Faux Bois from White Elephant Sale Adds Natural Beauty
My friend and I made our annual pilgrimmage to Oakland Museum’s White Elephant Sale, and what a score! Take a look at these faux bois chairs — for a song!
Read More »Peek of the Week
Pop Diva Christina Aguilera’s House
Christina Aguilera is unquestionably one of today’s hottest pop stars. Her style on stage is a mix of cutting edge, classic and vampy all at once. I wondered what that meant for her home. Would it reflect her performance costumes or something totally different?
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Ellen DeGeneres’ Santa Ynez Country Home Tour
Comedienne and the newest judge on American Idol, Ellen DeGeneres gives viewers a tour of her country home in the tiny town of Santa Ynez, CA. According to other online sources, Ellen and Portia (her wife) are huge real estate fiends, so it is a bit unclear if they still own it. Regardless, this weekend spot seems perfect for time away from the chaos of Hollywood.
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Modern Living in a 1927 Spanish Colonial
When my contractor invited me to an open house to view his latest
project–a renovation and addition to a 1927 Spanish Colonial home in Palm
Haven –I jumped at the chance to legitimately snoop.
Inside Stories
Carmel Remodel Ends with He-Said, She-Said Book
A retired Carmel Valley couple take on a big French country renovation. He wants a project. She wants romance. Can each find what they want? Read more…
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Lionel Train Set in Living Room: What to Do?
This old Lionel model train set from my husband’s boyhood in Michigan had never really found a home in our house. Who wants the equivalent of a table set for 12 in the middle of the living room? See how we found a spot for Christmas…
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Film Crew Shoots Vintage Farmhouse
When an old farmhouse in the Morgan Hill countryside brings together an artist and filmmaker, surprising things happened.
Read More »Looki What I Found
Cambria Cove for Luxury Gifts
Last week at the Mom 2.0 summit, I was lucky enough to meet the fine folks at Cambria Cove, a new online shop that carries finds from artisans all over the world. They had a suite filled with some of the fine goods they sell on their site – from stationary to jewelry to home goods. Often I feel gift sites look pretty online, but my purchases disappoint me when I get the product home. But everything I touched, sampled and felt was exquisite!
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Past Perfect
A quick stop in at Past Perfect resulted in the planning of a theme party. Oh–how this girl loves a party!
Read More »Q & A
Naughty or Nice Party: Christmas Decorating Simply Chic
What to do when you’ve invited 24 girlfriends over for a “‘naughty or nice” sit-down dinner party? Call San Jose floral designer Jose Ibarra to come up with special Christmas decor, inside and out.
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Vicki’s Vintage-inspired Holiday Party Favors
With Thanksgiving approaching, are you looking for ideas to make your gathering extra special? We checked in with Vicki Petulla, who made a series of party favors she hangs with style. Take a look…
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Jose’s Tabletop Decor Inspired by Chinese Take-out
Do you think Chinese take-out means just a big saucy mess on your dining room table? Think again. Floral designer Jose Ibarra takes ‘take-out’ to an art form when it comes to tabletop decor. See the photos and get inspired….
Read More »This Darned House
Darned House:Lisa Needs Advice on Remodel!
Lisa and her family are slogging through the muddy winter. As they wait for mud to dry to pour footings, she’s trying to make decisions on major appliances inside. Bosch or Miele? Vent-a-hood or something else. She needs your help!
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Darned House:Stained Glass Adds Drama to Remodel
“Lisa, go inside, you don’t want to see this.” That’s what Lisa Murray’s husband told her when he opened the U-Haul door and gazed inside at the huge stained glass angel window they planned as a major statement piece in their great room. See how things turned out…
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Rain Turns Remodel into Mud fight!
They say timing is everything. Well, when the rain came at the beginning of a remodel, what’s a fun-loving family of four to do? Take a look.
Read More »My Favorite Space
Favorite Spots Regaled at Hanchett Park Home Tour
Perhaps this woman on the Hanchett Park Home Tour summed it up best when she said, “It’s such a surprise to see all these gems all around.” The little known San Jose neighborhood opened five historic homes, from California Craftsmen to an Italian Revival in late May. Listen to what they liked best and check out photos of these unique homes.
Watch the Video »
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