Bloom

Some beautiful images from the spring gardens of Filoli a couple weeks ago...

I hope the sun in shining and the flowers are blooming for you today..

An Absolutely Timeless Kitchen

I was able to visit one of my favorite places on earth a few weeks ago. It is located on a picturesque piece of property in Northern California.

Fiololi Mansion and Gardens (click here for their site).

The mansion is approximately 100 years old. During this trip I took photos of one of my favorite spaces in the home--the kitchen.

It struck me how simple and beautiful these spaces are. This kitchen would like right at home in any modern day home. I am so glad they left the kitchen in it's original glory.

Imagine this view of the gardens while you are washing dishes...

I can only imagine the wonderful meals that were prepared using this stove...

This is something you don't see too often--a safe for all the family silver right off the butler's pantry....Isn't it just amazing?

the history....the character...the patina...

I just love it all.

When it comes to design, you just can't go wrong with classics like this.

A kitchen that still amazes a century later...
Ahhh...

A Great Find!

I found these great hanging baskets at the garden show

They are made of a durable plastic. There are pop-out pieces on the side. All you do it pop them out, place your plants in (up to 4" size) and carefully replace the plastic piece. There is a little "neck" that projects the roots of your plant, and keeps the dirt inside without using moss.

The technology of these pots also keeps moisture in, requiring less watering.

These are photos of the basket just one day after planting. Imagine what this will look like after a week or two?

Guess what?

These are Made In The USA! Love that!

Here's the link if you want to learn more and get some for yourself.

A True Garden Show Gem

I had the good fortune of visiting the Garden Show in San Mateo California the last week of March.

There were many gorgeous displays, but this one just stood out above the rest for me. I'm not sure that photos could do it justice, but I will try.
The structure is about the size of a medium square shaped dining room.
The walls are made entirely of succulents in varying shades. As best we could tell, they used plywood with soil and covered it with chicken wire. Then the plants were placed in the openings of the wire. The walls were literally "painted" with the plants.

A Monet Painting done in succulents.....really!

This si the doorway of the structure. Since the structure was set inside a shoow pond, you used the stepping stones to enter the gorgeous outdoor dining space.

The walls inside were painted a true aqua blue, but were softened with the most amazing textural jute netting....softening the bolder color and giving the most incredible warmth to the space.

The stain color used on the wood of this spectacular doorway was amazing with all the shades of the plants

The lights surrounded the water feature appeared to have been made from quick dry cement in irregular casts. There were lights set in the middle and some broken colored glass to add just the right amount of sparkle.

I just went crazy for these and am planning on recreating something similar soon!

I think a little dining retreat similar to this could be accomplished in many different ways in your space. What an inspiration!
I want to try the succulent "wall" on a small space to start with.
I'll let you know how it goes...

What Can $3.00 Buy?

This gorgeous vintage lazy susan set!

Thanks to a friend, I discovered a wonderful church "warehouse sale" that takes place every Sunday in my little town.

On my very first visit there I found this treasure.

It is a five piece set that include a plastic lazy susan base and ceramic pieces in my current favorite shade of blue.

We decided to use it tonight for "taco night". Somehow our tacos just tasted better!

Needless to say, this "warehouse sale" will be a regular stop for me on Sunday.

Don'tcha just love a bargain like this?

Back From A Wonderful Trip...

Hello to everyone!

I'm back from almost two weeks visiting with family and friends. I have so much to share!
I thought I would check in this morning and share the guest room I stayed in at my parent's home.

Now....not too many people my age can still go home and stay in their childhood bedroom over 30 years later. Here's some photos of my parents home and my old bedroom. Of course it's been redecorated several times since : )

My Mom has one of my favorite photos of my oldest son when he was about 5....loved seeing his sweet face!

This is the pretty guest room that my daughter got to stay in....

here's a few photos of my Mom's living room. She recently recovered her sofa and two wing chairs in some beautiful fabrics.

I love the gorgeous rug that she was lucky enough to find at Marshall's for a great price. It all works so perfectly.

She has an amazing collection of silhouettes. I love the way she has placed them around her ice skating man painting.

I love visiting back "home" and the way my Mom creates comfortable and beautiful spaces.

I will be playing catch up for a few days, but promise to share some of my trip highlights over the next few days. It's always good to be home. I can't wait to catch up with all of you and your wonderful blogs.

Happy Monday!