Saturday, March 31, 2012

Inspiring Interiors: Cliff-Side Retreat

The interiors found in this gorgeous home outside of San Francisco are utterly gorgeous.  I love the Regency style influences paired with a south western flair. And that sculpted garden with the winding brick path and perfectly shaped boxwoods that leads you right to a jaw-dropping view of the Bay is just spectacular

All images scanned from C Magazine




Friday, March 30, 2012

An Era of Parisian Elegance

The gold, white and black Gucci flapper dresses, the elegant café settings and the backdrop of the glistening Eiffel Tower, I am not sure which element in these ravishing photographs captivates me more.   Regardless, this is a great way to begin a Friday!




All images from here


Thursday, March 29, 2012

Fashion Craving: Mother of Pearl Clutches



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I have a love affair with mother of pearl that has lingered for years, ever since I laid my eyes on my grandma's gorgeous fifties box-shaped purses and clutches. This material is utterly glamorous, not to mention luxurious. I have quite the collection of vintage mother of pearl cigarette cases and makeup compacts from Max Factor - they are just gorgeous, I love them, which is why when I saw these clutches, I had to share them.  They are constructed of Abeline shells and accented with gold -  this is what makes me dream

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Nutella Pudding Parfait

 
When you put two things you love together, magic truly happens. This is exactly what occurred when I paired my undying  love for hazelnuts and moist cake into a Nutella Parfaits - delightful individual desserts.  My inspiration for this comes from Magnolia Bakery's unbelievably delicious Banana Pudding.  Typically I do not like anything with banana, but this is an exception.  Their pudding is so light and airy and between each pocket you will find pieces of cake.  If you are ever in the area, I am telling you this dessert just might change your life!
  These parfaits are very easy and can be assembled in just a few steps. I used the filling recipe from my favorite tart and combined it with the left over yellow cake from here, but you could definitely use chocolate cake to add another layer of richness and depth.  I then finished the parfait with toasted hazelnuts.  I wanted to transport these, so I placed a layer of pudding, followed by a layer of cake, the finished with more pudding inside of a mason jelly jar, however, this would also work very well inside of a traditional parfait jar. Impress your guests by serving this treat at your next dinner party or better yet a springtime picnic. 
  


  

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Inspiration: Tangerine

Tangerine seems to be the color of spring, well specifically Tangerine Tango, which Pantone has named the color of the season. It is so impactful that they have launched a limited capsule collection with Sephora featuring this vibrant hue.  This shade of orange whether swiped across the lips, arranged in a bouqet or walking down the runway is eye-catching. 

All images from pinterest.com

Monday, March 26, 2012

Pretty Links

A beautiful bouquet with some of my favorite blooms - magnolia's, ranunculus and jasmine

Such a pretty and easy DIY

This flowing purple skirt and shoes are unexpected but work

Having mastered marshmallows, I want to try graham crackers, then combine the two
A bright and spring-like cupcake

A new way to serve one of my favorite Italian appetizers

A simple, yet colorful centerpiece

These hand-dyed curtains are perfect for spring breezes

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Blogging: Spreading the Word

I have been blogging now for over seven months and it has changed my life.  For so long I was looking for a creative outlet that I could combine my love of writing, fashion, photography and baking and it turns out that blogging has been the outlet that has finally allowed me to do so.  It has made me ask myself, what took so long?! I have followed many bloggers that have turned their part-time hobby into full-time careers - books, television appearances, fashion and beauty collaborations.  I could only be so lucky.  So to help spread the word, I have been doing some explorations on beautiful business cards. It turns out that Etsy holds an arsenal of amazing choices, here are a few that I am loving. 





Saturday, March 24, 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012

Inspiring Interiors - Yellow Touches

(A bright yellow floral wallpaper is nicely contrasted with white lacquered finishes)

 The addition of yellow to a room truly has the ability to have the same warming effect as a heavy dose of sunshine. Whether bright or more subdued, this shade adds an ethereal glow to any room that it enters.  
(Ornate crown molding and a bright yellow vase)
 
(Bright yellow matting provides a beautiful contrast to the off-white walls)
(Hints of golden yellow provide a warming backdrop to the double headboards)
  
(Yellow floral wallpaper and matching curtains)
 
(A bright yellow lamp stands out amidst blue details and fern wallpaper)
 (A vibrant yellow sofa)
 
(A bold console and curtains in the same hue)
 All images from here and here

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Glamour at the Ritz Carlton, Paris

It has always been a dream to stay at the Ritz Carlton in Paris, wearing one of these gorgeous gowns would be the icing on the cake.  This glamorous hotel is nestled on Place Vendôme  admidst some of the most luxurious jewelry stores in the world. The interior, painted and accented with gold and pastel hues and paired with opulent moldings are like a dream
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
All images from vogue.com