If you want a little inspiration to entertain, bake, or try out a new kitchen gadget, stopping in at any of the Sur la Table gourmet cooking shops should do the trick. San Francisco’s store is the chain’s largest volume store, and one of the prettiest, in my opinion. We have our very own store in Roseville, so take a peek and see what I’m talking about!
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Holidays are synonymous with entertaining. And if you’re having friends over, don’t neglect the bathrooms, when creating your to-do list. A guest bath can be fun and elegant. Since they’re typically small, you can perk them up for next to nothing. Put yourself in your guest’s position. First on my list is that the space is pristine. Keep a roll of paper towels, glass cleaner handy for quick clean up’s. Countertops, mirrors, sinks, floors and toilet bowls should be company-ready. Make sure there are fresh towels, an empty waste basket and surplus t.p. If you have the time and money,…
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Last night, we enjoyed a nice dinner at a lovely restaurant, Townhall, built of brick, after the 1906 earthquake, in San Francisco. It was originally a marine repair facility, and the bricks used to build it were charred from a fire during the quake…probably previously used in a demolished building. A local artist was exhibited on the walls and the amazing light fixtures hang from the ceiling. The round disks that are behind each bulb are actually like circular cut-outs of heavy metal screening. The bulbs cast a soft warm tone on the whole room, making it feel like the…
Read the rest >>You know, I’ve always wanted to be queen of something,so I am the self-proclaimed Queen of Accessories! Truthfully, I can’t live without them. Plush throw pillows, pottery, artwork, greenery, personal treasures, beautiful books and family photographs are just some of my favorites things. No home is complete, in my world, without beautiful vignettes throughout a home, that are pleasing to the eye and tell a small story about the people who live there. Perfectly arranged accessories take all the design elements into consideration, including texture, color and proportion. Best of all, it’s easy to update your accent pieces throughout the year, taking…
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Have you discovered the versatility of metallic spray paint? No? Well, if you’re looking to jazz up your holiday home, for next to nothing, gold and silver spray paint is your friend! How about taking your harvest collection of pumpkins and gourds and spraying them a mix of silver and gold? If you have an inexpensive wreath that needs some love, spray it gold and hang it in a window from a pretty ribbon, to say “welcome”! The list goes on, to include baskets, candlesticks, picture frames…although, I’d suggest you stop short of the kids. Happy spraying!
Read the rest >>Joyous Noel! It’s Veteran’s Day and already, I’m anticipating my first Holiday season without either of my children in sight. My adult children, 19 and 21. Instead of “crying in my soup”, which would be easy to do…I’m going to rack my brain for some festive things to plan for, sans children. How about having a few, brave friends over for hot toddies and Christmas carols by the fire or through the neighborhood? Maybe a neighborhood brunch, keeping it as simple as possible with wonderful pastries, fruit, coffee and mimosas? Now we’re talkin’! What are the holidays without family? With…
Read the rest >>For me, the senses become more ‘alive’ here in New York city. Between beautiful sights, amazing clothing and accessory displays to scrumptious food and the latest home design showrooms, it’s so delightfully easy to become distracted! Today, I was in awe, strolling through Henri Bendel’s 2nd and 3rd floor of costume jewels, scarves, purses and gloves! I almost didn’t make it there, with the “sales sharks” on the first floor, pushing beauty potions and fragrances. I’ve never seen anything like it! While there, my favorite purchase was a pair of lime green gloves, that are extra long, so I can…
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When I walk through the doors of ABC Carpet and Home, I’m transported to another energy level. You’d think that with a name like ABC, you’d find a boring, nondescript store with more of what you see everywhere else. Just the opposite, as a matter of fact! ABC is in two massive buildings in Manhattan and four stories, filled with carpet in one building and amazing bedding, antiques, accessories, lighting, you name it, across the street. Simply wonderful!
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