Ode to "Bentley"

A heavy Heart prepares and ponders this post today.

Whooo.. Where do I begin, Our Beloved St. Bernard "Sir Bentley" life was unexpectantly taken on Friday. He was Four years old. An amazing dog.. So pure and gentle with such kindness. He held such a large Nobel presence in our family that gave us such joy and love with tons of laughable moments.

Our Family is extremely saddened and we love and miss him dearly.

You know as parents how hard it is to deliver such news to your children.

I think I would rather do anything except relay sadness to my Boys.

So.... I took this opportunity and had a little talk with my youngest son... I explained to him that as his parents we want everything to bring them Joy and Love and we want to shelter them from any thing that would bring unhappiness.

Unfortunately in some circumstances that wouldn't be real or teach them about Honesty, Life, Love, Spirituality and Compassion. It is our job to express real life and be there for them and to nurture as they learn to accept and embrace all that life is....

I truly believe we learn so much from loving a animal,they become one of our family and are there every day for us.

I don't know how you feel but we feel our Children respect Honesty and we owe it to them to always present it...

A few favorite photo's with "Bentley". The one in the car was our first Christmas card with our Dogs and it was Hilarious trying to get our family in the car with them.

Both dogs were just turning ONE.

Bentley will be treasured forever and we are so Blessed to be loved by him...

He will watch over us now... I know why they are called ST. Bernard's.

Thank you for your ear...

xo,

Gail

Perfectly Quoted*

Can I confess?.... I have only had a love for ONE other married man.... RALPH LOREN!!

I fell in love with his Style, Coolness, Laid back Casual Elegance when I was sweet Sixteen!!

He is loved by many women so I hope "Ricky" is fine with it! {His Beautiful wife}.

Everything about him and the "Lifestyle" he portrayed immediately connected to me.

I could easily imagine that I was living in his Style stories...

Many times during my modeling career, I heard from stylists, ad directors, agents etc. {The direction here is RALPH LOREN}.

I would say to myself, OH, LOVE IT!! Exciting words for me to hear.

Definitely knew it was going to be a Fabulous booking!

I knew exactly what I would wear for that interview.

He is Iconic, My FAVORITE*

TOP OF MY {Wish} BUCKET LIST: To Have the LEAD in A RALPH LOREN MOVIE.

Written, Produced and Directed by him!!

PHOTOS from my modeling archives. Quote is RALPH LOREN. So True...

Wishing you a Casual Loves Elegance Fabulous Friday,

xo,

Me

Post Oscar Chat*

Pour some tea and let's re-cap!!

So.... What did you think of last night Oscar's? I thought it was Lovely.

The weather was chilly but the skies cleared up perfectly!

In general I thought the Women looked Fabulous!! Some very pretty Gowns and The Men looked Dapper as well!

The show itself didn't blow us away though...A little too new age for us, I must say I like more Glam and a old Hollywood vibe. {That's just the talk around my house}!!!

My Husband said I was nominated for a Oscar in the Dinner category!!!

The Dinner was "Super tasty" turned out perfect everyone was happy..

For desert I had bought some Petite Bread Puddings, and some petite bottles of Pink French Lemonade for my son!!

Here are some photos:

The photo of me is from my Modeling archives!

In the dining room, French chair, Bread Pudding & Pink French Lemonade*

Hope your week is staring up Fabulous*

xo,

Me

I have to see the King's Speech". I felt I missed out on the excitement without seeing it!

Films* Casts* ...The Oscar's

A Lovely night for Hollywood as everyone gets ready to be spotlighted and show the Films that made it on the Ballot this year.

I wonder who will walking away with a surprise Oscar !!

I look forward to seeing this every year..

I guess for me it's the equivalent to the Super Bowl for the industry!!

It is raining here in So. Cal and very chilly so I hope the heaters on the Red Carpet will be working well!!

We will be sitting in our preferred seats... by a cozy fire... and for the Dinner entree, I'm making Beef Burgundy, Farm vegetables and possibly a soup for the starter!! There will be candles but no Ice Sculptures!!!!

I hope you all get a chance to watch the Oscars.

I love the Fashion and of course the Film trailers are Fabulous!!

PHOTOS*

Here is a few shots of me with my {acting} family from the Set of a International Doral Campaign I shot years ago.

We were cast as a Family {a Dynasty-ish- Wealthy} I was the Daughter {in pink} These we my parents, my brother and other family.

The location was this Beautiful Mansion called "Dunsmuir" it was our set {Home}.. I fell in Love with the Fabulous Mansion and Estate..

It was pretty amazing for a commercial campaign we had a Blast!! The other actors were great fun!

Get cozy and tune in!!

xo,

Me

Do we know her?

I have this really beautiful little oval dish with a chippy metal handle on top...

I keep it filled with French Lavender. Now it's sitting on this collection of platters

All vintage Ironstone some are Brown Transferware. I have been collecting for years and didn't realize what I was collecting!!! See I just loved the old white Patina of them and thought that they were so sturdy!

I love this dish {it's not old} the drawing was what was so pretty I had to buy it.

I wish I knew who the drawing was supposed to resemble! I love the chocolate Brown, unique!!

If any one has an idea who it might be let me know I've always wondered!!!

Hope your week is stacking up perfectly!!!

xo,

Me

My Desk Accoutrements*

Accoutrements**** These are some of my Desk top Treasures.

The Glass tray was from my Grandparents Desk it's very old. I remember my Grandmother sitting at her desk and writing letters and opening her mail. I love seeing it everyday!

Also there is my favorite pink note book "Keep Calm and have a Cupcake".

My zinc board with a photo of my MOM and of course a favorite movie stub from "Coco Before Chanel".

The lighting... a petite Vintage Wall Sconce... It is in a vintage ceiling tin on the wall above my desk!!

I love my desk area it keeps me organized as well as it's just for me****

Hopefully you have a place that you love to work from!!! I would love to see yours... Email me!!

My Design Tip: Surround your self with beautiful items in your work area and you will love spending time there and keep it organized.

Have a great Monday*

xo,Me

Driving Miss Daisy ...

Only our Family calls it the Princess Car!! A Mercedes just like this was used in a Princess Grace {Kelly} movie many years ago so that is why we call it that...

I Love Love Love my car, I wanted one since I was 16!!!

I saw one at about 17 and never let the thought go!!!

I have had this one for quite a while... Since I was 17!!!! Ha. My little boy used to sit in his car seat in the back when we had the top down and wave to everyone like he was the Mayor!! People would be honking and I thought it was because they liked the car when it was him!

She's Beautiful and Drives amazing...It's a 1965 250 Se Cabriolet from Europe all original!! Someone recently was interested in buying her but we were a bit apart on the Price!!!

Have fun!!!

xoxo,

me

My Three Loves*

I do hope you celebrated "Valentines Day" with your Love or Loved Ones!!

When I think of Valentines Day, I'm a Romantic at Heart..

My Boyz sent me Beautiful Valentine Wishes.

Mr. Hubby worked day and night and I haven't been able to talk with him!! In a couple days. I don't know if he even knew what yesterday was!! He left at 5:30 this morning again..

So.... here is where I say... Valentines Day is everyday for us!!!!!

A fun observation someone shared with me was... that in the Royal Hand, I'm a King of Hearts. I don't know much more than that except it's extremely accurate... It actually gave me chills.

I always have found I endure through my heart..Perhaps, this describes how I've navigated through my life's journey and remained optimistic through them while believing the best will come out of everything!!

{Photos}

My Three Loves *FAMILY*

This was our Family photo taken from a sweet photographer :Colleen Morgan

My youngest was 6 months, his brother was 9 years!

Second* Natures Beauty. My youngest son found these on the Beach here.

He always keeps a look out for Heart shaped rocks for me!!!

Third*

Heirloom Treasures, I love them because I feel the past lives through us and I adore anything that was my family's!

This Heart Pin was my Mother's. I wear it every Valentines Day. Yesterday I wore it on my White T with jeans!!

Heartfelt wishes Valentines!!

xo.

me

Vineyard Farm Table* Love*

I've been Hunting for the perfect Vintage Outdoor Dining Farm Table...

FOUND IT!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

Officially passed the comfort test from my critics.... {family}

It's perfect... I knew the moment I saw it my mission was over.

Honestly I do this a lot... Definitely my personality signature I guess you might say!!!

I look forward to locating it in the middle of our little vineyard!!!

What year will that be you ask? I'll have to get back to you!!! Stay tuned!!

Seriously... I Happily forgave the flowers and chocolate for Valentines for this!!!!

Who says you can't get one of these for Valentines Day.....

{Photo from in the store} It's in a truck on the way here....

My Design Tip: Patience is key for finding everything... A Home, Furniture, Accessories.

It is out there .

{Don't settle}. It will be worth the wait... Even Love*

Lots of xoxo,

Me

Beautiful Spring Blossoms*

I must be having Spring Fever... Our weather is gorgeous here in So. Cal. The signs of Spring are everywhere!!! Some of our fruit trees branches are filled with beautiful pink and white flowering blossoms.

{PHOTO} Our apple tree has these cute little baby red apples. The fragrance is so wonderful I wish you could walk with me here!!! I'm tempted to cut some branches and fill my vases..

{PHOTO} The Plum tree has mostly pink blossoms..

I thought I'd share these with those of you that are still in Winter, Hope it will bring you into a Spring Fever mood too!!!

Just know that Spring is right around the corner for you too.

I'll send some Warm weather wishes your way**

Warm Wishes*

xoxo,

Me

Our First Harvest*

Our first Harvest* We have been patiently awaiting this pick. Truly the fruits of our Labor!!!

When we first purchased this home we wanted to plant a Grove. Not only do we enjoy how beautiful they are to look at it we know we are producing organic Lemons for many others to enjoy!!

WE were able to get 4 1/4 crates. doesn't seem like a lot but it was. Our lemons were huge!! This will increase as the grove gets more mature. It is about 3 years old!!

This is what we love about living in this area Olivenhain / Rancho Santa Fe. We are just 5 miles from the beach but we have a dryer climate and more sunshine*

{Mmm.. Feeling like Zsa Zsa Gabor on Green Acres} Didn't you LOVE that show?

Here are some pictures that I took. I will have to find the pictures of the grove when we first put it in! It's amazing how tiny these trees were!

Have a Beautiful sunny day where ever you may be*

xoxo,

Me

My Design tip* When your planning your landscape try to have some things that are beautiful, fragrant and edible. It's so rewarding to pick something that you have grown and it's wonderful to share with others.

French Flavor*

How is your weekend?

I hope your enjoying it!!

A perfect gift! I opened this gift form my friend Pam, I love it! A French cook book!!

I'm anticipating my French Kitchen/Butlers's Pantry.. So excited to hear every hammer hit and power saws are just Fabulous!!!

This photo is of the contents from my cabinets!!! A lovely mess!!! We are officially dining on Paper*

I'll keep you posted on the progress...

I was invite to go to France from my friend! Do you think she was kidding!!! Wouldn't that be the perfect trip!!!

Ut oh being paged, don't want to slow down any progress!!

xoxo,

Me

Lemon Hearts for your King*

Happy February First*

I love this month! Romance is in the air and Sweet treats are everywhere... I just found these petite lemon cookies with lemon glazed icing. {Delicious & so perfect to slip in my son's school lunch bag}!!! I plan to send some by post to my oldest son too,at college. I don't think he's too cool to get some cookies from his Mom for Valentines....He has to eat right!!!

Mmmm so adore Tea towels ... These are Vintage French with pink dots of detail. I have six of them! I have a little.... ok BIG.... love for vintage linens I have been collecting for years.

The little White Butter pat that the cookies are on is Vintage English Ironstone... I love it!

I have a collection of those too.....I'm letting you in on all my secret collections*****

OH!!! I recently received this fortune.. It is amazing how it relates to my life right now!

I save them... Do you?

Have a LOVELY rest of your Day*

xo,

Me

A Fabulous Mess*

Yeah I'm in it... A dusty, splintery, loud but Fabulous mess!!!

Anyone who knows me will giggle because they know I love love love Design & Construction.

They both mingle together perfectly... This is the "Butler's Pantry" under construction.

Exciting to see this underway. Will keep you updated.. I think it's Fabulous already!!!!

Have a beautiful Day.

xo,

Me

Vintage Birthday Sun Suits***

Today was my Mother's Birthday... Her name was Beatrice, her friends called her Beats!

I have been thinking about her and how she loved her Birthday.

She used to get so excited and it was fun to surprise her. When I was old enough I started making home made box cakes for her and my brothers would usually have me short on the frosting! {They were dipping in for tastes!!!} My Mother loved Chocolate just as I do!

She loved Dressing up and going out to Dinner and she and My Dad loved to Dance. They were Beautiful together on the Dance floor. I adored her, She had the most special spirit and was the kindest, most loving women I ever met. I miss her Daily.

I found one of my favorite photos of my MOM . I also found this one of me in my Modeling archives in a vintage suit too. We were both in our twenties!!!

My mom loved Summer, she had so much fun growing up on the Lake!!

January is a big month for Birthdays'

My son's New Years day, My Husbands was yesterday!

Also lots of friends who are celebrating in January.

I wish everyone a *Happy January Birthday*

xo,

Me

Snow Maiden Lunch*

How are ya!!! Well I hope....

My goodness I've missed posting...

I love to host Special Gatherings... I enjoy all the prep and of course all the details!!

{The photos I'm sharing are from my first home at the beach, I had the best time designing it and seeing my vision come to life... I learned so much and I still love everything today, the built in Hutch and even the Farm Table were my designs... I wanted to be a part of every single detail. I have shown pics of this home in older posts, you can go back if you like...}

I used to have a Fabulous dining room at my beach house! Perfect for hosting small intimate parties... Right before, the January we moved, I hosted my last gathering "A Snow Maiden Lunch" for some of my girlies!! It was so Fun & Beautiful and I Loved spoiling my friends!! Here is a photo of my table and my kitchen. I can't wait to have a place like that here!! I'm planning!!!!

My Design tip:When you are building a house or renovating think of what you will be doing in those spaces..Don't get caught up in trends or these large spaces that are cold and useless....Think about how you live,not the magazines!!!

Happy White Wednesday*

If you need help with design, just email me and we''ll make it happen!

xo,

Me

a little flashback*

Years ago my youngest son use to be amongst the entourage going to my oldest baseball,flag-football etc.

He was a great sport about it, as you know if your a parent with kids that play sports it' is every weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well... my youngest son used to bring a huge Nike bag filled with different sports gear and would change into them and be out on the field playing!

I captured a few shots of him here. He was four!!! {now he's 12...}

The tryouts for little league are going on and my husband has been coaching since my oldest was in t-ball and he's 20!!! I guess that is why I had this little flashback.....

Have a fun weekend and enjoy the many activities that your family is involved in, because it's great...& it goes by quickly but the memories are forever!

Have a beautiful weekend and hug the kids for me!!!

xo,

Me

Case No.1*

Happy White Wednesday*

I'm sure we all share this in common.....The question. What remote goes with what T.V.???????

Are you with me?

Well if you have separate remotes for different uses they are confusing, at least to me!!!

Needless to say they all look the same!!! Also I prefer them to be out of sight,they just don't work for me as a accessory!!!

I thought I would share these photo's, this is where I keep my main controls for the No.1 T.V.

It's a old wooden box and they fit perfectly inside*

My Design tip* Organize daily objects and put them into something thats functional. The solution can become a fabulous accessory too.

Have fun*

xo,

me