the ultimate outdoor fireplace

One of our neighbors in Hilton Head has the most amazing brick outdoor fireplace. Here’s a sneak peek just for you! I just love the symmetry and scale of it.

It’s perfect for warming you up on those cool coastal evenings. 

Since the front yard is the beach, the fireplace sitting area is located in the expansive side yard of this home! 

There’s a luscious green lawn and it’s surrounded by more beautiful brickwork on the home, gates and hardscape. I love the classic Charleston green on all the shutters.   

I really love the lattice work design of the brick. Open design for brick walls is popular here the south. It really helps with air flow and looks gorgeous! 

The path leading to the fireplace and more!

Here’s the view from the front, right on the beach.

One of my favorite houses ever!

ciao! fabiana

carolina on my mind

We just got back from an amazing trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. That part of the country is gorgeous and so full of history.  

I truly love it there, but it’s so nice to be back home!  I'll be sharing some of the highlights of the trip with you in the next few days. 

ciao! fabiana

beach house style done right

My favorite elements in a beach house are crisp white walls, exposed natural wood and comfortable casual furniture. Always throw in a few sentimental vintage pieces and keep the palette cool with blues and other ocean hues. Don’t overdo it with “obvious” beach accessories, and keep everything grounded with natural textiles and rugs.   

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”.

Photo Credit: Coastal Living and Traditional Home

summer tomato tarts

Now is the time to enjoy those last tomatoes of the season before fall brings the summer harvest to an end. Here’s a yummy and elegant way to incorporate those little summer gems into a delicious treat. Serve them in decorative muffin papers to really wow your guests!   

Ingredients

1 (17.3-oz.) pkg. frozen puff pastry sheets, partially thawed

½ cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

10 ounce sharp Cheddar cheese, finely shredded (2 ½  cups)

11 ounces multicolored cherry tomatoes (about 3 cups), halved

2 tablespoons torn fresh basil

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Gently unfold both pastry sheets. Spread ¼ cup mayonnaise on each pastry sheet; sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.

2. Cut each pastry sheet into 9 (3-inch) squares. Gently press squares into 2 lightly greased muffin pans. Divide cheese and tomatoes among tarts.

3. Bake in preheated oven until pastry is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool in pans on a wire rack 5 minutes. Top with torn fresh basil. Serve immediately.

ciao! fabiana


via Southern Living

relax and take time

“Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.” --Pope Francis

ciao! fabiana