• Home & Garden

    Amazing 4th of July Decor You’ll Love!

    Banner available on Etsy at  SunnyBanners.

    The 4th of July is rapidly approaching and I am busily digging out all my patriotic decor.  Whether you like to just do a little something on the front porch or go all out, here are some amazing patriotic decor ideas I think you will love!

    Using vintage quilts adds a cozy, comfy vibe that will make your 4th of July perfect.

    Photo credit: Jamie Brown.

    Hand-made by Jamie Brown, this super cute “Old Glory” sign will help you celebrate Independence Day in style.  Available at her Etsy shop,  ToeFishArt, they are almost sold out!

    Source: @myweatheredhome

    Get fab farmhouse vibes using vintage and rustic items.

    Wreath available on Etsy, at The Door Charm.

    Using a patriotic wreath on a door or above the mantel adds the perfect patriotic touch.  Check out Cari Anne’s beautiful creations on Etsy.  I love the bows!

    Source: @oops.i.dunn.it.again

    Stars and stripes make this dining room so 4th of July festive.

    Source: Pottery Barn

    These Americana cotton/linen napkins will add 4th of July flair.

    Chair Back Covers available on Etsy at SeasonalHeirlooms.

    Sometimes, just switching up something you already have will do the trick.  How about these patriotic chair back covers!  Isn’t this just the cutest?

    Wow!  Just can’t stop admiring this beautiful porch by Bonnie Ainsley Hunt @simple_and_lovely and owner of  Simple and Lovely Art on Etsy.

    Source: @rusticlivinglife

    Another beautiful 4th of July porch.  Drooling!

    Source: @houseonlouisemeadow

    The perfect patriotic place settings to make your celebration complete.

    Source: @havenberryvintage

    Using vintage items to decorate for the 4th of July provides a unique glimpse of the past.

    Curtains available at Bed Bath & Beyond.

    Show your true red, white & blue love with these flag curtains.

    Source: Oriental Trading

    These simple burlap hanging fans create festive wall decor.

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  I hope you found some patriotic decor inspiration.  You may also like The 5 Reasons You Will Love These Summer Finds!,  What the Color of Your Flowers Says About You, and Garden Gates of Carmel.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas.

     

  • Home & Garden

    Hive & Hum, Living Inspired in Santa Cruz

    I had heard great things about Hive & Hum, but I was not prepared for how amazing it would be.  I was glad I visited in December, which allowed me to see their fabulous holiday decor.  Their Instagram account states they are “an urban mercantile of home, lifestyle & garden and adventures in interior design”.  Their motto is “live inspired” and inspired you will certainly be when you walk through the door.

    Hive & Hum is a great resource for decorating your home, buying a gift for someone, or locating a unique piece that you won’t find in your local chain store.  Think Anthropologie ingenuity meets California originality.  It’s a very warm, inviting, and creative setting.  “Only good vibes” reads their hashtag on Instagram, and so it is.  Super positive energy abounds here.

    I was surprised at how large the store is.  It is so roomy and airy and inspiring vignettes tantalize around every corner.

    Hum & Hive also has handmade jewelry, books, candles, and yes, honey for sale!  Other thoughtfully curated items include organic textiles (I really love the handmade Morrocan rugs), gorgeous lighting fixtures, plants, floral arrangements, and the list goes on and on.  Interior decorating services are also available.

    I love all the oversized wall quotes, from Dalai Lama to Audrey Hepburn!

    Give yourself plenty of time to explore all the wonderful treasures here.  Many pieces of artwork are created locally.

    Local art by Mckella Jo, photo courtesy of Hive & Hum.

    It is located in a great spot, next to the renowned organic River Cafe, which has a huge outdoor pet-friendly deck filled with comfy seating.  There is a Patagonia shop on the other side, and around the corner, there is a quaint little antique shop.  I highly recommend Hive & Hum.  Support local artists and craftsmen as well as small businesses!

    Where: 415 River Street, Santa Cruz, Ca 95060.

    Phone:  831-421-9028

    Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-5

    Website: Hive & Hum

    Don’t forget to check out their Facebook, Instagram & Twitter accounts @hiveandhum for more inspiration!

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness and beautiful vistas.

  • Home & Garden,  Local Events

    Goat Hill Fair in Santa Cruz County

    I had so much fun at the Goat Hill Fair today!  If you love farmhouse decor and friendly folks you will love Goat Hill Fair, a biannual antique and vintage treasure event held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds near Watsonville, CA.  It is primarily an indoor event with over 100 vendors featuring amazing and beautiful items in three large buildings.

    I love this chippy paint baker’s table!

    Goat Hill Fair began in 2011 by organizer Cyndi Garofalo.  It has grown substantially over the years.  Once you go you will be hooked!  People often return, year after year.  For many, it offers a special girlfriend or Mom & daughter bonding experience.  Certainly, some gentlemen will enjoy Goat Hill Fair as well!

    A plethora of beautiful succulent arrangements.

    You will find all kinds of fun and interesting items at Goat Hill from architectural salvage items to vintage and antique furniture and decor, folk art, jewelry, wreaths, floral/succulent arrangements, and handmade items.   It is very artfully curated and exceptionally organized.  You will find great gift ideas as well as festive decor for your home.

    Where:  Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds – 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076

    When:  Two shows per year, one in November and one in May.  Shows are held for two days, both Saturday and Sunday.  2019 show dates are May 18-19 and November 9-10.

    How Much:  Tickets sold online and at the gate – $10.00 (good for both days)

    Hours:  10 am to 4 pm Saturday and 10 am to 3 pm Sunday

    Helpful Tips:

    • I would highly recommend purchasing the “Early Goat” tickets that enable admission at 8:30 am, to avoid the huge crowds later.  These can be purchased online and are $25.00.
    • Free and abundant parking, including handicapped parking, is available
    • A variety of food & beverage vendors are available and there is also a bar with beer, wine, Bloody Marys, & mimosas
    • A covered tent with seating for dining is available
    • No pets are allowed except for service animals
    • Purchased items can be held for you at a central kiosk, make sure to get your kiosk ticket from the vendor after you pay for your item(s)

    Website:   Goat Hill Fair

    Phone:  408-221-5054

    Email:  cyndi_garofalo@yahoo.com

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness and beautiful vistas!

  • Home & Garden

    Clementine & Co. in Carmel, California

    Clementine & Company is a stunning shop filled with beautiful home decor, furniture, vintage finds, and gift items.  It was founded by two sisters, Emily and Amanda, in 2016.  Per their website, the sisters “grew up in a large family with a designer/artist father and a creative mom who flipped houses for a living.  The sisters joined forces, put their creative energies together, and opened a shop in picturesque Carmel, CA that incorporates flea market finds with the latest trends in interior design.”

     

    I am always impressed with the stylish decor here and there are always some wonderful surprises!  The textiles, lighting, ceramics, furniture, and beautiful decor flood your senses.  Every nook and corner is utilized to provide a pleasing view no matter where your gaze wanders.

    I love finding inspiration here; the tableaus are so lovely.

    It is fun to explore the variety.  Always new and interesting finds here!  They also have wonderful seasonal decor.

    Clementine & Co. also features a professionally curated online store that can ship items right to your doorstep.   How’s that for convenience?  Check out Clementine & Co. yourself!  You will not be disappointed!

    Where:  153 Crossroads Blvd. Carmel, California, 93923 (located in the Crossroads Carmel Shopping Center)

    Hours:  Mon-Sat 10am to 6pm and Sun 11am to 5pm

    Phone: (831) 620-1200

    Helpful Links: Store Website 

    My latest snag from Clementine.  As a coffee addict, I appreciate the size of this mug in addition to the cute inscription!  Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love & happiness!