Creative Coquette Blogs

Y and Z: 27/366

2012-01-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

A snippet of our mantelscape. As some of you know from his blog, my husband goes by Yesmar online, which happens to be his name backwards. My name starts with the letter Z and Z has been a long time nickname from friends and family. Also, when writing out our name together it naturally tends to come out as Ramsey & Zarina. I think you get the idea. Basically since we met, we have been Y & Z. I basically love this and take it as fate more than coincidence.

The owl couple are the sweetest wedding favors I've ever received, given to us at my friend's wedding a few years back. They were handmade in Peru, I believe out of tiny gourds, and have sterling silver accents. So awesome!

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

Signs Of Life: 26/366

2012-01-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

A macro of the tiniest signs of life in our garden today. I have no idea what kind of plant this is but the tiny bright red pods stand out amongst all the bare branches.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone, Camera+, iWatermark

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Brrrrainsssss!: 25/366

2012-01-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

The Zombie Apocalypse beings in our master bath. We love these finger puppets. I positioned them so they kind of look like they are making out and dining on each other at the same time. Yes, I am a bit weird. They live atop a shelf next to my French Milled Skull Soaps, which it seems, I can't bear to use because I love them too much, even though there are four. We've threatened to make a video with our zombie puppets, maybe one day. I can only imagine how silly it would be and how insane we may come off.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Camera+, iWatermark

Until we actually make a video, enjoy the best Zombie ever:

Honey Bear Don't Care: 24/366

2012-01-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

Love these Honey Bear jars we get from local Moon Valley Organics located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range. The honey that comes inside is the best, yum! They don't come with the cute bonnet, those I get from Zira's Grandma Lucy's freeze-dried treats. The combo makes me swoon and I am starting to accumulate a wee stash since I discovered the pairing. Not sure what I will end up doing with them besides ogling in delight. The Honey Bears don't seem to mind the extra frills or attention.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Camera+, iWatermark

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Hardware: 23/366

2012-01-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

Detail of the cabinet pull from our favorite chest. Y gave my three Photojojo iPhone lenses for Christmas and I'm having a bit too much fun with the macro lens. You have been warned.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone, Camera+, iWatermark

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Love Me: 22/366

2012-01-22T20:25:00.000-08:00

Zira again. She was just too cute asking me to love her. I gave her loads of love and managed to snap a few photos in the process. She really is the sweetest kitty I have ever known. Raised by Y from a kitten, weened too early from her mother, all she knows is love. Before I met her, Y had warned me that she had never taken to anyone besides himself. She took to me immediately and by day three, she was snuggling up between my legs for safety and warmth, she had only done this with Y in the past. Y was amazed but also knew that Zira had basically confirmed what he already knew, that I was The One.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Snapseed, Color Effects, Camera+, iWatermark

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Peppermint Tea: 21/366

2012-01-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

We have been drinking our Mariage Frères teas all winter. Above is a macro of the Peppermint whole-leaf tea. So pretty. We went a bit tea crazy in Paris.....that's putting it mildly. We visited two of the Mariage Frères Tea Salons/Emporiums/Museums in Le Marias & Louvre. The Marias location is their main establishment and I highly recommend a visit when you are in Paris.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone, Camera+, iWatermark

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Gaudi Doll: 20/366

2012-01-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

My freaky cool souvenir from Gaudi's Casa Milà in Barcelona, Spain. She's basically a representation of the cool chimneys that top the building. When I saw her, I had to have her. Her white tennis shoes crack me up. She lives atop our dresser and as we pass back & forth each day, she blindly walks across the top as if trying to find her way to a rooftop. She is weighty and strong for a ceramic figure, having survived many weeks travel in a suitcase throughout Europe before flying back home with me. She has also endured several moves but I keep a dish just in her way so she does not commit unintentional suicide off the edge of our tall dresser.

I have to admit, I was very puzzled and a tiny bit creeped out when I kept finding her far from her resting spot.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

* Here's a photo of Casa Milà's rooftop:

Casa Milà

Cy: 19/366

2012-01-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

Cy the cyclops was a gift from Y. I love him. He holds little treasures or important notes for me on my desk. Always making sure my day goes smoothly. Magically.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Vintage Cam, PhotoStudio, Camera+, iWatermark

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Isis Smiles: 18/366

2012-01-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

A souvenir of the Tut exhibit many moons ago in San Francisco when I was a young lass, Isis has been with me ever since. Smiling and reminding me of the magical experience through tents with glowing torches illuminating the golden treasures of Egypt in the middle of Golden Gate Park. I shall be forever grateful to my mother for giving me such a gift at such a young age. My memories of it are pure magic.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone, Camera+, iWatermark

It's still snowing here and we are very trapped now (car-wise). Luckily, we did venture out yesterday, when it wasn't too bad, to run a couple important errands that really could no longer wait. It's all fun with a Mini Convertible until it snows. It was really hard to turn the wheel yesterday, what is that about???? I would have never guessed I would end up living where it snowed. The word is, this was the brunt of it for us and hopefully the roads will clear up soon. At least I was smart to have Amazon Fresh deliver supplies a couple of times just when I realized the snow was really coming. All of you that live where this is nothing, just know, I am in no way used to snow or how to prepare as a native San Franciscan. This is also supposed to be rare for where we live, although it's the second time in 4 winters. I'm now thinking an extra fridge or freezer might be a good idea. I also think we should look into getting the new 4 wheel drive Mini Countryman. O, and to those who drive in this with a regular car and speed through the turns, um hello, I saw you nearly take out our front fence. Luckily the kids who had been playing right there had moved on. Seriously, stay off the road.

xo,

Satsuma Sunshine: 17/366

2012-01-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

Prepared a little Satsuma snack for Y today. They looked so pretty in one of the yellow bowls we brought back from Paris. Such a nice contrast to the cold, white, wintery outside. Nice to have a tiny bite of sunshine amidst this winter wonderland.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

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Kitchen Buddies: 16/366

2012-01-16T20:34:00.000-08:00

I bought the hot sauce many years ago in Phoenix. Never dared to taste. Seriously, did you catch the name? As a skullaholic and lover of heat in my food, I could not pass it up. Bender is one of Y's treasures. These two now cavort in our kitchen, plotting, judging and keeping watch.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Snapseed, Retouch, Camera+, iWatermark

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Twilight Snow: 15/366

2012-01-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

Looking out again from my studio window, it was just too pretty to pass up. As pretty as this is, I don't like being trapped at home. [sigh]

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera (on HDR setting), Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

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Connected Only With An iPhone

2012-01-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

I've been without a computer for over a month. Thanks to the lovely Apple folks and my darling hubby, my computer is all fixed and running smoothly, YAYs!!!

As posted, I've been participating in Develop's Project 366 for 2012. Luckily, I had decided to only use my iPhone 4S to not only take the pictures (it's always with me) but to also edit them (time to figure out all these camera apps I've loaded on my phone). Not having my computer really kept me on track and I figured out how to upload to my different sites, including blogger, from my phone. This entire time I've done everything on my iPhone 4S. It was a bit challenging at first but has turned out to be quiet an amazing lesson as to how much you can do with just your phone.

My only problem is when posting through the Blogger phone app, I can't figure out how to include text within the body of the post except for at the very top of the post. I wanted to include technical information regarding which apps etc. I had used as well as other tidbits but I really disliked all the text showing up above the image. If anyone knows how to do this, please let me know. Personally, I think if the app limits where text is to be placed when images are included, I would rather have the image at the top, or first, followed by any text.

In any case, I've decided to go through and add the missing information to my posts via my computer. This should help out anyone interested in what I actually used to create the images in my Project 366 set.

Hope everything has started out well in 2012 for everyone. We are experiencing our first snowfall today. Lovely, yet inconvenient, as the Mini really can't navigate in the snow and I had oodles of errands that needed doing today.

Cheers,

First Snow: 14/366

2012-01-14T15:14:00.001-08:00

Woke up to find snow today. I was happy as I knew today's photo was obvious. It's getting harder and harder to come up with ideas everyday.

Above is a shot looking out my studio window. I really love the effect of tilt shift. Turns buildings into little models. Must be the Architect in me.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Vintage Cam, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

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Bridezilla: 13/366

2012-01-13T21:13:00.001-08:00

I love my little Bridezilla. Had her for ages, over 20 years. She actually spits out sparks as well while rolling on her wheels, so awesome! She wears a full on wedding gown with veil and bouquet. She does have a groom, Godzilla, perfectly matched in size who happens to be a lighter with the flame coming out of his mouth. Had him for just a few years longer but sadly since about week 3 he never worked again. Tried to have him repaired, even in a fancy cigar shop, that was hilarious. The guy tried really hard but to no avail. Should have seen the looks from the serious cigar connoisseurs, LOL. Never been able to find a replacement either.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone, Camera+, iWatermark

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Woollyheads: 12/366

2012-01-12T22:04:00.001-08:00

I LOVE Craspedia, L O V E!! Also known as Billy Balls, Billy Buttons and my favorite, Woollyheads. I managed to acquire quite a stash of dried Craspedia, go me! This is from the bunch in our living area. I just love the beautiful yellow color and how modern they look due to their round heads. Plus, as dry flowers go, these look cheery all the time and are real with no maintenance. Win!

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera (on HDR setting), Camera+, iWatermark

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Phở-tastic: 11/366

2012-01-11T18:49:00.001-08:00

This is our go to meal when we're not feeling 100% or it's chilly out. You can't help but feel good with all the fresh ingredients in this Vietnamese soup of wonders. I like mine especially spicy and chomp on the Serrano peppers. Yum!

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

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Petit Tour Eiffel: 10/366

2012-01-10T17:28:00.001-08:00

This is a pop-up card of the Eiffel Tower in red we picked up during our honeymoon in Paris. It's one of my favorite possessions.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Retouch, Camera+, iWatermark

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Apple: 9/366

2012-01-09T22:07:00.001-08:00

Went to Apple today to pick up my iMac which had a fried hard-drive. Thankfully, Y had installed Time Machine the week before it died!!!! Whew!!! When I thought I had lost all my data.....ALL.....ALL OF IT .............EVERYTHING I HAVE EVER DONE IN MY CAREER OR LIFE....let's just say.......tears, many tears, ok and maybe some choice words.

All is right with the world again. YAYs!!!

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

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Sunday At Home: 8/366

2012-01-08T12:57:00.001-08:00

My Niece was spending the weekend with us so I broke out the waffle iron. Holy smokes these turned out yummy, if I do say so myself, and I do. First time I put strawberries and powdered sugar on top. Fancy. Pinterest is having an effect on my food presentation skills, hah hah.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

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Munchkin: 7/366

2012-01-07T23:03:00.001-08:00

My Awesome Niece

Had fun with my lovely niece creating this image. I wanted to capture her playful spirit. She's holding a bunch of Prismacolor pencils and wearing her new favorite shoes which we got her for Christmas. They're Converse lace-up boots with sparkles. They also have very handy zippers for easy on and off. I totally want a pair.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Diptic, Camera+, iWatermark

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Z: 6/366

2012-01-06T19:29:00.001-08:00

My Half

After doing Y's photo I came up with the idea of doing my half as well. I'm very happy with how these turned out and I hope to get these printed out and framed. It was very difficult to try and match my face to Y's and to get the tones to coordinate. The difficulty with matching my face mostly stemmed from having to take an "end of the arm" photo of myself. Made for a very different image size to work with. However, taking this kind of photo was much easier on the iPhone 4S with its reverse camera. I could at least make sure most of my face was in the shot. This original image is now my new avatar most places (see my profile pic).

We took these in front of our Robin Hager painting entitled, Indian Warrior, which Y purchased when he used to live around the corner from him in San Francisco.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Vintage Cam, Diptic, Camera+, iWatermark

Y: 5/366

2012-01-05T23:33:00.001-08:00

My Other Half

This started as just an unplanned last minute photo idea. It was after 10pm and I had forgotten to take a photo for the day. Y was wearing a pumpkin colored shirt and I noticed when he walked into the room how well it went with our painting. I basically begged him to let me make him the subject of today's photo. Very reluctantly and making me promise I would be quick about it (he was in the middle of coding), he conceded, not excited about it at all.

I'm so glad he did as this is now my favorite image and with my follow up image tomorrow, it's turned into a meaningful project piece. Y really likes it as well and is very happy with how it all turned out.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Vintage Cam, Diptic, Camera+, iWatermark

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Moravian Star: 4/366

2012-01-04T20:17:00.001-08:00

We hang this Moravian star every Christmas. It was a gift from Y's mom on my first visit to Winston-Salem, NC. The Moravians had a large presence in Winston-Salem and traditions still influence the town. Old Salem is still preserved with all of its historic buildings and roads. There are little shops filled with all kinds of traditional goodness.

I wanted to show off the star without any of the background competing. Turing it into a black & white image was the best way I could accomplish this on my iPhone.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Camera+, iWatermark

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At The Wheel: 3/366

2012-01-03T19:08:00.001-08:00

We had just dropped off my computer at the Apple store. I had planned to take a photo at/in Apple as my photo for the day but totally forgot once we got all wrapped up with the Genius Bar peeps discussing what was wrong with my computer.

Literally stopped at the red light, as I lamented what was I going to do for my photo, I looked up and saw the beautiful street in front of me with all the trees lit up with little lights. I then saw it through my steering wheel and scrambled for the phone. Only enough time for one photo and my flash went off. Doomed.

This image was seriously pushed and prodded with to get it to look like this. The funny thing is, as I worked on it on my phone, I thought those were stars in the night sky. I worked so hard to get them to show. Hah! It turns out, now when looking at it on a bigger screen, those are actually dust particles on my windscreen.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Snapseed, Retouch, Camera+, iWatermark

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Zira: 2/366

2012-01-02T15:35:00.001-08:00

Our Sweet Baby

Zira was a bit perplexed as we tried to get her to look in certain directions. She's looking at Y in this photo who is distracting her from the fact that I'm snapping images to rival paparazzi standards. She's so sweet that most of the time I try to take closeup photos of her, she just sniffs and rubs on my phone or my head while purring.

Both my loves have the most beautiful blue eyes.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

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Home: 1/366

2012-01-01T14:35:00.001-08:00

Home sweet home, it really is. We love every minute here. It's our first home together. We were married in the house as well. Loads of love inside these walls.

I woke up to a new year and sun! A miracle in this part of the world. I snapped up this shot knowing it might be awhile before the sun comes back out. Plus, it seemed an appropriate photo to being this project.

I really love how the miniaturize effect makes the house look like a tiny model of itself.

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: Camera, Camera+, iWatermark

Project 366

2011-12-30T19:31:00.001-08:00

I will be participating in Project 366 beginning January 1st, 2012. I plan to use only my iPhone 4s & a few apps, as I believe this will allow me to get through the entire year without any excuses.

Hope your holidays have been merry & bright.

Wishing you a very happy new year full of happiness & good health!

Talent

2011-07-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

My 7 year old niece was over recently and was delighted by the progress I have made in my studio. It's the first time she has been able to go in there as it had been a disaster all this time. I've been finally organizing all my stuff and playing with different arrangements and ideas. My main hold up is I can't decide on paint color/s. I usually like an all white studio as I work with colors and don't want the wall paint to affect/shift the colors. However, after living in such a grey part of the world for almost 3 years, I am toying with the idea of actual color on the walls. I am maybe halfway to completion at this point. However, when she saw my wall of colored pencils, I became, even more so than usual (heh heh ), the coolest aunt ever!

Inspired she looked around my studio and decided on my Domo O'kun as her muse and model. She then drew this rendition of Domo-kun performing karaoke in a groovy rainbow world.

The girl has mad skills.

Smooches,

San Francisco Food, New Glasses, New Hair & I Look Like a Cylon?

2011-05-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

We recently returned from a long deserved trip to my beloved San Francisco. While there, we ate ourselves into bliss, reminisced at our old haunts and I got a fabulous haircut with my long time hair guru, Addison, of Addison Salon. No one does my hair like he does!

If you are, or plan to be, in San Francisco here are just a few recommendations:

Breakfast:

Rose's Café ~ Breakfast Pizza: I love the Smoked Salmon with Crème Fraîche & Scrambled Eggs version and Y likes the Smoked Ham, Fontina & Eggs.

Smoked Ham Breakfast Pizza

*photo from their site: I was too busy eating

Red Door Cafe: French Toast Josephine. GET IT! Lives up to all the hype.

Freanch Toast Josephine

Y and a very "special" cup of coffee

Y had some coffee served up with massive humor and I had an amazing ice tea with fresh mint. Service is fantastic and fun. This place is tiny, no more than 12, so be prepared. We went on a weekday late morning and had no wait. This is what you expect of fun funky SF breakfast experience.

Dinner:

The Elite Cafe: OMG! A must do! Get a reservation and order this:

Joanna's Meetinghouse Biscuits
Elite’s Infamous Deviled Eggs
Fried Okra
Blackened Kobe Beef Sirloin with Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus & Oven Dried Cherry Tomatoes
Beignets with Triple Espresso Bean Ice Cream & Fudge Sauce

Meetinghouse Biscuits

*You can get these frozen to bake up at home, yummers.

Elite’s Infamous Deviled Eggs

Beignets with Triple Espresso Bean Ice Cream & Fudge Sauce

*all photos from yelp. Again, I was too busy eating.

Every single thing was beyond yum. Share all items except for the main course. You may have fried okra left over.

Café Jacqueline: SOUFFLÉS!!!!! Only soufflés, pretty much, and they are friggin' amazing. Get a reservation and plan for a leisurely dinner, 2+ hours.

*photo from yelp

We ordered the Seafood and the Chocolate soufflés to share. Yum, yum, yum and YUMs! I was too mesmerized during the dishing out of the seafood soufflé to take a photo but here is our chocolate soufflé.

Chocolate Soufflé

Personally, if I could, I would order a seafood soufflé all to myself and skip the chocolate because I was all about that seafood soufflé. Such cheezy dreamy goodness!!

When we returned home my new Rx glasses were ready. They are by the Japanese brand, Kamuro.

style: anillo

color: K60E

me with new hair & new glasses

*It's very hard to get a good shot of my hair because it's so black.

a better view of the texture in my hair

I am also trying out some new bifocal contacts, so far they seem promising. Haven't been able to wear contacts for a couple of years now. It's awesome because I can actually see when applying my eye makeup and makeup in general. It makes a major difference, LOL!!!

me in bifocal contacts

Ys first reaction to the photo above of me in contacts was that I looked like a Cylon because of the circular light reflection in my eyes. I'm hoping he meant the humanoid version and not the toaster version. Gotta lurve your geek.

My hair was reaching my waist, as I had been growing it out since it had been butchered, and Addison cut it to where he could fix it, which ended up shorter than we originally hoped. To get my hair cut so drastically and get new glasses in the same week was a bit too much all at once. Even myself in contacts was too much. It's taken a couple of weeks for me to recognize myself in the mirror and feel happy with everything. It was such a drastic change that I started to question my decisions. Luckily, Y was around to reassure me. Y actually picked out my glasses as I could not see what they looked like on me when I tried them on. He picked out the perfect pair! These are the first non-lucite glasses I've owned since childhood. I love how they are a modern nod to cat glasses. I love classic cat glasses but they look horrible on me. These are a perfect blend of sass and modernism.

It's a new me. I promise, I'm not a Cylon.

Toodles,

San Francisco

2011-03-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

by Kevin Dart

I love this.

via: Fleet Street Scandal

Stairs or Slide?

2011-03-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Tokyo house by Level Architects

Slide!

Of course!!!!

via: Dezeen

Night Night

2011-03-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Night Night prototype by Vanessa Hordies

A lamp that is gradually dimmed by the sand in the hourglass.

Perfect at your bedside too get you to drift off into slumber.

Flip the hourglass to turn the light on for 15 minutes as the sand trickles through.

via: Dezeen

Our Wedding Bands

2011-03-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

Before our wedding we did one of the coolest things we have ever done. We went to the Wedding Ring Workshop and we made each others wedding bands.

Workshops are located throughout the US and UK. We were lucky to have one in Seattle. We highly recommend the experience. You get to decided how you want your rings, from anything you can think up really. Then you actually make them from melting your chosen metal (ours was platinum) to milling, bending, sawing, soldering, shaping, detailing, buffing and polishing all while under the guidance of a principal jeweler. Our jeweler, Maru Almeida, was so wonderful to work with. She guided us through the entire process always allowing us do the work at our own pace, never taking over. You end up with what looks like a professionally crafted ring you purchased, no matter what your experience level.

Totally romantic. Our rings mean that much more to us.

Enjoy the photos.

It was a long day and we ended up exhausted but these rings are filled with love and nothing could be better.

photos by Creative Coquette

Bacon

2011-03-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

available here

xo,

A Kiss From Tokyo

2011-03-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

"A Kiss From Tokyo" Theatrical trailer from Stephane coedel on Vimeo.

Oops...

2011-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

I've been neglecting this blog lately. I've been having too much fun on my tumblr.

xoxoxoxo,

Dusty Gear/This Year: Stella's New Year's Makeover

2011-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

There are a few items making their way into my life which I am regarding as New year/New Gear and some other items which have been hanging around for a bit which fit into my Dusty Gear/This year category.

Two areas of focus for both Y and myself in 2011: Health and Organization.

We are out of shape.
Need to trim down.
Decided to live in reality.
Have given up on the fantasy shortcut.

Due to so many moves over the past few years, unpacking and setting up fully was never realized.
Our offices and studios need major help.
We are determined to organize and beautify.

I plan on sharing both the gear and effect it has on these two current areas of focus. Hopefully you can add to the ideas here by sharing your gear and effect as well.

This first one is a Dusty Gear/This Year health item. I originally bought this so I could ride my bike in the winter back in 2009. A great idea never realized, until today.

Stella finally got her winter/indoor makeover. We used to live near a lake with a riding path. I'm way too much of a scaredy cat to ride on the streets with cars so... hellooooooo, indoor trainer! Makes me sound all pro, LOL. I purchased a CycleOps Mag trainer at REI with the yearly member discount coupon of 20% off and used my accumulated dividends for a super sweet deal.

I've got her setup downstairs across from my office so I can see her while I'm on my computer. Calling to me.

Hey Z!
A quick ride, yes?
C'mon!
5 minutes.
YES!

Only two things:
1. Wow, she's a tall mount and worse dismount. Need to figure that out. Do I need a step to get on and off? hahahahah

2. In front of the stove when it's been heating the downstairs, not so good. In front of the sliding door for fresh air and a backyard view brilliant.

Stella's going to be real good to me this year. I can feel it.

What's your new or dusty workout gear helping you out this year?
Better yet, do you have a tried and true secret weapon?

Cheers,

Momchil Hristov's Alice

2011-01-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Momchil Hristov

Love the mod look and colors of this take on Alice.

Smooches,

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a very happy holiday filled with love, happiness and some wishes come true. We celebrated our first holidays in our new home and as husband and wife. We managed to find the perfect tree for ourselves, out of the blue, the week before Christmas:

Our tannenboing

It's number 34. This not only solved the need for a modern look for us but it flat packs away, is made from recycled & recyclable aluminum, made in Seattle (lucky us!) and we will own it for all the years ahead making it very Eco friendly. I already owned those green strung lights but eventually I want to switch them out to white strings and add some "fancy" type lights akin to those that look like stars or snowballs. We saw some great ones in Paris which we would have scooped up were it not for the voltage and plug differences. I found the icicle ornaments at Micheal's. I need to get better hooks as these were tiny and were too easy to pop off. Luckily the icicles themselves are very sturdy having survived a few death leaps to the hardwood floor.

Y+Z Reindeer: Pottery Barn reindeer decked out with mini ornaments found at Micheal's.

This year I used a large round vase to hold the Christmas cards. I really like how it worked. It was like a giant colorful ornament and I could add/pull out cards to show people very easily without the usual cluttered display. I thought of adding "snowflakes" to the bottom of the bowl but resisted knowing they would probably end up everywhere and guess who would have to clean them up.

We picked up these Eiffel Tower cards in Paris during our honeymoon.

Skully Santa made his usual appearance. This year he actually has a hat that fits. I think it's a baby hat, also found at Micheal's.

We bought this in Paris on our honeymoon as our first ornament.
The heart says Noël.

Our friend Ivett surprised us with this awesome gift. She hand painted this ornament for us! Y is a Siamese cat (like Zira) and I am the black kitty (I've always thought of myself as a former black cat). Notice the Seattle Needle skyline and Y's tail making the L in Mr. Lucky.

This is the back. Notice my tail making the M in Mrs. Lucky and the heart on our new home. When I opened the package and beheld this I started weeping because it's so wonderful and so much thought was put into it. Even the color choices; blue for Y and Pink for me, our favorite colors. I've known Ivett since college. I have the best friends! She is a very talented artist specializing in avian and wilderness art. Check out her site: AvianAndWildernessart.com

Z Stocking

Y Stocking

Zira Stocking.

Notice the attached felt fish. The stocking says, "Treats For A Nice Kitty" and has two pockets in the front as well as the main sock pocket. Found this at the Macy's Holiday Lane store. Could not resist.

Our Christmas Eve Dinner:
Grass fed New York steaks, grilled asparagus and my famous creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Holy Smokes this was a wonderful surprise!! We had been to dinner at Bellevue Square (local mall) with my mom and my niece. We walked out of the restaurant and with no clue of what was happening, toy soldiers and majorettes were handing us blow horns. It was a big party that happens every night at 7pm during the holidays. After Christmas they do a New Year's every night (Celebration Lane) through the 31st. Tons of kids (big and small), music, Snow queens, Mouse Kings, Drummers, Sugar Plum Fairies, AMAZING! They even make it snow. I only had my iPhone so my photos & video aren't so good as it was night but here is a promo video:

Can't wait to take advantage of the Snowflake Lane next year for Santa's arrival and nightly party with my niece, of course. I'm sure we will also hit the Celebration Lane as well.

It finally snowed while we were around to enjoy it! We missed the previous snow this year. We were in Paris. We left Paris and it then snowed there. Totally thought we missed out on snow this year. My niece and I created Snowball the snowcat in our front yard. Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrr or actually Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

We finally had our first fire in our fireplace. I have now mastered creating a roaring fire. Wow, it's hard work. That's what I get for wanting to learn how to do it.

2010 was an amazing year for us. Filled with surprises (our new home being the best surprise), love (our marriage especially), adventures (from Lake Geneva to Paris) and visits from family and friends. We really feel blessed.

In 2011 we hope to continue on this path and build on this wonderful foundation. New things are afoot business-wise (check out Calific.com for something Y & I are working on together). We are trying to really focus on our health this year. Paris let us know how far we are from our 20s, it wasn't just celebrating my birthday either lol, and how sedentary we have become since leaving San Francisco.

I wish us all a happy, prosperous and healthy 2011!

xoxoxox,

Back Home, Update:

2010-12-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

We are back from our honeymoon in Paris. It was wonderful and I have much to share with you regarding Paris and our wedding for that matter.

We have been back for a week but I caught some sort of head cold as soon as we got back. It made my head feel like a 500 pound anvil atop my body and laid me out for a week. Better AFTER the honeymoon for sure but still sucky.

I'm now in the midst of getting the house ready for our first Christmas in our new home and as husband and wife. The last nine months have been a whirlwind of amazing and wonderful!

My shops have been closed for most of 2010 and although I do miss it, I also have enjoyed not being a slave to it. It's very strange not having to make post office runs everyday at this time of year. I'm now revamping everything about my business and how I was going about it. Thinking whether or not to re-open. If I do, I will be doing things very differently. One of the cool things I experienced in Paris was checking out Tmode, a handmade fashion and decor expo that was taking place up the street from our hotel in the Marais district. It was very inspiring and it made my creative juices flow. There were many jewelry designers and it was a bit of an ego boost to see that so many styles/concepts I have been putting out for a couple of years were being shown here in Paris. It felt like a stamp of approval in a round-about sort of way. I'll take it. [wink] Y said, unprompted, that I could easily show my stuff next to the beautiful wares showcased at the event. We are now trying to figure out how to retire to Paris.

It was my third trip to Paris and I discovered so many new places. Much to share, so stay tuned.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We ended up munching on our favorite breakfast (more later on all this), Gyros, baguette sandwiches and Pierre Hermé macarons that day. We were very thankful and felt very blessed.

I must get back to getting the house in order. Too much gets out of control when you go away for so long and are then sick for a week after, sheesh!

À bientôt!

Paris Paper Cut

2010-11-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

I am in love with these prints of an original hand paper cut Paris map.

Cerulean Blue:

Coral Pink:

London, New York & World map prints also available at Famille Summerbelle.

Check out the video of the New York map paper cut:

xoxoxo,

happy.sunday

2010-11-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

[hee]

I've already had waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much sugar this weekend!

So much so that my fangs popped out!!!!

Muhahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa,

Y+Z=Married

2010-10-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

We did it!

Our tiny wedding at home.

More details later.

xoxoxoxo

photography: Marisa Williams

decorations: Creative Coquette

The kitten you were warned about.

2010-10-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

(Z ~ 10.10.10 ~ via Photo Booth)

I'm the Kitten Your Mother Warned You About

2010-08-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet Lolita Cupcakes

2010-07-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

I recently came across the sweetest cupcakes created in a sweet kitchen by an even sweeter Lolita.

The Pink Fairies:

Katja Beckman, our Swedish Lolita and baker.

Her lovely kitchen where she creates all these goodies.

She also makes dreamy cookies.

Here is Katja in a dress she made. She also designed the print!

YAY, Lolitas and cupcakes!!!!

Kitty Not Monster

2010-07-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Some years back I made Y this iPod cover:

D-Man aka Raoul

It was my first attempt at any such thing. It worked well but these days he sits in a drawer as the iPod isn't used much outside of the car. I love how his teeth come across all gnarly and kooky, hee hee.

I had a bunch of that chocolate fur left over so I attempted my first plushie recently. I started out trying to create some sort of monster. However, once I added the ears there was no way it was anything but a kitty.

Meet Kitty Not Monster

She also looks to me like a Frances.

meow

Monday's Cute Rx:

2010-07-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

happy.sunday

2010-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

"God is in the details" ~ Mies van der Rohe

2010-07-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Barcelona Couch CAKE

Do you think Mies's aphorism of "less is more" would or should apply?

Monday's Cute RX:

2010-07-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

happy.sunday

2010-07-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Yum

2010-07-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

Double Rainbows and Real Men

2010-07-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

Start the weekend right.
Experience the euphoria of double rainbows all the way and what women really want.

Fabutronic fantasticalness!

Thank you internets!

Happy weekend,

Creative Coquette Gets...

2010-07-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

The lovely and intriguing Tuesdai of "...a reflection by Tuesdai" has been posting a wonderful series entitled "Interviews by HER" featuring different bloggers from the blogosphere.

Today, I am the featured interviewee.

Go here to read it.

xoxoxoxo,

Wednesday Cravings: Chocolat L'African

2010-07-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Angelina, Paris.

Soon, very soon....

Ramdaq's Alice

2010-07-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Photography: Ramdaq

Monday's Cute RX:

2010-07-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

*mega dose*

...that's better.

happy.sunday

2010-07-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Rosie Rocks!

2010-07-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

Update on the would be hair trauma:

All the good hair ju-ju sent my way worked!!! I just came back from my first haircut with Rosie and I am a happy girl!

Me just before I left to get the cut:

Me after my cut:

I asked Rosie to cut a good amount of length off for the summer (it grows really fast) and to really give me some volume up-top (I'm a product of the 80's, whadda ya gonna do). Basically, to add more rock 'n roll to my hair. It's hard to see because I'm wearing a black tee but I have heaps of texture, loads of volume all around and my hair feels light. I have one product in my hair and I could not believe the volume it gave me that I purchased some on the spot.

The salon has recently switched from my beloved MOP products to KEVIN.MURPHY. I was worried as I loooooooove my MOP Basil Mint Shampoo (which is all I have used in my hair for the past two years).

MOP Basil Mint Shampoo

I've tried loads of products, including MOP products, to add the volume I've been seeking but nothing really works in my heavy coarse hair. Today Rosie put ANTI.GRAVITY in my hair and I can not tell you how flipping amazingly this stuff works. It's oil free so it doesn't feel like there is any product in my hair and it looks like I have photo-shoot volume without the teasing or sticky/tackiness of mega hairspray. Plus it smells like lavender aromatherapy without overpowering my hair with perfume.

KEVIN.MURPHY ANTI.GRAVITY

I still have loads of Basil Mint Shampoo (it lasts for months, BTW) so I will wait to try the KEVIN.MURPHY shampoos but I am excited to do so. MAXI.WASH was recommended for my hair. FYI, it seems like these products have a high price tag but they last for months as you only need a tiny bit to get the job done. You can check around for better deals as well.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Toodles,

YAY, Cupcakes!!

2010-07-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Cravings: Naomilingerie

2010-07-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Japanese style handmade lingerie.

I have fallen for the sweet Naomilingerie Etsy shop. Her items look soft, light and easy to sleep in.

I believe that black cat eye mask with the big pink bow is a must have for my honeymoon flight.

Smooches,

Ocular Edibles: 07.06.10

2010-07-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

via: Bloomingville

Kassandra Leigh Purcell

2010-07-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hime Doll

Model: Kassandra Leigh Purcell

Photographer: Kassandra Leigh Purcell

Intricacies

Model: Kassandra Leigh Purcell

Photographer: Kassandra Leigh Purcell

Together Joined

Model: Kassandra Leigh Purcell

Photographer: Patrick Purcell

The Otherworld . White Stag .

Model: Kassandra Leigh Purcell

Photographer: Kassandra Leigh Purcell

What a beauty and talent this girl possesses. I love that she rocks her glasses.

xoxo,

Murderous Paper

2010-07-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

LOL

Get the Tee at Threadless.

O-No!

2010-06-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

After getting one of the worst haircuts after just moving to Seattle, I finally, finally, finally found my dream stylist, Dot.

Dot has given me the best haircut ever. I've been rocking it for almost 2 years and she always makes my hair just plain awesomness.

Dot has had a really tough year this year (seriously sad) and appointments have been tough to come by. I managed to score her very 1st appointment of the year last April (after my hair growing out since Oct '09) and I just found out my appointment for today is canceled as she is injured and will be out until the fall. Feel better Dot, I know what you're going through. xoxo

Nuptials are planned for later this year and I will need my kick-ass hair for that. I am left with no choice but to risk it all and try out Rosie (trained by Dot and 2nd most booked) next week. At least it's only been 3 months so my style is outgrown but evident. [crosses fingers]

You have to understand I have ALOT of hair and it is thick and coarse. I have been to all kinds of stylists from low end college budget to super high end with full on champagne and massage service. Not everyone who cuts hair is a master nor can everyone handle my hair no matter what the price or how fancy the salon. Once I find that person who is a master, I am loyal.

In SF I paid my stylist (who I was loyal to for years and years) over $120 for a cut and blow dry. Luckily once every 7-10 months would be enough as it would grow out into different styles. Dot charges a mere $30 for a cut with the option of paying for the blow dry or using the free blow dry bar at her salon. I pay an extra $10 for the sweet blow out. Rosie is only $20 for a haircut as she isn't the owner.

I have had some crazy hair disasters in my day. The absolute worst was a $10 effd-up beast* where my hair ended up, not exaggerating, like a half inch long from my top front hairline to my crown and then dropped mullet like in the back (un-blended) to my shoulders!!!! Thank goodness it was the 80's and I wore a black beret (pinned to hold) on my head everyday all through the heat of a Berkeley, CA summer. I couldn't even curl the top part of my hair it was so dang short. Seriously, that is only one of the worst. [shudders]

I hope Rosie rocks my hair. The R in Rosie has to stand for rocking-stylist, it just has to. At least I will have time for it to grow out before the big day and maybe Dot will be back.

Stay tuned for an updated Photo Booth image next week. (if it's not too horrible)

O, and everyone send me good-hair juju vibes, pretty please.

*note: don't even ask. There is no evidence of that horrid beret-to-the-rescue style. I managed to get through the summer without being in a single photo. I is a smarty.

Scared but hopeful,

Sugar and Blood

2010-06-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

The Lost Call ~ Kukula

Kukula's first European solo show is filled with beauties
influenced by a certain girl named Alice.

Swoon,

Pretty with Croissant

2010-06-28T20:05:00.001-07:00

Yum!

xoxo,

I finally managed to create a Treasury on Etsy!

2010-06-23T01:12:00.000-07:00

I happened to be cruising Etsy, mainly looking for a cool modern sleek table runner (hard to find, especially one that won't break the bank), when I somehow noticed I could create a Treasury!

Voilá!

A few of my favorites

I see how these can be addicting. Just looking at this makes me happy.

*BTW, the La Coquette soap from sweetpetula is so dreamy! I am in love with this scent.

xoxo.

Still here?

2010-06-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

Here's the skinny:

After only two weeks at our new house we had our first house guest who stayed for the third week. That week Y and I also caught a cold by mid-week, no fun. Today marks our one month anniversary at our new home, wheeeeeeeeee!!!

Although we worked like mad to get as much done in those two weeks, my office and studio are still only partly set up and still packed up. Luckily mom was our first guest and she was very forgiving of our unfinished state of affairs :)

Healthy again, I am back in the mood to work on the house. I needed a break. The last three months have been a whirlwind of emotion, excitement and physical exertion.

We love our new house and the garden has given us some lovely surprises:

Peonies (I believe) from our front yard

Check out the natural light coming into our dining room! You'll recall our last place was a beautiful little light sucking house, hee hee. No more! I constantly think I left the lights on as I walk around the house and then giggle to myself as I realize it's just the natural light.

I still have heaps to do around here but I will try and catch up with you all and post a bit more often.

Thanks for the well wishes and love you all have sent my way.

Cupcakes & Butterflies,

Hit & Run Updates

2010-04-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile. Loads happening around the Y and Z camp. Please excuse the hit & run nature of this update but I wanted to at least give you all a clue as to what is going on.

1. Bought a house!!!! It's perfect for us. Went from looking for a place to rent to buying in one month flat [surprise!]. The paperwork for that was Kah-RAY-Zeeeeeeeeee! Now in the midst of packing and moving.

2. The lovely Connie of Sogni e Sorrisi honored my blog with the Sunshine Award:

These blog awards really make me happy. I need to pass the award to some deserving blogs but I'll have to do that when I have a bit more time.

3. My shops are temporarily closed due to our move. I was lucky to score great space for my studio and won't reopen the shops until the new studio is set up. My best estimate is July or August.

4. Foxy Monster made it to the Etsy FRONT PAGE!!!!!!! Holy Smokes it was exciting! The Fly Home necklace was the lucky item selected.

It was on the front page on March 30, 2010 at 4 pm EST (1 pm PST) for a whole 20 minutes of massive views and hearts until it was sold. It was crazy to see how much traffic it generated. I now accomplished that goal I thought was so far off. Now I just need to repeat and repeat and repeat and repeat and....

Here's a Craft Cult screenshot of the front page. It sold out before I could capture it myself.

A BIG thank you to RomanticArt for creating the lovely treasury that included my necklace.

5. I am in full house brain mode. That is practically all I can think about. It's so exciting!!!

I hope you are all well and I will catch up with you all in the future. Please excuse my absence while I get lost in designing and setting up our new home :)

xoxoxox,

We interrupt this hiatus...

2010-03-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

to bring you breaking news:

We have found our cupcakes!!!! WhoooHoooooo!!!

Those following know that we have been searching high and low for the yummiest cupcakes we could find in Seattle for our wedding. Until now, it's been a pretty sad showing for Seattle. I got a tip from the beautiful Jen at Craftiness NOW who used her connections to get me some inside info on the best cupcakes in Seattle. Two shops were recommended which we had yet to try. One of the two recommended, Trophy Cupcakes, was rated higher for taste. It's 100% taste for us and ok, I do want them to be pretty.

We tried the Trophy Cupcakes the other day and HOLY MOLY they are yum-UM-mers!!!!!!

Stroop Waffle, Lemon Coconut & Red Velvet

Triple Chocolate

These are all a perfect combination of flavor, texture, moistness and sweetness (as in not too sweet). Best Red Velvet, my ultimate comparison base, I have ever had and with proper cream cheese frosting. Plus, they are pretty!

We haven't even bothered trying the second recommendation. Not sure I need to.

Thank you Jen!!!!!!! You just helped make our wedding sweeter :)

Note to self: make sure to have at least one cupcake available for devouring when writing about cupcakes. Seriously drooling.

I'll post more tidbits when I can.

xoxo,

Hiatus

2010-03-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

There is much going on around here.

Most importantly and most time consuming is our impending move. For the next few months the blog may suffer from neglect as we find a home, pack, move, unpack and decorate. You would think it gets easier each time but it never seems to work out that way.

We are excited about the move, we can't wait, but not about the actual moving.

Add to that, conferences, design jobs and other randomness of fate and I end up slacking on the blog.

I will blog when and if I can.

See you on the other side!

Cupcakes & Butterflies,

Lost Angels

2010-03-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

I am back from Los Angeles (aka Lost Angels). Was a fab trip to meet my new nephew EJ. He is the new, 2 month old, son of one of my best girlfriends ever, M. We met in the dorms at UCB while living on the same all girls floor. We met our other bestest girlfriend, I, a year later and eventually she ended up as my roommate in my apartment at UCB. We have all been like sisters since. I actually stayed at I's lovely home in Rendondo Beach. M is the first to procreate. Guess I need to admit I am of adult age now. Dang it.

Here are some highlights from the trip:

Full painting I mentioned previously.

Nubbins

She slept with me every night and made me less lonely without Y and Zira.

She's called Nubbins because she has a nub for a tail.

Superfly

She may have slept with me as well but she definitely checked up on me and Nubbins.

Nubbins would not relinquish the prime spot next to my tummy.

Superfly may have opted for the foot of the bed.

She's called Superfly because well, look at her, she is super fly.

Dr. R's Sparring Partner

Scared the ba-gee-zuss out of me in the morning as I rounded the corner.

Dr. R is I's hubby and vet to all our kitties and pooches at one time or another.

He kicks this dummy's ass with some form of martial art I can't remember.

We went to check out the Police Experience one night.

The dude totally sounded like Sting to me.

Looks-wise, well, from far away and blurry, you could make believe.

Also got a chance to take in an old school movie experience at the Old Time Music Hall in El Segundo. It was way too fab.

The Wurlitzer was amazing and sing-a-long was fun.

There was a Tsunami warning in effect. We opted to not eat that day on the water. The next day after breakfast I missed all the crazy surfers trying to ride the big waves but I could tell the ocean was higher than normal.

The blimp made it's usual appearance as well.

It was a great trip.

Food, Art & Friends: A Quickie Update

2010-02-27T17:54:00.001-08:00

I just had a long (3 hours) wonderful lunch at Ortega 120 in Redondo
Beach, CA. Awesome place if you are ever in town.

The food was delicious, service great and the company even better - my
dearest girlfriends on the planet.

I also fell in love with this painting!

Veronica Vivianna Has A Secret ~ Cindy Parker-Cook

I can't wait to discover more of her work!

More when I'm back in Seattle.

Parrot Tulips

2010-02-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

I scored these last Saturday while at Pike Place Market. Three bunches, 30 tulips, for $20! I love tulips but these are my favorite variety. The colors and shapes are just so incredibly beautiful.

I love how they open up. Just dreamy!

My favorite flowers are these parrot tulips and stargazer lilies. I think I want parrot tulips for my wedding bouquet.

Parrot tulips, butterflies and cupcakes need to be part of our big day.

I found these wonderful place cards

from Timeless Paper. You can order a minimum of 12 which is perfect for our tiny wedding. They will even print the names of each guest onto them for you. You can also visit their Etsy Shop.

As for cupcakes...unfortunately, we have not found any we are totally happy with in the Seattle area. None have measured up in flavor to Yummy Cupcakes in Burbank, CA. If any of you know a place, or someone, who does delicious and beautiful cupcakes in and around the Seattle area, please do send along that info.

Toodles,

Monday's Cute Rx:

2010-02-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

*pug mugs*

via

Hugs,

A Beautiful Day in Seattle

2010-02-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

Y and I took advantage of the beautiful day today and went out for brunch.

I took my camera with us.

He's growing a beard at the moment.

I like him both with or without.

The food at Lola was yummy! Y had the stack of golden brown pancakes with pork-maple sausage and spiced maple syrup. I had the house cured gravlax with chive cream cheese, tomatoes, capers, onions and rye ficelle. They were so good that I didn't even remember I had my camera until long after our empty plates were taken away, oops.

Lola is located at the Hotel Ändra.

It's under consideration as a possible wedding venue.

We strolled over to Pike Place Market taking advantage of our $5 all day parking score.

I could eat this everyday!

The daffodils were everywhere.

They made me feel like spring is definitely close at hand.

I scored a big load of my favorite parrot tulips.

I'm sure I'll have photos of them during the week.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend.

Kisses,

Wednesday Cravings: Paris

2010-02-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

Paris on my mind.

Seriously craving a trip to Paris.

[sigh]

Electric Memories by Marisa Williams

visit her Etsy shop: risamay

xoxo,