Memorial Day Barbecue

Come and join us for our first al fresco dinner party of the year! What a perfect night! The temperature was 75 degrees and there was a soft breeze. The table was set outside under the mulberry tree for our weekend guests and us.I didn't get too crazy with the tablescape. Using my new willow chargers from Ballard Designs and the plates that we found New Year's Day at a local antique store, I set a simple table for four. Napkins are from Pottery...

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And The Winner Is.....

And the winner of the April Cornell tea towel is Laura Engalls Gunn from Decor to Adore.As part of my giveaway, I'm including a bottle of our own olive oil!Congratulations Laura! Thank you to everyone who participated. Also, be sure to check out April Cornell's online store for more gorgeous linens he...

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Our Wine Country Guest Room

This is our guest bed in our weekend home in Asti. Although it is for guests, we end up sleeping here most of the time!The reason? We sleep better here than anywhere! I want it to feel like being pampered at a fine hotel.The mattress is no longer available, and I cannot even remember what brand it is, but for some reason it is extra soft. Like sleeping on a cloud. I found the high thread count sheets at TJ Maxx. They're like silk.I bought this pillow...

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Saturday in the garden

Saturday was gardening day. I stopped at the nursery in Healdsburg on my way to Asti and purchased soil and plants. This is my favorite nursery as it has everything a gardener could ever need and more.Like chickens! Chickens roam around the nursery among the plants. They are for sale, and so are their eggs. Unfortunately, I can't have chickens yet. Someday though....The plan was to spend the whole day gardening in Asti. The Anduze pots needed...

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Weekly Words to Live By

"Life is meant to be lived fully, and enjoyed deeply, and our homes are the great backdrop upon which our lives unfold. They are where we begin and end each day. Any room in which we spend time should feed us, nurture us, and improve the quality of our lives. People are what bring rooms to life." --Barbara BarryI'm joining Tracey at Notes From A Cottage Industry for Weekly Words to Live By. Visit her blog for more inspiration and quot...

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Anduze Pots

The French vase d'anduze originated in Provence in the 16th century. These urns are still being made today by artisans the same way their ancestors did.They are called Anduze pots because they are made in the small quaint town of Anduze in the South of France. I am in love with the shape and form of these urns, and have been on the hunt for a pair for quite a while.Oh, be still my heart! I love this red one!For all you turquoise lovers right now,...

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Sundown and the Blue Hour

The sun is going down, the warm breeze is becoming cooler and the birds are doing their happy dance before sunset.I climb the stairs to the balcony and have a look.Looking west, the fog is starting to roll in.In the kitchen, the last bit of sun is shining on the island.Time to start dinner.While Mr. A is barbecuing, I am trying to capture "the blue hour" with my camera.It's getting darker and darker.....The Blue Hour!I finally captured it!Light is...

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