Curb Appeal & Second Looks

Do you ever see a house while driving that has so much curb appeal that you either turn around or circle the block to take a second look?  

Well I do!!  We were visiting Solvang, California last month and as we drove towards Alisal Ranch this darling bungalow caught my eye!  I asked Mr. Bloomers to please turn around and park across the street so I could snap a few pictures as I knew I  would want to share!

The house is actually a spa and was closed the day we were there. ( Sad face)  I couldn't help but admire the sweet cottage garden in the front yard.  

The blue trim on this charming little bungalow was so eye-catching and really frames 

this darling home.  I love the porch!

The sidewalk is edged with flowers and leads to a decorated front porch with rocking chairs  and pretty garden items.

I imagine customers really enjoy spending time 

in those rocking chairs. 

The garden was accented with arbors, potted plants and garden art.

Love this bicycle plant holder and the fountain in the background!

What an adorable place to have a spa day...Enchante Cottage Spa....even the name is charming!  I would

have loved to spend some time there being pampered with my best girlfriends!

This year I am freshening up my home's curb appeal  and love getting ideas while traveling or driving through my favorite neighborhoods. 

 When our fence and gate needing replacing a few summers ago I chose a cottage style scalloped topped picket fence with a rose arbor gate.  It was instant curb appeal and we immediately got compliments from our neighbors.  (our old fence was looking pretty worn so anything would have been an improvement)  I am still tweaking the landscaping.  My roses are almost to the top of the arbor and hopefully  this year they will make it to the top.  I planted  blue hydrangeas but they are still small and I may have to add a few more to get the full look I want in front of the fence. 

These climbers are a knockout variety 

and are rebloomers all season.  

(Our backyard a few summers ago)

I spent the afternoon out in my garden today, cleaning out flower beds and planting a few hardy perennials...so therapeutic for me.   Early spring is a great time to take a second look at your home's exterior and  garden areas and add some charm or curb appeal.   We recently replaced our windows and patio and one of our neighbors offered to buy our home... and it's not even up for sale!  Never underestimate the value of a little curb appeal. 

Adding curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive.   A new coat of paint on the front door, potted plants on the porch or a fresh door mat make a welcoming statement and will make you fall in love with your home all over again! 

I am hoping to add a few rockers to my front porch this year...maybe for Mother's Day.  Hopefully Mr. Bloomers is reading this post!

   

My favorite spot in the garden is next to my 

blue hydrangeas.

Nikko Blue Hydrangeas

I'm linking with 

Smiling Sally's Blue Monday

Susan's Outdoor Wednesdays

Tootsie Flaunt your Flowers

and 

Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays

Country French Breakfast Table

The sun has been shining in Oklahoma this past week and is coaxing our flowers to bloom.  The grass is turning that beautiful shade of spring green that I welcome after a drab winter.   My daffodils are blooming but not as vigorous as in past years but I'm happy to welcome them back.  
I cut a few to make a fragrant little bouquet for my table. 
 Yellow is my happy color!

All the sunshine inspired me to set our little breakfast table.  I found this wonderful french tablecloth at Whittaker's (one of my favorite shops in Carmel) on our recent trip.  I was so excited to find this pattern as I had already purchased the coordinating napkins and placemats several years ago while shopping in Wimberly Texas.   That's the fun of collecting things you love...finding a few coordinating pieces here and there, in little antique shops or while traveling instead of trying to purchase or find everything all at once!   

The tablecloth pattern is Blue Monaco and I just love the extra stripe of yellow flowers that runs through the pattern.   This fabric has a protective  finish and just cleans up with a damp rag.   It has a less glossy finish as an alternative to the traditional heavier oil cloths.  

I found these Wedgwood Etruria plates at a going-out of business sale at little consignment shop a couple years ago.  The pattern is Ranunculus and there were an odd number of nine plates (3 of each size) for less than $20!!   I just love the floral pattern and the textured edge on the plates.   I don't have the matching cups but used my transferware pieces from the Liberty Blue set.   

The egg holders were purchased in Solvang, California  and they are Delft Blue from Holland.  I think they are the cutest! 

The store only had two...wish they would have had
 a set of six!  I think they would be perfect for
 an Easter table too.

 

The coffee/tea server was a find at a local antique mall...and was on sale.  I really like the pretty floral pattern and shape.  
The pattern is from England and is Avondale,
 Royal Staffordshire.     

I collect little honeypots and found this sweet set in a gift shop near Solvang....I had purchased the tea bag
 holder in Carmel earlier in the week because of it's
 honeypot shape.  Such a nice surprise to find
 the matching honeypot and creamer! 














My little baby chicks are right at home on the table.  

The napkin holders are ceramic and I found a set of four at a charity thrift store. 

This is my favorite color combination for a tablescape.  
Hope you are enjoying sunshine and 
getting ready for spring!









I'm linking with 


House of Roses Show off your Cottage Monday
Smiling Sally's Blue Monday
Marty's Tabletop Tuesdays
Tea Time Tuesdays
Susan's BNOTP Tablescape Thursdays
Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday
Fresh Cut Friday at Rose Vignettes
and 
Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays


Go join in the parties!

Seven Gables Inn

We love staying at historical inns.  I have to admit at first Mr. Bloomers was a little apprehensive about staying at a "girly" bed and breakfast but after our first stay he quickly was won over by the comfort, quality and hospitality we experienced.

 I do choose our accommodations  carefully and  we have always had great experiences with the historical inns we have visited. 

This is a long post so
 get a cup of coffee or tea
and get comfy.

 I had been wanting to stay at the Seven Gables Inn ever since I first laid eyes on it several years ago.  

This month I finally got my wish!! 

This beautiful inn was originally a private residence and has gone through a wonderful metamorphosis since the late 1800's.  There are now multiple buildings in the complex that have been visually united with cheerful yellow paint,  white trim and a flower filled garden.  The inn is surrounded by blue skies and ocean views.

The train tracks are now a nature trail located across the street from the inn and meanders through the city of Pacific Grove hugging the coastline.   The historic inns and homes along Ocean Avenue are breathtaking and I can't imagine being so blessed to live there everyday with such gorgeous views!   

1974

Located on Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, California,   Seven Gables is one of the most romantic places I've ever visited.  Perched on the rocky shores of Monterey Bay, each room  has a beautiful water view of the bay or Pacific Ocean.

Lover's Point 1800's

Today Lover's Point is a beautiful park area with
 with a sandy beach. 

We  decided to stay in the Crespi Room which is in the beach house building.  The beach house building is now a part of Seven Gables but was once the Grandview Inn.  Here's a picture during the  renovation. 

After renovation with it's signature yellow paint.


Choosing a room was no easy task as each is uniquely decorated with different views of the bay or ocean.  Our room had a private entrance which was a nice feature.  Views  from our room...

We watched the sunrise from our luxurious and comfortable bed.





The room was beautifully appointed with custom draperies, Egyptian cotton sheets and all the comforts of a modern hotel.  The inn also has private baths for each room.

I loved the hand-carved headboard and  floral canopy above our bed.   

Cards and chocolates left on the bed by friends
 and the innkeeper. 

There was a remote controlled fireplace to add even more ambiance to our fairytale room.

Most of all we loved the views!!  We sat in the cozy overstuffed chairs and drank our morning coffee in front of the big picture window waking up to sea lions playing in the surf and watching
 the waves crashing along the shore!

Each room is well appointed with 
attention to detail including binoculars
 for an even better view of the coast.  I will add there are no televisions (who needs one with this view) and there is no air conditioning..also not necessary.  
There was an Ipod docking station so we were able to listen to our classical jazz while enjoying the views.  Windows do open and provide lovely ocean breezes and sound effects as well.

The water's beautiful blue hue and the warmth of the sunshine made our walks through the garden so enjoyable!

Little courtyards, garden benches and settees are located throughout the garden and grounds and make any place a special spot to sit and enjoy the inn and the ocean views.

Sculptures,  fountains and a water pond are mingled within flower beds with a mix of bloomers for the season.

The original main house is full of antiques and the parlor and sun room are decorated with crystal chandeliers.  

A night time view during the blue hour of the chandeliers in the inn.

There are several cottages in the complex that are also available..this cottage was beautifully trimmed with cornices and stained glass windows.

View of one of the larger cottages.

This pergola stands outside the room I had originally wanted to stay in.  The innkeeper told me it was being refurbished..so next visit we plan on staying there.  

The inn is meticulously cared for...while we were there the staff was busy giving attention to every detail.  Nothing was out of place (except maybe this guy on the roof) and the workmen couldn't have been nicer even offering to take our picture.  




The breakfast was delicious and cookies and milk at bedtime were a nice treat.  The view from the dining room was stunning! 
   

The nature trail is across the street and is a perfect place to stroll down to Monterey or back toward Asilomar Beach.  

If you have never visited this area or are looking for a place to stay...I highly recommend
 Seven Gables Inn.

I can't wait to go back!!

I'm linking with

 Sally's Blue Monday

Susan's BNOTP Metamorphosis

Susan's Outdoor Wednesday