Monday, March 31, 2014

Marc by Marc Jacobs tablet sleeve winner!!!!


Congrats to Xunle M.!  You are the winner of my Marc by Marc Jacobs tablet sleeve giveaway!  Please send me your US mailing address within a week so I can mail your prize out promptly.

Thank you everyone else for entering.  Until next time.  Have a great week!

Friday, March 28, 2014

From one Michelin star to two


I remember going to Quince when they first re-opened at their Jackson square location.  Food was wonderful.  I specifically remember their huckleberry souffle.  It was just divine!  At that time, they had one Michelin star.  I returned couple times since.  The last time I returned, they were upgraded to two Michelin stars.  The menu had changed as well.  I can see why they were upgraded.  The menu feels a lot more concise and controlled.  Before they had a la carte menu but now they only offer prix-fixe menu.  I can see why they did that as that gives them a better control of the food and presentation.  The service felt more orchestrated and refined as well.  Not that the old Quince was a mess or anything but now everything just feel like it's coming together nicely.  Typically for me, I feel like there is always some kind of miss in an one Michelin star restaurant, but when you get to two Michelin stars, all the kinks should have been worked out.  I can honestly say that everything I had at Quince last time was delectable; everything was cooked perfectly; I can't think of anything to complaint about.  Oh yes, there was one.  When they bring out the petite fours at the end, it was 6 different ones and both my best friend and I have always, always fought over who gets the pate de fruit.  But Quince had that solved as well.  They brought out additional pate de fruit for the whole table without batting an eye.  Everyone at the table agreed that we are coming back again! 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Not your average hammock


We all have an affinity to anything that swings; I think it probably reminds us of our childhood.  Well, Jim Zivic took it up a notch with his hammock.  This one is not the one you used to swing on your local childhood playground.  This adult version is ultra luxurious and great for taking a nap on anytime.  Get your fix at Ralph Pucci in NYC or Weho.

Monday, March 24, 2014

awwwwww, that is so cute!


Pugs have been celebrated since forever... from Queen Victoria of England to fashion god Valentino.  Meissen, the first European factory to produce white gold (aka true ceramic) in Europe have been making pug accessories since 18th century... be it finial of a walking cane to snuff boxes.  For all you ladies who want to show off your love for pugs, you have a modern option: pug pendants.  Meissen recently came out with a pug pendant that you can dangle it from your necklace or charm bracelet.  Just be aware that whenever you wear it, you will get a lot of "awwwww, that is so cute!" comments.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Jet.set.go!


I recently came across this intriguing tile design.  I just thought it is one of the nicest bathroom mosaic tiles available on the market today.  I just love the grayish blue color juxtaposed with white carrara marble.  I can totally see this inlaid in a Hollywood Regency bathroom floor or set as a feature wall at the end of a long hallway.  Love the honed finish.  Perfection.  See more on Walker Zanger's webite.   

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Saint Louis crystal is branching out!


Everyone knows Saint Louis Crystal is one of the top premier glass maker in the world.  After all, Hermes carries them in their boutiques and you know Hermes only associate themselves with the best of the best.  Well, Saint Louis has dipped their toes into modern aesthetic!  This gorgeous light designed by Godefroy de Virieu & Stefania di Petrillo is nice, simple and yet elegant.  Nice to see Saint Louis Crystal broke away from their traditional forms.    

Monday, March 17, 2014

Marc Jacobs Electronic Tablet Sleeve Giveaway!


Let's see what is the occasion this time....?  How about just because!  I'm giving away a green Marc Jacobs Electronic Tablet Sleeve.  As it states elegantly on the packaging:

This Marc by Marc Jacobs electronic tablet sleeve is the ultimate home away from home for your electronic tablet.  The form fitting construction is lined with faux fur to keep your baby safe, secure and oh-so-scratch-free.  The Marc by Marc Jacobs custom styling shows the world you know how to let loose, even when you play it safe. 

Please note: apologies to my international friends - I wish I could extend these giveaways to you but legal restrictions prevent it. Thanks for understanding.  

Friday, March 14, 2014

A little Bedazzling never hurts


It never hurts to add a little bit of bling into your interior as long as it's not over the top.  I came across this wallpaper company called Meystyle the other day and I just have to share it with you.  Founder Maria and Ekaterina Yaschuk are a perfect combination for this endeavor; one is a textile artist while the other one is a spatial designer.  Together, the sisters started this company that produces wallpaper bedazzled with Swarvoski crystals!  While their wallpaper can be a bit overwhelming with tons of patterns, I think they are perfect for small areas like powder rooms or statement walls like behind master beds or entries of boutique hotel lobbies. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Lucite Chic


Who knew Lucite can be so chic?!  Italian firm Silia knew.... They are transforming ordinary lucite blocks into sexy table lamps.  This Fume lamp has overlapping rectangular shapes encased within a rectangular block.  How did they do that?  Don't be looking at me as I have no idea.  But the result is 70s vintage chic that has been transformed into modern glam.  Get yours at Flair Home

Monday, March 10, 2014

Not your grandma's fruit platter


If you are looking for something that goes with your grandma's doily, this ain't it.  However, if you are looking for something that look like out of this world... perhaps something extraterrestrial, then head off to Mosspop.  That's where you are going to find Amanda Levete's FS bowl!  Why would you want it?  Well, not only is the bowl in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, but this Belgium made bowl will become the talk of the table when your guests sit down for fabulous dinner party you throw regularly.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Is that done by CNC milling?


When I first took a look at this picture, right away I thought to myself CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling.  I mean how else can can the walls/ceiling be done?  Well, turned out that this restaurant named Auriga (in Mumbai, India) was done by hand sketches with carpenters onsite!  Architect Sanjay Puri literally go to the job site every other day and direct carpenters where all the angles are going to go and how they are going to be connected!  As you can see, the result is spectacular!   

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Here comes the bees!


You can't get more versatile than Movisi's modular shelving system.  This polypropylene "cubes" can be freestanding or mount on walls.  There is only one module but because you can turn them in many different sides, they look like they are all different.  It comes in white or black.  It also comes with or without back so you can have a more see through look or not.  Furthermore, it can be used as seating when you have extra guests stopping by your home.  Your bookshelf has never been this versatile!

Monday, March 3, 2014

Bowl of fire


In a cold crisp night, nothing is better than snuggle up against a love one sitting next to a fire pit... or in this case a large fire bowl.  Eldorado Stone fire bowl is perfect to keep you nice and toasty in those frosty spring and fall nights.  The shape is versatile enough that it works for a traditional or sleek modern backyard.  You can find more information on this bowl here.