29.11.15

Community Dinner Party

Do you sometimes feel like we all live inside bubbles?  The kind of bubbles we built for ourselves to feel safe and comfortable...but at the same time, we get too comfortable that we lose our sense of adventure and wonder.  I have been feeling that a lot lately.  I miss the kind of feelings you get when you meet a complete stranger and somehow you end up having the most rewarding and amazing conversation with that person.  I miss the kind of conversation where you leave feeling inspired and your soul is filled with so much happiness. So I decided to host a dinner party where strangers would get together and converse over great food and wine.





The concept of the dinner party is almost like a pot luck dinner.  I pick a cook book and everyone who will attend the dinner choose a recipe from the book and bring it to the party.  I set up the table with fresh flowers and my vintage china.


I picked A Kitchen in France by Mimi Thorisson.  Not only are the recipes amazing, the photography is so inspiring.


I made Roast chicken with Creme Fraiche and Herb.  Delish!






Nothing make me more happy than seeing people enjoying good food and great conversations.  The owner of the cafe, Pan'e Dolcetti, made this out of this world delicious poached pear dessert from the book.





Strangers are just friends we haven't met.  My soul is very happy tonight.

23.11.15

When life gives you a $15 bed frame and a sneak peek of Bella's Black room

When life gives you a $15 bed frame from Savers, you dress it up with some luscious velvet.  I mean did you expect anything else?  Here is the before.


A friend from my upholstery class found it at a local Savers and picked it up for me.  It was kind of a perfect timing since I sold the girls' iron beds very quickly.  Do you remember these??


They are now gone to other little girls.  Oh how they grow fast.  So for the last two weeks, I have been painting, upholstering, and moving things around.  I think when you work around a very tight budget and buying things you want is not an option, you just have to take your time and get creative.  I used this gorgeous dark purple velvet fabric I already have but it was perfect because Bella was very adamant about black, dark purple, and hot pink being her color choices.



Ok.  Can we talk about the chalkboard walls?  I am not going to lie.  I was very nervous about them but they came out so good!  I am painting one wall white to bring a bit more light in.  I am so happy I painted the rest of the room black.  Now back to the bed.




I just painted a coat of Fusion Mineral paint in Sterling.  I didn't want the paint to look too perfect.  A little imperfect is needed to balance out the velvet.  I upholstered thin plywood then simply nailed them to the head board and foot board.  I really had so much fun upholstering the bed that I want to do more!!  Of course I have no need for any more beds.



I used things I have around the house to decorate this side of her room.  The gold mirror really shines with the black wall.  Right now I am reupholstering a chair per her request.  She sketched out a design with velvet and faux fur.  Yup she is my daughter.  I am thinking that is where the pink will comes in.  Next on the lists are building a small desk, sewing bohemian curtains, and some art works.  This girl got it good.


Here is to six years olds who know exactly what they want and don't let their mommies talk them out of anything.  I am wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!


Love,
Victoria



15.11.15

Quiet Sunday Morning

It is starting to feel like Christmas.  Well at least it is starting to feel like it inside.  I love Christmas.  I start listening to Christmas music probably before Halloween.  The girls and I tried to wait as long as we could to start decorating the house but...we gave in today.


Simple Christmas decor.


Aurora was very excited to get her own baby Christmas tree.


I am thinking our little personal hat holder needs some garland around her.


Bella helped her sister decorates the tree until she gets her own.  If only Mommy just stops being lazy and starts painting her room already.  I love mornings like these.  The house is all quiet except for the soft lullaby of Christmas music and children giggling.


I am reminding myself to sit down and be content and to savor every drop of my morning coffee.  I am reminding myself to fill this space with as much love and kindness as possible.  I think our world is in desperate needs of that.




Happy Sunday, friends.


Love,
Victoria