{style inspiration: blush, nude & champagne}

. . . having flirted shamelessly with irresistibly fun and tempestuous bolts of colour recently, this past weekend, in open-toed sandals {for the first time this spring} and toes newly enveloped in chanel's rose satin, have fallen always and again in love with shades of nude and blush and champagne, the pale and pretty hues insanely perfect for mid-spring afternoons . . .

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marc by marc jacobs mimi silk-crepe dress | lido pearls mother of pearl flower necklace | carine gilson théme egérie silk crepe de chine bra | carine gilson théme egérie silk crepe de chine french briefs | aspinal of london vintage vanity case in nude deep shine italian patent calf | yves saint laurent rouge pure shine 26 in natural beige | giuseppe zanotti henry leather and metal t-bar sandals


{p.s.} more perfect neutrals: here & here & here

{table for two: meringue-encased lemon cakes}

. . . perfect for mid-march soirées and even better, dinners outdoors . . .

{meringue-encased lemon cakes:}

125g butter, softened
1 cup (220g) caster (superfine) sugar
1/4 cup finely grated lemon rind
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups (225g) plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, sifted
1/2 cup (80ml) milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 scoops vanilla ice-cream
basic meringue mixture {see below}

preheat the oven to 160°c (320°f); place the butter, sugar and lemon rind in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until light and creamy; gradually add the eggs and beat well; fold in the flour, baking powder, milk and lemon juice; spoon the mixture into 6 x 1 cup-capacity (250ml) lightly greased muffin tins and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer; cool in tins for 5 minutes; remove and cool on a wire rack

using a tablespoon, scoop out a hole in the top of each cake and fill with a scoop of ice-cream; place the cakes on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes; spread the basic meringue mixture over the cakes and place on a baking tray; cook under a preheated hot grill (broiler) or in a preheated 200°c (390°f) oven for 2-3 minutes or until the meringue is set and golden; serve immediately; makes 6

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{basic meringue mixture}

150ml eggwhites (approximately 4 eggs)
1 cup (220g) caster (superfine) sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar

place the eggwhites in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until stiff peaks form; gradually add the sugar and vinegar and beat until the mixture is thick and glossy; use immediately

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{p.s.} previous table for two posts:
* homemade french baguettes
* crab bruschetta


{image: scan by this is glamorous from seasons by donna hay}

{photographer: ellen silverman}

. . . there is a beautifully serene, painterly quality to new york-based photographer ellen silverman's work -- a perfectly moody, atmospheric light that infuses each frame and inspires thoughts of sultry august afternoons moments after a rainstorm . . .

{p.s.} an interview & more work

{images: all photography by ellen silverman, via my paradissi}

{colour inspiration: petal pink + french grey}

. . . charming florals paired with elegant mirrored side tables and delicate lilac petals on bright windowsills, tea cups and cakestands and beribboned shoes; alongside marble and mother-of-pearl and bits of gold and whether in shades of champagne, taupe or tea rose, shall always and forever adore perfectly pretty pink . . .

{images: 1 - unstitched.; 2 - romantic homes; 3 - apartment therapy; 4 - rosie tupper via a glamorous little side project; 5 - sunday suppers; 6 - everything fabulous; 7 - a previous post; 8 - mitica illustrations; 9 - tumblr; 10 - stylist kate morris via 79 ideas; 11 - krisatomic; 12 - jamo associates for laura ashley; 13 - trouvais; 14 - a previous post; 15 - rachelle vance}

{seaside sophistication}

Always loved the look of delicate capiz shells, especially when used in new ways: whether as outdoor lighting, or a pretty room divider, the pearly iridescence adds an air of seaside sophistication . . .

{images: 1 - gaellele boulicaut; 2 - martha stewart via a merry mishap}

{textural healing}

Recently picked up a cleanly designed, ultra-modern chest of drawers for extra storage, yet can't seem to stop looking at complex, ornate and embellished pieces of furniture. It's all about textures and layers these days, and love the worldly, well-travelled look that's showing up in décors all over the place. Quite taken with this Pink Mother of Pearl Inlay Chest of Drawers (above), which is really quite festive, and for fabric textures, Ruth Singer's chair (below) is a wonderful combination of rustic and delicate.

{And thanks to those of you who were wondering about the lack of updates and took the time to write. It's been a busy few weeks and only began slowly down in the past week, so decided to take some off for unfinished projects . . . not to mention the social engagements are beginning to pile up--Monday evening, we're attending an event at my friend Derek's restaurant with Padma Lakshmi of Top Chef. Should be a lovely night!}



Geometric bedside table with intricately inlaid bone and bone hexagonal knobs

Black with bone inlaid floral design mirror from Jaipur