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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The French Nest


Just outside of San Fransisco there is a lovely little town called San Anselmo. My husband wanted to stop here because he had seen an episode of Diner's, Drive-in's and Dives where they featured a terrific little diner called Bubba's. So we had lunch at Bubba's Diner, where I proceeded to stuff my face with lobster ravioli. (Yes, you heard me right. that's one of the reasons they were on the show!) Any way, as we drove in I caught a glimpse of wjat looked like the most wonderful little shop. I knew after lunch I was going to have to go check it. So while my DH was finishing off his lunch (and the rest of my ravioli) I grabbed my camera and headed off down the sidewalk.


What a feast for the eyes! I have been wanting for some time to remove most of the color in my house. I just adore the neutrals!!! There are some naysayers who believe beige and white are boring or "safe". Just look at this (non) color scheme!!! It's so full of wonderful texture and depth.


VERY romantic!!!


I absolutely fell in love with this pillow but (sigh) it was a little (a lot) out of my budget.


There were some fabulous ideas here. Like this little cloche that I'm sure was a cheese tray in a previous life!


The chandeliers were lovely.


I especially liked this one. I don't know where I saw it, but someone along my trip had taken sheet music and wrapped it around the candle stems. Great idea!!!


This little box was so pretty. I might have to borrow the idea and make one for myself!!! Well that's the french nest! Next time I'll post some of the GORGEOUS pictures of the Northern California coast.



50 comments:

bobbie said...

Gorgeous!!! Just another reason to miss my home state!

Mary said...

San Anselmo is less than an hour from here, so hubby and I are going to check it out! I might even take my tea group is there's a tea room close by! Thanks for sharing! Mary

Linda K. said...

What a beautiful little shoppe. I love, love the neutrals here also. Thanks to your ideas, Karen, I am slowly transforming our home. You are so right how it's so easy on the eyes. Not boring! I'll have to leave the neutrals once I am done, no more 'transforming'. All I can do is add to it!

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

We watch that show, too! What a fun outing! A bit too far from NY, but it is my mission to get to the west coast so I will add to my list!
Your blog is so beautiful-your photos with frames and pics from your home...so pretty!
~Nancy

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Great little shop! I have been using cheese domes as mini cloches for a few years...but I love how this one was transformed with the pale paint and sheet music! Thanks for sharing and providing some inspiration!
:) Laura

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Thanks for the photos of your outing, Karen. Now I know what to do with that nasty, unused and boring covered cheese plate I have!
Have a great day!
Donna

Sherry said...

mmm...a delicious lunch and delicious goodness in this shop!! I am always so disappointed when I find something I love (like that pillow) and then realize how pricey it is...but sometimes just looking is enough!

beautifullybrokenme said...

Such a beautiful shop - we are going to have to stop in next time we are in Northern CA!

:-) Molly

Charlene said...

Karen that shop was indeed amazing. And I bet the raviolli was too. My "Honey" & I just feel in love with the California Coast. In fact I am still blogging about it. I think when you live somewhere as hot as you & I do... you appreciate the weather & the secenary. Can't wait to see what else you found.

Blondie's Journal said...

Karen,

I would have fallen over had I walked in that shop!! I love neutals and whites also, and this would have made a believer out of anyone!! Practicality wise, I think I am only going to get away with one or two rooms. Too many big guys, dogs and future grandchildren (I hope!!).

I too love the chandelier and heart shaped box. It's nice to get inspiration from some of the more expensive treasures. I'm toying with the box idea!! ;-)

Glad you are enjoying your trip and hey, isn't Guy the best?!

xoxo
Jane

Lorraine said...

I'm with you there, neutrals are excellent, they look so ethereal and romantic, and I love all the photos here, imagine being a millionnaire, imagine going in and knowing you can afford anything you want..but since not, I'm glad you're there lol great post, so inspiring :)

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous shop! I could spend some serious time in there!

I just installed a chandelier similar to the one in your picture at my mom's . . . it's really gorgeous!

Thank you for sharing!

Teresa

decorator to the stars said...

such beautiful pictures, wish i was there :) gio

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Thanks for the sweetest words dear Karen on Christina's icandy blog about me!!!! You are a treasure and I am glad to be part of this magical world with people like you in it. Thanks again!
Blessings,
Amy

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

I love that you ate at Bubba's Diner. And that fabulous shop, well, sigh... love those calm and soothing neutrals.

Lisa said...

That is the kind of store I could really lose my mind in!! Thanks for the great pics.
Lisa

EMBELLISH said...

Sound like the perfect day! Thanks so much for sharing. My husband is a huge DDD fan and of course, I love to shop.

June said...

Hi Karen,
What a beautiful shop. I would go crazy in here. Everything is just what I love!
Hugs,
June

Unknown said...

Oh Karen what a gorgeous shop...I could spend all day in there!!!

:) T

The Green Pea said...

Oh! thank you for the blog. I live not to far away and will have to make a visit there. The shop looks beautiful.... Sandi

BellaRosa said...

Karen, What a lovely shoppe and ohhh lobster raviolli...I think I would happily gain 10 lbs with that :) Rose
Oh before I forget again...How do you get that pretty framed button that says "sometimes it's ok to be a follower?"

Miss Gracie's House said...

So many ideas...so little time!
Rene'

Unknown said...

Hi Karen,
Just a quick question: When you photograph someone's shop, do you ask for permission and then tell them it will be on your blog? And are they usually happy to have that kind of advertisement?
Thanks!!
Lynn
alittlebluesky.blogspot.com

The Feathered Nest said...

Karen...this shop is beautiful!!! I think I've heard of it before too ~ the photos you took are wonderful! I love it when I find ideas in a shop that I can use at home too :) Hope you're doing wonderful, xxoo, Dawn

A Fanciful Life said...

What a great little shop. I used to live near there in Marin in the 1990's. San Anselmo is very quaint but unfortunately being in Marin, also pricey. Very fun area to peruse and take walks. Lots of antique stores in that area, too. And yes, great little restaurants too. Thanks for sharing!
Sharon :-)

From the Old InkWell said...

Hi Karen, that looks like it's right down my alley!

I enjoy your blog so much, I've left you a little award. Stop by when you get a chance.

Artsy Fartsy Junkin Finds said...

Beautiful pics you took!! Great ideas in those shops!! I have gotta make the sheet music Cloche!! Love it, Have a beautiful weekend. Thanks for sharing the inspiration!! Janna

Sheila Rumney said...

What a beautiful shop! So glad you shared your shop adventures with us!

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen! What a great shop; I'm one of those who used to put down beige but I too am leaning back in that direction!!lol I love that little box too and may copy it also! Have a great weekend Sincerely, Jeannette

Posh Girl Couture said...

Hi Karen,
I am so happy to have found your blog through KV Creative designs blog. I Love your blog! Your eye candy,Inspiration, fresh & happy design. I love it all!
Thank You for sharing!
Best Wishes ~
Joelle XOXO

HudsonGoods.com said...

great store! and there is a Bubba's in NYC in Tribeca, it's great. Thanks for stopping by!

Rebecca said...

Karen
Everything looks absolutely wonderful...what fun you must have had, did you buy anything from the French Nest?
Blessings
Rebecca

Laurel said...

Oh Wow! This SF girlie needs to get over there! Thanks for sharing all the lovely. Found your sweetblog via another and I am happy! One of my dear friends just moved to scottsdale form SF Bay area- and I will have to share your blog with her!
XXOO
Laurel

BALLET NEWS said...

Hi, I just had to stop by to leave you a comment to say what a wonderful blog you have here. Interesting and creative posts, along with great pictures - perfect ! Thank you for sharing them and best wishes.. have a great weekend..

matilda said...

Wish I was there. Gorgeous little shop.
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing!

Take care, Matilda

joyh82 said...

What pretty things. Love those chandeliers. I really like how you frame your photos.

Glimpse of My World said...

Very nice.. very cute blog you have.. I love love the cd project.. might we have a tutorial or are they for purchase... either way I am interested... Smiles!

Glimpse of My World said...

Very nice.. very cute blog you have.. I love love the cd project.. might we have a tutorial or are they for purchase... either way I am interested... Smiles!

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Wow Karen, that is a beautiful shop indeed! Such great ideas!!!
I can't wait to hear (& see) more of your trip! I'm so thankful you are taking me with you! This is so much better than being crammed up in your suitcase!!!!
;)
everything vintage

Martha's Favorites said...

Wow, that shop looks wonderful. I love the neutrals. It sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Can't wait for more pictures. Martha

chicroses said...

What a store!! I love it..My dh just painted an oaky china closet cottage white..turned out great..but that pillow I would love to try to make..but not sure about the stencil..print it on the computer..?? I made a stencil with Fleur de lis(sp) on muslin...turned out great..but want to do more..but some of that is hard to make a stencil...thanks for sharing your trip..did you say your food was good? ALway wondered if those places he went were really that great...sally

Sharon said...

Thanks for taking me for the walk down the street with you. What fun he found a diner and you found the shops with all the treasures. I would say it was a very good day. Sharon K

paperbird said...

Gorgeous shop- I can't wait to see you pictures California's coast- oh it truly is a lovely and favorite place of mine.

Unknown said...

Wow! That would like inspiration overload and I certainly would want to buy everything in site! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics!

Leah C said...

What a lovely shop! I think it would be trouble for my bank account if I lived close by :)

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Right there with ya Karen. I too have been slowly removing color from my house. Now I have to paint over a mural that's all pink and green etc. Everyone thinks I've lost my mind, but I find neutral colors to be so soothing and I love the look of tone on tone and textures.
What a fabulous store that was and oh, now I want some lobster raviolli!!! yum!
bunny hugs,
shell

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Beautiful! I will have to see how far the French Nest is from Wine Country and take a little drive. Don't you just love Guy on "Triple D"? Maybe I can talk my husband into going if we eat at Bubba's.

Thanks for posting this Karen, I didn't know about the store. That pillow is gorgeous... I bet you could make something like it or find something close out there for much less.
~Tracie

maría cecilia said...

Hi, I´ve just found your blog and let me tell you that it´s really wonderful. What a challenge to live in a desert place and loving gardening. I live in the Los Andes mountains in Chile, in the very south of the world and for me is a challenge too to have a garden, but nature has a force and the desire to bloom everywhere, I have witnessed it so many times. Hope you find the way to have your garden.
Muchos cariños
María Cecilia

Debbie said...

That shoppe looks dangerous! I would probably lose my husband with all the shopping I would do in that place! :)

Debbie
ouroldhomestead.blogspot.com

Barbara Jean said...

Thanks for the tour. Wonderful store!!

blessings
barbara jean

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