Author: Frances

A sneak peek at today’s California Cooking and Southern Style workshop to benefit @stmarksinthevalley which we’ve been trying to schedule for 2 years now. Yay! All 7 of us in masks, outside and safely distanced and, in the 90-degree heat “glistening” all over, but we had fun and the work was genius! Also included a cooking demo w @chefstephvalentine and a gorgeous lunch. Stay tuned for more and for news of this and future pandemic-protocol-following workshops at Rancho La Zaca. . . . #californiacookingandsouthernstyle #rancholazaca #flowerandfoodworkshop #bestgroupofgirls !!!

I would surely faint if this was my sitting room! Playful layering, sumptuous trim and a mix of old and new bring the chic New Orlean @cecilevillere’s townhouse to life. Designer @sararuffincostello is known for her bohemian classicism among the history-steeped interiors of old houses and this space is a gorgeous example. Are you sitting comfy with your iced tea? Come peek into this Georgian style house through the link in my bio. Published in @elledecor Design by @sararuffincostello Photography @pthepaul

Fall is here but summer’s farm stand goodness lingers to the last of the warm days. I wanna do one last throwback to ode to summer with this menu, a favorite from my old East Hampton Bee Cottage days. Ready for two simple, easy and delicious recipes? You can’t go wrong with cool cucumber soup and pasta topped off with bacon, corn, tomatoes, and zucchini. Grab your apron and visit my link in bio to get cookin’!

Antiques have a wonderful way of telling a story and transporting you to a different place and time. Although I am holding off on my travel for a while, I’m still adventuring around the world! The storied history of Ming Furniture reveals the ancient Chinese beginnings of the Ming dynasty treasured for its precious wood, comfortable design, simple decoration and superb craftsmanship. Curious how to incorporate traditional pieces into today’s modern times? @verandamag recently outlined their tips and some beautiful pieces. Dive deep into exotic lacquer, linen, and cast metal in my link in bio! Design @megbraffdesigns Braff Photography @annieschlechter

Hot diggity dog! One of my favorite coffee table books was released a few years ago about this time, “At Home with Dogs and Their Designers” by Susanna Salk. A playful homage to beautiful interiors and their four legged inhabitants, Stacey traveled the globe to capture the images. See a few of my favorites in my stories, and tap the link in my bio to purchase! Photography by @quintessence

End of the summer has me dreaming of beach days. Thinking back to a painting workshop spent seaside in sleepy Carmel. The first time I went there, eons ago, Clint Eastwood was still mayor and my friend and I actually caught a glimpse of him at the Hog’s Breath Inn (yoinks what a name!) A small beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picture perfect village and one of my favorite destinations for a weekend getaway. I’m looking forward to my next visit. What is up next on your weekend getaway list? PS This little seascape is sold, but there are others… I will update my Artwork page, I promise…

Plated to perfection. Whenever I want a dinner that is light, flavorful, and out of the ordinary, I looooove the Miso-Mushroom Butter by @chefstephvalentine from California Cooking and Southern Style. It is gorgeous on salmon but equally good on beef or stirred into quinoa, farro, or any nutty grain. It is a genius sauce and easily prepared. The onion rings are a bit extra of course, but worth it if you’ve got the time. Tap my link in bio to save this recipe for tonight’s dinner! china is @royalcrownderby #oldeavesbury

#neverforget Photography by @oneworldnyc

My favorite pool on the planet, truly, and I am lucky to call it home. It’s funny I always loved being in the water, but as a child I didn’t like swimming for its own sake per se. I liked flirting with the life guards, which actual swimming might have interfered with. Today swimming has become like a meditation, a place literally to feel in the flow and let the thoughts come and go as they may. A champ swimmer and friend, @reallyboderek, gave me her recommendations for goggles, waterproof ear buds (for the days I’m not so meditative), and a snorkel (genius!) and now swimming is all the better. I also use small swim fins and have just added hand paddle thingies. I look like the creature from the hot pink lagoon, but the workout is great.

I caught the sunflowers out of the corner of my (bleary) eye on early morning errands and thought to come back to paint it… Can you believe summer is at an end?? And it’s turning hot again. the fires keep at bay. Happy safe Labor Day to you all. . . #sunflowers #enpleinair #pleinairpainting #dalesnursery #santaynez #santaynezvalley #labordayweekend #saturdaymorningvibe

Just coming home from dinner with the girls after painting and see that harvest has begun, the Chardonnay most likely because that’s always first. To every season, turn, turn, turn. . . . #harvest #rancholazaca #oaksavannavineyard #santaynezvalley #santabarbarawinecountry

There are so many gorgeous ways to bring the indoors out, and Villa Fiorentina may win first place. In the heart of Tuscany, this splendid and storied manse has long been a place where refined elegance meets relaxation. Come, meet me in my stories for a closer look?⁠