Dia Dos Namorados

For my namorado: a card, bottle of wine, single rose, and an old tin letter "R" make a simple but elegant presentation. Initial letters like this are a great way to personalize your home's decor, whether used as a wall hanging alone or in a cluster, stuck in a bookshelf, or casually plopped upon a small table or other unassuming surface. 

Vintage letters like the one above can be found at antique stores and on ebay, or if you prefer a sleeker look, bought new from stores like Pottery Barn. Check out etsy or craftcuts for more customized and varied options.

Doggie Style

A cute pooch out shopping on Dia Dos Namorados in Higienópolis

Mercado Municipal

Vendors' produce carts lined up behind São Paulo's famous municipal market

Color in Centro

Bursts of color in gray São Paulo's Centro neighborhood

Sweeping brush strokes disguise a public toilet

Balloons

simple polka dots are unexpected and cute

Needlepoint Cosmetic Case

I needlepointed this cosmetic case for a bridal shower gift. Success! This type of project makes a thoughtful, personalized gift and is perfect for people at all levels of creative skill.

Experts can draw their own designs on a blank canvas and choose their preferred project, finishing, and threads. Intermediates may want to go with an existing design, seek a second opinion on the right threads, and return the project to a store or expert for finishing. For beginners, there are excellent kits available which include a fully constructed object that doesn't require finishing, along with the appropriate threads, needle, and instructions. With all of these options, needlepointing can be for everyone!

 This cosmetic case is one such beginner's kit. (Cases for eyeglasses, scissors, and phones are also popular, as well as keychains and bookmarks). I went this route because I didn't have time to return an unfinished project to a finisher. To personalize the pattern, I had an expert at the store add the bride's initials. This was still a time-consuming project that required a lot of patience and focus, especially as I wasn't accustomed to the slippery cotton thread it required. The main thing to beware of with these pre-painted kits is that the pattern is not always drawn correctly, so it's very prudent to look ahead and catch any potential trouble spots before you stitch into them. 

I sewed (slipstitch) on a simple fabric to cover up a messy back and protect the threads  

Moroccan Inspiration

For my birthday, dinner surrounded by one of my favorite architectural/design styles.

California Mission

The Spanish tile steps demonstrate the lovely, yet reserved (and sometimes almost hidden) architectural detailing at the Estancia Hotel & Spa just outside San Diego in La Jolla, California.

  The hotel maintains low-profile luxury and consistency across its large property through use of red tile flooring, heavy dark wood beams, a bounty of assorted flora, and a natural merger of indoors and out. Uniting all the buildings is a yellow exterior paint that manages to look just the right amount of old and new at the same time.