Unique New York

The several thousand other people occupying the Sheep's Meadow in Central Park.

My new friend Andreas and his balsa wood plane (that he gave to me).

Catching some rays at Hudson River Park.

We had a great New York weekend, this past Saturday and Sunday. We spent both days lazing in the glorious sunshine, first in Central Park and then at Hudson River Park. On Saturday at Central Park, we had one of those only in New York moments. I was watching (read: staring) at a man making balsa wood planes. He made the one pictured above in less than ten minutes, from scratch. And when I say from scratch I mean, he shaped the wood and expertly put all the pieces together. It was fascinating. The gentleman must have seen me staring (and I thought I was so discreet!) because after a couple of impressive practice flights, he came right up to me and said if I could accept an imperfect plane, I could have it - like I knew the difference!

Now, I am quite shy in situations like these so to deflect my embarrassment, my good friend offered to take the first flight. We watched as she sent the plane spiralling through the air, landing softly on a group of people (there were thousands) occupying the grass. Then I had a turn, my first flight was pretty poor but after some coaching from my new friend Andreas (who turned out to be an old Aerospace Engineer from Hungary), I had the plane spiralling high in the air. We all took turns flying the plane, interrupting our new friend to improve our technique as we went. It was such a fun and unexpected way to spend an afternoon.

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On another note, sorry I have been absent from the blog the last couple of weeks. I think I just need a bit of a break to refresh my head. I will try and get back to some kind of regular posting soon!

Decorating Details

Bar Cart // Gallery Wall

Layered Linens // Colour on White

Decorative Light Fittings // Wallpaper

Hanging Flowers // Books Arranged by Colour

I am feeling so inspired by all of these decorating details. The use of colour, flowers, decorative light fittings and artwork all work to create a room that is interesting as well as stylish. I hope they inspire you too!

Things I Love About Spring

1. Light layers consisting of a bright coat, floral pants and stripes.

2. Bright summery sandals paired with freshly painted toenails.

3. Fresh meals made with seasonal produce like avocado and heirloom tomatoes.

4. Colourful blooms sprouting everywhere you look.

5. A light and refreshing cocktail made with elderflower and champagne - yum!

Perfectly Curated

Pretty / Elegant / Modern / Classic

I love a beautifully curated vignette in the home. I have several of them in our home, each suited to the room they have been created in. They can have such an impact, even with only a few carefully arranged items. I am personally fond of vases filled with flowers, candles, photo frames and maybe a book or two. Depending on the colours you use, and the feel of your personal objects, such different looks can be created, as illustrated above. And because you don't have to spend a lot to create a beautiful vignette, you can always mix it up whenever your mood changes.

Her Look // Your Way

Image / Sunglasses / Lipstick / Shirt / Watch / Trench / Jeans / Wedges

I am loving this classic look I found on Pinterest. Such an easy look to pull together but oh so chic. For one of those days when you just can't decide what else to wear, throw on a pair of jeans and a button-down, add a swipe of red lipstick and finish with your largest pair of sunglasses. Voila, très chic. 

Pillow Arranging

I came accross this article on House Beautiful about how you arrange the pillows on your bed and what it says about you. I found it very interesting, and for me pretty accurate. Here are the arrangement styles and what they mean:

ASYMMETRICAL: 

Your unfussy style says that you are a relaxed, bohemian type who's easygoing and 

open to new experiences.

BALANCED WITH AN ACCENT:

Your style is traditional with a twist. You're never too prim and proper, but you aren't given to the latest trends either.

DELICATE AND DECORATIVE:

If you're drawn to a dreamy, whimsical look, then you're a romantic. You prefer frilly and feminine to streamlined and rigid and are a firm believer that more is more.

PRECISELY STACKED:

This systematic, monastic tower of pillows indicates you have a modernist style. If someone saw your bed, they would probably guess that you're artistic, creative, and intellectual.

SYMMETRICAL:

You have a tailored, classic style. This look is best for someone who is detail-orientated, organized, and orderly.

I float between Asymmetrical and Symmetrical which, I have to say, suits my personality to a tee. What do your pillows say about you - and do you think it is accurate?

Springtime at The Cloisters

On Saturday we spent our afternoon at The Cloisters Museum in northern Manhattan. Set in Fort Tryon Park the museum is dedicated to the art and architechture of medieval Europe. The Cloisters was assembled from architectural elements that date from the twelfth through the fifteenth century. The building incorporates elements from five medieval cloisters and from other monastic sites located in southern France. Exhibited in the museum is approximately three thousand works of art from medieval Europe, dating from the ninth to the sixteenth century and includes illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, metalwork, enamels, ivories, and tapestries. It was really quite a beautiful collection and I highly recommend a visit.

After we finished at the museum we walked in and around Fort Tryon Park, stopping to smell the roses (and the tulips, pansies, blossoms etc.) as we went. Spring really is the most special time to be in New York. The colour and beauty of all the gardens are such a beautiful contrast against the concrete filled blocks. Weekends like this remind us just how lucky we are to be living in such an amazing and diverse city. I heart New York!