Dreamhouse Designer

Recently, I was contacted by Jesyca Durchin of Dreamhouse Designer to participate as a guest judge in an interior design contest - it was a lot of fun!  Using my blog as inspiration, approximately 100 designers digitally created gypsy-style rooms.  There were so many great entries, and I had the difficult task of choosing the top five.  Here are my picks below (in no particular order).  Visit this link to read my comments on the rooms.  Do you have a favorite?

you can fly...

My favorite parts of ballet class were adagio and jumping (grand allegro especially)...on good days, I felt as if I could sprout wings and fly...such a rush!

Summer Sale!

The summer sale on my website is currently active ~ save 20% on all necklaces now through Saturday, August 4th.  Mention that you follow my blog in the comments section at checkout and receive a free gift!  Click on the image below to be taken to the link.  Thank you!

Lime Sorbet Margaritas

I love this clever recipe for margaritas courtesy of Real Simple.  No blender mess!

Serves 8| Hands-On Time: 10m| Total Time: 10m

Ingredients

• 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
• 1/4  cup  sugar
• 2  pints lime sorbet
• 1/2  cup  tequila

Directions

1. Rub the lime wedges around the rims of 8 stemmed glasses. Place the sugar on a small plate. Turn each glass upside down and dip the rims in the sugar to coat.
2. Place 2 scoops of sorbet in each glass and pour 1 tablespoon of tequila over the top of each. Serve with a spoon.

Enchanted Doll ~ Marina Bychkova

I was so impressed with these beautiful dolls that I had to share them with you.  Created by Marina Bychkova, the exquisite detail and magic she infuses into each creation is extraordinary.  Visit the website here.

romancing the bohemian...

Sometimes, a girl just wants to be romanced...by her home.  Here are some rooms that I'd never want to leave...all images from my board on Pinterest.

Arvo Pärt - Spiegel im Spiegel

Just wanted to share some peace with you today!  Enjoy, my friends...

new necklaces

I had so much fun creating these this weekend...click on the image for more details.  Here's to a good week ahead!

Immortal Beloved ~ the movie

Immortal Beloved (released in 1994 and starring Gary Oldman) is one of my favorite movies, and also happens to be about my favorite classical composer:  Beethoven.  The title is based on Beethoven's infamous deathbed letter to the love of his life.  Oldman delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as Beethoven, the story is at once raw and beautiful, and the score was edited to perfection.  Amadeus got many deserved accolades, but I think Immortal Beloved is even better.  If you have seen it, I'd love to know your thoughts...

 the letter, translated:


This is an extraordinary performance of his Concerto #5 - the second movement (at 21:15) moves me to tears every time.  The pianist is Krystian Zimerman. I love Bernstein's expressions throughout!

{Piano Concerto #5 in E flat major Op. 73 (Emperor) by Ludwig Van Beethoven with the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Leonard Bernstein}

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

If you love sweet potatoes as much as I do, this recipe from Simply Recipes is a must!  Find it here.

Moroccan Wedding Blankets

I love the tradition behind Moroccan wedding blankets.  The bride-to-be's mother typically begins weaving the blanket when the girl is young, as part of her dowry.  They are woven of undyed wool and cotton, and are often decorated with bands of colorful talismanic symbols and sequins.  These decorative items are said to protect the couple from evil and also to reflect the light from the sun and nighttime fires.

 It's a vanishing art form, and these blankets are getting difficult to find, but if you're interested in purchasing one, visit Beyond Marrakesh. All photos below are a small sampling from their website. Aren't they extraordinary?