Home Tour- Timothy Corrigan in L.A.

I really enjoy home tours. Especially, when you can watch them over and over. Last year, Susanna Salk and Stacy Bewkes from the fantastic blog Quintessence interviewed the fabulous Timothy Corrigan in his amazing chateau in Paris. I wrote about it last year, see here if you missed it.

Now Susanna and Stacy are back for a second interview but this time it is at Timothy’s gorgeous and sophisticated home in Los Angeles. Tim grew up in this home so he already had the vision and the beautiful connection to it.

Watch the fantastic home tour below and look at the beautiful lunch that he prepared for Susanna. Oh, magnifique!

photo credit Nicole LaMotte, via One Kings Lane
(Video from Quintessence)

Eat like the Royals

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was reading a book called The French Beauty Solution. I also said that I would share a few notes or chapters from the book that intrigue me.

I read a section called “Eat like the Royals“. This really caught my eye because it talked about how the French eat their meals. I loved this little tidbit. It puts your meals in perspective.

* Eat breakfast like a king. Have it be the biggest, richest, and most satisfying meal of the day.


* Eat lunch like a prince. Its’ not quite as rich as breakfast, but still fills you up.


* Eat dinner like a peasant. This meal is just as delicious, but with nothing that takes a long time to digest.

In other words, breakfast should always be your biggest meal of the day and dinner your smallest. This gives your body the time it needs to efficiently process your meals. It keeps your blood sugar from spiking, which can give you uncontrollable cravings for carbohydrates and sugary snacks. And it gives you all the energy you need to make it through the day.

(text by Mathilde Thomas)
















My Tour of the Manor House Antiques Mall

Everyone has ways to relax. Visiting antique stores is one of mine! I love looking at furniture! It is a great way to unwind and be inspired. The Manor House Antique Mall  has been one of my favorites. They closed sometime ago and I was very sad. But this weekend I found out that they have re-opened at a new location!!! I was so excited. I had to take a trip….

I loved this chinoiserie inspired screen!!!

I really liked the bird prints. 

Fantastic artwork

All of these milk glasses were $1!! I had to use self-control for this.

I loved the floral arrangements on the table.
I tried to get the clerk to sell them to me. I was not successful. 



Photos via AHFE

Simple Bouquets

I love, love flowers and for those of you who follow me on Instagram know that also!!! I have written about my beautiful bouquets before (see here and here). Our local grocery store has the best selection. I am always pleasantly surprised when I stop in. A few weeks ago, I stopped in and they had roses for $3 a bundle!!! I felt as if I had hit the floral jackpot!!!

I love sharing my flower finds on my Facebook page  page or Instagram. I just loving having them in my home. I recently found a fabulous Youtuber named Doninique Sasche. She shops at the same grocery store I do (Kroger) and shares how she displays her lovely finds in her home. I hope you enjoy her fantastic and simple Youtube video below. Enjoy!!!!

My roses at home




My hydrangeas at work



























My hydrangea from my yard!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Nighttime Niceties

There is nothing like coming home and relaxing in your bed. Especially after a long work week! I love buying beautiful sheets, pillows & throws for our bed.

I love walking by our bed and eyeing the beautiful neutral colors and soft palettes. Recently, I found these luxurious faux fur pillows at T.J. Maxx. I kept going to them every day! I finally decided, “okay I can’t seem to leave these alone, I must buy them”!!

I have not regretted this purchase. I love them on our bed. They add great warmth and texture. My daughter has been trying to “borrow” one every night. It’s funny. I am glad she enjoys her mother’s taste.

Our bed, please excuse my wrinkled pillow cases. 

Relaxing in my bed, see the cozy blanket
Ahhh nighttime niceties 
I was watching Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic on dvd. 
(photos via AHFE)

An Inspiring Closet

My recent love for blue and white has really surprised me. I am not sure how it happened but I am really loving the change!

Inspiration has been everywhere including this gorgeous oyster blue closet by designer Gray Walker. This amazing closet shows great beauty and function. Be inspired…

photos via Dustin Peck

The French Way of Eating

I always wondered how the French manage to keep their gorgeous figures and still enjoy life. I know here in America overeating is a severe problem. I have to constantly tell myself, “Listen, you don’t have to eat all this food that they are putting on your plate”. The restaurant portion sizes are just out of control! And I have heard some people say that they think they are too small!!!

Well, I refuse to let food conquer me! I want to enjoy beautiful meals but I am not going to let food control me. I was reading French Essence and Vicki wrote about The French Way.


She talked about how she went to her aesthetician and discussed how the French eat.  Her aesthetician had some excellent advise….

Nothing changed in that she stressed the word moderation over and over. Her way is not about denial but the timing, quantities and combinations of how we eat. 


If we feel the desire to consume less than the ideal, eat it early and not too often. Depriving ourselves can make a diet difficult to maintain. Eating in a healthy way, maintaining our weight and setting up eating practices for the future are the way this French woman thinks. 

You must finish reading the article. It is an absolute eye opener.