Gardening Weekend

Had a great weekend getting the yard organized.  I needed to replace the flowers in my window boxes from the holidays.  I spent Saturday and Sunday in and out of Home Depot  picking up pink petunias and wooden boxes for the sides of our door.  I was tired of the clay pots with mandelvia, which we have had for six years.  I needed something fresh and new.   I fstopped straight in my tracks when I walked into our local nursery last weekend and found these vines.  I had never seen before, they are called sweet pea vines.  Photo below.

Once I found the vines, I had to look for planter boxes.  I really wanted ceramic pots but frankly, we rent our home and I didn’t want to spend $150.00 or $200.00 on pots that might not work in our forever home.  I did want the square look so I purchased two of these redwood boxes from Home Depot and painted them white.  I planted the sweet pea vines in them in the hopes they will grow up and around our doorway.

Here’s a look at the boxes after I painted them.  I will be replacing the terracotta pots with something else that matches the white better.  We are also looking at replacing our screen door with something a little more vintage.  I want something with a longer screen and a little pattern to make the house feel more cottage like.  I found one at Osh that I like. Project for the BF!

These vines are so beautiful, the photos don’t do them justice.  Next to the sweet pea vines are boxwood and asters.  I will shape the boxwoods once they get a little larger for a cleaner look.

The blooms up close.This isn’t the best picture of our upstairs porch but the sun was shining right in the camera.  Gotta love our roof.  Every time we have a windy night half of our shingles end up in our neighbors yard.  I just planted the petunias in the window boxes and added the hanging baskets.  I always forget the name of the plant in the basket…but, I call it the lipstick plant.  The petunias look beautiful when they have grown in.  It will take a little time for them to fill in.

The hanging baskets up close.

I have wanted an asparagus fern forever for our front porch.  I am looking for the perfect urn to put this in.  I love how they look when they get big and bushy.  I’m on the hunt for a white rustic urn.  Do you like my new crab?  I bought it on EBay.  LOL!  I love it.  I am obsessed right now with brass beach items like shells, lobsters, etc.  I saw this crab and had to have it. The top flips open and fits a tea light.  I think it originally was for matches.

My other project for the porch is to break up all this wicker.  I want to find a rustic round table for in between these two chairs.  I can see it in my head but have yet to find one.

We’re off to Paso Robles on Thursday to do a little wine tasting for the weekend.  All the wineries are doing their spring releases.  Last year a number of the wineries were closed in August due to selling out of wine and limited productions.  All the ones we missed last year, we have appointments with, cannot wait.  Unfortunately, Orchard Hill Farm where we stayed last year is unavailable   We found a little B & B via Trip Advisor called Inn Paradiso, which has just come under new ownership and they have fixed up the property.  All I know, is they have John Robshaw bedding, can you say sold.  I will take lots of pictures and give you a recap of our favorite wineries.  Have a great week everyone.

Overcooked Easter

Hope you all had a great Easter or Passover.  We had wonderful weather, here in LA, for the holiday weekend.  I spent all day Saturday out and about shopping for food, prepping and getting as much done as possible so I could relax on Sunday, which of course, never happened.  We had our neighbors Gale and David and my friend Maureen over for dinner.  My other neighbor Andy and his girlfriend Kirsten popped over for a glass of wine or in Andy’s case “Miller Lite” after their family dinner.  While hosting Easter is something I have done many times, this was the first time we had a chef come to our house.  My neighbor David, is a chef and partner, at Park Avenue & Il Garage in Stanton, CA.  For all of you who ask, “Where is Stanton?” like I did, it’s located just East of Huntington Beach on Beach Boulevard.  It’s a destination restaurant that has won many accolades and was recently ranked in the Top 10 of OC Restaurants by Orange Coast Magazine.  In the last few years it’s been ranked number one and landing Chef David Slay on the cover. Ok, as if that isn’t pressure.

We have eaten at his restaurant several times, (which is amazing) and Blake and I have been guests at their house on numerous occasions for parties and impromptu dinners.  I wanted to extend an invitation to them for Easter since they graciously hosted us for Christmas and David is always working and never gets to relax.  I am a perfectionist when it comes to entertaining and love everything to look perfect and taste perfect.  While I love to cook, I’d prefer to do the hosting aspect and décor.  I still haven’t gotten the hang of the whole timing thing.  With my girlfriend Nick flying back from Australia (she normally helps me serve), I was on my own.

Well let’s just say it was a disaster.  I’m laughing about it now.    We cooked our ham in their oven (which Gale warned me gets hot) so I could reheat our sides while the ham was finishing up.  You would think we would have checked on the ham, nope!  This is what happens when the wine starts flowing.  Turns out the ham which, is PERFECT every year, was over cooked. The veggies were soggy because I reheated them and forgot to take the tin foil off and everything was a hot mess.  The only thing that was good was the wine, the company, and the table setting.  While they were more than gracious, I’m sure my soggy asparagus was likely  the topic of conversation the next day.  Everyone had plenty of wine to drink thank God!  Food (when painfully overcooked) always tastes better when your drinking wine.  Overall, we had a great time except me, the perfectionist, cringing every time I looked at the food.  Oh well,  I can only go up from here, right?  Now anything I cook will look good.  LOL!

Now on to the positive aspect of the evening, the table setting.  I was pretty happy with how the table turned out considering everything was purchased either on sale or at a thrift store.  See below for details of where everything was purchased.

TABLE ITEMS:  Table cloth from Williams Sonoma purchased last summer.   Plates are Spode Fine Bone China, England, Pattern Y8549-L Chinese Flowers Prunus purchased at a local thrift store.  Glasses are by the Imperial Glass Company in Shoji pattern purchased at a local thrift store along with the brass candle holders and napkin rings (which they threw in for free).  Wine glasses are by Riedel (Vitis Collection).  Chargers are from Cost Plus, vases from One Kings Lane, burlap runner from Pottery Barn (last year), candles from Home Goods, tulips from Whole Foods, and napkins from Target.

The table setting in all it’s glory before it got bombarded by the hot mess of over cooked food.

Up close as the sun was going down.

I couldn’t believe how well the dishes and table cloth matched.

On  a side note, my great friend Nick has an Aunt who we call “Auntie Syl”.  She lives in Salem, Oregon and loves to entertain, just like us.  We are always sharing recipes, ideas for table settings, and swapping pictures of how we decorated our tables for the holidays.  Take a look at her creative table setting that she did for Easter.  She used burlap as the table cloth, stuffed egg shells and urns with wheat grass,  hanging eggs on branches and put chocolate bunnies on the dinner plates.  I love it.

She also sent me this picture of her deviled eggs.  These are no ordinary deviled eggs. They are decorated with real violets, fresh dill, chives and parsley.  Look at the little baby chick in the right corner.  I call her the Martha Stewart of the North West.

Menu:

APPETIZERS

Cheese Platter with Various Cheeses, Crackers and Grapes

Hartford Court, Four Hearts Vineyards, Russian River Chardonnay 2009

SALAD COURSE

Beet, Rhubarb, and Orange Salad (Couldn’t get Rhubarb anywhere)

Gary Farrell, Russian River Chardonnay, 2008

MAIN COURSE

Roasted Asparagus

Tri-Colored Carrots Roasted with Olive Oil

Scallop Potatoes with Gruyere Cheese (Bon Appetit)

Honey Glazed Ham from our Local Market

Calera 35th Anniversary Vintage, Central Coast, Pinot Noir 2010

Regusci Stages Leap District Merlot 2008

Burgess Napa Valley Merlot 2007

Robert Foley Vineyards, The Griffin Red Wine, 2009

DESSERT

Fresh Mixed Berries with Home Made Whip Cream Topped with Fresh Mint

 

Also, to my parents who’s 45th Anniversary was Sunday.

Happy Anniversary!

&

Jan, my Aussie friend.  I’m so glad we re-connected! Happy Birthday!

 

p.s.  I’m too tired to edit!

PHOTO CREDITS:  All photos are taken by me (Peggy & Fritz) except the last two which are taken by Auntie Syl.

My New Obsession

A few months ago, I was shopping in one my favorite thrift stores and found a single gold glass that looked like one of these below.  I bought it for $1.00 or $2.00, I can’t remember.  The gold was sort of worn and I loved the vintage feel of it.   I thought it would be cute  to put flowers in.   A month later, I ran across an entire set at the same store, some had different patterns than I had seen before.  They were in great condition.  All the glasses were marked on the bottom and I was trying to find out what it meant, since I had never seen it before.  I had no idea who made them and when they were made.  I decided to go for it and bought the whole set.   I figured I would use the large one as a vase, the tumblers as vases or drinking glasses and the small ones for tea lights or drinking glasses (I multi function my glassware).  I just loved the glasses and had to have them.  Here’s a peek at a bunch of them piled up in my hall closet (I’m running out of room for all my glasses and mixed matched plates).  Fast forward to the photo below this one……

A few months ago, I get my issue of Architectural Digest and I’m flipping through the magazine, when I see this picture of Claire Weiss’s Apartment in NYC (see below).  Everything came to a screeching halt.  I read the article cover to cover hoping that they would share who makes these glasses since she had such a large collection of them.  There was nothing.  Since I can’t remember what issue I found this photo in you can see view the article here.  I decided to take a chance and email AD to see if someone knew who made those glasses.  I received a prompt email from Robert Rufino, Interiors Editor of AD.  He advised me he checked with Ms. Weiss and that they were called Shoji.  With a little more research, I found out that these were made by the Imperial Glass Company who produced these glasses between 1965 and 1979.  I was so happy to learn the source of my glasses so I could collect more.  In all my years of antiquing and shopping, I had never run across these.  I got an entire 15 plus set including the large vase for $75.00.  I just saw the vase on eBay for $1400.00 and the tumblers are selling on replacements.com for $25.99 each.  I’d say I got a bargain.  I’m in love with this bar and how she displays the various patterns.  Now I’m on the hunt for the other patterns and the ice bucket and decanter.  If you want o send me something for Christmas here you go, LOL!.

I was at my friend Nick’s house the other day and she had a bunch of trimmed kumquats in a little vase.  I commented on how cute they looked and she said she had a whole bag of them. I took a whole bunch of them home and filled four of the tumblers on my dining room table (see the photos below).  Next week it might be peonies and the following week it might be sparkling water for a dinner party.  Either way, I love the versatility of the glasses.  If you spot them on your travels let me know, I’m on the hunt for more.  I love a great bargain and I’d say I hit the jackpot on these.  Now, I don’t want to be fighting you on EBay for these!  LOL!

I can’t help but smile when I see these kumquats in my bargain tumblers.  Stay tuned Peggy & Fritz will be opening a little online shop in the upcoming months full of my thrift store bargains.  Why shouldn’t we all benefit.  Also, if you’re on Pinterest, stop by and visit.

 

PHOTO CREDITS:  Photo 2:  Thomas Loof, Photo 1, 3-5 by Peggy & Fritz

Restoration Hardware & Eddie Zaratsian

Back in October, I visited the new Restoration Hardware store located in West Hollywood.  I had heard they had created an outdoor venue to showcase their outdoor furniture and created a large signature store for their home furnishings.  I was excited to see the exterior space they had designed and how they incorporated their outdoor furniture and décor.  It did not disappoint.

Below is a sample of some of the group seating arrangements they had displayed.  You are instantly transformed after stepping from the sidewalk through a pair of wrought iron gates.   They’ve done a great job showcasing the various pieces they have by incorporating outdoor lights, fountains, wall art, and beautiful greenery and potted succulents designed by Eddie Zaratsian (more to come on Eddie). The images below are from the Restoration Hardware outdoor collections which can be found online.

I imagine myself with friends sitting at this table below at my future Napa house drinking and sampling wine from our wine tasting day with yummy cheeses and gourmet chocolates.  A girl can dream can’t she?  This zinc covered table is flanked by two wooden outdoor chandeliers with white slip covered (outdoor fabric) chairs.

A beautiful mix of succulents done by Eddie Zaratsian in a gigantic shell.  I love how versatile this is for indoors or out.

Below wall art featuring mirrors mixed with stone sculptures, creeping fig (the plant) and a lovely water fountain complete the look.

A view from another angle.

As you move from the outdoor space to the interior building you enter Eddie Zaratsian Floral Boutique.  All I can say is “OOH LA LA” Gorgeous.  Eddie’s boutique is located within the RH Store.  He did all the outdoor arrangements which, are breathtaking.  His space is so tasteful you can help see why RH has partnered with him and vice versa.  He explained to me that much of his design comes from his travels and experiences around the world.  Most of his designs incorporate natural elements whether it be shells, driftwood, old containers, unusual materials.  He looks to his travels and his experiences as a source of inspiration to create new and ever changing designs.   He has a large celebrity following and his designs and expertise have been utilized by fashion and entertainment industry (Chanel, Oprah Network, Governors Ball).   Not only is his work beautiful but it has an organic fresh feel to it.  It helps too that  he’s soooo nice and funny. This photo below is the main desk.  Look a that box of green – delish.  You must check out his website Eddie Zaratsian to read his bio and view is lovely work.

Eddie’s designs has a very organic feel to them – they are truly and extension of nature.

I am not a succulent person “at all” – I find them cold and unattractive however, the way he puts them together made me fall in love with them. It just goes to show that flowers and plants to a floral designer are like furniture, accessories and art to an interior designer.   It takes the right person to showcase the flowers or plants in a manner that works and is attractive just like  interior design.  

The green looks so pretty in all the metal buckets shelved on reclaimed wood.  So much nicer than plastic white buckets in a glass case. Make sure you scroll to the end to see the lovely bouquet he made for me.

After you walk through Eddie Zaratsian's  incredible floral and lifestyle boutique you walk into the large living areas carefully space planned by Restoration Hardware  The store itself  proved challenging to photograph.  It was heavily lit and lacked natural light.   The store is quite large and is on two floors.  They used a lot of vintage pieces as added décor which can be seen in the photo below.

Lots of over scaled  Roman elements.

The display below was in a bathroom on the corner of a counter.  The glass box with the vintage shaving brushes would be a great touch for a man’s bathroom or for the man in your life. 

The photo below was one of the more formal areas showcasing living furniture.  RH is definitely following the trends right now with Belgium design but I’m ready for them to mix it up just a little bit.

A RH cabinet displayed by vintage sports teams and equipment.  My girlfriend bought this cabinet for her living room to put all her components in it.  She loves it.

Below is a  photo of Eddie and me. While I was walking around RH, he made me and my friend Maureen a beautiful bouquet to take home (the one I’m holding in my hand).  I’m giggling thinking of us taking this picture.  This was the only one the two of us agreed on.  We made my friend take five or six pictures and we kept laughing saying, “Redo!”.  We kept saying, “nope not or that one” or I liked it and he didn’t and vice versa.  It was hilarious.  When and if I  can afford his beautiful works of nature…I will have him on speed dial for pieces for my home or parties.  In the interim, I will share him with all of you and admire his work whenever, I step through the doors of Restoration Hardware.  Make sure if you visit the RH Store in West Hollywood to stop in and see Eddie’s space and tell him Peggy & Fritz sent you.  

Restoration Hardware & Eddie Zaratsian  

8772 Beverly Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA90048
310-652-0323

NOTE:  For those of you that would like to visit there is metered parking on the street however, depending on the time of day it can prove challenging to find spaces.  Restoration Hardware does provide valet parking.

 

PHOTO CREDITS:  All Photos Taken By Ann Shumbo @ Peggy & Fritz

I love hearing your comments, it makes my day! Stop by Peggy & Fritz and let me know what you think. http://www.peggyandfritz.blogspot.com/

Peacock & Beale

I was walking downtown Essex and stumbled upon this refreshing store.  What I mean by refreshing is… it reminded me of something you would see in LA or New York.   Essex never had a lot of home accessory or interior design boutiques but if it did, it was full of chachkies, a Yiddish word for what I call, dust collectors.  Peacock & Beale is the perfect combination of old and new, very eclectic and well merchandised. After doing more research (I thought I would make a good PI), I discovered the owner, Connie Beale was an interior designer, who began her career in Houston working for Bill Francis & Associates and later moved to Greenwich, CT where she started her own firm Connie Beale.  She has been featured in many publications such as Veranda, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Interior Design, etc.  She has since expanded her business and it looks like she brought amazing her talent to Essex, lucky us.  Her store is so beautiful, it reminded me of a lovely, comfortable and well lived in home.  All it needed was a sofa and I would have curled up with a good book and never left.  Take a look for yourself.

Love how these containers for sale are displayed with Rosemary and Ranunculus.

This was my favorite display in the store.  Filled with all kinds of fun vintage finds.

Interior design books displayed beautifully on this lovely table.

I’ve been on a bird kick lately.  Don’t know why but these made me happy!

These  stain glass windows flanking the cashier table looked lovely with the sun streaming through them.  Great way to display them.

I have a thing for tall ceramic or porcelain lamps.  I was drooling over this lamp. Unfortunately, I was so busy taking pictures of the store, I forgot to ask how much it was.

  My rival in college.  But it looked so cool hanging down from the cabinet.  It should say Northeastern University :)

Grain sack pillows.  Love the ones with the monograms.  I just bought five of these at the Long Beach Flea Market last month for my outdoor chairs.

All kinds of vintage finds sprinkled with lovely new pieces.               Make sure you stop in and look around.  Essex is a wonderful day trip if you live in New England.  Lots to see and do.  This is a definite don’t miss for anyone that loves design.

  

Peacock & Beale

21 Main Street

Essex, CT  06426

Phone:  (860) 767-1682

www.conniebeale.com

 

Photo Credits:  All photo’s taken by Peggy & Fritz.