Home Improvement Archives - Page 14 of 23

Our MFCH tours for 2023

Posted on 10/10/2022 by

Oh my goodness, it felt so good to be back with a full schedule of MFCH Tours this year! In the Spring we took clients to Provence, and to Dordogne, and in the fall we covered Normandy and Paris. Still remaining is a private trip in October.

All our clients this year have said the same thing, “it feels so good to travel again!”, especially on a luxury tour where every tiny detail is taken care of, and where clients are whisked away to private homes and gardens, and see things that tourists would never have access to.

Traveling is

…

growing dahlias – my do’s and dont’s and learning as you go

Posted on 27/09/2022 by

I’ve been growing dahlias here for six or seven years now. It started with a tuber I found in a bargain corner at the garden center, and which turned out to be the most beautiful café au lait! I was immediately hooked, and have been growing them ever since, in increasing quantities each year.

Like everything else in the garden, there is an element of trial and error in growing dahlias. It took me a while for example to understand that I can leave some dahlias in the ground in certain parts of the garden, whereas elsewhere I have to

…

Autumn Ambiance Glowing Pumpkins Table Styling

Posted on 18/09/2022 by

There is something about glowing pumpkins and pretty little twinkle lights that creates the perfect autumn ambiance. Today for Friday Favorites- it is all about creating ambiance on the table in a different way- with glowing pumpkins.

Twinkling Centerpiece

A centerpiece full of pretty. Amber pumpkins, dried fruit and a few oak leaves tucked in. When it comes to a pretty glow on the table – it isn’t all about the candles- these glowing pumpkins do double duty.

I arranged three glowing pumpkins in the center of the table for a centerpiece filled with ambiance.

Tip: Use all that magic

…

our november box and a giveaway

Posted on 17/09/2022 by

Time for our November Box and a giveaway!

We chose the theme ‘Midnight in Paris’ for this end of year box. Paris is a city to enjoy by day and by night. Diners often get to restaurants around 8.30 or 9pm, and it is quite normal to finish a meal around midnight, then wander back outside to walk home or back to a hotel.

Of course the Eiffel Tower performs its own kind of magic once the sun has set. It’s glittering lights sparkling on the hour every hour during the night, can be seen for miles

…

Pampas Grass – 3 things for a simple autumn table

Posted on 15/09/2022 by

I found loads and loads of pumpkins the other day. All shapes, colors and sizes but, I didn’t bring any home…yet. I am in the middle of a full schedule on the calendar for photo shoot work this week- and bringing a pile of pumpkins in the house just means more to move out of the way when working so I am waiting yet. But with the crisp mornings- I am definitely feeling fall-ish over here. So even without pumpkins on repeat right now- I have some simple autumn touches with pampas grass, dried flowers and eucalyptus.

Simple Autumn

…

Natural Decorating- DIY Hops Wreath & Garland

Posted on 13/09/2022 by

I am all about simple and sweet over here when it comes to decorating. And this year, I am really loving all the vining things to bring in that woodland kind of feeling. Today it is all about hops and decorating with vines on the coat and in a wreath.

I shared a sneak peek of this on instagram and had so many questions about these that I snapped a few photos to share more. Admittedly a bit over the top for everyday – that is not something I would recommend this for. But this would be perfect for an

…

Foraged Autumn Floral Arrangement – French Country Cottage

Posted on 12/09/2022 by

Foraged autumn floral decor is a favorite. I love to decorate with seasonal and dried flowers anytime of year but in autumn- those foraged floral arrangements just seem to fit perfectly. Whether wandering the garden to clip dried flowers and greens or scavenging through your dried florals through the year – the beauty of a foraged arrangement is that no two are alike and there are so many possibilities.

Foraged Autumn Floral

Foraged

Foraged. The word itself just sounds so lovely doesn’t it? A little wander in the yard or garden with a basket in hand. Clipping what speaks to

…

Creating an autumn Garden Retreat & what I am planting

Posted on 10/09/2022 by

It is hard to believe it is almost the middle of September already- and that we are zooming right into autumn and the holiday season. And autumn garden season too.

Here in California- September usually brings fairly warm (even hot!) daytime temperatures with crisp nights – and so our planting and gardening season continues a bit later than some. The past week- we have had a crazy heatwave- with unprecedented new records being set. So, suffice to say, I have not ventured into the garden to plant anything new yet this year.

But even if you live in a zone

…