life is like a bowl of cherries

It all started with this adorable “Bonjour” bowl I spotted at Anthropologie last year. I brought it home, and it’s been on my kitchen counter ever since, filled at times with lemons, limes or filled with treats seasonally. 

When I was ready to style our outdoor table for our summer photo shoot with Cottages & Bungalows, I knew I wanted to feature this fun bowl on the table. It’s so graphically eye-catching and cherries seemed like the perfect summer fruit to fill it with. 

For the rest of the table, I added a charcuterie board, small plates, colored glassware, votives and a carafe of strawberry lemonade. All these things just remind me of summer, when they’re all put together. 

It was very hot on the day we shot these pictures, much like today. Boy we've had some hot and humid weather this past week! We’re just not used to it here near the beach, and we have no air conditioning! 

I don’t mind so much. It does finally feel like summer this month, but I am so looking forward to the start of fall... 

  

So, I think it’s true... life is like a bowl of cherries. 🍒 

Sometimes it’s very sweet, and sometimes it's just the pits.

  Hoping your day is a sweet one. 🍒 

ciao! fabiana 

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Photos by Bret Gum

balboa island and anthropologie

Spring has finally arrived on Balboa Island. It's not surprising with all the rain we've had! 😉 And this cottage is the cutest, with all its classic details and pretty garden flowers. 💗

A morning walk on Balboa Island always makes me feel like I'm on vacation. 

And not far away is Anthropologie in Fashion Island. I’m kind of obsessed with some of their antique tables they use as displays.

This one’s ↑ my favorite!

The merchandising and table décor at Anthropologie is always so inspiring.

Kind of like the gorgeous styling at the Paris Market in Savannah!

Thanks for stopping by today! I’ll be back soon with more fun décor to share with you all. 😘

ciao! fabiana

adorable sisal trees

I can't get enough of sisal bottle brush trees this year. I have them sprinkled throughout house, and I'm thinking I might need a few more. 

These are a few I got at Home Goods recently. The sweet little glittery house is from Pottery Barn and also features a couple of sisal trees.

These are some that I got from Oriental Trading. They were the perfect creamy white color, so I ended up ordering a few more sets. There are so many different options out there for these little trees, new and vintage!

On my mantel, I have a few more decorated trees from Home Goods. I LOVE how they look with these copper lanterns from Oriental Trading. They’re really a nice silhouette against all the white in the background. 

Isn’t this an adorable collection from Anthropologie a few years back? I still love the quirkiness of this holiday vignette!

Fa La La!

Here’s another collection of cheery bright sisal trees.

These trees are the perfect Christmas shade of green and so pretty with the all white candles and mantel.

A pretty group of decorated trees…

And for some reason, vintage toy trucks and sisal trees go together hand in hand to create a very charming scene. 

You can find a large variety of sisal trees at Oriental Trading. Be creative with these little beauties! 

Here’s an idea from Terrain. Fill a large lantern with a sweet winter scene. Start with a few small houses, add a few trees of different sizes and colors, add some fluffy snow, lighting, and you’re all set! 

On my wish list? Yes! These ombre sisal trees from World Market. So cute!

Vintage ones are fun to collect. Keep your eyes open for these little beauties all year long!

See what I mean about how cute they look in an antique toy truck? 

I also love these snowy trees from Pottery Barn. 

They even look cute on a wreath. This one was created and featured on the Oriental Trading blog.

This cute little bottle brush wreath is available on the Ciao blog shop. I like to display these on my Christmas tree and to embellish an antique mirror in my home. 
   

Here’s a pretty mossy creation. I love how the white trees really pop! 

And below, Martha Stewart has created the most amazing wreath that holds dozens of trees and little adorable cottages. She’s been obsessed with these trees forever!

I’d love to hear about you holiday décor… leave me a comment and let me know your favorite things to adorn your home with!

ciao! fabiana

💕

While I’m here today, I wanted to share some of my "Tablescaping Essentials" with you. I have a whole page on the Amazon website with my favorite picks for setting a beautiful table.

Quite often time is of the essence, and I have last minute projects or events to work on, so I turn to Amazon for one or two day delivery. You’d be surprised at how many amazing items they have to offer! And I'm constantly updating this page with my new favorites. 

You can check it out here, at “Tablescaping Essentials”.

Photo Credit: 1.-3. Ciao Newport Beach 4.  Anthropologie 5.  Hooray Everyday 6. In My Own Style 7.  Melrose 8. Rue Magazine 9.  Oriental Trading 10.  Terrain 11.  World Market 12.  BH&G 13. Melrose 14. Pottery Barn 15. Oriental Trading 16. Ciao Newport Beach 17.  Tumblr 18. Martha Stewart

my black friday faves

Are you looking forward to Thanksgiving?

I am, of course. You know how much I LOVE Thanksgiving and, this long weekend naturally brings an attitude of gratitude, but sheesh, for me, it's also the time I have to start my Christmas shopping. Have you done any holiday shopping yet? Wow, there are so many great deals out there right now! 

Black Friday is my favorite day to stay home, have some extra family time, put up the Christmas tree and do a little bit of online shopping, so I just wanted to pop in and share some of my favorite picks for Black Friday online shopping. These are my top picks, and the cyber destinations I'll be headed to on Friday (or sooner!)...

Anthropologie is offering 25% so many of their unique items. 

I'm headed to the Tabletop section first!

Shop Here: ANTHROPOLGIE

Then, I’ll be checking out

Banana Republic’s 50% of everything sale!

Shop Here: Banana Republic

Waiting on Martha is a super cute blog,

with an even cuter blog shop.

You’ve got to check out these goodies... 

And, they've got lot's of discount codes on the website right now!!

Shop Here: Waiting on Martha

Old Navy always has lots to offer for the whole family,

and they’re now offering 50% everything!

Shop Here: Old Navy

The Land of Nod, Crate and Barrel’s adorable

children’s store is offering 20% off and free shipping.

They have everything from onsies to cribs, and teepees to toys!

Shop here: The Land of Nod

Shop here: Crate & Barrel

It's the perfect time of year to stock up on UGG boot and shoes.

They’re the perfect gift that everyone loves,

and why not pick up a cute new style for yourself?

By the way, they also have amazing blanket and throws!

See sale items here: UGG

Home Depot is a great place to do some Black Friday shopping… a no brainer, actually! They’re offering 40% off appliances, and can you think of a better place to get something special for the men in your life? It’s power tool heaven over there! I also love their Martha Stewart Christmas items. I’m already spying some adorable vintage looking ornaments!   

Shop here: Home Depot

Over at my Blog Shop,

I’m offering 20% off this weekend,

so stop by and check it out.

And best of all, all items are under $15!

Shop here: Ciao Newport Beach Blog Shop

Happy shopping… (I might even have to start today!)

ciao! fabiana

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