good quote

I like this quote that I found on blog- apartment 34:

via apartment 34

black and white

If you are ever in a bind and don’t know which colours to pair together when hosting an event, you can never go wrong with a black and white colour theme.  Black and white are two shades that are so versatile, they can make an atmosphere have ten different feelings depending on how they are used.  For example, you could use black and white together to give a classic feel, something more elegant, or a modern feel.  Black and white especially look good if you are serving dessert and can incorporate the colours into the fare on the table.   Here are some interesting applications of black and white used in events/event tables.

via elizabeth ann designs

via camille styles

via camille styles

via polka dot bride

via bella cupcake couture

valentines day art

What a sweet little piece of art for Valentines Day to give to someone you love.  I found the first picture on Moderne Press. and dug around to find  source of these hearts are from artist, Sarah and Bendrix whose work can be found on Etsy.

via moderne press photo by sarah and bendrix on etsy

via sarah and bendrix on etsy

via sarah and bendrix on etsy

stunning dress

via dress design decor

Wedding Dress Cake

This is a cool pic that I found on blog, Twig & Thistle who got it from Gather and Nest.  I am so happy that I stumbled upon this one because it’s seriously cool.  Someone actually made this wedding cake dress (a super complex checkerboard cake), posted the pics on Facebook and like all things viral, it got passed around.  Lukka, the cake’s artist, is a mad scientists, sculptor and artist all-in-one.  What a daring and risky undertaking and a phenomenal outcome. 

via twig and thistle

via gather and nest

a homemade life

I derive great satisfaction from finishing a book.  I started a new job today and will get to leaf through quiet a few now that I have a 35 minute subway ride to and from work every day.  I always say that I do my best reading on the subway.  While others are claustrophobic and complain about public transportation, I zone everything out and transport myself into a story.  I just finished reading Molly Wizenberg’s book (blogger behind Orangette– and now I know where the name comes from!), A Homemade Life.  When I started the book two days ago, I was skeptical because the chapters were so short and I was not sure if there would be any depth.  Low and behold, two days later, book finished and I felt touched by Molly’s story and proud of what she accomplished.  The book is less about her blog and more about her life; told through short vignettes where each chapter focuses on one or two recipes and shares with readers the story surrounding the recipe’s origination.   Reading A Homemade Life made me reflect on my story and the recipes that have found their way into mine and my family’s repertoire.  I even wondered what my book would look like were I to write about my life through my adventures in food.  I would pick this book up to read both for its story and for its recipes and I would not hesistate to gift this item as a hostess or bridal shower gift.  It’s a keepsake and will be treasured on your cookbook/bookshelf.  

via pink of perfection

tea cups

I found these cute tea cups to share with your pals and warm up on those cold winter mornings- from Pol’s Potten, a very cool home accessories design store from the Netherlands.  Check out their site if you are not familiar with the brand.  They make everything-  I wish I could order/ship to Toronto.  Amazing home decor/furniture products.

via elle.com

chocolate organiko

I think I am subconsciously craving chocolate because I have featured more cool, new chocolate brands on my blog this month than ever before.  Either that or I have a thing for minimalist packaging.  I think it’s a bit of column A and a bit of column B. 

So back to more important things, my new chocolate find: Chocolate Organiko is a boutique chocolate operation out of Madrid, Spain where cacao beans from the Caribbean are imported and designed into extraordinary confections.  The team behind Chocolate Organiko hail from both the chocolate world and the design world (easy to tell) and in 2006 combined their talents and passions to launch a brand.  The chocolate is organic, hence the name Organiko and is available all over Europe, in North America and in Chile and Taiwan.  I have yet to see Chocolate Organiko on any shelves in Toronto and unfortunately the company website does not list its retailers in the city.  Let the game of hide and seek begin!

via kitsune noir

via bien manger

via the life in luxury

via mequemaelbolsillo