my friday five

The  Tablelands model home

Wow, it’s Friday!

We made it through the first “official” week of summer

and I’m enjoying our summer schedule soooo much!

School just let out for us last week, so here

in Newport, the kids are spending lots

of time at the beach.

So that means lots of 

sand is filtering its way into the house,

I’ve got loads of beach towels to wash,

and lots of sunscreen to apply!

It is so fun!  

And now, we can look forward

to 4th of July in a few days too.

We’ve already been hearing the pops 

and bangs every night from the local fireworks 

people are randomly setting off…

my dogs are terrified, ugh!

Anyways, this weekend I’m looking forward to

checking out a new community of homes here in

Eastside Costa Mesa, called Tablelands.

The model is now open on Sundays,

so I’ll be taking a peek, and I can’t wait to see it,

 because the model was designed

by Shannon Wilkins of Prairie Interiors and

she’s got a really fun fresh farmhouse style I love!  

This week I stopped into Roger’s Gardens

to grab a few lavender and boxwood plants

to fill in a few empty spot in my garden,

and took a shot of this pretty outdoor table

just for you all!

I just love the pretty blue glasses on the table.

They really liven up the whole table. 

I love the herb section at Roger’s.

They integrate edible flowers and cute

garden accessories so beautifully. 

I’m tuning up my bike this weekend... 

filling the tires with air and oiling things up.

It’s so fun to ride around town

instead of getting in that hot car!

And speaking of bikes,

Here’s a  cute pic from Marissa Hermer’s

new cookbook, “An American Girl in London”.

Doesn’t her Couscous and Tomato salad look good?

This is what I'm making for Saturday...

Herby Couscous with Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

1½ lbs. cherry tomatoes, halved
2 red onions, peeled and cut into 8 wedges each
¼ cup plus 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 tsp. black pepper, divided
3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
2½ cups uncooked pearl couscous
1 cup pitted, roughly chopped kalamata olives
1 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
½ cup finely chopped fresh mint
½ cup finely chopped fresh basil
1½ tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3 oz. feta cheese (about ¾ cup crumbled)

1. Preheat oven to 250°. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Place cherry tomatoes, cut side up, and onion wedges on baking tray. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bake until caramelized, sticky and sweet, about 2 hours.

2. Meanwhile, bring stock to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add couscous, and simmer 6 minutes. Remove from heat; cover, and let stand until all of the stock is soaked up, about 10 minutes. Spread couscous on a large, clean baking tray to cool.

do something amazing this weekend! 

ciao,  fabiana

photo credits:

Tablelands

Ciao Newport Beach blog

Country Living

Marissa Hermer

the textures of summer

I’m so happy that summer’s officially here!

I love pulling out textural pieces

to accessorize the house,

so today it’s all about looking for

new inspirational ways to

change things up a bit at home.

Bamboo, wicker, raffia, seagrass, sisal and burlap

are great ways to add a

 little dimension to your decor.

Isn’t it fab how tropical houseplants

can instantly put you in a summer mood?

And bright and cheerful geraniums

epitomize the warmer seasons.   

Imagine how boring this room would be 

without all the plants and natural textures. 

A simple way to update a front entry,

is to just add a basket or two.

They’ll provide extra storage and

add a little coastal vibe to your home.

I love the zig-zaggy pattern on these!  

Woven wood or bamboo blinds are relatively

inexpensive and look great all year.

It’s easy to create a layered look with these

natural blinds and fabric drapes.

These tall windows look amazing with the striped 

curtains and woven blinds,

and what about those antique doors...

wow! 

How about this room with texture on

the ceiling, mantel and at the table?

These interesting wicker chairs are a mix of

industrial on the bottom, and beachy on the top!

I love how these vintage chairs are updated

with this fabulous nubby fabric

and whip-stitched detail.

It’s a great idea to add a little pop of color

for a fun element in a room so full

of natural fibers and a neutral palette.

I'm off to mix things up a bit at home!

I hope you guys are having an amazing day,

whatever you're doing.

I'm looking forward to the weekend,

and we're in the last stretch of the week,

so finish it off with something that makes you feel good!

Treat yourself to a little 

something special...

xoxo

ciao! fabiana

photo credit:

1 2 House Beautiful 

3 4 5 6 Traditional Home

7 Architectural Digest

to étagère with love

An étagère can become

the perfect focal point for a blank wall. 

When it’s beautifully styled,

you can have the option of changing it up

every season, when you feel

like it’s time for a little refresh. 

I love the vintage brass and bamboo

ones I’ve seen.

Both options offer a different timeless look.

They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Keep your eyes open at flea markets

or antique stores for just the right one.

They even look great in a kitchen,

where extra storage space is always welcomed.

I love all the kitchenware

and dishes that Happy Housie has on this étagère.

All my favorite colors and textures

are all in one place!

And look!

You can use it as the perfect beverage station for a party,

or just for to pamper yourself for everyday use.  

é·ta·gère [French ey-ta-zher] 

a stand with a series of open shelves 

for small objects, bric-a-brac, etc.

ciao! fabiana

photo credit:  My Domaine, I Suwannee, Living Spaces,

The Decorista, My Domaine, Planete-Deco France,

Happy Housie Blog, House Beautiful

switch to a summer home

The start of summer brings endless possibilities

for outdoor living options at home.

With the warmer weather,

our attitudes become more relaxed,

the kids are off school,

carpools and pick-ups slow down,

and our lifestyle at home reflects that

laid-back mood.

I love this easy breezy little porch

with the skateboard and sneakers 

waiting at the door.

It's the "kids are home for the summer" look!

This backyard is ready for summer too…

isn’t that giant checker board fabulous? 

Pillow ready at this adorable little

1930’s Spanish-style house in

San Mateo. 

This show house in the Hamptons is

party-ready all summer with my

favorite Serena & Lily chairs and

dramatic black and white striped drapes.

Super fancy outdoor tablescape…

blue and white is always a favorite.

I love me a classic picnic table.

Look at how pretty this one

looks all dressed up! 

Here’s a wee little picnic table used as a beverage station.

All you need is some festive flags to complete the look!

ciao! fabiana

photo credits:

Elle Decor

Traditional Home

Country Living

Veranda

nantucket garden inspiration

Cathy Graham is a natural born artist

 and gardening enthusiast

and in the latest issue of Veranda,

we are invited to catch a glimpse

inside her glorious Nantucket home

and garden.

Oh, that house!

This house is all that you imagine

Nantucket living to be! 

Gorgeous bright white interiors,
amazing old-fashioned porches.
and oodles and oodles of colorful summer blooms.

I love the artistry she

puts into her tablescapes!

Floribunda magnifique!

Cathy also has a fabulous book out called

“Second Bloom: Cathy Graham’s Art of the Table.”

A must read for summer parties!

ciao! fabiana

the homes of Ramona and Dorinda

It’s Wednesday,

and for us housewives fans,

that means it's RHONY night!

So for fun,
 I'll be sharing an up-to-date look at

Ramona Singer’s newly updated

Upper Eastside apartment,

and then we'll have 
a little look at Dorinda's amazing
"Blue Stone Manor" set in the beautiful
countryside of the Berkshires.

So, we'll start with Ramona's 
super chic Manhattan apartment...

Since her divorce,

Ramona’s been reinventing herself in

more ways than one.  

Out with the old, and in with the new!
Ramona's place now looks 
sophisticated and super hip.

It's the perfect pad for a single girl. 

Turtle time, anyone?

Doesn’t she look great for being 60?!

I love the updated and fresh white look

which starts as soon as you walk in the door.

It’s such an improvement!

There are some really nice contemporary

accessories and artwork and

they play wonderfully against all the

white and grays.

She started the transformation by

 removing all the overbearing drapes

and painting the walls decorator white.

White marble in the kitchen

is always a good idea!

She calls this apartment her “Sanctuary in the sky”.

Ramona was originally planning on selling this

apartment after the renovation, 
but it turned out so beautifully,

that she’s decided to stay here after all!

Pretty powder room…

And, you can’t beat its location near Central Park!

Here are some before pictures…

Such a HUGE improvement,

don’t you think?

Now moving on to Dorinda Medley’s fabulous

“Blue Stone Manor” in the Berkshires…

Luanne, Ramona and Dorinda

She has an apartment in the city,

but this amazing mansion is Dorinda’s true home.

She grew up here in Great Barrington,

and her mother and sister live close by,

so this home is really near and dear to her heart.

The stately Tudor-style home 

was built in 1904,

and the inside was redecorated

by Dorinda a few years back

with the help of the design firm of

Marshall Watson Interiors.

She humorously gave them the basic vibe

she wanted for the house, which was

"Marilyn Monroe meets Frankenstein!"

Of course, most of the original 

character and details of the home were

lovingly maintained. 

Oh, how I wish I was on the east coast because

Dorinda’s home is going to be featured in the

Lenox Garden Club’s

House & Garden Tour on

July 15^th!

Wouldn’t it be fabulous to get a chance to

walk through Dorinda’s house and take an

up-close and personal look at all the

amazing details?

Well, for now, I can take you

on a little bit of a virtual tour…

This is her vibrant billiard room.

And here’s the easily

recognizable dining room,

where many a housewife has dined

and taken verbal jabs at each other.

By the way, Dorinda has about 15 sets of china

because she likes to have different options for the

different themed dinner parties she throws.

A girl after my own heart!

Here’s the spacious kitchen,

where Dorinda always whips

up a yummy home cooked meal,

and always makes it nice.

(Sorry I couldn’t resist!)

Details in one of the guest rooms.

And now on to the living room

with the blue lacquered walls. 

This is a very grand space with

great fun accent colors,

and there are plenty of

cozy spots to nestle with a good book

 and a cup of coffee,

or a  martini! 

If you're in this area Massachusetts

and plan to go on the home tour, 

please let me know! 

Cheers, Dorinda!

ciao! fabiana


photo credit:

Daily Mail UK, Town Vibe Berkshire, Bravo
Dorinda Medley on instagram & twitter