Color Story: Dressed up in Summer Whites
There is nothing you can slip on that makes you feel more fresh and summery than shades of whites. Summer whites are especially eye-catching this year. Whether presented in crisp, minimal shapes or flouncy, flirty, boho styles, white is hands down the coolest thing going for summer style.
Summer Whites
There is nothing you can slip on that makes you feel more fresh and summery than shades of whites. Summer whites are especially eye-catching this year. Whether presented in crisp, minimal shapes or flouncy, flirty, boho styles, white is hands down the coolest thing going for summer style.
I think I have a split personality of the fashion variety. I'm drawn to the crisp, clean lines of minimal dressing and then a lacy, ethereal number catches my eye and I'm enamored. This gallery clearly displays my lack of direction when it comes to summer white. Truth is, it's fun to mix it up and the only rule is that it feels good on your skin.
From chic white swimsuits to crisp white jeans, palazzo pants to flowing skirts and lacy, or sleek tops. One of my favorites ways to wear summer white is head to toe.
Summer white always works.
Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner At Home for Valentine's Day
It was an unusually warm Valentine’s Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering, so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress free date night and an al fresco dinner at home.
Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner
It's been a busy month around here and I'm in need of calming my spirit. I just discovered images of a date night at home from way back on Valentine's Day. Feels like I'm a bit behind the eight ball but I'm going to share this anyway.
The landscape outback looks far different than it does today, but the images made me smile. I hope they do for you too. A beautiful sunset, some delicious food, and a camera on a tripod can capture a mood.
This is a throwback post to February and a cozy evening spent hanging around the house.
It was an unusually warm Valentine's Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free date night and an alfresco dinner at home.
The delicious menu (Thank you Amanda):
While Scott was putting the meal together, I had time to set the table, arrange the flowers, and sip some champagne.
Now, THIS is my idea of a fun night at home!
Watching the quality of light change -- from sunset to sundown to twilight -- is one of our favorite elements of living here with this view.
The city lights come alive on a clear night like this one. I had no idea placing the camera on a tri-pod would capture the candlelight this way. A moody soundtrack, fresh flowers, candles and twinkling lights help set the mood for date night around our house.
So does his face... :)
Whether it's a simple meal you cook together, your favorite Thai take-out boxes, or a special occasion meal like this one, a date night at home can be just as good (or better!) than going out on the town sometimes.
Do you have any favorite ideas for creating a memorable date night at home?
Creating a "Sunny Escape" for Our House Guests
Scott and I had the pleasure of hosting house guests for the long weekend. It was late summer and the weather was picture perfect for poolside lounging and some outdoor fun in Chico. My sister, Dorie, and her guy Michael, were up from Newport Beach for the weekend and I wanted to create a “sunny escape” for my special house guests. My first step is to prepare the guest room. Freshly washed linens, fluffy towels, candles and fresh flowers are a must. For this visit I added some lovely dark calla lilies to the mirrored bedside table.
Scott and I had the pleasure of hosting house guests for the long weekend. It was late summer and the weather was picture perfect for poolside lounging and some outdoor fun in Chico. My sister, Dorie, and her guy Michael, were up from Newport Beach for the weekend and I wanted to create a "sunny escape" for my special house guests. My first step is to prepare the guest room. Freshly washed linens, fluffy towels, candles and fresh flowers are a must. For this visit I added some lovely dark calla lilies to the mirrored bedside table.
I always like to have some snacks and beverages prepared for the arrival of the road trippers. In this platter I prepared a variety of imported cheeses, olives, marcona almonds with rosemary and veggies with dips. I especially like the gorgonzola-pecan and white bean hummus dips from Trader Joe's specialty market. I turn on a favorite playlist from Pandora--like "Chilled Cream" and "Bliss"--for setting a relaxed mood.
Dining al fresco is a must for warm summer evenings in northern California. I've learned to keep the menu simple: Scott grills steak or chicken and I add fresh salads. On this evening a baby greens with goat cheese/pine nuts salad, a watermelon/feta salad and grilled asparagus were on the menu. We topped it off with sorbet floating in limoncello.
Cheers to family and summer evenings together!
As much as we love time together with house guests, it's also good to give them a little time to relax. We always prepare the coffee pot the night before ready for the early risers or those who want to sleep in a bit. When we finally gather in the morning there is such a relaxed vibe to the conversation and catching up time.
Following a leisurely morning at home, it's good to mix it up, so we headed downtown to the Chico farmer's market for some fresh produce.
We ran into several long time friends, including a retired colleague of mine, Sally (right), who grows and sells her produce from Green Cedar Farm in Berry Creek. Here she is pictured with her intern from France. The apples were absolutely fantastic! Thank you Sally! xx
Beautiful blooms at the market.
We opted for lunch out at one of our favorite, healthy spots, Tea Bar and Fusion Cafe. Soon enough it was time to get home for some lounging by the pool.
Michael--getting his float on!
At one point Dorie grabbed her new fancy new camera and encouraged me to let her take some photos. As bloggers we know it is good to have some decent head shots, but it can be so awkward to have your photo taken. I feel like I am terrible at it--especially photos of me taken alone. With Dorie's design school background, and career as a fashion designer with St. John, she has participated in many fashion shoots over the years. I definitely trusted her to take good photos; it was me I worried about. When I say she took hundreds of photos, I'm not kidding. I still haven't looked through them all. As with any photo shoot there can be many awkward shots--and a few good ones. Either way, we had a ball and laughed a lot!
This is me, stepping out of my comfort zone....
I like the background and it seems to blend nicely with my straw-colored hair. ;)
Dorie has a thriving business in Orange County, Broadway Botanicals. She specializes in succulents, floral design and now residential landscapes. For more on her beautiful designs Broadway Botanicals. I'm always so inspired by her unique creations.
I hope this weekend was a sunny escape for Dorie and Michael. I know it was for us!
Have you entertained company recently?
What are your favorite tips for welcoming house guests?
Creating a Welcoming Guest Room
Be my guest! It's finally the summer season which means many of us will be doing some travel of some variety. It may be a luxury resort, a tour, a road trip, a camping adventure or visiting friends and loved ones for a vacation. With that in mind, I've been in the mood to update our guest room for summertime guests.
Creating a Welcoming Guest Room
Be my guest! It's finally the summer season which means many of us will be doing some travel of some variety. It may be a luxury resort, a tour, a road trip, a camping adventure or visiting friends and loved ones for a vacation. With that in mind, I've been in the mood to update our guest room for summertime guests.
Start with freshly laundered, high thread count (read smooth) sheets. I love to use all white sheets in our guest room for a fresh feel. I add a lightweight comforter, either down or hypo-allergenic (best for those with allergies). This bold black and white duvet cover captured my eye the other day and I'm liking the additional pop it gives the room. I layer on a colorful coverlet, this one is DKNY, folded at the lower edge of the bed which can be added for cooler nights to adjust the level of warmth.
I always add fresh flowers~tuberoses, freshly cut roses or white lilies have lovely scents. Gardenias are fresh and fragrant from our garden during the summer season. I like to float them in a pretty vase or bowl.
My mom, Jeri, is a flower lover and had fresh flowers from her garden in the house, most days, while I was growing up. This small tradition definitely makes life a little more beautiful.
Lightly scented candles (don't forget the matches!) are another favorite touch.My current favorite is the Dayna Decker candle. I always include an alarm clock but hopefully, no one will need to use it during a relaxing visit.
This glass dish is originally from my husband's family. Scott's mother had labeled it (using tape and waterproof pen) with this caption 'Daddy State's candy dish 1800's'. Labeling family heirlooms adds is an instant reminder to the family of the history of the piece. A history that might otherwise be forgotten.
Fluffy white towels are always a must in my house. Magazines for early or late night reading is a nice touch to deal with insomnia. I often include a travel magazine for dreaming about the next adventure. Putting items in a welcoming basket is a good way for your quests to know you thought of them in preparation for the visit. This Kai perfume oil smells like a tropical holiday in a spritz.
When I travel I easily get dehydrated so a carafe of water within easy reach is essential to quench the dreaded midnight thirst.I like to change out the photo based on who is visiting. Our girls are our most frequent overnighters so I love to use this one from our trip to Cabo San Lucas in 2007.
On a tray, I include some favorite spa items like the MOR body butter, sugar scrub, and fragrant soaps.
A light summer weight robe is also a nice touch to avoid any 'mishaps' around the house. #tmiThis chic number in Greek key motif is one of my favorites.
A corner chair is always handy for conversation or putting on shoes.
This little sparkler was a find from Target.
The vintage print and two petite florals painted by my mom, Jeri, many years ago are special to me. Aren't they sweet?
My final tip~Stock up on toiletries and extra supplies for guests in the guest bathroom. I always supply toothbrushes & toothpaste, lotions, deodorant, band-aids, anti-bacterial ointment, and aspirin.
Typically my recommendation is that a weekend or long weekend is the perfect length of time for a visit. You know what they say about how guests and fish alike don't you??(After three days they both begin to stink.......ha ha ha -just jokes here!!;) I tend to follow that rule when I am a guest in someone else's home as well.
Leave 'em wanting more.... also a great motto for life!
If you are welcoming guests this summer or being a house guest yourself,here's to long lazy mornings catching up over coffee, walking and talking, belly laughs and shared sunsets, with a glass of wine, enjoying those you love.
Are you having house guests this summer?
How are your travel plans shaping up?
