We opened our pool this weekend and, honestly, it was the best Mother's Day present.  Once that awful green cover is removed and that gorgeous blue water comes into view again, it signals the beginning of the unofficial summer season, which is my favorite. But around here, it's super short. That's why as soon as the warm weather and sunshine arrive, I try to spend as much time as possible outside. And while I adore the beach, and try to go almost every day, I'm a true homebody. This little 1929 bungalow is my haven.

Be careful what you wish for... That's a saying I heard around my house often, growing up. My beautiful mother was the eternal optimist, but she also had a very practical side. And a great sense of humor. I don't remember asking for that ugly space when I wished for a sink! So...when she wanted us to really consider the scope of what we were wishing for, that phrase was uttered in a serious tone. When she thought our wants were a little nuts, she said it with a touch a sarcasm.

The other day I was looking for something in my crafting stash when I came across this old, white, topless tin. It's the bottom half of a container that held a really yummy cake we received at Christmas from one of my husband's vendors. Too pretty to toss, I added it to the "someday I'll do something with it" pile and forgot all about it. Then in February, I stumbled upon it and decided to use the lid to make a very charming DIY clock . But that bottom was returned to the old pile again since I had no idea what to do with it. However, this time, as soon as I saw it, I knew.

Today’s the day, folks. The big day when I reveal my small kitchen makeover. It's an update I’ve waited over 20 years for...and now I'm ready to share it with the world. If you've been following me for a while then you know that when we first moved into our 1929 beach cottage, the kitchen was basically unusable for a modern family. So we put an addition on the back of the house and created a new one . And I got to design the entire room from scratch.

I'm generally a low tox kind of girl. The switch started a long time ago, mainly due to my worsening allergies. So over the years, I've become more conscious of what I choose to put in and on my body or use around the house. These are the only ants I want in my house! I don't wear perfume or use anything with a fragrance. And I clean with vinegar and lemons whenever possible. I try to find a natural solution to whatever problem I'm trying to solve...and when I can't I look for the least offensive product . Because let's face it, sometimes all natural isn't really an option, but I like to get close. That's how I found the most effective way to get rid of ants in my house.

I'm a huge fan of upcycling. There's something about taking an old, thrifted or discarded item and giving it new purpose. New form. And new life. Of course, that's not new news. I share my thrift store transformations often. However, what may not be as obvious, is the fact that, very often, the same item will receive multiple makeovers while in my possession. I get bored or come up with a fresh take and I dive in. Again.

This weekend, April showed up in all its glory in my neck of the woods. Yes, I know we were technically several days in, but Saturday and Sunday were quintessentially April. There were showers and flowers.  And Easter! When I was little, Easter was probably my second favorite holiday of the year.