Green Pursuits ~ In between our son’s baseball games (love)… I plan to spend some time in the garden this weekend. You? There is more Rainbow spinach to pluck and flash-cook in (It’s already bolting! Yikes!) a little good olive oil, lemon zest and red pepper flakes. So pretty & yummy! I have a few more...
Summer is knocking at our front door and I’m letting it in! In fact, I dressed our entry in a little summer charm. It’s time… Some things just say ‘summer’ to me, like this vintage… blue, child’s garden chair. A great perch for bubble glass and bits of sea. Summer also brings to mind Lazy Sunday drives…and...
Insalata ~ This little salad is a scrumptious meal in itself or a delicious first course. I served it up, in dainty portions, at our last ‘Girls Night In‘ Soiree, with the Meyer Lemon Rosemary Chicken, on petite skewers. (This platter above is heading to my sisters. I’ll finish dressing it, once I get there.) The...
Time Flies ~ Has it really been a year since my sisters and I… pulled the… curtain on that little French themed… (Images ~ Stefanie Knowlton) shower for… Stefanie & baby to be? What a difference a year makes! Beautiful Baby Adele turned one recently and Stefanie let me help style the party goodies she selected....
Happy Mother’s Day ~ Our son brought me a little something he made this week, in his High School pottery class… A house. A little dark mat grey… house with a shiny cream colored roof and a little red window. He didn’t say it was for Mother’s Day…or that it was our house but when they...
Shades of Grey ~ (Image ~ My Sweet Savannah) Still can’t believe our home was featured on the amazing blog, ‘My Sweet Savannah’ Melaine’s photography is so beautiful. Thank you again! Yesterday’s post included a look at our little family room paint project, reveal. (As you can see, Her photos are much nicer than mine!!!) Of course,...
Over the moon! That is how I feel about meeting the talented and gorgeous gal behind the incredible blog, ‘My Sweet Savannah!’ I was so excited to have Melaine Thompson join us for our ‘Girls Night In’ gathering. I’m a fan! She is a friend of Cindy’s, from Haley’s Cottage. (All creative roads lead to...
First Course ~ So excited to share, a first look, at Girls Night In at Monica’s ~ a tribute to m~o~m. Stefanie (Knowlton) captured our evening beautifully, from the arrival of our gorgeous guests, to the lively cocktail hour, featuring my old fashioned, Lavender Martini Drops, shaken not stirred. The pretty concoction, got the evening rolling! To go with... salty...
Mother’s Day ~ Old Fashioned Cocktails and Old World Biscotti. 30 gorgeous gals…enjoy a night celebrating mom. It’s Girls Night In at our house. Party in Progress… Monica
May Day Musings ~ As an elementary school kid, I remember elaborate May Day celebrations and the dance, around the Maypole. I fashioned this, simple version, for our now 16-year-old son, back when he was in preschool. We had a little May Day party. I remember, how our son raced around that pole with his friends, overtaking the...
Gone Painting ~ Our buff family room walls are going… g~r~e~y! I’ve cleared everything away, so that my favorite painter can do his thing. I wanted a little family room drama and I think this rich grey should do the trick. Here’s a swatch. It’s called, River Rock and it’s available at Haley’s Cottage. The grey will make...
M~O~M ~ Here are two, sweet ideas, as you set your Mother’s Day table. Striped straw bouquets & tea, in glassine bags. You’ve no doubt seen these darling little straws. (Check your kitchen & craft stores.) They come in a rainbow of pretty colors, one is sure to fit your tablescape palette. And they’re not just for sipping. You...
Inspired by a love of old-world home and garden design, entertaining, and rustic, earthy meals, Monica’s distinct approach led this former television news gal to create La Famiglia Design. 
