classic • casual • home

Our Photo Shoot for Better Homes & Gardens!

2012-05-25T07:06:00.001-07:00

Several months ago, I read on Design Indulgence, how Lisa Mowry helped Sherry get her home published in "Better Homes and Gardens."

We had just finished the renovation of our house and I thought "What the heck...I'll send her a link." She was encouraging and asked for more photos. Slowly, other magazine scouts noticed our house on my blog and inquired about shooting it. So complimentary! Then, Lisa emailed to say that Amy Panos, Home Editor of "Better Homes and Gardens" said it was a "go!" Thank you, Lisa and Amy!

When I learned what shots/angles they were interested in,

such as "lightening up the mantel" I thought, "good idea" and bought wooden finials (above)
with a finish similar to the new chandelier.

"Add greenery." I bought some plants and a green throw blanket and asked, if the stylist could bring a green tray. "Take a shot of the office loft" What? I needed to straighten it up and make it prettier.
So, I borrowed some blue accessories.

"Shot of the pantry, cute red step stool." "Uh oh", I thought.
It needs more color and organization in there.
I cleaned it up a bit and added a seaside picture from Home Goods.

I figured that the stylist, Laura Hull, would work her magic in here with some editing.

I also borrowed this piece of art from here to lighten things up in the living room.

We were told not to wear black, white or prints. Tommy and Alie selected their options...

The shoot was scheduled for around my husband's birthday so the kids would be home.
But then, unfortunately, Howard had to go on a business trip.

This was strategically placed.

I washed all the slip covers and put this sign up for Tommy and his friends...and then...

The photography shoot was yesterday!

Here is the photographer, Edmund Barr, with our daughter, Alie. Edmund would be aghast over this lousy photo (and I didn't have him sign a "waiver release" like we did).

He did the photography for one of my favorite table setting books, "Flair."

Not only did he sign my book, he fixed our running toilet!

Something he learned from an episode of "Mad Men." What a guy! Now if he will just

erase my neck wrinkles for the magazine, I will love him forever.

Here is his assistant, Dyleen, setting up the high tech equipment.

Although they kept the mantel as I had arranged it,

their photo will be waaaaay better. In other rooms,

Laura used mostly my things but in different eye catching ways.

Edmund was good at getting us to relax...he took a picture of Alie and me setting the patio table and

of Tommy in the kitchen spinning a basketball on his finger. Normal stuff.

Except for where they were shooting, the rest of the house looked like chaos

(and it was so neat the night before).

Oh well, at the end of the day it was back to normal.

And we got to keep Laura's beautiful flowers and the new green tray!

They ran out of time and didn't shoot the pantry or my office (newly outfitted with borrowed items

from Debbie and things removed like the printer and file folders).

So, here it is again looking like Cinderella before midnight

(I glued the blue fabric on the desk blotter to lighten it up).

It might be a year before the photographs run in the magazine,

but what a fun day for Alie, Tommy and me!

Thank you, "Better Homes and Gardens!!!!"

And thank YOU so much for stopping by!

Participating in

Tuesdays Treasures

Metamorphosis Monday

Feathered Nest Friday

Inspiration Friday

Link Up With Me Liz Marie

Furniture Feature Friday

Party With Us On The Beach and "In Good Taste"

2012-05-22T07:04:00.002-07:00

I made this invitation on Power Point and emailed them to our friends.

In exchange for my help with a little facelift of their beach rental property,
our friends let us have a couple days to have a party at their place.
Here's what it looked like before and after...

"Before"
We used what was already there and added a few new accessories...

I wanted to keep the party simple and super casual.

It gets cold when the sun goes down, so we set up two tables inside for dinner.

A sail boat race was taking place while we were getting things ready.

I bought lots of beach balls and turquoise "party" items at the dollar store

(I forgot what a fun place that is).

Here we are with the birthday boy just before the party started.

Beach Birthday Party Menu

Mammoth Mountain Beer,

Lemonade Spritzers, Aqua Gatorade

White and Red Wine

••••••

Smoked Albacore with Crackers, Crème Fraiche,

Tabasco, Lemon

Classic Onion Dip with Ruffles Chips

•••••

Grilled Mammoth Mountain Brats

Rolls, Condiments

Salad Trio:

TC’s Three Bean and Grilled Corn Salad

Linda’s Fresh Asparagus Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad (from a restaurant)

•••••

Vanilla Root Beer Floats with

Whipped Cream and Crushed Heath Bar

Today, I am over at Design Chic for their series,

"In Good Taste."

I want to show you the "Good Taste" of several friends of mine,

such as Abby's from Wolf-Rizor Interiors'.

Check it out HERE.

Thanks for joining our beach party!

Cottage Style Magazine Shoot and Cool Restaurant

2012-05-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

A representative from "Cottage Style" contacted us after I featured my friend,

Debbie Duggan's home. It's being shot for the magazine right now!

Her whole house is looking even more gorgeous than usual.

We played around with different pillows in her bedroom.

The center one, above, is made from a vintage kimono.

It will be exciting to see the professional shots in the magazine after Debbie and

the stylist, Char Hatch Langos and the photographers do their magic.

Isn't it fun to try a new restaurant, especially one with good food and cool design?

We just had breakfast at the recently opened

Greenleaf in Costa Mesa, California.

The entrance is lined with lemon trees in wine barrels.

It's a gourmet "chop shop" meaning lots of healthy gourmet salads, in addition to, sandwiches and paninis.

Pass through the interesting little market to order your meal.

Select a seat inside (cool light fixtures) or

in the pretty pebbled courtyard.

We liked these flower arrangements in rustic containers with vegetables.

They also cater. I will order a couple of large salads to
add to the menu for my husband's

beachside birthday party

this weekend.

Best wishes!

Dining Room Summer Updates

2012-05-14T07:40:00.002-07:00

Becca From Gardners Two Bergers is featuring

our dining room remodel project.

(The same pink Raoul fabric from the living room is used on

lumbar pillows here and slipcovers are brought back for summer).

There are Before and After photos.

Becca does all sorts of cool DIY projects on her blog.

One that I am working on is her

Natural and Home-made Laundry Detergent .

You can get the recipes for yourself.

Also...

please visit Emily A. Clark

for "Mother Knows Best" to learn what this little lady in white has taught us.

Emily knows a thing or two also

as a mother of three and soon to be five!

I got a new camera for Mother's Day...

hopefully I will have some better photos to show you soon...have bit of a learning curve.

My son, Tommy took my new profile photo with it...he was making me laugh.

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Inspired Spring Post and Spring Vegetable Ragout

2012-05-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Rocky enjoying the view of Newport Bay.

It was flattering when Maureen, a source of great inspiration herself,

asked me to participate in...

Check out what makes me excited about Spring/Summer over at

Inspired M. Stevens HERE.

The other night, I made

Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops With Vegetable Ragout

from a Food & Wine recipe.

My husband gave it the stamp of approval by saying "We should serve this at a dinner party!"

Source: Tina Rupp

Not all of our friends eat lamb, but they would love the

vegetable ragout by itself with shaved parmesan.

It's super Spring-like and flavorful. I just served it with French bread.

Debbie Duggan's daughter's room

Also, Joni from Cote de Texas has some photos from my blog

on her fun post on girl's bedrooms...check it out.

An e-designed bedroom

PS. I'd really like a new camera for Mother's Day...anyone have any suggestions for me

for an upgrade from my Canon Sureshot?

Spring/Summer Look in the Living Room

2012-05-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are photos of the newly installed

iron and wood chandelier,

Pretty much like I imagined it!

It is the California Casual Cousin to the Baccarat Crystal
version in our friends' Parisian apartment.

Read more about our Delightful Dinner in a Parisian Home here.

A good friend got this green and white fabric on sale for me! It's heavy linen by Raoul Textiles .

I'll get the previous plain linen covers dry cleaned to store for when I switch them back

(yep, they are just taking a little breather until Fall).

For now, I am enjoying this celery and salmon colored look (sounds like dinner).

What is all this junk from Target doing on my kitchen counter?

Don't judge my mothering, please, but

my boy is coming home from college tonight for the summer

(and he's been on the opposite coast). Just stocking a few of his favorite things.

It's been nice having a clean house the last several months...oh well, that will change.

Sweet blog commenter, "Linda in AZ" sent me this linen pillow.

Thank you, Linda. I put it in my favorite spot to blog...

One last look at my new chandelier ...and that Calvin Klein "Leaf" candle

on the coffee table smells divine.

It's new from Home Goods and at $16, it's half the price of what it is on Amazon.com.

I should get a couple more (if they are still there) for hostess gifts.

Best wishes!

Participating in

Show And Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense

Frugal Friday @ Shabby Nest

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

White Wednesday @ Faded Charm
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Open House Thursday @ No Minimalist Here
Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Beach Cottage Living Room's Summer Looks

2012-05-07T07:58:00.001-07:00

There were a few things pushed to the "back burner" after the remodel of our beach cottage.

One of them was a ceiling light fixture for our living room.

I wanted a casual, yet classic--(I know, had to say it) look.
I liked size and painted finish on this Arterior's Louis Iron and Wood Chandelier...

so I "tried it on for size" with some cutting and pasting. Although the design is classic,
the wooden beads keep it casual.

We have a bit of a French theme going in our house. Our time spent living in Paris about

10 years ago has influenced our style...and we were fortunate to bring back items that I bought at

the flea markets (like the French commode in the corner).

I liked the light "airy" feeling...

so I bought it.
I will get some shots of it up today and show them to you
tomorrow.

I also recently purchased this silver tray from West Elm.

It comes in other colors and with a butler's stand if you wish.

The closest West Elm store is an hour away in Los Angeles or an hour and twenty minutes
away in San Diego. But I just learned they are building one near us. Trouble.

The prices are reasonable though. Notice the new "dip-dyed" throw blanket also from West Elm?

It's on sale right now, super soft and comes in two colors.

See you tomorrow with the new chandelier and other updates with Raoul fabric.
I really appreciate you visiting.

Participating in:
Tuesdays Treasures.

Spring Pillows, Cinco De Mayo Menu & Style for Living

2012-05-02T06:29:00.001-07:00

There are a few things to tell you about today...

A quick way to refresh your Spring space is with pillows.
Check out twenty patterned pillows, sources and tips with my HOUZZ guest post.

How about a super easy Cinco de Mayo dinner???

Raised in California, I've been eating Mexican food all my life.

¡Fiesta! Menu

Cervezas with lime

My Guacamole with Chips

Cheese Quesadillas

Bon Appetit's Black Beans, Rice, Chicken and Apple Salsa

~•~•~•~

My Guacamole Recipe

(serve with lime tortilla chips)

To get the pit out, slam the knife into the pit and twist.

mash three ripe California avocados

three tablespoons chopped red onion

lemon juice from 1/2 lemon

three tablespoons chopped cilantro

mix the above with salt and pepper and hot sauce to taste

Cheese Quesadillas

Grilled on an Iron Skillet

It's easy to cut with scissors.

This Black Beans and Rice Recipe Here

is really tasty and easy to make using a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.

The apple salsa makes it crunchy and unique.

Photo by Lisa Hubbard

Pretty simple. ¡Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I am over at Marianne's today answering lots of crazy questions about ME.

Please come over here.

You will love her blog if you don't already.

Uniquely Designed Coastal Restaurants

2012-04-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Come with me to Lure Fish House north of Los Angeles in Camarillo, California.

My friend, Debbie Duggan designed it. It's a family operation that I was fortunate to see come to

fruition. (I even ordered the Restoration Hardware convex mirror above).

Although on some of the design shopping trips (like for the Noir chandeliers above),

I was/am truly in awe of the way Debbie pulled it all together along with

her restauranteur sister, Patty and brother-in-law, David.

Their parents had a say in the design with this "private family dining room"

which you can reserve for special occasions.

The chandelier is from Arteriors.

How about this cozy nook in the bar! I love all the textures: stone, wainscoting, tufting

AND the nautical feel of the round interior window.

Here is the bar with a huge gothic mirror.

Laura and I are saddled up to the bar (sorry about the I-phone photo)...

for a glass of wine and delicious ceviche.

The food is fabulous. Bravo David!! Fresh fish is flown in daily.

Debbie's parents treated us to dinner for her birthday but most of the photos at

night time didn't make the cut...except this cool window box.

Debbie's daughter, Julie, designed the logo.

The restaurant is so popular that they are opening two more
in the area with different decorating schemes.

On to more of a crazy but fun restaurant south of Los Angeles in
Del Mar, California is Burlap. The cuisine is Cowboy-Asian fusion. Seriously.

My mother, sister and I had brunch here... flavorful and unique food combinations.

The décor is a riot of western and far eastern; lots of outdoor "loungey" spaces with a fire pit

...quite the night-time scene, I'm told.

Thomas Schoos was the designer.

The waiter spilled a mimosa on my sister. Except for my sister's shriek, we remained calm.

They gave us the entire meal for free!

That was even BEFORE I said I was going to blog about it.

One more thing...while we were in Camarillo at Debbie's parents house...

look what we did. OK, I look nerdy but I want to do it again!

Have you been to any fun restaurants lately?

The Back of our Cottage Before and After

2012-04-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

"Social Climber" is the name of our climbing rose bush. I love that name!

We planted it right after we finished the remodel of our beach cottage in Newport Beach, California.

Below is the rear exterior of our house before we added

a new railing, windows, smooth plaster and a new wooden garage door.

And here it is after...

Our Social Climber is supposed to grow two stories high...which will fill in the space to the

left of the balcony. I took this photo a couple of days ago and there are even

MORE blooms on it now.

I would have preferred a garage door like this one below from

Vignette Design's great post on carriage style garage doors.

But we thought the windows could get broken by a basketball

(and we were at the end of the remodel budget).

Here are two other garage doors that I admire on Lido.

Tommy prefers playing basketball at the courts, SO IF we win the lottery,

I may switch out the garage door for a more stylish "carriage cottage"one.

I was not crazy about the Bose electronics showing on my bedroom dresser

(more about the master bedroom remodel HERE). So...

I found this cute metal quatrefoil tray at Target...it seemed a little light weight so I bought a

placemat there and cut it to fit the bottom. Antiqued mirrored glass cut to fit would be nicer

but this was inexpensive.

Just added some accessories to camouflage the electronics...

"Before"

"After"

Aren't these great succulent arrangements from Roger's Gardens?

The crown one on the left is a birthday present for my sister, Teresa

(she is kind of the princess in our family).

Hope you are having a great week.
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Participating in
Tuesdays Treasures
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
It's Party Time
Motivate Me Monday
Sunday Showcase Party
Sundae Scoop Link Party
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Vintage Inspiration
Frugal Friday
Fridays Unfolded
Home Sweet Home
Inspiration Friday
Transformation Thursday
Wow Us Wednesdays

China On Display and A Brush with the Law

2012-04-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Unrelated to the title, but aren't these cute dish towels and pot holders from Target?

I just bought them for my sister for watching our dog, Rocky while we were on vacation.

These new, green Portuguese plates are from Home Goods. A bargain!

My client, Nancy, has a lovely but empty, antique armoire in her dining room.

This was given to her by her father. I'd like to see the inside painted with milk paint or...

chalk paint like Kim at Savvy Southern Style does below. You can read about it HERE.

AND

I gave Nancy the assignment to go to buy pretty white pottery to fill the shelves.

I suggested buying things she likes and will use, such as,

pitchers and bowls (like these from Home Goods) or

White chargers from Vietri would look great against the back of the cabinet.

I have some Vietri serving pieces that I love...more about that HERE.

With perhaps a cake platter or two. These come in a nice gift box...

sweet Mother's Day gift (with your home-made dessert).

I'll do a before and after post of Nancy's living and dining rooms eventually.

In other news... driving on the way to Mammoth, CA

there is a 65 mile per hour limit stretch coming down the

Los Angeles mountains into the desert.

It's easy to coast at 80 mph if you are watching it.

I wasn't.

Some of you (and you know who you are) have paid your teen-ager to take

traffic school on-line for you. I considered it briefly, but rejected it as:

A. My dad was a Judge and he is looking down on me from above

B. My kids would probably charge too much

So, I went with this class with the catchy title.

"Madame Leadfoot" has been redeemed.

You can find the silver plated Madame/Monsieur napkins rings HERE.

More cute things from Home Goods...

we thought this combo would make a nice wedding shower gift.

Best wishes!

Great Ideas for Beach Inspired Bedrooms

2012-04-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

This is a follow-up to my last vacation post on the New Smyrna Beach Penthouse. Even though we are back in California now...showing these photos lets me relive our fabulous "House Swap" vacation.

This is the master bedroom. The bleached wood planks on the accent wall add

texture to what was probably a generic condominium wall.

The view from the bedroom windows was so lovely to wake up to in the morning.

More great artwork!

Here is the room at night with a comfortable reading chair and wall to wall seagrass carpeting.

I like this towel cabinet in the master bathroom...more use of the bleached wood...

nice touch with the rolled beach towels.

This is the daughter's room (she is a darling girl and sees my daughter often in

New York city, where they both live).

Instead of closet doors...grommeted drapes are used...great idea.

Cute light fixtures in her bathroom.

More of Clair's artwork...I recognize the two children as Clair's kids when they were younger.

This is a cozy corner in the bedroom. Nice scale and pattern.

There is a balcony off this bedroom with a view of the inlet.

We saw lots of dolphins swimming out there.

Just off the entry is this office that has a trundle bed covered in linen.

I plugged my computer in at this desk...love these shelves.

Here is the son's room, where our son, Tommy stayed.

Great iron beds, convenient baskets for storage or to place your suitcase on...

I like the floating shelves above the beds, too.

More drapes instead of closet doors...love it.

Here's the jetty that is formed at the beginning of the inlet.

There was a storm right before we got there...and look at all the pink coral that my daughter,

Alie and I picked up on our walk.

It was fun and relaxing...and almost a year since our last vacation.

I feel re-energized and inspired for some cool projects in the works.

Thanks for visiting!

Participating in

Wow Us Wednesdays

White Wednesday

Tuesdays Treasures

Just Chillin' in an Awesome Beach Penthouse

2012-04-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Last year, we decided to do a house swap with our friends, Andy and Clair.

They stayed at our cottage in Newport Beach, California for Thanksgiving.
Now we are staying at their luxurious condo in New Smryna Beach, Florida.

This is the entry.

Let me just say....FABULOUS Condo!!!

I love how they added touches like the bleached wood louvered doors
throughout and the ceiling treatment here.

Cool artwork everywhere, too!

Here is the comfortable living room. What I REALLY wish I could convey is how

there are water views of the ocean and inlet from

all the windows. There is just too much exposure from the Florida sunshine.

This is what you see from the windows.

Great bamboo chairs. This sky blue color is throughout the home.

On their coffee table is a book about New Smyrna Beach...an interesting read...

along with some fun coastal cookbooks.

I believe the drapes are the Peyton grommet curtains from Pottery Barn. They are on sale right now.

I have them in my son's room at home.

Reminder...of the view!!!

The doors to the right to the television lead to the master bedroom.

This way to the kitchen...

I love this butcher block top counter with this fun built-in below.

Clair is an artist. She did this happy oil painting of children "cannonballing" into the water.

They spend a lot of time in the Bahamas and I think this influences her work.

In the breakfast nook there is a stylish raffia/nailhead banquet and Palacek chairs.

Clair, I borrowed one of your hats for a couple hours

...you can use ANY of mine

when you come back to Newport.

Pretty mosaic backsplash. Is that me on the left?

See the knee of a guy just straight chillin'? We love these high Adirondack chairs.

Easy Smoked Fish Vacation Appetizer

Years ago, in New Smryna, our friends, the Losasso's served us an appetizer of

smoked fish (like Albacore or Cobia--already smoked from the local seafood store)

on plain Saltine crackers a little dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream, a spritz of lemon,

cracked pepper, and a dash of Tabasco...

we have been making it ever since.

Alie's Pineapple Vodka New Smyrna Beach Cocktail

Recipe:

Put one cup chopped fresh pineapple in a cup of vodka and

marinate for eight hours or overnight.

Mix 1/4 cup fresh orange juice with a splash of cranberry juice and a

jigger of the pineapple flavored vodka and pour over a glass of crushed ice.

Garnish with the marinated pineapple and lime slices.

Cheers!

OK...time for a walk to the beach.

These little birds crack me up...they run back and forth on tooth pick legs

trying to get a bite of something near the water's edge without getting hit by the surf.

Ahh...vacation...with no giant hotel bill at the end.

Thanks, Clair and Andy...great idea to trade houses.

I will show you their beautiful bedrooms in my next post.
Please join me!

Participating in:

Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different, Act Normal

Inspiration Friday at The Picket Fence

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Home Sweet Home The Charm of Home

Spring Break in Florida

2012-04-11T07:19:00.002-07:00

We are having a fun vacation in Florida.

The first night, we stayed in Orlando with our good friends, Woody and Netta. Above is the bar in the kitchen that Netta designed. I love the bar stools. She painted them white.

This is the breakfast area. They have a lot of great art through out their home.

Woody and Netta will be moving soon and I will miss this house. But they will begin building their dream home on property by a lake with a huge oak tree and a view of the Orlando skyline.

I saw the plans and it's going to be spectacular!

Here is our small, but luxurious guest room. Aren't the lamps cool and the way the linen

comforter is folded? This room was professionally styled by Violette Jetin.

The house was built in the 1920's and has the original pecky cypress wood ceiling.

The dining room is painted Shenandoah Taupe by Benjamin Moore, a color that looks great at night and during the day. The artwork is by Bernar Venet. I like how some of the ghost chairs are slipcovered around the zinc topped table.

Netta designed this free standing table in her entry.

This was the only photo I took the following morning. It's of their art filled library--

all the books shelves are to the right.

Then, we headed out to Lake Wales, Florida for my mother-in-law's birthday party.

We had to make a pit stop on the way.
This is a cultural experience that we do not have in California.

Happy birthday, Earlene!

Right now, we are staying in a fabulous, penthouse condo over looking the Atlantic Ocean...

I can't wait to show you the photos of the interiors.

This is my view right now. Going for a walk soon. The weather is perfect.

Wish you were here!

Beach Home and Garden Tour

2012-04-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is a follow-up to the downstairs tour of my friend, Debbie's house.

Here is her oldest daughter's room with a headboard from Kravet and

Raoul fabric on the pillows and drapes.

Love the trim on the drapes.

Below is her younger daughter's room. I showed more of it in a post here.

Here is the master bedroom. The bed was custom-made by Noir CFC. The side tables are also from Noir (I have the same ones). This is an older photo as she has an ottoman in front of the bed now.

I love her alabaster lamps.

Aren't these pendant lamps over her desk perfect? No picture of the desk as it was in mid-project
designing a beautiful seafood restaurant...which I hope to show you soon.
More about custom bulletin boards here.

Great upstairs laundry room with a charming oil painting.

Let's go outside to the interior patio with the triple fountain spouts.

We gave a wedding shower for our friend's daughter and set the bar on the patio table.

More about the wedding shower here.

Here is the patio at night.

Even the back entrance to Debbie's house is beautiful.

Cute back gate. Doesn't Debbie have an amazing attention to detail?

Tomorrow, we are taking a holiday for a girls trip north of

Los Angeles (Camarillo)

to celebrate Debbie's birthday at her mom's house ...slumber party!

Thanks for visiting!

News Flash--Guess Who I Saw at The Market?

2012-03-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

No kidding.

I was in the check out line early last night in here in Mammoth

(the closest main skiing area to Los Angeles),

buying the ingredients to make Stone Gable's Asparagus Leek Soup.

These two tall, big shouldered men were in front of me...

one was a bit taller than the other, low baseball cap,

chiseled chin, face even better than the movies, pulse stops,

drop the leeks,

light headed--altitude?

I'm cool. Pay for groceries.

Walk out and see Ben loading his black SUV with whom I think must be his brother.

Oh Jennifer, you lucky woman. Just googled "People" magazine
that they had their third baby last month...

must be a quick boy's weekend (I saw the beer). Hey, come on, the snow is great.

Our son, Tommy, saw Adam Sandler with his kids at the burger joint here in January...

don't think he would have the same effect on me, but Tommy was thrilled.

Check out Debbie's beautiful home tour below!!!

PS. Howard, you are cuter than Ben.

Gorgeous Beach Home Tour--You Are Invited

2012-03-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

After recently showing Debbie's kitchen, I received an email from

"Jamie from Tallahassee" asking if I would show the rest of her house.

Over time, I have shown parts of Debbie's Lido Isle house, but I told Jamie that I

would pull the photos, along with some new ones, for a tour.

Come on in!

Welcome to Debbie's entry.

I love the circular window. The dried boxwoods (really good ones)

are from Restoration Hardware and are placed in unique cement urns.

This chest is just inside the foyer and beyond is

Debbie's living room. Her spring pillows are made with fabric by Raoul.

This is one of our favorite places to hang out.

She has a great collection of design and art books...and its hard to yank myself out of here.

You can see where we removed one of her winter pillows and placed it to the right of the chair

...just playing.

I have been to some fun parties in Debbie's pretty dining room.

The chandelier is by Niermann Weeks. This is the view looking into the living room.

Here is the comfortable family room.

She has already changed the cushion covers on these chairs...ha! another post, I guess.

This is the view looking into the family room from the kitchen.

You can see lots more details of Debbie's kitchen here and here.

This is the pretty powder room with Pillement Toile wallpaper.

I ordered it for her when I was working for Scalamandré.

Love this stair design.

Thanks so much, Debbie, for letting me be a tour guide.

Notice the sky light which illuminates the interior stairwell.

Please come back to see the upstairs and the garden next!

I am in Mammoth, taking advantage of

all the recent snowfall for a beautiful morning of

Spring skiing. Wish you were here!

Participating in

Somewhat Simple Blog Link Party

Open House Party

Easy Table Decor, Recipe and Veranda Interiors

2012-03-27T06:40:00.004-07:00

Melissa from

asked me to participate in her guest series called "In Ten."

See my ten different

table settings by mixing and matching HERE.

Melissa is a talented designer from Calgary. Canada.

As a child, we took lots of summer vacation

trips up to visit my grandmother who lived near Calgary

...I have a special attachment to the area.

This is one of Melissa's kitchens (cool wooden shelving). I love checking out Melissa's fab taste in lighting and hardware and her occasional mouthwatering recipes.

Speaking of recipes...

My friend, Nancy (our boys were high school basketball team-mates),

writes the deliciously entertaining A Communal Table.

Last night, I made her Moroccan Chicken.

Nancy's photo

This is easy enough for a week night but special with the layered flavors.

Take a minute to set the table and give it a try.

My new raffia placemats are from Home Goods and the

cotton striped napkins are from Pottery Barn.

Thanks for stopping by!

Participating in

Wow Us Wednesdays

Swing Into Spring It's A Party

White Wednesday

Farmhouse Porch Cowgirl Up Party

"Surf's Up" Shower and a New Baby

2012-03-22T04:37:00.000-07:00

Recently, my mom and I attended a SWEET baby shower for my niece,

Kathleen, given by her sister, Carly.

The party was in

also known as Surf City, USA.

photos courtesy of the Huntington Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau

Mia, the big sister, welcomes us to the party...

See the shark fin and the bite out of the surf board? Gnarly.

That guy swimming in the cupcakes is in trouble!

There was an awesome candy "bar" at the baby shower.

Felt like a kid in a candy shop...cute paper weight for the candy bags.

See the gummy shark pool?

These "sandy" cupcakes are dipped in toasted coconut...love the beach chairs and towels.

They knew they were having a boy and already named him Jax.

The "woody" car is made out of rice krispie treats.

I didn't get a picture of it, but they had baby swim trunks pinned to a line hanging above the tables.

This is the gift I took...inside was a little pair jeans,

a striped short sleeved t-shirt over a long sleeved t-shirt

and a bunch of surfer brand onesies.

And look who arrived not long ago,

a little surfer dude named Jax...

with his mama and my "baby girl."

Definitely something to celebrate!

Also, Annie from "Lovely Things" was just at my home to visit
and gave me this darling leaf and twig chick.

Happy Spring!

Participating in
Making the World Cuter Monday
Show off Your Cottage Monday
It's Party Time 3-25-2012

Seven Things I Love Around the House Right Now

2012-03-16T21:27:00.001-07:00

1. Colorful Carpet

This new rug from Home Goods is nice on the feet and

makes my chores in here a bit nicer.

2. Handsome Dog From Boston

This dude is not going to get pinched on St. Patrick's Day.

Yes, his dog polo shirt is from Ralph Lauren but he has a very limited wardrobe

(and the old boy deserves it).

3. Pretty Spring Flowers

How do you say/spell these soft, lacy flowers?

Ranunculus...I just Googled it.

4. Tangerine Geometric

My new tangerine (so hottt right now) linen pillows from Mitchell Gold

(they were at the 50% off sale) make me happy.

I'm also liking that little, bright green plant if it will cooperate

and stay alive. Tip: go outside and clip some greenery to bring inside.

5. Scent of Lavender

Speaking of outside...our lavender plants are blooming again.

6. Pattern Play

I like this Jonathan Adler pillow with the houndstooth check from
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and paisley fabric on our living room sofa.

But since these fabrics have wool in them (read: Wintery)...they will be rotating out soon.

7. New Fun Read

My autographed copy of "The Joy of Decorating" by Phoebe Howard.
It's a good one.

Anything you are loving around your house right now?

Participating in
Sundays Best Par-tay
Thursday Favorite Things
Transformation Thursday
Open House Party
Wow Us Wednesdays
Anything Goes
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Tuesdays Treasures
Seasonal Sundays

Closet Confidential for Hampton Hostess

2012-03-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

In a West Coast -- East Coast conversation,
Barbara from Hampton Hostess interviewed me about my closet.

Hint ...what's in my closet for Summertime:

Trina Turk white dress and tan wedges, Chanel sunglasses,

Rebecca Minkoff Canvas & Leather Tote Bag.

Get a taste of the Hamptons lifestyle with

Barbara's take on style, design, travel and entertaining and...

You can read about ALL my "closet confidential" responses

HERE.

Thank you so much for visiting!

E-décor Bedroom Update and Living Room

2012-03-12T19:24:00.001-07:00

A few months ago, I gave you an "in progress" glimpse of an
e-designed bedroom in Atlanta. It was based on a French, tone on tone theme.
Look at it now...

We used matelassé bedding that she already had and incorporated a velvet headboard from

Ballard Design and a custom bolster.

Love the new wainscoting.

Here is the original plan that I designed and Karen implemented...

Plan by Chez Vous Home including sources and floor plan.

The room before.

The former desk is now a young lady's vanity. We were able to use her crystal lamps.
I like to incorporate existing furnishings, as much as possible.

Thank you, Karen, for taking these photos!

Isn't her daughter gorgeous?

Also in Atlanta, I just finished an e-design for family with young children.

The client loves the tufted navy sofa look (so do I), but just in case this look was too pricey,

I included a second slipcovered option.

The biggest change in this room will be painting the dated stained

wood wainscoting and shelving to lighten the space...got to convince the husband! That's why we are softening him up with his own leather chair! I also recommend installing the television in the bookcase and away from entrance to the room.

Included is a floor plan and sources.

And back to the new bedroom... Even though Karen is across the country
and she and I have only spoken by telephone and email,
I truly feel like she is a new friend. I hope I get to meet her in person one day.

Can you tell that the ceiling was painted a soft blue gray?

Would you benefit from an e-design?
Check out my Services page.

Thanks for visiting.

Participating in
Wow Us Wednesday
Anything Goes
Winter Blues Wednesday
White Wednesday
Tuesdays Treasures

Light Filled Bayshores Home Part II

2012-03-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

We are back at Kathryn's house in Newport Beach, California

for the rest of the tour.

If you missed it, you can visit the living, dining and powder rooms HERE.

I am crazy about this wood topped island and

the flood of light from the skylighted ceiling. Isn't it awesome?

The light fixtures are from Ann-Morris Antiques, Inc. in New York.

The veined Walker Zanger marble is gorgeous.

Kathryn's beautiful family is displayed on the gallery wall and you can catch a

glimpse of the pretty powder room. I brought those white tulips for Kathryn but that was

the extent of our "staging." Her home is always this lovely.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the family room decorated in chocolate and red.

The striped fabric is by Lee Jofa and the pillows are by David Eastman for Kravet/Lee Jofa.

Here is an alcoved breakfast area. Charming Niermann Weeks light fixture and again

...lots of natural light. The table and chairs are from Butera Home.

Such a serene master bedroom in neutrals and chocolate.

The fabric on the bed is from Old World Weavers and Fortuny with trim from Kravet/LeeJofa.

Behind the house is a separate garage with two guest rooms above it. One of Kathryn's grandchildren asked "Ma, who lives in THAT house?" Love the balcony and the flagstone path.

This hot tub surrounded by stone is a popular spot on chilly evenings.

Thanks, Kathryn, for the tour of your beautiful home.

Life is good

at the beach.

Light Filled Bayshores Home Tour

2012-03-02T07:57:00.001-08:00

My friends, Debbie and Claire, have great taste and

I always enjoy showing you their work.

So imagine the wonderful job they did when they collaborated on the

design of Claire's parent's house!

Meet Kathryn, Claire's darling mom. They built this home in the charming

Newport Beach, California neighborhood of Bayshores.

Here is the entry of the single story main house.

I like the elegant mix of the Louis Philippe mirror

with the crystal sconces above an antique English table.

Here is the comfortable but chic living room. Claire's father's antique book collection gives this room character. The high windows on either side of the fireplace bring in lots of light.

Debbie custom designed the coffee table and the two club chairs are covered in

Osborne and Little linen.

Look at the detail on these pillows. The flat welt trim on the center pillow is made from the Fortuny fabric on the two side pillows. (Note to self: steal this idea).

How about this jewel of a powder room? The shell on the mirror is in keeping with the beach theme.

The wallpaper is by Old World Weavers, the faucet is from Waterworks

and the mirror is from Schumacher.

Kathryn's children and grandchildren enjoy family parties here in the dining room.

The chandelier is from Niermann Weeks and the table and chairs are from Ebanista.

Here is more of Debbie's attention to detail with Scalamandré tasseled seat cushions
and trimmed drapes. The painting is by Ray Turner.

This fabulous tea cart is one of Claire's finds.

The built-in side board in the dining room must be pretty at night in the candle light.

Thanks so much, Kathryn. We'll be back for

the rest of the tour soon.

Participating in

Wow Us Wednesdays

Paris Flowers and The Treasured Home

2012-02-28T07:02:00.001-08:00

Barbara at the Treasured Home asked me to confide

"Eight Things You May Not Know About Me" over at her place.

Barbara is a fun and witty Northern Californian antiques dealer and designer. She gives great

advice on life, too. She recently prompted us to get a family trust in place.

One thing about me is... I LOVE MONCEAU FLEURS

near Parc Monceau in Paris.

I took these photos on my last trip to Paris.

I used to go here once a week when we lived just down the street. After my friends, Anne and

Debbie came to visit us there, they sent me a special gift that I enjoy everyday.

(I don't know those people, but don't they look French?)
A hand painted Limoges box.

Inside is the view we had from our apartment balcony...the treetops (we were on the fourth floor)

and The Church of St. Augustin.

So special.

Please pop by The Treasured Home!

And hey, if you have time, would you mind voting for Classic Casual Home for
Apartment Therapy's Best Home Design Blog's contest
HERE?

Au revoir, mes amis.