June 30, 2017

my friday five

The  Tablelands model home

Wow, it’s Friday!

We made it through the first “official” week of summer
and I’m enjoying our summer schedule soooo much!

School just let out for us last week, so here
in Newport, the kids are spending lots
of time at the beach.

So that means lots of 
sand is filtering its way into the house,
I’ve got loads of beach towels to wash,
and lots of sunscreen to apply!

It is so fun!  
And now, we can look forward
to 4th of July in a few days too.

We’ve already been hearing the pops 
and bangs every night from the local fireworks 
people are randomly setting off…
my dogs are terrified, ugh!

Anyways, this weekend I’m looking forward to
checking out a new community of homes here in
Eastside Costa Mesa, called Tablelands.

The model is now open on Sundays,
so I’ll be taking a peek, and I can’t wait to see it,
 because the model was designed
she’s got a really fun fresh farmhouse style I love!  


This week I stopped into Roger’s Gardens
to grab a few lavender and boxwood plants
to fill in a few empty spot in my garden,
and took a shot of this pretty outdoor table
just for you all!

I just love the pretty blue glasses on the table.
They really liven up the whole table. 


I love the herb section at Roger’s.
They integrate edible flowers and cute
garden accessories so beautifully. 


I’m tuning up my bike this weekend... 
filling the tires with air and oiling things up.
It’s so fun to ride around town
instead of getting in that hot car!

And speaking of bikes,
Here’s a  cute pic from Marissa Hermer’s
new cookbook, “An American Girl in London”.


Doesn’t her Couscous and Tomato salad look good?
This is what I'm making for Saturday...



Herby Couscous with Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

1½ lbs. cherry tomatoes, halved
2 red onions, peeled and cut into 8 wedges each
¼ cup plus 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 tsp. black pepper, divided
3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
2½ cups uncooked pearl couscous
1 cup pitted, roughly chopped kalamata olives
1 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
½ cup finely chopped fresh mint
½ cup finely chopped fresh basil
1½ tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3 oz. feta cheese (about ¾ cup crumbled)

1. Preheat oven to 250°. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Place cherry tomatoes, cut side up, and onion wedges on baking tray. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bake until caramelized, sticky and sweet, about 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, bring stock to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add couscous, and simmer 6 minutes. Remove from heat; cover, and let stand until all of the stock is soaked up, about 10 minutes. Spread couscous on a large, clean baking tray to cool.



do something amazing this weekend! 
ciao,  fabiana


photo credits:
Tablelands
Ciao Newport Beach blog
Country Living
Marissa Hermer

June 29, 2017

the textures of summer


I’m so happy that summer’s officially here!

I love pulling out textural pieces
to accessorize the house,
so today it’s all about looking for
new inspirational ways to
change things up a bit at home.

Bamboo, wicker, raffia, seagrass, sisal and burlap
are great ways to add a
 little dimension to your decor.


Isn’t it fab how tropical houseplants
can instantly put you in a summer mood?

And bright and cheerful geraniums
epitomize the warmer seasons.   

Imagine how boring this room would be 
without all the plants and natural textures. 


A simple way to update a front entry,
is to just add a basket or two.

They’ll provide extra storage and
add a little coastal vibe to your home.

I love the zig-zaggy pattern on these!  


Woven wood or bamboo blinds are relatively
inexpensive and look great all year.

It’s easy to create a layered look with these
natural blinds and fabric drapes.

These tall windows look amazing with the striped 
curtains and woven blinds,
and what about those antique doors...

wow! 


How about this room with texture on
the ceiling, mantel and at the table?

These interesting wicker chairs are a mix of
industrial on the bottom, and beachy on the top!


I love how these vintage chairs are updated
with this fabulous nubby fabric
and whip-stitched detail.


It’s a great idea to add a little pop of color
for a fun element in a room so full
of natural fibers and a neutral palette.

I'm off to mix things up a bit at home!

I hope you guys are having an amazing day,
whatever you're doing.

I'm looking forward to the weekend,
and we're in the last stretch of the week,
so finish it off with something that makes you feel good!

Treat yourself to a little 
something special...

xoxo


ciao! fabiana

photo credit:
1 2 House Beautiful 
4 5 6 Traditional Home
7 Architectural Digest

June 24, 2017

to étagère with love


An étagère can become
the perfect focal point for a blank wall. 


When it’s beautifully styled,
you can have the option of changing it up
every season, when you feel
like it’s time for a little refresh. 


I love the vintage brass and bamboo
ones I’ve seen.

Both options offer a different timeless look.


They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Keep your eyes open at flea markets
or antique stores for just the right one.


They even look great in a kitchen,
where extra storage space is always welcomed.


I love all the kitchenware
and dishes that Happy Housie has on this étagère.

All my favorite colors and textures
are all in one place!


And look!

You can use it as the perfect beverage station for a party,
or just for to pamper yourself for everyday use.  


é·ta·gère [French ey-ta-zher] 
a stand with a series of open shelves 
for small objects, bric-a-brac, etc.


ciao! fabiana



photo credit:  My Domaine, I Suwannee, Living Spaces,
The Decorista, My Domaine, Planete-Deco France,
Happy Housie Blog, House Beautiful









June 23, 2017

switch to a summer home


The start of summer brings endless possibilities
for outdoor living options at home.

With the warmer weather,
our attitudes become more relaxed,
the kids are off school,
carpools and pick-ups slow down,
and our lifestyle at home reflects that
laid-back mood.

I love this easy breezy little porch
with the skateboard and sneakers 
waiting at the door.

It's the "kids are home for the summer" look!


This backyard is ready for summer too…
isn’t that giant checker board fabulous? 


Pillow ready at this adorable little
1930’s Spanish-style house in
San Mateo. 


This show house in the Hamptons is
party-ready all summer with my
favorite Serena & Lily chairs and
dramatic black and white striped drapes.


Super fancy outdoor tablescape
blue and white is always a favorite.


I love me a classic picnic table.
Look at how pretty this one
looks all dressed up! 


Here’s a wee little picnic table used as a beverage station.

All you need is some festive flags to complete the look!



ciao! fabiana


photo credits:
Elle Decor
Traditional Home
Country Living
Veranda

June 22, 2017

nantucket garden inspiration



Cathy Graham is a natural born artist
and in the latest issue of Veranda,
we are invited to catch a glimpse
inside her glorious Nantucket home
and garden.


Oh, that house!

This house is all that you imagine
Nantucket living to be! 

Gorgeous bright white interiors,
amazing old-fashioned porches.
and oodles and oodles of colorful summer blooms.


I love the artistry she
puts into her tablescapes!


Floribunda magnifique!


Cathy also has a fabulous book out called
“Second Bloom: Cathy Graham’s Art of the Table.”

A must read for summer parties!



ciao! fabiana

June 21, 2017

the homes of Ramona and Dorinda



It’s Wednesday,
and for us housewives fans,
that means it's RHONY night!

So for fun,
 I'll be sharing an up-to-date look at
Ramona Singer’s newly updated
Upper Eastside apartment,

and then we'll have 
a little look at Dorinda's amazing
"Blue Stone Manor" set in the beautiful
countryside of the Berkshires.

So, we'll start with Ramona's 
super chic Manhattan apartment...


Since her divorce,
Ramona’s been reinventing herself in
more ways than one.  

Out with the old, and in with the new!
Ramona's place now looks 
sophisticated and super hip.

It's the perfect pad for a single girl. 

Turtle time, anyone?


Doesn’t she look great for being 60?!


I love the updated and fresh white look
which starts as soon as you walk in the door.

It’s such an improvement!


There are some really nice contemporary
accessories and artwork and
they play wonderfully against all the
white and grays.


She started the transformation by
 removing all the overbearing drapes
and painting the walls decorator white.


White marble in the kitchen

is always a good idea!


She calls this apartment her “Sanctuary in the sky”.


Ramona was originally planning on selling this
apartment after the renovation, 
but it turned out so beautifully,
that she’s decided to stay here after all!


Pretty powder room…

And, you can’t beat its location near Central Park!


Here are some before pictures…


Such a HUGE improvement,
don’t you think?

Now moving on to Dorinda Medley’s fabulous
“Blue Stone Manor” in the Berkshires…


She has an apartment in the city,
but this amazing mansion is Dorinda’s true home.

She grew up here in Great Barrington,
and her mother and sister live close by,
so this home is really near and dear to her heart.

was built in 1904,
and the inside was redecorated
by Dorinda a few years back
with the help of the design firm of
Marshall Watson Interiors.

She humorously gave them the basic vibe
she wanted for the house, which was
"Marilyn Monroe meets Frankenstein!"

Of course, most of the original 
character and details of the home were
lovingly maintained. 


Oh, how I wish I was on the east coast because
Dorinda’s home is going to be featured in the
Lenox Garden Club’s
House & Garden Tour on
July 15th!

Wouldn’t it be fabulous to get a chance to
walk through Dorinda’s house and take an
up-close and personal look at all the
amazing details?


Well, for now, I can take you
on a little bit of a virtual tour…


This is her vibrant billiard room.


And here’s the easily
recognizable dining room,
where many a housewife has dined
and taken verbal jabs at each other.

By the way, Dorinda has about 15 sets of china
because she likes to have different options for the
different themed dinner parties she throws.

A girl after my own heart!


Here’s the spacious kitchen,
where Dorinda always whips
up a yummy home cooked meal,


and always makes it nice.


(Sorry I couldn’t resist!)


Details in one of the guest rooms.


And now on to the living room
with the blue lacquered walls. 


This is a very grand space with
great fun accent colors,


and there are plenty of
cozy spots to nestle with a good book
 and a cup of coffee,
or a  martini! 

If you're in this area Massachusetts
and plan to go on the home tour
please let me know! 


Cheers, Dorinda!



ciao! fabiana


photo credit:

Daily Mail UK, Town Vibe Berkshire, Bravo
Dorinda Medley on instagram & twitter






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