tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84155399151858171502024-03-19T01:48:42.097-07:00Trois Petites FillesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-42005546771200104542016-05-04T18:25:00.000-07:002016-05-04T18:25:48.369-07:00HelloCan you believe it is almost summer? It doesn't even feel like spring at all here. Every morning we wake up and are greeted with dark sky and rain. I guess mother nature is telling me to put down my gardening tools and pick up a book or two. I know I have been absent from blogging world for awhile. Tell you the truth, I just didn't know what else to post. I guess I didn't really started blogging because I love decorating and stuff. I mean I love looking at pretty pictures in magazines and such but I have never been the type to care much about lamps or curtains or home accessories. What I love doing are projects that allow me to be creative. As creatives, those burst of inspirations come and go. Somewhere along the blogging journey, I felt myself comparing and contrasting and forcing myself to do things just because. So I took a break...read a lot...got a lot of art pieces...took lots of pictures...and live freely. <br />
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When the weather lets me, I find myself spending countless hours mending our 13 garden beds...yes 13!! What was I thinking????<br />
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We celebrated birthdays. We ate lots of cakes. A new lady in green joined us. I found this 4 1/2 foot tall antique frame for twenty something dollars and I think she suits it very well.</div>
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The girls and I still go for our treasure hunts on weekends. Sometimes we get lucky and find thing like this gorgeous blue trunk for $10. We celebrate, by that I mean, I celebrate and they humor me. We go for our stroll through a book store followed by our favorite Thai lunch.</div>
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Chairs move around like musical chairs. <br />
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New things pop up randomly...sometimes they are seven foot portrait. <br />
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Life, of course, is constantly moving. Sometimes it is a smooth stream and other time a rough sea. It has taken me almost four and half years of rediscovering myself to finally find my rhythm..to dance to the beat of my own drum...to be one with my own soul. May your soul be well.<br />
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Love,<br />
VictoriaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com229tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-84185452915067896252016-03-15T10:24:00.000-07:002016-03-15T10:24:22.770-07:00Books and more books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello, friends.</div>
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I know I have been away for so long. Life here has been wonderful. It is quiet. There are lots of reading and just simply living involved. I really haven't done much projects lately and that is why I haven't blogged much. I started doing hot yoga four days a week and the girls and I spend a lot times at the library. Our Aurora just turned five and she is ever fabulous.</div>
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She knows her art and artists. She loves her impressionist artists but last week we started talking about Matisse and Picasso. Every morning she wants me to teach her about a new artist and quiz her about all the other ones she knows. We are working on Rembrandt right now. She is something else. </div>
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I thought I share with you a little project I have been *slowly...very slowly* working on. This is a wall in Bella's room. Originally I thought I would leave it white but clearly I can't just leave things alone. I knew all of my old books hoarding habit would come in handy. Here is her book covers wall. I am working on small section at a time because I want to be really picky about the titles of the books. <br />
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Bella is hard to impress. She is my old soul. </div>
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Here is Aurora's room. She said she needs art in her room and she is right. We went to Isabella Gardner Museum a month or so ago and she came home with this idea that if her sister is named after a museum then she is going to have her own museum. She said, "Mommy, I want to name our house, Aurora Phoenix museum, and I need you to get more antiques and make little signs that say, Do not touch. Everyone has to pay me money to get in."<br />
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Spring is almost here, ladies. You know what that means, I got my gardening hat ready!<br />
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Love,<br />
VictoriaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-71464729232906765222016-02-09T13:49:00.000-08:002016-02-09T13:50:58.362-08:00Ode to Frida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My love for Frida Kahlo started like how most of my other passions started...through my grandmother. I don't remember when or how the love affair began but it did. <br />
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I appreciate her strong sense of individuality and her unwavering passion and devotion for everything she loves.<br />
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What makes Frida so inspiring to me is the hardships and the heartbreaks that she endured. I love how she channeled every ounce of her feelings through her art. <br />
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Frida painted this self portrait in the summer of 1926. She named it Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress. The story goes that she painted it for her lover at the time, Alejandro. Their relationship was turning sour at the time because Alejandro thought Frida was too liberal and wild. She sent him this painting and promised him that she will be a better person to deserve him. Well that relationship clearly didn't work and along came Diego and the rest is history.<br />
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If a seven foot print of Frida Kahlo's self portrait doesn't belong in our house, then I don't know where it would. I also learned that the best way for me to teach the girls about Art history is by surrounding them with Art.<br />
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Bella is not a big fan of the painting. She said, "I don't know about her eyebrows." Even though Bella is the more creative and artsy one of the two, she is not as into art history as Aurora. When Aurora saw the print, she said, "That is Frida Kahlo." Then she said, "Well, she is not a very pretty woman but I do like her make up." So of course there was a discussion about how beauty lies in having confidence in yourself and not caring about what others might say about you.<br />
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You know sometimes you say things to your children then forget about them? Well today, I was doing my hair and I said, "Aurora, do you like my hair like this or this?" She said as she brushes my cheek gently, "your normal self because I like you just how you are." I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. Well at least I know my love for Mr.Darcy is rubbing off on my children.<br />
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With that I will leave you with this quote from Frida.<br />
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"<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me, too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you."</em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em>
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em>
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Be unapologetically you.</em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Love,</em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Victoria</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-71541559390671577632016-01-25T17:49:00.001-08:002016-01-25T17:49:56.177-08:00January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
January. When did you arrive and where did you go? Our life has been a quiet one here. I have been fighting this cold for half of the month. I am sure I have coughed more than I have talked. Here is to better winter days.</div>
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Love,<br />
VictoriaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-57879064109256897002016-01-11T09:41:00.001-08:002016-01-11T09:41:42.544-08:00Stories of my grandmothersI have two sets of grandparents just from my mother's side. It is an interesting story that if I invest enough time, it would makes for a great novel. From snippets of story and through conversations, I gathered that my biological grandmother comes from a poor village family and when she was in her teens, she came to her cousin of some distant relation's home to help. This cousin of hers was wealthy and educated and married to a doctor. Of course this was during the time when Burma was still a British colony. They lived in a beautiful grand Victorian home with a garden surrounding the whole property. They seem to have it all except they couldn't have any children. The story goes that my grandmother was arranged to get married at the age of seventeen to a local jail warden. She would then have five children and each child was adopted by her cousin. My grandmother continued to live in her cousin's home and took care of the house and its residents. My mother and her siblings were loved and raised by two sets of parents who were in their own ways were polar opposites. I never really got a chance to get to know my grandfathers but my two grandmothers were important figures in my life. These two women would continue to raise these children and took care of one another long after their husband's deaths and until my Mommy Gyi (my mother's adopted mother) death. What I remember most about Mommy Gyi is her loves for antiques and decorating. Every weekend, I woke up to the sounds of furniture moving. Of course what I remember the most about my other grandmother, Mommy Choe, is her love for cooking. I can't though figure out if she loves cooking because she truly loves food or if her love stems from spending her whole life in the kitchen and that is where she now feels comfortable most. She takes great pride in each dishes. To this day, she wakes up with the sun rise to walk through local farmer market for her ingredients. She plans each meal thoughtfully to make sure the vegetable dish would compliments the main meat dish and the soup would enhance the flavor of the side dishes. Her daughters would beg her to relax and not cook anymore but she ends up sneaking into the kitchen and pushing the cooks out of the kitchen anyway.<br />
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I think my grandmother's favorite thing to do is to stand next to you as you take your first bite of the meal. She watches you with such intensity. I can tell you that even before each flavor burst in my mouth, I know every bite of her food would be delicious. Even my father, who is very hard to please, will tell everyone that no one can cook as well as his mother in law. <br />
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Sometimes I wonder if half the fun in cooking is actually watching other people enjoy your meals. Every time I fry the chili oil or find some wonderful treasures at a flea market, I feel I am closer to my grandmothers. Of course, whenever I cook for friends and I find myself staring intensely as they take their first bites and feel a rush of such excitement. I think to myself how the blood and the memories of these two women are rooted so stronger in my identity. <br />
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Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.cookingforkeeps.com/2014/10/13/spicy-thai-style-pumpkin-butternut-ramen/">www.cookingforkeeps.com</a><br />
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Spicy Pumpkin and Butternut Ramen</div>
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<div id="zlrecipe-prep-time" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">
Prep Time: <span content="PT5M" itemprop="prepTime" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 minutes</span></div>
<div id="zlrecipe-cook-time" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">
Cook Time: <span content="PT20M" itemprop="cookTime" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">20 minutes</span></div>
<div id="zlrecipe-total-time" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">
Total Time: <span content="PT25M" itemprop="totalTime" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">25 minutes</span></div>
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<div id="zlrecipe-yield" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">
Yield: <span itemprop="recipeYield" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span></div>
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<div id="zlrecipe-serving-size" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">
Serving Size: <span itemprop="servingSize" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 bowl</span></div>
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Easy, thai-style homemade ramen at home and in under 30 minutes!</div>
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<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.25em; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Ingredients</div>
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<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoon olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">1 small onion, thinly sliced</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">3 teaspoons minced ginger</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">2 garlic cloves, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cups sliced shitake mushrooms</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">1 fresno chile (or more depending on your spice tolerance), thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups cubed butternut squash</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">3 cups chicken broth</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">1 can light coconut milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">½ cup pumpkin puree</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">2 teaspoons red curry paste</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">2 small chicken breasts (about 3/4 pound)</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-12" itemprop="ingredients" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">3 ounces chinese ramen noodles (not fried)</li>
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Instructions</div>
<ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">In a large pot, heat olive oil over a medium-high heat. Add onion, ginger and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Add mushrooms and chiles, sauté another 2-3 minutes. Add salt and butternut squash. Cook another minute.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Add chicken broth, coconut milk, pumpkin puree, red curry paste and chicken. Reduce heat to a simmer until chicken is cooked through, 7-8 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and shred.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Add chicken back to the pot along with noodles.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-4" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Cook until noodles are soft.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-5" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Season with salt and pepper.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-6" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #313442; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Garnish with sliced chiles and cilantro.</li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-59794232004557305092016-01-09T11:00:00.001-08:002016-01-09T11:00:38.215-08:00Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the first ray of day light slowly drifts through the living room, my bare feet move through the shadows. All is quiet except for the noise of this old house waking itself up slowly and the excitement of the dogs who are ready to escape through the back door and into the cold morning for a run. </div>
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Just like yesterday and the day before that, my body moves through the motions of the day. However if I am mindful enough, in the sameness of everyday, I find life's little pleasures.<br />
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Here is just a glimpse of small bits of my day.<br />
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I love sitting at Bella's desk and look through her art book. I am constantly blown away by how amazing children's imagination can be.<br />
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I am rarely alone but when I do get a chance to be by myself, I truly cherish it.</div>
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Today is one of those days.<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-27930704945392697492016-01-04T08:09:00.000-08:002016-01-04T08:09:11.878-08:00Turban on. Turban offI have to tell you. I have been wanting to write this post for a very long time. It is about turbans and my love for them. Everytime I start writing it, I get overwhelmed with excitement and I can't seem to just pick a few inspiration pictures from my archive of hundreds and hundreds of turban pictures. I don't know where or when my obsession with turbans started. I assume it started with my grandmother as she truly is the most chicest woman I know. I have collections of scarves I picked up from flea markets over the years and they come in handy for those days when you don't feel like doing your hair. I guess I have a lot of those days because I find myself sporting a turban most days.<br />
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Can you believe the top two portraits of yours truly is taken by Bella? She styled me then told me how to pose. She was so excited that I let her use my big girl camera.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwo3pBVXJak/VoqVRqQc8dI/AAAAAAAAEIk/ugHScUDeo3U/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwo3pBVXJak/VoqVRqQc8dI/AAAAAAAAEIk/ugHScUDeo3U/s640/4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here is Bella rocking her turban. Just in case you are not convinced yet to try a turban I found inspirations of women of all ages rocking turbans. I found all of these pictures from pinterest.<br />
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If you are thinking that these women can wear a turban because they are young, I have to tell you some of the chicest women I have seen wearing turbans are beautiful older women.<br />
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How beautiful are they? If a full turban seems intimidating then try a half turban.<br />
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Here are a few ways you can wrap a turban courtesy of pinterest.<br />
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So pour yourself a glass wine and go through that stash of scarves you have hoarding ( I know you have it.) Have fun and rock that turban!<br />
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Love,<br />
VictoriaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-37349164256296248592015-12-29T13:50:00.000-08:002016-01-07T17:48:45.693-08:00Living with ArtI didn't grow up with Art. There are no artists in my family and in my culture, most artists come from poor families because that was the only way they could support themselves. Art was never encouraged or thought of. Of course, time have changed and being an artist and a creative is finally thought highly of. Back when I was fifteen and fresh from Burma, I found so much refuge in museums and books. Something about standing in front of larger than life art pieces make me feel so happy. I guess I have been trying to recreate that feeling and appreciation for art with the girls. <br />
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For Christmas all I wanted was a John Waterhouse's print to go inside this frame. The frame is about seven foot tall and four foot wide. B who is now used to my crazy ways got me a print of Waterhouse's Circe Invidiosa.<br />
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As a lover of Greek mythology, I have a soft spot for Waterhouse's paintings. His romantic colors and depictions of women are incredible. There is something dark and moody about this particular painting that really attracted me. Circe, who is the goddess of magic, is seen here poisoning the water to turn her rival into a monster. I was as giddy as a child when I got this print...so can you guess how disappointed I was when I found out the print was only three foot wide and too small to fit into my frame? I cried. While trying to figure out what to do with the print, I decided to hang it up in Bella's room. The print is printed on a heavy canvas and all I had to do was used decorative nails to hang it up on the wall.<br />
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Without a frame, the print seems flat, doesn't it? After finding out how much large frames really cost, I decided to make one myself. All I did was buy three pieces of eight foot moldings to build a simple frame. I added left over appliques to the corners and gilded the frame.<br />
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How gorgeous does it look against the black wall?<br />
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The details on the print are amazing. It actually looks and feels like a painting.<br />
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Here you can see the details of the frame. I nailed the two pieces together. The frame is very light since there is no backing. <br />
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Where there is darkness, there is light. In this case, where there is a problem, there is always a solution. Now I am in search for another painting to go into the frame. I suspect soon our house will actually look like a museum...and I can't wait for that day!!<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
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Linking up with:<br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/">http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/">http://shabbyartboutique.com/</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-35823646845009153302015-12-15T13:19:00.002-08:002015-12-19T11:24:16.010-08:00Crazy Chair LadyI think it might be fair to say that I am turning into a crazy chair lady. I have chairs. I collect chairs. People give me chairs. Chairs remind people of me. So this was the case with this little vintage chair. A friend of mine found it at a local Savers and bought it for me. <br />
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It had broken cane on the side. I stripped it down to its bare bone. It was the perfect size for Bella's room and she even picked out what she wanted me to reupholstered it with. Faux Fur and Velvet. Yup, that is my child. Here is Bella's chair all beautified.</div>
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I decided to use two different color velvet for contrast.<br />
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It is the perfect chair for her little desk.<br />
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Of course, the chair also got gold leaf treatment.</div>
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I might be obsessed with this new dark moody room. The room isn't always this dark. Actually it is the brightest room in the house with lots of windows. I love the moodiness of the black wall when the sun sets. </div>
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It took a six year old child to push me out of my comfort zone but I can honestly say this might be <strike>my</strike> our favorite room in the house.</div>
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I think this pretty chair adds a little drama into the room.<br />
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Wishing everyone the happiest of Holidays!!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Victoria<br />
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Linking up with:<br />
<a href="http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/">http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shabbyfufublog.com/">http://www.shabbyfufublog.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/">http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-18657539743006330942015-11-29T19:56:00.000-08:002015-11-29T19:56:00.255-08:00Community Dinner PartyDo 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. <br />
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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. <br />
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I picked A Kitchen in France by Mimi Thorisson. Not only are the recipes amazing, the photography is so inspiring.<br />
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I made Roast chicken with Creme Fraiche and Herb. Delish!<br />
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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.<br />
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Strangers are just friends we haven't met. My soul is very happy tonight.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-29041278268543330772015-11-23T12:49:00.001-08:002015-11-23T13:09:34.858-08:00When life gives you a $15 bed frame and a sneak peek of Bella's Black roomWhen 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.<br />
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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??<br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-49336978327311746072015-11-15T07:49:00.000-08:002015-11-15T07:49:19.640-08:00Quiet Sunday MorningIt 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. <br />
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Simple Christmas decor.<br />
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Aurora was very excited to get her own baby Christmas tree. <br />
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I am thinking our little personal hat holder needs some garland around her.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Happy Sunday, friends.<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-87997943961593728502015-10-30T13:31:00.001-07:002015-10-30T13:31:02.980-07:00AutumnThere is a little corner of magic at our local library.<br />
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I took these pictures with my phone. It really felt like you walked into another world. The sky above is just canopy of golden leaves.<br />
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Below you is a carpet of magic.<br />
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Oh, Autumn. You had me at Hello.<br />
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Love,<br />
VictoriaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-91702549813749586132015-10-25T16:41:00.001-07:002015-10-25T16:41:37.309-07:00Weekend ThoughtsHow quickly weekend flies by. The girls and I had a busy weekend of wedding and cupcakes. On Saturday we drove into Boston for my cousin's wedding. I love weddings....I cry at every wedding. It is such a happy occasion and the idea of two people making that commitment to spend the rest of their lives together pulls at my heartstrings. We, by that I mean, I wanted to have all three of us dress up in our suits and take over the dance floor. <div>
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How adorable are they with their little velvet tuxedo jackets and bow ties?? After the wedding, we met up with friends and walked around Newbury Street. They had their very first George Town cupcakes. We got home late at night and both of the girls went to bed within two minutes of getting home. As I was laying in bed last night, I thought a lot about our lives. I guess before I had kids, I was never really been the type of person to LOVE children. I mean I like them but I guess I never really thought about being a mom or wanting to be a mom. </div>
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Then these little people came along and they changed my life. I know it is cliche but for me, motherhood has made my life more....meaningful. All of a sudden, here they are...the next generation of human beings and that is what they are...individuals with their own thoughts and needs and ideas. </div>
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For me, parenthood is not just about simply raising these children with love and support but also making sure that these little people would someday become the people who care and attribute something good to this society and earth. Of course there are many challenging days. There are days when I am literally reduced to tears from feeling overwhelmed. I am constantly asking myself if I am saying the right things or doing the right things? Am I supporting them enough? Am I also firm enough so they don't get spoiled? In the midst of temper tantrums and melt downs...</div>
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there are moments when they show you how brilliant and strong they really are.</div>
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Motherhood is hard and it really does takes a village to raise good people. As I walked around the house on this gloomy Sunday, I felt so thankful for my village. </div>
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I felt inspired by strong women before me.<br />
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The women who took the time to raise me and shape me into the person I am today.<br />
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Thank you.</div>
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Love, </div>
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Victoria</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-65380897961546025842015-10-23T13:17:00.000-07:002015-10-23T13:17:19.198-07:00Cranberry Walnut SconesMy love for any kind of bake goods knows no boundaries. I mean I am kind of a dessert snob though. If I am going to consume that much amount of sugar and butter, it has better be the best dessert I ever had. Imagine being minutes away from one of the most amazing bakery you have ever been to...where every dessert and every piece bread is being baked right in the kitchen and they all just taste oh so good. Yup. That is my life every day since my favorite bakery Pan'e Dolcetti opened almost two years ago. The girls and I start our days there. Almost nothing makes me more happy than taking a bite out of a warm and decadent scone that just came right out of the oven. Felice, the owner of the bakery, was kind enough <I may have forced him just a bit> to share the recipe for the yummiest Cranberries Walnut Scones.<br />
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Wouldn't they make the perfect breakfast for the morning after Thanksgiving??? Or even the morning of. Here are step by step pictures. <br />
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Ingredients<br />
475 g flour<br />
88 g sugar<br />
10 g Baking Powder<br />
9 g Salt<br />
1/3 lbs Butter<br />
6 oz Milk<br />
4 oz Heavy Cream<br />
3/4 tsp Vanilla<br />
2 g Cinnamon<br />
112.5 g Walnut<br />
112.5 g Cranberries<br />
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Soak Cranberries in hot water. Chop Walnuts. Mix all ingredients in mixer. Spread the dough and roll it out to 1 inch thick. Cut out triangles. Mix 1 egg with a dash of salt and brush over each scone then sprinkle raw sugar over it. Bake at 375 degree for 8 minutes and check then bake for eight more minutes. And Enjoy!!!<br />
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Love,<br />
VictoriaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-54309438839186340522015-10-21T05:23:00.001-07:002015-10-21T05:26:38.559-07:00Books Covered Art Case Tutorial<br />
Lets be curious.<br />
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That I am. Always curious. My mind is a jumble of ideas, questions, and thoughts. Once I have an idea stuck in my head, I will stop at nothing to make it happen. To be able to create with no restrictions is one of the best feelings in the world for me. I think this art case is the best example of that.<br />
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I love books. I love the feel of them...the smell of them. Sometimes I go to flea markets and I would see tables full of old books just sitting there and I feel sad. I don't even know why. I always bring a few of them home for 25 cents a book. I have a lot of books all hiding in book shelves and I love the idea of books somehow being apart of my every day life. Originally I did this art case as a Christmas present for B but I love it so much I stole it back from him. : )<br />
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I absolutely adore this art case. It costs less than five dollars to make since I already had the case and you can buy old books for very cheap at flea markets. The fun part, of course, is picking the right book covers. Here is what you will need for your very own books covered art case. Book covers, suitcase or art case and hot glue gun.<br />
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I love these old beat up suitcases for some reasons. Look at the hardware. <br />
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Keep in mind that the bigger the case is, the more books you are going to need. After saying your parting words, rip the cover off the book.<br />
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Cut the spine of the book.<br />
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Look how gorgeous the art work is on the cover.<br />
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Next hot glue the spine of the book to the case.<br />
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Make sure you don't glue the spines too flat. You will want it to look like if the books are just causally placed on the case.<br />
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I love to use all different parts of the cover for this project.<br />
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Have fun picking the titles of the books. Play around with colors.<br />
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Viola. Now you have your own one of a kind art case.<br />
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Happy Creating, my friends.<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-14740275308083322302015-10-19T12:53:00.002-07:002015-10-23T13:37:43.356-07:00Sometimes a girl just have to paint...Sometimes, after I put the girls to bed for the night, I find myself feeling restless.Of course there are lots of things I should be and could be doing. Last night was one of those nights. I had chairs I should be working on for clients. I had laundry I should be folding and piles of book I could be reading but I didn't want to do any of those. I found myself walking into my work room staring at sea of chairs I have been <strike>hoarding</strike> collecting. I pulled out a French love seat I have been wanting to reupholster for awhile. I went to my paint cabinet and pulled out my little art case. While Mat Kearney singing softly in the background, I painted...and painted. <br />
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I painted the upholstery with half Annie Sloan chalk paint in Antoinette and half water mixture. I let it dry for a few hours. Ideally you should let it dry for at least 24 hours. <br />
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I am not a trained painter. I am however inspired by amazing artists such as Katie Rodger of <a href="http://paperfashion.net/">Paper Fashion</a>. She has this ability to use paint to create such magical images. Is there anything more beautiful than magic of paint and ladies in gorgeous gowns? <br />
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Painting on fabric is definitely a lot more different from canvas. I wanted the painting to be soft and feminine.<br />
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Originally I thought Bella might like it but when I showed her this morning, she said, "Well, isn't that a silly thing?" I guess she doesn't like "anything pretty" anymore.<br />
Instead of hiding in my work room until I get a chance to reupholster it, now this lovely chair can be in Aurora's room. <br />
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Be Different. Be Weird. Be You.<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
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Linking up with:<br />
<a href="http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/">http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/">http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/">http://shabbyartboutique.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/">http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-61805378223732123062015-10-15T14:21:00.001-07:002015-10-15T14:21:42.896-07:00A Day of Apple Picking and Mini Apple Loaf CakesIs there anything more Fall than apple picking? I have been living in New England for seventeen years and I never went apple picking until I had kids. I think simplest things become so much more special when you look at them through children's eyes. The girls and I went apple picking with dear friends over the weekend and what a special day it was.<br />
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It was one of those perfect day when the sun was shinning so beautifully. We walk through field of wild flowers and apples.<br />
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The girls and I had such an amazingly fun day and we came home with more apples than we know what to do with. Today while the girls were at school, I baked yummy mini apple loaf cakes. Baking is like therapy for me. I know some people like to bake with their children and you see pictures of them all smiling and life is so wonderful but that is not the case with us. Usually there are tears and arguing and somebody is in time out. I am not the kind of baker who can just make up recipes either. I do however love looking at amazing food blogs. I decided to use Mini French Apple Cakes recipe from <a href="http://hungryrabbitnyc.com/2013/07/vacation-blues-mini-french-apple-cakes/?crlt.pid=camp.iYdiuxZvJs4g">Hungry Rabbit.</a> If you love desserts, you will love his blog.<br />
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The cake itself is already sweet but since we got dessert monsters in this house, I made Vanilla Caramel Glaze to go over it. They were out of this world sweet and delicious! <br />
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We even made little flags for them. Bella asked what we were celebrating and I just said, "I don't know. Life?"<br />
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This apple cake is definitely worth celebrating.<br />
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Recipe for Vanilla Caramel Glaze<br />
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-1/4 cup of unsalted butter<br />
-1/3 cup of brown sugar<br />
-1 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar<br />
-2 tbsp of milk<br />
-1 tbsp of vanilla extract<br />
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Melt butter in the sauce pan over medium high heat. Once the butter is melted, put brown sugar in and stir continuously. Once the mixture boils, remove from the heat and add the milk. Stir vigorously until the milk is completely mixed in. Then add vanilla extract and confectioners' sugar until you get the right consistency. <br />
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Recipe for Mini Apple Cakes from <a href="http://hungryrabbitnyc.com/2013/07/vacation-blues-mini-french-apple-cakes/?crlt.pid=camp.iYdiuxZvJs4g">Hungry Rabbit</a><br />
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Mini French Apple Cake</h2>
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yield: Six 3-inch cakes or one 9-inch cake</h4>
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INGREDIENTS</h5>
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2 pounds (about 4) Granny Smith apples , peeled, cored, cut into 8 wedges, and sliced 1/8 inch thick crosswise<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4 tablespoon dark rum<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1 cup (5 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1 cup (7 ounces) plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2 teaspoons baking powder<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3 large eggs. room temperature<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />10 tablespoons (5 ounces) unsalted butter<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3/4 cup whole milk<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div>
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DIRECTIONS</h5>
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1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 350℉. Spray six 3-inch round cake pan (3-inch high) with cooking spray, line bottoms with parchment, grease parchment. Place prepared pan on rimmed baking sheet, set aside.</div>
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2. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the butter until it turns golden brown, about 5-8 minutes; remove from heat and let cool slightly.</div>
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3. Place apple slices into microwave-safe pie plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave until apples are pliable and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss apple slices with 1 tablespoon of dark rum and lemon juice and let cool for 15 minutes.</div>
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4. Whisk 1 cup flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt together in bowl. Whisk eggs, brown butter, milk, remaining 3 tablespoon of rum and vanilla together in second bowl until smooth. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Using spatula, gently fold in cooled apples. Divide batter evenly between prepared pan; using offset spatula, spread batter evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar evenly over cakes.</div>
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5. Bake until center of cake is set, toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, and top is golden brown, about 45-50 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack; let cool for 15 minutes. Run paring knife around sides of pan and invert cake from pan and cool on wire rack completely, about 1 hour.</div>
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SERVING SUGGESTIONS</h5>
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Serve with a dollop of sweetened créme fraīche, vanilla ice cream or simply w a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Cakes can e refrigerate in airtight containers for 3 days; bring it to room temperature or warm cake in 350℉ oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-14029790649558196412015-10-11T14:01:00.002-07:002015-10-11T14:01:43.187-07:00Weekend Musings.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Greeting from this bed of mine. Every weekend I tell myself how much work I am going to get done and then BAM! I am in bed...sick...whiny...hungry always hungry. Most of you know when the only grown up in the house is out of commission, mutiny begins. </div>
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As the girls and the dogs are planning their uprising, I am sitting in bed with every fashion magazine possible and cups of tea.<br />
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I am also thinking about what direction this blog is going? I realized I will never be one of the big blogs with sponsors because I simply don't fit into the mainstream. I don't want to post for the sake of posting because then it is just boring for everyone. <br />
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As much as I love home decor and furniture make overs, I want to branch out toward other passions. I love fashion and skincare. I love food. I would love to blog about those too. If you follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/troispetitesfilles/">Instagram</a>, you will probably notice that I started posting a lot more fashion posts. <br />
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My friends will say I dress like somebody's very chic grandpa...with love of ballgowns and turbans. I believe in dressing up everyday and yes I am that annoying mom who shows up to playgrounds in a ballgown skirt. No matter what the outfit is I have a quick 10 minutes rule. I hope you will enjoy this new direction the blog will be taking. I would love to hear your thoughts. Wishing you a fun filled weekend!<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-28539936534343024922015-10-06T11:13:00.000-07:002015-10-08T16:13:16.371-07:00Living outside the box and vintage carousal horse "To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." -Joseph Chilton Pearce<br />
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I am a true believer in your home should represents who you are as a person. It should tell the story of your life and where you have been. It has never been about how much a certain thing costs or who the designer is. Rules simply don't apply when you live outside the box. <br />
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Art has been a huge part of my life and I want the girls to grow up around paintings and Art...<br />
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Or to think outside the box while creating. If you don't have a paper canvas, use your fridge to create art.<br />
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Or be so inspired by a book that you recreate a particular image from the book. This book spines archway was inspired by a book called The Shadow of the wind.<br />
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Of course I had to make a wallpaper out of all the book pages I had from ripping out the book covers for the archway.<br />
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It is ok to say yes to the most magical childhood requests of having an indoor swing in the middle of your dining room. In my hunt for the most unusual things, I have found such interesting pieces with their own stories. This pale pink gilded dining chair was made in France before electricity was invented. I bought four of these beauties for all of 25 dollars. Of course they did not look like this when I found them. So it was not a huge surprise that somehow I would find this vintage carousal horse.<br />
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It has the most perfect patina and shabbiness. Within a day of bringing it home, Aurora decided to use it as her hats hanger. <br />
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So it resides happily in her room.<br />
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A girl and her very first pair of velvet pumps.<br />
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I can honestly say I want to move into her room now.<br />
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Welcome to our crazy world, little horse. I hope you like it here.<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
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Linking up with:<br />
<a href="http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/">http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">http://www.astrollthrulife.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/">http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/">http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/">http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/">http://shabbyartboutique.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/">http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-82118124458996751872015-10-01T14:14:00.001-07:002015-10-01T14:14:19.882-07:00Every six years old needs a chic black room??If you have been reading my blog for awhile, then you probably know that our house is as feminine as they come. Almost everything is gilded or covered in faded velvet. The house is filled with flowers on a regular basic.<br />
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Most days you will find me surrounded by vases and flowers. It is my happy place.<br />
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Everything is soft and light....and dare I say romantic? Now that I am done redoing Aurora's room, Bella is ready for me to redo hers. I asked her two things she must have for her new room and this was her reply. She wants her room to be black and to be draw on the wall. My first reaction was NO and NO. Then I did some more research and found these amazing rooms on pinterest. Are you ready to go through my inspirations with me? <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd0b7F3fVfo/Vg2ZnJH-pUI/AAAAAAAADjg/Hhxmy8OQIeo/s1600/JennaLyonsHome1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd0b7F3fVfo/Vg2ZnJH-pUI/AAAAAAAADjg/Hhxmy8OQIeo/s1600/JennaLyonsHome1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sugarandcharm.com/2013/10/jenna-lyons.html/">Source</a><br />
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Jenna Lyons's bedroom was what convinced me. I like how chic and modern it looks. I know it looks nothing like my house but my baby got me with her "Well, you get to do what you want as an artist. So why can't I?" I am thinking glossy black chalk paint with white crown molding. <br />
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<a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2012/05/31/unexpected-guests-anna-dorfman/">Source</a><br />
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Call me crazy but I think white fireplace mantle against the black wall is a must. She is six...I know but we don't really go by the rules now, do we?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMgnLmI3cMU/Vg2cD53jshI/AAAAAAAADjw/oQlgVeJ-TbA/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMgnLmI3cMU/Vg2cD53jshI/AAAAAAAADjw/oQlgVeJ-TbA/s1600/Black.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.popsugar.com/home/Paint-Color-Ideas-33370208#photo-33370237">Source</a><br />
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A yummy seat or a swing for her to read?<br />
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-rooms-that-make-black-walls-work-217856">Source</a><br />
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I love the feel of this cozy room. A chandelier and a rustic table to balance out the rest of the room?<br />
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<a href="http://brabournefarm.blogspot.com/2011/03/little-touch-of-blues.html">Source</a><br />
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I found a vintage bed frame for $15 that I am going to be recreating with appliques and upholstery. I love how this bed looks but hers will be simple gold and pale pink or cream. One of the wall will have a large gilded frame as a place for her to draw. Of course she will needs one of her mama's chairs made just for her. I am pretty crazy inspired by this chair.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WChgrAvqlQQ/Vg2gh3pd5fI/AAAAAAAADkU/4j2Wp_r5M9g/s1600/ashley-woodson-bailey_floral_wallpaper_1-680x1020%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WChgrAvqlQQ/Vg2gh3pd5fI/AAAAAAAADkU/4j2Wp_r5M9g/s1600/ashley-woodson-bailey_floral_wallpaper_1-680x1020%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cupofjo.com/2015/09/ashley-woodson-bailey-flower-wallpaper/">Source</a><br />
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So am I completely crazy or what? I can't wait to get started!!! Happy October!<br />
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Love,<br />
VictoriaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-21001637591880832202015-09-25T18:19:00.000-07:002015-10-01T14:27:24.418-07:00Bohemian Velvet Floor PillowsI am on a DIY kick. Like most artists, I go through my highs and my lows. Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed with inspirations and other times I am grasping for creativity. Aren't we all a little mad here? I have been wanting to make these velvet floor pillows for awhile. I guess this is about as Fall as I will get. <br />
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You know I love velvet anything. I love it even more when they are faded jewel tones. These are super easy to make and trust me, I am an amateur sewer. In about one hour, I sewed three of these bad boys. I added these pretty tassels for more boho vibe. <br />
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<span id="goog_1118764854"></span><span id="goog_1118764855"></span>These pillows will be in Aurora's new room as her tea party floor pillows.<br />
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They look gorgeous on her bed too.<br />
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I made this huge wall art out of an old painting I found at Goodwill for $10. Every sassy pants need her own anthem. So this is what you will need for these velvety floor pillows.<br />
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-a yard of cotton velvet<br />
-four tassels<br />
-the same color thread as your fabric<br />
-sewing machine <optional but it makes life easier><br />
-24 inches by 24 inches pillow form < I got these at Joann's fabric for 40% off><br />
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First I cut two squares of 26 inches by 26 inches. Put the right sides together with the tassel in each corner as such.<br />
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Sew three sides and leave one side opens to insert your pillow form. Once you finish sewing the three sides, turn the case the right side out. Insert your pillow form and hand stitch the last opening. Now if I were a better sewer, I am sure there are better ways to sew these floor pillows but this was just a lazy girl's way of doing it.<br />
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And if you are going to have a tea party, you might as well do it on velvet pillows. Crowns are optional but always preferred. <br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
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Linking up with:<br />
<a href="http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/">http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/">http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/">http://shabbyartboutique.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-73043980475565026722015-09-21T15:08:00.000-07:002015-10-01T14:28:50.814-07:00Step by Step Tutorial On Creating A Faux Gilded Antique French MirrorHello Fall, how I adore you. Something about cool crisp air always awaken my creativity and you know once I start something, I can't stop. For the last few weeks, I have been slowly working on Aurora's new big girl room. The biggest project for her room probably have to be the plank wall. Up to this point, I have painted or cut up pieces of furniture but never actually done anything BIG. Now that I got that part out of the way, I am working on lots of little creative projects for the room. If you know me then you will know how much I suck at making tutorials. Well, here is my attempt at showing you how to transform a plain old thrift store mirror to your own antique gilded French mirror.<br />
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Here is a little sneak peek of Aurora's new room. Would you believe me if I told you this gilded mirror started out like this?<br />
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I found it at my favorite antique shop, The Trading Post, over the weekend. It has the shape I was looking for and already has beautiful details on top. So find yourself a mirror with the shape and size you want. <br />
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Next, you will need appliques. I love Efex appliques for their amazing details. I can cut them and stretch them and change them into any shapes I want. I wasn't very picky about how I wanted the mirror to look like so I just used whatever I had left over from other projects.<br />
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Next is the fun part of playing around with patterns. You can use double sided tape to put the appliques on the frame. That way you can change it as you go.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua7Rqf8Lqzg/VgB2hRvVFzI/AAAAAAAADgM/FMdQtTlR6XQ/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua7Rqf8Lqzg/VgB2hRvVFzI/AAAAAAAADgM/FMdQtTlR6XQ/s640/21.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I rarely stick to the plan and always end up changing it anyway. You will see in a bit what I mean.<br />
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Once you decided how you want the mirror to look like, you will need Contact Cement to adhere the appliques to the frame. Simply follow the direction on the bottle and go to town.<br />
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So...like I was saying I never stick to the plan. I end up changing the wreath in the middle with this simple applique.<br />
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After you finish adhering the appliques to the frame, paint the whole frame with whatever paint you have. I don't even know if this part is really necessary since you are going to be gilding the whole frame anyway but this is just how I do it.<br />
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Once the paint is completely dry, use any kind of gilding wax to gild the frame. I LOVE Rub 'n Buff. For this piece I used their Antique Gold.<br />
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Here is the thing. I find that without dark wax, any kind of gilding wax looks plastic. You really need dark wax to bring out the details and to add depth to the piece.<br />
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Here I used Annie Sloan Dark Wax and be generous with it. After you let the mirror sits for a day, you are golden. With a little creativity, it can go from this...<br />
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to this.<br />
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Details are everything.<br />
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Roses add a little romance.<br />
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Faded pink velvet chair adds a little character.<br />
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If you ask me, I think this girl got it good.<br />
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Now I am just waiting for B to finish creating a custom portrait for Aurora. We have something really cool in mind for the room. I really hope this tutorial will inspire you to create your own faux gilded French mirror. Here is yours truly in the process of making the mirror. I don't think I have ever shown you my workroom either. <br />
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Happy Creating, my friends.<br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
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Linking up with:<br />
<a href="http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/">http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">http://www.astrollthrulife.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/">http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/">http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://thecuratorscollection.com/">http://thecuratorscollection.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/">http://shabbyartboutique.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-55168091818698552072015-09-03T19:10:00.001-07:002015-09-03T19:10:21.857-07:00Home: A Picture less Essay Death has a way of waking my senses and clearing my blurred vision. You are probably wondering why my post about Burma would start with death. Well, it is because death was on my mind as I packed our clothes, as we flew across the continents, and as I stepped out of the plane and inhaled the sweet smell of home. Two days before we left for Burma, I got the news that my eldest aunt, my mother's oldest sister, has passed away unexpectedly. I found myself in a dark moment of deja vu. It has been eight years since I have been back home and how much I have missed out on people's lives. I have missed out on their laughter, their tears of joy, their moments of sadness. It has always been my fear that one day I would wake up and they would just be gone. I would no longer be able to give them my bear hugs and to smell their skins and to truly look at their faces and to breathe them in.<br />
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Once many moons ago, I flew across the oceans with death on my mind. It was the first time I came home since I had left a few years before. I was a lost child. I breathed but wasn't living. I looked but wasn't seeing. Home sickness had taken over my sixteen years old self and I was filled with so much sadness and resentment. As I inched closer and closer to home, the realization that my dear aunt was dying with cancer kept getting bigger and bigger. The only image I had of her was beautiful. She was one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen and she was proud. I will always remember the first time I walked into her hospital room. There she was...asleep on her hospital bed...so tiny and just bones and skin. She was not my aunt. I stood by the door...not moving but just staring. The clock in the room ticked too loudly. I could hear a faint sound of a lizard somewhere in the room. This was not my aunt. Not my beautiful and proud aunt. She opened her eyes and reached out to me. She smiled like she wasn't dying...the kind of smile that make you dizzy with happiness. She called my name...a faint sound. She kissed my hand and put it against her hollow cheek. I cried then...deep sobbing cries. I cried for a very long time. I cried for her. I cried for me. There we were. One's living and one's dying. I was alive yet I wasn't truly living. I was fading...I was letting go. There she was..dying yet truly living. She was smiling and her eyes were as bright as the sunniest of days. She said she wasn't afraid of dying because she lived. She loved and was loved. She told me to come home. I told her there is nothing in the world I want more than to be home...to feel like I belonged somewhere. Then she did something that would changed the course of my life. She lifted up her fragile hand, covered with tubes, and placed it on my heart. She said, come home. If you are home, here, no matter where you are or how far away you are from your people, you will always be home. Home is the blood that run through you. Home is the history of your people that made you who you are. Home is every piece of memory that you hold onto to create the story of your life. You belonged no matter where you are. My beautiful aunt wasn't afraid of death because she was home..truly home. It mattered not how short her life was or who was surrounding her at her death bed. It mattered that she was so content with how she lived her life and she was one with herself.<br />
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So as I made my journey back to Burma with death on my mind, I didn't question whether I belonged anywhere or where home was. I simply thought about how these strong women of mine lived their lives so fully and so contently. I thought about how death has a way of showing you light. I thought about no matter how long or short my aunts were in my life, the love they had for me and I had for them is constant. It is never ending and simply exist without time restraints. I was reminded to truly live by being back in the place where so many pieces of my life were created. I was reminded to come home. <br />
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Love,<br />
VictoriaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415539915185817150.post-65962785377048752302015-08-31T03:00:00.000-07:002015-09-03T13:50:39.526-07:00Vintage Console and Oh Hello, I am back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello. I am back and yes still alive and kicking. The girls and I got back from Myanmar a week ago and we are still fighting jet lag. It has been a whirlwind month for us and I have to tell you, it is the strangest feeling to be in one country one day and to be in another the next. Of course one of the main reasons for our trip was for the girls to meet their great grandmother. What a moment it was. That was the only moment during our trip where I had a really hard time holding back the tears. Here we are. The four of us.</div>
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I can't wait to tell you all about our trip in another post. The whole time during the trip, Aurora kept saying how she wants her own big girl room. Now if you remember, I turned her nursery into a guest room which then became my work room. Apart of me was like "but...but...where am I going to go????" Well she is a big girl now...don't you know four is the new fourteen? One of the first thing I did when we got back was to go through my hoarding room for furniture for her new room and chose this gorgeous console as her bedside table. I was so sure I had photographed that console but of course I didn't and this is the only picture where you can see it in the left hand corner.</div>
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My plan is to do a white planks wall as a statement wall with light gray and a pop of gilding on furniture. You know me and my gold. It never gets old. It just so happened that before I left for Myanmar, my dear Jamie from <a href="http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/">So Much Better With Age</a> asked me to be apart of Vintage Girls Furniture Makeovers. I thought the console for Aurora's room would be the perfect project for it. I decided to try Fusion Mineral Paint for the first time and I have to tell you it did not disappoint.</div>
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I did almost little to no prepping and all it took was two coats of paint to give me that perfect French Gray. I used Stlrling Gris for the color. Here is the console after getting beautified. </div>
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I used Fusion Gilding Paste to bring out the hardware and the details.<br />
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I like to think that I am the queen of gilding paste because well, I gild everything as you know. This creamy paste just have the right consistency and tint for the kind of gold I love.<br />
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This French chair is still getting her makeover and it will be accompanying the console in Aurora's room. <br />
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I can honestly say I am in love with the Fusion Mineral Paint and I see lots of painting projects in the future!! Just in case you want to try the paint, I have a Giveaway for you. My first Giveaway!! Say What!! So just enter the raffle and lets it do its work. Also please check the other amazing ladies' works. I am constantly blown away by how talented these ladies are. <br />
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<a href="http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vintage-girls-furniture-makeovers.jpg"><img alt="vintage-girls-furniture-makeovers" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13741" src="http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vintage-girls-furniture-makeovers.jpg" height="948" width="600" /></a>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Visit all the Vintage Girls makeovers:</h2>
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Jamie from <a href="http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2015/08/toile-chair-makeover/" target="_blank">So Much Better With Age</a></div>
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Jamie from <a href="http://www.andersonandgrant.com/2015/08/finding-my-style-in-simple-chair.html" target="_blank">Anderson and Grant</a></div>
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Rachel from <a href="http://www.maisondepax.com/2015/08/vintage-dresser-painted-blue.html" target="_blank">Maison de Pax</a></div>
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Lauren from <a href="http://www.blesserhouse.com/2015/08/modern-farmhouse-foyer-makeover.html" target="_blank">Bless'er House</a></div>
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Victoria from <a href="http://troispetitesfilles.blogspot.ca/2015/08/vintage-console-and-oh-hello-i-am-back.html" target="_blank">Trois Petite Filles</a></div>
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Rachel from <a href="http://www.shadesofblueinteriors.com/a-painted-secretary-fusion-mineral-paint-giveaway/" target="_blank">Shades of Blue Interiors</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fusion-paint-giveaway1.jpg"><img alt="fusion-paint-giveaway" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13739" src="http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fusion-paint-giveaway1.jpg" height="243" width="600" /></a></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="7be8d33c18" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7be8d33c18/" id="rcwidget_oyrzofqm" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
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Love,<br />
Victoria<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: Fusion Mineral Paint sent me products to try for free. All opinions are my own. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up with:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/">http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/</a></span><br />
<a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/">http://shabbyartboutique.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235329823717382941noreply@blogger.com23