Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Some Like It Hot...



It's a hot hot NYC today, kicking out a summer like 90 degrees.. and I can't say I'm quite ready for this kind of weather yet! (what happened to spring?! I swear, in ny that happens for only one week!)
Well, while the fan whirs near me, and I drink about 20 glasses of water, I dream of cold and delicious ice cream... because what else does a girl crave on a day like today?!

I hope you're all keeping cool, and enjoying the weather wherever you are!!

A Simple Sheet Of Paper...



When first saw Peter Callesen's work on Marte & Louise's Blog, I was instantly drawn to it. His work is of cut paper, revealing a depth to a simple sheet we don't usually see. I love his precision, the delicacy of his work, and his humor in the pieces.
Here are a few of my favorite works, but there are a lot more beautiful ones to discover too, so please check out his website!!

Framed A4 Papercut, Clockwise from the above left, 'Holding Onto Myself' 2006, 'Cowboy' 2006, 'The Core Of Everything' 2006, 'The Lost Sheep' 2006.



"I find the A4 sheet of paper interesting to work with, because it is probably the most common and consumed media and format for carrying information today, and in that sense it is something very loaded. This means that we rarely notice the actual materiality of the A4 paper. By removing all the information and starting from scratch using the blank white 80gsm A4 paper as a base for my creations, I feel that I have found a material which we all are able to relate to, and at the same time is non-loaded and neutral and therefore easier to fill with different meanings. The thin white paper also gives the paper sculptures a fragility which underlines the tragic and romantic theme of the works."

"The paper cut sculptures explore the probable and magical transformation of the flat sheet of paper into figures that expand into the space surrounding them. The negative and absent 2 dimensional space left by the cut, points out the contrast to the 3 dimensional reality it creates, even though the figures still stick to their origin without the possibility of escaping. In that sense there is also an aspect of something tragic in many of the cuts."

Quotes from Peter Callesen.



A4 Papercut, Above; 'Wedding Dress Without Bride' 2005. Below, right; 'Distant Wish' 2006, left; 'Hunting' 2005.


Sunday, April 26, 2009

Bright is Better!


This weekend in NYC was perhaps the first really hot one of the year, and my gosh was gorgeous! Today, finally, I was able to pull out all of my beautiful, floating, feminine, bright and patterned summer dresses!!! I adore wearing them, so bold and beautiful, the bright patterns and colors are so much fun for me to wear... ohh, roll on summer!

So I thought I'd pull together some pics of some dresses I wouldn't mind adding to my collection! Starting clockwise from the top left.... though I can't remember where this first one came from!! So next, Just Cavalli, Zenboho.com, and last but not least, a most beautiful dress from Matthew Williamson's 2009 Summer line for H&M! Paired with a few of my Jimmy Choo kitten heel sandals, I'm all set! Now it's just time to get some organic sunblock!!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Happy Birthday Blog!



Silly me... I forgot my own blog birthday!!!!! April 10th 2008, at 10:55pm was my first post, and my blog has come a long way since then!!
I'd like to thank everyone for commenting, emailing, and visiting my site! I've loved making this blog, and I hope you've all enjoyed checking it out too! Here's hoping the next year will bring as many improvements, exciting posts and lots more fun in sharing it all with you!

Thank you!!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

When Zeppelin Lights Up My Day...



I have posted about Marcel Wanders before (here!), and I do like what he does... One of my favorites is his Zeppelin chandelier, a classic structure made of steel, and then cocooned in a spray on resin which is protected by transparent finish. Not only does it provide diffused light, but there is a faceted crystal globe underneath and in the middle of the fixture, just to add that sparkle effect!


And yes, it does look like a spider had a field day with it... but that's what I kinda like about it too. Though perhaps not as much as the girl above...

It's clean, sharp, a little creepy, a lot rock and roll and well, when I see it, I have to of course listen to Led Zeppelin.. Ha! And I do looove Led Zeppelin...
Follow are two of my many favorite songs, unfortunately YouTube came up a little short on really good recordings, so these will have to do... I'm pretty sure I'll be listening to Robert Plant rock on for the rest of the night now anyways!
This first one, 'Your Time Is Gunna Come', is a bit more rock than the second and it suits the light fixture a little better, but I love 'Tangerine' so much and I think its such a beautiful song, that I had to share it too!

'Your Time Is Gunna Come' Led Zeppelin


'Tangerine' Led Zeppelin

Monday, April 20, 2009

Rain With A Side Of Cheese...


New York City in the rain

A thunderstorm is rolling it's way across New York City (NY doesn't even do April Showers by halves!) And so what's a girl to do on such a soggy Monday evening? Well...

I think I few key things are needed here...
1) tea, of course (I'm British after all). 
2) a comfy fluffed sofa with cushions, blankets and other such cosy accessories. 
3) pj's, because every girl wears a pair of pj's on an evening like today. 

Images from House to Home and Domino Magazine (so sad you're gone Domino!)

And finally, 
4) large amounts of cheese in the form of that 1986 classic 'Top Gun'... yup my dears, think fighter pilots and classic one liners that you just love to hate and make you laugh! I haven't 'lost that lovin' feeling' for this one!!! (even though I don't like Tom Cruise at all!! ha!)


Cheese, wonderful cheese!


Ah, Maverick and Goose! Here's one quote I just had to share!!... A plate of cheese coming right up! Love it!! haha!!

Maverick: Jesus Christ, and you think I'm reckless? When I fly, I'll have you know that my crew and my plane come first. 
Charlie: Well, I am going to finish my sentence, Lieutenant. My review of your flight performance was right on. 
Maverick: Is that right? 
Charlie: That is right, but I held something back. I see some real genius in your flying, Maverick, but I can't say that in there. I was afraid that everyone in the tax trailer would see right through me, and I just don't want anyone to know that I've fallen for you. 

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Bear Mountain!!



Yesterday was amazing!! The weather was amazing and warm, and what else do you do on such day but get out of the city?!! 
So!! Hoping on the back of an orange motorcycle, a wonderful man and I sped upstate to check out Bear Mountain! It was a perfect trip, and it was so so gorgeous out there, I can only imagine how stunning it will look when the trees are all green with summer in full swing!

I was in awe of Bear Mountain, and my eyes and soul were in relief in seeing so much open land spread out before me, the fresh air was wonderful, the sunshine a delight! (even if I did get a little sunburnt!!!)

So here are a few of my favorite photos....... Above - looking over a beautiful glistening lake, the curly tree near Bear Mountain Tower. 
Below, left to right, first row - A pretty pink tree in early bloom at Bear Mountain Tower, From the top of Bear Mountain Tower - such a beautiful view!
Second row, the view from a stop point on the road, From the top of Bear Mountain Tower looking down.
Third row, another view of glistening water from a stop point on the road, On the road- taken from the bike riding down the mountain on our way home.

It's been such a wonderful weekend I wish it wasn't almost over!







Monday, April 13, 2009

If I Were To Cook A Feast...



When I lived back in England my roommates and I would have dinner parties, sometimes they were a little extravagant, other times they were simple - like a stunning Sunday Roast! I loved the cooking, and when everyone joins in and does their bit to help, the build up and preparation to the dinner was sometimes the best part of the evening!
I do miss those times! Maybe it's time to organize some more of those dinner parties!!
Well, I'm certainly not short of inspiration for setting the table these days!! So I've pulled together my favorites, and I'll admit to saving a couple of these for quite a long time, just waiting to share them!!

Above must be my two most favorite! Both of which are from Skona Hem, I adore the chandeliers, the mixed textures, the mis-matched chairs, the soft and rustic with touches of glam... I just love, love, love these two photos!!!!

Below are a few more great and beautiful table settings, the below left is so dreamy in all white, with lace, silver and antique wood chairs, it's totally feminine and great for when a few generations of women come around for tea and biscuits!
Below right, is one of the prettiest outdoor dinner tables I've seen, simple, elegant, not too fussy. I adore those iron chairs! (unfortunately I don't know where these two images are from! Let me know if you do!)



These next two are a little more contemporary, but they definitely aren't lacking in style!! They are both from Skona Hem, and are much more suited to mixed parties, so bring on the couples! The one on the left oozes cool white chic, with a fresh spring charm, it's hard to resist. There is something so perfect in mixing sharp crispy whites and warm woods - a look which will never go out of style!
The table setting on the right with the chrome, silver and the deep moody wall color and place mats has sense of masculinity and is lightened and softened perfectly by the plants and green accents.


Although I don't remember where I picked up the below left photo, I just love how the rugs are seemingly layered over each other haphazardly. The powerful patterns work perfectly, and the simple wood table and white chairs, dishes and accessories add a simplicity which just makes the rugs more striking and gorgeous. This is a simple table, relaxed and so subtly classy, it would be perfect for serving the tastiest Sunday Roast, where the food does the talking!
Below right is another gorgeous outdoor table setting (from Skona Hem), this oozes hot summer dining, where casual is everything.. and as the sun sets, I'd imagine this dinner rolling into the evening with dozens of candles and beautiful twinkly lights - oh I love candles and twinkly lights outdoors!!


Last but not least, these two super sharp dining tables are overdosing in wood - but they do it so well, and so effortlessly, I'm just loving them. On the left, from Living Etc., dark woods, solid black chairs, sharp chrome lighting, and the texture and colors of a cowhide rug creates the perfect mix to balance this luxurious room.
On the right, from Taverne Agency, simplicity is key. Mixing woods, old and new, with the delicacy of the chandeliers and lots of flowing sunlight, this is a table ready for any occasion, great or small. And I'm ready to start cooking up a feast!!!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter!!



Happy Easter!! I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful Easter weekend! Now, time to eat that chocolatey delicious Cadbury's Creme Egg I've been keeping in my handbag all day!! Haha!!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Perfect Patchwork...


Tonight I checked out Living Etc. and their photo gallery - where I found a TON of new amazing inspiration!!! I am loving so many, and all at once!!
And so, for a touch of something cheerful, check out the above two bright and colorful photos straight from the gallery! I am in LOVE with the green patchwork chair on the left - deep, deep love!!!

Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall...



I was just cruising Taverne Agency (as one does) and came across the above left bathroom from stylist Anne Draijer's house - I immediately fell in love with the mirror!! I've seen them pink before - but not looking this great! 
So I searched my collections, and picked out my favorite 'new antique' mirrors to share with you, each interior has a different feel, and therefore adds a little something different to the same kind of mirror.. I just love all of these photos!