Sweet Thanks*

THis Thanksgiving morning is cool and crisp in So. Cal. A warm bustling fire and fresh baked cinnamon rolls with a coco-chai latte is the perfect sweet delight to begin this Thanksgiving Day.

It's so true that the memories of days gone by still are engraved in our hearts... it's comforting to be able to think about them on occasions such as these..

I am Grateful for my Family, Friends and a life of hope,wonderful memories, and look forward to bountiful experiences that still lie in front of me..

.

A special Thanksgiving... Prayer, Hug and Kiss to My most dearest, special "Phoebe" my niece and her "living Angel Priscilla".

To all of my Family and friends that are spread around I'm so Grateful that we share the special bond of *FAMILY*

We will be hosted by our special friends the Balla's for our Thanksgiving this afternoon, It is always so fun to be together and our kids are great friends too so it is a special treat!!!

My task....to get my dessert made "Pumpkin Squares" and I'm making my Special Orange infused Mash potatoes.....

May your day be filled with Sweet Memories and Bountiful blessings,

Blog hugs and Kiss*

ME

Dinner party*

It's lovely to be the guests at someone else's Dining Table...

Tonight, we are invited for a little tradition at our friends home!

Each year they have a dinner party before Thanks giving and it get us in a festive mood, we have a moment to catch up, be together before we start the Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays.

My friend is a gracious Hostess along with her Hubby who makes you feel so welcome. He keeps the cheers filled and she creates this Fabulous cuisine for us all.

She is a natural in the kitchen and rarely will except a hand even if you want to clear your setting....

We love them and can't wait to see what 's for Dinner....

My Design tip: Keep your linen napkins out and ready to use, a time saver when your setting the table for the Dinner Party.

I keep mine rolled up under one of my favorite cloches and it adds instant style as well is it's practical.

Better get out of my workout clothes ....

Have fun and let the party season begin*

xo,

Me

Harvesting Thanks*

As we enter into this Holiday week and gather around the table with Family,Friends and maybe even a new acquaintance I know that I will be entering it with a... Grateful,Thankful,Thoughtful and a Blessed heart.

I wish the same for each of you with a safe journey to and from....

Happy Thanks Giving and Thank You for taking the time to visit my new blog and I hope to inspire you in some little way!!

Warmest Wishes....

& Bountiful Blessings...

xoxo,

Gail

Louie Philipe in the house*

A future Kitchen Island?

This is a sneak peak at a project I'm going to slowly begin working on...

It will be our future kitchen Island. I'm reconfiguring the interior works to get overhauled a bit and should be a perfect piece for at least another century!!

I fell in love with this piece .... I would love to know the story behind it... I was told it is solid White Oak, Louis Philipe circa 1850... Enough for me its a truly amazing piece of art with it's carved door fronts and drawers...

It 's been in my garage and finally we brought it in the house so its safe and I can work on it. We haven't started that part of the house yet so I may be just loving it against a wall for a while!!!

I'll keep posting the progress with it!!!

My Design tip: If you see a Fabulous piece that you know will work at a later time, BUY It..If you love it and it's really special,it will be worth hanging on to. You won't find it when you are in the market for it. These pieces are Special and Uniquely rare finds.

Enjoy your weekend!!

Hope you spy a treasure.....

xoxo,

Me

Fab new FRIEND!!!

If you like....Ok, adore pretty Silver then you must enjoy it shiny and beautiful.

Though it comes to the point we have to polish it and I dread this moment!!

With the Holiday's coming We'll have some polishing on our agenda!!

WELL... I was experimenting with a product I use all the time and wouldn't of guessed that it works wonderful to clean and shine Silver!!!!

I tried it on this tarnished pitcher . I have a before photo and a after.... SEE it works well!!

Try it next time... "Liquid Bar Keepers Friend" Please try a little on the bottom first and start with something small.

I'm thrilled! so much easier to use...I think my Silver has a Fabulous new Friend !!!

Here is how I used it: Using a soft cloth, squeeze the "LIQUID" Bar Keepers Friend onto it, apply to piece, rub till tarnish disappears and rinse with a little soap and water and dry thoroughly!

Let me know what you think after you try it!!!

Glad to share with Yall!!!

xoxo,

Me

Season of Thanks*

Let's not forget Autumn's Heart...

With it's Beautiful colors * natural Beauty* cool breezes *and warm hearts filled with Grace and Thanks for the many blessings we have each day....

I thought I would share some of Nature's Beauty that I have tried to incorporate with my Autumns decorating style here at Home...

The Welcome Cornucopia filled with White Roses from my garden, Greeting you at the front door. I love making all my arrangements!!!

I'm trying to hold on to {This} season for a bit longer .....

Enjoy the weekend!

xo,

Me

*Coach Lantern*

This is a My New Favorite Vintage Find! It is a Coach Lantern. I love love love it!!!

They were used for lighting on Carriages/Coaches...

This is so significant, I am thrilled to find it!!

It will remind me everyday of My Wedding Day... I rode in a Beautiful White Cinderella Coach..

This reminds me of some of my favorite films...particularly "Pride and Prejudice"

I Adore the Farm house it's Fabulous... It is my inspiration for my project I'm working on!!

Though I don't have any farm animals that will be running through... My dogs will be on the steps!!

My Design Tip: When shopping for accessories there will be somethings that just tug at our heart.... thats when you know you love love love it!!

If you go to "August" on my side Bar you can see the Posts of my Wedding/Coach etc.

Happy White Wednesday all..

xoxo,

Me

A knockout*

This little knockout will be on my front door sometime in the next decade!!!

I finally have my new front doors, well I should say partially... This is what I will use for the front entry door knocker. It's a few vintage pieces I found and when I put them together it be loud and Fabulous!!

I just have to move the entry to the house to the other end and then I will be ready for the doors and this little number!! Phase 2 of the project.

My Design tip: Look for unique elements that have the ability to serve a specific purpose.

xoxo,

Me

*My Favorite Art*

I truly Love love love photos ....Whether it's photographing, looking, or displaying them!!

I am the photographer at my house, I don't mind though I see things differently!!!!

To me I love Photos of my family and I want them displayed where I see them everyday.

I have been photographing my boys since they were born and I just love having them around. For us, they are ART !!!

When we had to evacuate our home because of the fires here in So. Cal. a couple years ago my main thought and focus was to gather my pictures! They are irreplaceable...

Here is a couple layouts I designed for us..

One display is using some Vintage Ironstone, brown Transfer- Ware and Hotel platters from my collection.

The other thing is vintage frames.. I collect them and mostly save them to use for all my framing projects.

If you have any unique lay outs I would love to see just send me a picture and I'll share it!!

Photos: #1 at my old Beach house. #2 at my Country house..

My Design tip: Using similar frame styles and or matting is my first recommendation...other wise it will come off thrown together and messy.

Take lots of photos!!

xoxo,

Me

A Country Life with Ocean Blue*

This morning the view was so clear and Beautiful from my bedroom Balcony I took this photo.

Also the weather is so warm and summer-ish about 90* today. It is what we get almost every Autumn here in So. Cal.

I just watered all my Roses and Hydrangeas it's going to get hot later.. I can't believe how many roses I have, I just planted them a few months ago... They must like their location!!

I had to snip a few to bring in. I always love to have fresh flowers from my garden.

Finally I have some to cut for some lovely little bouquets.

The jar... is a olde peanut butter jar, and the ribbon is french monogrammed with a initial "P" for my last name...

The view in the photo is so lovely to wake up to.

We lived at the Beach for 30 years and we were ready for a change... A country life, lots of space, on a hill...we looked for a while... A Fabulous view was #1 on our house hunting list....This was it!

My Design tips: Plant your favorite flowers that you can enjoy cutting and making bouquets with. Use vintage little jars and unique finds etc., some pretty vintage ribbon to hang them on a door knob or cabinet.

Also if your in the market for a house, make a wish list and stick with it.

Be patient... You will find what your looking for.

Happy White Wednesday and enjoy your view...

Xo,

Me

* French Laundry *

Mmmm... Just thinking of french laundry...

Sometimes don't you find yourself longing for a second visit to a favorite place....

Mine is for "French Laundry" in Yountville, California.

Yountville is in the wine country, a pristine little town filled with exquisite little restaurants, shops and all those elements that make it chic and memorable!!

Years ago I saw "French Laundry" featured in "Victoria" magazine. Basically the magazine that features all things beautiful, fabulous creative and top notch... So it was my go to magazine for travel, restaurants shopping and entrepreneurial women stories and features. If it was in the magazine you know it was fabulous!!!

I was given a few of the coveted clothespins I saw {in the photo layout from Victoria} from the hostess who some how found a few in a drawer, she expressed they didn't use them in their table settings anymore....

So I loved that I had the last few so I framed them along with our bill {a laundry Ticket}... It was a truly a DELICIOUS and memorable lunch! My oldest son was about 7 1/2 and also had to adhere to the Jacket dress code .... We were able to get a reservation for lunch on Feb 13th. It was so romantic even for lunch! Valentines was booked as is everything about 4-6 months ahead I hear...

Looking back, was it the cuisine of the world renown chef "Thomas Keller" or was it just the quest for the clothespins doning the French Laundry Branding!!!!

Have a Beautiful week..

xoxo, Me

Let's walk in spirit and donate*

I know unless you've been on the moon lately your aware that this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It's more than just the pink ribbon and bracelets...

Those are fabulous and are great reminders for the month but it's the research funds that will help in finding a cure for Breast Cancer. I know we've all been touched by a person who has been diagnosed with it at sometime in our lives.

I would like to put a link on my post {BELOW} for those who would like to donate.

In particular I would like to share about a Team of about 27 fabulous women who are bonding together to walk for us all.

They are a group of local Inspiring Mom's, our kids are classmates, some are my neighbors.... They have been training for several months and many of them have walked before...Their team will be bonded together for three days for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk.

I wanted to share this with you. They are trying to meet their pledge goals and aren't quite there yet. If you haven't sponsored someone for the walk I would hope you would consider their team!

Here is their Team link.

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR?team_id=136260&pg=team&fr_id=1469&et=SQq4oGyXyhK-5kQUBv6IoQ..&s_tafId=289710

I am very proud of these women, and Sincerely Thank them for walking for us all....

Thanks for your ear...

xoxo,

Me

Do you?

A favorite large old White Vintage Frame, the texture and details are beautiful.. It's hanging up empty....just this stenciled fabric ribbon with "Dream Big" and a crown wrapped around it!

Sometime I'll get a photo in it....

{I bought this fabric stenciled ribbon because I love the message}

Something to ponder...

You know our thoughts really are powerful....We create them.....Dream about them... Thinking positive is a choice....

I breathe it everyday and it is sacred to me.....

I hope you're having a beautiful White Wednesday and what every is going on with in your life take a breath, be Positive and of course ....Dream Big!!!!!

xo,

Me

Bing,Dino,Sammy and a Blonde*

I love to listen to the Good Ole Boys of Hollywood...

Growing up, my family played their music and watched their shows & movies. You know, I have grown to appreciate that time as well... it's so romantic and smooth..

I took my husband to a spot here in town that has fabulous photos, I love them so much and I especially adore black & white photographs so I took a few shots of them.

The Girl .... is me. From my archives!

Hope you put on some cool music and enjoy some of old Hollywood greats!!

Skip the smoke, though wine is cool....

Photo with Bing Crosby and his family is taken in Rancho Santa Fe, right around the corner in So. Cal.

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Me

Paris Hotel Souffle dish*

I love this Dish!

I bet something delicious was served in it many times.. It's old with crackles in the glaze, perfect in my book!

It's from....THE HOTEL GEORGE V PARIS*

Wish I could say that I visited this hotel, and had a story to share... but I found this at a flea market!

I love this white ironstonish souffle dish imprinted with the CROWN... and Blue script.

Have fun hunting for those special items*

xoxo,

Me

It's a Vintage Urn...

Hope your week is going well....
You know I love pretty vintage lamps.... soooo I thought I'd share another favorite lamp of mine.

This lamp is made from a vintage coffee urn server.
I saw it at a Antique store several years a go and loved it as soon as I spotted it!
It's very unique and I wonder how it came to be a lamp!!
I use it in my kitchen most of the time, however it sits on a little french table occasionallly in the dining room too.

My design tip: Traditional items can be boring, and everyone has them, so find unique pieces with personality.
Good evening to you!
xoxo,
Me

Loving Wellies Today*

Unusually muddy, wet and the perfect day to..... slip on my Wellies!

I'm loving the opportunity to sport a little fall weather gear!!!

My little one has a two week fall break now, after his week of camp!

Well, wouldn't you need two weeks to recuperate after a week of camp!!!

All I can say is where was this schedule when I was in School?

I hope you take time dance in the rain..... With your Wellies of course!

My design tip* Adopt a no-shoe rule for inside your home. Family and Guests, no-one gets special treatment on this rule...It automatically puts everyone at home....

I have always had one!

xoxo,

Me

Boo!!!!!!

Ode to Halloween....See it isn't too Scary at our House...

I like to keep it magical and fun but I hope it's a little spooky...

Since we have moved the Country House we are in a rural area and there isn't a single trick or treater to be hosted!

The kids are smart... they opt for the neighbor hoods where the houses are really close....

The Holidays were really decorated on the outside at our Home at the beach. Lots of drive by lookers at the Holidays!! It was very family oriented neighborhood, families lived there for years and we had a lot of trick or treaters and some parents came toting their glass of ghostly wine!! We watched the little ones grow up over the years and that was a joy to see!

My Design Tip* Use what inspires you. It's fun to utilize things like black-n-white french ribbon, fresh flowers, grapevine. Items that you can embellish your Fall/Thanksgiving Holidays with as well. Buy once use twice...

Have fun decorating,baking and making memories*

xoxo,

Me

Black-n-White

Halloween is in the bag... My son comes home from camp tomorrow and I have everything done!

Let's see...

His room*

Mantle's*

Table's*

Pumpkin patch for carving pumpkins oops not yet... we'll cover that this weekend!

Here's a couple pics,

I love the Mantle picture it looks soooo spooky with the chandelier reflection and candles at night*

My battery is on the charger so I'll take some more later!

Have a great Friday!

xoxo,

Me

My Camper*

This morning as I stood taking photos of my son and his sixth grade class mates going off to the annual sixth grade camp I had mixed emotions!! I was excited for them and the adventures they will embark upon and the growing up they will do in a week.

Though, I couldn't get the vision out of my mind of when he was about 3 years old and his older brother went off to sixth grade camp. He kept asking where he was all week!

When the bus returned we were waiting for him. He ran straight to my little son and picked him up and gave him the biggest hug and kiss. They were inseparable for the rest of the day! What a memorable moment that was as a parent. To see love in it's most delicate form....

I will miss him this week... but I know it's part of his journey and he's growing up!

I wonder if he'll remember to write!

xoxo,

Me

A Beautiful *White* Interview

Tonight I'm so excited to go take a peek at My First Blog Interview!!!!

First.... I want to blog hug and Thank my new friend "Ginger" who has given me a special gift.

I didn't know what a blog was a year ago... I jumped in and wanted to have one of my own.

First I would have to learn how to turn the computer on!

I'm so thrilled that Ginger at "Allure of Whites" took the time to host this interview for me...

She is a new blogger too and her new Blog is so inspiring and if you Love White like I do then you'll follow me over to meet her. Let's go I am excited to see what she created!

I thought I would find something appropriate for this occasion in *WHITE*

{I't's Me} from my modeling archives!

xoxo,

Me

Halloween reminiscing!

Decorating for Halloween is so much fun when the kids are little....

When mine were little I used to try to decorate when they were gone to school or at night so that when they walked in they could see it finished.

Oh and the costumes! How many times do they change their minds!!!

I remember one in particular... My son wanted this foam costume in the shape and color of a M@M candy. They only had huge sizes left, but I thought we could stuff it and it would be fine... Well Halloween morning he announced that he was going to be a GI Joe and not a M@M candy. I was expecting my second baby so I looked like a M@M already!! My son said, Daddy can wear my costume and you two will match! My husband was a good sport and wore the M@M foam candy costume!!! It was Hilarious, he is 6'4....I ended up going in a black unitard as Cat-n -the- hat.

I'm still unpacking my goodies but here is one of mine that I still love...

Have a beautiful Monday,

xoxo,

me

Dust*Heat*And #11

We are a novice Family in the world of Motocross....

Really a different parental challenge for us!

I have adopted a new respect for the parents of this sport! My boyz always have gravitated to athletically challenging sports and fun, this is a different definition....

This is an extreme sport....

My youngest son just started riding a motocross {motorcycle} these last few months. He began driving everything he could as a toddler through now. Not kidding, he was mowing our entire lawn at three!! He has no fear about any of this... He loves this riding, the dirt,noise and last week it was 106 at his race!

So as a Mom I'm completely out of my comfort zone on this sport,though he has all the safety apparel you could wear, my heart is not into it. I have to support him though because it is part of who he is and I love his spirit for life...

If anyone out there has been through this motocross sport I'd love any advise you may want to share! Please leave a comment, I'm sure I am not alone with this..

Thought I'd share a few photos of his first start at his first Race last week.

I love photographing my boyz. I have a bazillion shots of everything! Though I must admit I was feeling nauseous, my hands were shaking, my mom fear level was at it's peak....

Have a Blessed Day,

xoxo,

Me

The "Good" Witch's Home...

Decorated yet? Ready or not it's here... Halloween, the kids wait for it and the parents well, just another reason for a party!!!

My style for decorating at Halloween isn't at all the traditional orange and black.

I just can't seem to get inspired by Orange anything... It's a lovely color.... I love Orange soups,Oranges,Orange flavored Frosting and Orange infused cookies and cupcakes..

OOPs.. I forgot one more thing.. I have loved watching my family carve the Orange Pumpkins!!

Anything else I must be missing out!!

Though I do love the Style I do at Our House... Black and White Old and Ragged *

Little Scary on top!

My design tip* The colors for your Holiday decorations is purely personal preference. The key is: making it fun for your family and guests! Embellishing things you may have around to create something unique is the fun part.

Have a Fantastic Friday Evening!

xoxo,

Me