There are a thousand reasons to visit Sequoia National Park, but in the month of May, the blooming dogwoods are reason enough. Last weekend, my husband and I made an impromptu trip to view these beauties before their blooms die away. The dogwood trees appear about the same time as the sequoias do. It is stunning, these delicate trees…
Our Favorites: April Edition
STEPHANIE Airwalk Flats: One day while taking my daughter to dance class I realized that I had forgotten to put shoes on-mommy brain! It would’ve been ok, I was wearing my moccasin slippers, but I had a load of errands to run afterward–including Costco. I quickly picked these shoes up at Payless and love them! They are super…
Plant Wisely: 10 Favorite Drought Tolerant Plants
These days in the valley, we’re enjoying our climate sweet spot, the few months between the cold of winter and the heat of summer where everyone and everything seems content. Flowers are bursting into bloom, and new growth on trees has them looking greener than ever. We know what’s coming though, don’t we? Oh we…
Our Favorites: March Edition
Today we are sharing our March favorites! STEPHANIE MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF15– I have been using Bare Minerals for about 7 years now and I still love it, but as I get older I just need a little more some days. I learned about this particular foundation on another blog and I…
Cut Flower Arranging Tips (Inspired by The Gardens)
One of the joys of growing a garden is getting to bring a bit of it indoors. Whether it’s stunning springtime blooms or festive evergreen branches, I always have at least a couple of vases filled in my home. And thanks to a recent cut flower arranging class at The Gardens (which was free, I’d…
Hello, Hellebore! 5 Reasons why Hellebore (Lenten Rose) is a Favorite
I first saw hellebore growing in my mother-in-law’s garden a number of years ago. It was in winter, which made the gorgeous flowers stand out even more. The pale-green petals dotted with vibrant purple specks stopped me in my tracks! My mother-in-law kindly piled me up with seedlings, and soon I had a corner of…
Strange and Beautiful: Air Plants (Design and Care Tips)
I first saw air plants while visiting The Gardens, a local nursery that has a knack for bringing in unique home and garden finds. My initial question, I learned later, was quite typical: Are these real? It wasn’t just their sea creature-like appearance that seemed so strange; it was the fact that they were conspicuously…
Our Favorite Things {December Edition}
One of December’s highlights for us was hosting a Favorite Things Party with many of our closest friends. You may recall how the party works: Each person brings three of the same items and by the end of the night, each guest leaves with three new favorites! There were some definite trending items at this…
Central Valley Fall Planting Guide
This late summer heat makes us all feel a bit tired and worn…the garden included. But now is the time to dig in the dirt and get ready for our cooler weather veggies and herbs. This weekend is the perfect time to do just that! Labor Day has come and gone, so it’s time to…
10 Tips to Make the Most of your Farmers Market!
1. Get there when the market opens. This will give you plenty of time to visit each booth, and you can be sure you aren’t going to miss anything because they’ve sold out. These are homemade, handmade and homegrown-–once they sell out, you will have to wait til next week! 2. Ask Questions. These vendors are…