The Style and Travel Journals

One Fine Spring Day

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:00:07 PDT

View of Hyde Park from inside Kensington Palace.

On a sunny day with clear blue skies in London last Spring, we ventured towards my favourite Hyde Park to visit the newly renovated Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and former home to the late Princess Diana and Princess Margaret. The Palace is still home to some other members of the Royal Family with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge about to move in this coming July. It was a one fine day to stroll around Hyde Park, visit the palace, its colourful gardens and also have lunch at the Orangery Restaurant near the Palace gardens. Visiting London in the Spring was truly magical.

Kensington Palace was purchased in 1689 by King William III (the statue above). King William III and his Queen Mary preferred to live at Kensington Palace instead at their official residence at Whitehall Palace near the Thames River. The King and Queen asked renowned English Architect Christopher Wren, who also built St. Paul's Cathedral, to renovate and expand the Palace. On 24 May 1819, Princess Victoria was born at Kensington Palace. Inside, we saw the Queen's rooms including the room where she was born.

Across Canada is our long weekend celebrating Queen Victoria Day. It is celebrated on the third Monday of May before May 24th in honour of the Queen. It is also considered the Sovereign's Official Birthday in Canada.

Another famous former resident at Kensington Palace was Princess Diana. On the left was a photo by Mario Testino for Vanity Fair Magazine. In the Palace, there was a display of Princess Diana's gowns and this wallpaper depicting Princess Diana's life from her Engagement, her wedding, being a young mother and her modern Princess life.

The late Princess Margaret, photographed by her former husband Lord Snowdon, was a former resident at Kensington Palace. The new residents will be the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, photo by Mario Testino, coincidentally will be occupying the late Princess Margaret's apartments in the Palace. Hopefully, the Duke and Duchess will move in July together with their newborn baby.

The view from inside the Palace.

I'm fascinated by these lanterns topped with crowns.

The two photos above were not filtered photos.
These were original photos I photographed from inside the Palace.

The Kensington Palace Gardens in the Spring time.

A perfect harmony of different Spring flowers and colours.

That's me and my Aunt who lives in London. We had a delicious lunch inside the Orangery which was built by Queen Anne during the 18th Century in the Kensington Palace Gardens. It is a restaurant now offering delicious British food for lunch and their famous Afternoon Tea. We were lucky that there was no line up. After we were seated, there were many people that arrived which caused a long line up outside this beautiful building. After our visit there and a stroll in Hyde Park, my Aunt took me shopping at Regent Street to show me her favourite store, Ted Baker.

They say no Sovereign was more loved
than I am.
- Queen Victoria.

Canada will celebrate Queen Victoria Day with fireworks across the nation.

May you all have a lovely Spring Weekend!

The Iris Match

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:00:13 PDT

Iris flowers from our Garden.

For many, many years, I have been searching and testing different perfumes. When Prada launched their Infusion D'Iris perfume, I immediately tested it myself and finally found my perfect match in perfumes. In the beginning, I was attracted to the new Prada perfume because of its mint green colour and the packaging looked so simple and clean. The key ingredient in the Prada perfume is the Iris flower which has a powdery effect that is refreshing and not too heavy to wear. Spraying it on reminded me of the fresh smell of Baby Powder when we were children. It is a good thing too that the Iris is one of my favourite spring flowers. Now I know that the Iris based perfumes works well for me and does not cause any allergic reactions. This type of perfume from the Iris flower will be something I will use forever.

Here are the four perfumes that can be used in any season and have similar characteristics of being powdery (Iris), woody (cedar), balmy, floral(Iris, Jasmine and Rose) and citrus (mandarin, Orange and Orange blossom):

Prada Infusion D' Iris - Introduced by Prada in 2007, this is my favourite together with the Chanel No. 19. Just like the Prada brand, it is modern and elegant but at the same time a very discreet scent. Not too overpowering.
Chanel No. 19 - Launched by Chanel in 1970 to commemorate Coco Chanel's birthday on August 19th. I interchange using the Prada and the Chanel during the week. One thing I love about this perfume is that it stays longer during the day. No need to re-touch too much and still smell refreshingly good.
Acqua Di Parma Iris Nobile - Created in 2004 to celebrate the nobility and classic elegance of the Iris combined with the woody elements of cedar and fruity orange blossoms common in Italian gardens. I have tested this perfume only. It is also very fragrant and definitely an epitome of Italian elegance.
Frederic Malle Iris Poudre - This I would say is the Haute Couture of the Iris perfumes. Also the most expensive among the group. But this perfume definitely stands out. When I asked my mother to try it last weekend, during Mother's Day, she said it is different. The Nose for this perfume was Pierre Bourdon who was a French Diplomat turned Perfumer. The fragrance has tonka bean, vanilla, vetiver, musk, sandalwood and the Iris. I use this perfume for special occasions only especially on weekends.

Have you found your perfect match in perfumes? How did you find it?
Which perfume is your perfect match?

A Spring Florals Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 11 May 2013 01:00:04 PDT

Spring is finally here in Toronto! To celebrate the arrival of Spring in the City, the Gardiner Museum had a special exhibit last weekend only from May 3 to 5 titled Spring Awakening: Gardiner In Bloom. The Top 10 Floral Designers in the City were invited to create their special floral creations inspired by the Ceramic Collections in the Museum. The Gardiner Museum is the only Museum in Canada dedicated to the exhibition of Ceramics from all over the World. They have ceramic collections there from the Aztec, England, European, Ancient Chinese and Japanese among others. On a lovely, sunny and warm Saturday morning, we ventured over to the Museum to view these spectacular floral installations alongside Ceramic Art objects from the Museum.

1. Ball and Wedge by Bruno Duarte
Fresh Florals Creations

A ball of carnations inspired by the Art Balls on the main entrance of the Museum.

Inspiration is around us at all times, even in the simplest of ways.
We just need to open ourselves to it.
- Bruno Duarte

2. Exotic orchids designed by Bella Jackson from Floral Fetish was inspired by the Aztec statues displayed in the Museum.

3. Margaret Taylor and Sue Clarkson from the The Garden Club of Toronto were inspired by this ceramic object titled Septet 4. Their floral design used calla lillies, Carnations, orchids and Baby's Breath.

4. This is a mother and daughter team: Phyllis Lill & Marilyn Lill from the Lilium Floral Studio.

Their Floral Creation was titled Temptation with Fruit & Flowers inspired by this Ceramic plate depicting Adam & Eve with the Temptation Tree. They used green apples, Yellow chrysanthemums and yellow roses to complete their creation.

5. This piece was titled The Tree of Life by Michael Renaud from Horticultural Design Inc. He used exotic orchids here in purple which he formed into balls with the smiling Buddha in the middle.

Michael was inspired by the Oriental Jar with flower pom poms in purple, red and orange in this Floral creation.

6. Rosemary Little Jeffares of Quince Flowers called her floral creation Paper Cup Tower For a Spring Tea Party which was inspired by the colours of the Meissen Tea and Coffee Service above.

7. Lidia Tacconelli from Fiori Floral Design called her Floral creation Optimism which was inspired by an English porcelain vase with yellow, white, brown and gold colours depicting a Pastoral scene.

The wonderful yellows reflect the yellows that are prominent in the English Gardens during spring.
Yellow being a symbol of enlightenment, happiness and promise of a positive future.
- Lidia Tacconelli

8. Bert Browne from EarthWork Floral Design created these Floral Arrangements located in the Rotunda surrounded by the display of Harlequin ceramic statues.

The Harlequin ceramic statue circa 1770-1780 was created by William Duesbury. Bert was inspired by the colourful costume of the Harlequin and its comedic pose to create these Floral Arrangements.

9. Lastly, Joseph Delarge of Ecostems, proudly calls itself Toronto's only environmentally and socially sustainable Flower Shop created this floral masterpiece. This piece was inspired by the White Ceramic nest (above) created by Cheryl Ann Thomas. As you can see from the photo above, the nest was filled with hydrangeas and freesias.

Joseph's Flower Shop sell all of these flowers and floral arrangements grown locally and organically from Toronto. In this piece, he used hydrangeas, freesias, orchids, branches, dead wood, barks and vines. Only when broken apart that we see its true beauty.

Joseph Delarge described this piece and Spring in Toronto the best:
Gatherings of spring flowers that represent the colourful eggs of spring
that can be found in the nests of wild birds all over Toronto this time of year.

Thank you for joining me on this Floral Spring Tour in our City of Toronto.

Here in North America, we are celebrating Mother's Day this weekend!

Happy Mother's Day to all the dearest Mums!

Nature's Wonders

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:17:31 PDT

I was preparing for dinner the other night when I caught a quick glimpse through our kitchen's windows overlooking our garden a delightful surprise of our tulips finally blooming. In my excitement, I immediately ran to grab my camera to take some photos. This for me is the perfect time to capture the blooming of our tulips. This is the stage that they are preparing to show us their beauty into full flowers. The anticipation of our flowers blooming is one of the joys of Spring.

During this Spring time, the season for renewal, I have reflected on some things about nature:

Patience pays off. Let nature take its own course. We will eventually be rewarded with our blooming flowers.
Change is constant and good. We experience changing Seasons, changing colours, growth and expansion.
We do not have to venture too far to find Beauty. Only if we will look for it and find it right in front of us, exactly where we are.

Find beauty in the imperfections. There is one tulip in these photos that is out of line. I tried to fix it but it won't let me. So I just left it instead of breaking it apart. It is where it wants it to be. Just let it be.
Lastly, let nature surprise us in its own way! I am excited now on what else will bloom in our garden next.

May everyone have a wonderful week!

Enchanting Gardens of La Alhambra

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:17:13 PDT

Let us enter the enchanting gardens of the La Alhambra full of arabesque influences from the former Muslim Rulers of Southern Spain. Located on top of a mountain overlooking the City of Granada, the Muslim Emirs in Spain built it as a fortress in 889 then converted to a Royal Palace in the 1300s. La Alhambra is a testament to Islamic genius in Architecture, design, gardening and engineering during the Moorish era in Spain. It is now preserved for everyone to discover and appreciate. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although we visited last October during the Fall, the gardens are timeless as you will discover in our mini-tour here.

We discovered nooks with splendid views of pools and of Andalusian buildings with Islamic influences.

Moorish poets described La Alhambra as a pearl set in emeralds for all of the white buildings and green woods around it.
Everywhere was just so lush, refreshing and so full of different colours from the flowers and plants.

Whilst wandering around, we heard cascading water from the fountains.
The water from the fountains sparkles under the sun.

Just wander around, don't be afraid to get lost and you will discover wonderful gardens and great views of Granada.

The Moors planted Orange trees, roses and myrtles.
The Duke of Wellington donated English Elm trees in 1812 planted all around the palace complex creating a dense wood park.

Islamic influences are carved all around the walls and ceilings of the Palaces.
Look into any door and window, there is always a surrounding view of the White buildings of Granada.

The huge hanging tree on the left side has a tale about it. In the story, one of the reigning Sultan's wife was caught with her lover in this part of the palace gardens. They kept this tree branch because it was the only witness to the lovers' rendezvous in the garden.

A perfect design of a typical Andalusian Building painted in White with arched balconies and a water garden completing the whole scene.

Don't you think this is a perfect symmetry of design?
With the green hedges on each side, the emerald pool in the middle reflecting the Islamic Building around it.

The Court of the Lions Fountain distributing water on all four corners of the Palace that helps to cool down the around the palace.

The Rose Garden with the view of white buildings of Granada, the clear blue skies and Andalusia.

Everywhere in the La Alhambra was so fragrant and refreshing.
It's a place full of beauty.
With the mixture of all the elements of Islamic design, Spanish influence, cascading water fountains
and lush gardens all around it.
Truly enchanting in every way.

I wish you all a sparkling weekend with lots of sunshine!

Peonies Love

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:16:51 PDT

Finally, it's the month of May. I always believe that May is a month of flowers. It is the time for planting, some of the flowers start blooming, showing us their full beauty and filling the air with their fragrance. Spring is quite late here in Toronto. I discovered here some of my photos from last year which traced our peonies blooming to full flower beauties. I share them here to you all, my wonderful and amazing friends of my blog. Thank you for all your support and wonderful comments at all times.

May you all have a fabulous week ahead.

Exploring Barcelona

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:00:00 PDT

Entrance to Parc Guell with a view of the City and the Mediterranean Sea.

During a visit to Barcelona a few years ago, I discovered that Barcelona is a City that have everything. Being the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, Barcelona, is the capital of the Catalunya region of North Eastern Spain. From my photo above, it shows why Barcelona have everything: it has magnificent Architecture and parks built mostly by Antoni Gaudi, the city has wonderful museums from the Picasso Museum, Joan Miro Museum and the Museu Nacional D'Arte De Catalunya, it offers the best of Catalan cuisine with mostly fresh seafood, tapas and Monastic Spanish Sweets, there are Centuries old Buildings in the Barri Gothic district to Art Deco Buildings in the Las Ramblas, two grand Cathedrals being the Barcelona Cathedral and the still unfinished Gaudi's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, fantastic shopping for Spanish clothes and leather shoes and accessories and most of all, it has the Beach at its own doorstep, known as the Costa de Brava in the Mediterranean Sea. Besides all I have mentioned above, one characteristic unique to Barcelona is the mix of rich cultural heritage with its own Catalan language and culture together with some French flair.

Mosaic tiles created by Antoni Gaudi in Parc Guell.

Parc Guell was designed by Antoni Gaudi from 1900 to 1914, commissioned by Count Eusebi Guell as a housing development which turned out unsuccessfully. The only good outcome is that the whole park became a Municipal park full of natural wonders designed by Gaudi now open to the public. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Locals come up here to unwind and to get some fresh air.

This whole garden in the park was designed by Gaudi using all of the most natural elements like building the stones as columns.

The whole park showcase many different plants and trees all displayed beside Gaudi's natural masterpieces.

Gaudi designed around nature instead of destroying it. On the right photo, instead of cutting the huge tree trunk, Gaudi spaced the columns between it to save the tree trunk.

The white Mansion was the residence of Count Eusebi Guell and the Pink mansion was Gaudi's residence now known as Gaudi House Museum.

Another Gaudi masterpiece is the mosaic salamander known as El Drac (the dragon).

All around Barcelona, there are more Buildings designed by Gaudi like the Casa Mila, better known as La Pedrera. Visit the rooftop for more of Gaudi's mosaic creations like the twisted chimneys for smoke to come out better, water tanks shaped as snails and stairs used as water tanks. All of Gaudi's whimsical designs focused around natural elements of plants and animals. They were not placed there for aesthetic purposes only but to make the structure and building function effectively. The shape of the building here was curved so that light will be evenly distributed in all parts of the Building. A very modern design during that time in the early 1900s. This building was designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

La Sagrada Familia is the most famous masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi. It remains unfinished because Gaudi died at an early age of 37 yrs when he was hit by a tram car on the streets of Barcelona. I share here what Gaudi designed and built depicting the Birth of Jesus Christ (left photo). As you can see, it is quite aged and eroding. On this side, Gaudi used natural elements again to build the Cathedral. For example, he built turtles at the bottom to support the Palm Trees trunk which were the columns rising all the way up. You saw from Parc Guell the Palm Trees which was an inspiration for Gaudi. Then on the other side of the Cathedral (right photo) is the newer construction depicting the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The new construction still follows Gaudi's vision and principles in designing this Cathedral. Truly magnificent on all sides which you will discover when you get a chance to visit it.

I always believe that we must keep an open mind when it comes to Art. Discover the modernist creations of Joan Miro. On Montjuic area of Barcelona, lies the Fundacio Miro Museum. It showcase a majority of Miro's colourful and modern artworks and sculptures. Here is a view of Barcelona.

It is not E.T.

Miro's interpretation of a Woman and a Man. What do you think?

The Museum's park is perfect for a stroll with great views of the City.

Another Museum to visit with spectacular views of the City is The Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya up in the Parc Montjuic area of Barcelona. The Museum exhibits works of art from Catalan artists from the Romanesque to the Gothic collections plus some works of arts from El Greco, Velasquez, Rubens among other famous artists. There are also special Exhibits currently showing like the The Battle of Tetouan of Fortuny.

When in Barcelona, one area you will definitely not miss is the Las Ramblas. The Las Ramblas is a pedestrian only boulevard connecting Placa de Catalunya to the Waterfront. We stayed at the Le Meridien Barcelona which is literally beside the Las Ramblas near the Placa de Catalunya. We walked all the way passing by gorgeous Art Deco buildings and the Placa Real (many restaurants there) all the way down to Columbus Circle and then the Waterfront. Las Ramblas is a very busy boulevard and even has one of Barcelona's largest market the St Joseph Market.

Inside St Joseph Market, commonly known as La Boqueria. As you know, I love markets so I never miss going in and discovering places like this. Look at the so colourful and exotic fruits here.

Walking along the Las Ramblas, we discovered some Art Deco Buildings (left photo). When we turned on one of the streets along the Las Ramblas, we discovered the area of Barri Gothic (right photo), the oldest part of the City.

A Spanish musician playing with the Guitar in the Barri Gothic area.

The Barcelona Cathedral is located in the Barri Gothic area of Barcelona. Inside is a very Baroque style. One of the highlights of our visit there was on the rooftop for a 360 degrees view of the City.

The glass building on the horizon is the W Hotel Barcelona located by the Barcelona Boardwalk and facing the Mediterranean Sea. As I mentioned above, Barcelona has the Beach at its doorstep. The W Hotel is the best place to stay if you just want to hang out on the Beach.

The famous and historical Els Quatre Gats Restaurant since 1897 located at the Barri Gothic area of Barcelona. Famous Spanish painters would hang out in this restaurant and donate their art works for a free meal. One of the large painting on display was a replica of the self portrait by Ramon Casas: Ramon Casas and Pere Romeu on a Tandem, 1897 (bicycle ride). The original is exhibited at the Museu National Catalunya. Pablo Picasso had his first one man show here in the restaurant. This restaurant was also one of the setting in the Bestseller novel Shadow Of The Wind written by Carlo Ruiz Zafon. I highly recommend reading this book as it is set in Barcelona with a plot full of mystery, thriller and a love story which I believe best describes Barcelona too.

Thank you for reading and exploring Barcelona with me.

May you all have a wonderful weekend.

Spring Pinks

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:00:07 PDT

Roger Vivier pumps and clutch available at Holt Renfrew Canada.

It's Spring time. Time to change our colours from the dark to some pastels. This season, I saw numerous Pinks around in shoes, bags, clothes, food, perfumes and even in our gardens. Spring here in Toronto is quite late. Very few blooms yet. We believe our trees will be filled with leaves again and our flowers will bloom soon. As the saying goes, better late than never. Thanks to Fashion, it always arrive in advance every season. The joy of the changing seasons is that we are hopeful and have something to look forward to everytime.

Roger Vivier shoes.

Christian Dior Slingbacks and Louis Vuitton pumps.

Bejewelled Miu Miu Pumps and some jewels in pink.

Prada pink and black Polka dots dress and Chanel dress in Pink.

My scent for Spring, a Limited Edition YSL Paris which I purchased during a trip to Paris. YSL created this scent as his tribute to the fashionable Parisiennes, who always inspired him in his Collections. It evokes the scent of a Jardin romatique in Paris full of violets, bergamot, roses, iris and sandalwood.

A book recommendation is April in Paris written by Michael Wallner. The book is a love story set during WWII Paris.

Spring time means it's time for some pampering. Perhaps a manicure and pedicure from my collection of Le Vernis de Chanel in their shades of Pink: Ming, Rose Confidentiel and Infidele.

One of my favourite Spring dessert, Red Velvet cake with cream cheese icing and Strawberry ice cream.

Blooms from last year to something to look forward to this season: Roses and our Dahlias to bloom in our garden.

What are you looking forward to this Spring?

May you all have an inspiring week ahead.

Weekend In Royal Madrid

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:00:11 PDT

View of a tall and grand lamp post in the Palace. The Royal Palace facade and inside the Main Entrance.

On a weekend visit to Madrid a few years ago, we spent the morning visiting the Palacio Real De Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family but only used in official State ceremonies. The Spanish Royal Family resides in Zarzuela Palace outside of Madrid. When in Madrid, never miss visiting this huge and grand palace to view the majestically decorated chambers including the Throne Hall, the Oriental Room, the State Dining Room, all filled with works of art and fantastic furniture. Construction began in 1734 for 26 years. The gardens were designed by Francesco Sabatini. My favourite part of our visit was visiting the Spanish Armoury on the outer building on the left side of the Palace. Inside are all of the collections of the Spanish Armoury mostly from the 15th Century, considered best in the World that consist of full body armours, weapons and even armours for their horses. It is a collection not to be missed and truly amazing.

The side facade of the Palace facing Plaza de Oriente. Built in the Baroque and Classic style, this palace is very elegant with statues and columns built all around the facade. On the North side is the Sabatini Gardens.

Plaza de Oriente displays many statues of the Spanish Kings mostly from the medieval period until the 15C including the Equestrian statue of Felipe IV (above). In Spain, it is best to just take your time and walk around. Plaza de Oriente has one of the best places to hang out to take in this majestic view. One of the famous restaurants in Madrid Cafe de Oriente is located on this Plaza. The Cafe is elegantly decorated, serves one of the best Spanish food in the City and also has one of the best patios with this commanding view. I remember I bravely ate black squid ink Paella there with a glass of sangria.

The Royal Guards with their horses going back to their Barracks near the Palace.

Spanish Kings from the Medieval time up to the 15th Century watching over Plaza de Oriente.

One of my favourites during Spring time is the start of the Patio season. Here in Plaza Mayor in Madrid, everyone took advantage of the beautiful sunshine with some delicious Spanish food and drinks. Besides the Sangria, the other famous Spanish drink is the San Miguel Beer, which originated from the Philippines but also produced locally in Spain.

After our visit from the Royal Palace, we walked to the Mercado De San Miguel. The market is one of the best places to eat tapas, freshly made from all of the ingredients available inside. There are also Wine Bars inside to try different kinds of Spanish wines.

In the market are different varieties and sizes of Olives, the Spanish Serrano and Iberico hams and a variety of fresh seafood. We ordered some and also ate them right there in the market. There are tables and chairs available for eating inside the market.

From the market, we walked towards the Puerta del Sol, a huge plaza full of Spanish shops and more restaurants filled with locals until late in the evening. As you know, Dinner in Spain starts at 9 pm till later. From the Puerta del Sol, we walked toward the Gran Via then back towards our hotel at The Ritz Madrid which is located right beside the Museo del Prado. Above is a statue of Francisco Goya, one of Spain's great painters, located inside the Museo del Prado complex. But here in Spain, there is siesta after lunch, so we returned to the Hotel for our siesta...to save some energy for some Spanish feast and partying till late in the evening. Can't miss that for sure.

May you all have a relaxing weekend.

Games Style

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:00:01 PDT

Chanel Hoop Bag now available at Holt Renfrew.

Remember when we were children, playing the hoola hoops, playing checkers or the game of domino? Did you ever try any of these games? Which one was your favourite? Well, believe it or not, these childhood games are now styled in Bags and in Fashion collections of Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 and the Hoop bag by Chanel for Spring. Even British Bespoke Bag designer Anya Hindmarch presented her Fall 2013 Fashion Show with a Cascade Dominoes extravaganza which was just so magical and made everyone watch with childlike wonder. Enjoy!

Playing checkers at Louis Vuitton Spring 2013.

Photo credit: Vogue.com

Imagine for the Anya Hindmarch Fall 2013 Fashion Show, 50,000 Dominoes cascading down to present her beautiful and magical Bags Collection. For Fall 2013, Anya designed the Domino clutch (picture above).
Watch video of Anya's World London Fashion Week AW13.

Photo Credit: Anya Hindmarch.

We are very saddened by the terrible bomb attacks during the Boston Marathon last Monday.
We all have to be united in our concern for everyone's safety.
Just like the Prayer of St. Francis, Lord, make me an instrument of your peace...

Sweets Tour of Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 01:00:08 PDT

Madrid's Plaza Mayor and display of sweets in the Patisseries around Madrid.
In Madrid there are chocolate truffle balls, yemas, almond and honey pastries and custards.

I have travelled all over Spain for many years that I just recently realised that I have accumulated a collection of various photos of Spanish sweets and confectionery from different areas of Spain. Since I love sweets and comes from a family who loves different cuisines, I cannot resist taking a photo of these beautiful, colourful and delicious sweets displayed in Spanish Cafes and Patisseries. In my opinion, Spanish food and sweets are always under rated as Spain is always eclipsed by other European countries like the United Kingdom, France and Italy in tourism, in food, wine, shopping, culture and the arts. But when you get a chance to visit Spain, you will discover the rich and deep history of the country, its cultural heritage both Spanish and influenced by the Moors, its different geographical areas plus its variety of delicious food, wine and most of all these desserts. Come join me in a short tour of Spanish sweets from Barcelona, Madrid and to Granada in Andalusia.

More baked sweets from Madrid. The empanada are like baked pies with fillings. The Huesos de Santos combine the almond marzipan with sweet egg yolks in the centre. The Meringues are your common meringues made from egg whites. There are also the fried sweet honey balls called buñuelos.

Toledo

A model of Toledo Cathedral all made from Marzipan.

Toledo is a town near Madrid that combined the Spanish and Moorish cultures both evident in the architecture and also in the cuisine and desserts. The Moors actually brought the olive oil to Spain. Most of their fried desserts are traditionally fried in olive oil. Toledo's speciality is Marzipan which is made from peeled, grounded almond nuts and sugar. The nuns in Toledo are the famous bakers in town. In the above picture, the nuns master skills in baking were celebrated on this display in a local Toledo patisserie.

Local Toledo sweets from Spanish cookies like the Paciencias de Anis, Vanilla wafers and Toledo's version of Yemas made from egg yolks then coated with white sugar. Yemas is the common confectionery in Spain commonly made from egg yolks. But I discovered that every city in Spain have their own versions of the Yemas.

Segovia

View of Segovia town and Cathedral. For me, Segovia is such a romantic and beautiful town to walk around and discover its architecture. Declared by UNESCO in 1985 as a World Heritage City. Visit the huge baroque Cathedral, the Aqueduct, the Alcazar from which you will discover some Moorish architecture and also the view of the Castile countryside. Then try their famous Cochinillo Asado, a suckling pig so tenderly delicious, it melts in your mouth.

Then for dessert,try the famous Yemas de Segovia which is on display and available all around Patisseries in the town.

Granada

In the southern City of Granada in Andalusia, hidden in these White painted buildings are more Spanish sweet delights.

We saw and tasted many different fruit tarts and palmeras covered in chocolate or just plain.

Barcelona

Here is Barcelona, in the Northern Catalan region, we discovered abundant chocolates and different nuts in the St. Joseph Market which the local patisseries combine to make craquer (lower left photo). The local patisseries bake the chocolates whether white, milk chocolate or dark chocolates combined with usually large almond nuts to make the round cookie like shape.

In this Barcelona patisserie, I remember seeing some ensaimadas topped with sugar and cheese (Spanish version of the French Brioche), polvorones and more yemas.

The best place to eat sweets, have some Spanish hot chocolate, teas and Spanish coffee, is Caelum, Latin for Heaven. In this Cafe, all of the sweets are heavenly produced by monks and nuns from all over Spain. Even the Menu is divided into Monastic Sweet Temptations and Monastic Sour Temptations. Caelum is located in Barcelona's Gothic quarter at De la Palla 8. Never miss visiting this place and bring home some Monastic yemas and polvorones. The polvorones are usually produced during the Christmas season. A polvoron is a crumbly shortbread made with milk, flour, sugar and grounded nuts. We consider a polvoron more as a candy like confectionery rather than a traditional shortbread cookie.

Guess what these sweets displays were made from?
A storefront display of sweet delicacies made from towels in a Kitchen Store in Barcelona.

I would like to share this best description of Spanish Sweets from Caelum Barcelona:

In the end, all the cakes and wines have a sacred air and every soul is collected in a chamber which Paracelsus called 'olfactory chamber.' Meanwhile, in monasteries are producing high quality wines with healing spirits made by wise monks that pray silently and keep their secret recipes inside the walls. And with three salves, one Our Father and the grace of a hand, a miracle which is dreamed by the Mother Superior is taken to the kitchen. Sweet pumpkin gives you blessed glory...

May you all have a sweet weekend!

Rainbow Style

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:00:11 PDT

I spotted this Céline bag so colourful at Holt Renfrew during a shopping visit. It was made of strips of leather in different colours, looking like a rainbow. It is a flap bag with a golden chain strap to be carried over the shoulder. This bag is from the 2012 Céline Resort Collection. Then I saw some women carrying the bag during the Paris Fashion Shows as photographed by Tommy Ton for Tommy Ton Best of Street Style at Style.com. There is also a matching coat in the same rainbow colours worn by Vogue's Associate Accessories Editor, Jorden Bickham. What do you think of this style? Will you carry this bag or wear the matching coat?

Here is a lady carrying the same bag. The advantage of this bag is that we can carry it in any season and will match any outfit.
(Photo Credit: Tommy Ton, Style.com)

Here is the matching coat and suede version of the bag from the 2012 Céline Resort Collection at Vogue.com

This is one of my favourite Céline Trapeze bag in the multi-colour version. Jorden Bickham, Vogue's Associate Accessories Editor wearing the Celine coat.
View here Jorden Bickham Five Days, Five Looks from Vogue.com. Her style is very inspiring.
The lesson for this Spring is that we should not be afraid to wear colours as long as it is done right based on our own style.

May you all have an inspiring week!

Weekend In Montréal

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 01:00:03 PDT

The Shopping District on Rue Ste. Catherine Ouest.

Discover Montréal, the largest city in the only French speaking Province of Québec in Canada. We were in Montréal last Easter long weekend to visit my brother and his family. We also spent some time to visit our favourite haunts in the city that offers a very French style in Fashion, Food, Architecture and Festivals, including some singing and dancing clowns, in French only, s'il vous plaît.

Rue de la Montagne is where all of the luxury shops are located from La Maison Ogilvy which offers Louis Vuitton, Burberry, French brand Gerard Darel, among others. On the same street is Holt Renfrew Canada, Tiffany's and other Luxury Brands.

The main shopping area is on Rue Ste. Catherine Ouest which offers local Montréal fashion brands and also has Maison De La Presse Internationale, my favourite International magazines shop that sells all French and other languages magazines.

Montréal has grand Churches like the L'Oratoire St.Joseph located at the top of the Mont-Royal. The Oratory started as a small chapel built by the newly canonised Saint Brother André in 1904. This whole building with the dome was built completely in 1939. The Dome is the third largest in the World after The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in the Ivory Coast and the largest is St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Many Catholic pilgrims come here to light a candle and pray to St. Joseph, patron saint of Canada and to Saint Brother André who is buried behind this majestic altar of St. Joseph.

An Exhibition about Peru at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal.

Montréal has gastronomic pleasures to discover. Not to be missed is the smoked meat at Reuben's located at 1116 Rue Ste. Catherine Ouest or at Schwartz's located at 3895 Saint Laurent Blvd, Montreal. One of Quebec's famous dish is the Poutine which is french fries topped with gravy and smoked meat. For appetizer we had the Poutine and the liver paté with carmelized onions.

Two things not to miss when in Montrèal:

1. Smoked Meat sandwiches.
2. They make the best Bagels baked in a wood fire oven.
The best is the Fairmount Bagel. Their bagels there are not too doughy and very crunchy.

The Reuben's Sandwich with 10 oz. smoked meat, sauerkraut, secret sauce and both melted cheddar and Swiss cheese, both locally made Québec cheese which is the best in Canada with my favourite pumpernickel toasted bread.

I discovered that there are three ways to eat a Reuben's sandwich:

1. Regular 10 oz. Reuben's Smoked meat sandwich (as the picture above)
2. Super size 1 lb of Reuben's Smoked meat sandwich (double the size of the picture above)
3. Make your own open faced Smoked Meat sandwich served in a one plate full of smoked meat, one plate of bread of your choice and one plate for the extras from the picture above, sauerkraut, tomato, peppers and choices of cheese.
Then have some of Reuben's cake desserts. The cheesecake with strawberries is delicious!

Yes, forget French food when in Montréal. My brother treated us to a Brazilian dinner at Le Milsa complete with some Brazilian Carnival dancing. Le Milsa serves Rôtisserie Brésilienne food commonly called in Brazil as Churrascaria. 10 kinds of meat grilled in skewers and served in the same way by the waiters on your table. There were turkey wrapped in bacon, fillet mignon, grilled chicken, sirloin, rib steak, lamb etc. The Green Card, Oui, is a sign for the waiter to keep serving you the meats. The Red card, Non, is you begging the waiter to stop serving you the meats. For dessert, we had grilled pineapple sprinkled with cinnamon or vanilla ice cream sprinkled with cinnamon. We had a delicious and fully stuffed Easter Weekend in Montréal.

Montréal has singing and dancing clowns known as Les Clowns du Carrousel which I promised my niece to meet and watch during their Charity Event last Saturday afternoon. The four clowns here are the owners of the Flower Shop, Les Clowns du Carrousel Fleuriste.

Please watch the song and dance video of the Les Clowns Du Carrousel that I recorded in my camera.
Both children and adults here had fun singing along with les clowns.

Bon Weekend mes amis!

Crêpes à Go-Go

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:30:33 PDT

Madame Véronique's love and passion are crêpes and her Limonana drink.

Meet Madame Chef Véronique, the owner and passionate chef of Crêpes à Go Go. Another style setter here in my blog and one of my food adventures around Toronto. As you can see from the pictures above, Madame Véronique's speciality is making crêpes and the Limonana drink. Madame Véronique is originally from Paris. When you meet her, you will feel her joie de vivre in her business. She makes her crêpes, the Parisian way, nothing too fancy, but just like when you buy them to go from a Cafe in Paris. Freshly made crêpes with nutella, fruit jams or with cheese then placed in a brown paper bag ready to be eaten in a nearby park. Madame Véronique welcomes everybody to try her crêpes and if you wish, to also speak French with her anytime. If you check out the Facebook page of Crêpes à Go Go, you will discover that Madame Véronique is also active in the Small Business Community here in Toronto and never takes a day off except for last Good Friday. Talk about passion and dedication.

I captured Madame Véronique preparing my crêpes during the Wonderful and Whimsical Icefest in Yorkville last month. I chose to have mozzarella cheese in my crêpes that day instead of the Nutella.

Voila! My crêpes ready to be placed in a brown paper bag to go go!

In her restaurant, their menu presents many choices of different crêpes. From the savoury ones like the Crêpes Charlotte made with fresh strawberries, cream and cinnamon to crêpes with mushroom and cheese. I have tasted them both and they were so delicious!

Another passion of Madame Véronique is her Limonana drink which she made herself from fresh lemons, mint and cane juice. Madame Véronique described the making of the Limonana drink a love story. It is like a lemonade but not too bitter and not too sweet. The fresh lemons and mint combination makes the drink refreshing. When in Toronto, drop by Crêpes à Go-Go, to meet Madame Véronique, taste her delicious crêpes and Limonana drink. It is definitely a taste of Paris in Toronto.

Macaron Day Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 01:00:00 PDT

Last March 20th, I was excited to attend the Macaron Day TO, here in Toronto. World Macaron Day was founded by Pierre Hermé in 2008 in Paris, France. Since then, it has spread to major cities around the World including Paris, London and New York City to celebrate our love of Macaron and also for a charitable cause.

Here in Toronto, there were several patisseries that participated in this event by giving out a free macaron and donating 25% of the sale proceeds that day to Red Door Shelter, a charitable organisation providing assistance to Women and Refugees fleeing from violence. It was a fun and very sweet event. Definitely got a sugar high from the different macarons we tried. For me, besides eating some macarons and donated to a charitable cause, I finally fulfilled one of my New Year's resolutions which you will discover in this post.

Rainbow colours and different flavours of Macarons from MoRoCo Chocolat. Here in Toronto, we do not have Ladurée or Pierre Hermé. Our local patisseries have learnt to bake their own Macarons and made up their own flavours. My favourite macarons are from MoRoCo Chocolat. They also make their own chocolates here. Their restaurant also serve delicious food and their drinks including different coffees, teas and cocktails are amazing too.

There were endless baking of Macarons all throughout that day. Freshly baked Pistachio macarons which is one of my favourite macarons.

Macaron Day Class with Mardi at the Kitchen Studio.

Gadgets we used: Kitchen Aid mixer, pipping, spatulas, baking trays, electronic food scale
(to weigh the ingredients) and Iphone (used as our timer).

Finally, I fulfilled one of my New Year's Resolutions to attend a Macaron Class taught by Mardi at the Yorkville Kitchen Studio. Mardi, works as a French teacher at an Elementary Boys school, here in Toronto. She has lived in England and also in Paris, France for many years. She loves to cook and bake. Mardi learnt to bake Macarons, the French way, from the Lenôtre Patisserie School in Paris, France. Mardi also teaches cooking at Le Cuisine in Paris. She also teach a cooking class to the boys at the Elementary school in Toronto through the Les Petits Chefs program, which she features in her blog, Eat. Live. Travel. Write - culinary adventures, near and far. Discover Mardi's blog here for her wonderful food photos and adventures.

Mardi explained to us that there are three ways to make meringue: The French method, Italian method and the Swiss method. Macarons have meringue shells made from egg whites and filled with fillings made from ganache, buttercream or from jam filling. Mardi taught us the French method of preparing the meringue.

Our first batch of Orange Macaron with chocolate ganache. Our ganache was made with semi-sweet chocolate chips sprinkled with liquid Orange essence which made it smell and taste so good. The chocolate and orange were a perfect pairing.

Pipping the meringue shells onto the trays. Our second batch were Red Velvet Macarons.

The Red Velvet Macarons with cream cheese and buttercream filling.

While baking, we talked about our favourite Macaron places here in Toronto, in Paris (Ladurée or Pierre Hermé?) and also talked about our favourite Macaron flavours. The whole experience was fun and very comfortable. It was like hanging out in Mardi's or in your own kitchen.

At the end of the day, after all of our Macarons adventure and Baking, we relaxed at MoRoCo Chocolat for a cappuccino and a Black Sesame Macaron. Which macaron would you like to try? The Orange & Chocolate macaron or the Red Velvet macaron?

Easter Bunnies

Some Easter Bunnies and Duckies made with White chocolate can be purchased on-line (Canada Delivery only) at MoRoCo Chocolat.

Sweet Easter indulgences from MoRoCo Chocolat.. Which Yummy Bunny would you like?

How will you celebrate Easter? Let us gather around the Easter table here from Pottery Barn, Toronto.

Happy Easter everyone!

No Greater Love

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 03:00:12 PDT

Madonna and Child.
(Burgundy, France 1380-1439)

This week is observed by Christians around the World as Holy Week where we reflect on the Passion of Jesus Christ. During our visit to The Metropolitan Museum Of Art in New York City last year, we visited one of their galleries called the Medieval Art Galleries. One of the galleries evoked a European church with massive ceiling heights, Gothic arches and a huge Spanish Choir screen, in the picture above, from a Valladolid Cathedral built in 1763. In the centre of the gallery is the Madonna and Child sculpted in Burgundy, France around 1380-1439. There are several other religious icons and paintings displayed all around it. During this Holy Week, we ask, where does love start? There is no greater love than the first bonding of a Mother and her child. As there is giving life, there is also death which we reflect on the Passion of Jesus Christ during this Holy Week.

Entombment of Christ, 16th C.
These Gothic Sculptures are from the Chateau de Biron in the Dordogne region of France.

The Pieta, 16th C. from the Chateau de Biron.

Greater love has no one than this,
that one lay down his life for his friends.
- John 15:13

Meet The CupKits Edible Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 01:00:09 PDT

Game of Thrones Desserts Theme.

One of the Categories here on my Blog is Style Setters which features People that I admire because of their Creativity, Business, Passions and Style of Living. These people are not necessarily celebrities but they are living their passions in their daily lives.

I would like to feature here one of my friends and now one of the Style Setters, Kit Villareal, owner of CupKits Edible Creations, based in Long Beach, California. Kit and I have known each other since we were in Kindergarten School. We were classmates and friends throughout our Grade School years. I remember that we were together in our Ballet and Piano classes too. I remember Kit as one of the devoted Ballerinas in our class. Presently, a wife and mother, she is also a Businesswoman, living her passion in Baking and Parties Design. I interviewed Kit on-line so that she can share with us about her passions, inspirations and her Business.

Tell us about the CupKits Edible Creations?
CupKits Edible Creations is a local custom cupcake party fulfilment service that provides materials and experience necessary to turn your party or event into a fully interactive hands-on cupcake making experience. I am a dessert stylist who makes most of the sweets myself. I am an early childhood educator so I make my dessert tables as if I am creating a curriculum based on children's emergent interests. I make sure that the dessert table consists of their specific requests and interests.

For instance the Hello Kitty Dessert Table is this 7 year old's interest. She requested a vanilla cake with fresh strawberry filling. The rest of the treats were discussed as part of the treats and giveaways. The idea was to turn the table into a Hello Kitty store where children could help themselves and fill their bags with treats. This was part of the activity.

Valentine's Day Creations.
Want to try some Kissable Lips Red Velvet cupcakes? I admire all of the small details that Kit designed on her cupcakes just like the red lips, heart marshmallows, little pearls icing and Cupid on the cupcakes.

Kit also designs for events like Weddings, Anniversaries, Engagements, Birthdays and any other event that her clients will request.

Here's the Movies Theme. The popcorns are made from Marshmallows. Isn't that so creative?

What inspired you to start your Business?
My passion for baking started as a child growing up with my mom baking for the family all the time. I always enjoyed decorating after her. Then I had my son 14 years ago... I just had to make every occasion special by doing the "works"!

What inspires you to create your Baking and Party designs?
The children or my clients inspire me with their ideas. I just love bringing it to the next level and completing an entire table of sweets to compliment the theme.

Kit's Halloween Owl's Theme. Look very closely.

Kit, do you design, create and assemble all these by yourself?
Yes, I do them all by myself. I am a one mom band! I do buy candies to fill the jar though.
I don't make those.

And my business is strictly by word of mouth and by appointment only.

Do you love and enjoy what you are doing?

I love what I do! I find it therapeutic. I'm in my own world. It's my art.

A 30th Birthday Parisian Cabaret Theme.

For the ladies, let us wear our Pink or Black boa scarf and have some Eiffel Tower cookies and Pops. While the Gents can wear and eat their Moustache Pops.

Who do you admire in your Business?
I do admire a few people with what they do but I feel like when I have an order, I start with a blank paper and draw from there. If I just copy what others have done then it takes away from my creativity. It's kind of like a colouring book as opposed to free drawing.
Of course, I can't do anything if my client request specific designs. I just make sure I add my own creativity into it.

What is your advise to those who would like to start up their own Business?

My only advice to those who want to set up their business is to find something you love and share it.

When people see your passion in what you do, they will buy it!

Archimedes of Syracuse, a Greek mathematician, philosopher, scientist and engineer said
my favourite quote, "Give me the place to stand, and I shall move the earth."

I think if we all find our niches, we will be successful in whatever we do.

I have yet many ladders to climb but I am enjoying every step of it!

Save the best for last....Let us try the Tipsy Cupcakes.

Lastly Kit, What is your favourite Dessert to bake and eat?
I really can't say I have a favourite dessert to bake because I enjoy making them all.
My favourite dessert to eat is Tiramisu!
I am honoured that you have chosen to write about my art.

For more information about her beautiful Creations, like the Facebook page of CupKits Edible Creations.

Find something you're passionate about
and keep tremendously interested in it.
- Julia Child

Remember to switch off lights tonight from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm for Earth Hour.

Wishing everyone a Sweet Weekend!

Photo credits: CupKits Edible Creations.

Sugar & Spice

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:00:00 PDT

Spring is finally here today! Jo Malone London launched for Spring these Limited Edition Sugar & Spice Collection of five colognes that evoke Spring desserts. These are all Colognes which are light and perfect for Spring and Summer. The Ad campaign at Holt Renfrew for the Limited Collection presented the delicious sweets and spices together with the bottles in five different pastel colours. The smell of the colognes here are like the happy and delicious smell of the kitchen after baking cookies and some pastries.

The Limited Collection: Redcurrant & Cream (Berries with musk)
Lemon Tart (verbena,citrus and thyme)
Bitter Orange & Chocolate
Elderflower & Gooseberry
Ginger Biscuit (nutmeg,cinnamon and caramel with hazelnuts and vanilla whip)
Don't they all sound delicious and fragrant? I tried the Elderflower & Gooseberry and it smelled very light and fresh. Not too sweet smell.

The Limited Collection is Unisex, just like the Jo Malone Core Collection.
Would you try some of these Jo Malone colognes and eat some these Spring desserts?

Just to let everyone know that Google announced recently that the company will retire Google Reader by July 1, 2013. This change will affect the way we follow our Blogs. So far, the best alternative is Bloglovin' which allows to Import our Blog lists from Google Reader seamlessly.
I encourage you to keep updated with my blog through Bloglovin' and Twitter.

Greeting everyone a wonderful Spring week!

Rhapsody of Colours

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 20:51:13 PDT

The other day, feeling fed up with winter and Daylight Savings time taking a toll on me, I decided to go Spring Shopping to check out what is new and exciting. It turns out that Holt Renfrew has a wonderful and colourful Spring windows titled Eastern Passages which has an Oriental theme. The colourful Oriental lanterns also decorated inside the Store. This got me excited as this Fall, I will be travelling to Asia for a vacation. After Holts, I walked along Bloor Street and discovered that this colourful theme is also evident in other stores like Gucci. Join me here for some rhapsody of colours from my Spring Shopping adventure. The good news is that Spring will come this week!

Oriental Fashion Style.

Bags hanging on Bamboo shoots.

Shoes hanging like Oriental lanterns.

Menswear

Gucci Store

Gucci is celebrating the 60th Birthday of its famous loafers presented here in a Runway of rainbow colours.

All from Gucci : I like this floral dress, aqua green shoulder bag and black sandals.

With Google's recent announcement to retire Google Reader by July 1, 2013, GFC and Feeburner will no longer be the primary source to follow our Blogs. I encourage you to Follow my blog with Bloglovin
.
Wishing you all the luck o' the Irish!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

In Style Mini-Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:00:00 PDT

Balenciaga Mini City Bags.

On the runways and on Street Style this year, there is a return to Mini-Bags which is defined as the smaller or mini version of their more popular and regular sized Bags. Some of the ones I am featuring here are from Holt Renfrew Mini Bags collection that are available here in Toronto. Of course, every Luxury Fashion Brands from NYC, Paris, London and Milan have their own versions of the Mini-bag. For me, the mini-bags are a transitional bag from Day to Evening, from carrying a Work week Regular sized bag to a Mini-bag for the weekend where we have to carry less.

Here are the Mini-Bags in their Spring colours. Are you excited for Spring? Do you think these mini-bags will be functional and useful to your style and lifestyle? Which one from this feature will you carry?

Mini Balenciaga.
One common feature when carrying a Mini-Bag is that it has a long shoulder strap that allows us to carry the bag across the body or on the shoulder. Their Regular sized bag counterpart are usually hand held or have a shorter shoulder strap.

Celine Mini Box Bags.

Givenchy Mini-Nightingale.

Reed Krakoff Bags.

Transitional bags from the Work week to the Weekend.

Clockwise: Celine Nano Bag, Reed Krakoff Blue Mini-Boxer, Mulberry Mini-Alexa in Pink (both available at Mytheresa.com) and the Prada Mini Saffiano Bag in Spring Orange from Neiman Marcus.

This Prada Mini-bag has a long shoulder strap. The Regular sized Prada Saffiano Bag is hand held.

Remember that less is more.

May you all have a fantastic week ahead.

A Glimpse of Gondwana

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:00:04 PST

One weekend, we visited the Royal Ontario Museum's Exhibition titled Ultimate Dinosaurs: Giants from Gondwana. The Exhibition is the world's premiere viewing of the most fiercest, largest and never exhibited Southern Dinosaurs. The Exhibition was opened since last Fall and will open until March 17th. As it turned out, both adults and children had fun and we learnt so many things about these never exhibited dinosaurs. My nephew ended his visit with his own Dinosaur growl which was oh so scary and funny at the same time!

Also with the recent crashing of a meteorite in Central Russia last month, it brought to light the issue that Scientists and Government agencies must work together to spot the threats from outer space sooner and avert them. It is a different kind of threat to our Planet Earth which can only be solved through the cooperation of worldwide agencies with expertise in Space, Sciences, Military/Defence and of course our own Governments. Apparently, those shown in Hollywood movies like Armageddon will not work and not even possible at all. According to the Toronto Star, experts from Europe (the European Space Agency), USA (NASA) and Russia are already discussing how to spot the potential threats from outer space and avert them to prevent further destruction and loss of life on Earth. Unlike the Dinosaurs, there was no one to save them.

Who's the biggest of them all? The Futalognkosaurus is one of the largest animals to have walked the earth. This dinosaur is like a giant lizard that lived on the Earth 88 million years ago. It stretches 110 feet long and weighed as much as 10 elephants. This is the Dinosaur that greeted guests in the Museum as it can only fit in the Museum's Great Hall.

The Exhibition not only displayed the Southern Dinosaurs but also provided the Story about the Darwinian Bio-Evolution. The Earth, in about 300 million years ago was one land mass or one giant supercontinent called the Pangaea. During that time, animals, especially Dinosaurs,were free to roam all around and to spread their genes around thereby creating common characteristics in species. Then 150 millions ago, major volcanic eruptions and earthquakes caused a change in plate tectonics which divided this huge land mass into North (Laurasia) and South (Gondwana) with the Tethys Sea between them. So far, most of the Dinosaurs exhibited have been from the North. It is only the past 20 years that Paleontologists have unearthed and have gained more information about the Southern Dinosaurs from Gondwana.

Gondwana is the Southern Supercontinent comprising the landmasses of Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, Madagascar and India. Most of these Dinosaurs, like the Futalognkosaurus above, were unearthed from Patagonia, Argentina.

All around the Exhibition, there were many informative displays for both the children and for the Adults to have fun in learning. Here is a large fossil head of the Dinosaur with large sharp teeth unearthed from Africa.

Each one in our family had their own interests in viewing the Dinosaurs. Some read more on the Darwinian Bio-Evolution, the Geography and there are interactive IPAD screens that showed an augmented reality of the Dinosaurs brought back to life and moving. Luckily, photography was allowed. On this visit, I focused more on the dinosaurs sharp and long claws and their sharp skeleton teeth. The Dinosaurs were huge, powerful creatures, have their own characteristics (some were vegetarians) and were predators ready to kill.

Meet Giganotosaurus that lived in the Southern Hemisphere and was unearthed in Argentina. This Dinosaur is possibly the largest land predator to have lived the Earth. In this Exhibition, he is faced on the opposite with T-Rex from the North in a North-South showdown. If there is a showdown fight between Giganotosaurus and T-Rex, who do you think will win?

It is believed that a large meteorite crashed on Earth hundreds of million years ago. The crash of the meteorite on Earth caused a thick blanket of dust that scattered all over the Earth's atmosphere which led to climate change and then the extinction of the Dinosaurs forever.

The story of Human Beings, Animals and Plants evolution on Planet Earth still continues.
It is important for us to take care of our planet, love one another and live in Peace as much as we can.

The ROM also made available a free download of the ROM Ultimate Dinosaurs App for the IPAD and Iphone for more information and interactive experience about the Dinosaurs.

May you all have an adventurous weekend!

Stylish Magazines

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:00:05 PST

With Paris Fashion Week for Fall 2013 almost over, here are some inspirational Fashion Reads that I discovered on-line. One of them is New York Times Style Magazine, T Magazine. Their most recent feature was Lee Radziwill, the youngest sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis featured in her very stylish and cosy Paris Apartment. In the article she shared about her life, her memories of her sister and her family and most of all her love of Paris. Lee Radziwill is one of the truly elegant women that I admire. She has aged gracefully, lives her life with style and to the fullest. Well, who wouldn't since she lives both in New York City and in Paris, has great friends and memories, she was brought up well-educated and highly cultured.

Sofia Coppola had a conversation with Lee Radziwill on this Video.

Another very inspiring on-line magazine I discovered is Net-a-Porter's, The Edit with Lucy Yeomans as Editor In Chief. This is not your typical magazine but the Editorials and pictures are very stylish and inspiring. The latest issue is dedicated to Paris Glamour with Carine Roitfeld as one of their main feature. There is also an article about Les Parisiennes style especially focusing on the Paris Vogue Editors fashion style which is admired all over the World. Another article that might interest you is the Beauty Secrets of French Women.

Discover Les Parisiennes Style at The Edit. Do you like the Parisian women's style or not?
As for me, I admire Emmanuelle Alt's style wearing skinny jeans, her oversized shirt and heels confidently.
The lesson here is that which ever style you choose to follow, remember to have confidence.

I hope these on-line magazines will inspire you with their interesting articles, creativity and variety of features.

May you have an inspiring week!

Photo credits: T Magazine and The Edit.

Wonderful and Whimsical

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:49:11 PST

Last Weekend was the 8th Annual Bloor-Yorkville Icefest especially titled Wonderful and Whimsical. We had fun visting the exhibit of an Enchanted Garden with centrepiece display of fairies, gnomes hanging out amongst mushrooms, gnomes happily riding a snail and a mouse, giant flowers with smiling faces and completed by a crescent moon. Alongside the Enchanted Garden, there was an Icefest Competition along the Yorkville Park on Cumberland Street here in mid-Toronto. We watched the experts design, draw and sculpt their Ice masterpieces following the theme of something Wonderful and Whimsical to celebrate our winter here in Toronto. All of these Ice masterpieces were crafted from 35,000 lbs. of Ice. As the saying goes, if you can't beat winter, might as well enjoy and join em' on this Winter Icefest!

Welcome to the Enchanted Garden

As we walked along an icy landscape, we discovered a wonderful and whimsical world made of Ice.
Smiling flowers greeted us as we entered the Enchanted Garden.

Gnomes hanging out amongst mushrooms.

The Enchanted Garden was admired and enjoyed by everyone.

Gnomes happily riding a snail and a mouse.

We were enchanted by fairies, a unicorn, an Angel and a smiling Crescent Moon.

Then in Yorkville Park, we saw a Friendly Ice Dragon.

Photo session here by Henry Lin for the benefit of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Icefest Competition

Inspiration always start with a drawing.

The ice carving begins...

Hard at work on Ice.

A Mystic Winter Drink

We can't resist this cocktail drink. The Mystic Butterfly Vodka cocktail courtesy of Sassafraz Restaurant.

Want some Mystic Butterfly Vodka from the Sassafraz Ice Bar?

Watch the Video by Peter Mykusz, Wonderful and Whimsical Icefest 2013.

Cheers everyone!

PFW 2013: Paris Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:00:09 PST

Although not in Paris, Anthoropometrie sans titre (ANT 84), 1960, Yves Klein, painted in Blue that closely resembled the Lapis Lazuli, now famously called the International Klein Blue (IKB). I saw this painting exhibited at the Musee D'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC) in Nice. Yves Klein was born in Nice, France and became one of the famous French contemporary artist in the World after the post Impressionism period.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy cover in the January 2013 Paris Vogue.

Blue is my favourite colour. I am just attracted to anything Blue. When I look into my closet, all I see are different shades of blue in my clothes, bags and shoes. Even when I shop, I unconsciously buy something blue first before I pick another colour. It was just right timing that the Turner Classic Movies Channel presented the other day the Classic 1961 American Film Paris Blues starring Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier. Both Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier played the part of expat American Musicians who fell in love with two visiting American women in Paris. The film also starred famous musician Louis Armstrong and the musical score was composed by Duke Ellington. The movie was a combination of love story, Jazz/Blues music and of course the charms of Paris. It is a great movie to watch. For now, here are some inspiring Blues from the Paris Collections. Paris Fashion Week For Fall 2013 begins this week.

Celine

Celine Luggage Phantom in Croc Cobalt Blue available at Holt Renfrew.

Celine Trapeze Bag.
(Photo credit: Phil Oh)

Celine Coats in Blue.

Celine Envelope Bag.

(Photo credit: Phil Oh)

Dior

Dior Spring 2013 Print Campaign.
The Dior Spring 2013 Collection is now designed by Raf Simons. I find the Dior Collections now so pure, has a clean silhouette, more focused on the clothes and wearable. The ideas and talent of Raf Simons are evident in their Print Campaigns which are just so inspiring and beautiful.

Oscar Winner for Best Actress, Jennifer Lawrence for Miss Dior.
(Photo Credit: Hello Magazine UK)

My Blue Dior Gaucho shoulder bag designed by John Galliano for Dior.

Saint Laurent Paris

My friend's ChYc bag.

Balenciaga

I am so attracted to this Blue City Bag.

Chanel

Chanel Blues from Chanel Spring 2013 Collection.

I am loving this Blue shade and those Chanel Blue sandals!

Photo Credit: Vogue. com

May you have an inspiring week!

Wild At Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela RG) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 01:00:04 PST

In this month of Love, I am excited to share with you an unexpected discovery during my visit to Pimlico Road in London last Spring. It was serendipity to discover the Wild At Heart Shop full of flowers, jars, vases and many different selection of Homewares. I visited Pimlico Road to actually eat at one of my favourite places in London at Daylesford Organic Farmshop and Cafe on a sunny Spring Saturday morning. It turned out that I discovered more beautiful things than I asked for. As I always write here on my blog, the joys of travel is always discovering the unexpected in off the beaten paths. This is one of them that I truly enjoyed.

I love this shop already as it displayed here one of my favourite flowers, the Hydrangeas in pink and lilac. So beautiful!

The Gentleman Florist here was so concentrated on his work that he didn't even look up. Look behind him the beautiful Jars and Vases in different styles and colours. These same jars and vases are also displayed in Nikki Tibbles home. Nikki is the owner and Creative Director of Wild At Heart.

Some Spring blooms for Sale.

Up close, the Florist here had different flowers in vibrant colours to work on. Do you make your own flower arrangements?

After this discovery, I came across Wild At Heart Shops at Harrods and at Liberty London.

Looked like he was arranging the flowers in a small glass jars here. A close up of the White and violet flowers.

Discover wild at heart's owner, Nikki Tibbles At Home. I discovered here that Nikki's home decor is as colourful and artistic as her beautiful Floral Shop and creations. Photo credit: wild at heart.

Here are some Book Suggestions:

For an unconventional love story that will touch your heart, Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.

A true love story Memoir, Paris: A Love Story by Kati Marton.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!