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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a fresh and pretty thanksgiving table

Setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table is so easy with pretty tableware from Serena & Lily. 

I'm so in love with these chic Cove Rattan Lanterns! And also among my top picks for my fall inspired tablescape are these classic S&L Papaya Mayberry napkins and raffia placemats which are the perfect additions to this fresh table setting.

Pretty claret colored mums accented with soft peachy spray roses set the tone for this fresh and pretty fall table. 

This arrangement is simply gathered together with some seeded eucalyptus and then nestled into a vintage white pitcher. So easy to pull off!

But seriously, can we talk about those Cove Rattan Lanterns? I chose a set of two of these medium sized pagoda-shaped lanterns, and seriously…

I’m in love!

They'll make a statement any time of year, and I can’t wait to use them on my Christmas table as well.

Besides the flowers, I brought in just a touch of color with these sweet and classic Mayberry napkins in the color Papaya. They offer the perfect hue of orangey-red that I love for fall.

 

Over the past two years, I’ve invested in a set of eight Serena & Lily Riviera side chairs that I bought four at a time. They’ve proven to be favorites in our household. They’re quite comfortable, clean up nicely and look amazing.

Best of all, they have that classic french bistro look that is so cozy indoors and out!

Petite white pumpkins aka “Baby Boos” add a whimsical touch to this Thanksgiving table and provide the perfect reminder of my favorite holiday.

The round raffia placemats add the ideal amount of texture to this whole look. Their braided pattern works for special occasions as well as everyday family dinners. 

Tablescapes always look their best when there are varying textures to catch the eye, as subtle as it may be.    

Our kitchen nook is large enough to accommodate eight comfortably and you can’t beat the lighting in this room…

it’s perfect!

I brought out our treasured and delicate heirloom crystal glasses to add that vintage touch to the table. These were inherited from my husband’s family, and I think they're almost 100 years old.

This set of silverware was a wedding gift, and I really don’t use it often enough! It’s so classic and works well with the Serena and Lily vibe we have going here.  

Candlelight always adds the perfect amount of ambiance to a gathering, and as the day progresses into evening, this tablescape is only enhanced by the beauty of these flickering flames.

Amana Brass Candlesticks   Bedford Tray   Papaya Mayberry Napkins   Round Raffia Placemats   Riviera Side Chair   Cove Rattan Lanterns 

Here are my picks of favorite Serena & Lily tabletop items that I just couldn’t live without. Stay tuned next month as I style these same items for a fanciful and festive Christmas table.

 ciao! fabiana

This article originally appeared on my blog on October 28, 2018

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

serena & lily's must-have accessory

and a visit to historic crystal cove state beach

Historic Cottage #13 where they filmed the movie "Beaches"

Sunday was the perfect day for a little getaway down to Crystal Cove State Beach. If you’ve never been, it’s a charming little beach, just south of Newport. 

Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler in "Beaches"

It’s actually where the iconic movie “Beaches” starring Bette Midler was filmed, and here we are at the historic Cottage #13 where it all took place. Who can forget the song "Wind Beneath My Wings"?

Historic Cottage #13 and my pretty Serena & Lily Sydney Beach Towel

Summer is just around the corner, and I’ve already got my beach basket all set with my summer beach essentials, so it was just a grab-and-go moment on Sunday as we headed out the door.

Summer beach essentials ready at my front door

My number one item to pack is my new Serena & Lily Sydney Beach Towel. It’s large enough to double as a cozy picnic blanket on the beach, and that’s just what we did!

Sydney Beach Towels make great gifts!

After grabbing a few yummy French panini sandwiches at  my favorite café Moulin and a few bottles of my go-to  Pellegrino water, we were all set for a little beach time.

My favorite is the Navy color with cute green tassels!

I’ve been seeing several of Serena & Lily’s gorgeous towels at the beach already, so I was happy to get mine! Not only are they luxuriously plush, they're absolutely adorable! I just love the little green tassels!

Summer beach basket is also ready for days at the pool

Don’t you think these beach towels would make a lovely gift for a graduate, wedding or wedding shower… or even a summer birthday? I just love mine!

My top ten summer picks!

Serena & Lily is offering 20% everything off with code SUMMERPREP, excluding a few select items. The Memorial Day Sale starts May 22 and runs through May 28, 2019.

Here are my Serena & Lily Memorial Day favorites: 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 

ciao! fabiana

The opinions expressed in this post are truly my own.

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