Guest Post at Dreamy Whites

Hello Friends!

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Thank you for your sweet comments on my last post, they were greatly appreciated!

I wanted to let you know that today I am over at Dreamy Whites sharing a tour of my home decorated for the holidays.

Here is a sneak peek of what I am sharing..

To see the full tour, please visit Maria at Dreamy Whites.

Oh, and by the way I, purchased those beautiful burlap stockings from French and Sparrow. I absolutely love them!

I'd also like to say thank you to Courtney at French Country Cottage for featuring my Thanksgiving table setting!

Best wishes for a happy holiday!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

Happy Holidays!

Hello Friends!

It's Christmas time!

Can you believe it's already here? Only 22 more days until Christmas!

The girls and I are having a great time singing Christmas songs and decorating. I try to include them in everything thing we do no matter how big or small the job. I hope to make magical Christmas memories with them as my Mom did for me.

I couldn't resist these adorable little grain sack stocking from Maria's wonderful shop Dreamy Whites. I had a vision of them hanging from my antique French bottle rack and it's everything I hoped for and more--i just love them!

To complete this Christmas vignette on my antique desk, I added a galvanized bucket with a euro tree, an antique candle holder passed down from my family and Dutch butchers twine (also purchased from Dreamy Whites Online).

My daughters will be performing in two shows this weekend, a Rudolph ballet recital and a special Christmas show at their pre-school. This will be my youngest daughters first ballet recital. I will definitely be needing a box of tissues this weekend!

I hope all of you have a lovely weekend too!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

A Thanksgiving Table Setting

Hello Friends!

Happy Thanksgiving to you! I'm sending out my best wishes for a fantastic Thanksgiving early because I will not be back before Thanksgiving!

Since the Thanksgiving holiday centers itself around the dinning room table, I thought it would be a great time to put together a table setting to share with you!

I used a vintage grain sack towel as a runner and then added my gorgeous anthropologie taper candle holders. To add some warmth to the table, I used my new vintage english tea cups I bought from French Larkspur. They are a beautiful shade of brown and remind me of the newer monogrammed mugs from anthropologie. I decided I was truly in love with the color after seeing Lara's post on Chai Tea and Pumpkin Muffins... you'll have to check out her post to see what I'm talking about. I'm enjoying drinking coffee from my new tea cups every morning!

Instead of drinking out of the tea cups for this occasion I used them as vases and added colorful roses to them. I used my French antique plates that I had picked up at an antique store and I've also added my favorite drinking glasses from Anthropologie. Napkins are traditionally added to the side of a the plate but I tucked mine in between the salad and dinner plate. A naturally shed antler was a perfect fit for this setting.

Oh, I almost forgot... did you notice my blue door? I forgot that it had a pretty light shade of grey on the back side. I added hydrangeas to a basket and hung it on the door. It's the same basket my daughter used in her little red riding hood photo shoot.

I wanted to let you all know that you are on my list of things I am thankful for! I am so grateful to have company like you in my life! Thank you for spending your time with me and leaving me such thoughtful comments! You sure know how to make a girl feel good!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

I'm sharing this at... White Wednesday, Tablescape Thursday, Feathered Nest Friday, and Show and Tell Friday

Dear Santa...

Hello Friends!

Here is a tribute to the upcoming holiday season, hopefully it's not a little too early!

I am overfilled with joy in anticipation for Christmas this year.

Having two sweet angels who believe in the magic of it all makes it very special.

Today the girls scribbled letters to Santa Claus and what you read on their pictures is what they told me they wanted. I thought it would be a cute way to remember what they had asked for in the years to come. I used the online editor picnik to add text to my photos.

Thank you girls for you infectious laughter during our photo shoot today!

Love you girls! xoxo

Also, here is a blog I think you will enjoy, it's filled with lots of Christmas inspiration...
All The Beautiful Christmas

until next time,

xo
Cheryl

Handmade Wool Button Scarf

Hello Friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

We did a lot of celebrating this weekend! We attended my best friends wedding which was beautiful, simple and meaningful... loved it--Congrats Shelby and Erik! My daughter's friend had a magical 2 day birthday celebration at Disneyland and we hurried back Sunday to make it to my nephews 5th birthday party. I'd say Mom and Dad are a little tired after this weekend but it was all worth it.

The weather is chilly outside and it makes me want to create things with my own two hands to keep my family and myself warm. This year I'm hoping to expand my skills past a beanie and a scarf.

I crocheted the scarf I'm sharing today for my daughters darling little girlfriend 4th birthday. She is quite the little princess who loves to wear her accessories. Yay, I thought to myself, an excuse to run to the store and splurge on some quality yarn. My only mistake was not buying two skeins. One skein wasn't enough to make it wrap around and stay. I went to my jar of vintage buttons and hand-sewed a large button on one side to keep it from falling off. It wasn't my first intention but I think it turned out ok.

I recycled the tissue paper I received in my package from French Larkspur the other day and wrapped the handmade scarf in it. Isn't the tissue paper pretty? I just love it! I tied it with some white twine I bought at Home Depot and added a tag with a stamp that reads "handmade with love." It adds a sweet touch to the package, don't you think? I bought the stamp a few months ago for a $1 at Michaels.

I'll be back soon to share what I bought from French Larkspur!

Have a wonderful week my friends!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

I'm sharing this at.. Good Life Wednesday and Yarn Along

Rose Pine Cones

Hello Friends!

I hope everyone is having a good week!

Last week my girlfriend and I took our little girls for a mile-long hike behind her house and I happened upon two of these lovely rose pine cones.

Nature walks are so good for re-engergizing and restoring balance, not to mention the cool stuff you find along the way!

They almost look like they were carved out of wood, don't they?

They actually come from the tops of Deodar Cedar Pinecones and when they fall to the ground, they break apart and look like this.

One of natures amazing gifts!

I thought I'd share some personal things going on in my life right now...

I started training for my half marathon this week... woohoo!

My sister just gave birth to her fourth child, a baby girl named Colbie. I'm hoping to get some photos of her soon.

My childhood best friend is getting married this Friday on 11/11/11, eek!

Between now and the end of February, my family has 12 birthdays. It get's pretty busy around here during the Holiday season!

I've picked up my crochet needle again : )

Also, I know everybody reads Maria's beautiful blog Dreamy Whites and it was such an honor to be mentioned on her blog. Thank you Maria! Maria is super talented on so many levels, gorgeous, and the sweetest person. She's got a giveaway going on her blog right now that you don't want to miss!

Wow, are you still there?

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

My Blue Door Decorated For Fall

Hello Dear Friends!

Happy November!

Today I'm sharing my decorative vintage blue door in full Fall decor. This gorgeous wreath is made from real Oak leaves in some of Autumns most beautiful hues. I picked it up from the local health food store's floral department.

Completing the look is this scrumptious handmade knitted banner.

I fell in love with the knitted style banner after seeing my friends post.

I quickly requested one in fall colors (thank you Lori!).

If your interested in one for yourself you can go here.

Also, Lori did a precious photo shoot with my daughter modeling her beautiful knitted cape. I'd like to share that link with you, click here.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Halloween!

Until next time,

xo
Cheryl

I'm sharing this at.. Good Life Wednesdays, Feathered Nest Friday, Show and Tell Friday, and Farmhouse Friday

Apple Paint Cups

Hello!

I hope all is well and that your week was a fabulous one!

Thank you so much for leaving me sweet comments on my posts from last week! I always read each and every one!

Also, thank you to Devon over at Ironstone and Pine for giving me The Versatile Blogger award and Laurie from The Farmhouse for featuring my Romantic Fireside post. I'm always grateful when ever my blog is featured. I'm truly honored ladies, thank you!

After getting our pumpkins home from the pumpkin patch the girls and I spent an evening painting pumpkins. It's a great alternative to carving pumpkins since they're not old enough yet.

I'll be back soon to share my blue door that I've decorated for fall.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch

I took the girls to the Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch to pick a pumpkin the other morning.

Love this pumpkin patch for its countryside feel.

It's got hay-rides, a corn maze and a few farm animals.

The farm is over 100 years old and hasn't changed at all, while all around it has matured.

They've got the greatest assortment of pumpkins and even squashes in all different colors, shapes and sizes.

You"ll definitely be in the autumn mood once you leave this place : )

Have you seen this fall bucket list yet?

Isn't it adorable?

Head on over to Loves of Life to meet Katie who was the creator of this list.

Have a great weekend my friends!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

Fall Mantle

Hello Friends!

I thought I would share my fall mantle with you this morning..

To create my fall mantle I used items I already had in the house in a different way.

I wanted to keep my mantle clean, simple and add some warmth to give it that fall feeling.

The three baskets were purchased from different places, the top one only cost a few dollars at a garage sale.

I love the way the three of them look stacked on top of each other.

I'm also loving the way the weathered wood frame looks against the white brick and I'm not the artist behind this chalkboard masterpiece.

I have my friend Dalsu to thank!

Thank you Dalsu!

It was so important to me when creating my fall mantle that I did something my kids would love too, and they do!

They love pointing to the characters on the chalkboard and telling me their names.

Together as a family we love to watch the Charlie Brown holiday classics.

The amber glass bottle is new and it's exactly what I needed to bring some warmth to my mantle.

If you missed my fireplace makeover go here.

Enjoy your day and thanks for visiting!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

I'm sharing this at.. Tuesday's Treasures, White Wednesday, Vintage Inspiration Fridays, Show and Tell Friday

Fireside Romantic Shabby Chic Atmosphere

Hello Friends!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

It's that season where the days get colder, the nights get longer and the fireplace becomes the main focus in our home.

This fall we've had a bundle of cozy fires by the fireplace.

I was looking for a place I could snuggle up and be comfortable so I created this romantic shabby chic atmosphere for my fireplace.

I hope you'll enjoy it!

Have a great week my friends!

until next time

xo

Cheryl

I'm sharing this at.. White Wednesday, Feathered Nest Friday, Show and Tell Friday and Farmhouse Friday

Refreshing the Girls Bedroom with a little Halloween Fun

Hello Friends!

Did you all have a fabulous weekend? I sure hope so!

I've been moving things around, organizing, labeling, and getting rid of stuff lately.

Both my sister and my best friend are pregnant, so I seem to be picking up their "nesting" behaviours.

(haha, just kidding girls!)

I thought I would share some of the changes I've made to the girls bedroom.

I've added a barn star, pennant banner, a few pumpkins in honor of Halloween and re-purposed my French pie safe.

What do you think?

Have a wonderful week my friends!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

I'm sharing this at.. White Wednesday, Feathered Nest Friday and Show and Tell Friday

A Healthy Halloween Treat For Kids

Hello friends and welcome to my new followers!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

I'd like to say thank you to everyone for your beautiful energy! I deeply appreciate the kindness that comes through this little blog of mine!

I also wanted to say thank you to Kathleen over at Faded Charm for featuring my blog on White Wednesday and to Kim for featuring my tree stump coffee table at Wow Us Wednesdays!

I have a wonderful healthy Halloween treat I would love to share with you.

It was my daughter's turn to bring a snack to pre-school and

I wanted to do something fun, exciting and healthy that she could share with her classmates.

I picked up a ghost press-and-stamp cookie cutter at Williams-Sonoma and thought I would give it a try on some freshly cut apples.

It's really pretty simple to do:

Cut an apple into thin slices.

Using the cookie cutter, press down firmly to cut the ghost shape out of an apple slice and before removing the cookie cutter, give it a stamp.

Viola!

You now have ghost apples!

My kids kept saying "More ghost apples, please!" (This could also be a good trick to get your kids to eat healthy fruits!)

Wouldn't these make a healthy and cute snack at a Halloween party?

If you have any left over sliced apples, you can toss them in a delicious fall-inspired dinner salad, leave me a comment if you want the recipe.

Another cute idea is to use the pumpkin press and stamp cookie cutter on cheese.

It makes super cute orange pumpkins--we brought those to school a couple of weeks ago.

It rained cats and dogs here in Santa Barbara today so we broke out the rain boots and rain jackets. I wish it would get cold enough enough here to snow (sigh).

I'm wishing you all a cozy weekend!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

Jeanne d' Arc Living Inspiration

Hello Friends!

Have you discovered Jeanne d' Arc Living magazine?

I just love it!

It's filled with wonderful French decorating inspirations and ideas.

A quick flip through this magazine can inspire me to redecorate my entire house!

I just ordered a fabulous book called French Atmospheres by Jeanne d' Arc Living--it's filled with beautiful homes decorated in French style in a Nordic way.

(image from the book French Atmosphere)

After studying a look I liked in this book, I was shocked when I realized I already had many of the same items in my home!

I couldn't wait to put the book down and start "playing".

This white shabby chic desk was a gift from one of my generous girlfriends.

Her mother used it as a child and they thought of me when it needed a new home.

It was so very thoughtful!

The lovely little stool was a part of it too.

Many of you might recognize the cubby organizer from Pottery Barn.

It was so lonely packed up in my garage from our last move, so I ran out to the garage and dragged it inside.

I'm liking it propped up on the desk.

Quick note, it is fastened to the wall to ensure safety!

This little industrial table lamp made my heart swoon one morning at a flea market.

I bought it when I was still an antique dealer. About an hour after putting it in my space to sell, I ran back to the store and carried it back home.

Yes, this does happen to antique dealers.

I couldn't get it off my mind and the thought of it being sold broke my heart.

Here it is in my home now and I just adore it.

I have been thinking about turning my metal basket into a hanging light.

I was inspired when I saw one in New York City with a price tag of $1700.

The basket was a find at an antique show last February.

I have to give credit and thanks to Tracey over at French Larkspur for introducing me to the magazine.

It's a special day when I receive my package from her store.

Its wrapped up so pretty, I don't even want to open it (but I do of course)!

You can pre-order the fall issue in her store now.

I hope you all are having a great start to your week and I hope it continues into the weekend!

until next time,

xo

Cheryl

I'm sharing this at.. White Wednesday, Vintage Inspiration Friday, Feathered Nest Friday and Show and Tell Fridays