Dolce Dreams

Monday Mornings

2013-06-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!
I hope that you are easing into summer,
and savouring it!
I just got back from Park City, Utah...
It was so beautiful,
I will share some pictures later this week.

A ring pillow that I made for a customer's
wedding says it all:

"la dolce vita"

May your week be full of the sweet life!

xo,
Nathalie

Summertime..

2013-06-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

This is where I'd like to be today....looks good doesn't it?!

School is out, but the treadmill is still on full speed ~
I am busy packing for Park City, Utah today.
Leaving 100 plus temps for the 70's ~ Can't wait!

I will be back next week with pictures from what promises to be a photogenic trip...

Enjoy the rest of your week!

A little something I came across that brought a smile:

"If you wear a short enough skirt, the party will come to you"
~ Dorothy Parker

xo,
Nathalie

picture via Another Mag

I Love Days Like Today..

2013-06-05T18:36:00.002-07:00

I just love days like today
when I receive
pictures of my work
being loved...

It puts a smile in my heart!

Isn't he a CUTIE?!

Two school days left for my big boys that were once this little...
and then I will be dancing a jig!

I hope your hump day was as good as mine,

xo,
Nathalie

pictures via Frankie's sweet mom :)

Street Art a Paris

2013-06-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have walked the streets of Paris for miles on end, and can only imagine what a surprise it would be to turn a bend and see one of Parisian street artist Levalet's pieces...

I always love the mix of old and new in Europe...the mimes in particular are so cool to me!

You can read more about him on Lost at E Minor.

It is our last week of school ~ I honestly do not know where this year went, it flew by so fast! Our temperatures have hit the triple digits, so we are in the pool as often as we can. I am looking forward to a weekend getaway to Park City, Utah, in the middle of the month, and then back to a week full of company...some of my best friends and family.
So I know that June will be gone in a blink of an eye.

And July will be poolside, relaxing and catching up on all of my little projects all over the house.

How is your summer looking, do you have any fun plans?

xo,
Nathalie

photos via Levalet and Lost at E Minor

Pops of Colour

2013-05-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like some bright and bold colour to get your day going! I love Anyes Galleani's work, and am looking for some wall space in my home to house one of her stunning pieces...

Are you also an admirer?
You can purchase originals and editions of her work HERE.

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend ~ I truly think that every week should have a three day weekend, that extra 24 hours is priceless! It was our first weekend without any sports games or practice, so I was gifted even more time. We have a full calendar of company in June, so much of the weekend was spent in the garden and taking care of home to-do projects. I am always happy scratching things off of my endless lists.

Have a wonderful week ahead,

xo,
Nathalie

all pictures via anyes galleani's website

Movies Alfresco

2013-05-24T16:59:00.003-07:00

A much welcomed three day weekend is here, and I am so happy...

We are starting ours off tonight with a movie under the stars, a party I am really looking forward to as our weather is perfect for it!

I hope that you will be enjoying yourself over the weekend too!

All work and no play is not the way to go (I am telling myself :)

xo,

Nathalie

this picture is via pinterest, but how I wish it was from my own backyard...perfection!

Oklahoma

2013-05-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

My thoughts and prayers are with the
people of Oklahoma...

I wanted to pass on Ree Drummond's post
today that is full of ways to help...
http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2013/05/oklahoma/

Little acts of kindness can move mountains...

xo,
Nathalie

photo via adelaide now

Bon Voyage

2013-05-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

I know many of you that drop by here are fans of Anita at Castles Crowns and Cottages...

If you are not, you have got to stop by and visit this week ~
it is her annual France, Simply Irresistible link party ~

Get a glass of bubbly and some macarons,
and sit down and enjoy!

Bon Voyage,

xo,
Nathalie

image via castles crowns and cottages

Sharing Some Etsy Loves

2013-05-13T12:56:00.001-07:00

"hopeless romantic" by in a pale place

It's been awhile since I've shared some
of my personal Etsy loves....
Enjoy!

"non, je ne regrette rien" by sarah and bendrix

Just beautiful...I love Edith Piaf singing this.
I have the perfect room on Pinterest for it!
Now I only need to find wall space in my house...

custom cameo pendant necklace by jersey maids

I love custom, I love silhouettes, and I love jewelry...
Perfect!

reversible pinafore top by chocolatine boutique

Oh how I wish I had a little girl, I would buy everything in Chocolatine Boutique for her ~ I adore owner Nathalie's
(of course I love her name)style!

french style summer dress by chocolatine boutique

large walnut serving tray by grayworks design

I love to entertain, and this walnut serving tray is
just perfect for a large gathering...

XIXth century antique cross at cool vintage

Every time I am in Europe I love shopping at the flea markets, and have a nice collection of antique crosses and rosaries that I'd like to add this to!

the beekeeper's quilt knitting pattern by tiny owl knits patterns

I am obviously a fan of patchwork...
now I just need to learn to knit so that I could make this gorgeous piece for my home ~ It is so pretty!

vintage wood letterpress type set at monki vintage

Key words to remember ~
We always always have something to
be happy about and grateful for!

Have a wonderful week!
xo,
Nathalie

all photos via Etsy

Happy Mother's Day!

2013-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Happy
Mother's
Day
to all
of
the amazing
Mothers
out
in the
world!
May you be surrounded with
love and your heart be filled
to bursting!

xo,
Nathalie

picture via pinterest

A Modern Marie

2013-05-06T16:30:00.003-07:00

I love visiting Lost at E Minor,
I am always entertained...
these historical makeovers by
the History Channel are just
so fun, aren't they?

Have a great week!

xo,
Nathalie

pictures via lost at e minor

Time To Play

2013-05-03T11:48:00.002-07:00

The weekend is here ...

It's time to play!

It was a LONG week with my son off at a school camp and no PARENT interaction...

(time to cut the strings already at 12???)

I am looking forward to spending some time with BOTH of my boys and enjoying them this weekend, because all of a sudden I see the future coming far too quickly!

I hope you find some playtime over the weekend!

xo,

Nathalie

photo via Another Mag

Dolce Dreams Angels

2013-04-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

Recently I have received some of the most beautiful
pictures of the angels that I create for
loving my work...

And they just make me so happy!

Many thanks to the Moms who took the time
to send these to me!

Have an angelic day,
xo,
Nathalie

Earth Day Beauty

2013-04-22T11:06:00.005-07:00

A day to celebrate Mother Earth..
These double exposure portraits by
Portland based photographer
Sara K.Byrne
are so beautiful and fit the
day perfectly!

I spent an hour in my garden this morning, forgetting that it was Earth Day, but am grateful every day to have a garden, and the joy that it brings to eat fresh food from there and enjoy fresh cut roses all over my home.
I hope you enjoy some of the beauty of the outdoors today!

Have a wonderful week,
xo,
Nathalie

pictures via this is colossal

Small Deeds

2013-04-21T13:20:00.002-07:00

This morning at Church Bethany Hamilton was speaking...
If you are not familiar with her, she is the competitive surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack, and then overcame all odds to jump right back into the water and become a champion again.

I am amazed at her courage, and outlook on life.
She had started "Friends of Bethany" to help others that have lost a limb...and this week they are in Boston, to help the victims that lost limbs. If you would like to contribute, here is her site:http://www.friendsofbethany.com/

One small way to help make a difference.

You can read more about this inspirational young woman here.

It is the small deed done with great love that can move mountains.

xo,
Nathalie

picture via www.bethanyhamilton.com

Raising Money for Alzheimers

2013-04-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

For the past 4 or 5 years I have been fortunate to attend the "Power of Love" Gala Event that raises huge amounts of money for The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. It is an over the top Event that I worry about what to wear months in advance! Last year honored Muhammed Ali, and every top boxer alive was there to party with him. This year, the celebration was for Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine's 80th Birthdays. The entertainment is unbelievable, as are the Silent and Live Auctions, food (this year by Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay), and the wines to accompany (Dom Perignon flows freely). Rough estimates are tabulating the money raised that night at anywhere from 16 to 20 million dollars...What a night!

So I thought I would share a few of my favorite performances...

Bono doing Sinatra (above) was my personal favorite...

Hearing Jennifer Hudson Live gave goosebumps!

Snoop is never one to bore...

And the Grand Finale was a rendition by all present of "We Are The World", that Quincy Jones produced oh so many years ago.

And that was a Vegas night out that I have to share with you! I live here but these nights are rare for me, I far prefer to be at home with my family these days...

The Alzheimers fact that I didn't want to hear...

50% of us over 80 will get Alzheimers...

Let's keep raising $$$ to help fund the research fighting it!

xo,

Nathalie

Art As A Photo ~ Picasso

2013-04-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Photographer Eugenio Recuenco's photographic
interpretation of some of Picasso's women is
quite spellbinding...

Do you think he has captured these women?

Have a wonderful weekend,

xo,

Nathalie

via lost at e minor

Northern Cal

2013-04-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!
It is hard to believe that I've been back from our trip to Northern California for a week...catching up and getting back into the groove was rough. Especially since my eldest, who hasn't been sick for two years, was hit hard with a bug that lasted the entire trip . It really stunk because he felt the worst on his birthday. Luckily, we managed to get some great photos, that make it all look good!

We were blessed with a magnificent sunny day our first day...this is my hometown, and I can tell you from experience that a sunny day like we had is something to celebrate!

I lived blocks from the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina growing up, and it is always one of my favourite places to visit.

The view from Fisherman's Wharf

The difference a day can make...the view from Sausalito,in Marin, where I also lived for many years. Now this would be the normal foggy view (how lucky we were the day before!)

Santa Cruz is my husband's home town. I was slightly peeved that the boys seemed to like it there more. Maybe it was the beach and the roller coaster on the pier? Another marvelous sunny day!

One of my favourite Santa Cruz locals that we came across, typing poetry on an old typewriter...classic!

And again, the difference a day can make!

It was wonderful to get away, and show the boys where we grew up (quite a bit different than the desert here in Las Vegas)...
But there is nothing like home....
(especially with a sick boy).

I'm looking forward to a weekend of gardening and watching and waiting for our pool to heat up. The boys have already jumped in, but at 70 it will take at least another 10 to 15 degrees for me!

A belated Happy Easter to you,

Enjoy your weekend,
xo,
Nathalie

I Left My Heart...

2013-03-24T09:21:00.001-07:00

I'm packing my bags
and getting ready to visit
my hometown...So excited!

It's been far too long...

Have a wonderful week!

xo,
Nathalie

print by Sketch Away

I See London I See France

2013-03-22T18:21:00.001-07:00

LOVE This Treasury my sachet is in...

'I see London I see France...' by bjustice

Trendsetting Treasury Team Challenge #37Featuring Michelleâ€™.Join our fun!www.etsy.com/teams/12915/trendsetting-treasury-team

Grey and Robin's Eg... Sophiehines $35	Opaque Robin's Egg ... PluffMudDesign... $41
My Love Dupioni Silk La... dolcedreams $16	Vintage Girl V - lacey ... janeheller $35
Eiffel No.2 - 8x8 Fine ... lorandherworld $18	1940 baby blue bullet b... blessthatdress $18
ICE Blue Chiffon Vintag... empressjade $45	Vintage Robins Egg Blue... smallVintageAf... $139
Sheer Long Blue Lace Sl... Sophiehines $28	Mens Knitted Necktie Ca... vKnit $30
Sweetheart chiffon Shor... katherinelkerr... $300	You're a Heartbreak... siobhanbarrett $25
Oscar Wilde Quote - Rob... MaryKateMcDevi... $15	Paris blue frenchscript $26
Rustic French Chandelie... pixiepixels $15.95	Nereides Nixie Blue Gre... undertheroot $65

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Fire and Ice

2013-03-15T12:36:00.001-07:00

WOWZA!
I could not believe these pictures of the Sakurajima volcanic eruption taken this past February
by photographer Martin Rietze ...

He has captured Mother Nature in a fiery rage ...
remarkable!

And across the planet in Russia,
photographer Denis Budko's photos of
caves in Kamchatka are equally magnificent.

It is sometimes so easy to forget the simple splendors
that Mother Nature provides us for daily inspirations, caught up with work and schedules and life.
I am really enjoying watching the plants in my garden begin to sprout, the bright colours that are popping out...

How I love Spring!

Wishing you a colourful weekend,

xo,
Nathalie

photos via lost at e minor

Sometimes You Just Need To Dance

2013-03-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

sculptures by Regardt Van Der Meulen

“We dance for laughter,
We dance for tears,
We dance for madness,
We dance for tears,
We dance for hopes,
We dance for screams,
We are the dancers,
We create the dreams.”
~ unknown

sculpture by Regardt Van Der Meulen

sculptures by Daniel Burns Fleming

Francesco Romoli

When I woke up this morning, it was dark...

Sometimes you just need to get some music on and dance, dance until all of the kinks are out!

I am crazy in love with these over 6 foot tall steel dancers by Regart van der Meulen, and if you visit often, you may know my admiration of Daniel Burns Flemings' petite bronzes.

We all have a dancer within...
Put on your dancing shoes and have a great week!

xo,
Nathalie

images via
regardt van der meulen here
daniel burns fleming here
francesco romoli via pinterest

Dear March

2013-03-01T08:17:00.001-08:00

DEAR March, come in!
How glad I am!
I looked for you before.
Put down your hat—
You must have walked—	5
How out of breath you are!
Dear March, how are you?
And the rest?
Did you leave Nature well?
Oh, March, come right upstairs with me,	10
I have so much to tell!

I got your letter, and the bird’s;
The maples never knew
That you were coming,—I declare,
How red their faces grew!	15
But, March, forgive me—
And all those hills
You left for me to hue;
There was no purple suitable,
You took it all with you.	20

Who knocks? That April!
Lock the door!
I will not be pursued!
He stayed away a year, to call
When I am occupied.	25
But trifles look so trivial
As soon as you have come,
That blame is just as dear as praise
And praise as mere as blame. ~ emily dickinson Happy March and Happy Weekend to all! xo, Nathalie chanel photo HERE

What Colours Are on Your Plate?

2013-02-25T11:32:00.003-08:00

Complete eye candy here!
This is the work of Art Director/Photographer
Alison Anselot, in Belgium.
Her Pantone food series is brilliant,
don't you agree?

I for one will be eyeing what's on my plate

with Pantone colour codes from now on!

Wishing you a colorful and creative week...

How is it that March snuck up on us

so quickly?

xo,

Nathalie

via lost at e minor

Will You Be Watching?

2013-02-24T11:17:00.001-08:00

And the big day is here!

I honestly cannot believe that it was 19 years ago

that Wolfgang Puck started doing

the Governor's Ball...

I was called in to manage the floor in a Bob Mackie loaner...

it was the year that Forest Gump won, and I oversaw

the Forest Gump tables.

I will never forget the moment when the doors

opened, and everyone started pouring

into the room in their stunning gowns.

Talk about a starstruck experience!

19 years later, and Wolfgang and

his stellar crew are still going strong ~

Today they are cooking for 1,600 people.

Read about the menu HERE.

Do you have any favourites to win?

Enjoy!

xo,

Nathalie

picture via wolfgang puck catering's tumblr