Monday, June 30, 2014

What I Found At Sonoma Country Antiques

 This butter slab obviously found its way home to my house from Sonoma Country Pine.
I mean, how could I leave it there?  It was reasonably priced and had my name written all over it!

I knew it would also be functional, holding butter of course in the refrigerator.
What is it about white ironstone with black lettering? 
It gets me every time!

 But at the counter, I spied these two wicker covered bottles and fell in love.
You know that feeling when you just love something so much that you can't leave it behind?
I also know that these bottles are rare.

The larger bottle has a sterling silver engraved cap which is just beautiful!
 I ended up putting them with a few perfume bottles on my vanity.

I have no doubt that they will be restyled many times, in the bathroom or on a bookshelf.
They're so versatile and add a wonderful texture.

The one thing I left behind and can't stop thinking about though is this faux bois planter!
It doesn't help that my friend, unbeknownst to me bought its twin a month ago.  That's right, there were a pair!  She says I have to go back and get it!
Yes, I do!

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

A Visit To Sonoma Country Antiques

 One of my favorite stores in the wine country, or anywhere for that matter is Sonoma Country Antiques.  Located on Highway 121 in Sonoma County, it is a treasure trove of European antiques and accessories.

I always find something here.  They offer enough reproductions along with authentic antiques to keep the prices somewhat reasonable. 

 
I was tempted to buy this cement faux bois container.
How cute is that squirrel?

Everything is beautifully merchandised and displayed.


Demi-johns, demi-johns and more demi-johns!

Uh, I'll take that black cabinet and everything in it, thank you!

Sonoma Country Antiques also carries Cisco, which is a line of furniture that I love.  
Most of their pieces in the store were slipcovered in a heavy, rough linen making my heart skip a beat!

 See what I mean?
My love affair with linen just got serious!

It's a look that I love.
Casual, comfortable and collected.

See something you like?
They will ship it to you, but I highly recommend a visit.
It's worth the trip!

Sonoma Country Antiques is located at 23999 Arnold Drive (Highway 121), just six miles south of the town of Sonoma.
Visit their website for more information and a virtual tour of their showroom.

Stay tuned to see what I brought home!

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Sunday, June 22, 2014

Country Gifts

 Our neighbor Ron in Asti felt the need to give us a "thank you" gift.
I have to say, he outdid himself!

This box of homegrown goodies was waiting on our kitchen counter when we arrived for the weekend.

Beautiful eggs from his chickens...

...Along with a jar of honey from his very own bees too!

Even the sunflowers and apricots were from his garden!

Thank you Ron!
I can't think of a more perfect thank you gift, one that helped welcome the beginning of summer too!
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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Courtyard Love

There is a courtyard in my future, so now I'm obsessed with creating a lovely, intimate and private space for us as well as the dogs.  Of course the first place I go to for ideas is Pinterest!
Starting with the walls.
I love the idea of brick.

 
A wooden fence would be less expensive though and plants can be added to gussy up the space.
The pergola over this courtyard is another idea, especially for more privacy.

 I envision a gravel courtyard with a fountain.
Having a door to the outside is also a priority.

 This courtyard has it all.
Gravel.  Outside door.  Vines.

This is more realistic though because the stuccoed walls are a lot easier and less expensive to build than stone.  I like the arched door.
I would grow creeping fig on the walls or espalier ivy.

Here is my courtyard project.
The fences are mis-matched and falling down and I'm not a fan of the undulating flagstone.
However, lining the flower beds with boxwood would go a long way, especially if the fence was replaced with new fencing with espaliered ivy or a stucco wall.  The light fixture is being replaced and the French doors will be painted black.
I'm open to ideas!
Gravel?  Crushed granite?  Stucco walls?  Vines?  Pergola over the entire space?
Talk to me.... 
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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

The Foyer Gets An Update

 It's been a very productive month as I continue with some home improvements that will ultimately prepare the house for sale in the future.
Yes, the time has finally come to downsize and I've been so consumed with that idea and moving forward with "our plan" that I've forgotten to blog!
So here's an update!

The entry with its apple green walls needed a neutral coat of paint.
Or at least that's what the experts told me.


I'm sad to see the apple green go, especially how it works with the dining room wallpaper.


I just closed my eyes, bit the bullet and let Bob the Painter do his thing.


I hate to admit it, but I like it!
I really do!


The drama of the apple green is replaced with a serene, calming off white that lets the architecture of the stairway stand out.


Upstairs, the green walls before...


...and now with the updated look.
I moved the cabinet to make more room in the hallway and replaced it with a console and painting.
I'm thinking a mirror would be better.


The new entry.
I hope it makes a good first impression!


Now that the entry is done, I'll tackle the closets next.
Stay tuned as I try to navigate a major move, lifestyle change and hopefully find time to blog!
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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

24 Hours In Asti

 Asti has alluded us most of the month of May.
There was a wedding one weekend, and relatives claimed it for two other weekends.
We managed to carve out a 24 hour respite though last Friday.

The weather was perfect.
Not too hot yet and not too cold either.

Early in the morning, I walked around with my camera in tow, just like the old days!
I love this time of year.  It's not quite summer and spring is coming to a close.
The garden is abloom!

 The succulents are looking good, despite the fact that they only get watered every two weeks!

The Boston Ivy is taking over the house, as is the lavender!

Oscar couldn't be happier!
He loves Asti!

And so do we!
Looking forward to our sixth Asti summer.
Let it begin!
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