A sneak peek of our master bedroom

I still have a few things missing from my shopping list to complete the look and make over that Kelly of Porter House Designs created for our bedroom like the 2 lamps for the sitting area and most importantly the 2 nightstand.

The Sitting Area

Since the nightstand that Kelly recommended is not available at this time,  I found one that is similar and a bit cheaper at (my favorite store) Z Gallerie - the Simplicity Mirrored Nightstand.  Here it is:

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie

I still have yet to go to the store and purchase this to save me on almost $100 of shipping cost.  I can't wait until everything's done.

Linens, Linens

I am currently looking for overlay table linens for my Mom's fab party this August and found the Wildflower Linens from another party blog.

So here are my choices:

Milano Gold
 Photo Courtesy of Wild Flower Linens

Milano Red
Photo Courtesy of wild Flower Linens

Pailletes Gold
Photos Courtesy of Wild Flower Linens

The color scheme of the event is red (my Mom's all time favorite color) and gold (her favorite hues of jewelry).  Since this is an evening party, I want it to have a shimmery and sparkle element to it.  I have yet to set up an appointment with them and find out price package for the above linens. I hope I won't go overboard on this one :)

Butler's Pantry Mirror

I've been wanting to spruce up our butler's pantry for awhile now and tonight, I can't stop thinking about mirrors.  Yes Mirrors for our butler's pantry.  Right now our butler's pantry counter top happens to be somewhat of a stock area where in we put papers/ mails we don't want to forget, the husband put up a bulletin board for remind me later stuff or papers we can easily track, charging laptop  counter, etc.  Since it's a small space you merely pass by on the way to the dining room from the kitchen, I think somehow it requires some attention.  With the right paint colors and a huge rectangular mirror on the wall, it will give it the right make over it needs.  So i surfed on my go to website for everything fabulous (for home decorating) of course, Z Gallerie and found some great mirrors.

Here is what I found:  the Simone Mirror. Design is simple and clean. It will give the room a contemporary look and will not break my bank account :)

Photo Courtesy of Z Gallerie

But  here is another one I found and can't resist. This  will definitely break my bank account. Haha!! But will give our pantry a very unique look and will keep me mesmerized everytime I walk by there. Mmmm...

The Axis Floor Mirror:

Photo Courtesy of Z Gallerie

Not only will the Axis Mirror break the bank account but will break it even more as it requires Professional Installation based on the website. I'm sure labor for installation would cost more.  It weighs more than 150 lbs with shipping.

Maybe I'll keep this on my birthday wishlist this year, hoping my husband will read this post and surprise me.   Wink! Wink! ;)

I really can't get enough of Z Gallerie.  I always wanted to browse whenever we pass by this store in the mall but I'm afraid that my kids will break something.  Like last year, my younger one broke a wine glass while we were paying for our purchase.  It's hard bringing young kids to these type of stores as you may end up paying more with broken items.  You chase them around the store and end up leaving coz they get bored or you are trying to avoid having them touch the fragile stuff.

Which of the mirrors  do you like better?  Now, I have to think of wall colors....

I have a lot of backlogged posts for updates around our house but will write a separate post with pictures once I get the chance next week like our garage flooring, master bedroom make over and my daughter's nursery turned into a classic toddler room with Parisian themed accents.  I can't wait to post pictures once we get everything settled, assembled and completed.  

I also have a couple of Party Planning projects lined up which is pretty exciting for me this summer: My daughter's Ballerina Party and My Mom's Fab Party..  This is gonna be a fun but busy summer for our family and here at home...

Laduree

I know I haven't really blogged about Paris.  This is one topic, I really have to blog about.  One of the main reasons I travelled to Paris (besides sight seeing and visiting the famous tourist spots): I was on my quest to find the best french macarons in Paris.  I love  the cheap Trader Joes ones and the one we ordered for my daughter's birthday last year from Blue Cupcakes. But I know nothing can compare to the original french macarons.   Although we were busy the whole time while we were in Paris, I knew I can't let our trip pass by without trying the famous Laduree Macarons, which were recommended by a friend and read about in a blog. 

I was giddy with excitement approaching the famous Patisserie

The front entrance in celadon green and gold, what a lovely color combination!

While we were in Versailles, I chanced upon their booth on my way to the first floor apartments right before you exit the garden.  It cost me about 8 euros for 6 pieces a box but was surprised to see it was much more expensive in their Champs Elyssee store (I think it was around 12-13 euros for the 6 pieces box).  There was a long line at their Champs Elyssee store and their cafe was packed. I wish we had the time to stay and have a meal at their cafe but it was our last day in Paris and we still had to go back to the Hotel and check out in time to catch our train back to London.

Man, the Raspberry Macarons are the best! Tangy yet sweet..  Mmmm! I don't think anything can compare to it.  It looks like they don't deliver here in the US. I've already looked at their website and didn't find any shipping info. I may have to do more research on this.  Another thing is, it is hard to ship Macarons as they easily crack and you have to eat them fresh.  Besides the shopping, I wanna go back to Paris because of this.

While reading about Laduree on the Wikipedia website, I learned that these famous pastries made an appearance in the Marie Antoinette movie directed by Sophia Coppola and known as a favorite of Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl.  They have stores in Monaco (hope to visit one day), Japan, Ireland, and Italy (crossing my fingers this will be our next European trip, Please Please, Please- and get some more Laduree here if we don't get to stop by Paris).


Another Macaron we tried was from the Pierre Herme at Galeries Lafayette.  The husband of course loved the caramel macaron.  It was much cheaper than Laduree (I forgot how much it cost) and also came in a cute gold box and paper bag with their own namesake blue tag.

These are the 2 main macarons you must try out when in Paris.  I still have yet to try other ones hopefully when we go back. Now this post makes me hungry and crave for Macarons.  I'm thinking of trying out the Sweet and Saucy Shop version for my daughter's Parisian Glam Party for her second birthday.

Carmel by the Sea

Last weekend we attended a friend's wedding at Carmel.  Although, it was cold and drizzling, we still had the best time.  The view from the Ranch (where the Reception was held) was simply breathtaking. You can see the green fields and the sheeps- literally!! Couldn't believe our luck.  On the right most corner is the beautiful beach.

View from the Patio of the Ranch

Another picture of the Ranch

We'd love to come back here and relax.  I remember we were here in Carmel and Monterey in 2004 also for a friend's wedding and we had the best time sight seeing, driving by the 19 mile drive, biking along the beach and hanging out with our friends.  Ahhhhh, Best times!!