nancy's garden revisited

I love visiting my friend Nancy. She lives just down the street from me, so when I get a chance, I love to pop on over for a visit. Her garden always has something new blooming or a new project that is being worked on. This week, Nancy was baking fresh plum tarts with the delicious purple plums from her tree. Another yummy treat she makes is passion fruit sorbet, fresh from the vine!

the side yard, with the "gardenhouse in the distance

succulents thrive in this southern California garden

a bluestone path leads down to the Indian Springs

rose and hydrangea varieties grow happily here

soft lime green addirondack furniture blends into the environment

the stairs leading back to the main level 

 

lower level of back yard overlooking Indian Springs, below

a hidden oasis

notice the oakleaf hydrangeas

a happy little friend

a fountain is nestled under the plum tree

side yard

Nancy has a nice variety of hydrangeas in all colors

view from street 

an adirondack settee in the front yard

pink and green is a favorite combination

roses and succulents grow in harmony

front of house

For more on Nancy's beautiful home 
visit here,  here and here.

ciao! fabiana

easy summer party treat

Homemade dill dip served in a shot glass

with carrots, celery and speared baby plum tomatoes.

Isn't this a fun and easy treat for your guests? 

FRESH DILL DIP

1 cup reduced fat sour cream

1/2 cup reduced fat mayonnaise

2 tablespoons finely chopped Vidalia onion

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 tablespoon finely chopped dill weed

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

freshly ground pepper to taste

1.   Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.

2.   Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3.   Refrigerate until well chilled.

ciao! fabiana

photo credit & recipe:  My Baking Addiction

today's hydrangeas

The color of these hydrangeas

reminds me of raspberry sherbet.

So delicious for the eyes!

I’ve been adding coffee grounds to the

soil around these plants in my garden,

so I wonder if that’s had any effect on the color.

Whatever it is, I love this color!

do something amazing today! 

ciao,  fabiana

french kitchen style

Creating a French-style kitchen can be easy, 

just remember some of these basic elements: 

intimate lighting, bistro chairs, tile floors, 

cookware on display, chalkboards, vintage silver, 

accent pieces in black, transferware plates, 

bold antique details.

french country cottage

french country cottage

ciao! fabiana

beachfront in Malibu

A dreamy patio space that visually transports you to the Mediterranean. 

Full of Greek and European influence,

bright luxurious accents and interesting antiques,

this home also boasts with breathtaking

views of the Pacific.

Potted citrus trees add elegant beauty

 a blue lapis lazuli table is the ultimate luxury

a casually chic entrance

Santa Barbara sandstone columns frame the stunning views

soft colors with a pop of bougainvillea pink

simple Greek white exterior

rustic beauty against the blue Pacific

ciao! fabiana

 photo credit: Coastal Living