relax in the garden

“Gardening is how I relax. It's another form of creating and playing with colors.” –-Oscar de la Renta

ciao! fabiana

photo via oscar de la renta on pinterest

new to the blog shop...

Need a little gift?

We just got in the prettiest journals with

inspiring quotes and your favorite scripture.

Click HERE for the link.

ciao! fabiana

visiting seattle

A few weeks ago my family and I traveled to Seattle for a long weekend. I was so happy be reminded that Seattle's a city filled with innovative parks and green space. Some parks are nestled in established neighborhoods, some are built on vacant city lots, and many provide luxurious views from windows of skyscrapers. Rooftop gardens are totally happening in Seattle! 

I love the way this lush metropolis embraces the beauty of nature, sculpture, art, food and, of course, amazing music at every turn. Right when we got off the plane, we were delighted with all the sculptures that are prominently displayed throughout the airport. 

We stayed at the Olive 8 Hotel in the heart of the city and just a short walk to the monorail, which takes you right to the  Space Needle.  The Olive 8, pictured above, gets its name from its location at Olive and 8th Streets. Great to remember when you are finding your way back to the hotel!

This is the view from one of our windows. There are probably hundreds of rooftop gardens throughout the city. It really makes the views so pretty!  
  

Although there were quite a few Starbucks within walking distance to our hotel, the hotel coffee shop, Urbane Market, had great coffee and baked goods and really quick service. It was fun to sit in here and watch the action on the streets.

Here’s the view from the monorail. The boarding area for the monorail is actually in the downtown shopping mall known as Westlake Center Mall. It only has two stops, the mall and the Space Needle Station, but that’s all you need, really! It’s quick affordable and a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

 

There are so many great restaurant choices!  Every meal we had in Seattle was great. Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (above) was a real treat after a long day of exploring.I was craving avocado toast, for some reason, and luckily they had that on their menu. After a few yummy appetizers, that was plenty for me!

Il Fornaio, the Rissotteria (above) was also walking distance from our hotel and did not disappoint!  Their focaccia bread is amazing and we ordered, Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare, Salmone Piccata, and a Seafood Risotto. Of course, we had to finish off with Tiramisù and Crème Brûlée.

I have to include our lunch at the Woodland Park Zoo in my favorites too.  They have an amazing homemade clam chowder they serve there at the Pacific Blue Café, which is located in the middle of the zoo. The chowder really hit the spot on that cool and misty day!    

Around the corner from our hotel, we found the Carlile Room. OMG, we had the most amazing pasta, homemade pappardelle with garden veggies, which we devoured before we could get a shot of it, but here is a photo of the squash blossoms filled with goat cheese and served with fresh herbs and rainier cherries. 

Wow!! The decor is really fun too. Try their spicy home brewed ginger ale and the amazing churros for dessert! The Carlile Room is right across from the iconic Paramount Theater, which is a great local concert hall. 

Yum!

I had to take a photo of the funny little gargoyles 

on this building which is right next to the Carlile Room.

I have lots more to share on Seattle! 

ciao! fabiana

relax, it's sunday

“Anyone can take an adventure even if it's only in your own backyard. Let your imagination be your adventure and see where it takes you.” ― Carmela Dutra

photo via Traditional Home

ciao! fabiana

laguna beach: a week in photos

Work and personal reasons brought me down to Laguna Beach for another week of fun and exploring. I've discovered lots of amazing little coves and beaches throughout the Northern, Southern and the downtown coastline of Laguna.  The ocean and waves were perfect this week for surfers and beachcombers, and the weather was just perfect! I also got to visit some of may favorite shopping spots and found some new ones as well. Here are a few of my favorite shots of the week.    

Madison Square Garden and Café is a favorite little spot for coffee, breakfast and lunch. It’s located right in the heart of Laguna on Coast Highway. The restaurant and garden shop are intermingled so it’s fun to eat surrounded by lots of pretty home and garden treasures.  

You can always find a cozy spot to sit and have coffee. 

Pretty coastline views are found at every beach and cove.

Laguna is all about secluded beaches & great places to snorkel.

Here’s a pretty little Spanish style house with great curb appeal.

This shot from the historic Hotel Laguna at their outdoor restaurant. It’s a great place to stop and eat with some of the best views in Laguna, and right next to main beach. Those little people down there are some of the Laguna Beach junior lifeguards.  

The café at the Hotel Laguna is a must-stop destination for first time visitors to Laguna Beach. The hotel has been in service for over 100 years and it's a landmark in the city.

I love the homes right down on the sand!

Gorgeous stretches of rugged coastline are found everywhere! 

I stumbled upon the beach house of Bette Davis!  This was her second home for many, many years.  She bought the 1929 Tudor style home in the 1930’s when her fame was sky-high and she was seeking some refuge from Hollywood. It’s still a gorgeous home, high above the beach at Woods Cove, one of the most secluded and gorgeous beaches.  

Here is the entrance at the street level with the historic plaque. 

Charming Tudor style!

This is the view of Bette's home coming up the steps from the beach.

One little final shot from Madison Square...

my cute little frog prince!

ciao! fabiana

the perfect summer snack

So easy to prepare and always a big hit!

Ingredients:

8 (about 1 ounce each) paper-thin slices prosciutto

4 fresh, ripe figs, halved lengthwise

4-6 slices of cantaloupe melon, sliced lengthwise

1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar

Fresh thyme, for garnish

2 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano, shaved into strips with vegetable peeler

Directions:

1. Arrange prosciutto in overlapping slices on a large platter.

2. Place figs and melon beside prosciutto, drizzle with vinegar, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Sprinkle the Parmesan shavings over prosciutto, melon and figs.

ciao! fabiana

via martha stewart

real housewives of OC's beach party

I can’t believe these women are still talking about Brooks and the whole “faking cancer” situation.  It was boring last year and it’s boring this year.  

The only fun part of watching RHOC was seeing a few peeks of new girl Kelly’s Corona del Mar home and the cute beach party she had.  

I love the cute coastal décor Kelly had on the tables that were anchored with burlap runners and had blue starfish accents. The oversized silver lanterns leading to the beach party were an elegant idea! 

Even the cocktails match the turquoise blue vignettes on the picnic tables. Looks like a fun night without the usual drama.

ciao! fabiana