31Mar

Chic 9 Bags under 500

You may have noticed how bigger size bags have taken the back seat in the fashion world lately. The current trend in bags is a smaller, slicker bag that has a night time appearance although it’s used during the day as well. I’m coveting all bags designed by Delvaux lately, mainly the Madame mini which is extremely similar to the Sophie Hulme mini envelope bag. Sophi’s is a lot more affordable. Therefore I most likely will end up with the affordable one. Enjoy!

Chic bags under 500 from top to bottom, left to right: Elizabeth and James, Sophie Hulme Mini Envelope Bag, Sophie Hulme, Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors, DVF, Boticca, Milliner, Flynn.

30Mar

Sunday Quotes: Rumi

Study me as much as you like,

you will not know me,

for I differ in a hundred ways

from what you see me to be.
― Rumi

29Mar

Semi Sweet Blueberry and Fig Cake: Gluten Free

This is a gluten-free blueberry & fig cake recipe for those who prefer cakes that are not too sweet. I don’t enjoy desserts when all you can taste is the extra sugar. I feel it takes away a lot from the real flavor. I got to warn you that when you make this cake you will want to eat it all at once. Yeah, it’s that good!

Ingredients
1 cup of blueberries
1 peeled quartered orange
1 inch strip orange peel
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup of 0% lactose milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extra
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups gluten-free flour
1 cup chopped figs
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
Preparation:

Place blueberries, orange, peel, oil, milk, sugar, egg, and vanilla into a mixer and blend. Combine flower, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl. Mix together and stir very well. Slowly add the blueberry and orange mixture to it and stir well.
Pour mixture in a Pam sprayed loaf pan and bake at 350 F until you insert a fork and comes out clean. Approximately 60 minutes. Enjoy!

gluten-free blueberry & fig cake recipe via belle vivir

All images by me

27Mar

7 Ways to Display Pots and Pans in the Kitchen

Since sometimes I like to cook I would love to keep my pots and pans in the open where I can easily reach them whenever I need one. Although I know that many people prefer to keep their cookware in closed storage to keep them out of dust, I don’t mind rinsing them off before using. One thing everyone would agree on is the fact that Organization in the kitchen is crucial in order for it to be useful and functional. Reasons like lack of storage may force a homeowner to be creative and come up with different ways to display pots and pans in the kitchen, if that is your case then here are 7 stylish ways to do that.

ways to display pots and pans in the kitchen via belle vivir blog

Via this classic home in Newport

Gerald Vatle

27Mar

Olivia Palermo Latest Edgier Style

Olivia Palermo wearing black leather head to toe in Preen. .

Olivia Palermo style has been for most very conservative and feminine, always wearing easy to emulate down-to-earth fashion pieces that many can easily relate. Tailored skirts and suits, pull-overs and skinny jeans and feminine soft dresses are only a few of her closet staples. Olivia has stayed away from stand-out and bold fashion choices while still managing to be a bit edgier lately. As in the pictures below Olivia’s street style during the latest Fashion Weeks was a bit more modern but still very lady-like. No wonder Olivia Palermo is a style icon for many girls.

Christian Dior

At Carven

Diane Von Furstenberg

26Mar

Every Home Should Have: Fireplace

If you are building, remodeling or designing a home, consider adding a fireplace to create a permanent character and focal point to any room. If you happen to live in a warm weather country or the house you are living in doesn’t have the structure for a functional one, a fireplace mantel could be a smart alternative and there are so many design options to choose from. From traditional and elaborate designs with a lot of charm as in the French Apartment in the top image to more modern and sculptural ones as in the one designed by David Collins. Add a few oversized candles in a faux fireplace or mantel and immediately you are creating a very romantic and casual atmosphere with little effort.

A traditional and elaborate fireplace with an over-sized mirror resting on the mantel beautifies a French apartment.

Joseph Dirand