

I Repaired the Chair…

If you’re like me (i.e., champagne taste on a beer budget), you have probably purchased a designer knockoff something-or-other. For me, it was the Barcelona chair.

Image via DWR.com

I think the cushions on my knockoff version are real leather, but the straps underneath are made of some mystery leatherish cardboard-like composite, which eventually break. (Cue whomp whomp music…)

Thanks to Retro Ranch Revamp, I learned how to replace the straps. Now my chair is like new and slightly better than the knockoff version because now some of the straps are real gen-u-ine leather. 

As far as the leather punching tool I purchased to complete the project, well, I wouldn't say I was a huge fan. Click here to read my review on Amazon.  Also, if you happen to be at work, be careful about the sites that show up when you search for leather straps!

Additionally, you may be interested to know that the issues with this knockoff chair don’t stop with the cheap straps. We found out the hard way it has a weight limit. A word of warning: be careful about who (or how many people) you let sit in it J The metal frame is not that sturdy and will slowly compress. 

Due to my rather Liliputian size, my boyfriend and I could sit side-by-side in it just fine. However, some friends came over to watch a movie and by the end of the night, they were practically sitting on the floor.  We were able to stretch it back out for the most part, but I’m not sure it’s really the same now.

Anyway, if you find yourself with broken straps, check out Retro Ranch Revamp’s how-to guide. 

All photos were taken by me except where noted.

Watson Kennedy Fine Home (Where Seattleites Escape to Paris)

When I need a break from work, I like to walk down the hill (a really steep hill) to Watson Kennedy Fine Home, one of my favorite “hoity-toity” stores as my dad likes to call them.

As soon as I walk through the door, I feel like I’m on vacation. The beautiful home accessories, fragrant soaps, and classic French music playing in the background make me feel like I’ve been whisked away to Paris. Sometimes I wish I could bring my laptop with me and work from the store the rest of the day. (Someone at Microsoft must have wished for the same thing because now they have their own store on the Microsoft campus! How lucky!)

Wouldn’t you love to have a house filled with such pretty soap? Maybe you already do!

But if you don’t, why not also grab a beautiful tin of hot chocolate or tea?

I'll be grabbing this package of cookies for my trek back up the hill. Then it’s back to work and back to reality!

 Image Sources: 1. Watson Kennedy 2. Watson Kennedy 3. Harney and Sons  4. Harney and Sons 5. Watson Kennedy

The Art of Cooking

I love illustrations and I love recipes, so I was delighted to find a site that combines both. "They Draw and Cook," created by the brother and sister team of Nate Padavick and Salli Swindell, features illustrated recipes from artists around the world. I could spend hours looking at all the creative drawings and mouth-watering recipes, but if you're pressed for time, you can also search for recipes based on ingredients or even artistic style. How cool is that? 

 


Fig and Goat Cheese Galette by cybèle

 



This one reminds me of Richard Scarry. However, I don't think Richard Scarry ever included illustrations of beer in his books.


Beer Cake by Alya Markova

 

I can't wait to create my own submission! Which of your favorite recipes would you illustrate?

Can You Hear Me Now?

I'm jumping on the blog bandwagon.