camps and cottages

I just love shopping locally for the holidays, and that means my favorite spots are right here in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa. 

A short scenic drive down Pacific Coast Highway takes me to Laguna and some of the cutest shops in the area. One of my new faves is Camps & Cottages owned by Molly Hyde English. 

Stepping into this store transports me back to upstate New York and shopping in antique shops and rustic stores near the Adirondack Mountains and the Hudson River Valley, but this store also has an added bohemian beach style that is so Laguna!

Shop owner Molly has a keen eye for beautiful finds that fit the theme of her store appropriately called “Camps & Cottages”. Pillows, oil paintings, rustic furniture, and slipcovered chairs are stylishly arranged in a cozy, homey style that I just love!    

It was a real treat to finally meet Molly, as she’s the author of one of my favorite home décor books, Contemporary Cottages. You know I’ve mentioned a few times here on the blog how that book covers so many of the designers I love and features several homes seen on the Newport Harbor Home & Garden Tour. 

You know I’ve mentioned a few times here on the blog how that book covers so many of the designers I love and features several homes seen on the Newport Harbor Home & Garden Tour. 

I’m headed back to Camps & Cottages later this week to pick up a few Christmas things and maybe a pillow or two! And check back again soon for the inside scoop on more fun shopping spots.... 

ciao! fabiana 

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Check out Molly's book here:

getting in the Christmas mood

To be honest with you, I haven't added one stitch of Christmas décor to my home this year. I'm trying to motivate myself this week, but I've been lazy, with a capital "L"! 🤫 

I've just finished discarding my huge collection of pumpkins that I've somehow been acquiring since September, and I finally feel like I have a clean slate and can now focus on Christmas.  

In the meantime, I'm sharing my favorite snapshots of my home from last year as it was styled in anticipation of my Christmas photo shoot with Cottages & Bungalows magazine. I’m hoping revisiting these pics will motivate me to get my act together this year! 

These are shots that I took with my own camera showcasing some of the details from my family room, breakfast room, dining room and living room. 

You know I do love a fabulous tablescape, and this one was inspired by wanting to wake up on Christmas morning to feel as though we’re in a “Winter Wonderland”.  Can you see the snow covering the center of the table? BTW, the fabulous brass candlesticks are from Serena & Lily.

  

This large lantern is so fun to use during any season. It's also appeared in Country Sampler Farmhouse Style as a 4th of July vignette, seen below. 

You can catch a glimpse of the twinkly tree here in the dining room mirror. I love the simple use of fresh greens and not much else to keep thing simplified. The aroma of evergreens in itself, gets me in the holiday spirit.  

Our tree will not be in this spot this year due to some work we’re having done in the living room. It’s definitely going to be a simplified Christmas this year! 

I'm thinking of just getting a smaller fresh tree to have in the family room so we can enjoy it from the kitchen, as well. Do you have your tree up yet?

I’m working on a fun holiday project that I’ll let you in on soon... until then I’m just gathering inspiration and doing a little window shopping. I’m thinking of heading to Ikea today. They always have some fun, inexpensive goodies.   

And remember, you can see the whole layout of my home in the current issue of Cottages & Bungalows. 

ciao! fabiana 

P.S.  I have a whole page on the Amazon website with my favorite picks for setting a beautiful table. You can check it out here, at “Tablescaping Essentials”*. 

*affiliate links used. 

  

new favorites I love

Vagabond House Acorn Flatware

When I started this blog back in 2011, my main motivation was to have a way to share some of my favorite things with my friends and readers. And that notion still holds true today. I love sharing new finds, favorite recipes and decorating tips with all of you. 

I was recently introduced to five new companies that have become personal resources that I just adore! 

  

1. Vagabond House  You may have seen my Thanksgiving tables set with this heirloom quality pewter flatware. It’s absolutely stunning! Luxury tableware is their thing, and they do it so well. From holiday ware to hostess gifts, they cover it all. 

Vietri

2. Vietri  Renowned around the world, Vietri is Italian ceramics and glassware at its finest. I recently received the most gorgeous leaf patterned dishes that are so lovely to use at holiday gatherings.

Keep your eyes open for a Christmas tablescape I have in the works featuring some of these gorgeous plates!

This weekend I'll be whipping up a delicious artichoke dip for our annual block party, and I can't wait to serve it in this adorable  artichoke bowl. 

I’m also excited to announce that you can get 20% of any Vietri purchase with the promo code FABIANA20. 

Bakerhill rug by Boutique Rugs

3. Boutique Rugs  I love the selection and affordable prices at Boutique Rugs. I recently order this glamorous white Bakerhill style for my living room that’s currently being redone.  

We’re shaking things up here with the help of my contractor George, and it shouldn’t be too long now before we can roll out this beauty!  

4. H2rOse is a rose water and saffron infused beverage designed for health-conscious people on the go. I’ve been spraying rose water on my face and body for decades, and I’m so happy I have another alternative to this natural delight. Here’s why this rose water drink is amazing... 

Benefits of Rose Water & Saffron: 

1. Improves skin complexion and appearance 

2. Mood enhancing and calming effects 

3. Increases satiety (decreases appetite) 

4. Eases digestion 

5. Promotes better sleep at night 

6. Super hydrating (promotes fluid retention) 

If you don’t like the taste of plain water, drinking H2rOse is the next best thing. Made with real rose water, this beverage not only hydrates you, but also provides multiple health benefits, and it’s only 40 calories per bottle! Choose from several fruity flavors like peach, apple, mango and wild berry. For locals, it's available at Ralph's, Gelson's and Whole Food Markets.

5.  100% Pure  I recently visited the 100% PURE shop and spa in Fashion Island and was treated to a Vitamin C Blast facial. I was soooo happy with how this facial left my skin so bright and refreshed, that I added 100% Pure’s Vitamin C Serum to my daily routine. I have to say, I’m really pleased with the results I've seen over the past several weeks! 

After spending most of the warm months outdoors, don’t you notice that our skin typically has more sun damage and dark spots? Vitamin C is the perfect skin-brightening ingredient to correct skin tone and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.  

If you’re in Fashion Island, stop by 100% Pure and check out their amazing skin care line and spa treatments. December’s the perfect month to start pampering and hydrating your skin! 

I hope you'll pop in again soon as I share some of my favorite Christmas shopping locals in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach...

ciao! fabiana 

*some affiliate links used.