Here's a second taste of matching what food I think of cooking and eating in each featured kitchen. So what food comes to mind? Feel free to share, what food you first think of? |
Contemporary kitchen design by New York interior designer, Valerie Pasquiou Interiors + Design, Inc Food in this kitchen: Moroccan Couscous with a glass of Pellegrino |
Hope you are all enjoying your weekend! Something really interesting happened today. One of those moments where life suddenly surprises you and makes you think.
I met this gorgeous woman at my hubby's badminton club and was typically asked what I do for a living. I answered, "I work for this company.." and began to describe what I do.
She suddenly asked me, "Are you happy?"
Wow! That's a question not a lot of people ask on a first meeting and that made me think. The bold honesty was definitely appreciated. I found out later that she gave up opportunities to pursue what she loves. I admire her courageous spirit. I look up to people out there who embraced their calling. Chapeau!
I met this gorgeous woman at my hubby's badminton club and was typically asked what I do for a living. I answered, "I work for this company.." and began to describe what I do.
She suddenly asked me, "Are you happy?"
Wow! That's a question not a lot of people ask on a first meeting and that made me think. The bold honesty was definitely appreciated. I found out later that she gave up opportunities to pursue what she loves. I admire her courageous spirit. I look up to people out there who embraced their calling. Chapeau!
I believe there's a sweet tooth in us. I'm more of a dark chocolate person. However, recently, a french macaron treat was brought to the office in the form a gigantic cone of pastel colors. Despite the carb diet we were in, we, girls were immediately drawn to pick up a piece.
The explosion of taste, sugar and buttercup filling was enough to keep us grabbing for more. It was addictive
and the rainbow of colors didn't help us curb our cravings either.
Perfect for tea parties, weddings, and afternoon coffee. At first, the word 'macaroons' make me think of those small coconut chewy treats but remove one 'O' et voila! It transforms into this delightful confection of various flavors from pistachio, caramel and my favorite chocolate filling that would ignite the Gourmande within us.
Bon Appetit!
Aren't we all happy to find long lost childhood friends now that the internet connected us and made the world a smaller place? I am thankful for Facebook and all the social media out there available to find a childhood playmate who I used to play Barbie Dolls with. It's amazing to think that time has shaped us into who we are now and we see them again in a different light this time. Sometimes, we have things in common and sometimes, sadly, we don't. Nevertheless, it's so wonderful to find them again for they have touched our lives at one point in time.
How is everyone doing at the end of a busy work week? All set for a relaxing weekend? Ours began today and as predicted, it is a productive Friday. I think it would be busy tomorrow as well.
In 2009, I started blogging about finding passion. That was how I really started this blog. This became a tool of soul searching for me. It wasn't really intended to be shown . A mere string of messages and questions addressed to the void.
I have been searching for years, what I'm meant to do. I took architecture, because my fashion design teacher suggested that I'm meant for this, than drawing clothes, when she saw my perfect perspective drawing. My Mom insisted it when she saw I was reading plans at the age of 8 and even though I hated Math not to mention Calculus, I pursued Architecture and even got myself a license. I knew back then during my college years that I'd never really enjoy a career in an architectural firm and couldn't really imagine myself standing on the scaffolding. I found structural and utilities boring and I don't have the patience for numbers. During summer while taking architecture, I took interior design classes in another school and enjoyed it! I never missed a class. Each class was so enjoyable and fun! I would have finished it if it weren't for the demands of responsibilities and lack of money. I pursued a job intead in an interior design firm.
Going back to the subject, interior design will always be there but there's something more than that, that I was searching for. Behind all these wants and practical career choices, I knew in my heart that I want to become an artist. That was what I loved doing when I was a kid. This didn't really occur to me until I started asking the question, "What is it I'm meant to do?." I always feel a pang of longing whenever I see exhibitions and art studios. There's this voice in my head, "I can do that." which I simply ignored. I didn't really understand it.
My mother encouraged me when I was younger and made me join National Art Competitions. I didn't really win them, except one art competition in my middle school. I remember the time when I was about to choose what I'm going to study in college, my head was screaming "Fine Arts-Painting!", but the society would say otherwise because everyone says it's impractical. So I put that off for ''someday'' until I completely forgot about it.
To make the long story short, I found myself enrolling for an oil painting class for adults just last year with the encouragement of a dear artist friend, Tyago Almario and my Mom.
I found it, what I'm looking for. Everytime I paint, I am overwhelmed by ecstatic feelings of love and joy. I am almost certain it is when I paint when I feel God the most. There's a connection every stroke on the canvas, I can almost cry sometimes. I found it and I am amazed by what I'm discovering. I thank God for this chance. I can do this forever and I can breathe and eat with the brushes. I am at my happiest with the easel. It feels perfect. It feels right.
In 2009, I started blogging about finding passion. That was how I really started this blog. This became a tool of soul searching for me. It wasn't really intended to be shown . A mere string of messages and questions addressed to the void.
I have been searching for years, what I'm meant to do. I took architecture, because my fashion design teacher suggested that I'm meant for this, than drawing clothes, when she saw my perfect perspective drawing. My Mom insisted it when she saw I was reading plans at the age of 8 and even though I hated Math not to mention Calculus, I pursued Architecture and even got myself a license. I knew back then during my college years that I'd never really enjoy a career in an architectural firm and couldn't really imagine myself standing on the scaffolding. I found structural and utilities boring and I don't have the patience for numbers. During summer while taking architecture, I took interior design classes in another school and enjoyed it! I never missed a class. Each class was so enjoyable and fun! I would have finished it if it weren't for the demands of responsibilities and lack of money. I pursued a job intead in an interior design firm.
Going back to the subject, interior design will always be there but there's something more than that, that I was searching for. Behind all these wants and practical career choices, I knew in my heart that I want to become an artist. That was what I loved doing when I was a kid. This didn't really occur to me until I started asking the question, "What is it I'm meant to do?." I always feel a pang of longing whenever I see exhibitions and art studios. There's this voice in my head, "I can do that." which I simply ignored. I didn't really understand it.
My mother encouraged me when I was younger and made me join National Art Competitions. I didn't really win them, except one art competition in my middle school. I remember the time when I was about to choose what I'm going to study in college, my head was screaming "Fine Arts-Painting!", but the society would say otherwise because everyone says it's impractical. So I put that off for ''someday'' until I completely forgot about it.
To make the long story short, I found myself enrolling for an oil painting class for adults just last year with the encouragement of a dear artist friend, Tyago Almario and my Mom.
I found it, what I'm looking for. Everytime I paint, I am overwhelmed by ecstatic feelings of love and joy. I am almost certain it is when I paint when I feel God the most. There's a connection every stroke on the canvas, I can almost cry sometimes. I found it and I am amazed by what I'm discovering. I thank God for this chance. I can do this forever and I can breathe and eat with the brushes. I am at my happiest with the easel. It feels perfect. It feels right.
Mid week. I was listening to the song Beautiful World (We're All Here) by Jim Brickman
and the first image I thought of was this.
Amboise, Loire Valley, France |
Though I would give anything for a grey weather in this part of the world where it's sunny all year round, I can't help thinking of blue sky, bistro chairs and Al Fresco. The scent of crepe in the air and brewed coffee.
I might not be regularly posting in the next few weeks. I'm now pursuing one of my tasks for 2011- To Learn 3D Max. I'm starting my night classes tomorrow for the entire month.
Wow, it's already Wednesday tomorrow.
XOXO,
Arni
"He was upset and didn't speak to me for eating his Dried Mangoes"
I'm not sure if I should share you this. If I could at least put a smile on your face after this story, then I have succeeded.
Always a Gourmande. My hubby left for a short jog in the community. While I was busy replying to emails, I found the packet of Dried Mangoes on the kitchen counter. Just seeing the glossy green cover makes me think of the sweet taste of dry powdery texture of confectioner slowly melting against the softness of the dried mangoes. This whole sensation is all happening and without thinking twice, I snapped open the dried mangoes my husband brought home for us to share. My thoughts wandered and a voice justified the action by saying, "Oh well, if he had wanted it, he would have already had it a long time ago."
I finished the whole pack in less than five minutes and as if on cue, my husband came home with a shocked look on his face and uttered, "I can't believe it!"
He didn't talk to me. I felt so horrible. I apologised but he was too disappointed to accept. The next day, I vowed to make amends.
I prepared his favorite Gratin Dauphinois using Julia Child's recipe. It turned out perfect. He liked it and that pleased me so when he said, "Very Good". The best I could get out of him usually was "Okay".
And guess what?? I bought him two packets of Dried Mangoes! I placed them on his nightstand.
I saw him smile again! Apologies accepted.
How do you feel when you receive a mail by post? Not the thick sort with your printed name peeking out from the window of the envelope just below the bank logo. I'm talking about Handwritten Name and Address on the face of the envelope with an actual stamp. I don't know about you, but this would definitely brighten up my day! We are swamped with emails daily, that the automatic response to an email in an inbox screams, ''let it not be spam!'' Though I would probably change my view slightly years ago when my hubby and I were long distance lovers and email was our connection. Apart from that, now I would say, I wish handwritten letters stay forever and should never become a dying art.
Were you ever curious about its history? How it all started? Check out this infographics by Sample Letters {Click on the image and/or link for a better view.}
There's a part of the other person that is shared with us when writing and folding the letter with their own hands. A Personal touch? Each stroke of ink reveals the other person's emotion and feeling at that moment whether there are lines on paper or not. Not to mention those who do not use sponge water to adhere their stamps on the envelope. That becomes more personal, then?
This makes me think, why don't I try writing to family and friends and visit the post office more often for the fun of it?
Infographic Source: Sample Letters
Infographic Source: Sample Letters
Bonjour & Welcome
Designers' Journal, Material Library and Works in Progress.
About Author
Arni Nauleau. Interior Architect. Artist. Coffee Addict.
You can also find me on the Hive Blog https://hive.blog/@discoveringarni
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