a beautiful and easy valentine treat

Step out of the kitchen and check out my favorite no-bake treats for Valentine's Day this year... stop by Trader Joe's and Costco for these beautiful and truly yummy treats.

And aren't these blush colored stock flowers perfect? They're from TJ's as well.

The chocolate mousse heart cake is from Trader Joe's and the lovely raspberry macarons are from Costco, believe it or not! 

Here’s what they look like in their packaging.

We had this cake for dessert last night, and I’m headed back to pick up another today, since my family loved it so much!

Here’s what it looks like all dressed up with some fresh raspberries… yum!

ciao! fabiana

Favorite Trader Joe's Cookbook:

a new light fixture and tablescape

Yountville Woven Abaca Pendant by Serena & Lily

I can finally share my little secret with you all. It’s just that I get really excited about new décor, and I've been patiently waiting to share with you… 

Last week I received this new light fixture from Serena & Lily, and I’m soooo thrilled with how it looks in my dining nook!

I didn’t want to share it immediately, because I wanted you all to get the full effect of it, plus I still needed to declutter from the holidays, believe it or not, haha!  

This pendant is actually woven Abaca macramé and in the evening when it’s lit, it gives off the most divine mandala pattern on the ceiling and walls! 

I had to google Abaca, because I’d never heard of it, but it’s a natural fiber from the Philippines similar to hemp and banana leaves. 

And it’s just about time to share my simple table top décor that I have in place for the month of February. A few fresh flowers gets me in the mood for love, no really, it just gets me in a good mood!

A few heart-shaped desserts not only look amazing, but taste so yummy too! Be sure to check back tomorrow for this very budget-friendly no-bake dessert idea. It’s so easy!

In addition to this super beachy Yountville Woven Pendant over my table, I’ve incorporated some of my other favorite Serena & Lily items for this look.

A set of three Amana Brass Candlesticks

Navy Blue Gingham Napkins

Round Raffia Placemats

Riviera Side Chairs

I’m so happy with the coastal charm that this pendant adds to the room. It’s over-sized and really makes a statement, and it’s even visible from the front door, so you can see it when you walk into the house. 

I originally had my eye on this pendant, but when I saw the picture below on pinterest, I was smitten with the Yountville style!

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for my easy valentine dessert ideas!

ciao! fabiana

For lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!

Disclaimer:  I received some of these Serena & Lily items for free and all opinions are truly my own.

romantic and sweet ideas for february

January’s been filled with lots of work in the garden for me, but I’m already working on some feminine and pretty ideas for Valentine’ day.  

What are your favorite flowers to decorate with during February?

I tend to gravitate towards tulips, which are so fun for Spring, but roses and peonies are definitely a favorite! Especially in those gorgeous pink hues.

I’ve got a little something more subtle in the works with accessories by Serena & Lily and one of my favorite Galentine’s Day tablescapes will be debuting on the Cottages and Bungalows website very soon too!

I can’t wait for you all to see it! It’s quite festive and such a fun way to celebrate with the “gals”!

ciao! fabiana

For lots of fun extras, please follow me on instagram!

sunday flea market sale!

Flea market Sunday is always a fun day, so I thought I’d bring a little flea market fun to you, even if you’re just looking!

If you’re a regular reader on the blog, you know I have a deep affection for vintage plates. They’re soooo pretty on a table, but I also love them on a featured wall!

I have some of my favorite blue and white plates displayed on the wall in my family room and it adds color and charm to an otherwise boring little wall.

Over the years I’ve acquired so many pretty plates. It’s so fun collecting them! You may remember this display I created for Romantic Homes. ↑

Well, I’ve been going through my collection and creating unique little groupings of adorable shabby chic plates that are ready to hang on the wall. I have over ten collections that are available right now.

Cottage collection #1

They vary in size and pattern, but I think they coordinate nicely with each other to create one-of-a-kind wall displays.

Cottage collection #2 

All you need are inexpensive plate hangers that are available at most hardware stores. They’re so easy to install too! You get instant gratification in only a few minutes time!

The plates included in these collections are ones that have been showcased on the blog and a few fun magazines too!

Country cottage collection #4

There are several different collections in slightly different colors, and many of the plates included are French Limoges, fine Bavarian china and pretty English patterns.

Vintage green collection #5

This collection is one of my favorites, because if features so many different styles of plates, but they’re all unified by the lovely green tones.

Last Easter I set this cheery little table in blue and white with contrasting yellow flowers like daffodils and tulips.

Some of my favorite little blue and white cream and sugar containers were used to hold the pretty spring flowers. I had a group of them running down the center of the table.

These are now available at flea market prices. I’m starting to also make collections of other blue and white tableware available on the blog shop.

This little pitcher with the swimming fish is adorable. It's perfect for holding beautiful white hydrangeas pretty pink peonies or a collection of cottage flowers.

A darling little heart-shaped box is the perfect gift for a loved one and would be even more special filled with little treats or even some heirloom jewelry!

I'll be listing more little treasures from my collection over the next few weeks on the blog shop, so check back soon!

Happy Sunday!

ciao! fabiana

My favoirte Flea Market books:

rainy days and thursdays

It’s been raining nonstop for the past five days here in So Cal, and I’m secretly loving it! In between downpours I’ve been out working in the garden… planting, feeding, rearranging… a fun change of pace. It reminds me of being in England and tending to my cottage garden!

This first picture was taken in Geneva, Illinois this summer and I love all the time-worn textures and cheery flowers in this vignette. I hope to recreate a similar vibe  near my own shed.

Serena & Lily really know how to design lovely casual décor, don’t you think? I have a tiny little secret that I’m excited about, and can’t divulge yet, but there’s a clue in this photo. ↑

With all the work I’ve been doing outdoors, I’m looking forward to those sunny spring days!

The lavender has grown so much over the past year, and I’m also looking forward to harvesting it and creating amazing little fragrant bouquets for the table.

And the lemon tree is packed full right now! I harvested three bushels this week, but there are hundreds of lemons still on this tree!

I’m sharing a few of my very favorite lemon recipes very soon… so please check back with me…

ciao! fabiana

for lots of fun extras, please follow me on instagram!

a little something to root for

With the winter blahs affecting some of us, January’s the perfect month to add a little greenery to our homes.

All you need is a something as simple as a beautiful evergreen branch or palm frond cut from your backyard or neighborhood. Set it in an over-sized glass vase and you'll be surprised how this little change can brighten up a  whole room.  

ciao! fabiana

for lots of fun extras, please follow me on instagram!

photo credit: Domino, Country Living and Luxe magazines

blue and white gingham finds

This past Thursday, I had a few extra minutes before my hair salon appointment, so I ran into my favorite little thrift store to check out their new arrivals.

I ended up finding one pretty blue and white ginger jar, and as I was paying for it, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a semi-clear storage box filled with blue and white goodies galore!

Long story short, I was unable to open the box until after purchase, but inside I could tell that it was filled with tableware in cobalt blue and white! 

So, when I brought it home, I was pleasantly surprised to find a full set of eight plates, bowls, salad plates, glasses and flatware!

Not only that, but there were lots of fun extras as well. So there’s good news and bad news. The bad news first… 

I’m running out of storage space for all my found treasures, so the good news is, some of my favorite tableware is now for sale on my Blog Shop!

Among the goodies in the box are these adorable “picnicware” plates, as I’m calling them. The plates have that classic picnic gingham pattern on them in my most favorite shade of blue.

In the very first photo above, you can spot the mugs and bowls which are available!

And they feature little fleur de lys in the pattern too!

So now for the FUN stuff...

The four piece service set with the amazing

cobalt acrylic handles is for sale.

This set includes a serving spoon, serving fork, 

pie server and slotted serving spoon.

A set of four cobalt blue glass tumblers is also available.

Imagine these on your alfresco table this summer set with blue and white plates and fresh yellow lemons strewn across the table as an accent!

I love these adorable salt and pepper shakers. They’re quite large and really are just the prettiest shade of blue.

In addition to all the lovely blue items, I also have some vintage amethyst glassware available from my collection.

And who doesn’t love Eiffel tower collectables? These antiqued iron bottle openers would be perfect in a French Cottage style home or as a gift for someone special.

Here are a few adorable pieces from my collection of vintage china and glassware that’s available. The delicate white and green set was found at an estate sale in Geneva, Illinois and is Haviland & Co. Limoges from France. Check out the other listings here.

This is my little way of bring my favorite thrift stores and estate sales to you. Have fun browsing and maybe shopping!   

ciao! fabiana

Visit the Blog Shop on Ebay here.