pretty motivation for the weekend

I have to admit, since the beginning of the year, I’ve struggled a bit to find the motivation that I usually have. I kind of like to start the year fresh with a clean slate, and recalibrate myself for the new year ahead, but this year it's taking me longer than usual to get motivated.

That’s why I love the simplicity of this quote by Mark Twain. I do find that when I push myself just a little, it really helps to get the ball rolling with whatever endeavor that I’m starting to work on.

And, seeing a pretty kitchen like this, full of gorgeous flowers, always pumps me up, just a little bit... 

Look at those amazing lilacs! I can almost smell their intense fragrance just from their beauty in these photos.  

These dazzling photos are from the latest issue of Country Living, and they're really motivating me to look ahead towards spring, when everything is blooming around me. For those of you who live in utterly chilly conditions, take a moment and think about the renewal of Spring, and that it's not too far off!

Isn’t this cupboard styled beautifully? And look, in the next photo, there it is again, but styled a little differently with just pretty collection of white ironstone.

And I love marble subway tiles on the back wall of these shelves! 

😍 

I'm also loving these vintage bistro chairs... in my favorite color! Aren't they so special in this all white and neutral room?

And speaking of chairs, I love the quirkiness of these bar stools. I'd love a pair of these in my kitchen.

And as a final note... a blue and white room with a pop of yellow daffodils for fun! If this doesn't say "Spring", I don't know what does!

I hope you stay plenty warm and dry this weekend!

I'm quite enjoying the rain from inside 😏

ciao! fabiana

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photo credit:

1-5 Country Living

6-7 Southern Living

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

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