January 7, 2017

celebrating 1,000 posts!


Well, this is officially my 1,000th post! Since I started this blog in May of 2011, it’s been a fun way for me express my creative side and to share some of my favorites things with all of you. I do so appreciate your loyalty and interest in my little blog!  


I'll continue to share my favorite things with you. I love to keep it all on a POSITIVE note! I try to see the good side of most things, see the glass half full, and appreciate the little things in life. 

But of course, I’m not perfect. I’m human and have my ups and downs too. Sometimes we just need a little affirmation. 

And, if you get a chance, stop by every so often with a comment and let me know what you think or just say hi
     

do something amazing today! 

ciao,  fabiana

January 6, 2017

disneyland favorites


Yesterday started off as a rainy and chilly day, and we had planned to go to Disneyland, so we did, thinking it wouldn’t be very crowded. Well it was packed! Luckily the rain did stop, but we ended up going on only a few rides due to long lines and closed attractions. 

After riding Pirates of the Caribbean with the family, I took the opportunity to let the kids go on their favorite rides while I took in some of the scenery. Sleeping Beauty's castle is the iconic Disneyland landmark, and it's fun to walk through the narrow passages and see clips of the movie. The details inside and out are brilliant!


Disneyland’s garden spaces are theme-based and it’s fun to see this creative side of the park. These lettuces and citrus trees look amazing in the shadow of Tomorrowland. I love colors of each row of veggies!


For an authentic Mexican meal, we stopped in at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante and had street tacos, enchiladas and tamales. So good! The architecture is fun to look at and the tiled windows, niches and succulents are inspiring!


Walking down Main Street really does transport me (in my heart and soul) to an earlier decade. The shops, signage and quaint restaurants are beautifully detailed. The huge tree at one end is amazing, especially at night with all the gorgeous holiday lights twinkling! 


But, my favorite spot of all is New Orleans Square. It looks like they’re already getting ready for Mardi Gras! With the gumbo, beignets and Dixieland bands, it the next best thing to the big easy!


do something amazing today! 
ciao,  fabiana

January 5, 2017

inside Julianne Hough's l.a. home






A natural color palette of soft greens, blues, yellows and browns along with earthy, natural textures create the relaxed look and style of Julianne Hough’s newly decorated L.A. home. These elements, along with the pretty view of the garden, make her dining room so cozy and fun.




Elegant white drapes formalize the living room just a bit to off-set the casual relaxed vibe of this room. Faded fabrics and carpet add to that live in look.




The color of the kitchen cabinets is a mix of baby blue and green. She got the color just right, after several attempts. I love how the glass-front cabinets seem to float on the walls. This look is achieved by leaving the cabinets backless, and exposing the wall of tile.




The sweet breakfast nook also has great views of the garden and is right inside the large kitchen. Don’t the bistro chairs tie in nicely with the blue cabinets?




The black French doors frame the view perfectly!





All the natural wood, brick and woven light fixture turn up the warmth factor in the master bathroom. {Slightly obsessed with this look!} 

  



And speaking of obsessed, oh my! This outdoor space is so fabulous! That mirror is the perfect complement to the rustic brick fireplace. And there is something so soothing about the sound of gravel. Such a gorgeous outdoor room!




From the pages of this month’s BH&G magazine. 



ciao! fabiana


💕

While I’m here today, I wanted to share some of my "Tablescaping Essentials" with you. I have a whole page on the Amazon website with my favorite picks for setting a beautiful table.

Quite often time is of the essence, and I have last minute projects or events to work on, so I turn to Amazon for one or two day delivery. You’d be surprised at how many amazing items they have to offer! And I'm constantly updating this page with my new favorites. 



You can check it out here, at Tablescaping Essentials.



For more home tour inspiration,
check out this brand new book:











January 4, 2017

try paella for your next gathering


Being born in Buenos Aires and growing up with Argentine parents, I cherish most Argentine recipes and customs. My mother and my two aunts would always make paella during the holidays. 

Yes, paella is a staple dish in Argentina. Along with the USA, Argentina is a melting pot of cultures. We get pizza, pasta, and Milanese from the Italians, amazing wines and vineyards from the French, pastel de papa (shepherd’s pie) and high tea from the British and flan, churros, empanadas and paella from the Spanish. 

Paella is the perfect dish for large gatherings. My husband and I have made it on several occasions for family and friends, especially on Christmas eve. I'm sharing two recipes today. 

I make a simle version that includes chicken and mussels with the shrimp and chorizo (I like spicy Italian sausage). In my book, paella should also always include saffron, Spanish paprika, Arborio rice and then be finished off with peas, parsley and slices of roasted red peppers.   
    

This summer by friend Mandy celebrated her 40th birthday with a paella party in her back yard. My Paella Party, a local paella specialist here in Costa Mesa, cooked up the whole feast. It was fabulous! They even included fresh seabass that was caught earlier that day. They cooked it outdoors over an open flame and got the rice all crusty and delicious -- it was the perfect party food!  



ciao! fabiana


photo credit:  rodale's organic life 


January 2, 2017

journaling for a better new year



Journaling is a great outlet that can lead to personal growth and development. It’s also a great way to reduce stress as it improves your mental and physical strength. Here are some amazing tips from Tiny Buddha that will make it easier to start:

   1. Start writing about where you are in your life at this moment.
Describe your living situation, your work, and your relationships. Are you right where you want to be? For five to ten minutes just start writing in a “stream of consciousness.”

2. Don’t edit your thoughts or feelings and don’t correct your grammar. Don’t censor your thoughts.

3. Start a dialogue with your inner child by writing in your subdominant hand. Answer with your dominant hand. What issues emerge?

4. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by maintaining a daily list of things you appreciate, including uplifting quotes. Keep it in one journal or in a separate section so that you can read through it all at once. When you feel down you can read through it for a boost of gratitude and happiness.

5. Start a journal of self-portraits. You can take pictures, draw colors or shapes or collage images. Learn to love and accept yourself just the way you are today.

6. Keep a nature diary to connect with the natural world. The world we live in is a magical and mysterious place. Record the things you notice about the sky, the weather, and the seasons.

7. Maintain a log of successes. Begin by writing the big ones you remember then regularly jot down small successes that occur during the week. As you pay attention, your list will grow and inspire you.

8. Keep a log or playlist of your favorite songs. Write about the moods they evoke. When you hear a song that triggers a strong memory, write down how you feel and explore that time and space of your life.

9. If there’s something you are struggling with or an event that’s disturbing you, write about it in the third person. This will give you distance and provide a new perspective. Write down what you learned about yourself.

10. Develop your intuition. Write down questions or concerns then take a deep breath and listen for a response from your Higher Self. Let yourself write automatically. If you don’t get an answer right away, look for signs during the day.

We all have dark days, black moods, and anxious feelings. Use writing in a journal to explore the darkness. You will find your inner light when you do. 


You’ll be surprised by how writing a few words a day can affect your well-being. And don’t think of it as a chore. Make it part of your routine and just let the words flow….


Most of the journals pictured are available here.


do something amazing today! 

fabiana


January 1, 2017

happy new year




Wishing you all a very happy new year! With the holiday season winding down, we can all take a deep breath and think beautiful thoughts for the new year. 

As the Christmas decorations get put away and the evergreen garlands get tossed, we are left with a clean slate in our homes and in our lives.





January is a month for reflection and hope. What do you wish for in the new year? 





I am not one for resolutions. I believe in setting goals. I like to make a list of goals and things I’d like to do or change in the new year. 

There’s more satisfaction for me in being able to check off an accomplishment from my list than to constantly have a resolution nagging me in the back of my mind. 

I'm going to start my list with "Do something amazing today!" The possiblities are endless! 

    



love to you all! fabiana






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