Made with Love... Marker

Good Morning Darlins... The weekend is here! Projects  here are always in the works!
This being my favorite month... this project is a favorite now!

This photo is our view from the house.

 It was taken when I had just had a huge Vintage sale at my house in our  lemon grove! I called the sale "The Olivenhain Grove Sale" it was fantastic and so much fun! I rented this huge white tent, before the tent was taken down I took some pictures. (I would LOVE to own a tent like this, wouldn't you)?

The renovation of our property just isn't the house... We fell in love with quiet country location and this amazing view (only 5 miles from the beach). The home sits a top of a beautiful hill, the back of the home faces the west with the property's view over the hills to the Pacific Ocean.  The setting reminds us of the wine country and people who have visited say it feels like the European countryside.  We felt a beautiful compliment to the land would be planting a grove. We chose "Eureka  Lemons" they love the sun and the soil is perfect for them. Producing and edible product that we could share was appealing as
well as the benefit of adding value to our landscaping. Seeing the beautiful lemon trees as we look towards the ocean is unbelievably picturesque and the fragrance when in bloom is intoxicating!
 (The picture here is the after)


              I was so excited when I found this vintage sign "FRUIT TREES". I had to have it!

Also another vintage find was the fabulous arrow from a weathervane. I wanted to make a sign for our grove.

I was almost there.... I just needed a few salvaged elements. A vintage wood fence post...a back plate/handle from a old screen door... and someone to put it together! Sooo...of course this fell into the Honey-do category!

A handle to hang a basket from!

 Our Grove has a Vintage Marker... made with Love!

My Design tip:

Using vintage signs and architectural discoveries to create one-of-a-kind garden elements makes your area interesting and unique. Renovating your property should include interesting elements that say something about you, and still complementing the style of your home.

Speaking of Design and Vintage...

Hop over to Second Shout Out for my Saturday's Design post "Designing with Vintage".

Second Shout Out is launching Soon! I have some thing to share ....a bit later!

Have a beautiful Saturday* 

xo,

me

August Rose

Happy Friday Darlins...
I planted some roses when we started our landscaping. I Love them! Though, I had a bad luck streak with gophers... They ate about 14! So I was told I have to put each one in a metal rose basket!

When planting my new beds close to the house I did just that. I am so happy that these are still flourishing!

This Pink beauty is Eden! I love her... she is a climber and her flowers have the most interesting way that they cluster. About 5 huge roses on one stem. I love the heirloom roses or cabbage roses. I don't bother with others.
Here she is!                                 My August Rose
Have a beautiful Friday!
  
Tomorrow I will be doing my Designing with Vintage post!
xo,
Me

*AUGUST* is special...

                                                                             

 It's here! August first.. the only month of the year I can't wait for!
 From a young girl I knew when it was August, there was something in the air and just something special about how it makes me feel! Absolutely my favorite month of the year!!!
When I think of August I think of ...my BIRTHDAY! My WEDDING! My favorite colour... PINK!
I have so many memories attached to August...
I reminisce on the birthday parties my family had for me as a young girl with the pretty cakes with the ballerinas on them or the pretty white frosting with pale pink flowers and striped or polkadot candles!
I remember all the details as if it was yesterday! Being the only girl my parties were very girly!!

What do you think these celebratory events are for? Please share your comments... I would love to hear your thoughts!


For me they are very personal and sentimental, a time to reflect on our past, recall the moments that have impacted our lives and relish them one more time!


For the month of August I will be sharing bits of my favorite things, stories and lots of PINK!
Let me know if it is your birthday month or anniversary! We share the best month!
Photo: A favorite pin of mine of course I love pink gingham!


Have a beautiful evening!
xo,
me 

Styling candles

Good Morning lovelies!
I was helping a client with her home and I noticed she had a lot of pretty, but basic candle holders. She said, jut put them aside I am really bored with them! I love candles! I didn't want her to give up having candles in her home so I told her what I'd do! I will be redoing all her candle styling now she is very excited! Which gave me the perfect topic for my post today!

The beautiful light reflected from a candles glow is something that can't be duplicated by an electric light. Candles suggest a relaxing ambiance that brings a element of coziness,warmth and romance. Though I have beautiful Antique sterling candle sticks that I adore for sentimental reasons, I still love to create my own candle holders out of salvage vintage finds and use them when styling spaces in my own home as well as others. Here are a few pieces from my home.

The columns and balusters I made from architectural pieces! My favorite vintage find is a Antique carriage Lantern! (They used to be lit with wick and Kerosine )
Please  Hop over to Second Shout Out blog to read my whole post Saturday's Designing with Vintage series I have there!

My Design tip: Implement unique elements to hold your candles. Exchanging traditional candle sticks for one of a kind vintage finds is a perfect way to add a fresh, personal touch!


Try this: In the morning, light a scented candle in your kitchen when you are preparing your breakfast and you will feel a touch of Luxe!!


Enjoy your Saturday,
xo,
me

Vintage grape picking bucket

I hope your having a wonderful week!      
Trimming plants in the garden is always a task I look forward to....because if they need trimming, then they are still alive and growing!!!!
 I trimmed some Salvia that is huge, it was growing across the walk way and surely will get caught in the mower. I knew it would last long after being cut!
 I put the Salvia in my vintage french grape picking bucket and brought it inside to enjoy it on the dining table.

They started wilting immediately!

Love it's french label...

 Here is my vintage french grape picking bucket. I have seen smaller ones and reproductions everywhere! This one is authentic. Has a label still on it and leather straps. I love it!
Happy trimming!
xo,
me

Summer Vintage

Summer Vintage *** A Sweet Treat

Summer's here in Southern California {SoCal] are spent living outdoors... the evenings cool down and it is really perfect for alfresco dining, lighting a fire in the firepit or a dip in the pool as the sun is setting!
Vintage textiles like Gingham, Linen and Eyelet are sweet, yet offer a romantic touch for summer.
                                               I love to bring these elements outdoors!

After a long week of honey-doos for me, I put a little note on his shovel... Meet me at sunsest on the bench by the firepit, a sweet Thankyou treat is waiting!

Quickly I...... Hop over and read the rest of this post  here

  Second Shout out Blog Saturday's "Designing with Vintage" Summer Vintage Post by me!

My Design Tip: Use your vintage dishes, stemware, silver and linens for little moments. These treasures elevate ordinary to special.... anytime... anywhere!

Have a beautiful Saturday! 

xo,

me

Photos: at home GailP.

Fresh Fluffy Friday!

Unique find!

Doesn't everyone love fluffy, fresh towels? My house is no exception...I found this large metal rack many years ago, It's industrial looking and I loved it. I had it powdered coated so I could put white fluffy towels in it. I first used it at my beach house in the boys bathroom., now it is in the master bath  here.

Can you guess what this is?
 First I have it hung upside down...It is a vintage heater grate.  They are found in old apartments and homes!
It is the perfect piece to hold the fresh fluffy towels!

My Design tip: Have everyday items handy so that you can grab them easily. Look for unique pieces to organize them in!

Happy Friday*
xo,
me

Del Mar opens*

Morning Darlins,
It is a beautiful sunny morning here in SoCal. You can hear a pin drop it is so quiet. Not for long! Today is opening day for the 75th annual Del Mar race season.
Our little north county beach towns will be flooded with race enthusiasts and visitors for the season.
                           Here are some fun local facts for you! 
    Del Mar is a beautiful and romantic beach town. Location: north of Sandiego and La Jolla it sits next to Rancho Santa Fe in North County. From it's opening, Del Mar quickly established itself as a play ground for Hollywood. Among the icons who spent time at the race track here were such as Dorothy Lamour, W.C. Fields, Edgar Bergen, Ann Miller, Don Ameche, Ava Gardner, Red Skelton, Bing Crosby, Pat O'brien, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Desi Arnez and Lucille Ball. Many of them owned properties here in the area and a few of their families still have them today.
     Riding legend of Del Mar racetrack and most notable was William Lee "Bill Shoemaker". He was the first apprentice to claim the race tracks riding title in 1949 and went on to achieve record breaking feats at the Del Mar race track for 40 years.
.
Crosby & O'briens money and inflluence are what made the modern day Del Mar Racing season so successful, and as a tribute to Crosby, his little song title, "Where the Turf meets the Surf" is played on commercials during the season and is played before post time each day. By the way, the City of Del Mar adopted that saying for it's motto!

We found this horse shoe on our property when we were grading... I love it and it is fitting for today!

Have a beautiful day!
xo,
Gail

Real Estate: If your dream is to own a little beach house in Del Mar, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Leucadia or a country house in Rancho Santa Fe or Olivenhain...

 Drop me an email at gail@harwoodre.com
 l will be happy to assist you, next year you can grab your hat and go to the opening day at Del Mar!

A Birthday wish from MOM

   Morning Darlins...a beautiful sunny morning here in SoCal.

 Today is my oldest sons birthday... 

Looking back on the day my oldest son was born like it was yesterday, it was a beautiful sunny day too.

  

I still to this day can’t even talk about him with out happy tears in my eyes! 
I can’t explain....he just has my heart in his hand!

He is an athlete, competitor and a kind spirit. I wish him happiness and success. He has amazing perseverance and will give in life whatever it takes.

     I couldn’t be more honored and proud of the young man he is... and to be his MOM!

                                                             Happy Birthday Son!

                                                                   All my LOVE,

                                                                            xo

                                                                          Mom

Kitchen's Part-2

Happy Saturday! Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend... It is overcast and muggy here in SoCal, though I prefer this for working on outdoor landcaping projects which is what I have going at the moment ! Also still in kitchen mode....Don't you multitask too!!!!!

My Saturday blog Series "Designing with Vintage" is Kitchen' part -2 . continues...
This was a 1950's complete house renovation I loved doing this project it was like going back in time!  Since I have been in kitchen mode I thought I would share this design project. This is a photo of the before and after.

Follow me over to Second Shout Out BLOG http://www.secondshoutout.com/blog for the whole post!


My Design tip: When buying or renovating a home from a certain design style it is important to deciede whether to change it or keep it the same. Changing the style in only one room isn't going to be good for resale.. The house should have continuity of style.

Have a beautiful Saturday*
xo,
me

Juicing*

This week has just gone by so fast.. I can't believe it's the middle of july!

I have to show you a sweet treat I recieved the other morning when I was working on the computer.... I was handed this! Look at the presentation! Awe..guess after all these years my touches have been noticed! LOVE...

The juice is made fresh from apples from our trees, carrots and kale...

I love fresh juicing!

Have a beautiful day,

xo,

me

Vintage kitchen

Morning! Let's start the weekend...

Wasn't this week was fun with the 4th of July in the middle... I did some vintage shopping last weekend and found a few fabulous pieces for my home! Of course I'll share later!

Last night we tried making pizza again and it was really good! I'm not eating carbs right now so it was torture to only have a tasting.. Shaping the dough is not easy...it isn't a round pizza, nor a square pizza it is a shape unto its own! It is something that everyone can get involved in and it is fun to cook on our new professional duel fuel Wolf range {Sooo excited even if it's a temporary hook up!} 

This brings me to talking about Kitchen's it is my favorite room to design, as I write this I am in the beginning stages of designing and renovating my Kitchen... I am in kitchen mode!

Today I have my second post  Saturday's "Designing with Vintage" on Second Shout Out 

Second Shout Out

 Hop over visit me!

Have a beautiful Saturday*

xo,

me

This is photo is of my vintage sink find!!! On the floor of the shop! She is home safe and sound and already up on her platform in the Butler's pantry...

My First Saturday Post on Second Shout Out!

Hey Darlins... 
Hope your Saturday will be filled with fun events and maybe a little shopping for Vintage!

This is the before to what you will see on my saturday blog post!

I have some fabulous news I'll be sharing soon.. Stay tuned! 
Every Saturday I will have my own blog post on the Second Shout Out blog!
                            My Saturday series will be called...
                     "Designing with Vintage"   with Gail Smith-Peterson.

Please hop over to see my First Post! I have others posts there but this will be my on going series every Saturday!

Click here and pop over....Excited to share it with ya'll!
http://www.secondshoutout.com/blog

Have a beautiful Saturday*
xo,
me

Opening a stairwell!

Hope your week is beautiful... we have been having gorgeous weather her in SoCal!

Pony league Baseball in the evenings, gardening and alfresco dining.

 I have a little stair teaser here for Thursday! This project is our stairwell that only leads to the Master bedroom.

This house was built in late 70's a Mediterranean style... Why did they even build in the 70's or 80's! Especially here in Cali... Can you tell it is my least favorite architectural style and time!!

The stairwell was narrow, dark and won't work with my french farm house design.

The first photo is before... Note the narrow arch. My husband and son are tall and hit their heads on it!

The bottom photo is the new framed stairwell... a steel support to brace the upstairs, gives much needed height to the new landing. I designed the landing with softly curved walls and stairs to enter into the room. By opening up the wall it creates a architectural feature and brings light into the stairwell. The wall behind the chair is curved.  I have the banister designed and waiting!

 We LOVE LOVE LOVE how it turned out. Even framed....it's beautiful to me!

Have a beautiful day!

xo,

me

Dinner Napkins...

 Happy Summer Darlins...
Yesterday the first day of summer!!!
Summer Solstice {the longest day of the year} truly a beautiful day here in so cal. The lighting in the evening was gorgeous... Silly but I notice everything!

I had a little dinner get together for Father's day and I was rushed as usual, but I always have my dinner napkins ready to set a pretty table.

My Design tip: Start with clean napkins, fold them and use pretty napkin holders and place them under a pretty glass cloche. Not just pretty...always clean* ready* in sight..you can just have anyone set the table!
Have a pretty day!

xo,
Me

Brown Transferware

     Sunday morning Blessings... They  are all around us and constant. I count mine every day, not just on Sunday.
Last October I went on my annual visit to the Midwest, I grew up there as a young girl.. I LOVE visiting my family and seeing the beauty and I call it a refreshing flush! {I will leave it at that}
It is my most special place to just *BE*  My family & my upbringing have taught me to stay grounded through my journey... a blessing that I honor and have held dear. They know me and appreciate that I am the same small town girl!

While I was there we went to the NA-DA Farm Sale.  I have enjoyed Ann-Maries blog she's on my Blog roll. (Link below) we emailed back and forth I told her I was coming.. She was so sweet and greeted us with a big smile & a welcome hug! 
What I treasure most that I bought was the burlap GOD BLESS sign that her husband made. IT wasn't really for sale but she made an exception! I was grateful! I LOVE IT! I think I know where I will hang it!
The Vintage black frame also came from there. More items I  will show you later!


                                                               *Simple Blessings *



                                                       xo
                                                       me
http://nadafarmlife.blogspot.com/

Vintage Horn & Handles

Hope your having a fabulous week so far... My posts have sure been spread out, my life is going in so many directions, but with one destination & common thread if that makes sense! I am burning the candles at both ends but excited and grateful for all the wonderful opportunity's. I'll share soon!!

The photo above I took is a Vintage Horn that was my Dad's, He gave me this and a Vintage Bow and Arrow set with the most Beautiful colors on the arrows... Any hoooo, He used to demonstrate to my brothers and I how he used this hunting. I can still hear the sound! I can't remember if it was for calling deer or moose.

I cherish these things and I also have his mounted moose antlers which I LOVE* LOVE * LOVE. Can't wait to place them in a special spot in my house. My dad was a passionate sportsman / hunter he could tell hunting stories for hours! I don't think it was just the hunting ...it was the event, camping/roughing it in the woods with his friends that was just a great outdoor experience.

 This picture is of a vintage horn handle that is on a cooking fork. We just found this at my mother-n- laws house when we were going through everything.... We cleaned it up and the section above the handle is sterling silver! It was the back yard grilling fork!!! So where is the matching knife I asked?

I love these pieces and cherish where they came from! Someday we will pass them onto our boyz.

Have a beautiful Thursday

xo,

me