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
Listening to french online radio while working at my easel, I can't help feeling nostalgic. If I could, I'd take the plane and head off to Paris today. Above is a captured beauty of Montmartre at 4pm, which is exactly the time there right now. The sound of children murmuring in short french phrases while walking with their parents, a couple having coffee at the balcony, tourists drifting by checking their camera whether they had enough pictures of Sacre Coeur, footsteps echoing while taking the endless stairs, artists occupied with their caricatures, memories of Montmartre are always there with me.
Weekend is indeed very short.
I'm enjoying the last few hours before we head off to reality.
I wish I make the reality into a dream one day.
Happy weekend Everyone!
Guess What: I took the above image in France, 2004
Bath time! The best way to a relaxing evening is a warm bubble bath in the tub avec scented candles, bath oils or salts. Think Lavender. To make the experience more wonderful, let's top each one off with a soothing music. I will associate music and scent that I could think of in each inspiring bathroom.
Traditional Bathroom Design by San Francisco Interior Designer, Amoroso Design |
I think the best bath tubs are the ones with a window. I get claustrophobic having a bubble bath in non-window baths especially the ones in towers where all you get is an exhaust or vent. Skylights could be an alternative to windows to get some natural light in.
Traditional Bathroom Design by Seattle Architect Knowles PS |
Traditional Bathroom Design by Seattle Interior Designer, Pamela Horton |
Modern Bath, Spaces Design by Los Angeles General Contractor, Martins Construction |
Scent: Spa Wisdom Japan Yuzu &
Green Tea by The Body Shop
Music: Polynesian Spa: The Sands of Time
A modern twist. Very masculine with a slight oriental touch.
Contemporary Bath via Living Etc. |
Scent: Slatkin & Co. Frosted Cranberry
Music: Colbie Caillat
Open spaces with the bed adjacent to the tub is invoking romance. White washed walls and light floor boards give the space an Airy feel. Lots of light in and lots of love.
Open spaces with the bed adjacent to the tub is invoking romance. White washed walls and light floor boards give the space an Airy feel. Lots of light in and lots of love.
Modern Bathroom by West One Bathrooms Ltd. via Living Etc. |
Scent: White Cashmere Signature Candle
Music: Jason Mraz
I adore the uplighters and the dark tiles to complement and highlight the white freestanding tub.
Silver Leaf bath by Armstrong Woodhouse via Living Etc. |
Scent: Feu de Bois "Gris"
Music: Smooth Jazz Chillout Lounge
Very sophisticated. I can imagine Chuck Bass in here.
Music: Hotel Cafe Winter Songs
I like the cool colors and whites. Very refreshing.
Dark Painted Cast Iron Bath. Heritage Bathrooms via Living Etc. |
Scent: Pomegranate Noir
by Jo Malone
Music: Eat Pray Love Soundtrack
A Great idea to have a fireplace next to a free standing bath. This could be very romantic!
The White walls & sheer contrasting dramatically against the dark floorboards is very chic.
Which bath is your favorite?
Now it's weekend..it's time to soak.
Images via: Houzz, Living Etc.
I'm currently on the hunt for entertaining display worthy coffee table books. I have recently discovered interesting reads that would definitely keep the guests occupied. These usually non-fiction hardcovers inspire conversations under various subject matters related to Art, Photography, Interiors, Food, Travel, or whatever interests you and your guest (s). When selecting the displayed literature at home, it should ideally relate to your interest. It normally defines the owner's personality and taste. Here are some of my recent finds:
Learn how to concoct your own cocktails in the comfort of your own home.
Drinkology: The Art and Science of the Cocktail 372 Pages by Stewart Tabori and Chang Available in Anthropologie |
Get carried away by an author's memoir in Paris of falling in love with both;
A french man and french cuisine.
Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard 324 Pages, Hachette |
Creative journal of inspiration from thought to art.
The True and The Questions Written by Sabrina Ward Harrison 128 Pages, Chronicle Books |
A Fully Illustrated Design Book focusing on the
beauty of imperfection and aesthetics in clutter.
A Perfectly Kept House is a Sign of a Misspent Life Written by Mary Randolph Carter 272 Pages, Rizzoli |
Thrift and Imaginative Style to re-decorate your own space.
An inspiring read.
Etcetera: Creating Beautiful Interiors With the Things You Love by Sibella Court 256 Pages, Murdoch Books |
I'm a fan of Audrey, so this is a wish list on my coffee table top.
Bob Willoughby, Audrey Hepburn Photographs: 1953-1966 282 pages, Taschen A limited edition book of photos of the legendary actress |
Explore the lost art of mixing cocktails for that perfect evening.
Vintage Cocktails by Assouline 138 Pages, Assouline |
A collage of sentimental memoir, tales of family, friends and community
with delectable recipes of baked goodies.
Sweety Pies: An Uncommon Collection of Womanish Observations with Pies Written by Patty Pinner 171 Pages , Ingram |
Curious about the texts written by the icon herself?
Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters written by Marilyn Monroe 256 pages, Farrar, Straus & Giroux |
Perfect for the fashionable hostess in creating a stylish event for every occasion.
What are your preferences?
Happy Weekend!
Images via: Anthropologie
Among all the chateaux, I have seen so far, this is my favorite. Chateau of Chenonceau is one of the most visited castles in the Loire Valley and throughout France for that matter, second to the Palace of Versailles. It is situated in the small village of Chenonceaux.
We travelled through the Loire Valley in a small car with a good old map and found the place quite easily as there are markers and signs on the road that would lead you to the castle.
The chateau's architecture is a combination of late Gothic and Early Renaissance. This is where architecture and nature are brought together in perfect harmony. Delicate gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, remarkable potager, maze, farm, the serenely majestic river, all of which surround this magnificent work and tribute to celebrating history and architecture.
Let's dig a little bit deeper into the history of this castle. This was built on the River Cher sometime in the 11th Century originally owned by the Marques family. It was later sold to Thomas Bohier, Chamberlain for King Charles VIII. It was rebuilt in the 16th Century overseen by his wife Katherine Briconnet where a new residence was built by demolishing the fortified castle and mill. She often hosted dinners for the nobility and King Francis I has been an honored guest twice.
Marques Tower |
River Cher (View from the castle windows) |
When King Henry II died, his widow, Catherine de Medici had Diane banished from the castle and in exchange gave her the Chateau Chaumont. Queen Catherine made Chenonceau her favorite residence adding more gardens and threw spectacular evening parties. The grand gallery over the arched bridge to celebrate the ascension of her son, Francis II to the throne. After the queen's death, the castle has been the residence of succeeding mistresses and wives of nobility. It was later saved by Madame Louise Dupin from destruction during the french revolution. It was then passed on and bought by a millionaire Daniel Wilson for his daughter who trew parties beyond her means which was later seized and sold to a Cuban millionaire in 1891, Jose-Emilio Terry.
During the World War I, the gallery was used as a hospital ward. Later, during the Second World War, it was used as an escape from the Nazi occupied zone of one side to the free zone on the opposite end.
The Dining Room of the Chateau Employees |
Kitchen Stove (Left) and Five Queen's Bedroom (Right) |
The chateau was later resurrected back to its former glory by the Menier family. Hats off to the artisans responsible for the restoration and upkeep of this castle. The chateau has been wonderfully maintained with fresh flowers.
View of the Arches and East Facade of Pont du Diane |
So much to do and so little time. During summer, the chateau enables visitors to hire rowing boats. There are also play areas specifically made for kids. It is also an ideal haven for artists, as it open its doors once a year to exhibitions at the first floor gallery. It is such a delight to be there either admiring the history indoors or the beauty of nature outdoors. I would love to visit it again.
It 's already the weekend here. Have a great Friday Everyone!
I don't really write anything about fashion and prefer reading them from other bloggers, but I just have to post this. I simply adore my friend Nat's style. This is her office outfit today. Isn't she cute?
Top : Esprit
Jeans: Factory Outlet
Belt: Max
Boots: Timberland
Black Spaghetti Top: Etam
Eyeglasses: Prada
Yesterday, the film Burlesque was just released here in the Gulf and we were at the movie premiere with my friend Nat (hence, my absence). This feel good movie is incredibly inspiring and amazing! I don't mind watching it again. There are several design ideas lingering and floating in my head on Burlesque inspired interiors. The glamour, the oozing sexiness and talent, I'm still in awe.
For now I wish you all a Happy Thursday!
While waiting one evening inside a coffee shop, I had a random inkling to sketch this on my handy sketchbook that accompanies me everyday. There are moments where a spark of inspiration just touches you, right? Over a cup of brewed coffee, this sums up that experience for me.
I recently heard about the Arthouse Sketchbook Project Thousands of sketchbooks will be travelling and will be exhibited at galleries and museums all over the United States. The signup to participate for the 2011 tour has closed last November 15th, 2010. There are about 28,834 artists from 94 countries around the world that are participating. Each artist has received an empty moleskin sketchbook ($ 25) that they need to fill with their personal artwork regarding this year's theme for submission before the given deadline. Each book has a corresponding barcode for catalog purpose at the Brooklyn Art Library System where they will be kept afterwards. The tour starts in March 2011.
I personally believe this initiative is brilliant! I wish they transform this into a world tour in the near future. I would have loved to join. Inspired by this project, I will post my own Sketchbook Page Series based on random themes (mostly interiors, I suppose) as a new blog feature since I wasn't able to sign up. Who knows, we could all join next year.
Happy Tuesday Everyone!
One of the most exciting things revealed by Pantone before the year end is the Color of the Year for 2011: Honeysuckle (Hot Pink). According to Pantone Color Institute, this spirit uplifting colour is both stimulating and encouraging throughout the exhaustive challenges we face in our everyday lives.
Color for Him, Her and Home..
Have a great Honeysuckle week ahead!
Hope you had an amazing New Year's Eve! To start off the Year of the Rabbit, I can't help thinking of the following; Furry, Huggable, White and Cozy. Imagine snow with a touch of subtle colors in the countryside. Being an old soul that I am, I couldn't resist feeling inspired by rustic whites. Since I've been wanting a new dining set for this year, I'm associating the theme with, guess what? Et voila..
Have a relaxing weekend before going back to work. Awesome first day of the year!
Vintage dining room via Living Etc
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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