California Dreaming

Last weekend (right before the ORC reveal) I was in San Diego area and had never been there before so I soaked in the sun and enjoyed some time with my man (sans children). All I have to say is, now I understand why so many people want to live in California! It's so pretty and beautiful weather almost all the year long (and no mosquitoes!). I'm sharing some pictures of the trip today. I took plenty of pictures of palm trees, probably because it's so exotic to me, being from Maryland.  

We went over to Coronado Island and visited the historic 1888 Hotel del Coronado- which is stunning.

The dark wood interior of the lobby area of the hotel has original paneling, lighting and even the gold metal on the elevator shafts.

I found loads of inspiration in their gardens there.

Balboa Park is another beautiful area we went to where there are museums, a zoo, gardens, and theaters. I really enjoyed the Spanish architecture of many of the buildings.

Another place we went to is La Jolla, where they have gorgeous beaches, hiking and caves. We went hiking and toured a cave. There are seals and pelicans a plenty here.

My sweetheart and I also celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary! Love this guy!

                                    This is a view of someone's back yard- how cool is that?

I had a great time and hope we can go back as a family. There is a lot to do and see in this area. Thanks for letting me share this trip. I would love to hear if you've ever been to San Diego or live there. What's your favorite place?

Happy Mother's Day

                     
                             
                                                                           Figs & Ginger
Thank you for all your comments on the makeover of our daughter's room the other day. Your comments make my day. I love how it turned out and she does too. I'll post on Monday how we made the headboard.

Today, I want to say thank you to all women in my life who are super inspiring and have brought such love into my life, especially my own dear mother. I love you! I hope you all have the best Mother's day weekend you can. Here are a few things that have caught my eye lately:

                   That cake topper (first picture) is so sweet and would be great for many occasions.
                
                   This video is about the toughest job in the world. At the end it makes me cry.

                    My love for paper will never die- here's another video- super cute.

A quick and easy (last minute) Mother's day gift to make are silhouette prints. I love how these prints really personalize a home (or you could make it a card). I made one for another one of our daughter's rooms.

                       
               Here's another simple and beautiful gift for mother's day or teacher gift with a printable tag.

Women have tough, beautiful and significant roles to play in the world. All women, regardless if they are a mother or not can make a huge difference in other's lives. Happy Mother's Day!
                           

Design Inspiration Friday: Thinking Green

My apologies for the lack of posts this week. We had kids home from school on some snow days and school projects due and well you know... busy life. I'm getting excited for the prospect of warmer weather and I've been thinking about plans for landscaping and gardening. Our yard doesn't have a lot of variety yet and I can't wait to do some planting in the spring. I'm really going to focus on planting perennials since they are the best investment for a yard. Here are some perennial plant and gardening inspirations that are helping me have a plan for our yard.

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Since I grew up in New England, I have a love for hydrangeas. I planted a handful of them last spring when we moved in, but I love this image with boxwoods in front.

                                                 BHG

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Boxwoods are another favorite, since they do well in most areas and stay evergreen- they always look great.

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                                                    BHG
Who doesn't want pretty smelling perennials? I'm also going to plant Lilly of the valley this year- they are so pretty.
 
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These pyramids would be fun to D.I.Y.

I hope you have a lovely weekend. This week I have some fun projects to show you and my first giveaway- so come back!