it's all about springtime decor

A vibrant spring table set with the most fragrant old-world roses transports us to a world of days past. 

One can only imagine the delicious lunch awaiting us in this glorious setting…

and take a look at this festive table. Turquoise and lavender china initiate the color palette at this table, 

but doesn’t limit the possibility of introducing interesting shades of green linens and cabbageware and stunning pink peonies that overflow their containers.

Let’s step into the backyard where spring is springing on us from all four corners of the garden. Ancient brick walls are covered with evergreen vines that envelop us with feelings of comfort and calm. 

What better place to take in the change of seasons than the luxury of a grand garden like this one? 

Climbing roses are my latest garden obsession, and I’m finding that they fit in perfectly with my favorite herbs and succulents. 

Why not fill that blank wall or porch pillar with an old English variety of climbing cabbage rose?  

As seen in this month’s issue of Veranda, climbing roses, go hand-in-hand with ginormous succulents like this variegated agave.

California is a wonderland of plants, terrain and lifestyle. It's fun to incorporate some of these favorite elements into your own garden for a totally unique look.

One can only dream of a room with a view like this! 

I’m working on updating my living room to open up to the garden with view of my sweet little garden shed and lavender garden.  

Growing a variety of antique roses in shades of pink, peach and white is at the top of my list for Spring! I spent many days this winter planting legendary varieties of my favorite roses in the back garden.

My task at the moment is to nurture and just watch these roses as they develop from youngsters into beautiful debutants in the garden. With all the rain we’ve had, they’re well on their way! 

And how about this jaw-dropping shelf display of blue and white loveliness mixed with a brilliant mix of roses and dahlias? And that collection of pink books! 💗 Wow! 

Of course peonies are always on my radar. Known for centuries for their exquisite beauty and striking colors, I oftentimes splurge on a bouquet of peonies, just because…

And of course unique patterns of antique china are one of my favorite ways to usher in Spring. It’s so fun to mix and match unexpected patterns and colors. 

Here’s a little peek at some of my latest acquisitions…

Roses are always at the forefront of my thoughts, especially this time of year!

ciao! fabiana

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Photo Credit: Veranda and Southern Living,
unless otherwise noted

a gorgeous day in la jolla

Last weekend, we had a chance to getaway for the day to La Jolla. It’s just a 90 minute drive here from Newport, so getting there is not a big deal, and when we arrive….  

I love to stop off at La Valencia for a peek at the view and a yummy cappuccino – with almond milk. They also make amazing blueberry muffins, but I was just an muffin observer this time around, you see I’m on the Paleo diet. More on that later…

Seriously, the day was absolutely flawless! Look at the view looking down at the pool and at the Pacific beyond.

This is the kind of place I love calling "home". We didn't stay here this time around, but I do have another longer trip planned soon. 😉  

Here’s a look at the lounge area that’s so cozy for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

This is the view from that same lounge. I just LOVE it here!!

So, after a quick pick-me-up at La Valencia, we headed down the street for a walk around the always stunning La Jolla Cove area, high above the cliffs, and looking down at the incredible wildlife and ocean below.

There are seven caves in this area, but the most famous one is my favorite, the Sunny Jim Cave that’s accessible through the Cave Store.

The Cave Store’s been around for more than a hundred years, and for a small fee, you can descend 145 steps into the underground world of the beautiful Sunny Jim Cave.

This little journey feels sort of like you’re walking down into a mine, but the end result is just absolutely breathtaking!

Do you see the profile outlined in the cave? He's so cute!

From there we continued our walk around the cliffs, around the bend to see the seals and sea lions that nap along the smooth rocks there. Do you see how well they blend in to their surroundings?

As long as you don’t bother these guys they’re harmless, and how lucky are we to get so close to this amazing wildlife?

And speaking of wildlife, how cute is this loggerhead sea turtle? She lives at the Birch Aquarium which is just around the bend from downtown La Jolla.

I hadn’t been to the Birch Aquarium in ages, and it was really a fun visit and so calming to get a glimpse of just a little bit of the fascinating underwater world.

This is the view from the aquarium, looking back at La Jolla in the distance.

I'm so thankful for such a beautiful day and can't wait to visit again soon. It's was the perfect little getaway!

ciao! fabiana

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