moi je joue

2012 Oscar Nominations

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:20:00 +0000

I love award season in Hollywood: the fashions, the costumes, the spectacle of it all! And what a spectacle it is. One day, it would be very cool to actually go an award show, especially the Oscars. I can dream can't I? The closest I've ever been to going to the Oscars is personally knowing someone who attended last year's ceremony! I'll see it in person one day...Positive thinking! Hahaha!

2012 List of Nominees

I'm off to look at the nominated costume designers and their work. I'll leave you with the PS22 Chorus' performance at last year's Academy Awards. Until tomorrow!

Live the Language - Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:22:00 +0000

I must say congratulations to Jessica W.N., makeup artist extraordinaire, who just won an all expenses paid trip to Paris for four days! Can you imagine a treat like that? I couldn't think of someone more deserving of a getaway like this one will be. Congratulations my love!

It's got me thinking of Paris, France, and the French language. Don't speak it? Neither do I. I've pretty much forgotten the majority of everything I learnt in my high school French class.
Here is a fabulous video that is definitely inspiring me to review those old notes! Enjoy!

How Not to Look Like a Tourist in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:41:00 +0000

Every time I travel, I want to explore new places and visit the attractions. But I also want to blend in and be a local. I don't really know why, but it's always been an unconscious thing. I've avoided whipping out the maps on every street corner, wearing sneakers and fanny packs, and having the camera hanging from my wrist (although now having a camera around doesn't necessarily scream "tourist!").When I was in New York this summer, I really wanted to experience more than just the tourist bits. Here are four things I learnt about blending in, New York style:

Walk with confidence. It works wonders! Someone even asked me where the Ralph Lauren boutique was on Madison! Luckily for them I walked past it every day to get to work. When I was a bit confused about directions, I stopped and checked the map on my phone. If that's not enough, don't be afraid to ask someone.
Shoes. I didn't even bother bringing running shoes with me. I brought my Converse sneakers and wore them with pretty much anything: shorts, jeans, dress pants!
Pace. I didn't run on the sidewalks but I didn't meander extremely slowly. I generally kept pace with the locals. Well, often that was necessary so that I could get to work on time!
Crossing the street. In the smaller streets of the big city, I crossed when it was safe and traffic free, even if the pedestrian light was not signalling go. I noticed New Yorkers don't really pay attention to the running man or red hand on the other side of the street!

That's all I've got for now but native New Yorker, Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo has even more fabulous tips!

Enjoy and happy travels!

Images from: weheartit, nyc

Tintin Travel Style

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:45:00 +0000

I was flipping through a magazine and there was a Tintin themed style page! I used to love reading Tintin comics and now that there's a movie out (still haven't seen it), the adventurer and his white dog are back!
It reminds me of when I was in first year in university. Every week I would see a student between classes that was dressed exactly like this, right down to the orange flip of the hair:All that was missing was Snowy!
Explore like Tintin and in style with these awesome Streamline Correspondent Suitcases! It comes in white but I'm liking the red!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:37:00 +0000

Wishing you all a wonderful new year!

Have you made those resolutions yet? I've got a few but really my main one is this: I resolve to try and stick to my new year's resolutions! Looking back on 2011, it had its ups and downs but I would say that it was a good year. In spite of the fact that I'm beginning 2012 with no voice and a cold, I think it's going to be a good year. Cheers everyone!

The Night Circus

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Hello hello! Did you all have fabulous holiday celebrations? I definitely did. Skiing didn't quite happen (thanks to foggy bad weather) and I didn't get to see White Christmas on the stage (no time this year). But I did watch White Christmas on television and plans for Whistler are being made and we did have a fabulous Christmas Eve feast!Pictures to come but first, my darling Jessica W.N. of MUAHjwn introduced me to a new book entitled, The Night Circus. It is so magical and filled with unbelievably vivid imagery. Author Erin Morgenstern truly paints pictures with words...It makes me feel... inspired! Time to pull out the sketchbook.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah!

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:11:00 +0000

Happy Holidays - Bing Crosby (Beef Wellington Remix)

What a December it has been! I just finished my last project yesterday (phew!) and did my last minute Christmas shopping today and now we are busy prepping our house for a big Christmas Eve celebration. It's going to be so delicious! Turkey, stuffing, salmon wellington, winter veggies, brussel sprouts with chestnuts and bacon, carrot cake... there's still more!

Wishing all a very wonderful holiday season!

After Christmas I'll be back with delectable tales of dinner, snowy alpine skiing adventures and theatrical experiences of White Christmas in Vancouver! Cheers! Salut!

Valencia

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:59:00 +0000

Que Bonito - Rosario

It's no secret that I love Spain. I've been fortunate to have travelled there so often (thank goodness for airline employee benefits!) but I never get tired of it. I would love to make a trip to the region of Valencia. There's so much to see and do, I'm sure! Here's a taste...
Fabulous architecture, old...Colourful...
And modern and new...
An underwater tunnel at the L'Oceanographic Center!
Sunny beaches...
And some seriously good food!One day soon I hope, I will be in Valencia :)

Jam Jar Snow Globes

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:01:00 +0000

Ella Fitzgerald - Frosty the Snowman

Just one more exam to go! I'm looking forward to a more relaxing holiday. Speaking of the holiday, I saw a lovely snow globe in Anthropologie while I was Christmas shopping: the Mason Jar Snow Globe. It's adorable and looks like a fun d.i.y. project. All you need is a jam jar, some fake snow or glitter, and a mini tree (I've seen these things at craft stores) and you've got yourself a unique snow globe! Enjoy!

Belated Blog Anniversary: Moi Je Joue

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:50:00 +0000

Long time no blog! It's my last week of classes for this semester and all the deadlines I've been dreading are here! I've been so busy that I didn't even realize I missed my blog anniversary on November 17th.When I started this blog two years ago, I never thought I would have even a small number of people interested in reading it. I wanted a space to play with my thoughts and to record all the fabulous things I found in my internet travels. That said, I'm extremely grateful to all those who take time to read and to subscribe! Just for fun (because moi, je joue) I'd like to share my initial inspiration:

I just loved this commercial: it's whimsy, it's fantasy, it's mood, and it's colours! This blog was a whim and a place to play with my travel, fashion, and design fantasies.

What can I say? Me, I play. Moi Je Joue.

Snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:16:00 +0000

Yay! First day of snow this season! Last night, it began to 'wet snow' and in some places of Vancouver, it was actually snowing. But at my home it was just raining (how disappointing). But this morning I was greeted with one fabulous surprise: a light dusting of snow! Today is going to be a good day. I can feel it. There's snow and one of our local mountains is open for the ski/board season! Have you seen the film White Christmas (1954) with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye? Well, here's one of my favourite songs from that film. Enjoy and Happy Friday!

Rubbish Rehab

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Ahh... early morning. They can be so difficult but once you're up, it's great to watch the sunrise. In winter here in Vancouver, you can get up at 6:30 and still watch the sunrise.
On a different, design note, I went to the Interior Design Show West and discovered a husband and wife team that gives new life to old items: Rubbish Rehab! Their chairs are so fabulous, I wish I the resources and reasons to get at least one!Before and after!
And after...
And after!

Snow White and the Huntsman

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:24:00 +0000

Back again! What a crazy, whirlwind week: coffee, dog walking, projects, overnight paper writing sessions, house work, faulty alarm system... tired! But I have just enough energy to share my intrigue for next year's Snow White & the Huntsman! It looks promising and visually stunning. Colleen Atwood has done wonders with the costumes again!How fabulously villainous does Charlize Theron look?!
Until tomorrow everyone! Here's the trailer in case you haven't seen it yet :) Ciao!

Temple of the Jungle, Cambodia

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Traditional Cambodian Folk Music (It's really quite pretty!)

Happy Monday all! Yesterday I was searching the internet for images of Peter Pan and its various productions (film, stage, ballet etc.) and somehow, in a very roundabout way, I found myself looking at pictures of Ta Prohm, Cambodia's Temple of the Jungle! This is definitely a place that I hope to visit in person someday... Cambodia is on the travel wish list!If you've seen the Tomb Raider film, you'll recognize this as one of the filming locations...
Ta Prohm is just one of the many architecturally amazing temple complexes in Cambodia (Angkor Wat, Beng Maleya, Angkor Thom to name a few). They are so filled with history and stories that are waiting to be rediscovered by visitors!

Image Sources: Jason Barbacovi (1st), Jus Medic (next 3), and Farl of Photojourneys (last 2)

Roost: a Simple Life

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Lamento - Sergio Mendes ft. Maogani Quartet

First of all, thank you to all who take the time to read and subscribe to my blog! Life has been a major juggling act the last few months and Moi Je Joue has been difficult to maintain regularly. Second, Roost: a Simple Life...I love looking at food photography! Caitlin (or Coco) is the woman behind the magic of these dishes and their photos. Even more appealing is that she didn't study photography but rather, through trial and error, taught herself!She also has beautiful shots of her travels!And a good eye for decorating and staging...Hope you enjoyed and check out her blog for more beautiful photographs and inspiration. Now back to work for me!
All photos from Roost: a Simple Life.

San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:42:00 +0000

Evening everyone! What a crazy time it's been: midterms, projects, quizzes and... a last minute weekend getaway to San Francisco! Sometimes, you just need a quick break from your hectic routine. But I can't believe I forgot my camera!Time to sleep! Tomorrow will be an early day full of surprises, shopping, spending time with family, train rides on the Bart and eating delicious food. Hello from San Francisco everyone!

Portobello Road, London

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:26:00 +0000

I've never been to London. Actually I've never even been to England! I have been to Scotland once. Anyways, if I was making the trip, I'd visit Portobello Road, the world's largest antiques market: vintage silverware, books, old cameras, decorative tassels, the old printing shop, walls of vintage sewing machines, fine china, silverware... it seems like a fun, eclectic and definitely colourful place to visit...Remember this? I loved watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks!

Photo sources (aside from a Google image search): Decorati Access, Oleg Skrinda, and Souvlaki for the Soul.

Voluspa Candles

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:29:00 +0000

Evening everyone! Yesterday was my dear friend Jessica W.N.'s birthday and it was such a lovely, cozy celebration. We ate delicious Lebanese food followed by three different desserts (pie, flan and cake!), got loud with a solid game of Taboo (it's the best ice breaker and the most fun way to lose your voice), and opened birthday presents while drinking the specially created tea for the birthday girl from her boyfriend (if Jessica were a tea, that tea was the aroma and flavours she would be, he said).
Now my gift was not quite as tasty or sweet as a personal tea but luckily it was a big hit with the star of the night: a Voluspa candle.These luxury candles smell amazing and are packaged beautifully! They really do add a bit of luxe to the everyday routine and your home. Created by husband and wife team, Traci and Troy Arnsten, Voluspa candles are clean burning and made from coconut wax! My favourites so far are the Baltic Amber and Vervaine Olive Leaf scents. Next time you see these in store, take a whiff!I bought it at Anthropologie but you can also find them in bookstores such as Chapters.

The Smokey Eye

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:37:00 +0000

Timeless - Sergio Mendes ft. India Arie

As promised, a much lighter topic for this busy busy week's first post. Who doesn't love the classic smokey eye? Here's another great tutorial by my lovely Jessica W.N. of MUAHjwn. Enjoy and have fun with your makeup. I've got more great photos from the Interior Design Show West coming soon.

Give Up Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 22:18:00 +0000

Hola mis amigos! How are you all? I am, as usual, plowing through work and school (it never ends). I have to get a little serious with today's post.
On Thursday I saw one of the most incredible and heartbreaking films I have ever seen: Give Up Tomorrow (*warning: some of the images in the film trailer/website can be graphic).It is a true story about a high profile rape/murder case in the Philippines that brought out the worst and most frustrating of corruption and cronyism. Paco Larrañaga (along with six others) was accused and pronounced guilty of the crime which he could not have possibly committed.

"Amnesty International, the government of Spain, Fair Trials International, and the United Nations are unequivocal in the belief that for more than a decade, Paco has been paying with his freedom for a crime he did not commit. Indeed, some 40 people including classmates and teachers from the culinary school he attends – along with photographic evidence – place him hundreds of miles from the grim crime scene."

It's difficult to sum up a two hour film that sums up a 14 year case in one blog post but please take a moment to check out the film website. Please help free Paco with you support.

Thank you and more pleasant topics to come!

Design*Sponge at Anthropologie, Vancouver

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:16:00 +0000

Well, as I expected, Grace Bonney's book signing event at Anthropologie was fabulous. Everything about the event was inspiring: the book, the author, the people in attendance (great outfits all around), the employees (so friendly and cheerful), the products and their displays! I couldn't resist taking a few snapshots. Enjoy!

I wasn't the only one with my camera out! And how I would have loved to bring that bolero home... and an initialled mug!Lots of fun outfits walking around the store. Glittery gold shoes, double panelled leggings, and my favourite look of the whole evening: The Girl with the Lace Skirt. (Click to zoom)
As this adorable young boy was reaching for cupcakes, I couldn't resist snapping his picture! Let me share the dialogue that happened just before he reached:

Boy: I want anothew cupcake
Mother: Well, you can have another one now but then no ice cream later. You choose.
Boy (short pause and with a thoughtful expression): Hmm... that's okay. I'll just have the cupcakes now instead of the ice cweam!

Yes. That table is made of rolled up magazines... I think! And there's a lot of great shoes in this shot...
I love this cutlery set! If I needed more cutlery, I would have bought these.

Design in Vancouver

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:55:00 +0000

Hello everyone! I'm excited for a design-filled weekend in Vancouver and I had to share it with you. I'll be taking photos so more to come next week. Tomorrow I'll be heading to one of Vancouver's newer stores, Anthropologie (I was so excited when I first heard it was opening here!), for the book signing event of Design*Sponge's Grace Bonney! It's going to be good.

Design Sponge at Home (Official Book Trailer) from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

Then I'll be squeezing in some mother-daughter time at the Interior Design Show West! This will also be good: amazing speakers, renowned designers, magazine editors, store owners, and design gurus galore all in one huge convention hall that will be filled to the brim with creative displays! Can't wait to share pictures with you all! Last year's show was tons of fun and I'm sure this year's will be as well.
Cheers to all you fabulous people! I'm off to finish (oops, I mean start) a paper...

DO & CO Hotel, Vienna

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 06:56:00 +0000

How fabulous it would be to go on vacation...right now. I don't think I've ever been this busy in my life! How about you? I'd love to visit Vienna again (I don't remember much of my first visit). It's an amazing city, full of history, old and new. I wouldn't mind staying at the DO & CO Hotel. Judging from the pictures, it features a very interesting blend of styles and a fabulous view of the city (it's located right in the heart of Vienna)!Wow! Can you imagine dining here?!

Recipe: Fig Tart

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:38:00 +0000

Yum! I love figs! It's a good thing we have three fig trees in our back yard. The only problem is that if my dog gets out there, all the low hanging, easy to reach figs are gone pretty quickly. We race to pick them before the dog does (he jumps, bites, picks, and chomps them up with some serious expertise).On that note, I've found a fabulous recipe for a fig tart on Eat.Live.Travel.Write. If you don't have figs in your backyard or have eaten them all (like me), you can get some from the store and try out this recipe. Ciao beautiful people! Happy baking!

Designing Hamlet...

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:37:00 +0000

It's been a busy day of school, work and now homework. I'm reading Hamlet and coming up with costume design ideas. Suggestions anyone? I'll be back tomorrow with a much better post than this!Photo taken by Ines de S. at the Cross Decor & Design.