Inspiration Board

Hello everyone-it's been a while with the holidays and whatnot, but I was inspired not by the red and green of the season but by the Purple Slendor found at http://www.snippetandink.com/ Check them out! I'm not much of a severe "girly girl" but these photos will make you into the biggest princess lover ever. So sweet, innocent, and sexy. Love it! Heading home (California) tomorrow, more inspiration there to come...I'm sure.

~La Femme

Planner update: Baby Shower Invites

Ok folks, planning has gone well and now I am done with the invitations. In order to accommodate my modest budget, I've opted to a more bargained priced invite from this wonderful site (www.tinyprints.com) They offer so many at various price ranges and not just for baby showers. Check them out! Here's a sample of what I got.

I also personalized the back with her sonogram and psalm which I know is something the mother-to-be would great appreciate.

I'm totally excited to be able to head the planning for this. I'll keep posting my updates on items purchased. Today I spent the day coming up with my holiday cards....hours at ArtCo later, I've planned my idea ;-)

~La Femme

Winter Shopping

Every season I look for the perfect coat, I live for the perfect coat and I end up finding a million. Here is my first pick of the season. I WANT ONE! Isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful??

Available at Express

Nordstrom has some really great options but so far I am noticing that I liked a clean tailored look with something frilly to get that "girly" edge that I love so much.

Available at Nordstrom.com

It was only inevitable that I find a million coats I loved at one of my favorite stores of all time....Anthropologie. Check out the favorite for today :-)

Available at Anthropologie

This coat has that military casual look but again, yes you guessed it, the "girly" theme with the ruffles. Oh boy, what to pick? It's only time before it's boot shopping time. I'll be sure to keep you posted. Thanks for the reads everyone.


~La Femme

Bedroom Makeover

I got a new dresser this weekend....it was needed!!! So then naturally I want to redo the entire bedroom and started with thinking about what my dream bedroom would be. It would be a huge room with windows and textured walls with a chair area, etc. Well it would look something like this...

Then again I don't want to go too fancy, so maybe something like this....

Yes, contemporary yet elegant, lots of fabric yet plenty of light and color. Yes, love it! 

Ok, then there's reality-- and I starting thinking that if I can't get the bedroom of my dreams...YET ...I should definitely take inspiration from other bedrooms and take elements that make it mine. Bits and pieces and step by step is the way it will get done. So here are some of what I found and liked.

What I initially loved about this bedroom is the dark walls. People are generally afraid of color and darkening an area like a bedroom. However, the light hardware and white ceiling and carpet more than compensate for that. Another design element that I loved was the two his/her dressers complete with mirror. Not only does it elongate the space but when the sun goes down and those night lamps go on they will reflect perfectly off those mirrors and continue to light up the room. 

I fell in love with this bed. I liked that it the furniture wasn't too matchy-matchy and different color, textures, and elements made this room fit so well together. The paneling on the walls eliminates the need for too much wall art and let's the bed take the focus...which in my opinion is never a bad thing ;-) I also love the silver plated night stand. Beautiful!!!

I know that textured walls are a hefty penny but then I came across another novel idea....storage!!! I love how the entire wall was used as a built in bookshelf/storage area. It doesn't overpower the room because they kept it a natural color and again, let the bed take center stage. Lovely.

The picture frames on this wall reminded me of what I did in my old apartment living room. I bought various different frames and place different pictures on them. It made the wall my own, and what a great idea for a bedroom wall that needs pop.

I hope you find inspiration in some of these bedrooms and rearrange, try, test, buy, experiment with something you haven't before. 

Wedding planner thing going well...AND....still working on the baby shower. :-)

Have a wonderful day!

~La Femme

Further research....

A day off for me is equivalent to a day of major research into my new projects. I've taken to looking into bridal blogs. Today I got great inspiration from Kiss the Groom. These inspiration boards are great!

I've also chose some party favors for the baby shower. Let me know what you think? I still have yet to think of the candy filling. Suggestions are welcomed.

~La Femme

New Ventures

It's been a while friends! I've started to venture off into new territories (nothing new for those who know me). I got two big projects I am working on; 1. I'm planning my sister-in-laws baby shower, and 2. I am planning my first wedding as a planner. Not mine....yet ;) Halloween just passed and I tested out some of the desserts I plan to serve at the Baby shower. I used great baking pans from Williams-Sonoma but let me give you a little tip---frosting them was difficult. I think the trick to these is to pick flavorful cake mixes to carry all the flavor that frosting usually does.

Williams-Sonoma

My Halloween Cakes

I've started researching various wedding venues and found that the Knot websites has great sources of references depending on your area. Wish me luck and future postings to come!


As for now, I'm off to enjoy some Starbucks red holiday cups...so should you.

~La Femme

Snail mail

I've just received some late birthday cards but snail mail never ceases to amaze me in how it warms my heart to see my name hand written into an envelope. It's nice that we have the convenience of publishing things on our own now and having the ease of time-saving technology; however, the letter in the mail will never be replaced in my eyes. 


That got me thinking of reasons to send letters through the post. Let's make some reasons up. If you happen to think of someone, send them a letter, if you had a good time out with a friend, send them a thank you note. Let's find reasons to celebrate life and each other shall we?!?!? 

I hope you take the time to dust off that address book and send a letter to someone today. It may lead to  rekindling a friendship, a love, or just exercising your writing skills above and beyond a text message. Either way you are giving more than just a letter to someone; you are giving them your time and your thoughts. Something that is so accessible and valuable will be appreciated no matter what. 

Have fun and let me know if you have some great results with them!!!

~La Femme 

Where have I been?

So, I'd like to answer the question of where I have been, and that has only one way to be answered--I've been occupied by life in a stressful yet wonderful way. I feel bad for not taking my personal time to write (which I enjoy immensely) but I've been able to stay happy...stay tuned....more wonderful things to come.

I've ventured into new endeavors and look foward to sharing them :-)

~ La Femme

Friday Follies

You know, sometimes it's not enough to be prepared for life. Sometimes things arise and you are obligated to react; then for better or for worse you are the consequence of your own decisions. I'm not trying to highlight this as a negative at all--it just that sometimes life overwhelms in a great way! I am superbly happy with all aspects of my life yet I think to myself, in one area in particular--career, it can get better. There is an 'itch' that I get every couple of years in my life that I am inclined to scratch on occasion. It's the itch of change. What's new and what can be new. I search for that 'newness' to continue to feel inspired and worthy of what I acquire in life. Do you ever feel that?  

Sex and the City: What it means to me

Its Friday-- my day off. I’m very relaxed, enjoyed lunch with my beau and am now doing some much craved for writing on my Macbook. I wondered what on earth I wanted to chat about today…then I saw the caption on Yahoo.com---trailer to Sex and the City 2. I discovered this show late in its run---actually it was over. I caught a glimpse of the Oprah Winfrey special and was so moved by the audience reaction to the connection they had to this show that I was intrigued.

That night I went over to Blockbuster in my then-Huntington Beach, CA neighborhood and found out that they had been out of Season 1. The clerk then alerted me to the demand of the season and asked if I’d like him to call other stores for a copy. I wasn’t too much in a hurry so surprised at his amiability, I agreed. He gasped about two minutes into his phone conversation and looked at me with bugging eyes and said, “There is a previously viewed Season 1 at the other Blockbuster for $9.99!!!!” I asked…”…is that good?!” The look he gave me of ‘duh’ gave me the answer so I said “Sure! I’ll take it!”

Since that night, I was hooked on this show. It was a form of social experiment without me having to do the dirty work. It answered questions I never dared to ask and opened up my relationships with my friends to lower the barrier of Sex. It shouldn’t be this difficult thing to talk about and this show I believe paved the way.

I know own every season. It was stolen during my burglary of 2008, and a friend quickly replaced all the season for me. It’s my go-to ‘what-have-you’. If I’m sad, angry, need some girl power time, need a conversation starter, a fashion idea---I turn to the series. It’s amazing; it’s a dose of womanpower every one should have a prescription to.

Two years ago the movie came out years after the series was over and it completed the loyal viewers story for the four protagonists. It was emotional and raw. I loved it. Now—the sequel. I was skeptical at first but the creative genius of Movie Trailer Makers have convinced me to go and fall in love with Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda, and Carrie yet once more.

See you at the theaters!!!!

xoxoxo~ La Femme

InStyle

So every month I wait anxiously for the new InStyle magazine.

I don't know what it is about fashion but it excites me...the colors, the shoes, the articles...it's all tres magnifique! I often go into a daydream of me winning the lotto and having an unlimited amount of money to go on fashion spree's with friends....(sigh)...to dream never hurt anyone right?

So anyway, check out the latest! Very cool stuff with a good article on their cover girl, Gwen. There's this jewelry article about what the latest trends are (layers, layers, layers) plus a nice section on Under $50 deals! The best part is they give you the websites to purchase these wonderful items too.

Enjoy and dream...unless you're living the dream, in that case, LUCKY!!

Poem of Mine... plus Limerick

In the Spirit of St. Patricks Day....

There once was a girl from Seattle

With tone deaf addiction she battled

But believe it or not, in the bathtub so hot

She sang like a lovely Soprano!

This may or not be a true story... ;-)

Below is something I wrote a while ago too...from the heart, meant a bunch. Now its words are for you to find new meaning.

Enigma of Sinful Disobedience

How do you quiet the mind?

How do you rest your soul?

How does your spirit find solace or a home?

How long can I live in suspension?

Can I hold my breath for so long?

How can I remember that it is Your will,

Not mine, be done?

Hmm.....something to ponder....something to wonder...something to read.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

XOXOXO

La Femme

Wonderment on a Friday Afternoon

So I'd like to preface this poem of mine as being the first in which I publish to anyone. I keep most of my personal writings to myself. To the reader it may have a unique meaning relating to what is going through in your life, to me, it did the same--only long ago. Enjoy, here are the first of many-xoxoxoxo La Femme

Sweet encounters inspire respect, awe, appreciation, friendship, and ultimately love. And with each passing moment drops fill our private chalices of vulnerability.

Drops begin to fill our cups unbeknownst of the pace and fragility of the endeavor. Actions without a destination, although exhilarating, can easily become a game of roulette. Never knowing when the next drop could slay you.

Those drops quench a thirsty mind and send it reeling with imagination. Making it all the easier to keep filling without restraint.

However, some cups are not equal. And while one reaches its brink, the other may patiently sit still, ready for more.

And so I wonder.

How many more chalices to be filled? How many more chalices to be spilled?

The Academy Awards

There is a time that fills me wonderment. I wait for it every year and finally it arrives. The Oscar's. I am a lover of films. The cinematography, the art direction, the costuming, the script, the actors!! It's such a great recipe that brings so many talents together. Not every movie is worthy of critical acclaim but each can be valued for the areas of expertise that they excel in. The Academy Awards celebrate these achievements and the most popular awards are the coveted Best Actor, Best Actress, Supporting Actor/Actress, Director and over all Best Film itself.

Im one of those movie goers that tries to watch every nominated film before the big day arrives. I failed in this endeavor this year, as I did last year. It's impossible to catch them all but the one's I did see I loved. One in particular was "A Single Man" with the truly talented Mr. Colin Firth. Sure, he's the epitome of Jane Austens' 'Darcy', but this film FINALLY showed his true potential. With minimal script writing he was able to take you on his painful journey. Ugh! Such a great movie...go watch it already!! :-) Oh, and "An Education" was awesome. Carrie Mulligan made me jealous of her character. I always thought of myself as that old soul and worth of older experiences in my youth; this character lives them out and finds heartache--but oh what a beautiful and eye-opening experience it was.

So Anywho...my other passion? The Fashion of course. Here were some of my favorites:

Anna Kendrick look spectacular, even ethereal in this pink frock.
I think Sandra knew she had a good chance at Oscar Gold, so was certainly dressed the part. So humble, so respectful. That made her even more beautiful.
Ok, this was my personal favorite. It was light, a great preview into spring colors, and she's just one of the most beautiful women ever! This is one I know I would've chosen to wear. (In my fantasy world where I'm invited to the Oscars, ha ha)
Queen Latifah. So secure in her body and promotes such a healthy body image. You can look good at any size and Queen L not only proves it, she works it.
What is it about Maggie G that makes her the coolest chick ever?!? Her fashion rocks, it's appropriate, and she wears her gowns with the comfort of pajamas. I love this dress and if I had her body, I'd rock it too.

I have to go back and reminisce for a bit. I think the ultimate dress I would like to wear is Michelle Williams Vera Wang mustard yellow dress in 2006. I love this color dream of being it's owner one day :-) A girl can dream right?

Now my vote for best dressed couple? Has to be Robert Downey Jr. (I've loved him since 'Only You') and his awesome wife Susan. He looks so happy and young and her dress is wow, better than some of those 'other' Oscar gown choices.

Let me know what some of your favorites were. I love me a little fashion talk ;-)

Stumbling Goat

Oh the traditional bachelorette party, also known as a Hen Party. I've had the pleasure of joining in on one last night. I wish my friend all the best, she deserves it. She also game me the gift of stumbling onto a new restuarant out on Greenwood Ave. in Seattle--Stumbling Goat Bistro. It's a quaint little establishment with a two-dining room capacity. One more open and lit with the bar, the other, more intimate, maroon colored wall that was accentuated with candlelight. Our server "Cheeto" was amazing and proved to be a well-versed in explaining the dishes that we had. I enjoyed the Hanger Steak with Olsen Farm new potatoes, cipollini onions, demi-glace. I was torn with that and the Seared Scallops in the brown butter citrus sause. Luckily we shared and both proved to be equally appetizing choices. The beauty of this little place is that they had the luxury of housing their own pastry chef. (*little sidenote: our bachelorette of the evening is also a pastry chef, so dessert tasting with her is always a treat) We choose three out of the five seasonal selections and I was enamored mostly by the Apple Vol-au-vent; a maple pecan ice cream with bourbon caramel. I took pictures to tantalize your senses :-)

The tart was made in-house and the airiness and warmth of the pastry was great in contrast with the richness of the ice cream. Another great piece was the Lemon Rhubarb Chiffon Cake flavored with ginger marscapone, citrusy delighful! There was a blah moment in the evening when their bread pudding was shared among all the girls. Visually it looked rather different and to the taste it was exceedingly saturated with Bailey's that really took away from any other of it's flavors. The caramel sauce and espresso anglaise did little ro remedy it's flavor. Overall, a great place to dine, somewhat pricey but the desserts make it worth the trip. There were other pictures that night but those are reserved to the participants only.

Alice, I Have Been

Alice I have Been, a work by Melanie Benjamin, has been the first work of historical fiction I have picked up in a while. This tale of Alice Liddel and her struggles with her identity were a treat to follow. People no matter what their histories are haunted. Alice Liddel, more often known as "Alice in Wonderland" was no different. The Liddel's were a prestige family where Alice's father was the Dean of Oxford Church Christ itself. There she met Charles Lutwidge Dodgson at the age of 7 and a remarkable friendship ensued. Mr. Dodgson, as we come to know him, grew increasingly fond of the Liddel children expecially towards Alice. There is an intimate moment in which Alice and Mr. Dodgson shared that enamored them both in a way that was not permitted. Yet they consoled each other as the years flew by them. Dodgson a lonley outcast, and Alice a middle child which never quite grew to know the affection of her mother and found it in the storytelling friend. We follow Alice through the years and share in the anticipation to when it is revealed to us why Alice and Mr. Dodgson's one "Sunny Afternoon" of an inconventional romance seemed to haunt them both until the end of their lives. It's a tale down the rabbit hole worth taking.

La Femme writes...

With my recent discovery of the fictional novel, and the pleasure a simple bound book, I've decided to chronicle those work of fiction, non-fiction, lyrics, film, art, music, fashion, design, plays, poems, language, recipies, and experiences that shape my life.

There so much I'd like to remember and share with whomever will listen. I believe knowledge shared is knowledged learned. We do learn from our mistakes and we learn from the mistakes of others. Sometimes we can view the beauty we fail to see through the eyes of others.

And so, I ,La Femme, writes.