Give Thanks

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Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and it's a time to celebrate life with your family and friends, also in this time of celebrating, don't forget to donate to your local food bank to support families in need. I'm going out today and picking up another bag to donate, my new goal, is to buy a bag of groceries once a month and give it to a food bank.

For now here is a thanksgiving montage to prep us for all the celebrating that we'll be doing tomorrow!

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Give thanks everyone! xo

Fall Bliss

Thanksgiving is almost here, time for pumpkin pie and all things fall. Here are some great tablescapes for your Thanksgiving Feast.

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Shop decor and home furnishings at Bellacor!

Holiday Hostess Gifts

Tis the season for holiday parties! Stuck on what to give the hostess with the mostest for throwing an amazing fete? Fear not, here are a few suggestions to help you along the way!





Personalized Guest Towels from Pottery Barn $29.00:

If you know someone who is a whiz in the kitchen, or a vegetarian, this delicious book is sure to tempt their palate!

Yotam Ottolenghi 'Plenty' Vegetarian Cookbook, $ 35.00 at Nordstrom

Know a newlywed couple? Or a couple that acts like newlyweds? These super cute Mr. & Mrs. Ornaments by Jonathan Adler will look great when their decking the halls. ($ 48.00)

Now that the weather is getting colder, how about picking up a basket of Pinecone Firestarters from Crate and Barrel for your hostess to use during the winter? These are natural pine cones dipped in pine scented wax - an aromatic and easy way to get that fire started on a cold winter night! $ 39.95

Serving bowls and dishes are always appreciated, why not bring your host, this lovely Fresco Serving Bowl from Crate and Barrel? $26.95

A Christmas Amarylss is always a lovely treat, these little guys grow so quickly, you can see the progress happen right before your eyes! It's a pop of color on those gray days. ($ 29.95)

Tripoli Servers are the best! Especially if your host entertains quite often, show up with some sweet treats on this platter and you'll be a hit! ($49.95)

Happy Celebrating! Don't forget to have a DD if you have a little too much nip in your nog! xo

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The Flintstone House

Image courtesy of Laura Werde Yahoo Contributing Network

Image courtesy of Time-Inc.

A familiar sight since I was a child – For over 35 years the “Flintstone House” aka the “Mushroom House," has been a daily landmark for many Bay Area residents driving on 280. When I was a kid, I would get so excited knowing that the Flintstone House was coming up. Seeing the house was always such an exciting part of our journey. At one time it was white, then a yellow color, now it’s burnt orange, reminiscent of the mid 1970’s, when the home was built. The South brother’s built the home; they are credited for coming up with the “spray in place” method for Monolithic Dome structures. The materials used to construct the dome were, concrete, rebar, wire mesh, and putty formed over an aeronautical balloon to get the domed shape; the concept of using the balloon to create the dome shape was developed by architect, William Nicholson. To read the entire article click here

Go Ahead, Draw Yourself A Bath

An absolute must after a long day, have some quiet time, fill up your tub, and have a soak, be sure to add some bath salts to the tub. I personally love the smell of lavender it has such a calming element, and reminds me of a day spa.

These little bath salt packets are perfect, just open the packet and pour into the tub while it's filling with water. After your soak you'll feel renewed and relaxed, plus studies show that taking baths can increase your happiness! If you'd like to purchase these salts, check out CO Bigelow and until September 15th enter in the promotion "BIG5" to receive $5 off your purchase of $50 or more. 

What Makes My House a Home xo

Every body seems to have key items to make their house a home. Since the number 13 always has a bad rap for being unlucky, here are my top 13 items that are a must have to make my house a home. These make me feel pretty lucky to have a place to call home. xo

Fresh Flowers. Something about their brightness and brilliance in color just really makes me smile.

Wine. I love it and enjoy a glass maybe twice a week (ok maybe three but my nutritionist can't know this). You don't need fancy wine or fancy glasses to enjoy a glass.

Coffee. The aroma and warmth of it is so comforting, it's a celebration of the day's beginning.

A soft throw. Cuddle up while reading your favorite book or watching telly. (this one shown is made in the USA), if you like it, you can, 

Shop for home and garden at Bellacor! Great deals everyday!

Candles. They smell great and have a calming element and even a little romance!!! I personally love the selection from CO Bigelow

(Click Here)

In fact, CO Bigelow, is having a great promotion, use the code above to receive $5 off of your purchase of $50 or more!

Ganesh. Mover of Obstacle's, Lord of Beginnings

Sage. Smudge your house from bad energy, clear it out & be sure to wand some over your bed and your front door. It's a cleansing element used in Native American culture. (you can find them at a natural foods store)

A picture of Amma, an amazing, inspiring spiritual leader, a true humanitarian.

Nice soap, it really makes a difference having nice soap in the bathroom, again if you purchase the soap through CO Bigelow, you'll receive $5 off of orders $50 or more until September 15th! Just use the promotional code: BIG5

(Click Here)

My Hubby, I love him what can I say, truly a blessing.

An herb garden, we live in an apartment and do not have a ton of space, so a little potted herb garden does the trick for us.

A vision board, you become what you put out there. Put all your hopes, dreams and goals on a vision board. It's a cut and paste project that turns into a beautiful collage that you can pin up on your wall. Get some elmer's glue, a piece of sturdy cardboard, scissors, magazines, and cut away!

Fresh sheets, falling asleep on freshly washed and dried sheets is heavenly, the softness and warmth from the dryer is so comforting.

Okay I'm cheating, 14....LOVE I can't be in a home with out LOVE xo

Serena & Lily, How I Love Thee

Serena & Lily make the best bedding - I am obsessed with everything this brand has to offer. Their style is evocative of the Northern California Lifestyle. It's pure heaven......

(Logo & image courtesy of Serena & Lily)

(Image courtesy of Serena & Lily)

I Love Vintage Flour Sack Pillows

I love these vintage flour sack pillows, they have been around for awhile and their simple, and rustic look, is really quite classic. I found this picture on Apartment Therapy and can't get enough of them. 

(Image courtesy of Apartment Therapy)