Dolce Dreams

Jewels, Chocolates,Flowers,Champagne and Love

2012-02-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

via jill gordon celebrate from martha stewart weddings

Valentines' is around the corner, and as traditional and "boring" as jewelry, chocolates, flowers, champagne and love are...I will never turn any of them down!
Some pretty eye candy to indulge in over the weekend ~ treat yourself!

chocolates via pinterest

via pinterest

tartella

doloris petunia

via pinterest

tony duquette for coach

via pinterest

jacaranda designs

via pinterest

tutorial to put your own words in a heart here via black and white

via inhabitots

honey pie design

via pinterest

Hugs and kisses to all, I hope you enjoyed my little romantic interlude...and whatever you do on February 14, most of all, don't forget to love YOURSELF!

xo, Nathalie

Downton Abbey on Etsy

2012-02-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

thistle cottage studio

Like many, I am a Downton fan...and eagerly wait for my Sunday highlight of the week! Downton is popping up everywhere...I thought I would share a few finds from Etsy with that "Downton Abbey" look to them...I would hope that designers are taking note, and that we will be able to find some "knockoffs" reminiscent of the stunning attire the Downton girls are wearing very soon ~ If not, vintage is always fun!

foxy and winston

sarina poppy

book pilgrim

yellowfield 7

cult of vintage

westfirst

malibu jewel

the cheshire cat craft

thistle cottage studio

lyonesse 4 gems

vintage wise

becca caram

the millinery shop

Are you a Downton fan? Who is your favourite character?
I must say there is no end to the twists in the plot...
Sunday cannot come fast enough after last night's events!

Have a wonderful week!
xo, Nathalie

( I was particularly happy for a diversion after putting two Patriots fans to bed that were in tears)

SuperBowl Sunday Smorgasbord

2012-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

With three over the top football fanatics in my house, Sunday is a BIG DEAL...
And the menu is a huge part of the day ~ my boys have big appetites.
Here are some delicious ideas that I came across...

I'll break out the panini grill for these turkey and brie panini's...

Crispy sweet potato fries...YUM!

Homemade meatballs ~ turn the leftovers into sandwiches...right up my guys' alley

My husband is doing his famous ribs...

Chips and salsa are a given...

DYING to try this cheesy mushroom pull apart bread!

Who can get enough cheese...mozzarella balls and marinara!

Popcorn cones

Pizza! and with caramalized onions...I'll take a whole one just for me!

I came across this on the web...how creative!

And a SuperBowl would not be a SuperBowl without some beer...I like the lime cupcake accompaniment!

I will probably be on Pinterest enjoying uninterrupted time to myself , with breaks to see the commercials and grab another plate of food!
Do you have big plans for the SuperBowl? Any great food ideas to share?

Nathalie
p.s. Patriots fans live with me!

all images via pinterest

Valentines Love 2012

2012-01-30T13:06:00.000-08:00

via pinterest

Valentines' is around the corner! It is one of my favourite holidays, and I love seeing all of the beautiful creations that pop up everywhere...here are a few that have caught my eye ~

dark chocolate peanut butter cups by hits the spot

art nouveau silver heart at sunday and sunday

card by gabrielle australia

paris graffiti heart by little brown pen

you strike my fancy by annechovie

via pinterest

antique locket with embroidered heart by stella saves the day

linen i love you ribbon by the lonely heart

love poems bookmobile by the shop house

apron by snappyshop

key to my heart candy necklace by andies specialty sweets

via pinterest

cupid oO bowls by atelier OKER

love gold ring by strim

necklace by precious pastimes

lingerie by toad lillie

via pinterest

via tumblr

How about you, are you a fan of Valentines? Or do you find it overrated? This February fifteen years ago I met my husband...and can't believe where the time has gone! I used to host a Valentines party for my girlfriends and all of the children, we would decorate sugar heart cookies and the kids would make shrinky dink heart necklaces for their mothers...I have the most wonderful memories of those parties. Now with some out of town, and the kids getting older ( my boys are not terribly thrilled with romance and love...may it stay that way a bit longer!), it has been several years since the last one. Going out on Valentines Day to me is WAY overrated...packed restaurants with prices inflated...a special dinner at home is just the thing for me. Boring? Perhaps...but with age comes comfort!

Do any of these find your fancy?

Have a week filled with amour,
Nathalie

What do Barbie and the Mona Lisa Have in Common?

2012-01-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

French artist Jocelyn Grivauld has taken her fascination with Barbie and incorporated her into many famous artworks ~
She cites the series as her “personal contribution as a birthday present to [her] mascot, Barbie, superimposed on the vision of artists whose work [she] greatly appreciates”.

To read more, visit here

Did you have a Barbie growing up? I loved mine...but I think I loved the clothes more!

xo, Nathalie

all images via design taxi

Year of the Water Dragon

2012-01-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

Gung hay fat choy!
Chinese New Year is always a favourite celebration for me...growing up in San Francisco with the Chinatown celebrations, and then my years at Wolfgang Puck's Chinois on Main, with our over the top grand celebrations there...
Yesterday was the official New Year, and Las Vegas does it up big ( many Asians come here to celebrate). I took the boys and we met friends at The Venetion/Palazzo, where these pictures were taken... the colours, the drums, the action and beauty of the dance were enjoyed by all....
This year is a special year...the dragon is a very powerful sign in the zodiac, but even more powerful this year as it is the year of the water dragon ( we won't see another for 60 years).

"Hail mighty Dragon! Your arrival is most welcome. People and businesses around the world have had difficult times over the last few years, so the good luck you bring is timely and needed. "
"Indeed, of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac the Dragon is the most special, as it is a mystical being rather than an earthly animal. It is sometimes called a karmic sign. In this context that means we can expect grand things this year. Bigger than life is very much a Dragon thing. "
"A word about timing. The Dragon is associated with Spring. This means you need to get off to a fast start in 2012 as things are going to happen early in the year. Hopefully you used some of the quiet time last year to plan. When the train leaves the station, you want to be on it! Good luck and opportunities to make money could come very soon after lunar New Year or Tet."
"

There is an even greater reason to rejoice. Ever since 1996 the year element has been in a destructive relationship with the fixed element of the animal sign. That is the longest unfavorable period in the 60 year cycle of Chinese Astrology, and that means a scarcity of good luck. The year 2012 is thus blessed not only by the lucky Dragon but also the end of that destructive cycle.
Furthermore, under the influence of the Dragon it is a yang year. Yang Water is like a flowing river rather than a stagnant lake. Things will move, ideas flow, creativity abound, economies boom, and love blossom in this environment. It is likely to be an exciting year indeed."

via the firepig...to read more visit HERE

I don't know about you, but I am ready for some dragon fire this year!

They did a beautiful job, didn't they?

One of my books that I would grab if I had to leave in a hurry would be
Suzanne White's "The New Astrology"...
She synthesizes the chinese and western astrological systems, and it is so amazing...I find it quite dead on. I am an aries snake...Do you know your chinese sign?

Wishing you a wondrously exciting year ahead,

Nathalie

Flowers on Fire ~ Robert Buelteman

2012-01-19T12:16:00.000-08:00

Papaver Nudicaule

The electric current running through these floral portraits by Robert Buelteman is alive...
they are not photographs, but created by electrical pulses and painting by hand.
I am in love with them ~

Chrysanthemum Coronarium

Populus Tremuloides

Cyclamen Persicum

To read more about this San Francisco Bay artist, visit his website here ~

I hope you've had an electric week, and are preparing for a relaxing weekend ahead...

xo, Nathalie

via lost at e minor

The Red Lip

2012-01-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

Last night's Golden Globes were very enjoyable, like everyone I love seeing the glam, and the more the merrier in my books. I cannot wait to see The Artiste...has anyone seen it? Also W.E. ~
The one thing that stood out to me were the number of RED, really RED, lips, ala 1950...Vibrant!
Back in my makeup artist days, there were two reds that I used for that look...

MAC Russian Red...after blotting, it will still be on your lips in the morning, it is that long lasting. A bit dry, but mattte mattte matte and there to stay ~

For a creamier version, Chanel has several options, Dragon Rouge Allure being one...
be sure to air kiss with this one though!

photo : getty images

Angelina had it down perfectly... (if she would only lose the tattoo)....

logo by google

Today we celebrate the life of a man with an incredible dream ~

Have a fabulous week,
Nathalie

It's The Weekend ~ Enjoy!

2012-01-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

image via pinterest

The weekend is here! We have a three day weekend, in honour of Martin Luther King Jr. Day ~ the weather has been unseasonably warm, so I am looking forward to enjoying some time outside.
I would love to be at the beach listening to the waves...
How is your weather? Any great plans for the weekend?

Relax and Enjoy,
Nathalie

Downton Abbey

2012-01-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

photos by James Merrell, Town and Country magazine

I only recently came acquainted with Downton Abbey, the Masterpiece Theater series on PBS. Season 2 started last Sunday, which I have tivo'd....and thanks to Netflix, have spent this week watching Season 1 ~

I am not really a follower of television shows, and would prefer to sit with a book, magazine, or sit at my computer Pinning or Blogging....But this show! It is fantastic, from the SET (Hello!), to the COSTUMES ( Superb!) to the WRITING (Brilliant!), to the ACTING (Amazing!) ~

The article in Town and Country's February issue shares such interesting information on the actual setting, "Highclere Castle" ...I am in love with this folly on the grounds...

I can only imagine the discomfort that came with a corset...but oh my, how absolutely divine one's figure would be...especially in the attire of the day. Worth the pain?

Lady Carnavon, the owner and keeper of Highclere Castle and it's 200 rooms, has just come out with a book about the castle and it's history, that I can't wait to read.

If you don't have Netflix, you can also watch the shows online at PBS...

Happy Wednesday,
Nathalie

Coco

2012-01-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

via refinery29 via the coveteur

"Coco" is a subject that is always an inspiration...
These photos are from The Coveteur's visit to her apartment, an era frozen in time ~

Her desk where she sketched...

I love Chanel, and cannot wait to see the January show ~ Front row on You Tube!

To see more photos and read on about Mlle. Chanel's apartment, visit
"The Coveteur"

Start the New Year off fashionably!
Who is your favourite classic designer?

xo,
Nathalie

p.s. I am still on my cleanse and my health/juicing/exercise regime to fit into all of my "fashionable" attire. I just added "Lumosity" into the program, to exercise my mind....terribly addicting!

A Votre Sante!

2012-01-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

2012....A New Year always brings on new resolutions and goals, and a fresh start on unfinished goals from the previous year. A continuing goal for me is preventative health. When I was in my 20's and 30's, this was not high on my list ( other than keeping my weight down to fit into my wardrobe). But being in my mid 40's now, and watching health decline in older family members that is eye opening... I am gung ho on keeping myself and my family in optimum care.

I've been juicing for years, and just got this juicer by Breville for Christmas...
It rocks! Super easy, and a breeze to clean. I make up a large batch for the week, and freeze the daily portions ( it keeps the enzymes fresh).

Kris Carr is my guru for preventative care...and this book is an invaluable source of information.

I am not a vegetarian, or "Raw" (my mother is!), but I try to eat as many vegetables and fruits as possible. This is an awesome cookbook because it breaks up the ingredients by healthy attributes, and is so nicely organized, and full of delicious healthy recipes.

Dr. Sandra Cabot, the "Liver Doctor", has this book that I have used for years. There are juicing recipes for any ailment or disease. I have also done her liver cleanse diet (the recipes are delicious), and use many of her supplements.

I am in the middle of this cleanse right now...I do it every 3 months. I used to fast, but with kids and the energy it takes me to get through the day, this is easier on me. And I still feel the benefits.

Exercise has been lacking for me..."I don't have time" has been my excuse that can't cut it anymore... I just got several of Trudy Styler and James D'Silva's DVD's that I am enjoying very much...there are several options for quickies, and although they are not the 2 hour heat yoga workouts that I took years ago (when I had time!), they make me feel better and I can feel the effects.

I have just put air back in the tires of my bicycle...and am ready to fly!

Do you have any great healthy tips that you are implementing?

Have a healthy and joyous weekend,
Nathalie

My Mantra for 2012

2012-01-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
My mantra for 2012 comes from this pretty little nirvana crystal that I received "Unexpected Miracles"...
I have it hung near my desk, and am envisioning all kinds of wondrous things for the year!

We were up sledding at Mt. Charleston the other day, and experienced this stunning sunset ~
an unexpected miracle here!
How about you, do you have a mantra for the year?

Whatever it may be, my wish for you is that all of your dreams miraculously come true this year!

Cin Cin!
To 2012!

xo, Nathalie

Holiday Happiness at Bellagio...

2011-12-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve is...tomorrow? Where on earth did 2011 go? Back in my maitre'd days, I would have had my outfit planned months in advance ~ tomorrow I will be choosing the most comfortable jammies to sit and indulge in king crab, caviar, and champagne...the food has taken precedence over the attire!
I trekked over to Bellagio yesterday on the Vegas Strip for some holiday cheer...it was packed to the gills. Apparently Las Vegas is at 98% occupancy, not bad with our current economy!
At Prada I fell in love....if I were "dressing", this is what I would be in ~

These jewels...how I love my bling!

Right?

My poor boys ...my youngest had fun trying on Prada shades and playing with the bear keychains ...

Divine!

This mask would be fun for the right soiree... via Cirque du Soleil ~

Little black dress here I come...

The boys patience paid off with Nutella crepes at Jean- Phillippe ~ How wicked is this Grinch made entirely of chocolate and fondant?

A true Zen moment ~ Buddha and chocolate!

Bellagio's Conservatory always makes one feel the magic of Christmas...
the Polar bears are made entirely of white carnations.

This scarf by Hermes makes me happy too! I hope that you have been feeling the joy and the magic of the season...and, if you are heading out tomorrow night, that you have a fantastic evening ~

Speaking of Happy, I enjoyed this post about
12 Things Happy People Do Differently over at
Habitually Chic...click HERE to read it and get inspired!

Happy
Happy
Happy
New Year !

may miracles abound unexpectedly for you in 2012,

xo, Nathalie

A White Christmas

2011-12-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

We went up to the mountains Christmas Eve for some sledding and fun ( yes, we have snow in Las Vegas ~ at Mt. Charleston!). It was just gorgeous...I was so surprised that many places that typically have snow did not this year! I spent a good portion of my youth in Hawaii, and Christmas never ever felt like Christmas in a bikini on the beach, the large Santa at Ala Moana shopping center the only indication that the holidays were happening. I hope that you had a wonderful day, and are out doing some "Boxing" today! I may venture out shortly, but then again I may just stay home by the fire with leftovers and relax...
Do you have snow where you are? Any fabulous plans for New Years' Eve?

xo, Nathalie

Joy...

2011-12-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

photo at zoi shop

Definition of JOY

1a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety

2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss

3: a source or cause of delight

— joy·less \-ləs\ adjective

— joy·less·ly adverb

— joy·less·ness noun

mini burlap bags at vintage junky style

charm necklace by susan k jewelry

quote clothespins at quotes and notes

letterpress card at vandalia street press

wine charms by where the grass is green

ornament by a kiss on the chic

necklace by cobweb corner

Wishing you all the most joyous of days!

xo,
Nathalie

Thriller...

2011-12-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

Last night we saw The MJ Immortal show by Cirque du Soleil, and it did not disappoint ~
On tour, if it comes to you I highly recommend it! Two hours of non stop entertainment of the highest caliber. It was the first time we took the boys to a Vegas show ...started at 10:30 pm, and ended at 12:30 am...home by 1:30...my 8 year old was amazed that he was awake for the transition from friday to saturday. Needless to say we all slept in today!

photos via google

If I were in Atlanta, I would be stopping by the Botanical Gardens...

This years Christmas lighting uses LED lights (only 10 watts of energy), that cast over 16.7 different colour shades...

Gorgeous!

I hope your plans and shopping and wrapping are all in order, and that you are enjoying the remaining days in high spirit and joy ~

Click HERE for a short trailer on the Michael Jackson Immortal Show, and tour schedule...

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Nathalie

Sugarplum Fairies...

2011-12-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

photo via google

I spent the evening in a dream last night, with the ultimate girl time that I so needed! To celebrate my dear friend's birthday, we took advantage of Fandango's latest offering ~ being swept away to New York's Lincoln Center via your local theatre. I have seen many versions of the Nutcracker in many differnt places, but never George Balanchine's version with the New York City Ballet ~ Exquisitely stunning, the sets, the costumes, the dancers ~ the children! The scene here with the Sugarplum Fairies was just so beautiful, it tugged at your heart strings.
And HOW I needed to escape! I have been very busy (who isn't this time of year!), and just finished a very large Custom Order that has had me up to the wee hours for weeks...

50 of my eye pillows, with many different sayings and prose ~
They turned out beautifully, and I am so happy that they are boxed off and on their way!

How are your holidays coming along? Are you taking time out to do something magical? I sure needed last night...and look forward to seeing Romeo and Juliet with the Royal Ballet Encore in April.

Peace,
Nathalie

Have Yourself a Sweet Weekend!

2011-12-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

via pinterest

Ah, the holidays...a time to overindulge! For me, the sweets are my weakness ~
I used to love baking, and would make up baskets filled with sometimes 15 different kinds of goodies at Christmastime...BUT alas I do not have the time anymore ...
Here are some favourite places to order from if you, like me, are lacking in time, but want some gorgeous sweets to eat!

You can get a tin of these beauties from Kays Simply Homemade...

eggnog cupcakes with spiced rum frosting via pinterest

These delightful elves can be found at Lori's Place...

For sparkly snowflakes like this, visit Nanci Houlgate...

For these handsome devils, rush over to the Queen of Tarts Cakes...

If you have a Trader Joe's nearby.....This is what my pantry is FULL of! And the reason my pants are getting snug ~ they are SO delicious, we can't get enough of them in our house....

Mini vanilla snowman cookies at Crafted Cookies...

But homemade is homemade...and nothing can compare to that! What is your favourite indulgence this season? Do you have a favourite cookie, or cake, or fruit loaf ?

Have a wonderfully sweet weekend!

xo, Nathalie

A New Cookbook in Town...

2011-12-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

One of the best chefs that I have ever worked with, and friend from years gone by, has a new cookbook out that looks simply divine! Josiah Citrin, owner/chef of Melisse in Santa Monica, has finally brought some of his culinary know how to paper ~

Take a peek at it here...

How are your holidays coming along? My days are FULL...overflowing with work, and family ~

I am looking forward to the week before Christmas, when some of the insanity subsides!

xo, Nathalie

Ice and Lights...The Harbin International Festival

2011-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, in China looks like quite the show ~
Since1985 the Northeastern city of Harbin has put on the festival, which is one of the 4 major ice and snow festivals in the world ( along with Japan's Sapporo Snow festival, Canada's Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival).

The Festival starts January 5, 2012, and ends February 5 ~

I almost felt frozen solid last night at my younger son's playoff game ~ Sitting for 3 hours in 40 degree temps with a hard cold wind blowing gets one a bit chilly! It was all worthwhile, they won by 1 point in the last seconds, and are off to the Championship Game next weekend... but I am going to have to invest in a portable heater for practice this week and the game...brrr!

We have been looking forward to decorating our tree, but as we started putting it up, we are realizing that our now 4 month old kitten Maxwell is going to present quite the problem... and the squirt bottle does not keep him away at all! I have beautiful annual Baccarat and Swarovski ornaments that I fear I will have to display elsewhere...in addition to the crystal icicles, and Radko ornaments...in fact, our tree is going to be pretty bare! This little Prince thinks he can climb up into the tree and hang out ...and that is before there are any enticing balls to swat ~ Does anyone have any advice!?

I hope your days are jolly and full of cheer ~
xo, Nathalie

Harbin International Festival via google

En"Light"ened Art

2011-11-30T11:14:00.000-08:00

via lost at e minor

LIFE photographer Gjon Mili captured these stunning photos of Picasso in 1949 ~
Using a flashlight as brush in a dark room, he created masterpieces that "poof"...
existed only for a second ~

Absolutely incredible, no?!

May your day be a creative one!

Salut and merci to Celia for the kind mention at High Heeled Life...again!

xo, Nathalie

Hugo Cabret

2011-11-29T11:11:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend we went to see "Hugo" in 3D ~
my sons had read the book, and were very excited to go. We went to an evening show, and they could not understand why it was all adults in the theatre ~
Perhaps because it is one of the best movies I have ever seen! Young and old will delight in the mesmerizing, heartfelt story...and of course the Paris scenes do not disappoint at all. The phenomenon of 3D never ceases to amaze me, as I reach out to grab a snowflake that surely is about to fall on my shoulders...
If you are looking for an escape from the holiday mayhem, this is the perfect escape ~ ten thumbs up from our household!
Here is the trailer:
http://www.hugomovie.com/?gclid=CNzXjJnC3KwCFeldtgodXw4SqA#gallery

I am very grateful this week to have had mention on some fabulous blogs ~

Merci! to :
Celia, at High Heeled Life

Anita, at Castles, Crowns, and Cottages

and to Schwin and Schwin ~

It makes my day my week my year to see Dolce Dreams out and about!

Have an exciting week, and don't forget to feel the magic of the season!

xo, Nathalie

Les Voyageurs

2011-11-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Parisian artist Cedric Le Borgne has created these fabulous figures out of chicken wire...

Illuminated, they are a magical presence in the midst of a public thoroughfare.

Via his website:
"Cédric Le Borgne invites everyone to view daily life in a fresh way, to rise up, to dream. By abolishing barriers, his work of exploring spaces is sensitive, his poetry subtly interacts with each place it comments upon. From sculptures made of chicken wire to photo or video, from perennial installations to spontaneous performance, from street-art to web-art, his work is free of formal constraints."

Even though I live in the ultimate city of lights, (Las Vegas), to see these lights in the midst of a European city would be such a delight...these are currently on display along the South Bailey in Durham, England as part of Durham Lumiere, the UK’s largest light festival.

I am now getting my own lights out, Christmas decor is on the agenda today...the refrigerator is still packed with leftovers from our Thanksgiving feast, a grand time was had by all...I stayed home on Black Friday, watched some hysterical news clippings of the insanity out in the stores...
Did anyone brave the shoppers out there?

xo, Nathalie

via colossal

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

via pinterest

For those of you celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow...
I send wishes for a wonderful day ~
I am so blessed to know so many incredible people out there in the world!
I have a houseful of family arriving today,
and am in the kitchen cooking up a storm...

xo, Nathalie