Confessions of a Designer

My Little Piece of Paradise

2012-03-05T08:12:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! After spending two fantastic weeks in the DR we are now settled back at home. As it always happens when you're having a good time, the days seemed to fly by way too fast. We arrived on the night of the 14th (best Valentine's gift ever!). As I looked out the window of the plane at the twinkly lights of our beloved city, I felt contented. We were finally home. It's funny that it always used to be the other way around. Flying back from a trip where we'd had way too much fun, coming back home used to make me sad. Back to the routine, back to reality. For the first time in my life, I was sooo happy to be home. We missed our families very much.

Exiting the terminal in our winter outfits, we saw them right away. Waving, screaming, taking pictures, the heat enveloping us in a warm, familiar hug. The next days were spent relaxing, seeing friends, visiting relatives, shopping (remember the Zara leather shopper I loved? Got it!), cooking, and eating as much Dominican food as we could. The weather was perfect, not too hot, just sunny, fresh and warm.

It really was a wonderful vacation. We had decided before arriving that this particular trip would be all about spending time with our families. We were not interested in going out and partying, or staying at hotels. There would be other trips for that. We ran errands with our parents, hung out with our siblings, I cooked lunch like I had done everyday, Marcos studied for his next medical exam, I helped mom rearrange the house a bit, we went grocery shopping, to our church... it was simply... perfect. God willing we'll be returning by the end of the year, and possibly my sister and my mom will be visiting during the Summer, so thankfully we won't have time to miss them too much. I'll leave you with this little video of Dominican Republic I found today. Just our little piece of paradise...

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalm 33:12

Think Pink

2012-02-16T07:32:00.000-05:00

Since we just celebrated Valentine's Day, I thought this would be the perfect time to talk a bit about my favorite color: Pink! I've always a special place in my heart for pink. It's the ultimate feminine color, it can be pretty and glamorous, and depending on the tone, it can soften or add vibrancy to a space. Tangerine Tango may be color of the year, but hot pink is equally on trend. If it was up to me I would fill our home with pink, but I don't think hubby would be too thrilled. Pink isn't really his color. Since I can't paint our walls pink, I'm always looking for subtle, pretty ways to add accent touches here and there.

Isn't this gorgeous?? I remember the first time I saw this entryway (above) in House Beautiful. It blew me away! So much so that I've never gotten it out of my mind. The color is amazing on its own, but it's the combination with the antique pieces and the black accents that really makes it work.

Here we have the same formula again. Antique pieces work amazingly well with hot pink.

I loooove this pink vase from Kate Spade home.

I ordered this enamel bangle from JCrew as soon as I saw it. It's amazing! In person the color looks just like the picture, which sometimes is not the case when you buy stuff online. I'll basically try to buy any clothes or accessories in see in pink. Fortunately, it looks really good on me!

Pink works really well with other colors. I really like how it looks in this interior with different shades of blue and gold accents.

images: 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9 and 10/ 11

"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." Proverbs 10:12

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T07:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I'm a firm believer that we should show love and kindness to our loved ones every day of the year. A kiss, a hug, a smile, an I Love You are gifts that don't cost a thing and will surely bring a ray of sunshine to anyone's heart. Forget the expensive presents, the stress of making dinner reservations in overcrowded restaurants. Spend today with the ones you love, tell them how much they mean to you, and eat some chocolate!

I'm specially excited today, since this afternoon we'll be flying back home to the DR to visit our family for 2 whole weeks! Warm weather, Dominican food, spa time at the beauty salon, going back to our church, and of course, hanging out with our rather large family. Can't wait! I'll keep blogging, so stay tuned for some highlights from out trip. =)

image: Martha Stewart

"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned." Song of Solomon 8:7

Lovin'

2012-02-13T07:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some things I'm loving this week:

The Color blocking trend used in interiors

Vintage-inspired bracelets from JCrew

Zara leather shopper as seen in This Time Tomorrow

image 1: here

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” Colossians 3:16a

Domino... is back?

2012-02-08T09:52:00.005-05:00

Well, in a way. Condé Nast has just announced that they will publish a special edition of the former magazine, titled Domino Quick Fixes. It will contain some of Domino's best decorating pieces, and articles on quick, easy and inexpensive ways to spruce up your spaces. The special edition will come out on April 17, with a another edition slated for fall. Needless to say, I think all Domino fans like me, are pretty excited that we get another chance to enjoy such a wonderful publication. I hope they include some new material and not just recycle old stories, since I already have some issues and the Domino Decorating Book. Can't wait!

image: here

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 NLT

Nail Polish Madness

2012-02-07T07:18:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share this fantastic photo of Rachel Zoe's nail polish collection. I love how she displayed some of her cocktail rings on top of the polishes. I think I'll be stealing this idea!

image: The Coveteur

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Tipile

2012-02-06T07:53:00.003-05:00

How about we start off the week with some yummy food? Tabbouleh or Tipile (in Spanish) is probably one of the most well known Arab dishes on this side of the planet. It was brought to the Dominican Republic by Arab immigrants (particularly from Lebanon) and, along with other dishes like Quipes, Niño Envueltos, Hummus, and Baklava has become part of the Dominican gastronomy. My aunt Roxana's family is from Lebanon and she cooks the most amazing Arab food ever. One of our favorite dishes is Tipile, a cold, yummy salad made with bulgur and veggies. Last week I finally remembered to ask her for the recipe and made it for dinner. It was a huge success!

Tipile (or Tabbouleh)

8- 10 oz. of bulgur #1 (fine)*
6 roma tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 small onion
3/4 cup of chives
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup of lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste

1. Soak the bulgur in enough water (with a sprinkling of salt) so that it just covers it. Let it soak for 3 hours and then discard the water.

*I had a tiny issue with the bulgur, as in, I went to two supermarkets and did not find any. So instead I used boxed couscous. I chose one that did not have any seasoning or flavors (usually it will say Original or something similar) and prepared it according to the instructions on the package. This did not affect the dish in regards to flavor, but the consistency was just bit softer, as the bulgur has a crunchier texture. If you don't find bulgur, couscous is a great replacement.

2. Mince the tomatoes (eliminate the seeds and all the juices or it will turn the dish into a soggy mess), cucumber and onion into very small pieces. Chop the chives and cilantro as well.

3. Mix everything together (veggies and bulgur) and add the lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt. (Usually I add a little salt, then taste, and keep it up until it feels just right.)

4. Cover and place in the fridge for 3-4 hours or overnight, so the flavors can really meld together.

Tipile can be serve with meat, fish, other veggie dishes, or even on crackers. We ate the last bit with chips since we were out of dip! This recipe makes about 6 cups of Tipile, which was a good quantity for us, but trust me, I suggest you double the recipe. It keeps really well in the fridge for several days, although I don't think it'll last that long!

Tipile is easy to make and I love how healthy is it. I also make a mean Hummus. I'll be sure to share that recipe soon!

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:11

Looking Back

2012-02-03T14:54:00.009-05:00

A few weeks ago I finally unpacked my issues of Interiorismo, the interior design magazine I created back home in the DR. When we moved to the States last year, I had to close it down since it would have been impossible for me to continue publishing it being so far away. Interiorismo was a dream come true for me in so many ways. I love design, I love reading and writing, and at some point in my life I remember thinking that working in a magazine must be one of the coolest things in the world. It never occurred to me I'd be running my very own in the future.

The idea for the magazine came while I was a design student in college. A few of my classmates and I realized that there were no real Interior Design publications in our country. We had architecture and decorating magazines, and a lot of people tended to mix up the roles of each profession. And that's how it all started. As you can imagine, it wasn't easy starting a magazine from scratch, specially when we had no clue on how the publishing industry worked. In the end there were only two of us left, but we kept working hard. We knew we had a great idea in our hands, and we just had to keep focused and make it happen. 5 months after our college graduation we released the first issue. And thank God it was a huge success, not only in the DR, but in Latin America as well.

I couldn't help remembering all the amazing things I got to do because of Interiorismo, as I looked through each issue and carefully placed them on our living room bookcase. For 4 years, it helped shape and define who I was as a designer, each issue a true labor of love. I can't believe it took me this long to post about it here on Confessions. This blog is about a new start, new adventures, new challenges to conquer. But it all started with an idea who grew to become a success. Hopefully I'll do it again here in the States!

P.S. Next week I'll begin sharing some of the projects we featured in the magazine, so stay tuned!

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5

Fun Color Quiz

2012-02-02T09:45:00.005-05:00

Choosing paint colors is probably one of the hardest things to do when renovating our spaces. I usually have a good idea of the color I would like to use, but then choosing the right shade of that color can keep me going round and round for days. While reading about this subject the other day, I ran into this fun quiz from My Colortopia. I thought you might enjoy it! By answering a series of questions about yourself, they give you different color options that go with your personality and sense of style.

These were my results:

I thought it was pretty accurate, since those are all colors I like. In fact, my bedroom back in my parents' house is painted an intense lavender similar to the one on the bottom row. I loved it! If you click on each color, they'll also give you a palette with two coordinating colors for each. And while there are many other colors I love as well, it was fun to see these. Try it out! Click here.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Trends: Chevron

2012-01-31T07:23:00.004-05:00

Via Update Dallas

The Chevron trend has been pretty hot for some time now, but I just can't seem to get enough of it! And by the looks of it, ditto for the rest of the design world. Chevron is such a fun, dynamic pattern and looks good anywhere: walls, floors, furniture, accessories, clothes, etc. Let's take a look!

West Elm

Via UniqueBeachWedding

Via Honey & Fitz

By the way, a Chevron ginger jar is also on my Decor Wish List. Isn't it beautiful? I've also seen them in navy and mustard. Either color would be amazing.

Via Centsational Girl

Jonathan Adler

Twist Paper

Forever 21

Via Update Dallas

Target

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 NIV

Glam Interiors: Darcy Miller

2012-01-30T07:18:00.002-05:00

The minute I saw Darcy Miller's gorgeous home, I knew I had to share it here on Confessions. If you're a Martha Stewart fan, you're probably familiar with this talented lady. Darcy Miller Nussbaum is the editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings and a regular guest on the Martha show. I love watching her segments because she always has the greatest and most creative ideas, not just for weddings, but for entertaining in general.

Her Manhattan duplex was featured in the February issue of Architectural Digest, and I have to admit I was a little surprised. Darcy is so artistic, I imagined her home would've been more colorful and eclectic. But then again she has such fantastic taste, this elegant aesthetic suits her perfectly. To see more pictures and read about its design, click here.

I love reading areas like this in a bedroom. So simple, but elegant. And the mirror covered wall above the fireplace is fab!

Metallic glass mosaic tiles? Yes, please!

I'm going to begin a feature here on the blog called Wish List, so I can show you all the things I would love to have in my home someday. A vintage Sputnik-style chandelier is one of the first items on the list. Isn't this one gorgeous?

images: Nikolas Koenig for AD

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19 NIV

Dining Room Design Trends

2012-01-19T17:40:00.013-05:00

Lately I've been noticing some really gorgeous dining rooms everywhere I look. Dining rooms used to be pretty traditionally-decorated spaces, so I love the new trends popping up. Mainly, the intense jewel tones for the walls, the mismatched chairs and tables, and the eye-popping fabrics. For the record, I'd be happy with any one of these dining rooms!

images: 1: Elle Decor/ others: House Beautiful

"And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for." 1 John 5:15 (NLT)

Tangerine Tango

2012-01-12T15:23:00.016-05:00

One of the things I look forward to the most at the end of each year design-wise, is Pantone's pick for Color of the Year. For 2012 they haven chosen Tangerine Tango, an intense orange hue with reddish undertones. It's a lively, bright color that injects energy and drama to any space where it is used. In Pantone's own words, "Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.” Well said.

This sort of bright orange hue has become pretty popular in the last couple of years, specially with the neon trend. I've seen it used in all sorts of interiors and whether it's used to create great impact or in more subtle ways, it always looks and feels fresh, modern, and sophisticated. I am loving that ceiling by the way! What a genius use of this color!

When we buy our own house, I am definitely painting my front door a bright, dashing color. This looks fabulous! So what do you think of Pantone's pick? Do you currently use this color in your spaces or are you planning to incorporate it in some way this year?

images: 1/ 2, 5, 6, 7, 12/ 3/ 4, 8/ 9/ 10/ 11

Jason Wu for Target

2012-01-11T18:49:00.017-05:00

Target has done it again. After the great Missoni debacle from last fall, I think a lot of people were wary of Target's latest designer line. Even though I was one of the lucky ones who managed to buy my Missoni items without any problems, I have to admit after a while I was just over it. Isn't it funny how you can obsess over something, but after a while it stops being so important and you have no idea why you were so obsessed in the first place? Happened to me.

So when Target announced its next partnership, I quickly put it out of my mind and didn't give it another thought. That is until yesterday when they launched the look book for Jason Wu for Target. And I do so love Jason Wu. You may remember the post I did from his 2012 Spring Collection. I like the fact that this particular collection is nothing like Missoni's. It's small, simple, and classic with a dash of preppy sophistication.

I love that it's girly and elegant, just the way I like to dress. If I could live in dresses and skirts I totally would. Those were my dressing staples back home, unfortunately now in winter I mostly wear pants which is very unlike me. Can't wait for warmer weather so I can break out my dresses again!

This navy dress is my favorite piece of all and the one thing I will try to get when the line launches. Isn't it gorgeous?

I'm not really crazy about the way they styled the models with the hair and the lacy socks, but I think the clothes speak for themselves.

Love this red shirt with the flowery pleated skirt!

If I don't manage to get the navy dress, then this is my second choice. It's a top and the pleated skirt from the last look, but together it seems like a dress right?

The collection will also include some accessories like bags and scarves. Pretty cute.

For a look at the full collection, visit the Target Style page on Facebook. It launches February 5th. I'll let you know if I manage to get anything!

images: Target

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1:19 (NIV)

Welcome 2012

2012-01-10T09:31:00.007-05:00

Although the new year arrived a little over a week ago, I am just now starting to organize myself and mapping out the plans I have for 2012. As I mentioned in my last post, my sister flew in from the DR to spend Christmas with us and just went home last Sunday. We had such a lovely Christmas. We went shopping, sightseeing, visited NYC a couple of times, and ate... a lot! We printed out all the pictures from her trip and made a scrapbook so she could show everyone back home. I hadn't worked on a real scrapbook in a long time (I got bit by the Shutterfly bug!) and it was so much fun. We miss her already!

2011 was an amazing year for us. I can't believe how quickly it flew by! In January, Marcos came home after spending 2 months in the US traveling for his residency interviews. In February, we were engaged, and the next few months were spent in wedding and traveling preparations. I will never forget those months. It was both, one of the happiest times of my life and one of the saddest, since my grandfather passed away exactly one month before our wedding. It was intense, and busy, and bittersweet in a way. But we were all in it together, us and our families, and we pulled through. God knew what he was doing. It was like the wedding gave us something to look forward to, to be happy about, just like Granpa would have wanted. And it was perfect. Then we went on our honeymoon, which was more wonderful that I could've imagined.

In June, we moved to the States and since then it has been a new adventure after the other. I can't believe we've been here for 7 months already! I have a feeling 2012 will be a great year. I'm not really into making new year's resolutions, but I do have a long list of plans and wishes for this year. One of them is to put more time and effort into this blog, so starting this week I hope to have lots of interesting posts for you. Stay tuned!

^"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T03:45:00.002-05:00

From my heart to yours, my best wishes for a very, merry Christmas! Today we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to earth to redeem us of our sins and give a us a wonderful gift: a life full of peace, love, health, forgiveness and eternal life. May the blessings we have received in Jesus' name be showered upon you and your families every day of the year!

⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:9-14

image from here

Christmas Table Inspiration

2011-12-22T11:12:00.015-05:00

How could I not do a post with ideas for the Christmas table? Setting and decorating the table (for any occasion!) has always been one of my favorite things to do. Growing up, our grandmother taught us how to set the table following all the strict rules of proper protocol and etiquette. She was basically the Dominican Emily Post. And I loved that! So much I even worked once as an Etiquette teacher for children when I was in college. With good manners and education, you can rule the world...

Have a lovely Christmas Eve everyone! My sister is arriving today to spend the Holidays with us, and we are so excited! Stay tuned for more photos and posts!

images: 1-7 Martha Stewart/ 8 -9 here/ 10 here/ 11 here/ 12 here/ 13 here

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Gift Wrapping Ideas

2011-12-19T19:16:00.019-05:00

How ready are you for the big day? Have you finished wrapping all your Christmas presents yet? I enjoy shopping for gifts for other people, but I specially love wrapping them! I would have made a good wrapper girl ;) Lol. This year I went the traditional wrapping paper route with our gifts because I found this awesome Peanuts Christmas paper I couldn't resist. Hubby and I have a thing for Peanuts. Snoopy actually played a big part in our courtship, but more on that some other time! I love finding creative ways of wrapping presents, and today I'd like to share some of my favorite ideas.

Maps, newspapers, and other clippings can be used in lieu of the traditional wrapping paper.

How about fabric? It's easy and really adds a personal touch. The first photo of this post above (of the woman holding the gifts), is also fabric. Pretty!

Love this color combo! Dark or neutral tones against neon? Very hip.

Yarn is one of those materials that just screams Christmas, doesn't it? Just wrap it around your gifts in interesting patterns.

I thought this was a really fun idea. You can use your children's artwork as wrapping paper. It's a fun project for them, plus I bet Grandma or Daddy would love to receive their gifts wrapped like this.

Easy, simple, elegant.

What a great idea to use colored bulbs instead of the classic bows!

One of my personal favorites: craft paper. Some pretty ribbon or raffia, and done. It's so simple, yet presents always look like you put a lot of thought into wrapping them.

The perfect gift tags for your fellow designers: paint chips!

Velvet ribbon makes everything fancier.

This was so cute, pasta bows! As you can see, when it comes to gift wrapping the possibilities are endless! How are you wrapping your gifts this year? If you're doing something really pretty, unusual or creative, email me a picture and I'll post it!

images: 1-8 Martha Stewart/ 9 Good Housekeeping/ 10 here/ 11 here/ 12-14 Real Simple

^"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller." Proverbs 11:24 (Msg)

Polvorones

2011-12-19T13:22:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was spent wrapping presents, watching Christmas movies on TV, and baking. It was a lovely Sunday, with the exception that hubby was on call at the hospital all day. =( Luckily, coming from a family of doctors prepared me for this, and I took the opportunity to wrap his Christmas gifts and bake him something really yummy to munch on when he came back.

Polvorones are the traditional Christmas cookies we make back home in Dominican Republic. Variations of these are made in different parts of the world, the most similar one being the Mexican Wedding Cookie. In English the translation for Polvorones would be something like Powder Balls, and it's pretty obvious why. These are the cookies everyone gives out as treats and gifts, mainly because they're soooo good! But they are also extremely easy to make.

Polvorones

1 cup of butter (2 sticks)
5 tablespoons of confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla or almond extract
2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of chopped walnuts
More confectioners sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a bowl, mix the butter (make sure it's soft) with the sugar and beat well. (You can use a hand mixer, but it's not necessary. A wooden spoon or spatula will work perfectly if the butter is soft.)

3. Add the vanilla or almond extract, the flour and finally the walnuts. Use your hands to mix the dough well and then start making little balls in the desired size. I make them about an inch in diameter. You can also use a small ice cream scoop or melon baller to measure out the amount of dough and make sure they all come out the same size.

4. Place the cookies on a buttered cookie sheet, leaving about 1.5 inches between each one and bake for 15-18 minutes. Do not let them brown! Right after removing from the oven, carefully (so they don't break) place the cookies in a bowl, sprinkle them with confectioners sugar and roll them about so they get completely covered.

5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature and they will keep for several days. But I doubt they'll last that long! They're just too yummy! Place them in cellophane bag with some pretty ribbon and you've got the perfect treat to give out to friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else you wish. Happy eating!

*This recipe makes about 40 1-inch sized cookies.

"Nehemiah said: Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Christmas Crafts

2011-12-16T09:31:00.008-05:00

Hello everyone! Today I'm back with two awesome Christmas crafts. I know this weekend is all about gift shopping for most people (myself included!), but if it gets too crazy and you need to relax for a bit, this is a fun way to do it. Plus, you'll be making your home even more beautiful in the process! Both of these crafts are from Martha Stewart, and I made a bunch of them to decorate our tree. This year is so much fun for us as newlyweds, since we're starting our own traditions. For our first Christmas tree I didn't want it to look like it came from some catalog. I decided that each year, I would make our own special ornaments which hopefully we will use for years to come. Of course, we mixed it in with store bought ornaments as well and the result was extremely cute.

First up, cookie cutter ornaments! So easy to make, you only need some Christmas themed aluminum cookie cutters, ribbon, glue and holiday cards or scrapbook paper. Tie a piece of ribbon to the top of each cutter. Then, trace the outside shape of each cookie cutter unto a card or paper, and cut it out. Dab some white glue all around the edge of the cutter and press the paper in place. I suggest you hold it for a few seconds to let the glue dry a bit and then put it on a table and place something heavy on top of it, like a book, so it finishes drying in place. Martha Stewart suggests using pictures of your family as well. I think I'll try that next year, they do look lovely.

These are two of my ornaments. I bought a pack of holiday cards with a variety of designs, so each one is different from the rest. Here's the official link for the instructions.

This next craft was my favorite! It's a bit more difficult and requires more time and skill, but after you make the first one, you'll definitely get the hang of it. It's basically a ball shaped ornament made with holiday cards. All you need is a bunch of cards, glue, ribbon, scissors, a ruler and a pencil. After you make the first one, you'll want to make tons more because they are soooo lovely and cute!

Here's one of mine. I made this one with cards of the same design because I really liked the colors and the messages on it, but I also made some others mixing up different designs and they looked great as well. They hardly look homemade! Hubby was so impressed, whenever someone comes to our house, he takes them over to the tree to show them what I made. It still makes me laugh! You see? Make these and make your husband, mom, dad, sister, brother, or grandmother proud!

The instructions for these can be found right here. Have fun crafting! I'll be baking this weekend, so come back Monday for a yummy sweet recipe to give out to family and friends!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T18:16:00.006-05:00

"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever..."

Psalm 106:1

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I have so many reasons to be thankful each and every day, but this week has been particularly awesome for us. Lots of surprises, birthday celebrations (hubby's), yummy food, and many happy moments. God has been so good to us! We see His handiwork in our lives everyday. Sometimes they're big miracles and other times, it's in tons of little ways in which He shows us He's with us always. Thank you Lord for all your goodness! May all your lives be filled with similar blessings! Happy Turkey Day!

PS. Be back on Monday with tons of Christmas posts!!

image from here

Designer Quote Monday

2011-11-14T09:31:00.003-05:00

"There is one fundamental fact about lighting: Where there is no light, there is no beauty."

Billy Baldwin

image from here (interior: Amy Lau)

Fall Centerpieces

2011-11-11T10:07:00.013-05:00

Ideas for Thanksgiving centerpieces have been going around in my mind all week long. Should I use flowers or just some pretty golden leaves? How about pumpkins? Big ones or tiny ones? Should I incorporate other elements such as nuts, twigs or fruit? For me, this year the key word is: Simple. If you're having trouble deciding on a centerpiece, take a look a these easy arrangements and I am sure by the end of this post, you'll have some wonderful ideas!

Can you go more minimalist than this? The tiny white pumpkins look so elegant placed in a long wooden tray and the orange runner beneath adds just the right bit of contrast.

Painting your pumpkins is a fun idea, making them almost look like ceramic pieces. Play with heights, putting them on cake stands and candle holders.

Or just place them in the center of the table along with other accessories like a bird ornament and vases of the same color.

Not into white pumpkins? Spray paint them gold! Or silver... Metallics add the nicest sparkle to the table.

So many things you can do with pumpkins! Hollow them out and use them as a vase. This is one of my favorite centerpiece ideas, which I have used in years past. It always looks amazing!

Candles are a nice alternative. Grouped together like this on a lazy Susan or tray, makes for a simple and warm centerpiece.

For a more stunning arrangement, group thick pillar candles in different sized hurricane vessels and fill them with nuts, seeds or even beads for some sparkle.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! See you on Monday!

images from: 1 here /2 here /3 and 10 here/ 4 and 8 here/ 5 here/ 6 here/ 7 here / 9 here

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13

Thanksgiving Tables

2011-11-08T11:15:00.017-05:00

Thanksgiving is almost two weeks away and I couldn't be more excited! After Christmas, it's my favorite holiday. I think it goes back all the way to elementary school when we would make turkey crafts, read about the pilgrims, and have all these themed activities. Then in high school, we would all get together at someone's house (keep in mind my entire graduating class consisted of only 20 people) and put on a wonderful dinner, sort of like a potluck, where everyone would bring a dish. It just brings back good memories.

This year is very special, since it's our first Thanksgiving as a married couple, in our first home and about to start our very own tradition. Today I'm putting the finishing touches to the menu, but I still have to decide how to set up the table. So I went searching for a bit of inspiration...

I like the idea of using nontraditional colors. Pinks and blues combined with gold accents look amazingly elegant. And don't be afraid of mixing in some hot pink or purple for some pop!

I love this table. The colors are light, it's casual and simple with just a hint of autumn in the centerpiece.

This is the table setting from above. Doesn't it look lovely? Perfect for a Thanksgiving in the tropics.

Centerpieces can be as complicated or as simple as you wish. A bowl of pears, a pumpkin, and some smaller bowls filled with nuts and you have a beautiful table. You can use corn, wheat, grapes, and any type of gourds. How easy is that?

Hope these images will inspire your own Thanksgiving tables. Later on in the week I'll be sharing some other ideas for centerpieces!

images: 1-2 Southern Living/ 3 Lonny/ 4-7 Country Living/ 8-11 Martha Stewart/ 12 Camille Style

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

Designer Quote Monday

2011-11-07T06:09:00.000-05:00

"The most beautiful rooms are those that retain a feeling of not being quite finished. There is still a place for a painting on that wall, still a chair to be found that will suit that corner...meanwhile the room stays alive, young and growing."

Michael Taylor,
The Finest Rooms

image from here

Guest Post: 8 Designers, 8 Gorgeous Rooms

2011-11-04T06:11:00.004-05:00

Today I have a very special treat for you guys! We have a guest: Joanna from Design Shuffle, who will share some amazing inspiration from some of my favorite designers. Welcome Joanna, thanks so much for being here!

xoxo, Ana Elizabeth

PS. Next week I'll be sharing some Thanksgiving decorating ideas and lots more, so stay tuned!

Hi there! My name is Joanna and I'm a writer for Design Shuffle, an online source for interior designers to showcase their own unique designs. I spend my days creating guest posts for beautiful blogs like Confessions of a Designer. Thanks for letting me share some fabulous designer rooms with you. Today's established and up-and-coming designers are mixing styles and design elements like never before. The result is gorgeous rooms which are livable and inviting. The designers below hail from every corner of the globe and bring with them beautiful examples of their own signature styling. Enjoy the decorating ideas which are sure to flow when viewing their rooms!

Kelly Wearstler does a great job of mixing Hollywood glamour with modern styling. She has created an uber-successful brand around her signature style as shown in this image.

Prolific designer, Jonathan Adler loves color and it shows in this home office with its own art-filled wall.

Furniture designer Philippe Starck is famous for mixing modern and formal styles. This eclectic space is a perfect example of his signature style.

Marie Turner, named by House Beautiful as a designer to watch, mixes traditional with rustic in this library/dining room combination. What a welcoming space which inspires many interior design ideas!

What's not to love about Dutch designer Marcel Wanders? This sitting area in the Kameha Grand Bonn hotel is representative of his brand of design with its bigger than life elements.

World traveler and interior designer, Vicente Wolfe brings a global feel to his room designs. In this dining room he brings together a timeless look with a mix of modern and antique pieces.

Interior designer, Tobi Fairley is perhaps best known for her use of bold color and pattern as in this vibrant living room design.

Windsor Smith's bedroom design, featured in House Beautiful, is sultry mix of the palest pink and gold textures and prints.

[Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ]

Aren't these designers fantastic? Design Shuffle is the place to be to find even more inspiration from top San Francisco interior designers, Boston interior designers and more!

My Impressionists

2011-11-01T13:20:00.002-05:00

Undoubtedly the best part of our visit to the Met was getting to see the works of my favorite painters, the Impressionists. If you haven't seen the BBC mini series yet (The Impressionists), please do! You won't regret it. My love for these amazing painters started very early in my life. You see, my grandmother absolutely loved them. An incredible painter herself, she not only passed on her artistic genes to me, she also imbued me with her fondness for the works of many different artists. Specially the Impressionists.

As I walked into the first gallery, there she was. Proudly standing on her pedestal, bronze feet in position, her face looking up towards the light, her tutu seeming to almost flutter in an imaginary breeze... Little Dancer of Fourteen Years, by Edgar Degas. My design thesis in college was about sculpture, so I have soft spot for works like these. It was a beautiful moment.

I couldn't choose a favorite, although Monet, Degas, and Renoir are head to head. Grandma loves Renoir in particular, and it's not difficult to see why. His paintings are lively and bold, and done in such a big scale, you just have to pay attention.

It was amazing to see the brushstrokes up close...

This picture is for you grandma!

**I wrote this post a few days ago and was scheduled to be published this week. Even though my posts are rarely so personal, I loved talking about my grandmother and the huge influence she had on my love for the arts. Sadly, grandma Teresa passed away today. She was 94 years old and lived a blessed, happy life surrounded by a family who loved her and a spouse who doted on her until the day he died, just 6 months ago. They just couldn't be apart much longer I guess... A little part of me died last April and today my heart is heavy once again. Even though their passings leave a desolate imprint on my soul, their memories will always bring me joy.

Photos: by me

"Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading to its hope. It can really outlast anything." 1 Corinthians 13:7 (Phillips)

Egyptian Inspiration

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

One of the things I looked forward to the most at the Met, was seeing the Egyptian galleries. The Temple of Dendur was fantastic, as were the sculptures and brightly painted sarcophagi, but what really caught my eye came on a much smaller scale.

I fell in love with the jewelry. This came as no surprise to hubby, who's already familiar with my penchant for bright, shiny accessories, but I was blown away by its beauty and craftsmanship.

Apparently the Egyptians knew what it was to suffer for fashion. Those pure gold sandals must have looked nice, but not felt very comfy at all!

These beaded necklaces were my favorites...

I was so happy when I found this ancient wall covering above! I think it would still look amazing today. Can you imagine this in the living room or bedroom of a beach house? It would definitely be the focal point of its design.

This gold tapestry is not strictly Egyptian, although it is from Africa. I saw it out of the corner of my eye as we walked into a gallery with our tour group and I quickly snapped a photo before we got left behind. It was stunning!

And of course, I have to include some pictures of furniture and decorative accents.

Walking through these galleries was a major source of inspiration for some future projects. If you're ever in a creative rut, just visit a museum and take a look around. You might find more ideas than you ever imagined!

Photos: by me

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people." Colossians 3:23 (TEV)

Decorative Arts @ the Met

2011-10-20T14:33:00.040-05:00

Hi guys! I've been on a bit of a holiday these past couple of weeks, as Marcos was on vacation from work and we've been enjoying our first New England autumn. The leaves are changing from deep green to glorious gold and copper shades, the air is crisp, and pumpkins are everywhere. I love it! The only tiny niggle so far has been the temperature. For my warm Caribbean blood, cold means 65°F. That's a White Christmas for us back in the Dominican Republic! ;) So when I see 38°F on the daily weather forecast, it's a bit of a shock. (I'm in denial it can actually get any colder than this. It doesn't, right?) So I've been buying sweaters, scarves, coats, gloves, and boots in an effort to not freeze to death. (And now hubby makes do with his Argentinean genes, all happy go lucky with the cold. Figures.)

Anyway, last week we took a little trip to NYC and visited the Met. It was the first time for both of us and we had a blast! I'll be sharing some of my favorite pictures in the next couple of posts. Today I thought we'd start off with... what else? Decorative Arts.

More specifically with the master of stained glass, Louis Comfort Tiffany. I have to say that finally seeing his work up close, not in pictures or videos, but actually standing a mere inches away from the glass was... breathtaking. The sheer variety of colors and how seamlessly they seemed to meld into one another creating pools of light and darkness was simply amazing.

This fountain base mural was also designed by Tiffany using glass mosaics. I have a deep appreciation for these bright shards of color (in fact, one of my favorite projects back in college was making a table top with mosaics), so I was very excited to see such a beautiful sample.

I also enjoyed seeing the different interiors featuring dozens of furniture and decorating styles. This one in particular reminded me of my grandparents' home, with the crystal sconces, classic style wooden furniture and even similar soft blue walls.

I have a love affair with chandeliers. Again, it all goes back to my grandparents. Growing up, I loved to look at the beautiful Baccarat crystal chandeliers which hung in their living and dining rooms. My grandmother used to wash the crystals in a vinegar solution which made them sparkle like stars. Don't you just love the architectural motif on the ceiling?? I took like a thousand pictures of it.

Another of my favorite rooms. Gorgeous rug.

One way to make a chandelier look even more spectacular is adding a ceiling medallion. This gilded beauty is stunning.

The varied collections of decorative accents were amazing as well.

Who doesn't love some Wedgwood?

Part of the collection of Sèvres porcelain... Lovely colors...

Hope you enjoyed this (very) small sample of Decorative Arts from the Met. It was hard just choosing these pictures, we took so many! I'll be back with some other masterpieces that made me swoon, so stay tuned!

Photos: by me

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

A Month of Design

2011-10-05T09:19:00.004-05:00

In this month of October there are two activities that have me really excited. The rather famous lounge chair above might give you a clue... The Architecture and Design Film Festival returns for its 3rd consecutive year with a lineup of more than 30 films from 12 different countries. Held in Tribeca Cinemas (NYC) from October 19-23, the Film Festival is a celebration "of the creative spirit that drives architecture and design." I am most excited about the film Eames: A Painter and Architect which will make its debut here, and will later be released in theaters this November. I have a profound admiration for the work of Charles and Ray Eames. It's incredible how most of their designs have become icons, standing the true test of time. I think we'll have to do a post on that later on this week!

Also taking place in NYC from October 15-23 is the National Design Week at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. It's the biggest educational initiative that the museum launches each year to teach the public the myriad of ways design enriches our lives. The National Design Awards take place during this time and all week the museum will offer free programs to the public. Sounds amazing! We'll actually be in NYC during that week so I'll definitely see if we can check it out. What do you think? Will you be able to go to either one of these events? If you do, please let me know!

image from here

"Look out for one another's interests, not just our own." Philippians 2:4 (GNT)

Designer Quote Monday

2011-10-03T06:07:00.000-05:00

"The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what's in or what's out. This is not an easy job."

Albert Hadley,

The Story of America's Preeminent Interior Designer

image from here

Jeffrey Bilhuber

2011-09-29T03:46:00.022-05:00

Hi everyone! It's been a busy week around here, but hopefully we'll get to rest a bit over the weekend. Today I thought I'd share some images of Jeffrey Bilhuber's work. He's become one the new iconic designers of American interiors, mixing a traditional aesthetic with modern influences. His client list is quite impressive, including Anna Wintour, Iman and David Bowie, Mariska Hargitay, Hubert de Givenchy, Elsa Peretti, among others. I love that his designs are timeless, but there's always one element that completely takes it out of the ordinary. I can imagine that they will look as amazing 10 years from now, and that is the signature of a great designer.

"Jeffrey is the kind of designer who takes your own taste and makes it better." Anna Wintour

For more information and pictures of Jeffrey Bilhuber's work, you can visit his website right here.

images 1-3 from here, 4 from here, 15 from here, and the rest from here

Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

Designer Quote Monday

2011-09-26T12:27:00.003-05:00

In choosing colors...follow nature's lead.

John Saladino

image from here

Banana Bread

2011-09-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Is there a more heavenly smell than that of fresh baked banana bread? You pour this mush of flour, butter and banana in a loaf pan, and little while later you peek into your oven and it has suddenly risen into a golden, spongy piece of heaven. The best part about banana bread is that it feels so wholesome. It makes a great breakfast (warm it up and spread a little butter on it), or a simple, yummy dessert (a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some nuts sprinkled on top.)

I made this on a Saturday morning, but wanted to wait until hubby came back from the hospital in the afternoon so we could eat it together. He so enjoys seeing (and tasting) the stuff I make. I will not kid you when I say that I almost gave in and took a slice, the smell was just driving me crazy. But I resisted. Please do not do so when you make this. Dig right in.

Banana Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 1/2 cups ripe, mashed bananas
1 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour a 9" x 5" baking pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the beaten eggs, vanilla and mashed bananas. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. If using nuts, add them now and stir once more. Pour into baking pan.

4. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the bread comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)

Table Lamp Roundup, Part 2

2011-09-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today we continue with Part 2 of our Table Lamp roundup. While this may come as no surprise, Ikea is a great place to find cool lamps at great prices. This one is my absolute favorite, the LJUSAS YSBY. I love its oversized glass base, the diffused light that comes through the textile shade and the fact that it comes with a dimmer to adjust the intensity. Can you believe its only $79.99?

Next up, porcelain and acrylic in a lovely coral design from ARTERIORS Home for Walmart. Just the right hint of tropical.

One of my favorite materials on earth is Mother of Pearl. One day I will use this in some part our home, but until then, I can at least get a little dose with a Kenroy Home lamp from Walmart.

Another great resource for beautiful lamps is Pottery Barn. These Architectural Salvage table lamps look so stylishly antique. Love the sheer burlap shade!

Burlap shades again, this time paired with the bright luster of mercury glass. Gorgeous! Antique Mercury Glass table and bedside lamps.

Sometimes simple is best. The Gillian Candlestick bedside lamp is elegant, stylish and won't take up much space on your bedside table. Also from PB.

Finally, the Clift Seeded Glass lamps whose designs were inspired by oversized wine jugs. A bit of rustic, a lot of pretty.

Hope you guys liked this Table Lamp Roundup. If there are any particular items that you would like to see a roundup of, let me know and we'll do it! xoxo

Images: Ikea, Walmart, Pottery Barn

My God shall supply all of your needs. Philippians 4:19 (NASB)

Table Lamp Roundup, Part 1

2011-09-20T16:42:00.011-05:00

Stacked pot form porcelain table lamp. Designer: Sandy Chapman

The best part of furnishing a new home is definitely the shopping part. We've bought some of the major pieces of furniture already (BTW, found a sofa! It's being delivered next week and I can't wait!), but we still have a long way to go. We're pacing ourselves, looking for quality pieces that we love and will want to keep for a long time. While I search for those perfect items, I thought it would be fun to do several roundups over the next few weeks. We already did sofas, so today we're going to go with Table Lamps! This roundup will be divided into two parts. Today I'll feature some lamps from one of my favorite lighting stores, Circa Lighting.

Circa Lighting is probably one the most popular go-to resources for designers. They cater to the trade and have done some amazing collaborations with top designers like Alexa Hampton, Michael S. Smith, Barbara Barry, and Suzanne Kasler, just to name a few. Their pieces constantly appear in the most popular design magazines, not to mention in some very high profile interiors. I have chosen 8 of my favorite pieces, any of which I would be happy to have in my home for years to come.

Oval stacked crystal buffet lamp. Designer: Sandy Chapman

Dustin dodecahedron lamp. Designer: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Thornton table lamp in antique brass. Designer: Suzanne Kasler

Kate table lamp in polished nickel. Designer: Alexa Hampton

Camille pierced porcelain table lamp with inner night light. Designer: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Quatrefoil table lamp in gilded iron. Designer: Suzanne Kasler

Fang gourd lamp in antique burnished brass. Designer: Sandy Chapman

Images: Circa Lighting

Best Dressed Emmys 2011

2011-09-19T11:52:00.012-05:00

My favorite part of any awards show (besides the funny intros) is watching the arrival of the stars on the red carpet. It's always fun to see who'll be wearing what, as well as taking a look at any upcoming trends. In no particular order, these were my favorite gowns of the night. I have to start with Colbie Smulders (above) in Alberta Ferreti. This dress was like a breath of fresh air. A color rarely seen on the red carpet, that crisp, brilliant blue looked absolutely gorgeous on her. And I think the hairstyle and the accessories complimented the dress perfectly. #1 Best Dressed!

Sofia Vergara also chose to go with a bright color in this body-hugging coral Vera Wang. I was pleasantly surprised to see her in this dress. Sofia tends to dress very va-va-voom, usually in tight dresses with low necklines that don't look very elegant, but this time she nailed it. The dress accentuated her fabulous curves without actually showing anything, and the color looked beautiful with her skin tone. Plus, I loved her huge Colombian emeralds (as she described them!)

My first thought upon seeing Kate Winslet in this bright red Elie Saab was: "Stunning!" Red was a big trend at this year's Emmys, and while most of the dresses were very nice, my favorite was definitely Kate. It was simple and elegant, it fit her beautifully and that shade of red was particularly lovely. I admit I love Kate Winslet. She looks like a real woman, sometimes she's a bit fuller, other times she looks skinnier, but I think she always looks fantastic.

Evan Rachel Wood wore Elie Saab as well, in a black beaded cap-sleeved gown with a long train. It was sophisticated and demure, and she looked like a movie star from times gone by.

Julie Bowen (winner for Best Supporting Actress in a comedy series for Modern Family. Loved that she and Ty Burrell both took home awards. They play husband and wife in the series and they are hilarious!) She chose a slinky Oscar de la Renta with metallic bead embroidery. I think critics may be divided on this one, but I really liked it. It was simple, yet the beading is absolutely beautiful and it looks like her, you know? This is her style. Unfussy and clean. She looks great!

Also in a slinky number, Maria Bello in an Art Deco-style Kaufman Franco. Very original! I just wish she had done something different with her hair. It looks so messy and doesn't really complement the dress. This girl is gorgeous and I think the hairstyle kind of takes away a little of that.

As you can see, many stars chose to go with the beaded trend. Another gorgeous example is Jennifer Carpenter in Tony Ward Couture. The dress was light pink with gold accents beaded in a crisscrossing pattern. Maybe the slit didn't have to be so high, the design itself and the materials are already sexy enough, but it looked great on her anyways.

Julia Stiles, looking very classic and chic in a lace Georges Hobeika. The first time I saw it I thought the color was lavender, but it's actually light grey. It's feminine with a hint of Old Hollywood and Julia carries it with a lot of poise.

And finally, I couldn't not mention Kelly Osbourne. The dress is very nice (J Mendel), but what I loved is her. I can't get over how good she looks these days! After losing so much weight doing Dancing with the Stars, she has completely transformed her style, her hair and the way she presents herself. She looks so good! Kudos to her!

Tell me, who were your favorites of the night? What did you think of the ones I chose, do you agree or disagree? I'd love to hear from you!

images: Getty Images from here

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy." Philippians 1:4 (NIV)

Designer Quote Monday

2011-09-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

"Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style."

Billy Baldwin

image from here (Interior: Jeffrey Bilhuber)

Apple Crumble

2011-09-15T04:09:00.002-05:00

Apples are a favorite snack around here (specially smeared with peanut butter! yum!). We like Fuji or Cameo apples best because they're sweet and crisp and so refreshing, but one day we switched it up and bought these really dark Red Delicious which... were not at all delicious. They had barely any taste! Obviously they would not be eaten in this house any time soon, at least not in their natural state, so I figured some sugar and cinnamon would be the perfect way to fix 'em up.

An apple crumble is an effortless dessert. Just cut the apples, toss them with cinnamon and flour, pour them into a baking pan, make the crumble and sprinkle over the apples. Done! Of course, no apple crumble should be served without a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm apples make the ice cream melt into a swirly, yummy mess and the crunchy bites of crumble take it over the top. And those not so delicious apples? Nowhere in sight.

Apple Crumble

8 cups thinly sliced apples
3 tablespoons sugar (white or brown)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
1/2 cup butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Toss the sliced apples with the 3 tbsp of sugar, 2 tbsp of flour, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Place into a 9" x 13" baking pan.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients until it resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apples and bake for 5o minutes.

4. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and nuts.

"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." Acts 20:24

Missoni Craze

2011-09-14T07:29:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the launch of the Missoni for Target line. From the huge response it got last week at the NYC pop-up shop (it was supposed to last 3 days, but by the end of the 1st day everything had practically sold out), I decided the best strategy was to get to the store at opening time to make my purchases. I'm glad I did! When I arrived at Target there were just a few people waiting outside. About two minutes later, they opened the store and we all went in. Everyone raced for the clothes and just started grabbing items and throwing them in their carts. It was crazy! That was really funny.

I wasn't interested in the clothes, I just wanted some bath items and one of the beautiful glass blown vases. My friend Andrea and I went directly to the Home section and had the opportunity to check everything out without hurrying. The selection was pretty good (I wish I had taken some pictures for you), the pieces were all beautiful, although some of them did not live up to the images we had seen online. Thankfully I was prepared for that. Sometimes you can't really see the quality of something until you actually hold it in your hands. Some of the colors were not as bright in person and because it's an inexpensive line, the finish of some items were not the best. But all in all, gorgeous collection! Here's what I bought:

Hand towels. They had 5 different prints if I remember correctly. I loved them all, but these were my fave.

Bath towels. One for me, one for my hubby. You can guess whose is which.

Our lovely glass blown vase.

A votive to match and an acrylic tumbler, which I'm going to use to stash my makeup brushes (or colored pencils, I haven't decided yet).

Pretty notebook! I love this particular print, I wish they had made more stuff with it. I really wanted the shower curtain with the black and white print, but my Target didn't have it in stock. I was kind of bummed since that was the piece that tied the whole look together for our bathroom. But then I found this beautiful shower curtain in the same colors from another brand, which I actually liked even more than the Missoni. I also loved the bedding sets and the throws. The cosmetic cases were lovely as well.

After that, we went back to Women's Clothing and there was almost nothing left! The scarves, the flats, the rain boots, all gone! There must have been only about 25 customers in total. I still can't believe they took everything. There was this one lady who was going crazy, her cart was so full, and you know they're buying it to sell it on Ebay for 3 times what it costs. (I'm not kidding. The votive cost me $5.99 and I just saw it on Ebay going for $60! It's pretty and all, but come on!) I think Target should have a limit on the amount of items they let people buy when they do these design collaborations. A lot of people didn't get to buy the items they wanted because somebody else took it all just to make a profit. I really hope they restock the stores soon so everyone has a chance to buy what they liked. When I came home I went online to find that the Target website had crashed due to extreme high traffic! I guess Missoni was a hit!

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude." 1 Peter 3:8 NLT

Jason Wu Spring 2012

2011-09-13T01:27:00.003-05:00

New York Fashion Week is in full swing. I have to admit that my favorite designs almost always come from the Spring collections. I love dresses, full skirts, colors and sheer, flowy fabrics. Seeing that I now live in the Arctic (at least that's how I imagine Connecticut winters to be, after listening to stories of last year's long, freezing winter), maybe I'll learn to love Fall styles as well. Meanwhile though, I'll keep on dreaming of Jason Wu's gorgeous Spring 2012 collection.

As the designer himself described it, the collection was "clean and couture, but with some very quirky elements." High waisted shorts, an elegant flowery print (made in collaboration with KAWS, New York famed graffiti artist), ruffled skirts, feathers, Swarovski embellishments, and a wonderful mix of flowing and structured silhouettes.

The show started off mostly with neutral colors and the occasional pop of blue from the KAWS print, but as it progressed you began to see different pieces in these wonderful neon colors, very Pop Art. Isn't that electric blue dress just gorgeous?

Love the mullet style hemlines, they were done in such a classy way. You can bet we're going to be seeing these pieces on Hollywood stars very soon. Can't wait to see who wears what!

To watch the full show, click on the video below. (And check out the models' makeup. Love the orangey-red lipstick!)

Images from here

Designer Quote Monday

2011-09-12T03:41:00.006-05:00

"... our objects, bibelots, whatnots, and knickknacks- say the most about who we are. They are as honest as a diary."

Charlotte Moss, A Passion for Details

image: from here

One Fifth by Ralph Lauren Home

2011-09-08T10:25:00.010-05:00

Ralph Lauren does everything right. So it's no surprise that RL Home's new collection, One Fifth has completely enchanted me. In their own words, One Fifth is "A feminine, elegant expression of glamorous deco style, with a sleek black tempered by warm golds, luxurious textures, and soft edges." Couldn't have described it better myself!

For more photos of the One Fifth Collection, click here to visit Ralph Lauren Home.

images: Ralph Lauren Home

Missoni for Target

2011-08-30T11:51:00.001-05:00

One of the major reasons I love Target is its design collaborations. From fashion to interior design, they have partnered with big names such as Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, Zac Posen, and John Derian, making high-end design affordable for everyone. Its latest partnership is with luxury design legend Missoni, and it will be the biggest designer collaboration Target has ever launched (more than 400 items!). Encompassing everything from clothes to furniture to homewares to a bike!, the Missoni for Target collection has the design industry in fervent anticipation. I have to admit that I am extremely extremely excited as well and can't wait until September 13th (when the line launches in stores and online). Even hubby liked a few things from the collection, so we are definitely going to make some major purchases. Here's a sneak peek at the things we loved the most!

Missoni is known for its prints, colors, textures and specially its famous Chevron pattern. All the items will carry this aesthetic, but I think nowhere is it more obvious than in the clothes. While this style is not for everyone, I think individually all the pieces are quite beautiful.

I am in specially love with the rain boots! There will be several prints available, including this same chevron pattern in shades of gray and a flowery print in purples and greens.

Gorgeous scarves!! How chic do these look?

Weekenders, train cases, cosmetics bags... I'm trying really hard to come up with a reason why I need one of each.

Some scarves from the men's collection (there will also be children and baby collections!). Hubby loved these and I have to say I even liked them for myself, specially the blue one. The men's collection has a more earthy, neutral palette. If you're a woman looking for something a bit more understated, you could totally choose some items from the men's.

And now my favorite part of the Missoni collection: Homewares and Decor! Above, one of the bedding options.

Pretty cushions! These are very colorful, but there are some neutral tones like gold and brown as well.

Love that shower curtain! And why have boring solid towels when you can have these?

The first time we saw this espresso set, hubby and I were like: We are totally going to buy it! Until we remembered we don't actually drink coffee. Not even decaff. We don't even like coffee ice cream. Maybe we could get it for when we have guests! We'll serve them coffee and just enjoy looking at them while they use our fabulous tiny cups.

These vases are probably our favorite pieces from the entire collection. They are stunning. Kind of take your breath away, don't they?

The final piece de resistance is this 4 piece patio furniture set. Beautiful! You can take a look at the rest of the collection (including prices) in their Look Book. And check out this new video they just launched promoting Missoni for Target. What do you think of the collection? Which pieces are your favorite? I'd love to hear from you!

Designer Quote

2011-08-29T08:12:00.000-05:00

Never look back, except for an occasional glance, look ahead and plan for the future. Success is not built on past laurels, but rather on a continuous activity. Keep busy searching out new ideas and, experimentally, keep ahead of the times, or at least up with them.

Dorothy Draper

Photo: The lobby of the Greenbrier Hotel, designed by Dorothy Draper

Pasta with Sausage and Black Olives

2011-08-25T14:42:00.007-05:00

I like Italian food. Who doesn't, right? While pasta is not my absolute favorite food, I love its versatility and the easiness it takes to whip up an amazing dish. A couple of weeks ago, while trying to come up with recipes to make for dinner, I decided to make a dish using our favorite pizza toppings: sausage and black olives. We rarely order anything else atop our pizza, so it seemed a fitting choice for our noodles as well. The results were better than I imagined! Seriously, I could eat this everyday.

This is a simple recipe, but extremely flavorful! I basically combined two recipes, one of which is my go-to pasta dish. We liked it so much I made it again last Sunday and remembered to take a picture just in time... before it was gone forever. I love that it's simple enough for a weekday dinner, yet it's the perfect dish to serve if you have company over. Just serve it with a salad and some crusty garlic bread! Here's the recipe. Make it. You won't regret it.

Pasta with Sausage and Black Olives

1 lb. dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, etc.)
5 tablespoons of Olive oil
1 tablespoon of Garlic paste
1/2 can of black olives (about 8 oz.), chopped
3 Italian sausage links, cut into rounds about 1/4 inch thick
2 cups of tomato sauce
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
Basil
Parmesan cheese
6 cups of water (for boiling the pasta)

1. In a medium sized pot, boil 6 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and cook it for however long the package indicates, usually about 10-11 minutes.

2. Sauté the sausages in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about 15 minutes over medium heat. Move them around often so they don't burn. You can use any kind of sausage, but I like Johnsonville's chicken sausage with Chipotle peppers and Monterey Jack cheese. Yum! When the sausages are almost ready, add the chopped black olives to the pan.

3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the rest of the olive oil, garlic paste, salt and pepper to taste. (This is a fabulous dish right here. Just serve with a bit of Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top and you're done. This is what I usually make when I cook pasta. Pretty healthy too!)

4. Add the sausages and black olives and mix it well. Pour the pasta into a deep bowl. Cover with the heated tomato sauce* and serve. Then, sprinkle some dry basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese over each dish. Enjoy!

* Note: I tend to have issues with store bought tomato sauce. They're always way too acidic for my taste, so I always fix them up a bit. Right in the jar, I add a couple of tablespoons of sugar, a bit of salt, basil and oregano. It makes a huge difference! Trust me!

Kitchen of the Year 2011

2011-08-10T14:41:00.006-05:00

Take a look at House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year 2011! Designed by Lori Yeomans and chef Tyler Florence, it's a gorgeous mix of rustic and elegance. If you live in or around NYC, you can check it out in person at Rockefeller Center. Take the pictorial tour right HERE.

Pics from here

Sofa Roundup

2011-08-05T14:30:00.019-05:00

As you guys know, living room furniture has been on my mind these past few days. Obsessively so. As in, if we do not buy a sofa soon, I am seriously going to have a meltdown. Dining chairs were not meant to be sat in for long periods of time and I'm not the kind of person who can sit in bed during the day. I feel lazy, even if I'm working on my laptop. So buying a couch is priority number one right now. Hubby would say it's buying our car, but then, men are very practical creatures.

In my quest to find the perfect sofa, I have seen so many great options that I thought it would be a good idea to make a roundup of my favorites. The most important criteria when selecting a sofa must be: Comfort + Design. You want it to feel soft and comfortable, and yet have a distinctive look. So here they are. Some of these we can't afford just yet, but hopefully I'll be back to claim one of them very soon...

Let's start with this gorgeous specimen named Cara by the kings of stylish comfort, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. I am completely in love with its sleek lines and versatile design. It will look as amazing in a contemporary interior, as well as in a more traditional one. All in such a perfect shade of gray. (You'll notice that the choices I'm presenting today all run in neutral colors, just because it's more or less the shades that I'm looking for our sofa.)

If I could run out and buy one sofa right now, whichever one I wanted, I would choose this one right here. Appropriately named Chester, this Chesterfield style sofa by MG + BW has all the elegance of classic English design but with a modern lightness, a far cry from the heavy, leather originals. With its gracefully turned legs and button-tufted back and armrests, I just want to curl up with a good book and a warm throw and never move again. I'm a Classics girl.

Influenced by English design as well, the Essex sofa from Crate and Barrel may just be their comfiest looking one yet. Love the contrasting tailor finish in linen with the extra deep cushions. It manages to look sophisticated enough, while still looking like the perfect movie night crash pad.

A decidedly more modern version of the Chesterfield, with tapered legs, curved back and tufted design minus the buttons. It looks very inviting, doesn't it? Azure from Crate and Barrel.

I love contradictions in design. Like this sofa from CB2, Bolla. Its structure looks firm and upright, yet it conveys such a strong feeling of softness and comfort. It occurs to me that it also looks a bit indestructible. Perfect for a home with kids and pets!

When it comes to affordable sofas, I can't not mention Ikea. Stockholm is my favorite one. It almost doesn't look like it's from the biggest dorm furniture supplier in the country. It has a certain elegance and simplicity which I really like. Plus, it looks good in any color.

From Home Decorators Collection comes the Rockford Sofa, which you can see above and below. Traditional design meets edgy. Love the nailhead trim, it totally transforms it. But what I love most is that it comes in tons of different colors, and they send you the fabric swatches for free before you buy it. How great is that?

And finally, the Martha Stewart Living Ingrid Sofa, also from HDC. Casually chic, with graceful lines and distinctive accents such as the turned legs and small nailhead trim. And... it's on sale!

I hope you enjoyed the roundup! Have a great weekend everyone. See ya on Monday!

A Visit to the Salvation Army

2011-08-02T15:30:00.005-05:00

This morning, running some errands brought me next to a Salvation Army store so I took the opportunity to go in and have a look. I'd never had the chance to visit a thrift store before. Buying used things is just not part of our culture back in the DR, but I've seen designers blog about the incredible finds they have scored in Goodwills, flea markets, and SA stores, so I was really excited to finally get to do it too. Who knows what hidden gems I would find buried in all the junk?

Well, I did find some interesting stuff. In the furniture department I saw some china cabinets and a few tables that would look amazing with a bit of handiwork. One upholstered bench in particular caught my eye. It had a pretty chevron fabric in soft colors and the shape was so beautiful. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures, but can you believe it was only like US $35? I didn't go home empty-handed though. I found this small desk with tapered legs and a central drawer in excellent condition which I will strip down and paint in some fabulous color. It was exactly what I was looking for. Not only did find something I needed, I felt good that my purchase was going to a worthy cause. The Salvation Army does amazing good all over the world, you can read some more on their efforts right here.

Can't wait to show you the makeover!

pic from here

Inspiration

2011-07-29T13:53:00.009-05:00

Today is all about inspiration. As I mentioned in my last post, I have tons of ideas for the design and decoration of our new home, but before I launch into that, I'd like to share some interiors that have inspired me with their simplicity and beauty. They all project the essence I want our spaces to have: elegant, comfortable, eclectic and timeless.

We'll take a look at living room shots today and tackle bedrooms and dining rooms later on. It's funny that I am focusing so much on our living room, given that it's actually the space that needs the most work right now. As in, we don't have any furniture yet except a couple of bookcases and the TV unit. The good thing about this is that because I've given it so much thought, I'll know exactly which pieces and accessories to buy when I spot them. Achieving a great design is all about pacing yourself, exploring, and buying pieces you really like that work well together.

I love how in these pictures the cushions bring the sofas to life. Wether they are colorful or textured, cushions are like jewelry. They add, complement and finish the look.

I'll also be focusing on lighting, which is crucial to achieving a great atmosphere. Hopefully tomorrow we'll be purchasing some pieces which I'll be sure to share here next week. Have a fun weekend everyone and see you on monday!

pics: 1) Samantha Pynn, 2) here, 3) Cross Design, 4) here, 6) Robyn Karp, 7) here

Greetings from CT!

2011-07-26T15:30:00.004-05:00

Hello there! It's so good to be back! We are finally settled in at our new place in Connecticut and things couldn't be better. After a couple of weeks spent having a blast in NYC while we waited for our apartment to be ready, we finally arrived in CT exactly one month ago. Our days have been spent buying furniture, comparing quotes on new cars, and doing everything else you can imagine (getting cel phones, bank accounts, credit cards, health insurance, filling a pantry, etc.) Whew!

But it hasn't all been business. We have made friends. We've gone to a carnival, out to dinner, bowling, movie nights, shopping. The mall is less than 10 minutes away and it has all my fave stores like H&M! Hubby is a little worried about this development actually, but in life there are things we all have to deal with. =) He's doing great in his new job as a first year medical resident (the reason we moved to the States) and he's studying really hard (as always). I'm very excited for them to see the amazing doctor he is. So we are happy, contented, excited but at peace all at once. We have a made a little love nest of our own... and now it's time for me to design it!!

I'm so excited! I have so many ideas floating around my head, I had to buy a sketchpad at the supermarket just to draw and jot everything down (I have to get to Michael's to stock up on drawing supplies, pronto!). So let's do this together shall we? I'll be posting tons of ideas starting this week, so please come back soon!

photo from here

Moments in Time

2011-06-02T08:26:00.008-05:00

Hi Guys! I'm back! So sorry to have kept you waiting all these weeks, but I have in fact a very good excuse. You may have remembered that I got engaged last February, and well, we just got married last month! Planning a wedding in 3 months in no mean feat, but we did it! And it was perfect. I had a pretty good idea of what we wanted to do (which is extremely hard for a designer, 'cause we have so many ideas floating around that we love!), so with my mean organizational skills and the help of friends and family, I think we accomplished something truly amazing.

It was a beautiful wedding. Intimate, elegant and so much of a reflection of who we are as a couple and as individuals. The ceremony was the highlight of the night, a heavenly moment in time, filled with the presence of the Lord and the joy of our family and friends as they witnessed a truly blessed union. I will never forget it. Those moments are permanently etched in my mind, every look, every smile, every word, every song. =) We had the wedding we dreamed of and we couldn't have been happier. The honeymoon was lovely, and all the events leading up to these times were amazing as well (check out part of our wedding photoshoot above).

But that's not all we have been doing these past months. Remember in one post when I mentioned an upcoming trip? Well, here's another piece of big news: We are moving to the States! As in, next week!!! To say that we are extremely excited is an understatement. I will give you more details as we go along, so please stay tuned!! I want to share this journey with all of you!

xoxo

Ana Elizabeth

photo: Thiago Da Cunha

The Girl with Violet Eyes

2011-03-23T17:30:00.008-05:00

Today the world has lost a legend. An incredible actress, a great humanitarian, and the girl with the most famous violet eyes in history.

I've been a lifelong fan of Elizabeth Taylor, ever since I was a little girl. I remember seeing her pictures in magazines and watching snippets of her movies, and being in complete awe of her. She just seemed so elegant and beautiful in that natural way movie stars used have back then. I dreamt of being just like her when I grew up. (But, you know, without the 8 marriages.) My grandmother used to wear her perfume, White Diamonds and I thought it was the pinnacle of sophistication.

It's curious that she passed away today, precisely because I've had her in my mind lately. Last month I finally did something I'd been dying to do for years: watch Cleopatra, the 1963 film which stars Liz and the love of her life, Richard Burton. Throughout the years, I'd seen tiny portions here and there, but I had never watched the entire movie. Since it's 4 hours long, you'll understand why. But one Saturday afternoon I caught it on TV and I'm so happy I watched. The script is a bit lagging at times, but Liz's costumes are gorgeous and the set design is truly out of this world! In fact, I'm planning on doing a post about it in the coming days, so stay tuned...

photos: from here, here, and here

Designer Motto

2011-03-11T13:54:00.000-05:00

"I am going to make everything around me beautiful. That will be my life."

Elsie de Wolfe

Celebrity Closets

2011-03-09T10:44:00.014-05:00

Closets can be beautiful spaces. But they can also be complete nightmares. Keeping my closet organized is an everyday chore. While some people categorize their clothes by color or by season, I like to organize my clothes by garments: long dresses, short dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, etc. I find it's very easy to find what I want if I know all my clean tops, for example are all in their own section. Shoes however, are a completely different story. So while I get my act together, I thought we could take a peek inside some famous closets and try to get some inspiration for our own. Let's start with my favorite: Mariah's.

Gorgeous!! It's so like her, girly and over the top. I love the floor design with the golden stars and of course, the gilded chandeliers. I find chandeliers look lovely in spaces like these, powders rooms and bathrooms. They just elevate the entire room.

Eva Longoria's is very traditional and elegant. The staircase lends a fun touch.

Christina Aguilera's. It really reflects her own personal style, doesn't it?

Olivia Wilde's. I am strangely attracted to this design. It has such an unusual aesthetic. The different textures and colors of the wooden walls, floor and rug, the fringed chandelier, and the rare mirrored design of the vanity table all come together quite nicely. Plus, you can't beat the natural sunlight streaming through the windows.

Nicky Hilton's.

Miley Cyrus'. Totally girly but with a bit of a rocker edge.

Kimora Simmons'. Over the top, just like her.

Paris Hilton's.

Paula Abdul's.

Rachel Zoe's.

Hope these images have inspired you a bit! Now tell me, what's your closet situation like?

photos from here, here, here and here.

Academy Awards 2011

2011-02-28T16:15:00.011-05:00

My favorite part of any awards show is watching the arrival of the stars on the red carpet and admiring the gorgeous gowns they'll be wearing. I must say I was a bit disappointed with last night's Academy Awards. While there were many beautiful dresses, none of them were particularly show stopping. That said, I did love quite a few. Here are my top 5 picks:

#5 Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang. For me, there's nothing as beautiful as a flattering red dress. It looks elegant and it's a lot more fun than the traditional black. The structured silhouette of the gown and the intense color looks gorgeous against Sandra's skin, although I thought her hairstyle looked a bit odd.

#4 Natalie Portman in Rodarte. Lovely dress for an expectant mommy. The color is beautiful and the shape just right for her body. Perhaps the shoes and accessories could've been in a metallic shade for a bit of contrast.

#3 Hillary Swank in Gucci. The feathers, the sequins, the silver shades that fade into a darker steel grey train all add up to one fabulous dress! As always, Hillary is quite spare when it comes to accessories, but maybe some drop earrings or a bracelet would've made for a more complete look.

#2 Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa. The girls of Marchesa are geniuses when it comes to girly, princessy, glittery gowns. It's no wonder Hailee Steinfeld approached them when it came time to chose her Oscar dress. And can we please talk about this lovely girl for a second? Only 14 years old and every time I've seen her she looks positively beautiful and dressed just right for her age. Love her!

#1 Mila Kunis in Elie Saab. This was my favorite look! Such an unusual color choice, that soft lavender with the lace details. It set her apart from the other female stars. It was romantic and elegant without being matronly, and I thought Mila looked fresh and young and pretty. Best dressed winner! But tell me, who were your faves?

photos: People.com and eonline.com

Jenny Polanco Handbags

2011-02-23T09:19:00.014-05:00

I've meaning to post this since last October's trip to Chavón, but I kept forgetting and as it turns out, now these have become last season's designs. I almost didn't post it, but I then I thought that this blog is about sharing things I love and it doesn't matter wether it's new or old, good design is timeless. Back in October, we visited Jenny Polanco's boutique in Altos de Chavón. She is a renowned Dominican fashion designer and I've always been in love with her work. Her style is very tropical, but quite elegant and she uses natural materials like cotton, linen, wood, stones, snakeskin, mother of pearl and coconut bark on her clothes, jewelry and accessories. The result is a wonderful collection of timeless pieces that are classic and trendy at the same time. When I was 16, I bought this beautiful gauzy, pale pink Jenny Polanco dress which I wore to countless parties and even to my senior year photo shoot. Can you believe I still have that dress and it looks exactly the same? You see, fashion can be a good investment.

Anyways, when we visited the boutique a few months ago I was completely smitten with her new line of handbags. Since we were just browsing, I didn't spend a lot of time checking them out, but oh, I wish I had because I would have bought one then and there. I think I dreamt about them that night. Particularly, about that golden mother of pearl clutch above. In person it shines like liquid gold. Beautiful!! I loved all her designs, so today I'm sharing my favorites. Which do you like best?

photos: Jenny Polanco

Stylish Spaces: Villa Blanca

2011-02-21T17:41:00.010-05:00

Since this blog is aptly named Confessions of a Designer, I guess I do have certain responsibility to live up to its intriguing title. So today, I have a confession. But with such pretty interiors as I'm about to share with you guys today, this particular confession doesn't really bother me at all. You see, the truth is... I'm a fan of this show called The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. So there! I know reality shows like this one are just a bunch of hoo-haa, but I can't help it. I'm not really a fan of the Real Housewives franchise, but this season in Beverly Hills was very entertaining. Although, I think the real reason I liked watching it was because of the places they showed, the houses, the interiors, the gardens, the shops. Let's face it, when it comes to show stopping interior design, Beverly Hills can't be beat.

Villa Blanca (White Village) is the restaurant of British housewife Lisa Vanderpump and her husband. They have owned many restaurants through the years and this is their latest venture. Talking about living up to its name, the interiors of Villa Blanca are beautifully done in shades of white with silver accents. I love how they livened up the palette with lots of texture and interesting details, like the wooden branches with hydrangeas and the huge antique mirror that faces the entry. The effect is sultry, feminine, and elegant yet comfortable at the same time. It definitely goes on my list of favorite interiors! What do you think?

photos from here

Lots of news!

2011-02-20T15:29:00.004-05:00

Hi guys! Don't worry, I hadn't forgotten about this little blog of mine. Remember in my last post how I said this year was going to be really exciting and there were tons of cool things coming up? Well... I was right. These past weeks have been full of good news, plans and even miracles! We have seen how in His own astounding, magnificent ways, the Lord has made amazing things happen in our lives in the last month. But I'm getting ahead of myself, maybe I should share the best news first. Are you ready?

... I'm engaged!!! =) It happened a couple of weeks ago and I'm still on a happy high. I keep getting manicures just to show off my ring! It's absolutely beautiful. And it doesn't hurt that I'm getting a great, amazing, tremendous husband out of this deal. I think I got a bargain. =) So you can imagine that now we are knee-deep in wedding plans. It's not going to be some huge affair, quite the contrary, we're planning something extremely intimate and pretty, mostly family plus a sprinkling of close friends. One of my best friends who is also a designer, offered to be my wedding planner, so needless to say, we are having a blast together. Did you know that girls doing girly things is better than therapy? Thankfully, I've never had the need for therapy, but I imagine that a couple of hours shopping for flowers, fabrics and cake can make the world seem just a bit brighter. But you know the best part? This has brought our families closer than ever before. Everyone's happy and lighthearted and everything keeps working out just the way we dreamed of. I'm really enjoying it and savoring every day.

That's not all that's happened, but I'll save the rest for later. Just know it includes an interior design project, a cookbook, a trip, and a grueling beauty regimen. Sounds daunting, doesn't it? I'll definitely be back at my blog this week, so check back soon! xoxo

photo from here

Interiors: Andy & Kate Spade

2011-01-11T17:48:00.014-05:00

After making my new year's wishlist at Kate Spade last week, I ran into these photos from The Selby. I just had to share them, so you could take a peek into the wonderful home Andy and Kate Spade have created for their family in Manhattan. Similarly to their brand, I find their home beautiful and timeless with odd little quirky touches that elevate the overall design into truly interesting and personalized spaces. Each room has a singular aesthetic, but when you look at the whole picture you realize it all comes together under one unique concept. Very, very cool!

To see the rest of the pictures, visit The Selby.

pics: The Selby

Wishes from Kate Spade

2011-01-04T11:35:00.021-05:00

Welcome back everyone! As promised, how about we start 2011 off with a dash of glamour and a bit of panache? And nobody does this better than Kate Spade. I love her classic style peppered with just the right amount of trendy sophistication. Of course, Kate Spade is known for her gorgeous handbags, but her new line of home accessories is just as brilliant. Take these Twirl Larabee champagne saucers with the dotted design and gold rim. Wouldn't they make for a fabulous toast? It seems like nowadays we only use champagne flutes, but I think the saucers are so much more sophisticated and perfect for a party!

The hors d'oeuvres you can serve in these Ticker Tape Tidbit plates with gold details. Even cream cheese on toast would look elegant in these!

If gold is not your style, you can go with a more classic design like the Larabee Dot Tidbit plates which come in sets of four, each plate with its own design. Mixing different china patterns and styles on a table looks interesting and original. Just make sure there's always a common element between them.

I couldn't resist adding this mug for the book lover in me. I don't drink coffee, but it would look really cute in my desk, holding my colored pencils.

But this, this is my favorite. The Camelia Avenue Posey vase. The bright color, the delicate gold rim, the way the light reflects off its crystalline, curvy shape. The ideal vase for holding a single bloom in a desk, an entrance table or arranged in a cluster on a mantel or dining table. It also comes in a crisp, bright green, but you know the best part? It only costs $25! Just one of these makes a for a beautiful statement anywhere you place it.

Of course, I can't write a post about Kate Spade and not show you some of the other wonderful items in my wishlist. Like this gold plated bow ring. Cute, huh?

Speaking of bright colors, I love these juicy bangles! Perfect for adding some pizzaz to a neutral outfit, be it jeans and a top or even a dress.

As for the bags, their new spring line has just arrived and they have some gorgeous models. The yellow Hit the Dock Rudy above, is one of my faves. You can't appreciate it in the picture, but the fabric has a slight metallic sheen. I really like the rope detail, it's so summery!

The Daycation Bon Shopper I really liked as well. It's more of a tote bag, so it'd be perfect for the beach or the pool. Just throw your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen in, and you're ready to go in style.

The tiny, flowery Les Fetes Metallic Lily is my favorite of all. It so girly and cute, you can dress it up or down and no matter what outfit you have on, it seems like it would add just the right dash of feminine sophistication. Plus, it's pretty!

How about this Striped Bow Jacket? Again with the nautical theme, but done in such a classy way. Love the big gold buttons, the clean lines and the structure of the jacket, but the best part is...

the back! Isn't it gorgeous? I bet any woman would look good in this silhouette, which accentuates the waist and has just the slightest flare at the hips.

And finally, like a cherry on top of a yummy sundae, a little red dress to finish off this wonderful wishlist. Not a bad way to start the year. It should keep me motivated to work extra hard so I can buy all this! =) Come back this week for some decor posts, including a peek inside a designer's home and more!

PS. There's a huge sale going on at Kate Spade right now, so hurry up and visit!

images: Kate Spade

HAPPY 2011

2011-01-03T19:39:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! May 2011 bring you much happiness, joy, peace and health in Jesus' name. This year is going to be incredibly special. I have a lot of cool things planned for Confessions of a Designer, so hopefully I'll get to share them all with you as the days go by. This week we'll kick off with a bang. Come back tomorrow for a post bursting with eye candy... and much more!

image: Kate Spade

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T17:10:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope these days are filled with love, joy and hope for the upcoming new year. May the desires of your heart be fulfilled according to the Lord's perfect will, and may we always remember the real reason we celebrate, decorate and host the perfect soiree this time of year: the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:9-14

image: from here

Dreamy Kitchens

2010-12-10T11:44:00.011-05:00

Today I thought I'd share some dreamy kitchens... House Beautiful recently did a roundup of the best kitchen designs of 2010. These are my faves. Above, the 2010 Kitchen of the Year, designed by Jeff Lewis and showcased in Rockefeller Center just a few weeks ago. I loved how he considered the space not only for cooking, but for entertaining and hanging out as well. It's very clean and welcoming.

William Hefner's modern Los Angeles Kitchen. Even though I'm a big fan of contrasting colors, I really like the soft palette he used in this design: pale, textured and elegant.

This is more of a traditional kitchen, but with interesting pops of color and quirky touches that add coziness and humor, like that rug!

Simple, modern and just plain good looking. The raised cabinets are ideal for cleaning and the thick countertop looks beautiful.

I dream of a white kitchen, I really do. Can't think of a more perfect space for fresh cut hydrangeas. How can anything you prepare in there not look amazing?

It's a beach kitchen and it feels like one. Gorgeous blues, and the unexpected tile on the walls looks very refreshing. How about you? Which is your favorite? What does your dream kitchen looks like?

Images from here

Interview 80+20

2010-12-08T09:46:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to share this interview I did with Diálogos con Diseñadores recently. 80+20 is a new project they are just launching, which consists of a series of chats with owners of design firms. Through these interviews, they explore the different facets of managing a creative enterprise. It's incredibly interesting and we're thrilled we got to participate! =)

You can see the interview HERE

Super Easy Dessert

2010-11-28T16:01:00.007-05:00

I hadn't made dessert since our last cooking class, so when Marcos' birthday rolled around last week, I decided it was high time to make something scrumptiously sweet. Not really into cakes or sweets in general, my honey's favorite dessert is Manjar, a tres leches with a dulce de leche topping. Being from Argentina, Dulce de Leche is the one sweet he just can't get enough of. We usually buy Manjar at the bakery, but it seemed so easy, I thought I'd give it a whirl and see how it would turn out. As it happens, it was unbelievably good! (Plus, I scored high points in the best girlfriend department. Just don't tell him it was that easy to make!)

The recipe I totally improvised. I looked up some Tres Leches recipes just to make sure of the quantity of the ingredients that were needed, but other than that I just winged it.

Manjar

1 vanilla sheet cake from supermarket bakery (I used chocolate chip cake! Of course you can totally make your own which I bet would taste even better, but the beauty of doing it this way is the speed with which you can throw this together).
1 can of sweetened, condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 jar (15 oz) of Dulce de Leche

1. Cut the cake into slices 1/2 inch thick. Place them in a square or rectangular baking dish, in three layers, one on top of the other. Make sure the slices fit perfectly and try not to leave gaps between them. You can fill in the gaps with the same slices, just cut them according to the size you need.

2. In a small pitcher, mix the sweet, condensed milk and the evaporated milk and stir. (Ok, so technically it's a Dos Leches, but if you're picky you can add a bit of whole milk to the mixture and get your Tres Leches.)

3.With a fork, pierce the cake all over. This will make tiny holes through which our sweet mixture will slowly seep down into the cake. Pour the leches mixture all over it, making sure to distribute it evenly.

4. Finally, cover the cake generously with Dulce de Leche, just like a thick layer of frosting. Place in the fridge for about 2 hours before serving.

Dulce de Leche is easily found at the supermarket nowadays. I bought this brand La Paila from Argentina of course, and it was excellent.

Hmmmmm... Would you look at that? Moist, sweet and cold with the tiny chocolate chips adding just a bit of texture... And that was it for me. No more sweets until Christmas! Bon Appetit!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

2010-11-25T03:26:00.000-05:00

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Psalm 30: 11-12

image: from here