Spring Makeup Inspiration

Love how fresh this makeup looks... perfect for Spring!

On  model: Foundation: Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation, Bronzer: Clinique True Bronze in Sun Blushed, Blush: Clinique Berry Delight, Glow: Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief, Eyes: Mac Paint in Bare Canvas, Mascara: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black, Lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER in Rouge Artist Intense / Color #39

 {Image via From me to you} Read More......

Decor Inspiration: Bettina Prentice NY Apartment + 8 Tips for Making Beautiful Vignettes

After I got over my obsession with her purple and blue velvet sofa and love chair... I noticed that her house is filled with personal vignettes that add that designer zing to any decor! Love creating groupings everywhere in the house... on the kitchen counter, bedside table, coffe table... there's literally endless possibility around the house to create a lovely vignette that will make any room filled more polished and pulled together!

Here are more pictures of her apartment plus eight tips for creating striking vignettes in your home:

1. Display objects in odd numbers. Odd numbers always look better in vignettes that are supposed to be casual and look "natural".

2. Hug What You Love! The idea is for your accessories and vignettes to highlight (hug) your statement pieces (that you love). A very simple way to highlight the shape of the frame is by placing shorter items near the bottom of the frame leading up to the taller arrangement which echoes the height of the frame. The accessories are basically just hugging that corner of the frame to give it more ooomph.

3. The Rule of Thirds. You already know that you should use odd numbers, so the rule of thirds shouldn't surprise you! Everything looks better in groups of three!

4. Choose 3 colors and split the number of items with one color having the most items, and the two secondary colors with an equal amount of lesser colors in the scheme.

5. Varying heights is also important. A good idea is to stack items to create height. You can try shaping your vignette in a V, W, or M. This will ensure that you have various levels of interest.

6. Choose objects to support the style and theme of your room. If your room is formal, a symmetrical design works best. If the room is casual, asymmetrical groupings are better.

7. Stick to a theme. Group candles, for example, or family vacation photos. If the vacation photos are from the beach, add a seashell.

8. Vary the textures of objects. Mix hard and shiny accessories with rough and natural. Use weathered wood or iron architectural elements to introduce an unexpected texture. Photo frames, which come in finishes from shiny enamel to beaded, offer an array of texture options.

What are your secrets for creating stunning vignettes?


{Images via Vogue by Lauren Santo Domingo, photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank} Read More......

Decor Inspiration: Bringing Natura Home

Why not bring add some drama to our decor with some nature inspired flower arrangements? Specially if we don't have time to run to the flower shop... just bring a couple of luscious branches from your garden to add a spring touch to your home!!

Hope you have a special radiant day!


 {Images} Read More......

Fashion Inspiration: Creamy Whites {Softness and Sophistication}

Loving this soft, pale and romantic looks for Spring!

 {Images} Read More......

Entertaining Inspiration: Farmhouse Branch + French Toast With Glazed Strawberries And Hazelnuts

Nothing like a lazy Sunday brunch to entertain house guests or treat yourself! And leave it to the fabulous Nathan Turner to inspire us with some great  tricks to use everyday market farm veggies like tomatoes or cabbage leaves, and adding a special touch with backyard flowers! Don't you love the rustic, effortless style of the tablescape?

And how about some decadent custar-bateres french toasts? I remember like yesterday when my Belgian grandmother taught me how to make français toasts! Here is the recipe for French Toast: CUSTARD-BATTERED FRENCH TOAST WITH GLAZED STRAWBERRIES AND TOASTED HAZELNUTS (Serves 6)


 Ingredients:
* 6 extra-thick slices of bread or Texas toast
* 4 egg yolks
* ¼ cup sugar, plus 2 extra teaspoons
* 1 cup cream
* ¼ cup milk
* Pinch of salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 cup strawberries, or other seasonal fruit, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons hazelnuts, toasted and crushed


 Preparation:
 1. To make the custard sauce, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, salt and the vanilla.
 2. Warm the cream and milk in a saucepan. When they are hot to the touch, whisk a couple of tablespoons of the heated liquid into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. Add the remainder of the liquid to the egg mixture, whisking constantly, then pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
 3. Cook, and stir, over low-medium heat, until the sauce just coats the spoon.
 4. Place the sauce into a clean bowl and cool it down by placing the bowl in ice water. Continue to stir until cool, and place in the refrigerator.
5. Toss the sliced strawberries with the two teaspoons of sugar. Set aside.
 6. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-low heat for two minutes, then add one tablespoon of butter. When the butter starts to sizzle, turn up the heat to medium-high.
7. Remove the custard sauce from the refrigerator. Dip the bread, lightly coating each side with custard and place it in the pan, cooking no more than three slices at a time. Cook until each side is golden brown, flipping once or twice, for about six to seven minutes.
 8. Garnish with glazed strawberries and toasted hazelnuts. Serve immediately.


{Images and video via Pottery Barn} Read More......

Decor Inspiration: A Family Getaway in the Old-Town of Cartagena, Colombia

A spectacular home in a spectacular place... Cartagena de Indias, Colombia! Such a delightful little town... surrounded by classical beauty and old time charm. I have great memories from my trips to Cartagena. I wouldn't mind having a family vacation home like this one, which dates to the 16th century!  Loving the crema marfil marble floors and white-painted walls pared down with subdued ivory and natural furniture mixed with dark blue and white geometric-patterned fabrics... exquisite! The pink pillows from the amin living room...another one of my fav! What's your fav?

 {Images via Architectural Digest} Read More......