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!

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...a 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

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

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

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

Happy Halloween Darlins

Happy Halloween Darlins!

Check out this cool XTRA large Cinderella pumpkin....

I had to share it with you.

It is on the counter at Zinc cafe in Newport beach!

Be safe & have fun

xo,

me

the good witch

Elements for cozy weekends

Morning Darlins,

Weekends are my favorite around our home.

 Somehow it feels like time is less structured, we aren’t watching the time so closely.
 Simply more engaged in really enjoying the moments. 

Though the to-do list is long during the day, it’s the evenings we look forward to. 

Enjoying those long dinners by the fire. 

Lounging in the mornings a little longer is lovely too. 

Baking with new recipes to try out on the family. 

Cozy elements inspire our spaces

&

 encourage us to embrace the time we spend relaxing in them.

HAPPY WEEKEND....

Forgot your broom!!!

Photos for this post Pinterest

My Design tip: Dim lights, use candles and bring out softt textures. 

Let your senses guide your ideas of a cozy space.

Hop over to Second Shout Out Blog for my series Saturday's "Designing with Vintage"

 & shop my vintage for your cozy home.

A beautiful weekend to you...

xo,

me

Pops of Pumpkin

Morning...

 Love waking up to the scent of wood logs burning in the dining room fireplace, 
our second Autumn fire!

The color PUMPKIN is a warm balance.

 It's neutral, yet not boring or safe in a design sense. 

I like adding pops of it this time of year with vintage accents.

From Fashion to Furnishings & accessories in between. 

Let's peek at PUMPKIN, this Autumn neutral.

 Remember these fireplaces? They're back!

Shop the Vintage stool in my shop click link below

My Design tip: Adding pops of color is a simple and inexpensive way to update a space. Easily changed out every season if you like.

Hop over to Second Shout Out blog Saturday's "Designing with Vintage" series,
Shop my vintage finds.

Here's to a beautiful Autumn weekend!
xo,
me

Todays post photos Pinterest

Doin what makes folks happy!

Happy Friday Darlins...

Are you doin what makes you happy?????????????

Hmmm got ya!

Something to ponder isn't it!
I'm pondering how cool this is! 

 I fell in love with each one!
The Antlers..silly!
Last night we had a casual meeting at this cool industrial spot 
 Booze Brothers Brewery, located in Carlsbad, Ca.
 A cool industrial-vintage vibe and I loved seeing how creative this company is...
I love stories of start ups...
We heard a couple of cool stories  from the owners last night. 
It's was obvious,
 that these folks are DOIN what makes them HAPPY!

Another cool story from the owner of MISH MASH Gourmet San Diego  
as he shared his impressive culinary background.

We ordered two exceptional artisan gourmet items, 
local fish tacos and organic grass fed angus burger.
Oh my goodness....Delicious!
I really wanted to try the truffle fries, next time....just have to say I tried them...
Couldn't come home with out burgers for the boys, just wouldn't be right!

When someone is creative and passionate about what they do...you feel it. 

It elevates the entire experience for us, they are sharing their gift.

Sharing Local goodness is fun!
So cool to meet folks that are doin what makes them happy!

Happy Friday!
xo,
me

Curating my Autumn Pinterest

Morning Darlins,

Oops, a little mix up on my Saturday series, sorry next week you will see it...

Let's have a little fun & inpire with what I've been curating on 

AUTUMN 

PINTEREST BOARD

http://www.pinterest.com/clegailpeterson/autumn/

Enjoy! I have fun looking at everyones boards too, 

Pin away & I hope you find one thing you adore and will want to add to your season.

A beautiful Autumn weekend to you

xo,

Gail