on my dining table
on my coffee table
on the nightstand
on my office desk
in the bathroom
in the dressing room
in the kitchen
I love every bit of them! :) they make me smile.
Photos by: Edyta Czajkowska
Flowers around the house
I love when my home is filled with abundance of live flowers. It instantly brings life and color to a space with an amazingly cheerful element. Flowers could be placed in any room from dining to kitchen, bedroom, bathroom office etc. Here are some photos of my current flower arrangements. Pure Joy!
Still Vegetarian
I know I said this many times and I am sure I will say it many more- how busy a week has been. Well, but this one has truly been a bit crazy yet great. I haven't got much sleep and today is the first day I had the opportunity to catch up on my zzz's. Sleep is magical and I need lots of it in my life to be my optimal best :) So as I am drinking my coffee and eating my breakfast I am planning out my day and week.
My vegetarian lifestyle is still in full swing and I feel great about it. My "whole food" part was cheated a little as I had few sweet goodies baked by my momma and some bread (sandwiches) when running around (once in a while it's fine).
So today I scoped out this yummy recipe that I am eager to try. Sounds delicious! I am a big fan of many Indian / Middle Eastern dishes, not only for their great taste in addition for fantastic health benefits that come from their amazing spices. So when I came across this recipe, I was excited to try it and in case you would want to try as well, here it is:
Split Pea- Spinach Dal with Cauliflower
"
Throughout India, a meal is not complete without some variation of this spice-tempered legume dish. Cumin and turmeric provide slightly bitter notes, but the dish has an overall salty-savory flavor. The dal is more of a stew than a soup; for a thinner version, decrease the final simmering time.
Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 2/3 cup)
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups water, divided
1 cup dried yellow split peas
1 bay leaf
2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon brown mustard seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
4 cups torn spinach
Preparation
Combine 2 1/2 cups water, peas, and bay leaf in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, 50 minutes or until tender. Add 1 cup water, cauliflower, and salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes or until cauliflower is very tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; discard bay leaf.
Heat butter and oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts. Add onion, ginger, and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add cumin and next 5 ingredients (cumin through cloves); cook over low heat 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add onion mixture to pea mixture. Simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until thick. Stir in spinach; cook 3 minutes or until spinach wilts.
Nutritional Information
Recipe Via
My vegetarian lifestyle is still in full swing and I feel great about it. My "whole food" part was cheated a little as I had few sweet goodies baked by my momma and some bread (sandwiches) when running around (once in a while it's fine).
So today I scoped out this yummy recipe that I am eager to try. Sounds delicious! I am a big fan of many Indian / Middle Eastern dishes, not only for their great taste in addition for fantastic health benefits that come from their amazing spices. So when I came across this recipe, I was excited to try it and in case you would want to try as well, here it is:
"
Throughout India, a meal is not complete without some variation of this spice-tempered legume dish. Cumin and turmeric provide slightly bitter notes, but the dish has an overall salty-savory flavor. The dal is more of a stew than a soup; for a thinner version, decrease the final simmering time.
Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 2/3 cup)
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups water, divided
1 cup dried yellow split peas
1 bay leaf
2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon brown mustard seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
4 cups torn spinach
Preparation
Combine 2 1/2 cups water, peas, and bay leaf in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, 50 minutes or until tender. Add 1 cup water, cauliflower, and salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes or until cauliflower is very tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; discard bay leaf.
Heat butter and oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts. Add onion, ginger, and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add cumin and next 5 ingredients (cumin through cloves); cook over low heat 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add onion mixture to pea mixture. Simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until thick. Stir in spinach; cook 3 minutes or until spinach wilts.
Nutritional Information
Calories:183 (18% from fat)
Fat:3.7g (sat 1.4g,mono 0.9g,poly 0.6g)
Protein:11.4g
Protein:11.4g
Carbohydrate:28.8g
Fiber:2.6g
Cholesterol:5mg
Iron:3.4mg
Sodium:649mg
Calcium:75mg
"Recipe Via
Paintings, Design and Works of Damien Hirst
Is it Tuesday already, holy cow- it feels like I was just preparing for the weekend. Maybe I need to slow down a bit. Although sometimes slowing down is not possible. I still have to take care some engagements, projects, show up for meetings, apointments etc.
Sometimes the fast pace is nice for a little while since the end result is much more realized when I get to cross things off the list.
One thing that I can't seem to rush is painting or creating something amazing. I don't think I'm the only artist/designer that feels this way. It's impossible to force creativity. Sure the creative side can be stimulated by events, travels or life happenings but if we are not creatively stimulated and our imagination is not ready to create we shouldn't force it. Sometimes the creative flow of thoughts could start as simple as putting on some good music, having a cup of tea or taking a walk and going to a store to pick up some fresh flowers.
Then again, when it comes to interior design projects it's a little different,- clients themselves inspire me, with the way they live, their life stories, their desires for their newely designed space, how they want to feel in their home etc. Painting is a bit different and when I create or see a beautiful painting (or any piece of art for that matter) I admire it for everything from it's idea through it's creative process, the effect it has on me and even how it can transform a space that it will reside in.
In my previous post I had mentioned the works of Damien Hirst some of his work I find very disturbing yet some I find very intriguing. Damien Hirst is known for challenging the boundries between science, art, media and pop culture. His work is pretty versatile yet I have included a few pieces here which appeal to me. Take a look at some of these beauties.
”Art is like medicine – it can heal. Yet I’ve always been amazed at how many people believe in medicine but don’t believe in art, without questioning either.” – Damien Hirst
Tell me, when do you feel most creative?
Sometimes the fast pace is nice for a little while since the end result is much more realized when I get to cross things off the list.
One thing that I can't seem to rush is painting or creating something amazing. I don't think I'm the only artist/designer that feels this way. It's impossible to force creativity. Sure the creative side can be stimulated by events, travels or life happenings but if we are not creatively stimulated and our imagination is not ready to create we shouldn't force it. Sometimes the creative flow of thoughts could start as simple as putting on some good music, having a cup of tea or taking a walk and going to a store to pick up some fresh flowers.
Then again, when it comes to interior design projects it's a little different,- clients themselves inspire me, with the way they live, their life stories, their desires for their newely designed space, how they want to feel in their home etc. Painting is a bit different and when I create or see a beautiful painting (or any piece of art for that matter) I admire it for everything from it's idea through it's creative process, the effect it has on me and even how it can transform a space that it will reside in.
In my previous post I had mentioned the works of Damien Hirst some of his work I find very disturbing yet some I find very intriguing. Damien Hirst is known for challenging the boundries between science, art, media and pop culture. His work is pretty versatile yet I have included a few pieces here which appeal to me. Take a look at some of these beauties.
”Art is like medicine – it can heal. Yet I’ve always been amazed at how many people believe in medicine but don’t believe in art, without questioning either.” – Damien Hirst
Tell me, when do you feel most creative?
Home with Major fashion sense
I don't know about you, but it was a busssyy weekend for us. I was running around meanwhile some of our walls got a fresh coat of paint. The scuff marks, dings and paw scratches just don't seem to fit with our design. So now that our living room walls are back to spotless -we're golden!
Speaking of spaces, I came across this fantastic interior which is the home to Johnson Hartig who is a co-designer behind the fashion label - Libertine.
Let me just say how much I love this space for so many reasons. I love how bright and cheerful it is (of course) I love all the fabulous art that is displayed throughout the space, the marriage of classic and uber modern pieces, the white backdrop sets a perfect canvas for all these special pieces that stand out beautifully. The ceiling on the other hand, adds just the right amount of warmth and balance ... Oh and how much I love the Big Damien Hirst Spin painting-- everything is just so simple yet so exquisite!
Now,, all we need is my dogs and their muddy paw prints and this space would be complete! :)
Hope everyone had a lovely Monday!
Speaking of spaces, I came across this fantastic interior which is the home to Johnson Hartig who is a co-designer behind the fashion label - Libertine.
Let me just say how much I love this space for so many reasons. I love how bright and cheerful it is (of course) I love all the fabulous art that is displayed throughout the space, the marriage of classic and uber modern pieces, the white backdrop sets a perfect canvas for all these special pieces that stand out beautifully. The ceiling on the other hand, adds just the right amount of warmth and balance ... Oh and how much I love the Big Damien Hirst Spin painting-- everything is just so simple yet so exquisite!
Now,, all we need is my dogs and their muddy paw prints and this space would be complete! :)
Hope everyone had a lovely Monday!
Pretty, stylish bedding to cozy up in
It's starting to get pretty cold around here again. I don't mind the cold , but when walking outside requires looking like a moon walker and still feeling the freeze on your face-- well that's NO fun for me. These are the times that I would much rather sit on a warm beach and sip way too sweet pina colada :)
This is also the time when curling up with a book or watching your favorite movie in your beautiful space sounds divine. Relaxing in the comfort of your beautiful bed makes it that much more perfect! Take a look at some of these graphically fascinating bedding ensembles. So cheerful modern and fresh, each one would definitely warm up and enliven any bedroom.
This is also the time when curling up with a book or watching your favorite movie in your beautiful space sounds divine. Relaxing in the comfort of your beautiful bed makes it that much more perfect! Take a look at some of these graphically fascinating bedding ensembles. So cheerful modern and fresh, each one would definitely warm up and enliven any bedroom.
Modern sparkly chandelier
A space could be easily transformed by a fabulous light fixture. A room with an amazing chandelier could suddenly feel so glamorous and complete. I am lusting over this chandelier that I would love to use in my home and perhaps a clients house as well. It's just so perfectly glamorous and simple at the same time. Everything about it is absolutely fabulous, the sculptural sleek silhouette, a bit of sparkle that is transferred through each strand oh and so much more. Now I would like a space with a bit higher ceilings so that I can admire it's fabulousity!
in a space
Pink Dresser on my mind
I love splashes of color and bold pieces with unconventional hues excite me. Having fun with your interior is what it's all about. Sure traditional pristine and totally pulled together spaces are fantastic too, but having some whimsy in a space is so much fun! Take a look at this fun pink dresser- how happy is that!! Have a lovely happy day everyone...
You can find it here
Colorful accessories by Dana Gibson
Using bright accessories is a fun way to change things up in any room. It's also great way to express yourself with bold patterns and bright tones without committing to something more permanent. At the same time some fun of the moment patterns and colors could be injected into the space with just a few simple accessories.
Take a look at these fun pieces by Dana Gibson. Motifs such as ikats & quatrefoil along with bright tones are used in these fun home accessories. Take a look..
Take a look at these fun pieces by Dana Gibson. Motifs such as ikats & quatrefoil along with bright tones are used in these fun home accessories. Take a look..
Interior Designer's day
I try not to complain, and I stay away from complainers and anything that spins a negative tone on given circumstances. There are bad situations, but everything could be resolved and complications lead to lessons learned which lead to growth and new opportunities. Some people get so caught up in negativity that they don't realize how insignificant a given situation really is. It's best to rethink what is going on and see how we can make it work and just end the negative thoughts, since what had already happened will not "Unhappen" therefore why dwell on it- Right!?
On another hand, we all have days when everything just keeps going wrong, and when it is out of our control it is even more frustrating- because we feel helpless.
Some days I feel that way too, especially when it comes to design projects where I make sure everything is done properly since the end result is to make the client happy.
Those days go like this- I find out that the fabric order has not been processed on time by the vendor (even though it was paid for and everything has been processed and signed of on my side) which pushes my planned date that the client will not be happy with OR After waiting for a back order fabric for 4 weeks (with a client impatiently waiting for it's pieces) the fabric not only shows up super late but comes in flawed- now we have to start this process all over again. Other situations -such as furniture coming in damaged after 10 week waiting for it only to wait another 10 weeks- these things happen, but how frustrating is that on both my and the clients side.
How about- after countless confirmation of install dates you get an e-mail (the day before) saying -that unfortunately they double booked for that day and an install date that was going to happen on THAT day now will probably Not happen, so everyone that was coordinated to be there for this purpose will have to be UNcoordinated. Well and when it comes to construction this type of stuff is expected, every day there is something new - but again it's something we can't foresee , although we wish we could always control- but can't. I can keep going on and on,, but the bottom line is that this glamorized vision of designers job is not so glamorous sometimes and a huge part of the job- is solving "problems". We would all want everything to go smoothly and perfect but life doesn't go like that, especially situations that involve many curved balls. If we can accept that things might not be perfect throughout the process - we will be able to continue on being our best selves while growing, learning and appreciating.
Beautiful designs take time and effort of many disciplines and craftsmen- which can also lead to many hiccups its like a puzzle piece- sometimes it goes smooth and sometimes a bit frustrating but it's nothing to get upset about. Those days that my clients say "WOW I never thought this space could ever look this great- I love it!"- they make every one of those hiccups go away.
On another hand, we all have days when everything just keeps going wrong, and when it is out of our control it is even more frustrating- because we feel helpless.
Some days I feel that way too, especially when it comes to design projects where I make sure everything is done properly since the end result is to make the client happy.
Those days go like this- I find out that the fabric order has not been processed on time by the vendor (even though it was paid for and everything has been processed and signed of on my side) which pushes my planned date that the client will not be happy with OR After waiting for a back order fabric for 4 weeks (with a client impatiently waiting for it's pieces) the fabric not only shows up super late but comes in flawed- now we have to start this process all over again. Other situations -such as furniture coming in damaged after 10 week waiting for it only to wait another 10 weeks- these things happen, but how frustrating is that on both my and the clients side.
How about- after countless confirmation of install dates you get an e-mail (the day before) saying -that unfortunately they double booked for that day and an install date that was going to happen on THAT day now will probably Not happen, so everyone that was coordinated to be there for this purpose will have to be UNcoordinated. Well and when it comes to construction this type of stuff is expected, every day there is something new - but again it's something we can't foresee , although we wish we could always control- but can't. I can keep going on and on,, but the bottom line is that this glamorized vision of designers job is not so glamorous sometimes and a huge part of the job- is solving "problems". We would all want everything to go smoothly and perfect but life doesn't go like that, especially situations that involve many curved balls. If we can accept that things might not be perfect throughout the process - we will be able to continue on being our best selves while growing, learning and appreciating.
Beautiful designs take time and effort of many disciplines and craftsmen- which can also lead to many hiccups its like a puzzle piece- sometimes it goes smooth and sometimes a bit frustrating but it's nothing to get upset about. Those days that my clients say "WOW I never thought this space could ever look this great- I love it!"- they make every one of those hiccups go away.
Mark Rothko - Inspiration for color palettes
I find my inspirations in so many places- nature, art, travels, meeting different people, history, art etc.
One of my all time favorite painters is Mark Rothko, I love his paintings for so many reasons, yet the colors depicted in his works are absolutely amazing. One of the ways to find a great color pallet is to follow artists that you love, ones that really understand the relationships between the color tones. I could pick up Mark Rothko's paintings and create a room around many of his masterpieces. Just divine!
One of my all time favorite painters is Mark Rothko, I love his paintings for so many reasons, yet the colors depicted in his works are absolutely amazing. One of the ways to find a great color pallet is to follow artists that you love, ones that really understand the relationships between the color tones. I could pick up Mark Rothko's paintings and create a room around many of his masterpieces. Just divine!
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