Author: Frances

Bringing in the cows, seen on my early morning ride to town along Foxen Canyon. The hills are so green and the wildflowers are beginning to pop out everywhere. .
#foxencanyon #losolivos #santaynez #cowboy #cowgirl

Starting to think about our Easter table… #Lavender is always good. These were pots from the grocery store ( #lastminutelucy ) Layered tablecloths, rock crystal candle holders, and plates from #astierdevillatte for a friend’s birthday. Next frame are the huge mylar balloons in the shape of his initials, also from the grocery store. Best $35 ever spent. Last frame, i do miss having a dining room, but it is nice to look across at the fire going. I just read somewhere that to create a warm, festive environment, all you need are a fire, flowers, and candlelight—and i agree. That covers it! Artwork by #rubenochoa and #kimominton .
#rancholazaca #homesweethome #entertainingathome #dinnerparty #tablescape #californiacookingandsouthernstyle coming out next fall! @billyhurbaugh @chefstephvalentine @randallday

Exquisite white camellias on my breakfast tray this week, courtesy @billyhurbaugh Their beauty is fleeting and quickly fades – a reminder to love this moment for it is all we truly have. Also a reminder of the signature flower of #cocochanel and #karllagerfeld rip. .
#whitecamellias #breakfasttray #californiacookingandsouthernstyle #rancholazaca

Taking a little break in Santa Barbara and trying out the beautiful new #Miramar that is finally built after 472 years of wrangling with the County. Was worth the wait!

Fun little arrangement fashioned from bouquet brought by sweet new friend. Happy weekend from rainy but beautifully green California. #rancholazaca #californiacookingandsouthernstyle #bouquet #teapotarrangement

DONE ✅ … the manuscript anyway… the mere beginning of the end… so why do I feel I could burst into tears ??? #californiacookingandsouthernstyle with the incomparable @chefstephvalentine , coming in late fall (Lord willin’) from @skyhorsepub ♥️you @crystal_beth3 @triagiovan @deborahllewellyn @mollybrownballantine @rkart1 @tomdittmer @w.cromer and the team at #rancholazaca

The true winter weather we are having in S California has created the most dramatic cloud formations and light … and rain! This scene a few days ago from my afternoon walk reminded me of the Bible verse: The Lord is in his holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before him. .
#rancholazaca #santaynezvalley #santaynez #losolivos #cloudscape #iwanttopaintit

Moonrise over pink mountains tonight in magical light, as the sun was setting just opposite. Glorious. .
#losolivos #fullmoon
#santaynez #santaynezvalley
#rancholazaca

A little re-working of the beautiful post Valentines posies that awaited our return from the East Coast. Glad to be #homesweethome #rancholazaca
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#snapdragon #ranunculus #roses #freesia #alstroemeria #prettylight

Always love visiting my friends and family in the Lowcountry. Meanwhile am trying to get the hang of posting stories and am hopeless. Can anyone suggest a good YouTube tutorial? Or should I just ask a teenager? My attempt at a story (highlight?) in profile. And I dont know how the blank circle got there.., #lowcountry #frogmore #beaufortsc