Regency Shop Favorites for Tuscan Decor

 I recently was introduced to Regency Shop and their no hassle, no risk approach to furniture shopping. Local shopping can be a nightmare with pushy salespeople and long lead times for delivery, so it is only natural to turn to online ordering and delivery with great customer service. With Regency Shop, I always know what to expect... each item clearly shows the delivery timeframe, and your card is not charged until delivery occurs. Below are some of my favorite items (also my wish list) found on Regency Shop. Feel free also to use code AMANDA22 at checkout or an extra 5% even on sale items!

Fleur De Lis Double Glider

Chesterfield Fabric Sofa

Chesterfield Leather Sofa

Regency Bistro Set- multiple color options

Royal Bedroom Dressing Table

Comment below... what great finds have you found on Regency Shop?

Getting the yard in Order

 It has been a huge labor of love and there is so much more to still do but I feel like the yard is finally shaping up for summer. I ordered 75 geraniums this year to use throughout the yard as well and feel it really added something. 

I have an old bike from Craig's list that I spray painted lavender tucked into the flowerbed to add some whimsy.

The basket of pansies also adds some flair to the otherwise red blooms everywhere else.

I think this barrel full of geraniums really makes a statement!

The lion is hidden behind the St John's Wart that jumped from its original spot. 

Commet below: what is the theme of your gardens? Did you plant a lot? Full walkthrough can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/pGSat1R0Y9c

Italians and Cemeteries!

It may seem like an odd dynamic and by the title of this post you may expect it more during Halloween than Memorial Day weekend.... but hear me out! As I took my grandma and my mom to the cemeteries in preparation of the holiday weekend, it occurred to me there is some strange connection and difference from other cultures that Italian Americans have with visiting cemeteries. 

Before my Grandpa Joe even passed, he would make my mother and her sister acutely aware that he must be buried in Lowellville with "his people" like he believed they'd visit each other at night. Well, he got his wish and many of his family and friends are nearby. I can't help but wonder if they really are out visiting at night. 

My mom believes based on the instilled values form her grandparents that to not care for an ancestorial grave is actually a mortal sin! My grandma as well, despite not walking well would never miss a year if she is still alive of taking flowers and crosses to the graves of family members passed. If she isn't able to walk over, she will gladly supervise from the car window. 

Why is all of this craziness? I view it as a sign of respect but have to admit that certain aspects are taken to extreme. If the county didn't cut the grass fast enough, folks will be wondering around with weedwhackers, cutting their own plots even! The Italian American cemetery before Memorial Day has more visitors than the county fair, I swear! These traditions began back in Italy as well though, so this is really nothing new. If a town doesn't have an actual Italian American cemetery as well, it isn't hard to find the Italian graves dispersed throughout.... just look for Saint statues, especially of the Madonna, vigil lights, and immaculately kept grounds with edge stones and mulch and possibly even a bench. 

While we speak on the cemetery of Lowellville, we can't ignore the cultural custom of inspecting gravesite on Memorial Day! This has to be an Italian thing! I cannot think of another local cemetery where the living in the town will walk around on Memorial Day after the celebration honoring veterans just to see which families cleaned up the graves for the summer! What shame it would be on your family and looks you would get in town if your ancestors plots were not impeccable by Memorial Day! Hence the reason for my visit today! Must get the gravesites in shape... and who knows maybe it isn't even the townsfolk who talk but maybe the spirits visiting each other at night have a thing or two to say to each other about their descendants' caretaker skills as well. Hopefully, they think I did a good job! 

None of this is new in the Italian culture though. It is just what you do and a part of the heritage... maybe not a well-known part but a huge part, nonetheless. While Memorial Day is by the far biggest of this traditional (probably because it is the "spring cleaning"), it is also very customary to ensure Christmas wreaths are placed, palm is left at Easter, and reverence is paid for All Soul's Day as well. So as long as my heritage continues, I'll be visiting the cemetery... Leave a grave unattended?  ....Fuhgettaboutit!

Kentucky Derby Home Decor!

 Finding the perfect dress/ hat combo is only part of prepping for the Derby.... I had to get my decor in the vibe as well! This year I went a little simpler than I had sometimes in previous years but definitely still set the mood for a small watch party I will be hosting. 

On the kitchen island, I left things a little simple to have room to set out the food. I used my MacKenzie-Childs bud vase to display some red roses, a small chalk board to set the tone from the wedding section of Hobby Lobby (no longer available- similar here), and of course Derby napkins from the party shop. I will be serving my pulled pork as the main dish. I had a blog post previously with this recipe that can be found here. 

I also changed out my floral arrangement on the side of the fridge to incorporate the feel of the "run for the roses" by simply adding in red faux roses with MacKenzie-Childs ribbon and bee pick. 

In the dining room as well, of course the chicken on the buffet needed an update to incorporate and abundance of red roses as well. I also displayed 14 Hands wine with my Taste of the Derby wine glasses.

Also in the dining room on the fireplace, I used a candlestick holder to hold up an elaborate riding hat. I added in boxed red roses with a box wood topiary, antique horse head statue, and gift boxes I had for height. 

In the living room, right around the corner, I sat up the mint julep station.... of course using Woodford Reserve bourbon.

For another display in the living room, I used old horse bit the lay the foundation for another horse and hat displayed on a candlestick along with a photo of being at the Derby. 

For a full walkthrough tour visit my YouTube channel. Comment below, what are you doing for the Derby this year? Did you decorate? Are you going somewhere to watch the race? Also be sure to hit subscribe to receive notice of future blog posts. 

Prepping for the Derby!

The weather is getting warmer, the days a little longer and brighter, the Easter Bunny has hopped down the lane and now it is time to start planning for the quintessential event of the spring.... the Kentucky Derby!

I have already ordered my dress and plan to wear it with a navy fascinator I already have. For me, it is never an option to not get a new spring dress for the day... not that an excuse is really needed for a lovely new spring dress, but oh ever if there was one, the Derby is it!

When planning what to wear for the Derby, you don't really need to overthink it. There are no set dress rules, though there is the tradition of the dress and hat combo for women. All you really need to do is look to the spring trends for the year and find a dress you love then pair it with a wonderful hat (or even headband if hats aren't your thing!). If it is cold that day, layer over a cardigan or blazer to finish the look. Rain... change the pumps to Wellies or riding boots.... it will all look classic and appropriate. 

Below are some dress ideas I found online to help inspire you in finding your perfect Derby look for this year too! I just hope my dress fits like a glove when it arrives.

Below, I found a new company I had never heard of called Shinesty that had adorable Derby themed printed dresses. Isn't this Run for the Roses themed dress adorable?

Another new site I discovered with horse themed fabrics is Wolf and Badger....

We cannot not obviously forget Vineyard Vines in a post about Derby attire though! 

However, more budget friendly options can be found almost anywhere from Etsy to Shein to your local TJMaxx. Just find a spring dress you will love and feel comfortable in! This dress below is from Shein and is only $20!

Comment below on the dress you would choose.... also be sure to subscribe to receive notices of new posts. 

***All photo credits to the sites they are sold on and linked to. 

Buona Pasqua!

 I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter tomorrow! I just thought I would share last minute my table scape since I sat it ahead. 

To begin, I used gold chargers that I had previously but were from Michael's (I believe they still are available at this link).  On top of that I placed antique white fire king plates with gold leafing. For the actual dinner plate and salad plate above that though I used plastic Celebrate It dinner plates from Michael's that I picked up on a whim. The silverware used is the same brand and pattern. I know this may sound crazy, but they are beautiful, very sturdy and I just think cleanup will be a breeze using this. 

I just used my everyday glasses from Amazon because each glass has a different color bottom and they added to the cheerful colors. The tablecloth, I have had for years now. 

Let me know down in the comments, how did you set your table? Do you go all out? Also please be sure to subscribe to get notifications of new posts. 

Easter Bunny Lane 2022

 Back at the holidays I visited Kraynak's across the PA line from me in Hermitage, PA. There was a whole post in December on their elaborate display. However, the greenhouse and gift shop also goes all out in the spring as well with their Easter Bunny Lane display. Below are some scenes from the display and a full walkthrough can be viewed as well on my YouTube Channel. 

If you live anywhere near this gem, it is definitely worth a visit in person. The displays are animated as well and there is themed music playing throughout. 

The display begins at the county fair complete with booths, games, rides, and prize-winning animals....

As you continue on the scene changes to a backyard BBQ hosted by Mr. Cottontail....

There is also an elaborate boxing match display...

Before leading into a Noah's ark exhibit, a solute to our soldiers, and a Passion scene...

Again, as mentioned, these are only a few scenes from the display... a full walkthrough can be viewed on my YouTube channel by clicking this link. Please hit subscribe to receive alerts of future posts. Comment below if you have been to Kraynak's or have something similar near you.