Wednesday, July 24, 2013

I've Been Photo Bombed!

As if it isn't hard enough to get the perfect photos for the online 2013 Summer Showcase of Homes, the fur babies are insisting on being in every photo!

Come on guys, give me a break!

I've been officially "photo bombed!"

Be sure to check out today's home tours at:

Don't forget to check back on Friday for the online tour of our home!


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Monday, July 22, 2013

Down To The Wire!

 I'm so glad that my home is last on the 2013 Summer Showcase of Homes because it's crazy at my house with the roofers above pounding and the painters below painting!
Here's a sneak peek at the new paint trim.

Black doors and window sashes!

 I love it!

New roof and gutters!

Meanwhile.  I'm inside still fluffing and photographing for our home's virtual tour, scheduled for Friday, July 26th.
It's down to the wire!

Have you visited the first five homes yet?
They're fabulous!
Here is this week's tour schedule:

Monday, July 22nd

Tuesday, July 23rd

Wednesday, July 24th

Thursday, July 25th

Friday, July 26th

See you on Friday!
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Saturday, July 20, 2013

Garden To Table Hydrangeas

 I think hydrangeas are perfection!

Their blooms are a mainstay in my garden, performing from May to December.

The best time to harvest them for drying is late fall when the blooms have changed color and aren't as delicate as the spring blooms.

 Sometimes, I can't resist though and cut them for tabletop bouquets...

... knowing full well that they will wilt in a few days. 

I guess that's the price I have to pay for bouquets of perfection scattered throughout the house.


Can you blame me?

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Got Candlelight?

 Yesterday it occurred to me that I seldom light candles anymore.
Which is weird because I used to light candles every night.

Candlelight was present at every meal.

Candlelight was part of every tablescape I created.


 In Asti, candlelight was everywhere, making for a romantic ambiance that I truly miss.


 I hung candles in Mason jars from the Mulberry tree.
I remember their flickering flame and vanilla scent.

Warm summer nights...

...made even more special and romantic with candlelight.

So what happened?
Why did I stop lighting candles?

What could possibly replace the glow from a candle?

 The discovery two years ago of faux candles that not only flicker, but are made from real wax and even have a vanilla scent.
I bought them by the armful from Costco for a party and then later integrated them into my house.
Here they are marching up the stairs.

I put them on windowsills.

And on the table.
Everywhere!

 And then I forgot how much I love real candles, because there are advantages to faux candles.
For instance, they won't start a fire if left unattended.
And they turn on automatically.
I have to admit, this is why I stopped lighting real candles!

 Also, the granddaughters love to play with them!

 However, they can't replace this!

How do you feel about faux candles, or are you still "old school" and light real ones?
Do you think it's ok to combine the two?
Either way, I'm making a promise to myself to start lighting real candles once again!

I'm joining French Country Cottage for Feather Nest Friday.
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Monday, July 15, 2013

Coming Soon, The 2013 Summer Showcase of Homes

I'm so excited to announce the "2013 Summer Showcase of Homes," a weeklong event featuring 26 home tours from bloggers all around the country.
And I'm honored to be included!

Here is the tour schedule, so mark your calendars and be prepared for some serious home decor inspiration.

Monday, July 22nd

Tuesday, July 23rd

Wednesday, July 24th

Thursday, July 25th

Friday, July 26th
And last, but not least, Vignette Design!

There is even a Pinterest Board too, so feel free to pin away!
This week will be quite busy around here with all the cleaning, staging and photographing to do!  
See you next week!

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Saturday, July 13, 2013

Raining In July?

It's looks like it's raining in California in July!
No, just the old house getting a bath!  

As in power washed.

The painting contractor showed up yesterday and power washed the entire house in preparation of the new paint.
It's beginning to get exciting around here!
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Friday, July 12, 2013

Up On The Roof

 2013 is the year to finally bite the bullet and replace the roof on our house.
I'm very excited for the chance to change the color from red to black!

The red roof has been bugging me since we bought the house 15 years ago.
Now the roof is at the end of its 27 year old life.

A black roof will be a game changer, along with new gutters that are completely rusted out.
I'm thinking of a more traditional profile for the gutters too.

Did I mention that 2013 is also the year to paint the house?
Other than a few windows here and there, it hasn't been painted in 17 years.
I think it's time.
A black roof now opens up a whole bunch of possibilities.  
Like black doors and sashes on the windows, plus a darker color for the stucco.
It all begins next week.

Hopefully, it will all be done in time for the 2013 Showcase of Homes!

My home will be featured Friday, July 26th.
Stay tuned for more information!


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