Author: Frances

I’m asking myself what I would do or say differently if I always kept this in mind. I have a tendency to be rather, ahem, direct at times, and to be flippant at others. Not good. This will be a good practice for the week. I look forward to your comments.

Ih my gracious was literally driving out of our driveway this morning and THIS arose from our neighbor’s pasture across the road. When I got closer I could see they were loaded up and ready to go, so I stopped to see if they might lift off. The burners fired a few times—they’re loud!—but alas, I had to scuttle along. But was very exciting.
#rancholazaca #hotairballoon #santaynezvalley #foxencanyon #zacaranch #sundaymornings #sundayvibes #upupandaway

One of the things that has brought me so much joy about my latest book has been sharing a little piece of the place we call home. From a peek at the day to day around the ranch, to the people who bring it to life, to the gatherings, tables, and meals inspired by it. Head to my link in bio and come on in. You can also follow the hashtag #rancholazaca⁠
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…………….#entertaining#enterttainingathome#modernmartha#thatsdarling #acolorstory #bandofun #fromwhereistand #acolorstoryweekend #thatsdarling #tlpicks #abmlofeiscolorful #darlingweekend #dslooking #welllived #travelbug #flashesofdelight #theeverygirl #lonelyplanet #womenwhotravel⁠
#acolorstory #thehappynow #travelandleisure #clpicks #southernliving #southerncalifornia #californiacookingandsouthernstyle #californiacookingandsouthernhospitality #francesschultz #stephanievalentine

Feminine, fun, and easier than it looks? Hun you’re playin’ my song.⁠
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If you have been following me, you know my fondness for simple florals used en masse to create a simple but stunning effect. So simple in fact, you still have time to put something together for Valentine’s. ⁠
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My choice? Cherry blossoms (like this stunning bouquet photographed by @vasiaphotography), pink tulips (grocery store flowers are fine!) , and lots of votive candles for good measure. See the result in my stories, and #happyvalentinesday⁠
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#floral#floraldesign#cherryblossoms#valentinesday#valentine#tulips#tablescape#valentinetablescape#sweetheart#tablescape#lifestyle#francesschultz#flashesofdelight#acolorstory

10 Feb 2020

Join me to sketch and paint along the Camino de Santiago. Sketching is a prayer of seeing and a practice of being in the moment, at one with your vision and with what surrounds you. Where better to undertake a pilgrimage in creativity than in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims before us, on one of the world’s most storied and beautiful paths. Traveling light limits materials to sketchbook, watercolors, and iPad, and we will have expert instruction in iPad art.
This will be a very small group, with very comfortable accommodation, the first week in May, walking (of course) and driving (some), beginning in Pamplona and ending in Santiago de Compostela. DM me with your email address for more information.⁠ Photo by @michaelgeorge⁠
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#CaminodeSantiago #Camino2020 #paintingpilgrims #frollyetravel #frollye

How down-dog got its name. Feels so good! Watching the dogs work – and play – is the best part of quail hunting!
#downdog
#germanshorthair
#quailhunting

Good night from South Texas. Here visiting friends and a bit of quail hunting. Love Texas!

We don’t call this choco-gasm “Deep, Dark, Chocolate Mystery” for nothing. Like love itself, this almost flourless dark chocolate cake will knock a grown man to his knees. And then who knows, he might propose? (grab the recipe through my #linkinbio).⁠
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In the “Sweethearts Dinner” chapter of California Cooking and Southern Style, along with a lustily delicious menu of Endive, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad, succulent roast “Pork Valentine” and Potato Celery Root Puree. I think I can just stop right there don’t you. Link to blog in profile for cake recipe and to order book. Also available in e-book if you can’t wait, from Amazon and others. Recipe by @chefstephanievalentine Photo @deborahllewellyn Book @skyhorsepublishing⁠
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#CaliforniaCookingandSouthernStyle chefstephanievalentine/’ title=’Explore chefstephanievalentine on Instagram’ target=’_blank’ class=’ig-hash’>#chefstephanievalentine #flourlesschocolatecake #darkchocolatecake #recipesforlove #richchocolatedessert #whatsfordinner #romanticdinner #dessertstodiefor #chocolate #stephanievalentine #francesschultz #rancholazaca #entertainingathome

A warm welcome to @santaynezgeneral a destination for one-off housewares, a brilliant collection clothes you want to live in, a bit of jewelry, and gorgeous artisinal objets. A fantastic addition to our Valley and also gracious hosts. Here a beautiful centerpiece of simple greens and protea, the handiwork of another newish arrival to our Valley, @forageflorals
santaynezgeneral/’ title=’Explore santaynezgeneral on Instagram’ target=’_blank’ class=’ig-hash’>#santaynezgeneral #forageorals #centerpiece #santaynezvalley

JIC you haven’t heard… I rolled up my sleeves and gathered all of my favorites, from recipes to table settings, and a look inside life at the ranch. And YOU are invited to the parties! Head to my stories for a sneak peek and how to shop my latest book, California Cooking and Southern Style. Cover photo @christyguzeit⁠
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…………….#entertaining#enterttainingathome#modernmartha#thatsdarling #acolorstory #bandofun #fromwhereistand #acolorstoryweekend #thatsdarling #tlpicks #abmlofeiscolorful #darlingweekend #dslooking #welllived #travelbug #flashesofdelight #theeverygirl #lonelyplanet #womenwhotravel⁠
#acolorstory #thehappynow #travelandleisure #clpicks #southernliving #southerncaliforni

RIP artist and friend Todd Murphy. This gorgeous mixed media piece called “Ivich” —no idea why and neither did he—is the one of the first “serious” pieces of art I ever bought—on “layaway” from the @billlowegallery in Atlanta in 1990 and it has been a centerpiece of home ever since. This is where I sit every morning at the ranch to write, meditate, and muse. Symbolizing a strong yet graceful spirit, Ivich has always inspired me. I was looking back at some of Todd’s work this morning. He was so talented, and he was much loved, with a circle of friends as colorful and diverse as his palette. I was more a cordial acquaintance but happy to claim that and sorry it was not more. Am actually surprising myself now by how much I have and want to say about Todd, and I will share more if his work later. Farewell dear @toddmurphy101 You used your gifts of talent and good friendship well, and yours was a life well, if too briefly, lived.
#toddmurphy #toddmurphyartist #rancholazaca