CHARLOTTE MOSS....Lovely Woman, Charming Interiors......

Happy Mid-week to you all!.....This morning I am once again bragging up another of my favorite interior designers, Charlotte Moss. Her new book "A Flair for Living" has just been released....Needless to say, I wish I had it in my impatient little hands as we speak, but I am trying to be good, so am hinting to my two daughters & husband that it would indeed make the perfect "Mother's Day" gift!!....Back to Charlotte,... this designer's style is very "up-scale traditional". She herself is "uber-elegant" & so are her breathtaking interiors. However, in amongst the antiques pieces of furniture, the beautiful fabrics & her exquistite accessories, she is able to suggest ideas that are very doable for us all!!...... Even if your budget is fairly modest, by looking through her books & reading her thoughts on decorating,.... you will come away with lovely ideas & inspirations that can be applied to your home! Charlotte Moss has written a number of wonderful books, all of which I have enjoyed over the years! Check them out....Charlotte will soon be one of your favorite designers too!



Charlotte's cover to her new book...."A Flair for Living"......Note: Even without a place to wear it, I NEED that gorgeous "skirt"!!!.............

The entrance to "The Charlotte Moss Townhouse"....this is actually her store, not her home. It is tucked in the charming streets of NYC's Upper East Side....Designed to appear as rooms in her own home, you can stroll through, browsing...... remember everything is for sale!!!..........

Room & bedding all designed by C. M........don't you want to just crawl in that bed??

Setting & dishes, etc. ....Peek at the lovely design of the tablecloth!...etchings of "little bits of nature & garden pergolas"......I love it!

An exquisite "hydrangeas" design on one of Charlotte's "travel pillows".....Sign me up for a trip!!!

P.S. I wanted to be sure to mention a big "thank you" for just the nicest comments & suggestions I have received from all of you...Rhondi, Barbara, Heidi, Susan, Holly, & Pam!! It means so much!

Also to my friends Judy & Debbie......Judy, Loved sipping tea & talking "quilts" yesterday morning......& Debbie, Had a lovely afternoon at your house, just chatting with you & discussing the arrival of your grandbaby, little Kanon James.....thanks to you both!

Read more...

SUMMER WHITES.......

Happy Monday!....This weekend, I decided it was time to bring "Summertime" to my dining room, and what better way than with the addition of "WHITE". I simple love "white", especially in the warm weather months!...It is a color, ( yes, I do so think it's a true color!) that adds such a clean "crispness" to any room & at the same time is refreshingly "romantic"! I'll admit, I went a bit over the top!...but why not?..it's all white isn't it? For me when using neutrals like this, "more is more"!!! I stripped away all my late winter/spring decor, leaving one "constant", my collection of brown transferware. By adding my white ironstone "pitchers", a combination of floppy, white "roses", huge bunches of un-ruly white "lilacs", and pure white "pillars" the result is something I am quite happy with! A room that is definitely saying "hello" to summer, but in a very soft & classic way.

My "dining room"....all dressed for summer!...NOTE TO SELF: You are in desperate need of a antique chandelier, dripping with crystals!....SELF RESPONDING: Budget not large enough for such purchases!....be happy with what you have!!!.........Self agreeing!

No need to match!....My black "hutch-top" proudly sitting a top this lovely old brown chest.... All my favorite pieces are co-existing so nicely!.....

Sloppy, floppy "lilacs" in an old iron urn.....................(there's that ugly chandelier again!!???)

A pretty little "still life", so quietly behaving......

Read more...

Thank you to both Theresia (www.minoridesign.blogspot.com) & Cherry(www.talesfrompixiewood.typepad.com) for taking time to leave such nice comments......I appreciate it so very much!.....Heidi :)

Read more...

"VICTORIA"....

Let me just admit to you all, right off....I LOVE magazines!.....better re-phrase that, I LOVE certain magazines!...& among those "certain magazines" is "VICTORIA". I just melt when I see the exquisite photograph that graces it's glossy cover. I wait till there is a quiet pause during my day, treating this publication as if it were a fine "wine" or delicious "sweet",... something to be thoroughly enjoyed & not hurried.. I turn every page carefully, slowly taking in the each article. I peruse at first, knowing I will be back again & again to not only learn & get ideas, but to simply share in the experience that Victoria offers. My humble advice for this Sunday...go pick up a copy, find a comfortable lounge chair & spend the afternoon lost in it's pages........

Just look at this months cover of "VICTORIA"!!....so, so pretty!

Read more...

Pool & Patio are "A Calling"...

HAPPY WEEKEND to you all!!! Here in California we are experiencing an unseasonably warm Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The temperatures were in the high 80's yesterday & expected to reach into the mid-90's today & tomorrow!!! WOW! I really am ready for the lazy days of summer, but this may be pushing it just a bit! Even though I have lots of projects I am hoping to accomplish today,... sewing, preparing for an upcoming "homestyle class" & trying out a couple recipes ( may be postponed...can you imagine my stifling kitchen?!), ...I have a feeling I may be ditching it all!.... Instead, the cool, dappled shade of the "patio"( is all clean & arranged, but still in need of more greenery) & a refreshing "dip" in the pool ( first of the year!) maybe be where my mind & body will guide me!!! Enjoy your weekends!.....& stay cool!

My "shady patio"....a work in progress!

The "pool area" appears peaceful & calm this morning, but that may change if 90 degree temperatures hit this afternoon!!

Read more...

Sale this week!

Hi friends!! Wanted to let you all know that for one week, I am lowering all the prices in my Etsy store!! I am sure you will find that all of my items are not only beautiful, but are heirloom quality! I am so eager for all of you to have some of these pieces in your homes, that I have decided to have a spring sale and lower the original prices for a limited time. These are some of my favorite pieces, and I hope you feel the same. Please stop by my shop and take a peek around. Any questions, do not hesitate to contact me!!!

Read more...

MY GARDEN.....

I'm happy to announce that my garden is indeed planted!... It has been cleaned up, the soil turned & mulched... the seeds sowed. I have planted every empty space, not wanting to waste a bit of earth. The list is as follows.... VEGETABLES: lettuce ( 4 varieties), radishes ( basic & French), spinach, carrots, green beans, peas, tomatoes ( mostly "sungold", since they taste like heaven itself!), "birdhouse" gourds, zucchini, tons of red potatoes & soon... pumpkins (both the traditional orange & the lovely white).... HERBS: basil ( a must have!), flat-leafed parsley, oregano, rosemary, dill, cilantro, thyme & chives. Still have a few more additions to this list. FLOWERS: lilies, iris, roses, stock, "black-eyed Susan", scabiosa ( "butterfly" flower, love that!), poppies & of course nasturtiums. Also trying my hand at blueberry bushes (2) & raspberries (6 and not doing so well?) , strawberries & two fine looking avocado trees, small, but promising! I wish I could say, that all there is left to do is to be patient, but we all know that the real work starts now,... watering, weeding, thinning, fertilizing, & "de-bugging" ( the scientific term). I truly don't mind though...spending time in a quiet garden, hands in the dirt, is actually quite theraputic. The day's worries seem to disappear. It's Mother Nature's way of saying good-bye to stress....So, message for today,... purchase some seeds, pick up a trowel & go play in the dirt!


The left side of my garden, ....all planted. For the moment it looks so tidy!

No, this photo is not out of "Martha's" magazine.... It's actually my own, humble, home-grown "Simpson" lettuce"......can you believe it?....I LOVE this photo!!! Happy planting!

Read more...

Early Morning "Puttering" Around The Estate

Early this morning, I found myself doing what I love most...."puttering". Puttering can take many forms, but today it was "strolling" around our backyard... checking on the budding roses and the new growth of the hydrangeas. Since it was a bit overcast, everything looked just that much greener and somewhat lush!?...Could it be?...LUSH??? Last year when we were trying our hardest to get the entire yard landscaped ( & yes...we did most of it ourselves!,... let me rephrase that...my husband did about 90% , me 10%), it seemed as if it would be years till the trees & plants took hold. We dreamed of the day when it would actually appear as if we had lived here more than a year. So you can imagine how tickled I was, when my "puttering" this morning, turned into the realization, that possibly our yard someday could look like the grounds of an overgrown English garden & estate???....O.K., O.K....a girl can dream can't she?


The view from the "pergola" looking back at our house.....Random thought: a pair of blue shutters would look great on the second floor window, don't you think?

The lounges & unbrellas are "lonely....just waiting for a "lazy body with a good book"....

Looking toward the golf course,...did I say "golf course"?? Oh No!? I mean the "green grass & rolling hills & still lake" of that English estate I mention earlier!!

P.S. A heartfelt "thank you " to those of you who have left such sweet comments! You are all among my favorite bloggers!!!

Read more...

Remembering Our Country Home in New York...

I awoke this morning, and for whatever reason, maybe just the time of year,... I was missing our house, barn & 31 acres in rural, upstate New York. As much as I do love it here in Valley Center, there is a part of almost everyday, where my thoughts turn to the home we left a couple of years ago,... deciding to move back to California. Our property back east was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Our house & barn, were tucked right in the middle of 8 acres of grass, with the extraordinarily green hills, meadows & woodland looking down upon us. As you turned onto our long, skinny gravel driveway, you would pass a little pond nestled into yet another grove of trees. It was so quiet that all you could hear were the birds and the occasional sound of a neighbor's truck in the distance. Although modest in many respects, our country home in New York may very well be the one I remember most fondly.

Our "white house".....sitting a top all that green, with all that blue above....

Looking down the road, from our driveway....trees just beginning to leaf out....

Our little pond, as you drive up to the house....

A lovely view of our house, the barn & the woods behind....

Our "upper meadow"...looking out toward neighboring farms....

Read more...

Weekend Projects....

Good Morning Everyone.....Over the weekend I took a few photos of my patio, not the entire space just spotlighting a couple projects that I think turned out pretty nice. #1- A few weeks ago, I found a old beat-up, square canvas out in our garage. It was painted with a tacky 1970's era scene which was not exactly something I wanted in my garage, let alone hang up in my house. The only good thing was that it was just the right size for the space above my outdoor fireplace mantle. Deciding to borrow an idea I had seen in an issue of Country Living magazine, I asked my daughter Mallory if she could possibly turn the hideous canvas into a primitive sign with a simple summer message?... Well I think she succeeded! I am so happy with it!!! Just shows what you can do with a piece destined for the garbage pile!!......#2- My other little weekend project was getting some "topiaries" planted & on their way to becoming true "garden sculptures", or at least that's what I'm hoping for!? I've been fairly successful with it in the past, so with pots, soil, a flat of ivy & a few topiary forms in hand I got started.....Now, all I need to do is wait....and wait...& wait...& wait...& wait.......Patience is a virtue???

My "new" old primitive sign.....

"Summer Boat Rentals" sign making friends with the watering cans....

What a difference a year makes?....When it comes to topiaries, I do wish time would fly!!

Read more...

Matthew Mead's Wonderful Eye...

I was just thumbing through my new May issue of "COUNTRY HOME" magazine & am always anxious to see what Contributing Style Editor, Matthew Mead's article is all about. If you are a devoted fan to the magazine, you are already well versed in the interestingly creative ideas Matthew is always coming up with. If not, be sure & pick up a copy of "CH" & check out page19 where he has lovely ideas for Mother's Day gifts. You also can visit his website http://www.matthewmeadstyle.com/, where you will be able to become very familiar with his style. He has an uncanny knack of taking the most basic, everyday items & either arranging them or making them into the most imaginative "still lifes", "wrappings" & "home decor" items. Matthew also shares his thoughts on decorating, and even has a section set aside for his favorite recipes, as well as sharing all his best sourses!!! I'm sure you too will find him a great inspiration!!! Thank you Matthew for your wonderful "eye"!


A most "regal" paper crown....

A perfect example.... Matthew taking everyday items, & in the arrangement, turning them all into art....

Little crocheted "doilies"....arranged a-top plain crumpled brown paper??...So pretty!!!

Read more...

The Story of "Fairfield Quilts"....

As many of you know I have a small quilt business, "Fairfield Quilts". It came about while our family was living back east a couple years ago in upstate New York. Being a bit weary with the hectic pace of California, my husband & I decided it was time for a change. We packed up the family, bought a farmhouse, a barn & 31 acres in Newark Valley, New York & started living a quieter life in the country. While there, my girls & I decided it was time to start quilting. We started taking classes at a darling little quilt shop near our home, the "Pucky Huddle Delight" whose owner Jen welcomed us with open arms. We were soon asked to join a local guild& before long met some wonderfully talented women! I am proud to say that a group of these ladies (Ginny, Dianna, Molly, Gretchen, Linda & Stella) have since become some of my dearest friends. When our family decided that California was calling us back home, I thought that starting a little quilt business would be the perfect venture! ...being a decorator, not only could I provide amazing quilts for my friends & clients in California, but it would also be a way to learn from, work with & stay close to a group of ladies I never wish to say "good bye" to. That is the story behind "FAIRFIELD QUILTS"....I am proud to say that our business & freindsips are thriving! Thank you to you all!



Simple, classic designs is what "Fairfield Quilts" is all about....This incredible quilt was done in the "Double Irish Chain" pattern, & was pieced together in very small squares to create a very delicate effect...so very pretty!

Bringing lavendar & white together in the "Half Square Triangle" design gives this little lap quilt a lovely, fresh feel!

"Deep creams & pure whites" are pieced together to create a very quiet effect for this charming "Star" quilt......Shhh, just whispers please.....

Another piece done in the "Half Square Triangle" design....such a cheerful little quilt!!!

A label we are all very proud of!!......"Fairfield Quilts" are available at "Fairfield Design" through my Etsy store. We are continually adding new pieces...please stop by for a visit!

Read more...

My Favorite Decorator...

Good Morning to you all!....Today I find myself still trying to pull together & freshen up certain areas of my home. We have one main living area, & since it gets so much use, it's always the area I feel is most challenging "design-wise". After standing & analyzing the room at different angles for some time, ( I know what you're thinking..."Doesn't this woman have anything a bit more important to do?")... I decided to go to our library of books & get help from one of the best designers around.....Carolyne Roehm. Her book "At Home with Carolyne Roehm" is one of my all time favorites! Her style is classic, her photos spectacular & her ideas so inspiring!...And what I appreciate most is her "love of home", creating spaces in your house that reflect you & your family, & the way you live. When it comes to decorating, isn't that what we all hope for?

The incredible cover photo of the book "At Home with Carolyne Roehm"....need I say more?

My thoughts?...Possibly a darker color on the corner cabinet & I'm thinking a few pillows???

My little "entry hall"....needs a great piece tucked under my beloved old bench...I'm thinking a skinny, antique trunk?....maybe an old basket? More "food for thought?"....

Read more...

"Strawberry Season"

"Strawberry Season" has arrived!!!...And I for one couldn't be more pleased!....You can find these "little red gems" everywhere!....My daughter Holly, & her "little one" Andrew, went picking at the "Strawberry Fields" in Carlsbad a couple days ago, delivering home two large buckets of goodness!...and here in Valley Center the farmstands are brimming with them as well! Every year when the local strawberries are ripe, I begin making big plans, & this year is no different. Jams and jellies will be put up,... breads, cakes & muffins baked & this year for the first time I am trying my luck at "strawberry syrup".... How hard can it be?...plus I found the most amazing glass bottles for them, which provides me with even more inspiration! Think how lovely my pantry will be...small jars of "sweetness" lining the shelves!


Freshly picked strawberries, ready to be washed & nibbled!...

Read more...

Spring Afternoons...

It's Tuesday afternoon,... once again I am am puttering around the garden & patio. I have projects galore upstairs, but for some reason I keep finding myself wandering outside?....The weather has been hot, hot hot, but now today it's just so pleasant to be puttering about,... trimming the topiaries, tidying up & giving all the plants a much needed sip of water. The more I ponder the thought, the more I'm tempted to just make a little lunch, & grab my new issues of "Country Living" ( I'm just a bit obsessive,... I just bought both the American & British copies) & maybe while away the afternoon out here by the pool?....Why not!...enjoy your afternoon!



This view from our patio always makes me happy...just give me a "couple topiaries & an iron gat" & I'm so contented.....


P.S. My daughter Mallory just started a blog entitled "Mallory D. and her Bodacious Blooms"...this made me think of her!....

Read more...

Good Morning to you all!...Another week begins. So many possibilites & so many "to-do's"!??....Where should I begin? I've spent so much time in my sewing room lately, that a walk through my garden yesterday reminded me I need to indeed spend a bit more time out there as well. A few weeks ago I was off to a great start, removing all leaves, weeding, mulching & planting a few seeds. Then other commitments took hold & now I find myself feeling a bit behind? Oh well!...not to worry...nothing like a Monday morning to inspire! A little sewing to
finish up on & then off to my garden!

An old weathered chair trying to upstage the rose....

The arbor looks a bit celestial against the sky, don't you think?....

And back to Earth with the beginnings of my lettuce bed....Happy Gardening!

Read more...

Sundays....

It's Sunday morning, and here at our house the pace is slow. We each have ideas on how we want to spend the day...watching the "Masters" is definitely at the top of my husband's list, while the possibility of taking in an afternoon movie is tempting my eldest daughter Holly & I...& a trip to the beach is calling Mallory, my youngest. That's the beauty of Sunday...each of us spending the day doing what calls to us most, not in a hurried way, but rather letting the day unfold as it may.... & then later, a relaxing dinner... together. Enjoy your Sunday!



A "gathering of things" in my dining room....not a thought out arrangement, but pretty none the less.

One of my "Fairfield Quilts" that I will be selling on my new shop at Etsy. I am reserving a bit of time today to list the rest of my collection! So excited to be part of such a talented & creative group of people!...I would love to have you visit my Etsy store!! and love to hear your comments!

Read more...

My "quest" for Spring continues....

Happy Saturday to you all...I have big plans for today, many more tasks than any one girl could possibly accomplish! First & foremost though, I am continuing my "quest" for Spring, now in the inside of my home!...For some reason, the voices of "purple & blue" are the ones that are calling to me the most. Hydrangeas, hyacinths & muscari ( the craft store variety) have been made into wildly voluptuous arrangements & placed in some of my old earthenware crocks. My collection of blue & white quilts, hanging in their familiar spots are somehow taking on the fresh look of the season....especially against the stark white walls & bare branches. I'm getting to think I may never tire of this season...Spring Forever!!!

One of my "voluptuous" flower arrangements...if you look close you can see the tiny, tell-tale signs of my grandson Andrew,... little stickers adorning my old chest & "Thomas the Train" decorating my half hidden coffee table. I think he definitely has a future as a decorator!!

One of my "Fairfield Quilts" hung behind my old antique barn...where are the sheep?

Stripes & the color "blue" really do add a fresh touch to a corner of the "Gathering Room"!...we have no official living or family room, so why not a gathering room???

More quilts, a lantern & my "gardening hat"....That reminds me, the garden is one of those many other tasks I mentioned earlier....or maybe it can wait till tomorrow??

Read more...