patriotic curb appeal

On my way to visit a friend in Corona del Mar yesterday, I spotted this beauty!

The details are perfect.

White House, black shutters and front door,

symmetrical succulent pots,

and just a touch of red white and blue! 

ciao! fabiana

my favorite garden tomato recipes

Those summer tomatoes just keep coming! Here are five of my favorite go-to recipes that I have made over the years, but especially this year with my lovely crops of heirloom tomatoes. 

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup  is a recipe from Ina Garten and is one of my family’s favorites, especially paired with grilled cheese sandwiches.  I make a big batch and freeze half for another time. 

Stuffed Artichokes remind me of my grandmother who made a similar recipe, and wow, what a treat!  

Alexis’ Chopped Vegetable Salad is named for Martha Stewart’s daughter, Alexis.  I make this salad during the summer when it gets really hot out.  It’s cool and refreshing, as well as yummy and nutritious. 

Salad Shirazi is a popular traditional Persian salad that originated the city of Shiraz in Southern Iran. The main ingredients are chopped cucumber, tomato, onion and a little lemon juice. 

Spaghetti alla Checca is a quick and basic pasta made with lots of fresh chopped tomatoes, garlic and basil. 

If you try one of these recipes, 

let me know what you think!

ciao! fabiana

a morning in laguna beach

Laguna Beach is just a short drive from my home, and I love taking a little field trip down that way every so often. Laguna Beach is so different from Newport Beach.  It really has a European vibe about it.  

Originally an art colony, Laguna’s buildings, homes, and gardens have a really unique style.  There’s so much creativity throughout the city and it’s the perfect locale for a little adventure.  The ever-changing rocky coastline and secluded beaches are always fun to explore, too!   

Breakfast at The Urth Café is a treat.  It sits in a prominent spot on Coast Highway right across from the Laguna Art Museum.  It's the former location of The Cottage Restaurant which was a favorite of locals and visitors alike.  

The Urth Café offers more outdoor seating than The Cottage did, but service can be slow.  Make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy the scene and enough money for the parking meters. This pretty mosaic fountain sits at the corner of the restaurant and is visible from the street.  

This fruit plate from Urth Café was just as tasty as it was pretty.

Blue & white sea creature mosaic spotted 
at Crystal Cove State Beach.

The garden nurseries in Laguna are so fun to explore. A lot of them feature vintage items mingled in with the plants and pottery. This bubbling fountain was spotted at the Laguna Nursery. I love the way they set this vintage looking pot on the pebbles and crushed blue glass.  

This little vignette is from Madison Square & Garden Café.  They have a low-key little restaurant with seating sprinkled in among their fun garden store. This is a great place to get inspired, nosh and bring your pup.  They are a dog friendly restaurant and garden!

Zeus or Moses? 

Not sure, but this guy was all ready for the 4th of July holiday.  

He was also spotted at the fabulous Laguna Nursery. 

ciao! fabiana

7 easy summer hair styles

Seven classic and youthful hair options 
shown on Gigi Hadid.

Which one would you pick for yourself?

My faves are 3 and 4.

via inStyle

ciao! fabiana

happy 4th

The July 4th always brings happy memories of going all out and decorating our bikes throughout the years for our local bike parade.  Wishing you and yours a wonderful Independence Day!! 

ciao! fabiana

photo via Martha Stewart