Chateau Duranleau

I have found my home. It is located in St. Helena, CA and she's a beauty. I hope it will still be for sale in my next lifetime because this is where you can find me.

Just imagine the parties I could throw...
Can't you see the line up of lounge chairs where all of my visitors can come sunbath.

The grapes to the winery...TBD on the name

Guest House (you could stay here)

I love the limestone fireplaces throughout

and the great courtyards

She's beautiful, right?

I LOVE Ballard...

for many different reasons, the Sunday market that happens throughout the year, the Starbucks that is across the street, Bastille Cafe, AND...Cupcake Royal.

Last night after watching a movie I was really craving a sweet treat. Craig and I decided to go walk to the grocery store to get some low fat ice cream (we're trying to be good till our trip). When we crossed the street we made the mistake to look into the Cupcake Royal store front...in we went and ordered two cupcakes. Fortunately or unfortunately for us it was late night happy hour on cupcakes. The sale clerk lured us into adding 4 more cupcakes for $3! How do you pass that up?!?

So there I was with 6 cupcakes just staring at me. Now, if no one was looking I probably could have eaten 3 on my own but, I decided to take the skinny-er route...a knife.

(from the top left- Red Velvet, Triple Threat Chocolate, Coconut Bunny, Mint Chocolate, Lavender, and Carrot Cake)

Top if off with a latte and you have quite the Tuesday night, at 10:00pm! It will almost make you feel like you're in New York.

(the remaining cupcakes did NOT go home with us, the went to our neighbor for a late night quarter eaten surprise. That is nice, right? I couldn't throw them away)

Retro Chair Remodel

This summer I decided to take my parents old patio furniture and do a little remodel on it. These chairs were given to my parents by a friend many years ago. I remember painting them in High School as part of my chores to make some money for my drivers ed training. :)

As you can see that was a long time ago and it was time that they be brought back to life, again.

I ended up ripping the wicker seat portion out of the entire chair and sanding down all the worn off paint, cross by cross. Once I was done sanding I picked up 4 cans of brown spray paint and started to spray. Little did I know that all that spray painting would lead to a compressed nerve in my pointer finger. Click HERE to see what I found out...who knew!

Once the chairs were painted I needed something to sit on. I cut a piece of plywood into the shape of the seat, then picked up some 3" foam, and some outdoor canvas fabric. I cut the foam to the shape of the plywood and then sprayed the foam and plywood with spray adhesive. Once that was done I pulled the fabric around to the bottom of the plywood and stapled it all the way around.

Here is my finished product. There are actually two chairs but I was having a hard time photographing both on my 5x10' deck! They are really comfy too. Now I am just on the look out for one of thoes ceramic drum stools.

An Evening with Chef Bobby Moore

Last night Craig and I headed out to Willows Lodge for a cooking demonstration with the Executive Chef of Barking Frog, Chef Bobby Moore. It takes place inside the hotels lobby bar. filled with big leather chairs, couches, and a fireplace. So, we found our seat, ordered some food and wine (off their Happy Hour menu...score!), and enjoyed the atmosphere.

They have two pigs at the property Basil & Borage. For those of you who know my love of pigs, this was of course my first stop! Basil so kindly came out to say hello when I called him...and didn't stay out long either when he realized that I didn't have anything to feed him.

one HAPPY camper right here!!!


This is Ruthie. She is the Lodge dog and official greeter.

Our other entertainment for the evening. He escaped from the winery across the street and hasn't tried to go back.

Chef Bobby Moore

The food was amazing. We are working on our guest list as we speak so I can test out these recipes for myself. We also plan on going back for the next one. I never pass up a free cooking demonstration where I can eat and drink wine!

Mark it on the Calendar

Many of you may know that I have about 7 different weddings of my own that are all planned out. They all have different locations, themes, and price points. I am just waiting on one particular person to make this all happen....(poor guy!)

My ideas come and go for all of theses weddings as there are not enough folders on my computer to keep up with all the great ideas I come across. Lets face it, I know I am going to find something else that I love just as much. However, I do have "the wedding" folder saved that has my dream ring, dream dress, and now this...
A calendar sewn into the wedding dress with the date of the marriage! How cleaver!

This Old Dresser

This is probably one of my favorite pieces in our place (so far). I found this dresser for $30 at a Goodwill store. I could see the charm written all over it.

I removed all of the hardware and sanded, and sanded, and sanded! Then I added about 3-4 coats of white lacquer paint and...

Isn't she pretty? I found some great glass nobs and spray painted the small key holes with sliver paint. Good as new!

A Woodinville Wedding

Ryan and Lindsay were married on September 25, 2010 at the Hollywood School House in Woodinville, WA. It was a beautiful perfect indian summer day, which we were a bit worried about due to rain the week leading up. I had such a wonderful time working with Lindsay and her Mom on this wedding. Both were so relaxed and laid back it made my job that much eaiser.

Congratulations Ryan & Lindsay!

Photography: Vior Photography

Make-up & Hair: Gene Juarez Salon & Spa

Cake: Peggy Hillock

Floral: Meagan Duranleau Designs

Coordination: Meagan Duranleau

(and a very special thank you to my interns Craig and my mom Lisa)

Hello October

Saturday morning Team Ballard (Craig & I) had my sister Alli over for Champagne and crepes! I don't think I could think of a better way to start off a crisp fall October morning.


We headed up to Craven Farms in Snohomish to meet half of the Diss gang for pumpkins, corn maze, and apple cider...yum!

We were greeted by Madelyn who promptly told us to "get on the boat and sit down". Craig didn't get the message.

My side kick Alli and I partaking in all the farm had to offer.

This Alice in Wonderland themed corn maze was a bit overwhelming.These things need to come with maps. This was the first and hopefully last corn maze that plan on going through.

We all enjoyed ourselves. It's fun to pretend you're a kid again. Thanks for the invite Dawn and Madelyn,