A Wine Country Perk ~

Right now, grapes are taking center stage.

It's harvest/crush time here in the wine country, and once again, I'm realizing simple is best ~ a plate filled with juicy delicious table grapes is definitely one of life's greatest pleasures {especially if you picked them off the vine yourself!}.

[Reverie Daydream Images]

Wishful Thinking {a guest post by My Castle In Spain}

I always say that I became a grownup at the age of 8. It was when my family left the sunny Provence for the grey skies of Paris. I cried bitterly the day of our removal because I sensed I was waving good bye to my childhood and that there was no return. It meant no more Sunday walks on the hills where I played with my sisters and no more strolls around the colorful markets in Aix-en-Provence, my birth town. Even though Paris was a bright new thing, flowers, scents and people were not the same. Years after, it seems to me that I have always been chasing the vivid memories of my childhood, this special touch of frail innocence mixed with slow pace and tranquil happiness. After many years of a Parisian life, I had the incredible luck to move to southern Spain, in Andalucía which I am now proud to call home. On the very first night, when the subtle scent of jasmine entered my room, I knew I was home because it was the scent of my childhood. Andalucía brings it all back to me: the way Mediterranean people joke or do things slowly, the intensity of the light, the long summers, a sense of humble happiness, the smell of pine and wild thyme in the countryside, the olive trees.....

I cannot explain rationally the deep love I feel for this part of Spain. Or rather, I would say, little by little like birds do, I made myself a nest with time and patience. It has not always been easy but my intuition did not fail me. And it also proved to me that we have to love our dreams always.  

Well, there is no doubt as soon as my Sean reads this post, he will ask me to pack our bags and procure a one-way ticket to Spain! Lala of the beautiful life subject behind My Castle in Spain truly knows how to live every moment to the fullest.  She is a creative soul in more ways than one, and recently, she added designer-worthy aprons to her shop.  I'm hoping one day to visit her in the beloved city she calls home and soak up as much of the jasmine air as one possibly can before becoming intoxicated by its sweet goodness {or perhaps that's a good thing!} ~ 

[image by Lala Ema]

My Tomato ~

Isn't she a beauty?

My Pop-paw would be proud of this perfect heirloom tomato because it was so juicy and flavorful.  I sliced it up and had it for breakfast ~ placed upon a piece of toasted rye bread smeared with cream cheese and then sprinkled sea salt and ground pepper on top of the plump red fruit of glory.  Seriously, I thought I might cry it was so darn good! 

This garden thing has my emotions on a happy high, for there truly is nothing better than growing your own vegetables which reward you so unselfishly with their mouth-watering taste.

It's a tomato frenzy around here, so share some of your favorite concoctions with me.  Pretty please?!

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

Wishful Thinking {guest post by Daydream Living}

They say a dream is a wish from the heart...

My heart wished for different things at different times in my life.

When I was younger, the wishes where about getting the newest jeans or my drivers license. Later they where filled with images of a healthy and happy family. In between there where many other wishes and daydreams.

And guess what? Almost every single wish has come true. Only the one where I can sing like a bird never made it....{my singing will clear out a room before you can say...... well, you can fill in the blank}.

I have worn my jeans over and over, and I did a little happy dance when I passed my drivers test. Everyday, I am grateful to be the mama of my two girls and the partner of my sweetheart, living a good life. And although we are in a different country again, away from our family and friends back home, I love our lifestyle. Through our many moves, we have met so many people from different backgrounds, and it has made our little foursome stronger.

Life is for living, to enjoy the here and now.

To me that includes my daydreams...

About a life near the sea....

Walking my girls to school in the morning sun...

Spending time in my own business, doing what I love...

Sipping a drink with my sweetheart on our front porch while talking about our day....

Some people will say dreams should stay just that. Dreams.

But if you don't have a dream, how can you have a dream come true?

So to all my fellow dreamers out in the world,

Dream...

Wish...

Love...

Maureen

xx

Daydream Living is a lifestyle blog authored by the very lovely Maureen.  She and I discovered we have quite a bit in common including our affinity for daydreaming.  It's nice to know that others are passionate about this incredibly important pastime too.  

[image via Laura George]

Wishful Thinking {guest post by elleinad spir}

When Melissa asked me to contribute to this series I was incredibly touched and honored…and scared. What could I write that would be at home on her beautiful blog? How could I narrow it down? So forgive me, this post is a bit of a wander through a collection of wishes, thoughts, dreams…

For my son to know love as I do. The feelings of being loved and of giving love.

For my husband to one day be able to follow his dreams rather than spend each day working…or at the least, in addition to it.

For my relationships to become easier and less stressed by distance and time and the stresses of life.

For the determination and stubbornness that I passed onto my son be mitigated by the ability to listen and bend….qualities I was not able to pass along in as much abundance.

 [

For my mom to see all of her grandkids grow, and for them to know her and her love as my siblings and I do.

For my son to understand and love my dad the way that I do, despite his tough outer shell.

And mostly, I wish for patience and understanding of myself, for myself, by myself. I need to learn to slow down. To not snap at people. To not hurry through each day. To enjoy more and worry less. I have been searching for something to put on my wrist as a reminder. I want a something on my wrist that I can look at ten million times a day to remind myself of these things. I have not yet found that perfect reminder...but when I do, it will become a permanent reminder to me.

Thank you to Melissa for having me here today. This blog is always a place for me to come and be calm, enveloped by beauty and peace.

Danielle keeps it real, and I adore her for this wonderful quality and more. She is one of those friends who you know would be right there by your side if you needed her...no questions asked.  And her way with connecting a post to any lyric you have dancing through your head, well, that's just complete genius.  

[image by Hollósi Gábor]

Hostess

I'm not going to lie.  Summer is going to be missed around here.  Although, I find comfort in knowing Northern California basks in Indian Summer.

It arrives right about now...so hello September/October, we are going to embrace your golden days of warmth and sunshine until they fade away to crisp, cool Autumn.  

This past weekend was filled with many visitors.  You see when you live in a very popular destination, like the wine country, people like to drink visit.  We get it, and we totally dig the continuous open door policy of fun times.  It just took me a while to step up to the plate and be at the ready in terms of the 'hostess with the mostest' role.  

Don't worry, I've got it down now.  There are a few tried and true recipes that I can whip up at a moments notice without a sigh of oh-my-goodness.  Thankfully, I have many foodie friends that keep me on my toes, Sherry is one of the best to have by my side.  This weekend, I served {twice} the meyer lemon pecan brown sugar shortbread...oh yeah, it's good {Dad, I promise to make for you in November!}. This lovely shortbread pairs perfectly with tea, coffee, or wine ~ we like to be prepared for every delicious situation.   

So here's to Indian Summer ~ you help feed my resilience for saying good-bye.  

And if you are in the mood for shopping good deals, a few fellow friends and bloggers cleaned out our closets and created an online sale of some lovely treasures~ check it out here ~ free shipping through sept. 12th. 

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Wishful Thinking {a guest post by contented me}

Wearing red lipstick. Doing a handstand in yoga. Diving off the high-dive. 

I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m not brave enough to do any of these things. 

Even as a kid, I wasn’t ever what you would consider a risk-taker. You wouldn’t catch me peddling down the street on my bike waving my hands in the air or signing up for the school ski-trip. (Embarrassing confession #2 – I’ve never been downhill skiing.) I was always just happier playing it safe. Keeping both hands on the wheel. 

And until now, I’ve been perfectly OK with my safe-seeking tendencies.  Frankly, I think I’ve gotten along just fine. And with all of my bones still intact, thank you very much. 

But (isn’t there always a but?), I’m starting to feel like a little bit of a hypocrite. 

You see, I’ve got two year old twins at home who, like all other toddlers, are busy exploring their world. And while my son, who doesn’t seem to have a scaredy-cat bone in his body, will take on any challenge that comes his way; it’s his sister who digs in her heels when something seems scary or difficult to do. I want her to know that it’s OK to feel scared sometimes, but that it’s also important to be brave and try new things. I nudge her to go ahead and take that step or slide down that slide because I don’t want her to miss out on things. And seeing the joy in her eyes after she’s accomplished one of those challenges (that wasn’t so scary after all) leaves me beaming with pride.  

Which gets me to thinking about all the things I’ve missed out on because I didn’t dare to try, all the unanswered challenges that would have bolstered my self-pride.  Kinda makes me wish I had done differently. And makes me wonder what my courage-stores might look like now if I had only been building them up.  

And so that’s my wish. To be brave. To try new things – even the scary ones. To be an example to my children of the value of courage.  

The next time my yoga teacher asks us to get into handstand, I’m going give it a try. And if I fall down (which is very likely), I will try again. And I will keep trying until I get it because I know that I’ll never forget how great it feels to accomplish something that was once out of reach. 

Contented Me is authored by the adorable and beyond sweet Chicago interior designer, Kristin.  She always leaves comments or sends lovely emails that put an extra happy kick in my step.  And oh how I wish I could be there for the moment she stands tall with her hands ~ it's one of the best feelings in the world!  Go Kristin Go!

Petite Aventure {Rubicon Estate}

"I may never leave!" the words I exclaimed as I settled into the Mammarella Wine Bar at Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon Estate.

Wooden Sailboats {picture Luxembourg Gardens in Paris} + Bocce Ball + Cabernet Franc with delicious depth = HOOKED!

Three hours passed as quick as lightening, and finally, the little crumb declared it was time to depart.  Her Bocce game was beginning to falter.

It's good to be home.  Back in the saddle as they say.  I'm feeling recharged and full of vigor despite the fact the days are growing shorter and night seems to linger longer.

No matter the time of day, life is good.  I'm soaking it all in and enjoying every minute.  

Tell me your favorite weekend moment...indulge me, please?!

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

On a Midnight Train to Georgia ~

I'm no Gladys, but I can add a bit of soul to this good ol' song when I dig deep and just let it all out.  And for the past few days, with my sorry attempts at vocals, I've been singing to the crumb.  She now believes we are going on a train.  Somehow, I don't think she will be disappointed when we board a plane instead; she loves to fly.  She wakes up every day ready "to go places".  And places we shall go ~

So my dear lovelies, I'm signing off until the end of the month.  Reverie is going to rest while this Georgia Peach sips iced tea {and coffee} from the front porch, celebrates my favorite niece turning 5, chases fireflies, reads a pile of books, and completely enjoys just being present without any agenda attached.  

Wishing all of you a wonderful August and may you soak up the remaining bits of summer with intense bliss. 

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

Inspiring Creativity ~

Imagination is the great spring of creative activity ~ the fountain of artistic fantasies which are the daydreams of children grown up.  Paradoxical as it may seem, the right way to conceive and practice art, regardless of the degree of efficiency, is with the viewpoint of a child.

 ~ Edgar Payne

A few weeks ago, we attended the Catalan Festival, and every single one of us within this family of three had the. best. time.  Incredible music, soul-touching dancing, bright sun shining day, endless flowing of bubbly, and memories being recorded through art.  Sean's idea to encourage our crumb's artistic interests ~ a journal, paintbrush, and watercolors are always at the ready for when she feels inspired to paint.  

A very fine chip off the old-papa tree, don't ya think?  

Wishful Thinking {a guest post by Coeur de La}

Growing up I was blessed to have parents who loved to cook. My love for food started with meals with my family. I love the stories that a good meal can evoke. Our meals were simple, fresh, and always filled with laughter. Early mornings always included a hot breakfast made by my dad ... french toast, waffles with strawberries, chocolate chip pancakes, omelets, and fresh orange juice ... my dad had a love for making meals for his kids. My mom would always make dinners, because instead of going out we never missed the opportunity to eat in. One of my favorite meals was my mom's homemade pasta with her famous spaghetti sauce.

Summers included trips to the farm to pick ripe tomatoes, and as a treat we would fill bags with nectarines and peaches that would barely make it home. I can still remember the day I tasted a fried green tomato ... I was eight. The one thing I could count on growing up was our family meals. My siblings and I counted on the time we spent around the table to banter, laugh, poke fun, rejoice, and celebrate family while we ate together.

So, my wish for everyone is to take the time to have a meal with someone you love. Food tastes so much better when you eat it slowly, thoughtfully, and share it with others.

Caroline is one of those lovely souls gifted with a bubbly personality that you just want to bottle up!  She is a foodie and appreciates the simple things in life, so obviously, we understand each other well.  Her blog, Coeur de La, is filled with her great photography, delicious recipes, foodie adventures, and happy little daily tidbits that just bring a huge smile to your face. 

[image by Coeur de La]

It's About Thyme ~

I've always loved the simplicity of a madeleine ~ the perfect companion to a cup of afternoon tea.  It wasn't until recently that I decided to bake these little shell-shaped perfections myself, and I'm blown away by how easy they are to make.  The hardest part of the entire endeavor was choosing the madeleine pan!  

Lemon Thyme Madeleines

{adapted from Ina Garten}

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2/3 cup sugar

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/4 pound {1 stick} unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup of freshly chopped thyme and lemon zest

Oven heated to 375 degrees.  Grease and flour the madeleine pans.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until fluffy.  Add the butter and mix.  Stir together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt ~ stir into the batter with a spatula.  Stir in the thyme and zest.  Fill each shell almost full and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they spring back when pressed.  Place the madeleines onto a parchment paper lined baking pan and allow to cool.  Yields 24 madeleines.

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

Wishful Thinking {guest post by melissa loves}

Hello lovely Reverie readers,

 

Melissa is the most lovely & warm person.....isn't she? So, I am honored to be over here, at her beautiful place, sharing my wishful thinking for today. My house.....let's just start there. I love my house....it is a 1898 Victorian that we bought 2 years ago. To say that I pour a lot of love & my personality into my home is an understatement ( ask any of my good friends) :) Though I love it and it's current incarnation, I can't help but, wish I had the resources to pour even more love into it. We didn't paint before we moved in and that is one of my favorite things to do. If I had my druthers...I would paint every room, all of our trim white and maybe even the floors if nobody stopped me! :) I also wish we could renovate our kitchen; a breakfast nook and french doors into the garden (if there was one). So, here are some inspiring photos....that I have cultivated. Things I would do, if I could. 

 

1. Wouldn't this be a beautiful color for a Victorian? With a bright yellow door  perhaps? 

2. A room in the gray on these shutters, I think...

3. and one in this beautiful lavender

4. a floor or two in this blue 

5. and our bedroom in this blue?

 

I am hoping someday to make these dreams come true. I will keep you posted! :) What would you do if you could do anything to your home? I would love to know. Thank you so much for having me and have a wonderful week! 

xo

Melis

 

Sweet as honey, a cheerleader for all, and an excellent cheap & chic personal shopper, Melis is one of those gals you want by your side because she always offers up honest encouragement and happy words to brighten your day.  Her blog, Melissa Loves, is an oasis of pretty that you don't want to miss! 

[Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Trespassing ~

I'm not sure additional words should accompany this image, for the point is made loud and clear.  Although, when I stop to think about it, too few people are actually getting the point.  We need to wake up and restore sustainable, organic land practices to the Earth ~ the soil, the dirt, the very thing we are made of, we live from, we return to.  Is it that hard to do?  Or will the greedy forces of humanity continue to reign supreme when it comes to the use of chemicals, pesticides, genetically engineered seeds, and unethical 'farming' practices?  

I love this planet I call home, the dirt beneath my feet, the food that maintains and keeps my body healthy and alive, the water I drink, the air I breathe, the stunning vista visions which surround me, and I refuse to just accept the common food/farm/agriculture practices of today's society.  Instead of feeling overwhelmed and defeated by what I consider a personal trespassing upon me and my family, I choose to continue to educate myself and make a difference in every way I can. Obviously, I do not have millions of dollars to fight the aggressive conglomerates {aka chemical trespassers}, but I do believe there is power in numbers; people who wish to go back to the days when organic didn't seem to carry the weight of 'privileged and wealthy' but rather as it has always  meant to be ~ simple, pure, healthy living for all mankind.  

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

¡Olé!

The past few days have been hot and steamy here in the wine country.  I love it.

This sizzling trend will only add to the excitement of our weekend plans ~ a Catalan Festival at Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards.  I've been giddy about this Spanish celebration all week long.  

Mi guapa will most definitely be taking center stage considering her love for Spanish guitar music and dancing.  It's bound to be a day to record in the  good-life memory books ~ bubbly, Flamenco dancers, and food seasoned with saffron and other make-your-taste-buds explode spices.

By the way, did I ever tell you that my nickname at a former job was Fuega?  

And with that I bid you all a muy bueno weekend. 

[painting by Pino] 

Wishful Thinking ~ {guest post by under a pink moon}

For as long as I can remember I have taken my wishes very seriously. Whether I was blowing out the candles on my birthday cake or tossing a penny into a fountain I would pause, close my eyes and imagine the very best possible outcome for whatever was weighing heavily on my heart. 

A decade ago I stood before the Western Wall and stuffed a note into a crevice of ancient Jerusalem stone and wished for my Great Grandmother to feel loved and less alone than I knew she felt. She lived a second lifetime without her husband, a man who died before I was born and I felt her heartbreak my entire life. 

As a young girl, I blew out candles on my birthday cakes year after year and wished for my mom to stumble across a pile of money so that her daily struggles might be lightened. 

And I will admit to many a coin being tossed in the hope of a certain boy to notice me so that we might live happily ever after. A sixth grade love story.

Now, when I catch myself wishing or even wanting, it is always for peace. Peace of mind for myself. Anxiety is my constant companion. A peaceful heart for my daughter. Frustration and intense emotions take her far away on too many days. A peaceful way for all of us. It's a profoundly better way than the alternative.

Estelle has become one of my very dearest friends.  Simply put, I adore her.  We get each other, and we both love champagne...so really, life is good under a pink moon.  And one of her many talents includes sewing, the girl turns a piece of fabric into a coveted fashion piece.  Trust me, I'm in line for one of her divine creations and hoping she opens a shop soon!

[image via Estelle]

Friends ~

On Saturday, we took a drive through the wine country to visit with our city friends who were enjoying a Healdsburg holiday in a very cool modern barn.  

A grand time was had by all; especially two very cute little girls who have been friends since 6 months of age when they 'met' in a mommy and me swim class.  I believe they need bracelets or something adorable that has BFF on it because these girls are definitely the best of the best, for no matter the time distance between their last fun and play, they pick up exactly where they left off: non-stop smiles and giggles.

  

That's the wonderful thing about true friendships, they withstand the test of time and continue to grow stronger as the years go by.  Friends are definitely one of life's greatest investments because the yield is generally a happy return.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

swimming in kisses ~

 

Our girl is swimming.  Her papa and I are quite stoked, and if you happen to walk past her swim lessons, you will know which one is Gaia Miette, or at least wish we were your biggest fans too.  We clap and cheer as if she won the Olympic gold medal.  In our eyes, she has conquered one of life's greatest freedoms ~ the ability to tread, float and glide without sinking {a foundation for survival in or out of water}.

An Aquarius, such as our crumb, flows with the seventy-plus percent of water that pumps through her veins.  She can't resist it, and we foster this ongoing tidal wave of energy.  We have set our sights high for waters beyond the community pool...you know, the Mediterranean Sea and so forth.  

But this community pool gig is rad.  Daily access, fun life-guards, and no maintenance on our part...I'm so down with this perk.  Mostly, we are enjoying meeting all the peeps in the town we consider new to us.  There's something about summer and pools, people don't really have anything to hide behind, so I believe it forces them to just be who they really are.  Cheers to swimsuits and petite swimmers!

Happy weekend lovelies!

 [A Kiss by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema]

Aiming High ~

I tend to be an overachiever.  

In most instances, this is a good thing, but when you have a list of goals that can fill a journal {or two}, your head begins to spin.  For me, it's not about just checking the items off my list, it's about taking my life {and my little family's lives} to new heights.  This is ridiculous major pressure I put upon myself for even the littlest of dreams...

As I become older wiser, I realize time is fleeting despite my daily pleas for it to stand still. So when the first signs of summer started to shimmer with warmth, I began to step back and focus on the elements of my life that mean the most and deserve to be tended to with gusto.  {Summer tends to always offer a fresh landscape for soul renewal, non?}  Reconnecting with nature, mind, and body versus a constant online connection was the recurring theme ~ discovering a healthy balance.  

So this overachiever is still aiming  high, but I'm taking a more leisure climb up the ladder of life and enjoying every moment as I reach for those shining stars.  

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

Coop Crush ~

I have a major coop crush.  

I cannot stop thinking about these adorable Bantam variety of chickens that have made The French Laundry garden their new home.  It is definitely the equivalent to a five-star resort in the world of chickens....umbrellas for shade, a customized coop with a tres chic blue door, their very own rows of napa cabbage to munch on, and hand-fed snacks of strawberries, carrots, purslane, and more from the chief gardener. 

While admiring our newest neighbors, we had the honor of chatting with their 'land-lord', Thomas Keller.  It was one of those surreal moments for a foodie like me ~ standing in an organic garden, crushing on chickens, and making small talk with one of the most talented chefs in the world.  

Sometimes life is so good you just have to pinch yourself.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]