Color Story: Yellow Crush

Color Story: Yellow Crush

Perhaps it's the settling in after a dreamy tropical vacation getaway, the pins and needles concern for our friends in the path of the hurricanes or the review of 9/11 on Monday, but I feel the need for a bit of cheer today. A shot of sunny yellow is just what the mood doctor ordered from my board "Yellow Crush" on Pinterest.

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COLOR STORY: Blush

COLOR STORY: Blush

The first home I owned was a condo in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles, in La Crescenta. Though it was small, purchasing it was a huge milestone in my life. It was a brand spanking new one bedroom, one bath space with a balcony that overlooked a luscious garden of fragrant orange trees from the neighboring house. It was perfect for me.

Though I kept the color scheme neutral, back in the late 1980’s, I sought out the perfect shade of blush paint for the walls of my bedroom. The color, chameleon as the light changed throughout the day, added just the right amount of warmth to my space.  Blush is a universally flattering shade which is always a good thing, especially in the bedroom.

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Color Story: Navy Blue

Color Story: Navy Blue

After donating my leather pumps, a chic little handbag and a stylish suit in this color, several years ago, this shade suddenly seems fresh again. I’m talking about the color navy blue. The one dress I bought on my recent trip to Paris was, you guessed it, a chic shade of navy blue. It felt so right for Paris and for fall in California.

 

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How to Make a Limoncello Spritzer - A Taste of Positano

How to Make a Limoncello Spritzer - A Taste of Positano

One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer.  Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner ‘digestivo’. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I’ve ever made.

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In the Mood: Dine Al Fresco at Home

In the Mood: Dine Al Fresco at Home

Though I've enjoyed elaborate al fresco dining in the past, like this date night at home for Valentine's Day, a simple tapas menu is my favorite. It's easy to put together a platter of olives, nuts, crackers, cheeses, a bottle of chilled sauvignon blanc or rose', some pretty linen napkins and you have a perfect al fresco snack.

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Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner At Home for Valentine's Day

Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner At Home for Valentine's Day

It was an unusually warm Valentine’s Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering, so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress free date night and an al fresco dinner at home.

 

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Creating a "Sunny Escape" for Our House Guests

Creating a "Sunny Escape" for Our House Guests

Scott and I had the pleasure of hosting house guests for the long weekend. It was late summer and the weather was picture perfect for poolside lounging and some outdoor fun in Chico. My sister, Dorie, and her guy Michael, were up from Newport Beach for the weekend and I wanted to create a “sunny escape” for my special house guests. My first step is to prepare the guest roomFreshly washed linens, fluffy towels, candles and fresh flowers are a must. For this visit I added some lovely dark calla lilies to the mirrored bedside table.

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Creating a Welcoming Guest Room

Creating a Welcoming Guest Room

Be my guest! It's finally the summer season which means many of us will be doing some travel of some variety. It may be a luxury resort, a tour, a road trip, a camping adventure or visiting friends and loved ones for a vacation. With that in mind, I've been in the mood to update our guest room for summertime guests.

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