Decorating With Crystals

Crystals are a fun way to add that organic, earthy element that I so love to the decor.  When sitting atop a collection of design books on the coffee table, they add elegance and sparkle to the room.  

This is my latest find, a beautiful amethyst geode--I love its deep, deep purple.

Amethyst crystal is my favorite, not only because it's my birth stone, but because it's the most dramatic of crystals.

Another coffee table vignette at home.

I like how the crystals are able to mix and coexist with the sea shell collection.

All part of my organic natural curiosity vibe.

I'm always on the hunt for crystals, finding them in rock shops along the highway, antique stores, Etsy, Ebay and even at Homegoods.

They are my latest obsession!

The New Deck, Before and After

Our evenings on the deck, enjoying al fresco dinners or a glass of wine are about to end for a while as fall is in the air and the time change around the corner.

It has made sheltering in place a lot easier to have this extra space to enjoy.

When we bought the house two years ago, this was the deck.

It was clearly in need of a redo.

Overall, the footprint remained the same.  

I knew I definitely wanted to keep the privacy wall.

Basically, I wanted an updated and modern approach to the deck.

My contractor, Paul replaced the floor with a composite material that will never warp or rot.

We chose cedar for the privacy wall and the railing.  

Horizontal boards replaced the lattice privacy wall.

As for the railing, at first it was going to be hogwire--a contemporary look that many are going for.

But in the middle of the night, it came to me that I wanted a classic look, so pencil to paper, I designed the X-shaped rail.  

Here's what it looked like before the pergola was installed.

Here is what it looks like now with the new pergola.

Mr. A and I put up string lights the other day, which gave the whole area a romantic glow.

I'm really sorry to have our summer evening time come to a close.

But on a cool fall evening, we'll just put on our coats, sit out here and look at the stars.

Gardening Is Good For The Soul

Our raised bed garden has exceeded our expectations.

When we came back from our month long road trip, we couldn't believe how much it grew!

It went from this...

...to this!

It literally tripled in size.

This garden is the best thing ever.  It's literally good for my soul!

Every morning, I come out here with my coffee and water and putter!

In the evening, Mr. A and I pick tomatoes and cucumbers, herbs and lettuce for our dinner.

Mr. A even made tomatillo salsa from our garden which was amazing, especially on top of sea bass or even steak.

I wish I could say we grew the asparagus, but maybe next year!

Texas Farmhouse Update

When we visited Texas in July, we had the task of finishing and furnishing the farmhouse. 

Since then, the landscape was completed, the exterior and interior was painted and the finishing touches 

were added to the decor.

The back patio area with crushed granite and stone border.

A fire pit and Adirondack chairs will soon be added.

A crushed granite path joins the back to the front.

The front door got a coat of black paint to match the shutters.

The porch is now ready to sit awhile and sip tea...

...or a glass of wine!

Let's go inside for a closer look...

We sourced a lot of the furniture from local furniture and antique stores in Granbury.

We brought a lot with us though, like lamps and art which I had already.

I replaced the drapes with off-white linen--a huge upgrade to the ones that came with the house.

We found this fabulous cabinet in Granbury.

It fills up a very big wall and houses games, throws and a bar.

The dining table was mine from years ago.  

Chairs were ordered online.

The art I had already--the botanicals were found at the Paris flea market that I framed.

I think they really pop on the charcoal wall, along with the linen drapes.

I replaced the island lights and chandelier in the kitchen/dining area.

It was really fun furnishing this room which was inspired by Wes Anderson.

I brought the seagrass table and alabaster lamp with us and the rest was ordered online. 

The ship wheel was found at a local antique and decor store.

Another guest room down the hall with a white washed headboard and matching nightstands.

Painting the wall behind the headboard charcoal highlights the damask bedding which I brought from home.

The master bedroom has all white bedding and gray walls.

There is also a huge walk-in closet--in fact all the bedrooms have walk-in closets.

Yes, the carpet isn't my first choice, but I opted to keep it anyway!

The master bathroom has a huge soaking tub, his and her sinks and a walk in shower.

I love this farmhouse in Texas!

When we bought it, the goal was to have a place to stay when we visit our daughter and her family which are right next door.  It was a huge project and Covid didn't make it easy to finish and furnish.

But we got it done, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

When we aren't visiting our daughter, the farmhouse will be a vacation rental.

Our daughter will manage it and has already given it a name.

Brazos Farmhouse!

I can't wait for us to visit again and enjoy this little slice of heaven in Texas!

T For Texas

We couldn't imagine over a year ago that someday we would be standing on our own porch in Texas!

We built a modular home on a piece of property next to our daughter and her family!

It has been a year long project that I've managed from afar.

I ordered the modular home last fall and sometime early March, it arrived.

In three pieces!

Yes, it arrived on wheels, but then was put on a custom built foundation.

At this point I was a little panicky.  After all, the reality of Covid had hit with the realization that there would be no flying to Texas to manage this project.

But in a couple of days, the house was put together and then we waited what seemed like forever to finish the outside and trim out the interior.

Two weeks ago, we ended up driving to Texas and arriving literally a day after it was finished.

Here is what the interior looked like when we walked in the door.

Within a week, it looked like this!  

I replaced the drapes and chandelier.

I've held on to this table for years and glad I did.

The chairs were ordered and delivered ahead of time.

Of course the front porch is my favorite part of the house, overlooking a large field.

When I took on this project, it was going to be our place to stay when we visited our daughter and family, and an Airbnb in between. 

We even gave it a name!

Brazos Farmhouse

Check out the Instagram for more photos and follow along with the design process.

We are headed back to California in a couple of days.

We are going to miss our little Texas farmhouse and our "Texas neighbors" but hopefully we'll be back in the fall.

Airstream Dreams Come True

 If you've been following my blog or Instagram for very long, you know that I've been obsessed with Airstreams forever.  

It was always just a dream, but it took a pandemic to make it a reality!

Actually, with our two daughters far away, we realized that this would be the only way we could ever visit them.  

It's like a hotel room on wheels.

Covid-19 safe!

 We named her Lucy.

#LucytheAirstream!

 I've already added my personal touches to the interior with bedding... 

...and of course cute dishes!

We take her out on the road tomorrow for our first road trip and we are both excited and terrified!

There is so much to learn but we can do it!

You can follow along with us on our journey on Instagram.

Check out @Airstreamtripping as we head to Texas!

Wheeeee!

TEXAS OR BUST!