book inspiration - california wine country

As promised, this will be the first post in a small series on what inspired me as I flipped through some old, "dated" decorating books at the cottage.

The first book is

California Wine Country

Interior Design, Architecture & Style
(see photo above for sources for all photos)

Now, before I get into this series of posts, I need to preface that while some of these books did inspire me in some ways, these are not books that I would go out and purchase to read and reread. Most of the rest of the content is not to my personal taste. But I love finding pieces and looks that, even years later after being styled, are still timeless and beautiful, and that's what I'd like to share.

I think this is the perfect slipped armchair. A nice high back with low arms, a relaxed white cover, comfortable but upright, perfect for at a desk.

Also, those wide plank floors are stunning.

I also loved this chair in a ticking fabric with matching ottoman. I like how it looks with the natural rug. This would be something I would put in one of the boys' rooms for reading.

I loved this little desk with it's books shelves and library lamp. And I loved the dramatic windows and dark, moodly floors. And that checked backing of  the chairs adds pretty contrast.

This bathroom was beautifully imperfect. The tub is more a lovely piece of art than a functional piece. And I just love that little bamboo table!

And this! Oh this was just perfect. The most inviting bed, the contrast of the rusty iron, the canvas tent in the most beautiful shades of soft green of course, the view.

Not to mention lovely artwork and antique rugs...

I also loved the warmth of this little kitchen sink, overflowing with a bucket of roses and peaches and fresh rhubarb. I'm always a fan of open shelving.

And from what I'm pretty sure is another part of this same kitchen, this perfect little display of fresh vegetables. So, so simple and yet so beautiful.

And these chairs! They are stunning, and so much more so grouped en mass like this. I love them in a row on the porch.

I also liked the simple stylings of this sunny kitchen. The cake plates out, the copper pots hanging, bright windows.

I can't think of a more perfect place for dining Al Fresco. That brick fireplace is beautiful, and I always love a round table with pretty glassware.

Finally, the texture these wood paneled walls adds to this space is so interesting. I love the dramatic table and the simple bistro-like chairs. And of course the gorgeous pine doors!

Pomegranates and A New Book

As each season changes, there is always a fruit that I look forward to seeing in our local grocery store. Late Spring brings pints of locally picked strawberries. Fall brings bushels of crisp apples and pears. But in the Winter I look forward to seeing the giant bin of bright, ruby red pomegranates.

It's only in the last year or so that I've actually learned how to properly (or at least, most effectively in my case) remove all of the delicious little seeds from inside the fruit.

It involves whacking the pomegranate with a wooden spoon over a large bowl. The seeds literally just fall out. It makes Willen laugh every time I do it, which is quite often, because they have become one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast.

Aside from by the spoonful, I really enjoy them over my Greek yogurt with granola. They add this burst of tart freshness that makes something fairly simple seem so much more special.

I make my own very simple granola. I just toast whatever sort of things I have on hand, drizzle them with honey or maple syrup and bake for a while longer. It's quite easy. This morning's granola had oats, coconut, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, golden flax seeds and pecans.

I'm also very excited about a new book I received as an early Christmas gift from a friend of mine. Her and her husband lead our small group. We both love Ann Voskamp, who wrote the hugely popular book One Thousand Gifts, and blogs at A Holy Experience.

This book, The Greatest Gift, is a daily reading for each day of Advent.

"I don't want a Christmas you can buy.

I don't want a Christmas you can make.

What I want is a Christmas you can hold.

A Christmas that holds me.

Remakes me, Revives me.

I want a Christmas that whispers, Jesus."

Ann Voskamp

I am enjoying it immensely. It's a beautiful way to slow down what is usually a crazy, hectic time of year and really just prepare my heart for Christmas.

I've also discovered a new favorite space in our home... Right beside our tree.

I didn't by any means intend for this chair to stay here, but it works. It's the coziest little nook. Even the boys love curling up and reading beside the tree.

Saturday Morning Coffee with Biscotti and A Good Book

 

While browsing through an Italian grocery shop this past week, I couldn't resist picking up a package of biscotti.

 

These traditional Italian cookies are the perfect pairing for with a morning coffee. And I couldn't think of a better way to spend my Saturday morning than with a cup of coffee, a Cappuccino Dipped Biscotti and a book I picked up at the library yesterday.

 

My Hyacinths are still in bloom. These are the second blooms.

 

These biscottis are the best I've tasted in a very long time. They are perfectly crisp, but still hold their own when dipped in coffee. These are Cappuccino Dipped with Almonds, but I also tried the Chocolate Chip Dipped in Chocolate. They were delicious as well!

 

The book is called Simple Country Wisdom by Country Living.

 

 

It's "501 old-fashioned ideas to simplify your life" and as you can see from the table of contents, it covers just about everything.

 

I wasn't the only one enjoying the treat. He snuck in and knew exactly what to do!

 

 

Willen absolutely loves our trips to the library and loves to read. This is one of the things I love about him. He can pick up a stack of books and easily sit for an hour, quietly reading to himself. It's something we've really tried to encourage. His closet in his bedroom is his Library.

 

 

The last of my Daffodils are still blooming as well.

 

They've almost finished, but they've brightened our entrance for a couple of weeks.