the spring issue of farmhouse style

We’re still on Christmas vacation mode here at our house, and it’s kind of hard for me to believe it’s already January. Add even harder to believe is that this Spring issue is scheduled to hit newsstands in a couple of weeks. The next issue of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style looks like it’s chock full of pretty décor and easy DIY projects. 

In fact, I have a little inside scoop to a few of the projects, since I contributed four of them. There are actually 35+ DIY projects including two of my Easter DIY’s. You can see one of them in the collage above and below. 

It’s an easy Burlap Bunny Banner that I have displayed across my mantel, but it would also look cute at the front door to welcome guests. 

I’m absolutely in love with the cover of this issue, and I can’t wait to pour over every page! Also included are some fun pillow embellishments that can easily be done. The one I created is made with vintage mother-of-pearl buttons. 

In addition to the fabulous décor, Easter ideas and flea market tips, there are several rhubarb recipes included. (That barbecue sauce looks amazing!) My contribution for this section is a super yummy cream scone recipe with morsels of tart rhubarb in the pastry is then topped off with a strawberry glaze.  

  

You can check out more on this upcoming issue here. 

ciao! fabiana

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staycation fun in Laguna Beach

A few days before Christmas, I spotted an interesting estate sale in Laguna Beach, so I decided to make a day of it! My hubby and I stopped in at the sale first, and then we went on to explore a little bit of Laguna Beach.  

This glorious Tudor house, perched on the cliffs in Laguna Beach, once belonged to silver screen legend Bette Davis. I love to visit every so often. You see there are steps right next to this house that lead you down to a secluded cove where the rugged waves are crashing far below the homes that overlook this vista. 

Here I am looking up at Bette’s former home. The views from the house must be absolutely breathtaking! Here we are on a dreary December day, and the sight and sound of the ocean are truly magical.  

Here’s proof that Ms. Davis lived here. I love that they included her name on the historical marker! 

Only one other couple and their cute pooch were on the beach that day in this little cove. It’s very rocky here, but that’s part of the charm that makes Laguna so interesting.  Every nook and cranny has it's own personality.

It is Winter, and I love this time of year when all that's blooming are the vibrant aloes and flaming hot bougainvillea. Don't you just love the contrast of these flowers with the soft coastal palette? If you look closely, you can spot Catalina Island on the horizon.

Here’s one place setting of the set of aged bamboo flatware that brought us down to Laguna Beach. You can see the whole table here. (BTW, I'm off to another estate sale this morning...) 😉 

Heading a bit north to Crystal Cove, we stopped in for breakfast oat one of my favorite spots, Babette’s. And practically next door to Babette’s is Juxtaposition Home.  

Here’s a peek at how it looked just a few days before Christmas... 

So cozy!

Well, like I said, I’m now headed to an estate sale nearby, and I’ll likely be sharing some of my finds with you very soon. 

I’ll let you in on a little secret... 

I had my first thrifting adventure of 2020 yesterday, and I have to say it was quite fun! Pictures coming your way in a few days... 

ciao! fabiana 

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happy new year!

As we close out the year 2019, I have to say again how truly grateful I am to have friends like you. I really appreciate the time you take to check in with me on this blog! 

For me 2019 has been a pretty good year. The good thing is that I kept busy on several new projects and even started styling more for magazines, which is a real treat! 

It was so fun meeting my styling idol Heather Bullard in October. She had some amazing advise to share with all of us at the Day of Design. I also reconnected with Karen Reineke who's a talented stylist for Better Homes & Gardens. They both have amazing style and their work is so inspiring to me.

It's a learning process for sure, and I'm still trying to hone my own personal style. After styling my own home in June for Cottages & Bungalows, we also collaborated on shooting Laura’s home in August, Angi & Pete’s Balboa Cottage in September and my new friend Anne’s home just a couple of weeks ago. 

I’ve also been contributing to Country Sampler Farmhouse Style for just about every season, and I’m really excited about the Spring 2020 issue that will be out soon. I have four projects in that one that include a unique pillow I created, two DIY Easter projects and a yummy rhubarb recipe that I can’t wait for you to try! 

In fact, I'm currently working on two more recipes for the Autumn 2020 issue of C.S. Farmhouse Style. You know how I love to cook, and photographing food can be tricky, but it's a fun challenge, for sure!

Over on instagram, I’ve been trying to keep you posted with the latest goings on, details about the Newport Harbor Home Tour, and I even share an occasional vacation pic. 

It was also really fun joining a few different blogging groups for our group shares throughout the year. I’ve made so many new friends that have amazing blogs and instagram accounts! Their creativity really inspires me too! 

You can see some of my most popular posts from 2019 in the collage above.  

I shared this same inspirational quote back in 2016, and I have to say, it’s still resonates with me and gives me encouragement in facing the new year ahead. I hope you enjoy it too! 

Thinking of you with lots of love... Happy New Year!! 

ciao! fabiana

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