27 Wednesday Jul 2011
Posted in Family, Holiday/Seasonal cooking
…and Son #1 and his lovely wife!
We’re off to Austin tomorrow. We can hardly wait. Our little Olivia is now 8 months old and is mobile…crawling with a smile on her face, knowledge that this is the first of many steps towards getting around on her own!
I will miss all of you…I didn’t schedule any posts during my absence but will be back August 5th with something fun {hopefully}.
Stay cool, I know I’ll be trying…see you soon.
25 Monday Jul 2011
Posted in Flowers, Gardening, Maintenance, Outdoor living
Tags
As any avid (or even an amateur) garden enthusiast knows, gardens are an ever changing landscape (no pun intended).
Plants grow, mature, and have seasonal fireworks of blossoms and, sadly, some die, joining the great compost pile in the sky (or backyard, as the case may be). In any event, the one thing I have come to understand is that the only consistency in a garden is its unpredictability (and inconsistency). Yes, I know that certain plants can and do bloom at certain times, but haven’t you had a plant that will suddenly stop performing for no apparent reason? I sure have!
Chive in bloom living with viola Nemesia beside a dwarf delphinium
As some of you may remember from my ramblings, I was a partner in a landscape business for 13 years. My partner (and friend, Wendy) and I planted cottage gardens for word-of-mouth customers. We attempted to monitor growth patterns of a variety of plants including a particularly scientific study of how frequently roses re-bloom once old blooms are cut off. *This study was brought about as a result of Wendy’s youngest daughter’s wedding, which was held in Wendy’s backyard. We discovered that most shrub and hybrid tea roses bloomed every 6 weeks (in Southern California) during the summer months.
A sad sample of the blossom of ceratostigma plumbaginoides astromontana ‘pink pop’
So knowing my garden is in constant transition I set out this spring to create a blue, lavender and white planting area. One of the sunniest locations in my yard (off our kitchen on the south side of our house) I am able to grow a ‘French Lace’ hybrid tea rose on one side and a burgundy iceberg shrub anchoring the other side. I know the color burgundy doesn’t fit the color palate I set out to achieve, but it’s a great bush and I decided it would be okay.
I have always loved columbine but had failed at growing it because I always planted it in planters, now that its directly in the soil it seems very happy.
I moved a rusty, old armillary that I had purchased in Rosarito Beach, Baja, Mexico to one of the beds and when the morning glories started popping up I transplanted some of the seedlings to the base of the metal structure and they have been happily climbing ever since. Some of the plantings didn’t make it (bachelor buttons, which may have been over watered or under watered, not sure which) but I have a variety of blue and lavender plants that have outperformed my expectations. My list of proven winners (at least for now) are {common names given where possible}: Columbine, delphinium (both the miniature and full-sized variety), French lavender, lobelia ‘fountain blue’, pincushion flower, morning glory, and nepeta tuberosa and lamb’s ear.
When I took this picture my French lace rose had just finished a spectacular bloom…it’s the white rose to the left of the armillary.
This morning glory vine returns every year without new seeds. I love it for that!
lobelia has always been a favorite of mine and it somes in so many lovely colors.
To take care of these I plant with “Super Soil” garden compost and then water and fertilize with Miracle Gro. I’ve read that Miracle Gro is junk food for plants but with my schedule it works for me and makes my life easier while making my garden happy. I use Gro-Power once ever 6-8 weeks. Be sure to water in in well. I sprinkle the fertilizer around the plants and then water. Gro-Power is also great for potted plants, it will green up an anemic plant in a relatively short amount of time, again be sure to water well and follow the directions. (BTW, the bag doesn’t look like this but this was the only image I could find).
pincushion flower produces all summer long and then repeats the following spring.
A little dusty miller in the garden makes a nice contrast for the flowers and green foilage. This daisy caught my attention because it had the lavender center.
Papaver hybridum ‘Lavender Breadseed’ poppy
I planted oriental poppies this year thanks to a recommendation from Trish of Trouvais. She has a lovely garden and if you’ve never visited her you will not be disappointed.
How is your garden growing this summer? Any favorite plants that are proven winners for you?
22 Friday Jul 2011
Posted in Entertaining, Flowers, Food, Party Planning
Tags
We attended a beautiful wedding in Napa last September HERE and were lucky enough to be invited to another. Who doesn’t love a wedding, especially in the wine country of California? Warning, there are no pictures of the wedding/reception in this post. I just couldn’t bring myself to take my camera to such a formal affair. Once there, I realized it would have been perfectly fine since lots of folks had their cameras.
The mother of the groom did send me this image…the bride had arranged for her and her groom to sit on this loveseat during the dinner/toasts. How romantic is this?!
Instead, I’ll share with you our road trip to Napa and some of the highlights of the incredible weekend. First off, those who live in California probably know that the wine country can be pretty hot in July. We lucked out…I’m convinced Mother Nature knew to comply with the lovely bride’s day! It was a pleasant 72 degrees and never warmed more than 75 degrees during the entire weekend.
First stop…Bakesale Betty’s
We live in Southern California and the road trip, while not for everyone, happens to be fun for Hubby and me. We love to stop in North Oakland (Temescal District, adjacent to Berkeley) to grab a favorite fried chicken sandwich from Bakesale Betty’s. This quirky bakery only sells this sandwich and an array of baked goods that could add 10 pounds to anyone in a very short time.
The only sign for Bakesale Betty is the had written sign taped to the glass door.
This is even more delicious than it looks. I think I could duplicate the slaw but the chicken is a challenge.
Alison Barakat, an Aussie, cooked at Chez Panisse Café for 3 years before meeting her husband and opening the bakery. There is always a line for lunch and Alison has set up tables (ironing boards) around the entrance to the walk-in bakery for dining.
Next stop…4th Street, Berkeley
This is a wonderful diner and I have never been there when there wasn’t a wait…so worth it. Oh, and just so you know, there is no ocean view!
We then hit 4th Street in Berkeley for a quick stroll up one side of the fabulous shopping/dining area and back down the other.
Mulholland Brothers have been making quality leather bags for years…I liked all of them but especially the 2 bags below…
On to Napa…
The rehearsal dinner was held at Silverado Vineyard. I felt as though I was standing on the patio of a pensione in Italy.
The food, ambiance and wine (of course) were delicious and we enjoyed the evening.
On Saturday we decided to visit one of my favorite Napa Valley towns, St. Helena. We started by enjoying an all-American breakfast at Gillwood’s Cafe. We then walked the main street. One of my favorite stores is Vintage Home. I wish there was a location closer to Orange County.
Love the Hermes lamp, even if orange wouldn’t work in my home.
The wedding began at 3:00 PM at a historic Catholic church in St. Helena. The church was dressed in beautiful white peonies and trees at the entrance, planted in zinc planter boxes, added beauty to the venue. (Kate and William started something having trees at Westminster Abby, a really effective addition). Bride, groom, groomsmen and bridesmaids all performed perfectly.
We were shuttled to the estate of Beaulieu Vineyard, the private home of the Beaulieu family heirs, where all of us were wowed by the formal gardens, European arbors, fountains and mature trees and vines. I really wish I had taken my camera! Anyway, the wedding was beyond lovely and fun.
Along this walk were places to take pictures to be put in a book for the bride and groom, there were stations offering appetizers and drinks. By the way, the beverage offered as we disembarked the shuttle was a St. Germaine. Elderberry liquor, vodka, club soda and a splash of grapefruit juice, refreshing and delicious.
This area was set up with long, black, wooden tables which bordered the perimeter of this garden. On each of the tables, down the center, were glass/crystal footed pieces that floral arrangements were sitting on that consisted of white peonies, white hydrangea and white dahlias.
I’m afraid these Googled pictures don’t do the site justice but it was truly beautiful and I’ve since found several photographers that have photographed weddings at Beaulieu. If you are planning a wedding this is a magical venue.
The following morning we were invited to Yountville Inn for breakfast. Yountville Inn was recently remodeled and I think it is my new favorite place! See for yourself.
This is the courtyard off the main lobby…so inviting.
The grounds of the Yountville Inn are filled with white, flowering plants…lots of hydrangea.
Love this fountain/sculpture.
All in all it was a magical weekend. Truly memorable. Thank you Jim and Glenys for including us.
Have you attended a wedding that will forever remain in your memory?
20 Wednesday Jul 2011
Posted in Renovating
Nearly 10 years ago we remodeled our master bathroom. We removed the fiberglass shower, standard tract-house vanity, noisy fan and outdated toilet, lighting and wallpaper.
Tumbled marble tiles and ‘creama marfa’ marble replaced materials that had long-since shown their age. A new Kohler Memoirs sink, Toto toilet (which is truly the best toilet I’ve ever owned—maybe TMI for most of you, but if you should ever replace a toilet, trust me, this one is worth every penny) oil rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware were installed. I choose a Pierre Deux toile for my wallpaper and was very happy with the end result.
The bead board seems to have a slightly greenish cast to it but we will paint an additional coat of Porcelain and I believe it will look like the creamy white the paint normally is.
About 2 years ago (when the bathroom was celebrating its 8th birthday, do we actually celebrate birthdays for the rooms of a house, no, but we should) we began to notice that the dry wall on either side of the invisible shower door began to blister and mold. We replaced seals on the side where we knew moisture from the shower could be the cause and puzzled about the other side.
After 2 years of unanswered questions and continued disintegration of the dry wall and wallpaper at the baseboard line and up the wall about 2” wide x 6” high, we finally had our trusty carpenter/contractor fix the problem and we have replaced my toile {sniff} with a 3” bead board. We now have a white and natural bathroom, a look hubby and I both agree is fresh and makes the room feel open and airy. {I still miss the toile but I think I’ll make some toile pillows for my outdoor chairs to help me with the withdrawal).
Hubby and I choose the hottest day of the year, so far, to paint. We laughed because we’ve done this every time we take on a painting project!
So there you have it. It was a great weekend project and hopefully, we have fixed the problem.
What weekend projects do you have on the list this summer?
18 Monday Jul 2011
Posted in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Personal Information
Tags
I stumbled upon this lovely website, Blue Pool Road, [HERE] of photographer and award-winning designer (former art director for Martha Stewart, New York), Peggy Wong. I began to wonder why some of us are minimalists of a sort who prefer clean lines and spare space and why some of us (moi) love to have stuff around us. Is it something we are born with? Kind of like my dish disease. I love a variety of dishes and could buy more if it weren’t for the fact that I simply have no additional room for them.
(Above images by William Waldron via Elle Decor)
The above may not even be considered truly minimalist, but compared to what I like…you be the judge.
Since I fall into the latter description it’s easy for me to show you the rooms I love, often filled to the rafters with wonderful accessories and furniture. Not clutter, just interesting, old items that give you a sense of history. I can appreciate clean lines intellectually, but I find I must have my favorite accessories around me for it to truly feel like HOME.
I’ve rarely met a basket I didn’t like.
The images above and just below are vignettes arranged by one of my favorite bloggers and stylists, Jermaine of French Kissed
If there is any place in my house where I appreciate a more minimalist approach it’s within my cupboards and drawers. I love it when a closet or drawer feels under-filled. You are able to find things much easier and for me that provides a satisfying contentment and that makes me very happy.
I love this room and it is pretty sparse, maybe I could be more of a minimalist than I originally thought!
Just don’t take away my decorative stuff. The plants, candles, books, antique odds and ends that I’ve scoured the dust filled antique store for, and find essential to my well-being. {Maybe not literally, but you know what I mean if you enjoy antique accessories as much as I do}.
So tell me, be honest, are you more a minimalist or a accessories fan?
15 Friday Jul 2011
Posted in Entertaining, Food, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook
Tags
Because its Friday, summer and fairly hot I thought I’d pass along a super easy recipe for taco salad. Hubby even likes this (I know some men do not consider salad a meal by itself). This recipe is really easy and very hearty…you could have extra tortilla chips and maybe heat up a jar of queso if you worry it won’t be substantial enough for super hungry in your home.
You can also use this for a ladies lunch if your friend’s enjoy Mexican food. It’s not too spicy but does have a little kick if you add spicy salsa. Guacamole is a wonderful addition to this salad, as is sour cream. This is a good basic salad with plenty of room for you to use your imagination.
Enjoy and have a wonderful mid-July weekend.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Ingredients
Preparation Instructions
Sauté ground beef until golden brown. Add all other ingredients except lettuce and grated cheddar. Serve meat mixture over top of a bed of lettuce, top with grated
cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
Serves 4-6
13 Wednesday Jul 2011
Posted in Entertaining, Gardens, Misc
Tags
I’m relatively new to blogging. I was encouraged by our eldest son to blog about Garden (I have always loved working in the garden and used to be in a landscape business; we planted cottage gardens for our clients), Home (I have enjoyed feathering my nest, no matter where I live, since I was 8 years old) and Party (who doesn’t love to attend/throw parties?) … in July of 2007.
Photo by Neil A. Landino
Photo by Zeo Perigord
I had only gone back to the corporate work place in April of 2005 and was still adjusting to working full-time for someone, over working part time as my own boss. I thought logically, “Sure, I can do that!” without having one tiny idea how or what to do. Does that ever happen to you…someone you love thinks you can move mountains when you don’t know how to fire-up the bulldozer but you’re so flattered you say, “Okay!” {Maybe writing a blog isn’t really moving mountains, I may have exaggerated a bit, but when you don’t know how to do something it can feel like moving mountains}
My first few posts were pretty pitiful and when I asked our 2 sons, who are both in web development/advertising, how often I need to blog I nearly fell over when they said, “Everyday”. I felt like a duck out of water. I quickly decided that a) I really didn’t have that much to say and b) there was no way I could make time to blog daily! So for the year of 2008 I didn’t even visit my site. I told sweet Son #1 that it felt too much like “homework” after a busy day at the office. Fortunately or unfortunately he didn’t lecture or pressure me about it, he is wise beyond his years.
By 2009 I had discovered blog sites like The Happiness Project and Pioneer Woman. Gretchen Rubin of the Happiness Project was so much fun to read and I found myself looking forward to her emails that signaled a new post. I stumbled upon Ree Drummond’s (Pioneer Woman) site just before she attained rock star status. My loving to cook made her site a favorite when I wanted a new recipe.
I sheepishly approached Son #1 and asked if my site was still up or if he had shut it down. He said he’d left it ‘as is’ and I could start blogging if I wanted. I still had some misgivings but decided I needed a creative outlet since my job as Executive Assistant wasn’t doing anything for me in that arena {sorry, boss}.
Over time I have become comfortable with a schedule of posting 3 days a week and try not to feel guilty if I take a vacation. I don’t try to earn money doing this, although I know there are plenty who do…I say, good for you! I have visited many sites of many, much more talented and clever writers than myself but I have fun doing what I do (deciding on topics that interest me) and am thankful for the few regular readers that are following my ramblings.
It’s an amazing world this blogging business. I have heard from one of the designers I happen to love, and had posted about, (Randy Boyd, HERE) and the daughter of a well-known architect I featured (HERE) and (HERE). *My good friend moved into his former family beach house in Emerald Bay, California. There are a few bloggers that I feel a kinship to and when they have commented on my site I am always giddy with happiness. (Hubby has walked by my desk and commented, “what are you smiling about” and it’s usually a comment from someone that triggers that smile!
Thanks to each and everyone of you who take the time to read my ramblings, I truly appreciate you!
08 Friday Jul 2011
Posted in Uncategorized
Tags
Now that Mother Nature has at last given us (Southern Californians) a small taste of summer, (no, I’m not whining, why do you ask?) I thought I’d share with you some images of homes that ‘speak’ summer to me.
This AD image looks to be located at the beach, but even without seeing the ocean you can just tell that those stairs probably lead you to the sandy beach below.
You look at certain architectural styles and immediately think of the beach or summer vacation, right? Shingled homes are especially reminiscent of all things Cape Cod or Eastern Seaboard. I love the look.
There are also several cottage-looking homes that remind me of some of the yet-to-be-remodeled Balboa Island “beach” cottages or other coastal town cottages in SoCal where the quaint cottage hasn’t been replaced with the McMansion that tends to overbuild for the lot (no offense to those that want maximum square footage for the $$$).
This may be a garden room, but with the table set for lemonade and finger sandwiches it reminds me of summer (not that I get to enjoy that very often due to work).
This house is gorgeous no matter what season but the vintage soft-topped convertible Mercedes speaks summer to me, don’t you think?
…more my speed, how I love a little backyard cottage.
via Peggy & Fritz
Last year the talented designer, Erin Paige Pitts did a post HERE on several Balboa homes (several shown below) she discovered on a run.
What type of home says summer to you? Fond memories of a cottage at the lake or on the beach or up in the mountains?
Happy Summer!
06 Wednesday Jul 2011
Posted in Entertaining
The first time I gave any thought to entertaining was during my teen years. My best friend (BFF Sharon) and I were talking to Ann (BFF’s oldest sister) about a dinner party Ann and her then husband had recently given. I totally envisioned a sophisticated event that undoubtedly included laughter, sips of something alcoholic and a casual but wonderful meal.
The Party, with Peter Sellers [if you’ve never seen this ’60’s movie you should, its hilarious]
My romantic impressions of entertaining were reinforced by my step-brother’s wife, Joyce. Joyce was the closest thing to a “blue blood” (whatever that is) I’d ever met and she shared with this awkward teen (moi) all of her knowledge and etiquette on the topic. I was fully launched and determined to “entertain” on a regular basis once I had a place of my own and certainly once I was married.
The Age of Innocence showed dining and table setting at it’s most elaborate!
I’m happy to say that while I’ve continued to entertain throughout the early years of independent living and continually since I’ve been married, I don’t make too big a deal of it. I do enjoy setting the table and maybe even trying a new recipe or two on my guests, overall I keep it simple and only use my grandma’s china (seen HERE) on occasion.
Photo by Aimee Herring
Southern Accents
I recently used Ikea lanterns on a table for a spring dinner The simple setting Gwyneth Paltrow used here is without place mats; the runner is lovely.
The fun part for me in the whole entertaining scenario is probably setting the table. So I thought I’d pass along some tips and inspiration (via pictures) for setting the table when you have invited guests.
Table via Southern Accents
Above the plates are two different patterns. I love mixing and matching my table accoutrements and think it makes the setting more interesting and fun.
1. Once you have a date for the party, plan which dishes, flatware and stemware you will use. If you’re like me, you’ll use the same stemware for each event, but I’ll add colored glasses that coordinate with some of my dishes.
Using colored stemware can add a wonderful reinforcement of the color scheme and simple glasses can be very inexpensive. I’ve seen some great glasses at stores like Pier I and Cost Plus World Market. Notice the little clay pot on the table, even though the picture doesn’t allow you to see it, it’s one more interesting addition along with the flowers at the center of the table.
2. Think about a theme you might want to use, like a collection of figurines or architectural ornaments. I’m happy to report that tablescapes have come a long way from the conventional vase of flowers plopped in the middle of the table! Feel free to use fresh flowers but don’t be afraid to buy flowers from the nursery that can go into the ground or planter after the dinner party. My friend Carla has mastered this technique for re-purposing nursery plants/flowers. In addition, don’t feel you always have to use blooming flowers of any kind; greens, fruit and vegetables can create an unexpected riot of color. I’ve seen asparagus lined up and tied with rough twine around a straight sided container with maiden hair fern used inside the container…your imagination is your guide.
The table above doesn’t use flowers, but notice the leaves inside the glass containers that house the candles. I love the throws on the chairs as an addition in case anyone feels a chill from the outdoor air. I remember seeing a table setting in Veranda created by Carolyn Roehm where she had draped a wool throw over the back of each chair on the outdoor deck of her Aspen home…the throws matched and it looked wonderful.
Notice (on this table by Slim Paley) there are clusters of fresh grapes used in addition to the flowers and candles.
I like the use of the footed cake stand on this table and the height that it gives the flower arrangement. The jelly jars are doing double duty as votive candle holders and vases, hanging them from a tree over your table is inspired.
Vignette Design sets some of the prettiest tables I’ve ever seen, visit her HERE for ideas and inspiration.
3. Determine if you’ll use a table cloth, place mats, chargers or any combination of the aforementioned. There have been some amazing “placemats” that are doing double-duty as kitchen towels after the event. I’ve also seen quilts and throws used to great effect. There are no taboos on what you use only that you enjoy the vignette you’re creating.
Image via Veranda, Toby West
4. Another area of creativity can be the napkin rings. We’ve all seen ribbon, raffia and twine used but to that you can add sprigs of rosemary, ivy or small flowers such as pansies or a recent blog site feature of a grape leaf with a wine cork tied to it via twine, which held the napkin (it was very clever use of something you might throw away –wine cork).
Image via Velvet & Linen during a visit to Belgium
I love the weathered plank as a runner on this table. The simplicity of the white dishes and the juxtaposition of the silver holding the flowers and the weathered plank and a wonderful blend of elegance and basics!
Southern Accents
5. Finally, after everything is set and before your guests arrive, sit down at the table to make sure nothing obstructs your view across the table. Happy entertaining!
I would love to hear how you like to set the table when you have dinner guests. Have you tried any new ideas you’d be willing to share?
04 Monday Jul 2011
Posted in Traditions
Tags
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and that you will enjoy some great food and the love of family and friends today. Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate each and every one of you.
Garden, Home & Party 