In Progress: Project Driveway - It is Wet & Cold!

Yes it is - as how winter should be.

So it is on hold for now. Too cold to take out the new succulent off their comfort zone. I'm going to wait until frost is over at least.

Do take a look how pretty these stones are though, just after the rain. Just seems like they're gleaming with water!

In Progress: The Driveway Project

This is the reason why we had to do something about the driveway:

Oxalis. Oxalis. Oxalis. Weed. Weed. Weed. 

Everywhere. 

So unflattering.

Plus, I want to experiment with something a li'l different. Hence experimenting I am.

First, I got rid of everything that I could scoop out from the lively rectangular in the middle - trying to get the roots of all the unwanted living weeds - a very hard thing to do, indeed. Note: when removing weeds, you gotta go for the end of the roots, really. And try not to shake the soil off the plant to avoid the chance of them growing back.


Second, in the ideal world, I would level out the surface. But it was so hard to do and I didn't have the right tool, so I just skipped to number three~

Third, I layered the "clean" area with weed control landscape fabric. You can easily get this cool stuff at the home improvement stores or Amazon if you like shopping online. Note: when doing this, make sure that you put some pebbles or rocks or anything heavy so the wind doesn't keep blowing the fabric away. (*cough* - lesson learned!)


Fourth, I started layering pebbles. Loved, loved, the feeling and the sound of them colliding with each other.  Note: measure the space that you want to layer before you buy and ask the store how much you'd need for area to avoid triple trips to get enough amount of stones. (Hi, did I tell you I was experimenting?)


Fifth, I played around with the designs. See, I wanted to see if I had a knack for landscape design create some texture to add interests in this otherwise a plain jane rectangular driveway. I was so excited when I found these gorgeous slates, of which I proceeded to create mosaic effect with - just in a few small areas. Note: Umm, yeah, laying random pattern isn't as random as it sounds. It required TONS of thinking, back and forth, do over, and patience! Plus, when I got these slates I didn't even had a certain design in mind...Hello there, landscaper pros - how would you do it?


Sixth, at last the design came together okay. Plus the placement of the succulents too! Oh, did I forget to tell you that I am so curious to use succulent in my yard? Here's a sneakpeek - but I'm not finished yet...because it was getting chili!



TO BE CONTINUED next weekend - hopefully the sun is still going to be out!

What do you think so far? Any advice for this humbled inexperienced wannabe landscaper?

Weekend Project

Okay okay. Breath.
I love Fridays.
But when it's as hectic as today (or should I say yesterday? as I was writing this it is already 5 AM on a Saturday morning?), I rather miss Monday - because at least I know I've got 4 extra days before the weekend.

Woah, it is weekend already!

And supposedly it is going to be another gorgeous one here in my area - says the weather channel. I'm going to do:

• continue with my driveway project (which I'll cover in details next week) 
• do a bit of gardening 
• plan my handbag launch (too excited!) which consists of so so many things
• catch up with your fab blogs so I can find things like this super cool water works on a staircase! 
• the relaxing laundry chore the feel good house cleaning {dreamy laundry room | awesome print}

Anything planned this second weekend of 2012?

Our Camelia is Bashfully Peeking

It's about time!



Most of the neighbors' camelia trees are filled with blooming florals and I have been super anxious waiting for our li'l camelia buds to open up. I imagine walking in and out the front door in the cold winter just to see how cheerful the pop of fuchsia would be - when more of them are blossoming!

Finally on Sunday, as I was soaking up an unusual 64 F winter rays and blue sky,  I saw them! Just a few, saying hello, gorgeous!

Of course, I havta find editorial fashion photographs with corresponding colors (thank goodness for Pinterest!)

Source: sassyandalwaysclassy.tumblr.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

Source: sunshineandpearls.tumblr.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

Source: yvestown.tumblr.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: lanaloustyle.blogspot.com via Sheri on Pinterest

This last pin is the embodiment of styling perfection for me. The pleasantly surprising pink boots to finish this super feminine outfit really does remind me of the feeling I get when I see my little camelia buds!

What's your take? Would you rock green and pink this winter? Got a pair of pink boots :) you want to share? 

Two Thousand Twelve

Aw yea, happy two thousand twelve, friends!

It's the 4th day of the new year and instead of making my too-many goals come true, I've picked up an old habit again: caffeine!

I think I'm going to blame my enthusiastic to do list :)
Plenty of dreams going on this year and I cannot wait to share with you.

For now, let me just share some thing new on the front yard: lovely white alyssums and the always amazing icelandic poppies. They gave me the perfect amount of pops of colors that I desperately need for the winter garden, don't you think?




Do you make any resolutions? Do you go for new dreams? Reviving old dreams? Reaching for the shining stars? Do share!


Here's to our glittering future!

Happy Holidays!!!!

I wish you the most wonderful Christmas filled with love!

Source: balladofseasons.blogspot.com via Starlet on Pinterest

Shop: Fit Clothing - Dressing Up to 2012

Today I am writing about another local business that I visited in College Avenue.

It is perfect timing for you ladies who are sourcing for that head turner dresses for holiday and new year's eve parties or who are simply looking for a brand sparkling new look for 2012.

I'm so excited to finally share the photos that Denise Mitideri, the manager of this stylish boutique, allowed me to take while I was there, spoiling my fashion senses and chatting away with her.

Here's the snap shots.













Above: The lovely Denise, who is also a talented jewelry designer, modeled her exquisite creation. Don't you just love how dainty and darling this necklace is?

What are the words that describe your store?
one of a kind, contemporary chic

What is your best selling product?
Dresses by Diane von Furstenberg
(Oh yea, nothing flatters a woman's body like those gorgeous DVF dresses!)

What do you want to channel to your customers after they experience your boutique?
Feeling confident and that they look great.

Any featured local designer?
Samantha Sung. Her design is original and sophisticated; and she uses high quality materials that exude lux and comfort!


Above: a Samantha Sung batik cardigan in the most gorgeous indigo

Seriously, you have to come to the boutique yourself to see what people are saying and why the store is awarded Best Women Boutique (Readers Choice - Oakland magazine). Yes, the customer service is superb. And yes, they really do know how to suggest you stylish pieces that fit! 

Where to find them:
FitClothing
5707 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
510.923.0784

Shop: Maison d'Etre

When I was doing the day trip for Fenny last time, I got privilèges to spend some time with the owners and managers of these extraordinary stores.

This happy Friday, I want to share with you my quick chat with Fred Womack, the owner of Maison d'Etre, a charming store filled with dream, passion, and inspiration that will give you every raison to splurge for you and your loved ones this holiday.























What are the two words that describe your store?
very éclectique


What is your best selling product?
We are known for the antiques furnitures


What kind of feelings do you want to convey to your customers with how you design your store and how you choose your product?
That I've been transported to a different place


How are you different from other stores?
We have a little more curated merchandise.

...

And they are beautifully organized by the home function and I promise you'll have a splendid adventure in the store.


Where to find them: 
Maison d'Etre
5640 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
510.658.2801

Entering the Pre-Holiday Season with (Still) Fall Colors

Looks like holidays, smells like holidays, sounds like holidays - it must be holidays season.

Coming. Fast.

I know, I know. Everyone is busy preparing for the jingles and shopping for the winter clothes. Like fall is out of the season already. Oh, and of course, a big long list of gifts to buy is on the mind. Those big dot lights that look like the gingerbread-cookie colorful candies have been lit up around my neighborhood - so pretty...

But let me just linger to the fall colors for just a bit longer, though... I didn't realize that they have started to fall off to the ground, and some fruit trees in my garden will go dormant before I know it. So I had to put these beauties up to freeze the time while I can.

via

 via

via

So. Hope you're enjoying your weekend and may I wish you happy shopping?

(Hint: next week I will feature a few local shops that will knocks your xmas socks off with their too many amazing merchandise they carry for gifts options and inspirations!)

Now Growing and Happy Thanksgiving

Friends,

Here's a slice of what's been keeping me busy lately.

Garden work is just a few hours in a week of my time. More to do, more to share, more to come.
For now, I have to sign off from online earlier to take a break and to prepare for the holidays. (I want to curl up and snooze away like them .......!)

I'll be back around first week of December - and will carry on with the much needed catch up on your fabulous blogs.  Happy Thanksgiving!!!