HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

This year was filled with many opportunities to sit at a long table and enjoy good friends, food and drink. Looking back on 2011 the long table experience that was most memorable was at a very dear friend’s wedding in Topanga Canyon (photo below). Three extremely long tables filled a Tuscan-styled room as we celebrated [...]

Read Full Post »

A Fireplace

There’s something about a fireplace that evokes relaxation, warmth and a sense of place. The rhythmic bouncing of the flames seems to encourage contemplation when alone and conversation when with friends. Cheers to hoping your holiday season provides many warm memories in peaceful solitude or with loved ones. Christmas is a season for kindling the fire [...]

Read Full Post »

Make Yourself At Home

8 ITEMS TO HELP MAKE YOUR HOUSE GUESTS FEEL COMFORTABLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON The Guest Room A good reading lamp, soft sheets and a cozy blanket provide a sense of comfort for those traveling far from home. Adding a box of chocolates and good reading material is also a nice touch depending how long you [...]

Read Full Post »

‘Tis The Season

Tonight, we are finishing up decorating for the holidays. The menu — hot cocoa, hot buttered rum and warm apple pie. Therefore, in needing some inspiration for this evening I took some time and visited some of my favorite websites. This year I am taking an easy approach to the holidays and using lots of [...]

Read Full Post »

Ready for Halloween?

For those of you like myself, who are just getting started on Halloween decorations, I have collected a couple of ideas to inspire the child in all of us. These are quite amazing and beautiful. If you have the tenacity for one of these they would be lovely to have around. From MarthaStewart.com. Love these [...]

Read Full Post »

Viva Mexico!

Viva Mexico! Today, is Mexico’s Independence Day! In honor of Independence Day and because I adore the country of Mexico, I put together my “favorites list” highlighting just a couple of things I love about this country. First, a brief history of where my adoration came from. I grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, [...]

Read Full Post »

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

I have realized lately that some people’s view of Carnations is not a good one, however, I believe there are many possibilities with Carnations! So, on this Valentine’s Day I have put together three arrangements of one of my favorite misunderstood flowers. Below are the 5 steps I followed. STEP ONE: FIND THE VASES These [...]

Read Full Post »

RED O

For this holiday season I am in Los Angeles visiting family and friends. Every time I come back to LA I create a list consisting of places I need to see or items I need to purchase. Usually it contains several items from Trader Joes, a trip to a flea market and a visit to [...]

Read Full Post »

Jack-O-Landscape

  I am hoping the cut-off time to share a Halloween photo is Thanksgiving?  

Read Full Post »