Author: Frances

Celebrate summer and life itself with this cold cucumber soup when it’s just the thing you’re in the mood for. Takes 15 minutes, max. Chill. Repeat. All summer long. You’re welcome. ⁠Get the recipe through my link in bio… Photography Ben Dearnley⁠ Recipe @chefstephvalentine

Don’t know who they are or what they are up to, but aren’t they just fab? Am in Raleigh visiting family and out for dinner last night @vivaceraleigh and will just say I was not dressed like this stylish couple but I was inspired by them. As I head to the airport tonight and bemoan yet again the sorry sartorial state of the general public, I will remember this handsome pair and have hope.

So I left this out on the counter to give to the guys on Monday to deploy. (I love bats btw I just don’t want them outside the kitchen door and leaving their little souvenirs if you know what I mean ) His Grace saw it sitting out in the same spot where I leave his sticky bun (@thebakers_table !) on Sat morning… and got the wrong idea… I told him he was just being picky And then I thought oh right, that’s how this pandemic mess all started… Wait… maybe we SHOULD eat this?! NONONO JK JK JK!!!! . . . #domesticbliss #batsinthenelfry #batshitcrazy

Waiting for my buddy @vashtiwilson2020 for lunch at the #luckyhenlarder on a beautiful Friday with the prettiest bouquet from @forageflorals on the table and feeling grateful. And hungry . . #santaynezvalley #santaynez

Can you believe His Grace, aka Francis of Assisi (ahem omitting the “Saint” but only because would ruin his rakish reputation) took this amazing photo?! What you cannot see is his shoe and Perrier bottle, which did not make the cut, but that’s how close he was. Been luring him in for days he says. My pocket guide to spirit animals says when hummingbird appears “You need to be very flexible with the twists and turns your life will take in the next days. Put more emotional sweetness in your life—you need it. You’re going through some very heart opening kinds of experiences, and you’ll naturally draw more love into your life.. Openly express the love you have and feel for those important in your life…” Thank you for those words @drstevenfarmer and thank you for the photo @tomdittmer

Reposted from @flowermagazine and I loved this #tulipiere from @juliskaofficial so much that I splurged on one for us last summer and am growing cone flowers to put in it this summer. It hasn’t all quite yet come together, but I’m happy for this inspiration in the meantime. photo @davidhillegasphoto interior design @heatherchadduck

Corny but could not resist the moonrise during dinner last night. . . . #rancholazaca #moonrise #fullmoon (almost!) #losolivos #santaynezvalley #instagood #nocturne #sanrafaelmountains

The dahlias are coming! We seem now to have a cast of thousands of Cafe au Laits, among my favorites though we have branched out. The containers here are a pair of hinged metal “cages” that hold test tubes of various sizes and the whole contraption can be arraign a circle or a serpentine or whatever, but the point is they arrange themselves and you don’t have to think about it. I like that. ️ . . #dahlias #cafeaulaitdahlias #ranchlazaca #homesweethome #summerflowers #sundayvibes

I did not want to be left behind the posting of glamorous selfies, of which One has scads, but this may be my favorite. The warthog keeps me grounded and humble, reminds me not to get too caught up in appearances, because what’s more empowering for a woman than that? (Well I can think of a few things but roll with me here) I challenge us all to empower ourselves and support empowering others. Two organizations dear to my heart are @empowersafrica that supports not only wildlife conservation but income generating activities, education and healthcare for women and girls; and @ibumovement supporting women artisans around the world and conveying beautiful handcrafted clothes, jewelry and accessories. I challenge you to take a minute now to donate to or advocate now for a cause or close to your heart, and I salute and love you for it. And let us know if you do! And thank you! Photography @laurenpretorius #blackandwhitechallenge #blackandwhiteselfie #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen

Love this #carolinablue butler’s pantry in Nashville designed by @beckyboyle and gracing the pages of @southernliving. Those wonderful walls decoupaged in botanical prints have me reaching for the Mod Podge (YES it is still a thing). See the rest of this lovely traditional-for-today in the link in my bio. P.S. The actual trim and cabinet color is called Spinach White by @sherwinwilliams. Go figure.

Making brown furniture modern: @gilschafer could write the book. Wait… he did… tap my link in bio to see. There is an airy spareness to this room that renders it calming and un-clutttered, but the warmth and patina of the antique tester bed, side tables, desk, and chest give the room coziness, soul, and story. Plus, the color is so ahhh. I’d love to wake up here, wouldn’t you? See the June/July issue of @housebeautiful magazine for the entire house, which is all about a new house with an old soul. Photo @ericpiasecki

This gorgeous shot of Lady Liberty sent me by a friend coming up the East River this morning. And even though I call New York my second home, catching sight of her thrills me every time. I might just take time tonight to paint her ️ A stirring sight and enduring symbol, she stands for freedom, above politics, and may we all aspire to uphold her. . . . #statueofliberty #ladyliberty #eastriver #iwanttopaintit #manhattan