To borrow a phrase ~ and from a few other bloggers who have had similar posts. It really is the little things that make me happy. The touches that just add a little bit of pretty to an ordinary thing.
I keep a little vase right my kitchen sink for a fresh bouquet of basil. That’s the entire purpose of this particular vase. I can pinch off a few leaves as I need them and it makes the kitchen smell really good at the same time. I think the basil might last a bit longer in the fridge but it just isn’t as lovely.
This idea I actually did cop from Martha’s ‘It’s a good thing’ section of her magazine. Probably about 8 years ago – maybe longer. How long has her magazine been around anyway? Take a pretty bottle, add a pourer (you can find them in bar section of a kitchen supply store) and you have a much better looking container for dish soap.
This next one is really more practical but I do love the little butter holder. I bought it at Crate and Barrel and it holds a half of cube of butter – just the right amount. Plus if it gets hot and the butter gets really soft it can’t ooze out anywhere.
I keep meaning to get another one for margarine (since someone in the house prefers it to butter) and etch each with an "M" and a "B", respectively. Note to self: Add ‘buy etching cream’ to todo list.
I do like sparkly, glass things – my sister thinks I was a magpie in a past life, drawn as I am to shiny things.
Thank you for all the lovely anniversary wishes – I really, truly am blessed. And thank you for the kind words about the photograph – oh for the days of only one chin. Where did that jawline go, I wonder?
“and” the extra beauty is that each stem of the basil plants will actually root in water and after harvesting all the big leaves, you can plop the rooted bits in the soil for yet another plant and keep this wonderful tip going on and on all summer! I do this and give cuttings to all my friends.
Nifty ideas!
I missed your anniversary!! Hope your day was wonderful!
Pat
Back Porch Musings
I think people do not realize how these little touches can make a big change in their environment and create a more relaxing space. Love your basil bouquet idea. xoxoxo Clarice
Thanks for the everyday beauty ideas. I’ve been doing the dish soap one for years but love the basil idea. I bought the same butter dish at Target if you can’t find another one at Crate and Barrel.
I can practically smell the basil…
Ahhh I was just wondering what happened to my jawline this morning. Oy! Wonderful idea with the basil, I think I’ll try that. I told a friend of mine lately that I’m like that crow on “The Secret of Nimh” I quote “Can I have your sparklies Mrs. B”???
Congratulations on yr anniversary, time does fly doesn’t it?
Great ideas! I have always wanted to etch my monogram onto something and just have never gotten around to it. Humm – have to put that higher up on my “I want to do” list!
I love the idea of a fresh herb bouquet! I used to do that with my soap as well – Martha is definitely a genius.
I thought your name began with an A so I al confused on the M and B. (However, those are our initials! husband and I)
I was going to say the same thing – I can practically smell that basil!!! I had pizze tonight and that would have been perfect. I need to try this!
Have a great evening!
I do the soap thing too! I am going to have to try the basil idea now. Another reason to find a pretty vase, huh?
It’s the little things that mean a lot, the little beauty moments & things of every day…Happy belated anniversary wishes to you! :o)
I have to tell you that I love your blog. I just found you via Kim from Kim’s Big Quilting Adventure. I had posted on your sisters blog saying that I loved your table topper. LOVE IT!!! I think I must make one for myself. It’s wonderful and so is your blog. I’ll be checking in often.
I missed reading about your anniversary, I certainly hope it was a happy one. I absolutely love your wedding photo..it is stunning! I love the idea of the pretty bottles for everyday things. Martha has given me a lot of inspiration of the years too.
OOh, haven’t tried the herb idea! what a nice touch. But I must admit I have the dishsoap and butter dish! how funny! ‘cept my butterdish has bees on it. Adding little lovely items to everyday makes things alittle nicer. Oh, congrats on your anniversary!
A dear friend once said: ” Who are you waiting for, the president????” Who are you saving your beautiful things for? Shouldn’t the ones we love get the very best?!! Get out the crystal~~especially the champagne flutes!! I loved your post and too could smell the basil. . .my plant died last year and I have been buying from the not~so~super market as the weeks have gone by. . .time to plant!!
Michelle