GARDENING: GARDEN TOUR, PART II

<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH0FmHmJLMXZIoZARWPhmWMjAb79g1kv7-ZlsN2XrOlhFIJxl8VANki2yybEUYs9WDvFLtOOovr6fGHyIuY8TQlTN2u-9q3mVAvgvi01gPLxJz-Gcji07iazmRhm34nY35Cq7TeLZnn8/s1600-h/eden+roses.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344500898683301218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH0FmHmJLMXZIoZARWPhmWMjAb79g1kv7-ZlsN2XrOlhFIJxl8VANki2yybEUYs9WDvFLtOOovr6fGHyIuY8TQlTN2u-9q3mVAvgvi01gPLxJz-Gcji07iazmRhm34nY35Cq7TeLZnn8/s320/eden+roses.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center">Before we go to <span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Nedra's</strong></span> House to show photos of the Garden Tour, I wanted to post the photos of the Southern California Garden Show - held each Spring at South Coast Plaza (in the annex formerly known as Crystal Court). My husband and I look forward to it each year.</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>GARDEN SHOW. . .</strong></span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/Sit7AUFB6eI/AAAAAAAACJI/tLL-ZJIELLU/s1600-h/eden+roses.JPG"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/Sit6YKFewzI/AAAAAAAACJA/VL9688FX1vM/s1600-h/IMG_1718.JPG"></a></div><div align="center">APRIL 24, 2009 I attended the Garden Show with</div><div align="center">the REAL gardener in my family - my husband. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz_NigqHDXYLaxTXs6dmIpl5l-U0PhAzjMqVjyQreEfKV7W7KEJAwOkeFSkhnyJH_WJdY3dyngzRqJlBhCeeFH5DP_qectLkSAv0p7sEWk1nq1cmmAy7IoyOcpoddMwLoh0PObnp-Gt0/s1600-h/IMG_2117.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476988982560098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz_NigqHDXYLaxTXs6dmIpl5l-U0PhAzjMqVjyQreEfKV7W7KEJAwOkeFSkhnyJH_WJdY3dyngzRqJlBhCeeFH5DP_qectLkSAv0p7sEWk1nq1cmmAy7IoyOcpoddMwLoh0PObnp-Gt0/s320/IMG_2117.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 318px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 397px;" /></a> M&M Nursery always has the Fairy Gardens on display, complete with tiny plants, fairies, arches, benches and pathways. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnxI2y4T2-eM-r6KBODmEjcCNnlimQnLL8AOamK9zYKHbJZXi4mJf1DYuYO33xi0DoBK8NgDViJY7Q6wI3063wjE8g2dvqgyistcgooSiREBYsWcRqEr1ZjHBuYHui8JusNTsRa-QmC8/s1600-h/IMG_2116.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476979231292722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnxI2y4T2-eM-r6KBODmEjcCNnlimQnLL8AOamK9zYKHbJZXi4mJf1DYuYO33xi0DoBK8NgDViJY7Q6wI3063wjE8g2dvqgyistcgooSiREBYsWcRqEr1ZjHBuYHui8JusNTsRa-QmC8/s320/IMG_2116.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 318px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 391px;" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7r1jRkpc5GK0x-AQZBTcAIVWdjRolDFU6mJJo419KkvXCP5cMV9CHnjUGwnv6DxP_tFpJwPBZsfp5SYGBolg0lHryDHE90TQkOxnTLsj3h4etdm45WvRrup6pwncyaRVsIJDr_-nVuM/s1600-h/IMG_2115.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476976583948594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7r1jRkpc5GK0x-AQZBTcAIVWdjRolDFU6mJJo419KkvXCP5cMV9CHnjUGwnv6DxP_tFpJwPBZsfp5SYGBolg0lHryDHE90TQkOxnTLsj3h4etdm45WvRrup6pwncyaRVsIJDr_-nVuM/s320/IMG_2115.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 334px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 410px;" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyjPg9waZ68oyPHHR74EgZVCBzZbK1xoN9gbvXdpckODoCVYbioGA4B0dSsrpskM-c9e9DTqauchQ8fWNzVQnJXqm6BGkn3J_29bP8ivjAFtcz3nb4SZdD_E0PvFk7A-Vk78kuA-NpMk/s1600-h/IMG_1684.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476378231111218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyjPg9waZ68oyPHHR74EgZVCBzZbK1xoN9gbvXdpckODoCVYbioGA4B0dSsrpskM-c9e9DTqauchQ8fWNzVQnJXqm6BGkn3J_29bP8ivjAFtcz3nb4SZdD_E0PvFk7A-Vk78kuA-NpMk/s320/IMG_1684.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>We arrived at Nedra's house after dark. (That was the idea all along.) Our theme here was 'intimate/romantic' and the scene was set beautifully with candlelight. Votives lined the pathway and led us to the back yard where our guests stood in amazement, gazing at the immense lighted hillside that crowns her backyard. Long ago - at our very first Garden Tour - Nedra visited Betty's yard and discovered vegetable gardening in oak barrels. Suddenly she knew how to tame her hillside and make it productive. On a leveled area of the hillside she has oak barrels with a variety of vegetables. Among the many trees and shrubs she has planted to cover her hillside, she also has 15 fruit trees including lemon, avocado and pomegranate. Nedra (with the help of her 5 children) <em>does all of her own gardening.</em> <br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;">Nedra's House</span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-r3IGS7XvjOosbd2gN0BwlWrScfVWK1jAVO7O4ilCk2i49-1hvnODZbCgQdm-pPPItw6lpsAQqWHjWM412K76DGxgcUiBD4FB8GPyvZFRtNQoBOv1G0ZBq0dIJKULtzvbxfrv2EbNuY/s1600-h/IMG_1723.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476373968945458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-r3IGS7XvjOosbd2gN0BwlWrScfVWK1jAVO7O4ilCk2i49-1hvnODZbCgQdm-pPPItw6lpsAQqWHjWM412K76DGxgcUiBD4FB8GPyvZFRtNQoBOv1G0ZBq0dIJKULtzvbxfrv2EbNuY/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 325px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 423px;" /></a> A large basketball court dominates the first part of her backyard. The rest of the yard opens elegantly into a beautiful entertaining area with pool and spa. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnQ6pDtXehwAYI1IJMGlqq5U00-MiMM-yKOtnQQYh3hqx5UXCy7QAqQmOLrfPu0jhYo3ueS-TLOQJNzgytDIsu0KTNWUYK3v-XsLfs4Aek8HNXRhgXDO5JNP7Qimprj-nd_Qmj0eH0ps/s1600-h/IMG_1711.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475191169041698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnQ6pDtXehwAYI1IJMGlqq5U00-MiMM-yKOtnQQYh3hqx5UXCy7QAqQmOLrfPu0jhYo3ueS-TLOQJNzgytDIsu0KTNWUYK3v-XsLfs4Aek8HNXRhgXDO5JNP7Qimprj-nd_Qmj0eH0ps/s320/IMG_1711.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 314px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 385px;" /></a> There was a beautiful fireplace with deep seating area. By that time we were in the middle of a heavy evening mist and the fireplace with it's crackling fire was warm and inviting. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHMtuPGkfiZLYufTrPC7YqWv9Ks-hfS4VaAnjBKXC3CtGFoB3yofSlyHVvdtrPJ0WbUH-yFyNca4UwZp7SYxf9TBeZlreh2e5TyDJadvreqxvL2Or4WpXqjZr7djCgyJt9w_m4VH8uBU/s1600-h/IMG_1724.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475186760696274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHMtuPGkfiZLYufTrPC7YqWv9Ks-hfS4VaAnjBKXC3CtGFoB3yofSlyHVvdtrPJ0WbUH-yFyNca4UwZp7SYxf9TBeZlreh2e5TyDJadvreqxvL2Or4WpXqjZr7djCgyJt9w_m4VH8uBU/s320/IMG_1724.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 256px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px;" /></a>We set up the refreshments on the barbecue area - glazed lemon pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYlAWyhhAVhpjk1nSujnwtiK4gU025iJ0QDGFLL_fI4eTDFDr8imUnpVdMCC-mzN9scfzvIGX0HuIF9G3waYbHw04LjrQ3zrnYz7KRsnqTsBkEknjz3JVTuglrDd4htz1dQogvibOfd8/s1600-h/IMG_1722.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475182609630354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYlAWyhhAVhpjk1nSujnwtiK4gU025iJ0QDGFLL_fI4eTDFDr8imUnpVdMCC-mzN9scfzvIGX0HuIF9G3waYbHw04LjrQ3zrnYz7KRsnqTsBkEknjz3JVTuglrDd4htz1dQogvibOfd8/s320/IMG_1722.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 340px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Next to the barbecue area, fuscia bougainvillea climbs to the balcony above. <br /><br /><div>Nedra's yard is magical.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgCu0i2wkJ-9ORfK_oEra6BBdczJFTvpn0xJxIxDJTnkEOlLtHxZWCmvHA1sfMJSj-TS-js-9yvNU3srHt3vBMgFknFtCql2jKGkB7JMEvfaV2NRig8e4yPls4AyN9oq78asiqytSfQ0/s1600-h/IMG_1708.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475179270215362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgCu0i2wkJ-9ORfK_oEra6BBdczJFTvpn0xJxIxDJTnkEOlLtHxZWCmvHA1sfMJSj-TS-js-9yvNU3srHt3vBMgFknFtCql2jKGkB7JMEvfaV2NRig8e4yPls4AyN9oq78asiqytSfQ0/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 423px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 384px;" /></a>We were enchanted. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lNcSTUC2QOYy8_cxGq7UyQ4MtY-SgdcvUXNQSuO5hwLSsC-6itoJDpHqAtOrROoELdTYhwsj2ZUeQd2hOICpsgR4WPL14vpVN_SHi5cVcQNpny2oiT8Gb4Nlbo7LkaAyX9wX_bT_mTk/s1600-h/IMG_1718.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475178358943666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lNcSTUC2QOYy8_cxGq7UyQ4MtY-SgdcvUXNQSuO5hwLSsC-6itoJDpHqAtOrROoELdTYhwsj2ZUeQd2hOICpsgR4WPL14vpVN_SHi5cVcQNpny2oiT8Gb4Nlbo7LkaAyX9wX_bT_mTk/s320/IMG_1718.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 467px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></a>Our table was set for a romantic dinner for two. A bottle of French Berry Lemonade chilled in a candle/plant stand which we repurposed as an ice bucket. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkM-vqZX6grogs2KJHkoXBq3Rt3McxZkz-zNrgPQQjeiwc0AcEMxLivjAWb9iRuDpFY6dV9Wi7_RqpMM5fuNryeM9ywBSvxTCoTi1lPYk93a__DzubtYa5lpyxbsDXte312yfHXguGF0/s1600-h/IMG_1716.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474128000519890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkM-vqZX6grogs2KJHkoXBq3Rt3McxZkz-zNrgPQQjeiwc0AcEMxLivjAWb9iRuDpFY6dV9Wi7_RqpMM5fuNryeM9ywBSvxTCoTi1lPYk93a__DzubtYa5lpyxbsDXte312yfHXguGF0/s320/IMG_1716.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 460px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></a> Beautiful Eden roses from my own garden tumble casually from a stoneware urn. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzPqC4E2SxtS_xIsTxC1eTOH9sIbhvo7mNn0Xm5H4MJ86rJcjE0j2kshy9aN85lC83Ko1qpVYnM9ZsTVN6V-Wdzmuy0X3EBpZXGQKgxX_7sjnADBVk4A6y-hdlnNWqoPaTy-zH6SS3fk/s1600-h/IMG_1712.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474123726096482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzPqC4E2SxtS_xIsTxC1eTOH9sIbhvo7mNn0Xm5H4MJ86rJcjE0j2kshy9aN85lC83Ko1qpVYnM9ZsTVN6V-Wdzmuy0X3EBpZXGQKgxX_7sjnADBVk4A6y-hdlnNWqoPaTy-zH6SS3fk/s320/IMG_1712.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 377px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 442px;" /></a>The setting was perfect in a private patio Nedra calls her secret garden. It's centerpiece is a musical fountain under an arbor topped with wisteria. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1psCsoBjkLxlyV4RKWerXLcIMXDJguzrPfkIoDykbcXi2uEbuCVKkmc9hyh8P_FpicgKq4YJOy6BgaZJdBbxgYHvrVQwY-ge7I0efQp-_tbfkfsVYbGmG8RszANzdIcWWyeAAw6VAeNc/s1600-h/IMG_1717.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474121850486898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1psCsoBjkLxlyV4RKWerXLcIMXDJguzrPfkIoDykbcXi2uEbuCVKkmc9hyh8P_FpicgKq4YJOy6BgaZJdBbxgYHvrVQwY-ge7I0efQp-_tbfkfsVYbGmG8RszANzdIcWWyeAAw6VAeNc/s320/IMG_1717.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 358px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 438px;" /></a>The arbor was wrapped with tiny white lights. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic76cw9NWQwQflD4tnoi-9sV4IsYtGIsdJDTKlD_m4pvg4Mgzo2hYjc_BWCnqhilcD6JnTgz3fEUR4paTJex-u6Ru5L6Squyz056tbV3RMaToxzc0q1UNdDajxoJshKDJVloZ0bHEFToY/s1600-h/IMG_1713.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474120770468706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic76cw9NWQwQflD4tnoi-9sV4IsYtGIsdJDTKlD_m4pvg4Mgzo2hYjc_BWCnqhilcD6JnTgz3fEUR4paTJex-u6Ru5L6Squyz056tbV3RMaToxzc0q1UNdDajxoJshKDJVloZ0bHEFToY/s320/IMG_1713.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 471px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 425px;" /></a> I fell in love with these amazing fabrics in muted gold and cream, which I found at my favorite discount fabric store, Home Fabrics (El Toro/Rockfield). </div><div></div><div>I layered two toppers over the round tablecloth, for a casually elegant yet opulent look, and scrunched the top one to let the light play on the silky fabric. The dishes, utensils and glassware are Nedras. </div><div><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">To make a square topper</span></strong>, measure the width and cut the length to match. Turn the edges under twice 1/2 inch and sew, hemming the edges. Sew any trim or tassel embellishment as desired.</div><div><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">For a</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">round table cloth</span></strong>,</div><div>measure the height and the width of the table. (You will need twice the height plus the width.) For example, if 2xheight+width comes to 70 inches, add one inch to each side for a hem, or 72 inches. You will need two lengths of the fabric sewn together lengthwise in order to get a 72 inch circle. Fold the sewn-together fabric in half and then in quarters. From the inside folded corner, measure down 1/2 of the total length. Using a tape measure, mark the distance with pen or pencil all across the fabric, keeping the top of the tape measure at the fold point and moving the bottom. Cut through the 4 layers of fabric along the marked line - you should have a full circle. Hem the bottom edge the same as for the topper, adding trim if you wish. </div><div>If you make these linens out of decorator fabrics, please remember to have these dry cleaned and don't put through your washer/dryer. </div><div><strong>Email me if you have any questions on how to make the linens.</strong> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmhrrbHytMbaoe4sILnndnDAc_QX9-IQYwaa5gSIdoaZuaasr-cGCnct_4rMFx1C9neAmJjXwcPPpT_XATQP8b9X8sUL-78tYfOtsY7uwE3wWVYplHSFGd0pTZlvo-7x5ke9Sk4VAMOk/s1600-h/IMG_1714.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474116614901138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmhrrbHytMbaoe4sILnndnDAc_QX9-IQYwaa5gSIdoaZuaasr-cGCnct_4rMFx1C9neAmJjXwcPPpT_XATQP8b9X8sUL-78tYfOtsY7uwE3wWVYplHSFGd0pTZlvo-7x5ke9Sk4VAMOk/s320/IMG_1714.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 348px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 420px;" /></a> A HUGE thank you to Nedra for making her beautiful space available for our visit.</div></div><div></div><div>NEXT INSTALLMENT - MATTIE'S HOUSE (TUSCAN CHARM). </div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR COMMENTS! </strong></div><div>Thanks to all who attended. </div><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">RECIPES</span></strong></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>LEMON GLAZED POUND CAKE</strong></span></div><div></div><div>Makes 2 loaves. 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan / 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan / 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk / Zest of 2 lemons, finely grated / 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) / 1-1/2 teaspoons salt / 1/2 teaspoon baking powder / 1/2 teaspoon baking soda / 2 cups sugar / 5 large eggs<strong> / </strong><strong>Lemon Glaze (below)</strong></div><div>DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in lowest position. / Butter and flour two 4 1/2 -by-8-inch (6-cup) loaf pans. / </div><div>2. In a small bowl (or liquid measuring cup), combine buttermilk with lemon zest and juice. / In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. / </div><div>3. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. / Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. / </div><div>4. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three parts alternately with the buttermilk mixture in two, beginning and ending with flour; beat just until smooth (do not overmix)./</div><div>5. Divide batter evenly between pans; smooth tops./Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes (tent with foil if browning too quickly). / Cool 15 minutes in pan. / Turn out cakes onto a rack; cool completely before glazing. </div><div>6. Set rack with cakes over a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Pour glaze over cakes, letting it run down the sides; let dry, about 30 minutes. <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">LEMON GLAZE</span></strong> 2 cups confectioners' sugar / 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Directions</span></strong> 1.Place confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup; stir in lemon juice (glaze should be thick, yet pourable). / Add more sugar or lemon juice, as necessary, to achieve desired consistency.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></a>And varieties that smelled as sweet as roses! Amazing! </a>There were more varieties of Orchids this year than I knew existed. </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzD_PPnFsJBwTQ56KxNYjK5i4WlN-W2sXppjOsfVw_1EUhe8kfcUEhkyKMIMoYco5y4UbDn4K_UWEyXaOPO_SEqCXGp6fnsduVNJv9DidngfsNqU1rJoubL72BH_rpgc2we58I9Dl22Q/s1600-h/IMG_2114.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476394114304258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzD_PPnFsJBwTQ56KxNYjK5i4WlN-W2sXppjOsfVw_1EUhe8kfcUEhkyKMIMoYco5y4UbDn4K_UWEyXaOPO_SEqCXGp6fnsduVNJv9DidngfsNqU1rJoubL72BH_rpgc2we58I9Dl22Q/s320/IMG_2114.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 467px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 388px;" /></a> LOVE these stripey ones! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD0sZEtUfTafyxsxwGBBfZ-SDwGoORv4lTnl6zCBPSH5YsgKEXvPsyGiGrbEhU5gewex2NqECjWPdvStUWIVMC52FpEK7l5Hs7uwoD4yNllKxHTofzXcJEstspS3I8w3zcARu_W6pCc8/s1600-h/IMG_2113.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476387218689570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD0sZEtUfTafyxsxwGBBfZ-SDwGoORv4lTnl6zCBPSH5YsgKEXvPsyGiGrbEhU5gewex2NqECjWPdvStUWIVMC52FpEK7l5Hs7uwoD4yNllKxHTofzXcJEstspS3I8w3zcARu_W6pCc8/s320/IMG_2113.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 316px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 387px;" /></a> Beautiful new orange colored Cymbidiums. <br /><br /><div align="center"></div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNdaL8THMdZzcyKJG_seqHARMWRnSHacwd-VxjBKmuHOWNQMw1vzq_MiVahTAC9sUuZmeOpGGlpq0TkaBPtPH4Yn7jhsNRmXx44iGbCcJ_oVauUeABtmWucCjrmWyVVUPhH8jEBcXKS0/s1600-h/IMG_2112.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476385759210226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNdaL8THMdZzcyKJG_seqHARMWRnSHacwd-VxjBKmuHOWNQMw1vzq_MiVahTAC9sUuZmeOpGGlpq0TkaBPtPH4Yn7jhsNRmXx44iGbCcJ_oVauUeABtmWucCjrmWyVVUPhH8jEBcXKS0/s320/IMG_2112.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 344px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 430px;" /></a> Put it on your calendar for end of April next year!! I was a little focused on the beautiful orchids, but there were amazing plants of every kind, garden gadgets, outdoor decor - and the great Home decor stores like Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, etc. in this annex as well. A great way to spend an afternoon. <span style="font-size: 180%;">THE GARDEN TOUR - PART II</span>

GARDENING: GARDEN TOUR, PART II

Before we go to Nedra's House to show photos of the Garden Tour, I wanted to post the photos of the Southern California Garden Show - h...

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HOME DECOR: Spa-Like Master Bath

Barbara's master bathroom hadn't been touched since the 80's when her beach-close home was built. While she and her husband had made beautiful changes to most of the rest of their home, the bathroom remained locked in a time warp. <br /><br /><br /><br />Navajo white with 1980's brass fixtures, white cultured marble countertops and a roman tub with white tile surround. Barbara's style was dark woods, minimal decoration, clean lines, and contemporary european style cabinetry. <br /><br /><br /><br />There were changes to be made! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRoRJ0-VUBmNZRDeoEsCWp0YsHF9BH5sB7wfe0OhFlfkIJ2etzNfn6QosyJcybtj1CsEV-e3ZujK3ieIYoHpeFpwI0R62299YkuHs1wmUp0SuK_nNw0prcHwR0OhViU-U7_bsDmgDOPg/s1600-h/Master+bath+5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334820156396779186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRoRJ0-VUBmNZRDeoEsCWp0YsHF9BH5sB7wfe0OhFlfkIJ2etzNfn6QosyJcybtj1CsEV-e3ZujK3ieIYoHpeFpwI0R62299YkuHs1wmUp0SuK_nNw0prcHwR0OhViU-U7_bsDmgDOPg/s640/Master+bath+5.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a> We did away with the 80's vanity, replaced it with custom cabinetry, raising the height and extending the cabinetry to the floor to maximize storage. The before photo here shows the dated style vanity, cultured marble counter top, contractor's standard glued-to-the-wall miror and white tile floor. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUQRTj69tIVOBSv2cuk0c47IH898hqhrkErD1OuiNl5HOM4v6dqklJUApa7_GTTXza4cy8Z1qFaoDzNJ3ly5MVZ-ol1I6HlGvV3S68c4me0c_nwqRjk3unkX4PY9NCHkc9Wdk53s7wFM/s1600-h/IMG_3216.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334820152932605266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUQRTj69tIVOBSv2cuk0c47IH898hqhrkErD1OuiNl5HOM4v6dqklJUApa7_GTTXza4cy8Z1qFaoDzNJ3ly5MVZ-ol1I6HlGvV3S68c4me0c_nwqRjk3unkX4PY9NCHkc9Wdk53s7wFM/s640/IMG_3216.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a> A beautiful difference! We chose dark chocolate (a custom color stain) european style custom cabinetry with brushed nickel contemporary handles.  The countertop is a solid travertine slab and the floor is 18 inch noce travertine tiles. We chose an opaque lustre glass tile backsplash in tones of honey, gold and brown. Brushed nickel single arm faucets continued the contemporary spa-like feel . <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYDdA6i4eo2wLWg8T4t5eFnaDt5qcz-Y3dpV3X6IypZTS8NUXz_2_6uYRucOCE-SfOOaYZq6wz0eLQ4fk2YrqESSu2oIsAKBcAVF9uHWuCVCeBntAcUT4ndtxWhVoAiZUNYNvNn4u1NE/s1600-h/IMG_2944.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819824860936418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYDdA6i4eo2wLWg8T4t5eFnaDt5qcz-Y3dpV3X6IypZTS8NUXz_2_6uYRucOCE-SfOOaYZq6wz0eLQ4fk2YrqESSu2oIsAKBcAVF9uHWuCVCeBntAcUT4ndtxWhVoAiZUNYNvNn4u1NE/s640/IMG_2944.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> Barbara loved her roman tub, and since it was in excellent shape, decided to keep it. The brass faucets had to go, as did the dated mini blinds.  However, privacy was an issue with the oversized picture window and neighboring homes just a few feet away. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXtdrRXX9SqDkJLxuSZWZpDg3C751w3kkzo3D-LGUKK5PtkMFvxIMmddNwOCcFgks-Ty17cTlp9nsHTxNFaq3xp8GKSSRnE-ng8B-PWz-rHfHNQ0b9X6qxdGNEjnwt5uehmmy4hGtstA/s1600-h/IMG_3218.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="623" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819823566493202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXtdrRXX9SqDkJLxuSZWZpDg3C751w3kkzo3D-LGUKK5PtkMFvxIMmddNwOCcFgks-Ty17cTlp9nsHTxNFaq3xp8GKSSRnE-ng8B-PWz-rHfHNQ0b9X6qxdGNEjnwt5uehmmy4hGtstA/s640/IMG_3218.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> So we put in a new vinyl window with opaque glass for privacy. We carried the mirror and the backsplash wall to wall to open up the space. The tub surround was tiled in 12 inch noce travertine, which we carried up to backsplash height and partially framed the window. To change things up a little, we selected an oil rubbed bronze contemporary faucet (not an easy thing to find - oil rubbed bronze in contemporary style) for the roman tub - an idea that Barbara had seen and liked in an upscale hotel. The old plumbing resisted being removed and I was afraid we would have to replace the roman tub because I was certain it was going to crack before they got the old faucet off. In the end, we had to saw the old faucet off, and managed to do so without destroying the tub. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQBRTjf1YiZBV3JnkzyVDOFu1FN4vfYwyJijSd6CKpy0XQK0etGOKiyP2wjx68l8eLdgxP5gBCkvET7NspuPVsJoHE36o8HN_9NYP1ENHpv6gD6_7Bxm1ZSnGfvWAPiOIdWlqT_Gx8Fk/s1600-h/IMG_2946.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819821925376258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQBRTjf1YiZBV3JnkzyVDOFu1FN4vfYwyJijSd6CKpy0XQK0etGOKiyP2wjx68l8eLdgxP5gBCkvET7NspuPVsJoHE36o8HN_9NYP1ENHpv6gD6_7Bxm1ZSnGfvWAPiOIdWlqT_Gx8Fk/s640/IMG_2946.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> Here is another view of the roman tub as it appeared before the renovation. <br /><br /><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFomnVkB5NVXmLRjQzWbWBRalBsUzk9Cr9EuMwW1J4U6zvJu8foZxsIaz6SHeQpb4Q0_jhHLdFBJDLLD-xQ_kbupUYncxao0Vd9xGZdFon3kK06jlhc6MTTvcIkyVvKthIfBqrS_OyjQ/s1600-h/IMG_3223.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="464" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819817066420274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFomnVkB5NVXmLRjQzWbWBRalBsUzk9Cr9EuMwW1J4U6zvJu8foZxsIaz6SHeQpb4Q0_jhHLdFBJDLLD-xQ_kbupUYncxao0Vd9xGZdFon3kK06jlhc6MTTvcIkyVvKthIfBqrS_OyjQ/s640/IMG_3223.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>Note how the area - sink, tub and shower - is unified with the backsplash and carrying the backsplash into the roman tub area, and eventually into the shower. </div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfax3p4bxL8UgZbvaBJHJfom1U37IpLqHKu9mkzkTfW-BcpggrdRFApCdhZCJu08fj04CnjFIjBHCDjCMi6w3YLhw9V1yNgyET0Jh5VLLLJf1zG0pTo-PzNr0wbsJkuVE7APagyCGJIMg/s1600-h/IMG_3220.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="451" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819810389401538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfax3p4bxL8UgZbvaBJHJfom1U37IpLqHKu9mkzkTfW-BcpggrdRFApCdhZCJu08fj04CnjFIjBHCDjCMi6w3YLhw9V1yNgyET0Jh5VLLLJf1zG0pTo-PzNr0wbsJkuVE7APagyCGJIMg/s640/IMG_3220.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> The room is full of light, but warm - not sterile.</div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_wXUp8IiisV2cXB0bDz_TW4nIosOz6Da-rlHAw0xHa3AaROhT18Y5tnnBkWNN9h9KWnJVAAVVWHq1kWM5TegYYEKpnkIkWOcgmZV041M3BvEUyf_wN44DnxBDcBCSzmrf2WSOUZR4q8/s1600/IMG_2945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_wXUp8IiisV2cXB0bDz_TW4nIosOz6Da-rlHAw0xHa3AaROhT18Y5tnnBkWNN9h9KWnJVAAVVWHq1kWM5TegYYEKpnkIkWOcgmZV041M3BvEUyf_wN44DnxBDcBCSzmrf2WSOUZR4q8/s640/IMG_2945.JPG" width="420" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The shower was white 6 inch tile with brass framed sliding glass doors. The shower head came to the neck of anyone of normal height. We demolished the entire shower and to our surprise found that the subfloor beneath had not been waterproofed. We hot mopped the shower pan and waterproofed the shower. Since we had the wall open, we checked the 20+ year old plumbing and made any repairs needed. (A wise thing to do when redoing a shower - can you imagine putting in all that wonderful tile or stone and THEN having a leak in the pipes?) </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAiMJcw7kQiyJ9fMlF8oxoGV9-iFVcj9Mq7cpiPUxcKSWdcnE6yFQYn3YIuM5-2ts_YHZvWkbzar2DTeKf3ErAWM7M-ScFqajOEAgEQoWilec-V8Xn1eCfF3gA53m_gFjFbUi7Gn5gDw/s1600-h/IMG_3221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334818673101879138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAiMJcw7kQiyJ9fMlF8oxoGV9-iFVcj9Mq7cpiPUxcKSWdcnE6yFQYn3YIuM5-2ts_YHZvWkbzar2DTeKf3ErAWM7M-ScFqajOEAgEQoWilec-V8Xn1eCfF3gA53m_gFjFbUi7Gn5gDw/s640/IMG_3221.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="425" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We created a shower nook for soap and shampoo and used the opaque lustre glass tile inside the nook and as a border in the shower. The walls are tiled in 12 inch noce travertine, the floor in a 4 inch version. New shower head, thermostat and a separate hand spray in brushed nickel were installed. We raised the height of the shower head, so that washing hair didn't require a stoop. </div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Frameless glass shower doors allow the beauty of the tile to shine through. The door swings inward or outward and the glass was customized to wrap the tub surround. Unseen in these photos is a built in seat inside the shower. </div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycBtPL_SDjzem0mSEuBtsxw5a23aE2g-wesfFnRuQeRpUkD_SrDjIfTkIsBQ1CZ2o-KRG3MCocVqzuoafYcOuKnp6UjU8uvzMqo_4MwegQwuHEG1qZa_mCOkPAl0Z431Y2yfRF5HH3mo/s1600/IMG_2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycBtPL_SDjzem0mSEuBtsxw5a23aE2g-wesfFnRuQeRpUkD_SrDjIfTkIsBQ1CZ2o-KRG3MCocVqzuoafYcOuKnp6UjU8uvzMqo_4MwegQwuHEG1qZa_mCOkPAl0Z431Y2yfRF5HH3mo/s640/IMG_2943.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At the entry to the bath, white painted linen cabinets and counterspace were demolished and custom cabinetry and drawers in dark chocolate installed in their place.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5By3JrdTyJ2xZbYMj3sg-bUR5GfEn11YudqBRq7YYcAgbpKa5qRFRkXFgF0gDDiCFFC7_0rnRUZYrAxqqrb5CE99z2j-6IwMOyJJ7-R6P_OeYDtA-x2AifVzOg6RF8QlYqPg6qdQR_tE/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5By3JrdTyJ2xZbYMj3sg-bUR5GfEn11YudqBRq7YYcAgbpKa5qRFRkXFgF0gDDiCFFC7_0rnRUZYrAxqqrb5CE99z2j-6IwMOyJJ7-R6P_OeYDtA-x2AifVzOg6RF8QlYqPg6qdQR_tE/s640/IMG_3217.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The same european slab front cabinets and drawers make a rich toned statement with brushed nickel pulls. We also added valuable storage here by installing drawers and doing away with the countertop. </div><div><div><div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div><div>The photos here are devoid of the finishing accessories, added after I took the photos, but I think you can see how beautiful the project turned out. </div><div></div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

HOME DECOR: Spa-Like Master Bath

Barbara's master bathroom hadn't been touched since the 80's when her beach-close home was built. While she and her husband had ...

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