Out & About - Healdsburg, CA

The weekend is a time to unwind and to explore places unknown, new experiences and sites you’ve never known before. Sonoma County was top on our list last weekend. The area is notorious for wine and vineyards as they go hand in hand. Sonoma neighbors with Napa Valley so you can imagine this is the place to be for great wine tasting. Sadly, we didn’t taste any wine on our trip. We enjoyed walking the downtown area of Healdsburg, slowing down and taking in all the sites. 

Bar Bravas, was a lovely restaurant we saw in the middle of town – wish we weren’t full from our picnic lunch. Once a single family home, they converted the structure into a restaurant. The front patio had bistro style table and chairs with orange accents throughout the front garden. The place seemed like a great spot to have coffee and or a quick bite with a friend. As we continued past, we noticed the once driveway now led you down a fun and inviting journey. I mean could you have walked past this and not wandered back there in curiosity? If we find ourselves back in town we will definitely be sure to stop here for a bite and request to sit in the backyard, so peaceful and serene.  

The antique shop was my favorite. I love items that have history to them and being able to repurpose and reuse an item brings it back to life. The possibilities in this shop were amazing, although at times I felt very overwhelmed as if I had missed something unique! 

I wonder what amazing places we will discover this weekend?

Summer Round Up: Favorite Trends

The next few months are going to be full of all things fall and pumpkins, so I wanted to pay a homage to summertime. I am going to cover a few of my favorite trends from the season and how you can incorporate them into your home.

  Bright hues of decorative pom-poms & tassels were all the craze this summer. The neutrals of the straw bags are perfect against the colorful yarns. Poms have also made their way into home decor seen on throw blankets and playful accessories. Please check out this fun article from Apartment Therapy on "Trend Report: The "It" Decor Item We're Seeing Everywhere" showcasing all the ways you can incorporate pom-poms in your daily life.

I've noticed wooden beaded necklaces have become more popular as decoration around the home than a piece of jewelry. I absolutely love these and I want to make some for myself after reading the article linked below written by Melissa from Brown Dog Vintage.

Check out this great how to $8 DIY Wooden Bead Garland 

Wicker furniture is making a come back! My bohemian vibes are in full force when I come across beautiful pieces like this. As a young girl, I can remember my bubble gum pink wicker-rattan headboard, much like the pieces World Market offers on there website. 

Apartment Therapy wrote an informative article on The History of Wicker Furniture. 

"Wicker is the term for the product of weaving any number of natural materials, including rattan, cane, willow and raffia, among other plant fibers." - by Anna Hoffman via Apartment Therapy. 

Share below your top Summer Trends from the past few months!

Bye Bye Summer Hello Fall! Xo Stephanie

Design in Charleston

Who doesn't love coffee table books?! Said Nobody EVER!

My passion for design never stops even on vacation. To my surprise along our journey down king street in Charleston, SC we noticed Mitchell Hill it looked like a store we couldn't pass up.

Abstract & Geometric forms are all the craze right now.

Patterns & Colors around every corner.

Transforming traditional chair forms & re-upholstering the piece with high contrast textiles. The pillows are also beautifully showcased with one larger square pillow and a small lumbar support. When deciding on throw pillows for your space, one must first know there color scheme. Pillows are always best when the scale of the pattern is different than the one next to it. Mixing with colors & texture brings an added interest to the seating arrangement. 

Remember those tips next time you find yourself staring down the pillow wall. Questioning yourself on if you need another pillow or not?! We all do it!

What is your craziest must have when you find yourself in a home store? I have to pull myself away from the coffee table books & throws. I believe you need a different throw for every season! It's almost time to get the fluffy fur blankets out, yay to Autumn near.

Please subscribe & like the post, comments & feedback always welcome. Thank you.

Castle on Craven

Known as "The Castle" in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Photographed shot by Stephanie (author) on vacation in Beaufort.

During our vacation in the low country one of our stops was in Beaufort, South Carolina. One day we decided to take the car for a drive and see what we could find. We discovered many beautiful 19th century homes but one in particular stood out from all the others. This house has earned the nickname "The Castle" due to the nearby river flowing alongside the property resembling a moat. One can only gawk and imagine what the interiors must look like in this twenty-three room mansion and the amazing views held from each of the seventy-nine windows. 

Well, we are in luck. Veranada Magazine got the story and captured an array of beautiful shots inside the getaway home of jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke.

Main entry & staircase

Photo captured by Veranda Magazine

Antique Cane Sofa & Chandelier.

Photo captured by Veranda Magazine

Elizabeth Locke, on the porch of her vacation home

Photo captured by Veranda Magazine

Large window opens out onto the front porch

Photo captured by Veranda Magazine

Eats & Drinks in Charleston

492

The building dates back to the 1800s each dish is styled and displayed beautifully. The cocktails are something to try. Live music into the evening hour.

The locals informed us we should make our way down King Street just passed Calhoun where the shops end and great eats & drinks begin. 

492king.com

The rooftop offered covered bar seating and a lounge area. The breeze on the roof was heavenly amongst the southern heat. Stop by for a quick drink or watch the sunset at this hidden rooftop bar in Charleston. 

starsrestaurant.com

Savannah Bee Company

King Street is the place to shop in Charleston, during our afternoon stroll we found a lovely honey store. Anything honey we are usually all over it and to my surprise they had a mead tasting room. Mead is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water sometimes added fruits, grains and hops. We purchased the local honey and whipped honey. 

270 King St
Charleston, SC 29401

savannahbee.com

Husk

"The kitchen reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in Charleston." - Husk

We added our name on the 2 hour waitlist for the evening. It sounds crazy but we didn't waste anytime as we continued to explore Charleston along Bay Street. The wait flew by and to our surprise we got a table on the second story balcony overlooking the magnolia tree. 

Magnolias Uptown Down South

“Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with modern flair for artful presentations.”   - Magnolias

Starter: Down South Egg Roll Collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, red pepper purée, spicy mustard, peach chutney

Fried Mac & Cheese Bacon jam, hot pepper relish

Entrees: Parmesan Crusted Market Catch creek shrimp & jasmine rice pirloo, warm asparagus, sweet corn & tomato salad, citrus beurre blanc

Spicy Shrimp & Sausage tasso gravy, creamy white grits

Poogan's Porch

“TUCKED AWAY on charming Queen Street, Poogan’s Porch is one of Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishments, with a fresh approach to Low country cuisine.” - Poogan’s Porch

Starter: Ribs & Pickles Poogan’s Signature BBQ, Garlic Pickles

Mac & Cheese Country Ham, Aged Smoked Gouda, Ham Dust, Green Onions

Entrees: Shrimp & Grits Andouille Sausage, Sweet Onions, Bell Peppers, Tasso Ham Gravy

Crispy Snapper Pimiento Cheese & Tasso Ham Grit Cake, Pulled Pork, Local Radish, Wilted Watercress, NC BBQ Reduction

poogansporch.com

The Macintosh

The restaurants menu is inspired by the low country and southern flare. Ingredients are sourced locally with a menu that changes daily. 

Cocktail: Sister Basil Vodka, Yellow Chartreuse, Strawberry, Basil, Balsamic, Black Pepper

Starter: Sautéed Scallops Mixed with watermelon and Jalapeño dressing

Peach Salad grilled peaches, blackberries, granola on a bed of arugula with sweet dressing.

Entree: Confit Pork Shoulder Corn, Spinach, Sorghum, Peppers

Sides: Pecorino Truffle Frites

We shared the entree & side of fries for our meal, it was perfect*

themacintoshcharleston.com

Cocktail: Roots, Rock, Rum Punch Spiced Rum, Silver Rum, Absinthe, Grapefruit, Lime, Basil

Starter: Focaccia Bread

Entrees: Double Cheeseburger* Bacon, Mornay, Aioli, Pickle, Fries

Lamb Shoulder* Creamed Sweet Corn, Nduja, Okra, Basil

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room

We spotted this gem walking home from dinner as we noticed a sign "rooftop open". We're from San Francisco and never pass up a rooftop opportunity. Through the reclaimed Appalachian Walnut wainscoting, passed the leather lined high curved booths and up a flight of stairs lie a rooftop for the stars. 

Cocktail: Nectar of The Stars                                                      Peach and clementine vodka, fresh orange juice

Cocktail: Dont Call Me Sweetheart                                                    Rum, Brandy, Strawberry, House Rhubarb Shrub, Mint, Black Pepper, Lemon

Starter: Kentuckyaki Glazed Crispy Pig’s Ear Lettuce Wraps, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad, Togarashi

Broadbent Country Ham, Buttermilk Biscuits, Dijonnaise, House Made Pickles

Entrees: Atlantic Snapper, Carolina Gold Rice, Summer Squash and Zucchini, Roasted Fennel, Sweet Peas, Vadouvan Broth

Carolina Heritage Pork, White Acre Peas and Sea Island Red Peas, Summer Peppers, Jowl Bacon, Spinach, Smoked Tomato

Dessert: Peach Profiterole Peach Sherbet, Honey Mascarpone, Blueberry

Funnel Cake Summer Berries, Whipped Cream

huskrestaurant.com

We hit this spot right around lunch time, perfect place for a good bite & some time to cool down. 

Cocktail: Peach Tea Punch  

**loved this restaurant, definitely atop destination in Charleston.

magnoliascharleston.com

Cocktail: Sangria

When on Vacation - One deserves a drink :)

The food in Charleston was a wonderful selection of local, farm-to-table and southern style that we were looking to find. We are inspired to try a new restaurants in San Francisco each month when we get back home. 

If you find yourself hungry in Charleston stop by one of these places. You won’t regret it. 

Please leave comments or questions below I would love to hear what you think.

Have you been to Charleston before? Tell me about your experience and what places you went to eat? Thank you.

Nathaniel Russell House

The Nathaniel Russell House is a historic house at 51 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina. I am breaking down our destinations as we adventure through the low country. 

Nathaniel Russel House - Charleston, South Carolina. The rectangular house has a symmetrical facade. The second floor windows are ornamented with white marble lintels recessed below roman inspired arches. 

Gardens leading to the visitors center

Front of house

I am absolutely in love with the gardens in the low country. The climate is humid and tropical, resembling a hothouse. It rains almost every afternoon so I doubt many people have to think about watering their plants. I live in California and envy this flourishing horticultural climate. 

The most important architectural feature in the home is the warm yellow ochre staircase hall that spans three stories. The spiral staircase is a canteliver design (the step above supports the step below). This was all accomplished by the use of wooden pegs, not a single nail or screw was used during construction. The center features a troupe-l'oeil painting, an artistic illusion to trick the eye into believing the design is 3d.  

Elipitial medallion to meet the second story

The shutters and pine plank flooring is original to the house. To prevent the furniture from being further damaged by the sunlight, the shutters are closed during specific times of the day. 

Adjacent to the spiral staircase sits the oval dining room. The walls are covered in turquoise wallpaper applied square by square and painted after application. Interesting fact about life in the south: they begin the day with breakfast; as much of us do, although they eat an early supper around 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Later in the evening around 5 or 6 leftovers/cold-cuts are served or available if people are still hungry, followed shortly by dessert. 

The oval drawing room is located on the second floor right above the dining room. This is where the women would retire to after dinner, separating themselves from the men. The brightly colored and ornate rug is reflected through the entire room with its apricot walls and detailed crown molding.  

This room is similar to what we refer to as the master bedroom. The walls were hand painted with a special brush to replicate how it would have looked in the 18th century.  The furniture in the home is not directly related to the Russell family, but pieces from the time period that they resided in the home. The Nathaniel Russell House is definitely a site to visit if you find yourself in Charleston, South Carolina. The surrounding area and neighborhood of this site allows for an incredible opportunity to walk around and enjoy the beautiful homes. The sister property to this house is the Aiken-Rhett House. I will share more about the Aiken-Rhett in later post. 

Georgian style four poster bed with upholstery hangings for ornate and warmth purposes.

Have you had the pleasure to visit Charleston, SC? If so what was your favorite thing about the historic downtown district? 

Please share comments below if you enjoyed the following post. Thank you.

The Garden within the Island

Can you believe it's almost Friday? I feel like the weekend just ended and we were in Washington. We recently just flew up to Seattle, WA to visit family.  It was my first time visiting outside of the airport terminals. I had stopped through before but never left the airport, it's very funny how that tends to happen. 

The trip was primarily focused on destination, Anderson Island which is the southern most island in the Puget Sound. It is accessible by ferry which makes for an eventful stay. Call me an outsider but this was wild to me, a ferry never slows us down here in the Bay Area traffic is the only thought in our minds. I found that making the ferry times was a bit stressful. The ferry ride slowed down all problems in the world. 

The island was full of tall pine trees native to the area and two lane roads veering off into all directions. Our stay was in a beautiful vacation home surrounded by lush gardens. I was in awe of the gardens and jealous of all their land. I only have a small balcony and am limited to potted plants. The garden was like paradise and surprises around every corner. They had tomatoes, onions, garlic, sunflowers, peas of different varieties. 

Yellow Onion, growing tall with beautiful flowers.

Garlic Bulb, tall curvy Spathe perfect for pesto sauce

This trip was one for the books, the quick ones always are. 

What was one of your most memorable vacations to date?

Happy Friday

What Magical places will you discover this weekend? The excitement over the weekend is always so anticipated and unexpected of the adventures in store. 

Lake Almanor, Plumas County

Long weekends are meant for packing the car and traveling towards the mountains for some much needed downtime. I like to escape the Monday through Friday 9 - 5 routine. Allowing myself to regenerate my mind, body and soul. I feel that I become more inspired for the next week, next project and build new ideas for the blog. 

As a young child I remember traveling up to Plumas County, for three day weekends to visit family. The small down of Chester is home to many shops and boutiques.

My favorite owned by my Grandfather is Morning Star Log Furniture. He makes custom log furniture anything you can dream of he can make it happen. My second favorite stop for a mid day pick me up is the Coffee Station housed in an old auto body garage. Two great spots for an afternoon scoop of ice cream would be Lassen Gift Company & Soda Fountain or travel around the lake to Paul Bunyan Resort for a frosty.

This small town located on State Route 36 is definitely one to stop through and enjoy some shops and local treats.