Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts

Friday, 2 March 2012

Fashion Friday-Dolce & Gabbana Winter 2013

This week I saw on TV the Dolce & Gabbana show for winter 2013. 
 It was amazing. 
Opulent is the best word that comes to mind. 
 Rich and optimistic, grounded in the solid traditions of the Italian heritage of the house.
 The other best thing is that these clothes can actually be worn. 
Don't ask me where. Women like to get dressed up, even in times of war. 
Even I who am usually dressed down, because of my work style, I love this velvet dress and this embroidered skirt.




And that is even if I have to take down the curtains à la Scarlett O' Hara!




More Dolce & Gabbana here.


love, Irene

Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Pines and Mushrooms for Christmas


I love ancient lore.
All of human understanding of the sacred looks to me
 like a long procession of people trying to make sense
of their beautiful yet short, compared to the universe and the elements,
life.

So
...
So, why do people bring Pine trees into their houses at the Winter Solstice, placing brightly colored (Red and White) packages under their boughs, as gifts to show their love for each other and as representations of the love of God and the gift of his Sons life? It is because, underneath the Pine bough is the exact location where one would find this ‘Most Sacred’ Substance, the Amanita muscaria, in the wild.” 
–James Arthur, “Mushrooms and Mankind”
Read the fascinating article here.
With thanks to Prairie Child.


love, Irene

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Feng-Shui for Christmas



According to Chinese metaphysical studies, everything is connected within the whole universe…….between Heaven, Man/Human and Earth. The study of Feng Shui is the environmental examination of Chi/Qi between Heaven and Earth – Time and Space, and by incorporating the principles of Balance and Harmony.

The Christmas celebration happens a few days after the Winter Solstice, when the Water energy is strongest – most Yin time of the year, which is reflected by the cold temperature outside, and the shortest daylight hours during the day.

In order to maintain a balance, we would need to activate the Yang energy in the form of:
•Lighting – both for the exterior and interior of the house.
•Activities – good time to have family gatherings around the fireplace, in the kitchen, enjoying the warmth, good nourishing food and festivities.

The Water element represents communication in terms of human activities, so this is the best time to convey the love and affection between family members, lovers and friends. Beware of intoxication due to too much alcohol consumption, as the negative side of the human activity will come out as being verbally abusive, argumentative and depressive. The Water element also represents love; this is a wonderful time for sharing with others. In our present world with the big gap between the rich and poor, the haves and have-nots, pressing environmental issues as a result of global warming, instead of catering to consumerism and commercialization, acts of compassion and kindness towards others in the form of kind deeds, volunteerism, donations in kind to charities in lieu of gifts, and a helping hand to those in need will exemplify the true spirit of Christmas.
The Earth element controls the Water element, which can also bring in the balance as stability during the Christmas season; a stable home environment will provide the sense of belonging in everyone.

As for creating Feng Shui harmony within a space during the holiday season, the most important points are still according to the basic recommendations:

1. Maintain a free flow of Chi/Qi:
•The Christmas tree is not too big for the space.
•The Christmas tree is not obstructing the Wealth Chi/Qi in front of a window.
•No cluttering due to too many decorations.
•No obstructions in front of the doorways and within pathways.

2. Pay attention to Colors & Shapes: As Chi/Qi is also manifested by different colors and shapes, we have to pay particular attention to the ornaments and decorations used in different part of the building according to the flow between the Five Elements:
◦Wood – Green in color; stripes, columns and cylindrical in shape.
◦Fire – Red in color; triangular in shape.
◦Earth – Brown in color; square and cubic in shape.
◦Metal – White/metallic in color; round and ball shape.
◦Water – Black/navy in color; wavy in shape.

3. Negative energy for 2011
Since every individual space has its own pattern of Chi/Qi according to the time the building was constructed, as well as the orientation of the building, without knowing the exact unique pattern of the Chi/Qi, the sensible recommendation in creating harmony during the Christmas season is by using a balance between all the different colors and shapes. The exceptions are as below:
•During the present Yin Metal Rabbit year, the most negative Earth Chi/Qi is located within the East sector, too much Wood and Fire energy are not recommended here – do avoid placing the Christmas tree here, especially not with red and triangular shaped ornaments.
•The other area to avoid is the South sector, which has the undesirable Sickness Chi/Qi, too much Wood and Fire energy are also not recommended here – do avoid placing the Christmas tree here also, especially not with red and triangular shaped ornaments.
•Beware of the possibility of real Fire hazards if a tree is placed within these sectors - replace lights with faulty wiring; avoid unattended candles and cigarette smoking.

Teresa Min Yee Hwang Feng Shui Master & Lecturer, FSRC Teresa Min Yee Hwang is a certified Feng Shui Master and Lecturer of Master Joseph Yu’s Feng Shui Research Center. She is also a certified interior designer, with years of experience in residential and commercial projects, 4 Pillars of Destiny charts, Face Reading, Divination and Date Selection. She also teaches seminars to beginners, and professional courses to more advanced students.

*I have known and worked with Teresa for years and I highly recommend her for her knowledge, compassion, humanitarian work and nurturing personality.Thank you, Teresa, and have a wonderful Christmas and a bright and light new year*

love, Irene

Thursday, 23 December 2010

Christmas around the globe

Hello dear friends,

I so much love seeing beauty around me! I love God's work and I love man's works.
I love visiting countries and cities, and celebrating in oneness and peace.
This year we won't be spending Christmas abroad, but that does not stop me from travelling around the globe, thanks to so many talented bloggers and internet-connected people.




New York 
(via)







London 
(via)


Amsterdam
{via}




Paris
{via}


And here are some images from times past...



Have yourselves a very merry Christmas, 





...wherever you are in the big, wonderful world.

love, Irene

Thursday, 9 December 2010

Our shop at Christmas 2010

A few glimpses of our shop at Christmastime...



The coffee-tree with the Church ornament (set of three)

Crown ornament and Star ornament

Festive lights with a limited edition Xmas pillowcase and Designers Guild wallpaper on the background.


Festive pillowcases and an organic cotton quilt.

Merry Christmas, dear friends!


love, Irene

Red and Green



Felt Poinsettia via Centsational Girl. Tutorial here.





Christmas perfect and classic...




love, Irene

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Chalet made by IKEA

Wooden homes have been gaining friends in Greece over the past 30 years. I remember very vividly a countryside home where we were guests when I was a child. It looked like out of a fairy tale to me.

In recent years, wooden home builders experience a renewal in styles and popularity, although I doubt they will ever outdo conventional buildings. I for one have many doubts about the materials they use to fireproof and guard the wood.

However, the appeal of a wooden home remains undiminished in my list of mountain retreats.

The house I am posting about today is situated on mount Parnassus, central Greece.
It was furnished from head to toes with IKEA products. What I like best is the use of traditional elements such as the rugs with modern furniture as in the kitchen. I like the result: light, airy and easy to live in and take care of.

I like the open, well organized entrance.
I absolutely love this rug and the cozy use of this otherwise dead space
A little too minimal for me, yet relaxing, and I am sure it gets more alive when  people move in!

The kitchen is a big success. The transparent chairs help the eye focus on the stunning red cupboards.

Hey, we have the same closet!

Love the kids' space: cheerful and grown up.
(All images: Vima Deco)

love, Irene

Monday, 11 October 2010

Winter inspiration from Greengate

I love the scrapbook-moodboard styling. It seems to be everywhere this year.

 Bliss:
Beautiful, warm, happy crafts, made with love and hearth in mind, surrounding a beautiful child.

Happy awakenings in the dark winter months.
 I absolutely love these old fashioned decorations.


From Greengate to Ikea, nothing beats Scandinavian style in wintertime.


The joys of homemaking are bound to become fun with these lovely Greengate products!

I hope you enjoyed looking at those pictures and that they inspire you to a cheerful begining of this october week.


love, Irene

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