Saturday, November 29, 2014

Beginnning the holidays with evergreens

Happy Holiday's Darlins...
It's official, we're off to begin the holidays.

I officially began with evergreens...
 Each year I anticipate the smell of christmas, it truly inpires me.
I came home with fragrant wreaths, over a hundred feet of fresh pine mixed garland for our mantles, headboards & doorways. 
It's amazing just having them in my truck made me happy!
 I'm always thrilled when the Christmas greens are up,
 I love * love * love * these simple beautiful gifts of nature draped around our home.

 Nothing says welcome to the Holidays more beautifully...
besides fresh baked cookies!!!






Photos Pinterest

You know what we will be doing today! 
Time to break out the Christmas music, humming already!

My Design tip: Whatever size your space is or style & budget, evergreens are beautiful on their own.

I hope you will take time to savor...
 every moment this season has to offer.
xo,
me
Hop over to SECOND SHOUT OUT BLOG  for my series Saturday's "Designing with vintage"
 &
 do some shopping!

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Dearest note & our Thanksgiving table...


Setting our Thanksgiving table...
I set the table yesterday, some girl friends were coming by late afternoon and we were going to be in the grove picking lemons for our dinners so I wanted to get as much done as possible.

Our dinner will be early afternoon so I got an early start..
Awe....My husband just handed me a mimosa! I guess it's okay since I've been up since 5:00am getting the turkey ready!!!

I gathered my heirloon silver serving pieces



A mixture I know....but each piece is a gift that have been in our families.


The simple setting...


Dark grey linen mateo napkins... a birthday gift from a friend, draped over the chair backs. 
My favorite star napkin ring & rosemary sprig from the garden.


OLDE school Reminders, so appropriate....




It's a warm day and beautiful day here in Southern California...
I think the windows will stay open but candles of course!


Turkey is roasting in the oven...
Better get my deserts and soup made...

A beautiful Thanksgiving to all...
xo,
me

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Blessings at Thanksgiving

A beautiful saturday... 
Just returned from a 5 mile walk, just lovely... still damp from the rain the other night. 
Our dogs are laying by the pool and I'm pretty sure will stay there most of the day.

Gathering on Thanksgiving is special in so many ways. 
We all have memories of our favorite Thanksgivings. 
Growing up my family was large, lots of relatives.
 I remember...
 loving those big gatherings, 
at my grandparents Lake House. 
We were elbow to elbow seated at the dinner table, squeezing everyone together and saving room in case for one more.







photos Pinterest
Simple touches from nature, vintage dish ware, the love of family and friends elbow to elbow at your tables is what I hope for you this Thanksgiving.

Close your eyes for a moment.. try to remember what you love most about this special day!

My Design tip: Set your table and place around your home things that hold meaning, bring a smile and warm your heart.

Blessing to you,
xo, me

Hop over to SECOND SHOUT OUTs Saturday's "Designing with Vintage" post 
&
 do some holiday shopping!

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Upcycling

Morning....
When you hear these words
 upcycling & repurposing
are you wondering what's the difference?
Maybe I can show you how they are different!
Upcycling...little different than repurposing.
 Upcycling is converting forgotten items and furnitture into something creative and utilitararian.
Dismantling them and using several pieces to build something truly one of a kind.

Repurposing is using something that was intended for a specific use in a new way.

 Both....Inspiring us to scout for salvage pieces with history and seeing them in a brand new way.
These are upcycling pieces are exceptional, 
I can see these types of upcycling projects for merchants as well as for home.




A wine barrel tub, really cool for outdoors...{repurposed piece}


Vintage wash stands
porch balusters
 &
doors 
are crafted into these benches.



Recognize this?
A hint for you....
We all slept in one!

Photos from Pinterest

My Design tip:  If you have a sentimental attachment to a piece but you don't like the style or what it is, upcycle it. The history will still be there . Loving it, is using it.

Hop over to SECOND SHOUT OUT BLOG for my Saturday's "Designing with Vintage"
get started on holiday shopping

Enjoy a beautiful weekend,
xo,
me

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Appreciating vintage hardware

Morning Darlins,
When I see an old door with it's original hardware I almost feel honored. 
In fact I am!
Touching details that have endured a hundred years or more is so amazing.
 Thinking of the people who have used the handles going in and out, what were their lives like etc...
Antique hardware has me wondering how the trades aquired the tools back then to make such intricate pieces. 

So much attention to simple function, though crafted in such a beautiful way.










Knobs, locks, skeleton keys & doorbells...
Everyday parts that were created like pieces of art.


all photos for this post Pinterest

When we are out & about or traveling the world and we happen to see hardware like this.. 
Let's take a moment to appreciate the intricate work that has endured all. 

Honestly I scout for vintage doors & windows just for the hardware. 
I incorporate them into my renovation projects.

My Design tip: Use vintage hardware when you can. A new door can be uniquely enhanced with history.

A beautiful weekend to you.

Hop over to my series Saturday's "Designing with vintage" at Second Shout Out blog.
Shop my vintage finds at Casual Loves Elegance.

xo,
me




Thursday, November 6, 2014

Juggling...

Late morning Hello Darlins,
How is your week going?
Here's a Throw back Thursday from my archives. 
Muscle & Fitness magazine.


It was a fun shoot but hands were everywhere!

Hmm... just another day at home with my boys years later!!!
A beautiful Throw Back Thursday to you!
xo,
me




Saturday, November 1, 2014

Hello November

Happy weekend Darlins,
First, I have to say WE are so thankful for the rain last night!!!
I think I hear my lemon trees singing! haha
{California is in a serious draught}
Welcoming November is bittersweet. 
Autumn's end is near and the holidays will soon take over.
Time is precious...
as we turn our clocks back on the west coast tonight our days will hurry by. 

The season to gather & give Thanks is upon us. 
Now is the time to take inventory and organize for the season. 

What vintage items will inspire your home decor, 
so you can begin to create your favorite place this November?




A personal touch to baking...the presentation is so appealing and memorable.


Sharing sentiments of the heart... great for all ages.


all photos pinterest

My Design tip: Organize your tableware items, clean the silver, fold napkins, linens, gather candles,vases etc.  Store everything you will need in a basket or trunk. Time saving and you won't forget to use your favorite treasures.

Hop over to SECOND SHOUT OUT BLOG for my Saturday's "Designing with vintage" and SHOP for this seasons vintage treasures.

Enjoy this first day of November,
xo,
me