annown: March 2011

Weekend

Happy weekend! Hope it's a good one. I think ours will be fairly low key as I'm still getting over this very persistent cold, but as the weather is set to be rain mixed with snow, it's not a bad weekend to curl up indoors. What are you up to?

(lovely photo by Mikkel Vang)

Meet the Sponsor

If you're not already reading Tina's wonderful English Muse blog, you're really in for a treat. Focused mainly on books, decor and photography, it's not only beautiful to view but thought provoking, too — I continually find myself jotting down this book to read, that magazine to pick up or this movie to go see. Her recent post about the inspiration journals of Rachel Duarte (shown above), definitely had me digging out my own journals with a view to updating. But I do have to confess to being a bit biased, too, as Tina is as lovely a friend as she is a blogger — in fact, I've just created a new banner for the English Muse, which debuts today! Pop by to have a look — and stay for a rewarding browse.

Not only does the charming Lillian of Unstitched have a beautiful blog about decor, travel, design, collecting, weddings and more — she's just as lovely herself, as her recent gift to a friend shows. Lillian recounts in a recent post how for her friend's 24th birthday she hand wrote 24 birthday wishes — some heartfelt, some funny, some quirky, as she says — and tied each one to a balloon, which she then hand delivered. Such a sweet and memorable thing to do — and I'm sure her friend will remember it forever. Visit Lillian's blog here. (photo by Lillian)

Smile

Some people really know how to have fun.

(via i hate music)

Paint It Black & Rust

I just can't seem to stop wearing black and rust together. It is my absolute favorite color combination! Or at least for the moment. Even my hair seems to have these colors now that my natural hair color is completely noticeable (dark brown). Oh well! So you're probably wondering what the heck is up with the little white fence in the photos. Well, it's there so that Teddy, our little 1 year old yorkie, doesn't eat the pebbles on the ground. He is just like a little kid, he'll put everything in his mouth, although I've noticed he doesn't do it that much anymore. If you have a doggie than you know that eating rocks can be deadly for them since they can't digest them. I can't wait for the weekend! Do you have anything exciting happening? For me it will consist of hanging out with friends, reading (I'm on book 2, Clash of the Kings, by George R.R. Martin), and watching Mildred Pierce on HBO! She's a very unlikeable character, but it's a very good story! ^,^

Details:

dress: U.O.

tights: H&M

shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

bag: vintage Dooney & Bourke found at The L.B. Flea Market

drusy ring: Technibond on HSN

magnifying glass necklace: etsy

bracelets: vintage, ASOS, bought in Mexico

hair clip: unknown, I've had it for many many years

nail polish: Orange Fizz by Chanel

xoxo,

Beatrice

Kyoto Eki Museum

Kyotoえき美術館

On the 7th Floor of the Kyoto Station Building - and a part of the Isetan Department Store - is the Kyoto Eki Bijutsukan (Museum).

It is medium-sized gallery that puts on big-sized exhibits.

An exhibit on the Pre-Raphaelites - William Morris, Dante Rossetti - was recently on display.

The exhibit ended March 27. The gallery is open from 10 am until 8 pm (March 27, closing time is 5 pm).

The fee for adults is 700 yen, 500 yen for high school and college students, 300 yen for junior high and elementary school students.

See what's on in Kyoto now, including at the Kyoto Eki Museum.

Information

7 Floor, Kyoto Station Building
075-344-0798

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Kawabata Dori Kyoto

川端通

Kawabata Dori runs north-south parallel to the Kamo River on its eastern bank. Kawabata Dori runs from Kitaoji Dori in the north of Kyoto all the way down south to Shichijo, making it one of the longest streets in the city.

Around the bridge at Imadegawa is a popular place for people to cycle, jog, practice musical instruments and picnic and there are fine views here on a clear day to Mt Hiei in the north east of the city.

Kawabata Dori passes the Goethe Insitute Kamogawa Villa, Club Metro at Keihan Marutamachi Station, Kyouen shopping area and the Minamiza Kabuki Theater at Shijo Street in its most interesting section between Imadegawa and Shijo, the very heart of central Kyoto.

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Sweetness and Light

A still life that contrasts colours and textures beautifully, from the portfolio of stylist Kim Ficaro.

Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.

Unearthing Treasures in Paris
My idea of a perfect shopping expedition — jewelry designer Gaia Repossi gives a tour of her favorite vintage clothing shops in the City of Light. Via English Muse.

Top 10 Books on Colour
Fascinating selection by author Peter Forbes of books about colour — in fiction, art books, to science and poetry.

Yohji Yamamoto in London
Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto is currently having a retrospective of his work at the Victoria & Albert in London — follow the link for a slide show.

Dos and Don'ts of Diary Writing
Fun piece by Michael Palin of Monty Python on how to keep a diary.

Olga Kotelko: the 91-year-old Track Star
Watch this short interview with Canadian senior athlete Olga Kotelko and be inspired by her remarkable zest for life. Wonderful.

The Rise of the Personal
Katie Roiphe looks at the movement towards a more informal style of decorating in today's interiors, or "undecorating."

How Not to Handle Bad Reviews
A self-published author gets a bad review ... and it goes downhill from there. Wow.

Simple Salads
20 salads from Saveur, any of which would make a nice transition from winter eating to lighter spring fare.

(lovely photo by Morten Holtum via cherry blossom)

Time's A Tickin'

I've been patiently waiting for Spring to arrive. It's been so cold and rainy since the first day of Spring here in Southern Cali. I can't wait to wear my new Spring purchases, so I pulled out one of them, the straw boater hat in anticipation. I'm also craving a vacation, badly. Fingers crossed that my plans go smoothly, if so I will be going out of the country two to three times this year... I don't want to jinx it so for now I'll keep it to myself. I'm not a superstitious person, but it's little things like these that kind of turn me into a superstitious person. I hope that just made sense. ha. What are you anticipating this season?

black dress: Tulle (one of my designs)

straw boater hat: U.O.

tights: Zara

tapestry wedges: Jeffrey Campbell via Modcloth

hourglass necklace: d.i.y.

moonstone ring: Technibond on HSN

smoky quartz ring: Technibond on HSN

scallop ring: Marika King on etsy

nail polish: Chanel, Orange Fizz

xoxo,

Beatrice

Moments of Beauty

Sarah Jessica Parker, photographed by Mario Testino. I've always thought that SJP has a face that's more old Hollywood than new — it's all elegant line rather than mere prettiness.

(via MissBgd on Pinterest)

Family Paradise

Twelve years ago Domitilla Brion and her family were beginning to find their summer holiday home rather cramped, so when her older sister, Chrystal, told her about discovering the island of Yeu in the Atlantic, she was intrigued. "She came back telling us of our childhood in Brittany, the sea that moves, small trails, the smell of heather, nature and modest homes." So she and her other sister, Angela, didn't hesitate long when the following summer they decided to each rent a house on the island. Enchanted with what they found, Domitilla and her family eventually became the owners of this lovely cottage. Two years later, they bought the house next door, allowing them to unite and extend what they had, eventually creating a harmonious family nest combining both private guest areas and shared spaces — a place where the three sisters and their families spend holidays in happy harmony, all in a beautiful house on the island of Yeu. More (in French) here from Marie Claire Maison.

(photography by Philippe Garcia for the May/June 2010 issue of Marie Claire Maison)

Sponsor Spotlight

The lovely Australia-based Lobo Luxe shop not only offers beautiful handmade contemporary jewelry by artisans from all over the world, but exceptional customer service, too — not only do international customers automatically receive 10% off jewelry purchases at checkout, but if you sign up for the Lobo Luxe Newsletter, you'll always be eligible for the monthly draw to win a $50 gift certificate! And until April 30 2011, you can use the coupon code “lobo luxe” in the coupon redeem box at checkout to obtain $10 off your shipping costs — a perfect time to think of indulging in something lovely like the new line of humorously romantic jewelry by Flick Pope, such as the Queen of Hearts Ring shown here, available in sterling silver with a choice of crystal quartz, jade or rose quartz for the gem. Happy shopping!

White Moth Jewelry has an exciting giveaway on this month! For a chance to win one of their gorgeous Soviet Military Stamp Necklaces, visit the website, then head over to the White Moth blog, become a follower and leave a comment telling them which Soviet Military Stamp Necklace is your fave — with luck you may just win it! Contest closes April 4 2011, so don't delay!

Looking to add a little vintage sparkle to your spring wardrobe? 100 Applegate Vintage has a fun giveaway on right now — a chance to win a $50 gift certificate! Visit the shop, then leave a comment on the 1oo Applegate Vintage blog about the vintage piece you like best. Extra points for becoming a blog follower and/or for adding the shop to your etsy favorites, too! The giveaway ends midnight on April 4 2011 — good luck to making your April a little more pretty!

New Thai Restaurant In Nagoya - Somboon

ソンブン

Somboon is a small, intimate Thai restaurant in Sakae, the main entertainment district of Nagoya, and rapidly becoming a favorite for a real taste of Thai cuisine.

Run by a friendly Thai mama-san who speaks both English and Japanese, Somboon offers tasty, authentic and good value lunch and dinner.

Somboon
Nishishin Bldg. 2F
4-4-9 Naka-ku
Nagoya
468-0008
Somboon on Google Maps
Tel: (052) 263 3545
(nearest subway; Sakae exit 2)

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Style Inspiration of the Week

1. Stolen From Grandma
2. Trini
3. Coco Maria
4. It Girl Rag Doll
5. Z's Closet
6. Mary Van Notes

xoxo,
Beatrice

A Brief Pause

I've been fighting off a really bad flu for the past few days, and it looks like the only way to get it over and done with is to just stay in bed. But don't worry — I'll be posting as soon as I can!

xoxo

(lovely photo by William Waldron)

Map of Japan's Prefectures

日本の地図

This map of Japan shows Japan's 47 prefectures from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south.

The present 47 prefectures date from the reorganization of the old feudal domains (han) which were finally rationalized in 1888.