Filoli annual High Tea, an experience not to be missed

Designed by California architect Willis Polk, this Georgian Revival mansion surrounded by 16 acres of formal gardens and over 600 acres of woods was built for William B. Bourn II. Its reflecting pools, formal gardens, arbors and shady walks were all planned to blend harmoniously with the nearby San Andreas hills. The spectacular grounds present a hallmark of garden landscape design, breathtaking in scale and displaying the diversity of California flora

Upon arriving we saw that many waiting to join the tea were dressed in period clothing.  Something my mother and I agreed would not work out for us, but they were sure having fun with it.

Here's where you can go inside Filoli to learn more about our estate's fascinating History, including the families who founded and maintained the Filoli vision This is the gift shop at Filoli, there were some very nice things to buy and the way it is arranged was inspirational

We also went on the tour of the Filoli home.  It was breathtaking The producers of Dynasty snubbed Denver by declaring they could not find a suitable posh mansion in the Rocky Mountain city to show us the house of the wealthy Carringtons. Instead, they chose a California landmark, the Filoli Mansion in Woodside, which is operated as a museum by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The show filmed inside and outside the mansion, as well as in the formal gardens. And four rooms of the house, the front hall, library, living room, and reception room, were later re-created on the show's Hollywood set. Some additional  information about the glorious Carrington's mansion and the estate...http://www.ultimatedynasty.net/filoli.html






An array of deserts at our Afternoon Tea.

  Last we experienced the lovely tradition of tea in the relaxing and gracious ambiance of Filoli. They served delicious sandwiches, seasonal salads, scones with fresh lemon curd and pastries presented on linen tablecloths. Tea is served in their beautiful collection of china teacups, donated through the years by Filoli members and volunteers.


This popular Filoli tradition is perfect for meeting friends or small group events. Afternoon Tea takes place the fourth Wednesday of each month, February through October.* Seating is limited. Reservations are required.  In fact I tried three years in a row to get reservations and found out they were sold out  2011 is already sold out, but if you are really interest call on January 2012 and make your reservation early.  Afternoon Tea menu changes monthly and is a fixed menu that includes assorted tea sandwiches, mini-pastries and other seasonal deductibles. Filoli monthly teas are appropriate for children eight years and older.

Ghost Hunting in California!

Okay, people keep asking me to write about ghost hunting. Most states have haunted places, but California seems to have more than any other.

About three years ago Richard and I started watching Ghost Hunters on TV. Richard, who is an architect, and I have always loved old houses and the history of California homes. We decided to start by checking out famous CA haunted houses (see my list below) My first ghostly adventure was a ghost walk in Monterey.ghost walks in Monterey.

Here is a video from the ghost walk...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzYNUV20X4s

Last weekend we went on a ghost hunt to the USS Hornet in Alemeda, CA..
Gold Country

· Preston Castle Foundation tours
Make the castle the destination for your next group activity.  This is on our list of "next places to go"
 www.prestoncastle.com/tours.html

· Groveland HotelLyle is a friendly, reclusive spirit who plays tricks on the guests of this Groveland, California haunted hotel. We did this tour a few months ago.  Peggy the Hotel owner was great.

Sierra Nevada HouseThis haunted hotel, built in 1850, has a mischievous but friendly ghost the staff has named "Christopher." A less friendly spirit, "Mark," was persuaded to leave Room 4 by a psychic.  Lots of activity.

San Diego

· Whaley House  I've been here a few times.  Watch the mirrors!  I have tons oh photos with orbs...I don't think orbs are real though.

· Hotel del Coronado Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, California, just across the bay from San Diego. The Hotel del Coronado is believed to be haunted by the ghost of young Kate Morgan.  Kelsey and I are going here this weekend...will update you.

San Francisco Bay Area:

· Winchester Mystery House, San Jose  Been here 6 times on tours.  Love it!
· Alcatraz San Francisco - Richard spent the night here with a small group.  Scary place.  I missed this one...
· Haunted Hotels: Braving the Queen Anne Hotel in San Francisco, CaliforniaI spent the night in a haunted Victorian hotel, the Queen Anne in San Francisco. A nightly "ghost hunting" tour of the Pacific Heights neighborhood meets in the lobby of the hotel. 

· Sacramento! This beautiful community is home to the Sacramento Theater Company, which is said to be the most haunted location in Sacramento. Five ghosts will entertain you with footsteps, pink orbs and flickering lights!  On Halloween there are a few Ghost Tours.

Los Angeles

· Haunted Hotels: Ghost Hunting Aboard the Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach, CaliforniaMy ghost hunting tour of California took me to the Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach. A historic ship, once a hospital, now a hotel, the Queen Mary is believed to be haunted by numerous ghosts from stern to bow. Long Beach – Queen Mary
· Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Celebrity spirits like Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Cliff reportedly are still detected in this haunted hotel in Hollywood, California. I was there, but no sign of Ghost...

Central Coast

· Pierpont InnThis haunted hotel in Ventura, California has a former manager that still keeps an eye on things.
· Paso Robles InnThis haunted hotel in San Luis Obispo, California is watched over by a night clerk who is always watching for fire.  Been there quite a few times as I lived in Paso Robles.  Never saw the Ghost, put it had a haunting feeling for sure.

Resource to see other places to go: Rest of the West
· Ghost Tours in the West

My local ghost hunting group:

Sacramento Paranormal Investigation Society (SPIS)

Some Second Hand Haunts - In search for quality

Something I get asked again and again is where I find such great "treasures"  wether it be fashion or home decore I have a few places I like to go to search out my "next favorite thing"  Below is a list of places in my area, near Sacramento CA.  I am sure you too can search online for places by searching your town name state and the words consignment, second hand, thrift.  All throughout California my favorite place to go is the Discovery Shop (it's a cancer thift store where donations go to cancer research)  I also like Goodwill, and organization dedicated to putting people to work.

Here is my Sacramento Area List:

WEAVE

WEAVE operates two thrift stores in Sacramento. Income from the stores goes directly back to supporting WEAVE’s programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Also, survivors staying at the Safehouse are given vouchers to shop for themselves and their children, since they often leave their homes without packing all the necessities. You can support WEAVE by shopping in our stores, donating your gently used housewares, furnishings and clothing or by volunteering your time at the stores.
6634 Fair Oaks Blvd Carmichael CA 95608
Tel: (916) 481-6376
Hours: Daily 9am - 6pm
2401 Arden Way Sacramento CA 95825
Tel: (916) 643-4606
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM

Bella Mode

Belle Mode is a women's designer clothing consignment boutique. We consistently have a full inventory of quality, in style, women's fashions. We also carry a large inventory of women's shoes and unique accessories! Why pay retail when you can find affordable, quality designer clothing at Belle Mode
1012 E Bidwell St, Suite 500 Folsom CA 95630
Tel: (916) 983-5330

Bon Bon Boutique

At Bon Bon Boutique, we carry women's clothing and accessories, including shoes, jewelry and purses on consignment. We offer really great clothing at affordable prices!! Consignment is an excellent way to expand your wardrobloe for less•
6848 Five Star Blvd Suite #3 Rocklin CA 95677
Tel: (916) 784-1697
Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm | Sun 11am - 5pm

French Cuff Consignment

French Cuff Consignment specializes in quality fashion items from top designers from around the world. Owned and operated by Darcy McNie and Corey De Roo, this mother-daughter team is dedicated to providing their customers with great clothes and accessories at great prices. “Shopping consignment is all about the thrill of the hunt—Finding that unique treasure at an amazing price
2419 J St Sacramento CA 95816
Tel: (916) 442-3724

6412 Tupelo Dr Citrus Heights CA 95621
Tel: (916) 725-3733

Chic Boutique

Chic Boutique is a women's resale boutique. We carry new and gently worn, clothing and accessories, including shoes, jewelry and purses. We offer designer and name brands at affordable prices. It is a great way to clean out your closets and put money in your pocket. We are not a consignment store, we actually pay you outright for your items. We offer you 50% in store credit or 35% in cash of whatever price we would sell your items for
1269 Grass Valley Hwy Auburn CA 95603
Tel: (530) 889-2442
Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5

Our mission is to ensure that all of our customers have the ultimate thrift store experience every time they visit us.
4220 Fruitridge Rd Sacramento CA 95820
Tel: (916) 391-2402


Uptown clothing Company
One of Placer County's original and long standing Women's Consignment Boutiques, Uptown clothing Company has been in business for over 20+ years providing women of all ages and sizes upscale and designer women's clothing at huge savings. Uptown's extensive inventory includes women's clothing and accessories, jewelry, shoes and handbags. BRANDS include; True Religion, Custo Jeans, AG Jeans, Lucky Brand, BEBE, Seven for All Mankind, Juicy Couture, Brighton, Fendi, Dooney & Bourke and Authentic Chanel to name a few.

Visit our website at: http://www.freewebs.com/uptownclothingcompany and download our latest coupons for great savings on our vast inventory of upscale women's clothing!
5050 Rocklin Rd Rocklin CA 95677
Tel: (916) 624-7474
Hours: Mon,Fri-Sat: 10am-5pm | Tue-Thurs: 10am-6pm

Thrift Town
With an ever-changing selection of used and vintage clothing, household items and collectibles, every day at Thrift Town is a treasure hunt. The entire crew takes great pride in providing well-priced top quality merchandise in a clean, well-lit, and organized place to shop. So every time you shop Thrift Town thrift stores, you’ll have no problem finding the things you need at a price that’s right5005 Stockton Blvd Sacramento CA 95820
Tel: (916) 454-0435

ReNew Boutique
This classy boutique-style store sells gently used women's and children's clothing and accessories at incredible prices. ReNew Boutique is the latest fundraising effort for Acres of Hope, a program for homeless women with children. ReNew Boutique is located in Downtown Roseville at the curve where Atlantic & Vernon meet. We are currently accepting donations and also have volunteer opportunities. Call 916-782-1877 for more information. All donations are tax deductible and benefit Acres of Hope
201 Walnut St Roseville CA 95678
Tel: (916) 782-1877
Hours: Monday through Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Category: Vintage and Resale (26 listings)

Nice Twice
Nice Twice is a 3,500 square foot consignment shop full of up-to-date, name brand women's & children's apparel and brand new accessories and gift ware. We have been in business for 25 years and are open 7 days a week to serve you!Please come in & take a look around!... < Less • 209 Vernon St Roseville CA 95678 Tel: (916) 786-9287 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 12pm-5pm View Media Gallery BJENNIN
BJENNIN is a resale boutique in Old Town Elk Grove. We carry 'Just like new' special occasion dresses. Prom, Cocktail, Mother of the Bride, Cruise or any other semi formal or formal event. We also have a great selection of beautiful accessories - Jewelry (new and vintage), evening bags and handbags (new, used and vintage), wraps and scarves. BJENNIN is not a consignment shop. We purchase all of our items.
Happy 1st year BJENNIN! Category: Vintage and Resale )

Renaissance Fine Consignment
Renaissance Fine Consignment, founded in 1997, is dedicated to creating an unsurpassed shopping and consigning experience. Our concept is to bring to consignment shopping the same quality, service and sophistication found only in the finer boutiques of New York, Paris, London or Rome
2362 Fair Oaks Blvd Sacramento CA 95825
Tel: (916) 485-4911

Robin's Nest
Robin's Nest
Category: Women's Boutique Women's Accessories Vintage and Resale
We Specialize in Men's, Women's & Junior's New, Nearly New & Vintage Clothing and Accessories. We also sell Small Antiques, Collectibles and more! Check out our website! RobinsNestClothingEtc.com
3230 Broadway Sacramento CA 95817
Tel: (916) 736-3952
Hours: Spring-Summer: Mon-Sat 11AM-7PM

Specializing in fine vintage and handmade clothing, Atelier serves as a workshop space in the back and retail space up front. Shared by two sisters Amy & Melissa Hemmens along with 17 local Designers. Atelier carries clothing and accessories from a selection of local Sacramento designers: Sapphire Cordial, Flaming Hag Folkwear, Zac Nelson Tees, Tyrus Wilson, Linden Simmone, Reject, Naikfur, Threaddheart, Habit Jewelery, Micheal Lopez, PorkChop, Martini Kisses, Obscure Clothing, Opaline's Closet, Cookie, Megan, etc
1617 16th St Sacramento CA 95814

All My Children
Category: Children's Clothing

New and Gently used Children's clothing, toys, equipment,furniture and more. We also carry maternity clothing, supplies and literature.
All My Children now featuring a Birthday Party room. Have your child's birthday party at our place. No mess to clean up! Several themes to choose from. Don't have a birthday? The party room is available for any gatherings: Showers, scrapbooking, quilting. If you need a place to meet, we're here for you
6394 Pleasant Valley Rd El Dorado CA 95623
Tel: (530) 622-1321

Bloomingdeals Consignment Shop
Bloomingdeals Consignment Shop at 6231 Main (off Greenback by the Boardwalk) in Orangevale. Fantastic handbags from many designers. Many are new. Colorful and unusual authentic bags by Coach, Brighton, etc. Owners Shannon and Susan are dedicated to providing you with a great shopping experience. You will find a lovely showroom of furniture, pictures, wall decor, unusual items, shabby chic and vintage. Clothes racks filled with contemporary fashions in the most popular brands like Bebe, Charlotte Russe, Gap, Amanda B, Liz, Anne Kline, Ann Taylor, Chico's, Coldwater Creek, J Jill, Calvin Klein, Juicy Couture and by many other high end designers. And some of the most beautiful jewelry available. Collectables, pottery, crystal fill the shelves and cases. Get in soon before the work gets out how great this place is. The good stuff will not last. New items put out everyday.

Happy Birthday Richard!

 

Eating right with Organic Authority

'Join The Tattered House Celebration!'

'Join The Tattered House Celebration!'

One of my favorite stores. They have so many fun things. This is where I found my silver tea pot lamps idea. I think I will drop in for their open house if I am in the area.

Tattered House Antiques and Vintage Living
Open House
Sunday July 18 9:00am to 4:00PM
417 Oak Street, Roseville, CA 95678

www.thetatteredhouse.com
Great blog
www.thetatteredhouseblog.blogspot.com

Tired of travel? Why not revive your patio with some new cushions and stay home

Staying home this weekend? Why not invite some friends over for lunch out on the patio? Your Patio Party guests will stay longer if they have somewhere soft and pretty to sit. Give your chairs comfort and style with a set of custom seat cushions. Outdoor furniture often comes with a set of basic cushions, but the standard colors are pretty bland and boring. It's much more fun to mix and match colorful fabrics to create a unique seating experience.

The above patio cushions were made using the beautiful fabrics from Heather Bailey's Freshcut collection. Patio Party projects as special-occasion pieces – lovely party accessories to warm up the patio... and the guests. They are intended to be party-time, decorative pieces that would come inside after the fun is done.



I am feeling inspired to create an inviting patio. So I guess I better get started sewing. Will update you with pictures of my own patio soon. I hope this is inspiring you to take a look at your patio and what you can do.

Recycle This!

My sewing room cabinet

I have been washing out Kiera's empty baby food jars and dreaming of all the ways I might be able to use them. Of course there is the typical storage of beads, buttons and jewelry bits.


I'm not snobby, I use any glass jar I find



I clean them, use "goo be gone" to get rid of the lables and spray paint the lids

Other ideas to reuse "Food Jars"

But I have also found some exciting and extraordinary things...


Lovely candle chandelier

Storage station

And I use is for jars of all sizes to store my beads buttons and treasures.