A Romantic Beach Inspired Nursery In The Colors Of The Sand

My parent's were kind enough to create the most fanciful nursery for my little one. It is a space that is all white and beautiful shades of cream with the most beautiful antique French iron bed found at Paris Flea Market. The luxurious bedding is from Blue Springs Home in Newport Beach, California. The room is quite heavenly and clearly created by loving Grandparents.

The stuffed animals are actually almost two feet tall and the first thing that Christian runs to put onto my Dad (Poppi) and trys to bury Poppi with them. It's quite effective. Poor Poppi.

The sideboard gave the perfect venue to display Belleck, Lenox vases and beach treasures. It is a collection of dreamy soft white and cream acquisitions from my Grandmother, my mother and gift's from me. Whenever I didn't know what to get my Mom, I always knew a Lenox rose vase would do the trick. My Dad usually has the most beautiful roses to pick from his garden to adorn them.


Touches of nature
seem to fit perfectly in our seaside town and in this quaint room.



The storks were acquired in La Jolla
where the storks seem to be a mainstay in their decor.

The old school tin man at salute over a beach inspired table set that was found in the English Tea store in downtown San Clemente.
We have spent many an afternoon having tea here with our three generations. It has been quite the magical space for all of us.

The entrance to the nursery is a french art deco looking lady in white iron. She sets the stately and enchanting mood.
This is a magical place we have enjoyed over the last few years. As my son becomes six this summer we wonder how this room will transform. Will it lose it's magic? I hope not.

Life just keeps marching on...

We keep decorating on...

Do you like the look of an all white room?

Does it sing to you?

xo,

Christina

Twas the Night Before Christimas... Poem and Decorating Inspiration

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

to my dear blogger friends.

You make everyday feel like Christmas to me.

xo,

Christina

Photos taken by me at my parents home and the last image was found at photobucket.

Snowmen Magic

A little snowmen magic from my parents home.

Good luck creating a little holiday magic

this week for your family.

What are you creating to be magical?

I'm working on the Christmas dinner table scape

and more wrapping. And wrapping... Who the heck bought all these dang presents anyway? We always say we are going to cut back every year and it never seems to happen.

~~

Happy Holidays,

Christina

Pretty In Pink Holiday

Who says you can't have a pink tree? Not me!

The last three photos were taken of my parent's little pink tree that seems to brighten up the "girlie" boudoir. Why not think outside the red and green holiday box.

What do you think?

~~

Happy Holidays,

Christina

Photo credits: 1 st photo found on flickr

2nd photo is from Peacock Feathers and taken by Donna Griffith

Last three photos were taken by yours truly, Christina

Living In The Colors of the Sea~ Come Visit My Parents Seaside Home That Was Featured In Romantic Homes Magazine

Ok, I know. I can't help myself. I am so proud of my parents and seeing their home in a magazine was quite a thrill. Well, more like a "really?" and "you can't be serious!" moment for all of us. We giggled a lot when we first saw the magazine. But, it was also very heart felt because the issue was the Mother's Day issue for Romantic Homes this year and it was dedicated to my Grandmother. That was a very special Mother's Day for us, indeed. Thanks to Jacqueline deMontravel, the Editor, who dedicated the issue to our mother and daughter decorating styles. That was quite a surprise. On top of that, my article was elegantly and thoughtfully written by Janet Solomon of FrenchBlue & Co.

My parents really love decorating their home, gardening and entertaining. My Mom enjoys the thrill of the hunt and picks up unusual pieces for her home on her weekend journeys to the local antique shops. She has also made friends with a few extremely talented dealers in San Clemente. They give her a jingle when special treasures arrive that may be a perfect fit. I believe this turquoise lady statue was provided by Janet Solomon of FrenchBlue & Co. Janet has quite the eye for all things unique and magical. Having her as a friend can be dangerous! Janet's home has also been in Romantic Homes magazine twice with completely different looks in each. She is one talented designer, a great friend and an inspiration. Her blog is also top notch.

It's not all work, no play! My parents are fortunate enough to play poker from time to time with Tony and Lucy Torres of Paris Flea Market. Oh... I have been able to enjoy a glass of wine, or two, with them. Their home takes you to another time and place. They have gigantic antique drop dead chandeliers in every corner of their palace. They truly are the king and queen of lighting and all things garden. Lucy also has many a wonderful ware in her beach cottage to purchase on the spot. I believe this chandelier was purchased just like that. This talented duo have been in Romantic Homes several times as well as Romantic Country. If you are in San Diego, go visit a special store Vignettes Antiques in Ocean Beach where you can view their wares. Vignette's website and blog are also gorgeous and inspirational.

My parent's had this soft green hand painted dining room table forever. But, last year they purchased the perfect chairs to match from Tony and Lucy. Collaborating with dealer friends really pays off! The custom made flowers in a french basket was designed by Whim.

It is so soothing. This is our favorite place for my Mom and I to enjoy a meal while the boys are in the den. Not a bad life, right? Hey, I am not complaining.

A piece of artwork found on a romantic weekend in Santa Barbara found a resting place in the dining room.

My Mom's "chair problem" as we like to call it. This one really might just be my favorite. It has a french hand painted scene this is truly special.

Books, books and more books. I am fortunate that my Mom has started collecting decorating and fashion design books in the last few years. She enjoys going to Whim in San Juan Capistrano to sit in luxury and browse through the latest books. I get to read through them when she is done. My Mom says having lots of books around is very Parisian and continuing our knowledge of design is a good thing.

They created symmetry with the two silk sofas being anchored by the fireplace.

They used the same three colors in the living room, dining room and master bedroom to have continuity. It also provides the ability to move chairs and accessories from room to room for a fresh look.




Books, personal pictures and candles make a house feel like a home. And, look... I see Claudia's book right here, The Paris Apartment! I believe that was one of my Mom's first decorating books. We looked through that book over and over while setting up my bachelorette pad 10 years ago. Oh... la la. I had satin sheets, a gorgeous vanity, huge Parisian inspired fabric headboard and a chandelier over my bed. I think that may have closed the deal with Mr. Fabulous! Tee hee... The wedding picture is of me on our special day nine years ago with Mr. Fabulous. (B.T.W. Mr Fabulous is blog shy, so no pictures of him allowed)


So, there you have it kids. A little gander at my parent's pad.
Who would have thought a credit manager could pull this off, right? Decorating is her escape from all those fun phone calls all week. I think she does pretty darn good for a novice. But, of course, I am partial to her and my Dad!



Thanks so much for stopping by.
Have yourself a fabulous day!

My Parent's Peaceful Garden

Since I shared their boudoir on my previous post, I thought I should share their garden as well. My parents have always been favorable to all white roses and flowers in their garden. My Dad has always enjoyed taking care of his yards and they eat on their patio all the time. They use their table outside as an extension of their home and most family dinners will be had there. They do have several pieces of furniture outside that most people would put inside, but it adds a unique charm to the space. They also have thought of lighting by utilizing rustic chandeliers and candle holders. It is a peaceful place. I guess for most people their parents home just feels like "home" to them? I also feel I can just breathe a little easier when visiting. Well, probably because I can relax and enjoy the beauty and don't have any chores over there!!!

Have yourself a beautiful and peaceful day!