festive weekend table

We set a festive red, white and blue

table over the weekend.

We had no guests over this weekend,

and sometimes it’s just fun setting a

pretty table for the family.

I keep these little anchors and tassels

all ready to go on pre-wrapped burlap.

All I have to do is slip the whole thing over

a napkin, and we’re all set. 

Strawberries and blueberries are the perfect

summer fruits to add a little pizzazz to the table,

and so yummy too!

I love all the rustic textures on the table,

and this burlap runner fits right in.

I was going to put up the patriotic paper lanterns,

but I kind of like them scattered along the sideboard.

They look pretty all day with the sunlight streaming in,

and lighting them up.

I made a huge pitcher of lemonade and

we enjoyed it all weekend.

It was perfect for this HOT weekend.

And so economical, made with 

fresh mint and lemons from the garden.  

I just refilled this dispenser a few times over the weekend,

and everyone could serve themselves.

And just for fun, we made

lemonade flavored ice cubes with fresh

lemon and mint added.

They looked pretty in the glasses too!

I hope you had a nice weekend too!

It was nice to sort of unwind and chill,

since school just got out last week.

Things are ramping up for the summer,

so a little recharge was more than necessary!

ciao! fabiana

And it all came together like this:

Anchor Charms: Oriental Trading

Tiny Patriotic Tassels: Oriental Trading

White Napkins: vintage
Blue Glasses;  vintage
Clear Glasses:  La Rochère

Patriotic Burlap Runner: Oriental Trading

Plates: Home Goods

Place Mats: Ikea

Flatware: World Market
Beverage Dispenser:  Oriental Trading
Wooden Stand for Beverage Dispenser:  Home Goods
Patriotic Paper Lanterns: Oriental Trading
White Star Bowl:  Target

Thank you to Oriental Trading for sending me these products to review. 

The opinions expressed in this post are truly my own.

weekend view

It’s Friday…

and I hope you all had a great week!

I’m really looking forward to this weekend.

The sun’s been shining and it’s gonna be a hot one,

but we’re ready!

We’re hosting a pool party here tomorrow for the kiddos,

and Sunday we’ll be whipping up some yummy salads

and firing up the grill for Father's Day.

Take it easy and enjoy the weekend…

x o x o  fabiana

Photo credit:  Oprah Magazine

red, white and blue at the front door

A little more red, white and blue décor for the house…

I found this festive burlap banner at Oriental Trading

and it’s perfect above my front door!

We have a couple of birthdays coming up,

and of course, Father’s day,

so why not get some

bright and fun party décor

up now? 

And just to play off

the red, white and blue theme,

I went to the Armstrong’s to get

a few pretty flowers.  

The periwinkle blue flower is Plumbago.

It’s the most gorgeous shade of blue!

It will sit on my front porch for the summer,

and then I have the perfect spot

to plant it in the fall.

I love how it looks with the

cheery red geraniums and

pretty white petunias!  

Later today,

it’s a run to Costco and prepping for

a birthday party this weekend.

What are you up to?

ciao! fabiana

Thank you to Oriental Trading for sending me these products to review. 

The opinions expressed in this post are truly my own.

wednesday whims: kitchens

Just sharing a few of my favorite kitchens

that I spotted recently in

different magazines and blogs…

I love this first kitchen!

What catches your attention first?

For me it’s the framed anchor print on the wall,

the gorgeous twin light fixtures

and the “x” pattern on the island.

And seating for six at the counter

is a bonus!

And look!

This kitchen has almost the

same exact light fixture.

The shape reminds me of the

hexagonal terrariums

that I recently got.

In this third kitchen,

the white marble backsplash and

copper pendants pull at my heartstrings.

I also like how the

antique-looking island

breaks up the monotony

of the otherwise 

stark white kitchen.

And speaking of

white marble backsplashes,

I love how this one covers

the whole wall!

These baskets sure do give

this kitchen a big dose of

coastal chic!

The high ceilings, black & white décor,

 glass front cabinets,

really need the fabulous texture of these

big umbrella-shaped light fixtures.

Well, that my little inspiration for the day...

sending you happy thoughts and 

a virtual hug today!

How’s your Wednesday going?

ciao! fabiana

Photo credit:

House & Home

Apartment Therapy

Dream Book Design

Studio McGee

That Kitchen

anchor charms and tassels too

 These little anchors and tassels

say “summer” to me!

As soon as I saw them,

I knew they’d be the perfect charms

for my 4^th of July tablescape.

I simply looped them onto a piece of burlap twine

and tied them around a napkin.

Then I wrapped another longer piece of twine

around the napkin to give it a more finished look.

It’s so fun to mix and match 
the colors of the charms

with the different napkins 
I’ve gathered for the table.

These would also be darling wrapped

around wine glasses or a large pitcher.

This is a super easy way

to add a little

charm

to your table!

ciao! fabiana

And it all came together like this:

Anchor Charms: Oriental Trading

Tiny Patriotic Tassels: Oriental Trading

Red Napkins: Target

White Napkins: Sur la Table

Blue Napkins: Sur la Table

Patriotic Burlap Runner: Oriental Trading

Plates: World Market

Place Mats: Home Goods

Flatware: Neiman Marcus

Thank you to Oriental Trading for sending me these products to review. 

The opinions expressed in this post are truly my own.

hat trick

As we transition into one of

my favorite seasons,

SUMMER,

I’m now on a mission to declutter and

“summer-ize” the front entry.

So, out come the pretty straw hats

and market baskets.

I love how these

instantly say “summer!”

Not only is this a great way

to accessorize the front hall,

having your hats easily accessible

makes it perfect to “grab ‘n go”. 

All these natural textures

are so pretty together!

And if you don’t already have

a hat rack or hooks,

a simple nail will do the trick!

Easy access, baby!

ciao! fabiana

photo credits:

Chatelaine

House Beautiful

My Domaine

Matthew Caughy

Ralph Lauren
Pinterest

new menu items at Tommy Bahama's

A few weeks ago, my husband and I

had the opportunity to try a few of 

the new menu items at 

Tommy Bahama's Island Grille 

here in Newport Beach. 

Their menu always features super

 yummy tropical-inspired dishes,

and it’s always a treat dining there. 

We’ve often dined there for a fun date night,

treating out of town guests to a fun dinner or

just taking the family out for a nice dinner, 

so we were really excited to try some 

of these new flavors.

Shrimp Summer Rolls

We started out with the Shrimp Summer Rolls

and the Grilled Shrimp Ramen Noodle Salad.

Both of these menu items were

really fresh and so full of flavor!

Grilled Shrimp Ramen Noodle Salad

Grilled Shrimp Ramen Noodle Salad

My husband also ordered the

Miso Sake Ramen as an appetizer too,

and of course I had to have a little taste.

It was really good!

Miso Sake Ramen

The main star of the day was the

Prime Rib French Dip!

I love me a good French Dip sandwich,

and I’ve even dined at Philippe’s in downtown L.A.

where the French Dip is said to have originated,

but this sandwich at Tommy Bahama’s

was way off-the-charts!

Prime Rib French Dip

It was tender, melt-in-your-mouth

 delicious, and so full of flavor.

I’ve never had anything quite like it,

and I highly recommend it.

It’s definitely my favorite menu item,

and this is from a girl who generally

choose to eat a huge organic salad
or vegetarian pasta!  

Pork Belly Fried Rice

We couldn’t leave without also trying the

Pork Belly Fried Rice, which was highly recommended.

This yummy dish is the ultimate comfort food

that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Here’s a list of a their new menu items:

Shrimp Summer Rolls

Pork Belly Sliders

Roasted Vegetable Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Ramen Noodle Salad

Prime Rib French Dip

Blackened Fish Tacos

Miso Sake Ramen

Pork Belly Fried Rice

& Peanut Butter Pie

Be sure to try at least one or two of these,

if you are at this Tommy Bahama's location!

Peanut Butter Pie

Chad the manager there at Tommy Bahama’s

 surprised us at the end of our lunch

by bringing over his favorite dessert for us to try,

 the new Chocolate Ganache Peanut Butter Pie

with a crushed pretzel crust …OMG!

What a way to end a fabulous meal!

ciao! fabiana

Tommy Bahama's Island Grille is

 located in the Corona del Mar Plaza,

right near Fashion Island.

854 Avocado Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 760-8686