All posts filed under: decor

Holiday Series: Gift Wrap – It’s All In The Trimmings

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Don’t get me wrong – I adore a beautifully designed gift wrap paper and sometimes buy a roll just to add to my collection of uniquely crafted wraps. But lately, in light of all things to save our planet, I cannot help but appreciate the simplest of gift wrapping ideas. Which by the way, I’ve adapted for years – finding the most unusual ways to wrap presents with grocery paper bags, tissue paper, newspaper, old magazine pages, and even book pages – because at the end of the day, it is all about the trimming… {source here, and here}

Decor: Different Shades of Inspiration

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I’ve been discussing a much needed renovation with family and friends for two homes and a condo. We started out with a wish list, and then the planning and considering actual timeline throughout 2020. The only trouble is, just when we think we have it down -as far as our vision, another option pops up online and we are back to the wish list. As of today December 3, 2019 – this is what’s happening: {featured image source and inspiration for this blog post}

Decor: For The Love of a Neutral Home

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Just dream along…I mean what else do you have to do this early Saturday morning? Neutral and steady hues of white are my first and foremost choice for my primary home 🙂 – and then I’d like to have a second place where I can add all the wonderful colors to create the whimsical of space. Or maybe the guest house out back would be that attempt-in my next life since now I am content with my current living space. But the first house would look something like this And my charming guest house or second home used solely for my writing 😉      What decor would you opt for? And how do you get rid of negative energy in your home   {featured image source}

Decor: An English Home

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Ah, the characteristics of a European home, even while remodeled,  I simply cannot get enough. Fortunately for me, I have family sprinkled across England and France and in their quaint homes I take refuge and feel the most inspired by their choice of decor. On another note: Have you been watching The Crown Season 3? If so I have some thoughts to share Do you agree that the age of maturity and clash of generations is the main topic of the era covered in season 3?  What do you think of Princess Anne’s relations with Parker Bowles – what web of drama the royals have shared? Watching Prince Charles life unfold in season 3, do you find yourself emphatetic  towards him? How about towards Prince Phillip?  What’s your favorite scene? Although there are many, I favored the one about Prince Phillip meeting the men who walked on the moon and his expectations from them regarding one of the most important moments in history – episode 7

Decor: Fireplace Revamp Ideas

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I stare at my mother’s living room fireplace with every visit, wishing I could update it and then I realize the 1930s build suits the house she calls her home. Well, maybe a minor update might do the fireplace some good and perhaps become the center of the space once more. {photo credit and source}

Decor: The Pantry Perfection

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When we sold our house in Sacramento and moved back to San Francisco, wow… a decade ago,  we settled for a studio apartment near sunset beach until we figured out where we wanted to live next in the bay area. But, since we made the small space our perfect home, I cannot see myself living anywhere else. So, after much consideration, we decided to stay, and last year renovated the living  space and bath, with the intend we would tackle the makeshift kitchen which is currently a build-out as part of the garage. The most important item on my list is a pantry or two, kind of a combination of these perfect options. Which is a kitchen concept from here  and I love the industrial feel to the design perfect for a garage build-out

Decor: Fall Inspired

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Every season I normally feel the need to switch up my decor, even if it means changing my throw pillow covers, and adding a few trinkets throughout the home, the need to feel the seasons indoor is in full force – especially Autumn…I mean how can anyone resists? And there is always the fall wreath collection to consider from here Ideas from Target – one of my favorite, and I am sure one of your favorite stores to walk into to buy one thing and end up with a dozen or more things you may or may not need, and doing everything in your power to hide that receipt from your hubs. 🙂    

Food: Carrot Cake

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This morning I had a craving for carrot cake with my coffee. But finding a tasteful slice at the early morning hours in downtown San Francisco is pretty challenging. So, I settled for a scone with the complete intention of baking tonight using this must try carrot cake recipe. INGREDIENTS For the cake mixture • 2 eggs • 125ml/4 1/2fl oz maple syrup • 75ml/3fl oz mild vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing • ¼ tsp black cardamom seeds • 4 cloves • 150g/5oz wholemeal spelt flour, plus extra for dusting • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • A pinch of grated nutmeg • 2 tsp baking powder • A pinch of salt • 300g/11oz carrots, peeled and finely grated • 60g/2 1/2oz dried apricots, chopped • Grated zest of ½ organic orange • 40g/1 1⁄4oz pumpkin seeds For the icing • 150g/5oz full-fat cream cheese • 150g/5oz yoghurt of your choice • 25g/scant 1oz acacia honey • 2-3 drops vanilla extract • 1 tbsp lemon juice  {more} {featured image source and inspiration for today’s post} …

Inspired By the English Countryside

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This morning while commuting to work, bits of the film The Holiday came to mind. Particularly the English cottage where one side of the story took place. Followed by the eclectic decor of course, and then how wonderful the connection between Cameron Diaz and Jude Law’s characters were, sparkly eyes, and bright smiles, make the perfect holiday film, don’t you think? Add Cameron’s/her character’s fashion sense, and basically it is a well rounded and my favorite modern holiday film  I happen to watch every year. So you can imagine me wanting to share these beauties, and my desire to simply hibernate for the entire month of December or maybe trade places with someone itching to hang out in San Francisco. Any takers? So, here are my questions?  Have you seen the film The Holiday?  Which side of the story do you relate to?  If you had the chance to trade places, what part of the world would you consider?  Is the fact,  we are near completing the first week of November freaking you out?  I’m …