Boardwalk Artists

I am super excited for Vintage Pink Treasures Jewellery to be participating in the Boardwalk Artists at Alderney Landing event tomorrow on Canada Day!

Boardwalk Artists at Alderney Landing is a 1-day event that will transform the Dartmouth Waterfront into an outdoor art gallery featuring the work of local jewellers, painters, photographers, potters and more. All works of art are the original creations of the participating artists, who will be on hand throughout the day to meet and talk with visitors. There will be all sorts of other Canada Day celebrations taking place at Alderney Landing as well, including a concert featuring The Trews.

 I will have a selection of jewellery on display and available for sale. My sister Melanie is a very talented painter and will also be taking part in this event with her colourful and eclectic paintings; I'm excited that we will have tables set-up next to each other. The weather is supposed to be beautiful and I can't wait to spend all day outside in the sunshine and then take part in some Canada Day festivities during the evening!

Boardwalk Artists at Alderney Landing

DATE: July 1st, 2011
TIME: 10am - 6pm
WHERE: Alderney Landing - Dartmouth Waterfront

Hope to see you there!

all photos by me

Rainbow Land

I sometimes refer to our house as "Rainbow Land" because well, it resembles a rainbow. As mentioned here and here, I love me some colour. I am quite fortunate that my husband had given me the creative authority to decorate every room in the house except "Man Land" (where I still tried to force my opinions). The main level is the most colourful space in the house and where it's an open concept, colour literally smacks you in the face everywhere you look. I have thought about going for more traditional decorating styles, like neutrals, etc. but I am just naturally drawn to colour and that's what I always seem to come home with. And you know what? I love it. It's inviting, cozy and constantly makes us happy - isn't that what a home should be?

:: candle lanterns on the windowsill ::

:: assorted Vintage Pink Treasures jewels ::

:: Mexican serape pillows made by me ::

:: pretty tea light candle holders ::

:: eclectic coasters ::

:: collage mirror made by me ::

:: Mexican worry dolls ::

:: book shelf organized by colour ::

:: one of many Warhol prints ::

:: life mantra painted by me ::

:: hand-painted ceramic wall art from Mexico ::

:: pencil crayons in my studio for sketching ::

:: rainbow dining set painted by me ::

:: part of my personal necklace collection ::

:: colourful vacation pictures taken by me ::

:: one of several Mexican serapes ::

:: simple painting by me ::

:: initial pillows ::

:: wedding photo with colourful guest signatures ::

all photos by me

Fleur De Sel

During our recent road trip to Lunenburg we had dinner at this incredible restaurant named Fleur De Sel. It was my fist time dining there and it was definitely one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. Owned by Martin and Sylvie Ruiz Salvador, Fleur De Sel is located in a beautifully restored Victorian home in the heart of Lunenberg. Sylvie oversees the hosting duties while Chef Martin artfully prepares "an interpretation of traditional French cuisine". The atmosphere is a beautiful juxtaposition of Victorian architecture mixed with modern design. Candlelit tables provide a charming atmosphere that will lure you to stay for hours (and we did). The wine list is broad and offers a selection of bottles handpicked by Martin and Sylvie. Oh, and the food - almost too pretty to eat but you'll be glad that you did. Each plate is methodically presented over a period of time in order to fully enjoy the intense flavours before moving onto the next. It was more of a dining experience than a dinner and I couldn't have had a better time (and our appetites were more than satisfied when we left). The menu changes often and the prices are more than reasonable for the delectable experience you'll receive. This may have been my first, but will certainly not be my last experience at Fleur De Sel.

:: Fleur De Sel ::

Inspired by the prosciutto wrapped dates we had during our first dish (inspired meaning I could not stop reminiscing about how delicious they were), I found this simple recipe and gave it my own twist using pancetta because the grocery store was out of prosciutto.



Pancetta Wrapped Dates

:: Slice open as many dried and pitted dates as you want to make.

:: Slice pancetta style bacon in half - same amount of pieces as the number of dates (pancetta may be substituted for prosciutto).

:: Spoon approx. 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into each date.

:: Wrap 1 piece of pancetta around the date and secure with a toothpick.

:: Make sure you soak the toothpicks first or they will burn in the oven.

:: Broil for approx. 2-3 minutes until pancetta is crisp - observe carefully as they will start to burn quickly.

:: Enjoy the salty-sweet-creamy deliciousness.

 

:: pancetta ::

:: dried and pitted dates ::

:: dates filled with cream cheese ::

all photos by me

Clutch Crush

Clutches are a simple way to add a pop of colour or sparkle to an outfit. I love the look of a monochromatic outfit topped off with a bright coloured clutch, or a vibrant outfit paired with a clutch in a contrasting colour or pattern. I think it's even more chic when they're not covered in brand-name logos because I want my outfit to make the statement, not the label I'm wearing.

Imagine all of the different ways you could style these amazing clutches.

Top row from left:

:: Antik Batik

:: Kate Spade

:: Fiorelli

2nd row from left:

:: ASOS

:: French Connection

:: Proenza Schouler
3rd row from left:

:: Vivien

:: American Apparel

:: Jimmy Choo

4th row from left:

:: Armani Exchange

:: Julien David

:: Serpui Marie

5th row from left:

:: Zara

:: JJ Winters

:: Chloé

Bottom row from left:

:: Mulberry

:: French Connection

:: Star by Julien Macdonald

set created by me

Influence

Anyone who follows fashion knows that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have a very avant-garde sense of personal style. They definitely march to the beat of their own drum as everyone else follows along. As briefly presented in this post, they even have their own coffee table book aptly titled "Influence", which provides a peek inside their envy-inducing fashion utopia. It was only an organic progression that they then launch their own wildly successful fashion labels, Elizabth & James and The Row, consisting of statement pieces which become instant wardrobe staples.

Here is a look at the personal style of a couple of fashion's most coveted and influential young Designers.

collage by me; all other images via we heart it