LaNa Updates

I've been a bit MIA this past couple of weeks with big work events...however, I wanted to take a moment to send some LaNa updates!

Unfortunately, I didn't get a before picture of two chairs I recently recovered. Here is the chair with the new fabric and a close-up of the seat. I like how they turned out, but feel it's lacking some excitement. So, I'm going to paint the chairs a shiny black and will send after pics as soon as I've finished! (P.S. Robyn - that is the new carpet...not a great pic, but maybe gives you an idea?? I'll take another close-up for you.)


I've also been working on beautifying a desk that I purchased at the ReUse Center for $15 - what a bargain! I'm painting it a shiny white, but am having trouble with the top as the wood is soaking the paint and showing through. I think I have a solution and will post after pics if it all works out.





In addition to the desk, I'm also painting and recovering a chair I got on ebay for under $10. It will be a great set once I'm finished....




Lastly, I'll leave you with pics from my yummy dinner last night!! I made spaghetti...nothing too glamorous, but probably the best I've ever made!! I got a chance to use the last of my basil from my yard too!!

I also made a great side dish with some eggplant I had picked-up over the weekend at Farmer's Market. I improvised and it turned out YUMMY! Sauteed eggplant with a smoked red pepper pesto....

An idea I'm loving!

Photo by Thomas J. Story

I recently stumbled upon this idea on Sunset magazine. I'm loving the idea and considering the option for LaNa!

Bye, bye, bye!

Big project "almost" done!

I had these out-of-control bushes on the side of my house including a wild mulberry tree and they HAD to go! I tried a couple times to tackle the project myself, but I realized it was like a condo inside for birds and one LARGE toad! With the help of my Dad, I was able to get the bushes cut down and then hauled away (from one of the guys that re-paved my sidewalks!). Now, I just need to figure out how to get rid of the stumps!!!!

Yippie!!!


Thanks Dad! xo

Proud new sidewalks!

When I moved into LaNa I quickly learned that the sidewalk was in need of repair...although, if you ask me not as much as the City of Ann Arbor required!

Recently, 25 city sidewalk blocks were replaced in front of my house. Of course, I took the day off to "supervise" in hopes of being there when the cement was poured. It was fun to watch and looked like a lot of hard work. The guys at Saladino were pros and very tolerant of all my picture taking! Unfortunately, the cement came the second day, but my Mom was able to be there and make the mark for LaNa!

A bit dirty, but brand new!



Thanks Mom for all three LaNa marks!

Olive Pesto!

No pics, but I made an awesome olive pesto last night!

1 handful of fresh basil from my garden
1 clove of garlic
1 handful of pine nuts
1 can of black olives
olive oil - i eyeballed it...maybe about 1/4 cup??
parmesan cheese, grated - eyeballed it as well...you can't go wrong with cheese!

I served it over spaghetti and had a great glass of wine...YUMMY!

Great Etsy Seller!

Hello! I thought I would post information on my latest Etsy find that I just love - Lissabird! Proceeds from this seller help benefit Love to Breathe which raises funds for cystic fibrosis (CF) research. And, as many of you know, I am dedicated to raising money to help find a cure for CF in honor of my sister, Robyn.

Photo courtesy of Lissabird