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Coastal Grandmother Lifestyle

In the past few weeks while scrolling my favorite blogs {I'm on summer vacay, so got me some time on my hands}  I came across Melissa at The Inspired Room {LOVE her design style, she's the queen of Coastal Chic, I have a ton of her images pinned on Pinterest} and she enlightened me on the new trending style called, "Coastal Grandmother"on one of her posts. I was like, "what the heck?" My lifestyle/decor/style choice is trending with the youngsters {3o year olds} namely Lex Nicoleta!  Go me! I have always called my home decor style "Coastal Farmhouse". What is this new terminology? Think of the movie Something's Gotta Give and Diane Keaton's style of dress. "Coastal Farmhouse" to me is an old shingled cape cod home in Nantucket with lots of rusty, old wash buckets to plant your Hydrangeas in or rusty milk cans to use as plant stands for your indoor Maidenhair Ferns.  I have been decorating like that for as long as I remember. My choice of clothing style is the same, except I'M the OLD RUSTY part!  I had a friend that once said to me, "you dress just like you decorate your house!". I wear a lot of blue and white especially in florals, or striped sweaters/shirts with linen pants in all neutral colors. I love a straw hat or baskets made out of any natural material.  I do dislike plastic!  That is my mother in me coming out! How did I turn into my mother?

Yes....it's true. My mother loved "country" decor style. I always liked to say she was the "Mexican Martha Stewart". I take after her in many, many ways. This blue buffalo check maxi dress  I have on in the above picture would be something she would wear on a hot summer day in our Southern California heat. Perfect Coastal Grandmother attire. I put on my husbands' grandmothers pearl earrings and my raffia sandals and the perfect CG outfit for brunch by the seaside.  This  dress was a steal as it is on clearance for $9.99 at Old Navy{I see the price online is higher at $29.99) the earrings free but the sandals were a bit of a splurge from Revole, but I think they are so darling and the perfect heal height. This past week I did a little bit of  some shopping at the mall and online and came across your typical must haves so you can rock{er} the Coastal Grandmother vibe too!  I put together the above mood board to help you achieve this perfect summer trend.

H and M Blue Striped One Piece with bow ties, when I was at the mall they had many different style varieties with the same seersucker print.

Blue and White Seersucker Nightgown from Talbots such an adorable nightgown with the tie and the scalloped edge. I did order the pajama pants with the same print with the scalloped edge. 

Sedona Straw Basket this straw basket purse is so adorable with its fishman netting, all about the catch.  

Linen Pants, I get mine from Target, Old Navy or J.Jill. You can even find them on Amazon.  This is a must have for any Coastal Grandmother wardrobe especially in the summer!

Straw Hat from Target Any wide rim straw hat will do, I ordered the one in the link and  I love it!  It has a very wide brim to protect your face for those long days sipping wine on the beach with all your other Coastal Grandmother friends.

Hydrangeas  , any Hydrangeas will do but especially in blue. I was browsing Walmart and they had so many different varieties. 

Cheers my fellow Coastal Grandmothers!  You don't have to actually be a grandmother to partake in this easy, relaxed lifestyle anybody can have with the right mindset!  

 

 

Springtime in the Cottage on Easter Sunday

It's been a minute hasn't it? {2 years} That's what all the young people say, right? And I ain't young, just turned 58 last month. But my head says I'm 20 something, but my body says something else. Well, anyhow....I pretty much let this blog go since I post on my Home Instagram most of the time, over at elliemader but even over there I'm not very consistent with posting all things home decor and lifestyle. I have a Teacher Instagram {{the heart of a fourth grade teacher}} and that's pretty much were I spend my time posting, I guess all things teaching consumes me, probably in an unhealthy way at times. I think that's why I should spend more time with enjoying the beauty of my home and fixing that all up since that brings me so much joy, but there is only so much time in the day, am I right? I wish there was more. Maybe I'll notch out more time to post on here more consistently since that will give the balance I need. 

The why, when I was blogging before I was taking pictures on my camera and then uploading to my home computer and now I only take pictures on my phone and that is why if was easier to post on Instagram but I just realized I could easily add pictures, edit them on Snapseed APP then upload them from my phone and BOOM I could create a blog post!  I know...took me awhile to figure that one out. So here we are and I'm sharing my Easter tablescape with you all. Nothing really new, all stuff I already had except I did get some faux twisted candles at Christmas from Amazon.  I fell in love with Danielle's at Finding Silver Pennies, {hers are real} so I bought some I'm really happy with them with a click of a remote they all light up! All I had are pillar candlesticks, so I was on the hunt for some unique taper candlesticks holders, the brass ones were my husbands' grandmothers. I saw a beautiful pair over at Toni's Instagram that she thrifted, I'm still on the lookout for something similar, I absolutely fell in love with hers. I'm also so inspired by all her floral arrangements {which I tried to channel here with mine} she makes it looks so effortlessly with her florals. I got these from Trader Joes and I can't remember what they were called.  I added some Eucalyptus, white Rosehips, and a snipped a blue Hydrangea from my garden. I made my traditional Carrot Cake with chocolate nest and I added some milk chocolate golden eggs I got from Homegoods.  

                                                                Finding Silver Pennies Thanksgiving Table

                                                                                                    Toni Marianna

Now that my daughters are adults the Easter Baskets sure don't resemble the ones when they were little, do they? One thing though is Chocolate!  One of my daughters is Vegan so she can only eat the dark chocolate bars but they sure love their "sparkling wine". 

All color coordinated of course!  Most of the items came from Sprouts and a few from Trader Joe's. 

It feels good to be posting again.  I'm sure it won't be so much a drought next time. Happy springtime!   

Laguna Beach, a Tour of this Quaint Li'l Town

 
There are many reasons why I love to go to Laguna Beach, this little artist community in Southern California. The architecture of the shops and restaurants pulls at my heart strings.  There is quite a few Tudor Cottage Style buildings as well as Spanish architecture, it's eye candy for the home décor stalker like me.

I mean look at that brick work!!  Artistry and creativity....and a whole lot of patience put that together.

So many of the shops have a unique brick pattern on the façade.

There is a lot of brickwork, even if it is not all fancy there are other elements in the nooks and crannies of Laguna to feast your eyes upon.

This is looking back at the opening of this little hallway.

I loved these doors in this building that was built in 1934. 

So very charming, eh?

This was the staircase over the little shop in the above picture.

It smelt so good as we walked by the Chocolate Store and a Ice Cream Store, the waffle cones smelled heavenly.  I'm sure this kids could attest as they devour their ice cream.

There are so many great restaurants to choose from when dying in Laguna.  The Watermarc is a famous one even though we didn't eat there we went to a little place over looking the water a favorite of our friend who treated us to lunch at The Cliff.

 

I had the Ahi with a glass of wine...I love a good Ahi sandwich and chocolate cake for dessert.

We did a little bit of shopping.  I would love to have this vintage bathtub in my garden.

Now, look at this Seashell outfit...man.....oh man I'd love to have that as a décor piece in my home...

So unique and beautiful for the Beach Lover.  Yes, Laguna is know for the artsy fartsy types and for the yearly Sawdust Festival.  You can pick up some neat artwork for your home.  I usually head into Tuvalu when I'm there.

It's rather expensive but I love to see all the beach style décor and I really, really liked this nautical lamp.  I'm not in the market for one but if I was this would be on my wish list.

This cute little café with the vintage bathing suits was in the Tommy Bahama store where I did mange to pick up some flip flops in coral with a seashell on it. 

My 2017 summer flip flops.  I don't think you can ever have to many of them.  My go to shoe in the summertime. 

Now like I said at the beginning of my post there is also quite a few buildings that are done with a Spanish flair.  In fact most of California has the mission influence in it's architecture. 

Beautiful white adobe buildings with red tile roofs and black wrought iron railings can be seen all over little towns in Southern California including Laguna Beach.  Yep the Spanish influence is strong all over.  Now it was this garden that really caught my eye.  Look at all the California Native species planted in this courtyard.

 

If you ever come to Southern California and visit this darlin' little town, you need to meander of the beaten path there are lots of little jewels in the nooks and crannies, a try feast for the eyes.   Hope you are having a wonderful summer so far, because I know it won't be long until going back to school will be here.  Enjoy! 

 

Have you ever been BOOed?

No no, not that kind of booing where the audience boos you for a bad stage performance.  This is the good kind of BOOing were you give or get treats..that kind of  BOOing. I'll tell you how...right now.

Well it has been around for about 20 years according to this BEEN BOOed website  and there are so many versions of it, office BOOing, neighborhood BOOing and school BOOing.  The school I work at has been BOOing for the last several years now.  One teacher starts it and leaves a bag or a bucket of treats for a class at the school and maybe a little something for the teacher too {wine is always nice, Oh I didn't just say that} by the door. They put the "We've Been BOOed" sign out by their door and they in turn find another classroom who has not been BOOed by seeing if they have the sign out or not.  It's also very popular in neighborhoods across the country and I'll share a couple of versions with you if you want to start this fun Halloween tradition in your neighborhood.  This poem is probably one of the originals where I found at the above website which had quite a bit of info on the subject of BOOing. A ghost or phantom usually accompanies the Boo Bucket and that's where the whole "booing" thing came from. Here is the poem but their are lots of other versions floating around the internet.

                                                              Here to Download this version

You are supposed to put together a few treats in a container of your choice; a bucket, a seasonal decorated bag anything that will add to the spirit of Halloween and contain all your treats you've made or bought.  I've seen cones you can hang on  doorknobs, I've seen decorated boxes, anything that will hold some goodies will do.  There is also an adult beverage version, where you drop off a bottle of alcohol or wine, NOW that's right up my alley.  Then the sign says "We've been BOOZED"...Haha!!  World Market and Trader Joe's have so many Halloween themed labeled wines you'd have a great selection to choose from to do the "We've been BOOZEd version here. But out of all the printables out there this BOO printable for my neighbors was just perfect.  It had the cutest graphics of Frankie and the li'l red haired witch and I really liked all the detail that when into it, perfect for a family with small children.

 I have some "littles" who live across the street that I  have gotten to know quite well and they are also fellow teachers too.  I've written about them on my blog several times. Once when I gave them a "Welcome to the Neighborhood Gift" and several birthday parties that our family have been invited to. Recently, I shared the Country Living's Blue Truck Pumpkin I carved for them for their son's birthday in September on my Instagram.  It came out really cute and I love looking out my kitchen window seeing it on their porch as I do the dishes.  That's WIN WIN in my book!

Their children LOVE to read books and this little Apples and Pumpkins book by Anne Rockwell is one of my favorites to read to small children, I read it every year to the students at school.  I have quite the collection of Halloween books, my newest one is Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson.  Yes, I have a thing for Witches, some people Mackenzie who will remain nameless feel that my Witch obsession is becoming disturbing. Humph...I say to that!

Did I tell you how cute this  little "We've Been BOOed" Free Printable is?  Oh I did, I found it on Pinterest but go here if you want more of a selection to choose from.   Pinterest is loaded with great ideas, there are now "We've Been Elfed" and "We've Been Pinched" for St. Patrick's Day and a "We've Been Egged" for Easter.    Anyways...this FREE printable was perfect for my need especially since it matched the Frankie cookie I found at Homegoods. Next time I think I'd like to make some homemade sugar cookies for the BOO baskets instead of store bought.  I saw this cute Owl Sugar Cookie I've been wanting to bake and decorate.

Here is the breakdown of items I used to put together for the "We've Been BOOed" Jack O'Lantern Bucket.....

I had this Jack O'Lantern bucket already from the last time we got BOOed in our old neighborhood and it fit all of our chosen treats perfectly, so free is always good. 

The Apples and Pumpkins book I found at the my local bookstore, since they are 2 and 3 this cardboard version is very sturdy for little hands.

The sugar cookie Frankenstein and Jack O'Lanterns I got at Homegoods.  Like I said, I'll have to make my own sugar cookies next year or take on another BOO recipient in the "hood" in the next couple of weeks. Halloween is just two weeks away! But isn't Frankie cute?  Oh how I love his sweet face.  One year my eldest daughter was The Bride of Frankenstein, it was homemade costume and was one of my favorite costumes to date...I think she should do it again this year, her boyfriend is 6'5", he would make a great Frankenstein, it would make a great couple costume in my opinion but they never ask for my opinion.

The Glow in the Dark Saucer Flyer, the Vampire Gummies, and the Dia De Los Muertos measuring spoons { a li'l something for the cook in the house} I got at Cost Plus World Market.  They have a great selection of Halloween treats and décor, my go to store for all seasonal items. 

Don't you want to start this tradition in your neighborhood or school or even your office, it brings out the kid in all of us.  It can fit any budget or your creativity as you see fit.   Just make sure you ring the doorbell and leave your li'l surprise and run like a Bat out of Hell!!  Happy BOOing everyone!!  BWWWHAAAAA!!!!

 

Bohemian Chic Dream Board

It's best to start with a vision board when redoing a space especially since I'm not the "client" but my daughter is.  I see things that my eye is naturally drawn too but she will have an idea what is inside her head and I try to guess what she wants to do or what she likes, what is her vision? So instead of guessing, I've been "pinning" images to the Bohemian Chic board and asking her if this image or look is what she has in mind.  She gives me the thumbs up or says, "no, I want it more simple" or "that's too cluttered of a look".  I believe I tend to be more cluttery, yes I think so.  I created this vision board on Pic Monkey so I can "see" as I listen to what that vision is or hopefully be transformed too.  That's what so great about Pinterest, I'm a very visual person so seeing something I like or don't like really helps.

So what are we going to do in this Adult {ish} Bedroom?  We will keep some key pieces, such as my childhood bed with it's chippy white paint as seen in the top picture.  The desk which she repainted white a couple of years ago. We may shop for a new chair or I think I have one in the garage that will work. The Button Chair came from my neighbor, it's from World Market and is so comfortable.  I love it's different patterned buttons and the linen material. We added a patterned pillow from Homegoods and a tandem bicycle pillow I shopped the house for, I got it from So Vintage Chic this past year, blues and corals are one of my favorite color combos and who doesn't love a tandem bike full of flowers? .We have had this log for a few winter seasons and I've always had in sitting in the fireplace grate just for looks.  I had Mr. Incredible cut it straight and flat and then I tapped it off and painted the bottom 1/3 white for a cute little side table.

That's what we have done so far, we did pick up  some bedding from World Market and a few more pillows from around the house.  Here are the links on a few of the items we plan on incorporating into the décor of her Boho Chic Bedroom.

1.} the crochet edged pillow case is from Pottery Barn to add some texture, Bohemian style has lots of textures and patterns and a very organic look

2.} globe terrariums with moss and air plants along with the copper geo terrarium

3.} I loved these succulent ceramic candles I saw at Anthropologie and they are sold out now and when I went into the store they a 2 left but the flowers were broken, :(  but with lots of faux and real succulents in her room it will be ok, I just thought they were adorable

4.} the beaded light from HERE I think would make a great statement but we may go with something a pierced tin  lantern, a more Indian look

5.} the micro lights with the mini clothespins and the Instagram photos for some ambiance and pizazz

6.} the log table was easy and free as well as the little jug the Billy Balls are in, I think they are so adorable, came from Trader Joe's

That jug the Billy Balls are in Mr. Incredible made in Ceramics class in high school.....and we have a few more vases and cups that might make an appearance in the her room.  The links are highlighted in blue to the items we got already or plan on getting. The colorful hand painted floor I'm in love with, I'm not at all artistic but I'm a good copycat, I wouldn't put it on the floor but a wood piece and hang it up as art.  I'd like to get some kind of macramé art or make up some dream catchers. 

Her dream bedroom  is coming along and it's kind of fun for me to do something out of my comfort zone....Boho Chic here we come!

S'mores Galore at World Market

This past Saturday I hosted a S'mores Galore demonstration at my local World Market in Brea, California. I'm sure you know I'm a big fan of their products, if it's for my house or in a recipe,  I love World Market! You can't go in one room in my Cottage and not see a World Market product, that's why I wanted to be an Ambassador.  It was funny when Mr. Incredible and I were first married he said,  "I want to take you to this store", thinking I've never been to World Market...I'm like I'm a shopper of course I've been to World Market.  He was so cute thinking he was turning me on to something.  I bet he is sorry now.  Well, anyhow...back to this post. 

S'mores, S'mores, S'mores!!! Since we are smack dab in the middle of summer, what could be better than a S'more?  How about 3 of them and no campfire needed!  That's right, you don't need to fire up the pit.  It's S'mores Galore and World Market!

I created three different types of S'mores for the many different types of taste buds out there, all were yummy in their own way.  Pictures below.

                                  {pictures and recipes by Jennifer Robins of Predominantly Paleo}

I think they are enjoying them, some happy customers, I've heard through the grapevine this was the best S'more they ever had!  So if you want to whip up a little summer goodness for your friends or family this summer, here are the yum in your tum recipes.  Thanks Robin from Predominantly Paleo for your AWESOMENESS!

Kidsational S'more

Ingredients:

~2 Walker Animal Shortbreads

~2 teaspoons of marshmallow fluff

~Multi-colored sprinkles, as needed

~2 squares of Milka Dragees chocolate bar

Directions:

1.} Spread marshmallow fluff on one shortbread cookie.

2.} Shake sprinkles onto the marshmallow fluff

3.} Place chocolate on the sprinkles so the sprinkles push down into fluff

4.} Top with other shortbread cookie and your done!

 

You're Bacon Me Hungry S'more

Ingredients:

~1 chocolate-coated World Market Lacey

~1 tablespoon marshmallow fluff

~2 squares Vosges Mo's Bacon Chocolate Bar

~1 tablespoon Sahale Snacks Maple Pecans, or Valdosta Pecans or Honey Almonds

Directions:

1.} Spread the marshmallow fluff on one Lacey

2.}Place nuts on the fluff and top with chocolate

3.} Serve open faced or if your really CRAZY put on another Lacey

 

Sea Salt & Dulce de Luscious S'more

Ingredients:

~2 Reko Pizelles

~1 tablespoon of marshmallow fluff

~2 squares of Lindt Sea Salt Chocolate Bar

~1 teaspoon of Gaucho Dulce de Leche

Directions:

1.} Spread the marshmallow fluff on one Pizelle cookie, careful not to press too hard

2.} Place 1 chocolate square on fluff

3.} Top with Dulce de Leche

4.} Repeat step 1 and put Pizelle on top of Dulce de Leche.

This one has to be my favorite one!  I love anything with sea salt and dulce de leche, my daughters' favorite was the Kidsational S'more, she loved the shortbread cookie flavor and what kid or teenage doesn't love sprinkles.  All above ingredients can be found at World Market. 

******I'm a World Market Ambassador and all opinions are 100% my own and I have been compensated for this post by World Market. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jojo is a Fashionista

 

It is no secret that I'm a BIG fan of Jojo Gaines from the hit show Fixer Upper on HGTV.  Not only do I love, love her design on the homes that she creates for her clients but I'm a big fan of her wardrobe too.  When I watch the show and I never miss an episode I find myself wondering about a certain article of clothing she will be wearing.  This lacy white dress with the jean jackets is very much like how she styles her farmhouse homes, a bit of the feminine with the timeworn. 

This was another dress I was like WOW!! I love the colorful pattern and the shape of this dress.  Lot's of times she adds pops of color in with a very neutral backdrop.

Speaking of color, I love the color red and she rocks this comfy wrap jacket in her black booties.

Her she is another colorful, comfy outfit, an orangy-red maxi dress, jean jacket and cute sandals.

I think this ruffly grey shirt is fabulous tucked in to jeans with a skinny leather belt.

A big party of Jojo's wardrobe are her boots. Black or brown most of her outfits she has a pair of her trusty go-to boots.  I think this outfit rocks and nice comfy, knit black dress with a colorful green scarf.

Love the color combo of the knitted skirt in mustard with the navy cardigan. 

This is another favorite outfit Chambray and Jeans with a navy blazer.  Love the mix of textures exactly how she creates her magic in the homes she designs.

Great looking jacket!! Looks fantastic on her. 

 

What about you, are you a fan of Jojo's fashion style?  You can go HERE to take a mini quiz on some of her favorite outfits or HERE and find out a bit more about her fashion sense.  On her blog named Magnolia, you can read her Fashionista Tips.  I've been a fan of the show from the get-go and have not missed one episode, SEE THIS POST.   I look forward to Tuesday night and start to have a mini-heart attack if for some reason the cable goes out.  Yikes....I'm addicted I know and I know there are a lot of you like me......

 

Peinture....a Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Store

It was about a month ago I went to this incredible store, called Peinture.  I've dabbled in chalk paint using off brands like American Craft from Michaels or The  Home Depot but never Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  I've wanted too but the price and locating a stockiest put me off but when I saw the color choices Annie Sloan has to offer, egads. 

Those beautiful colorful painted chairs in Annie Sloan chalk paint I was in awe, I didn't know she had so many. I began to change my mind and inquired about their painting classes at this store.  I mean look at this display!!  So many rich vibrant colors to choose!  I'm always partial to the whites and blues, ya know.

 
Not to mention so many vintage items where at this store too! Check out this display, a vintage chest of drawers where they keep their painting pamphlets.  Look at that adorable laundry cart one wheels!!

Vintage yumminess was found all over the store, the mail cubbies, the vintage style maps and quite a few industrial pieces for your farmhouse or industrial style home. 

I wanted to say, "I'll take that clam shell, that aqua ball jar, the old style phone and the little card catalog boxes please."  I didn't have as much time as I would like to shop....

but boy did I want too.  Look at this this metal chair in rusty green, isn't it awesome. as well as the metal letters scattered throughout the store,  and the globes. I've been wanting a vintage globe and a California vintage map lately, I guess it is the teacher in me.

These lanterns caught my eye too!  And they just so happen to be in my two primary colors of my home, wouldn't at least one of them look good up on my fireplace mantel or hanging from a hook.  A bit pricey for my me at $175.00 for the greenish blue one so I had to pass.

Well, if you are ever in Orange County visiting and you love farmhouse, industrial style or need to pick up some Annie Sloan Chalk paint this store is for you..as you can see it was quite RAD...

 And maybe I'll see you in in one of the Chalk Painting classes they offer in the near future. 

If you LOVE Succulents and Rustic Decor You'll Love the shop...UNI as Much as I Do!

 

There is this cute li'l shopping center where I get my hair done and I've been wanting to take a stroll in for the longest time and I'm so glad I was able to take the time to do so this time. One particular shop I found myself in succulent heaven!  UNI is her name and succulents are her game.

There were so many different ways they used containers to plant succulents in...

from old wooden boxes...

to canvas pouches....

to metal toolboxes...

to Birch covered cans...

to galvanized troughs....

displayed in old wooden boats....the creativity was endless.

The outside of the shop was just as cute as the...

 

inside, come on let's go in...shall we?

These adorable plant boxes with cut out holes, would be great for a gallery wall inside our outside of your home.  Look at the top left, that's a cut out wine bottle!! Ingenious!

Or a piece of bamboo, I have a few pieces of bamboo laying around here where I was going to make a curtain rod out of, which never happened.  {yes, I'm the queen of unfinished projects}

Or a knobby piece of drift wood with lots of Sea Shells encrusting it!  Great sitting on a mantel or on the table in your beachy home or for the summertime decor.

Gosh I wanted to bring that boat home!!! 

Tons and tons of great gifts for you succulent loving friends.  I know Boho Chic is trending right now so this place would be great for you to find that perfect gift for someone special or for your Boho style in your own home.

Personally I'm more into the Coastal Rustic Style and I'm loving all the State art I'm seeing everywhere...especially my California Art.

 

Inside this little faux green house had tons of baskets and faux succulents.  If you didn't want to deal with real live ones you could plant fake ones and have them forever.  It's pretty hard to kill succulents, they are extremely hardy but If you wanted to go that route you could.

Is this Pentagon Terrarium not the most adorable thing?  I think I need this!!  In fact I think a trio of them hanging in my back patio, that would look awesome!! 

They even had a "Cousin It" plant...I guess I'm dating myself here. 

This Old Nautical Looking light got my attention.  This would look right at home in a home by the beach, which so happens where UNI is located in Costa Mesa California. 

 

There were quite a few little shops and restaurants where UNI is at and I was able to stop and visit a few, I'll share some more in the next week so make sure you come by. The image above is a little Bistro and I loved this rustic pergola.

To tease you some more here is the other side of the pergola...I would love to have Mr. Incredible build me one of this in the Backyard in our cottage.   I know I'm always dreaming of projects to do, I need to focus on the ones that need finishing.  Like our Vintage Wedgewood stove that will be in the Cottage on Cullen very soon.  Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.  I'll be doing a bit of cleaning, gardening, organizing and taking one day to enjoy the Beach!! 

Dripp, Dripp, the Sweet Sound of Coffee

I'm a coffee lover, oh yes I am!  You can take away almost anything, bread, pies, cookies but please don't take away my coffee.  {or wine}. I've been hitting all my local {and not so local in this case} Homegoods , Marshalls and TJMaxx stores. Why you may ask.  About a month ago I was at a Homegoods and found a beautiful Robin's Egg blue velvet and linen pillow for my couch, I thought how hard would it be to find a partner for it.  Well, it seems like it is turning out kind of hard.  I decided to go to a combo Homegoods/TJMaxx about 30 minutes away from my home after I dropped my daughter's off on the first day of school yesterday. Have a great First Day girls!! 

 

Yikes!!  I have a senior!!!!  Her First Day of Senior Year...I'm in shock! 

 My Li'l One is a Sophomore!  Time is flying by....there was a tradition when the girls where in Elementary school that I would go get coffee with the other "lonely" Moms..but most of the Moms have landed full time jobs and are not around but I still carry on the tradition, so what if I go get coffee by myself. 

After I dropped off my daughters at school I headed to this darling Coffee House called DRIPP{which happened to be down the street from the store I was headed to} and it was so darling I had to snap up some pictures and share it with you.  Let's take a look around, shall we...be ready for some Décor EYE Candy!  Look at those industrial lights....

Here is a closer look, they would look great over an island in the kitchen.

These cage lights grouped together are great looking too!   Maybe over a sink area if your like me you think how can you use this look in your home, very farmhouse-industrial, I like the mix of both styles.

The coffee house keeps all their supplies in these orange-painted gym lockers. How cool is that?

It had a beautiful brick wall and lots of reclaimed wood in the benches or tables!  See the old burlap bags on the back of the bench, and look at the blue and white tiled floor!  This place is oozing with style.

A couple of chalkboards...I think they could step up the chalkboard art a bit more...just saying.  Sort of like my wall in the kitchen, well mine is more like graffiti these days, so I shouldn't be talking.

This was my favorite décor item, was the window cubbies full of antique metal coffee grinders.

I do believe these are coffee scoops.. I thought they looked pretty against the reclaimed wood.

If you wanted to sit outside instead of inside you could sit under the pergola next to the black buckets with some trees planted in them, you could and that's exactly where I sat.

You know I love a galvanized metal chair just like the next girl, pony that up to a farmhouse table and this girl is good to go.

Another shady spot to sit with your Cup of Joe...so what kind did I choose?

I had the BruLaLa...a Crème Brulee Coffee, my Barista is showing me how he makes it and I must add the Baristas where so friendly HERE and made feel right at home...Excellent Service. 

After the Barista sprinkles the sugar on top, he torches it from a distance to create the hard candy top.  It was delish.

Not only did DRIPP have coffee and lattes, they had a variety of pastries and homemade Yogurt Parfait, which is what I ordered.  They also have ice cream sandwiches!!!  OH my GOSH!!  Coffee and Ice Cream Sandwiches!!!  Oh sheet..I'm in trouble!

But I was a good girl and did not order an Ice Cream sandwich for breakfast I had a yogurt parfait, my barista informed me that the owner makes her own yogurt from scratch, as well as the granola...it was very good and I'd order it again...but I may have to come back and have an Ice Cream Sandwich! 

You know I'm a sucker for packaging so I know this cute little number sold me, I mean everything looks and tastes better in a jelly jar, right.  Look at the cute label on my parfait lid!!  I wonder if my Ice Cream Sandwich comes stacked in a jelly jar? 

So if you every find yourself in Chino Hills, Calif...you need to stop at DRIPP and the best news is my Barista told me they are opening one up one town over from my house!!  YESsireee Bob....In Fullerton, California. 

I did find myself a new Coffee House but I'm still on the lookout for that Blue Velvet pillow!!