Feelin Blue Never Felt This Good!

 I've always had a soft spot for blue especially baby blue so when I came across these gorgeous examples of how magnificent the color can be in a space, of course I just had to share.  I am so inspired, hope they inspire you too.

Cherio!

An Unconventional Love Story

When I said yes to my husband's marriage proposal, I did not have any grandiose ideas about having a big wedding or even a reception. There was only one thing I had to have, and that was a nice ring. A wedding ring to me is sacred and it represents the everlasting love between a husband and wife. Hopefully. But in addition to that, my wedding ring is what I will wear everyday "till death do us part"...... so I wanted one that I really really liked. Well because I am such a nit picker, I mean selective shopper, I ended up designing the rings myself and having them custom made.  Our jeweler did a wonderful job and I fell head over heels in love with my ring at first sight.

Then the worst thing happened two years later...I lost my ring!

I had been hiding this little dark secret from my husband for three months.  I just couldn't bear to tell him I had lost it, after all it had cost him a small fortune.  To make matters worse, I knew exactly where I had lost it and there was no hope of ever retrieving it.  You see, I had lost it in the ocean. Way out in the sea where Jaws and his crew hang out......probably.  It was only a matter of time before my husband figured out the real reason why I had not been wearing my ring and I was beside myself......and out of valid excuses.

Well, the very next day my mom and brother came for a visit and I got this sudden urge to go to the beach and collect shells.  I love beach combing so why not?  My brother on the other hand could care less and refused to go with me. For some strange reason though, my mother and I relentlessly begged him to go with us until he got sick of us and gave in.  (To this day I find this quite strange since it is out of character on both sides.)  When we got to the beach the tide was low, so low you could walk out about a quarter of a mile on the sand banks which my brother did by himself.  Mom and I stayed closer to shore picking up beach goodies, there was so much beautiful shells to choose from that day.

getty images

 All of a sudden, my brother who was out so far he looked relatively smaller, starting yelling.  My mother and I rushed to see what was wrong.  He seemed quite excited, he was waving frantically at us and jumping around. When we got within earshot of him, he was grinning ear to ear.  "I found something he said."  What is it?, I asked eager to see.  He slowly opened his hand and there nestled in his palm was my ring.  The one I had lost three months ago in the ocean.  My mom recognized it instantly and asked me "Wan, isn't that your ring?"  All I could do was gulp.

Turns out my ring somehow serendipitously reappeared out of the abyss after three months in strong sea currents and miles of shifting sand. My brother finding it equates to finding a needle in a hay stack. He said he saw a small beam of light emanating from the sand out of the corner of his eye.  Those were his exact words. Trust me, I am still in awe of this, I mean what?!!!  That beach is huge, plus the ring was buried under 15-25 feet of ocean for months.  What are the chances....and my brother had almost stayed at home too. All the planets had to be aligned just right for this to have happened, and they had. To this day, I just call it what it was. A miracle. My husband and I love each other so very much and our rings are a symbol of that love.  Maybe that is why it found it's way back to me.  Back to us. ...well that is what I believe anyway.

Since this incident, I wish I could tell you I never lost it again but I did lose it once after that nine years later.  And you know what, it found me again under very strange/unlikely circumstances. Call me crazy but in my sixteen years of marriage, because of the times I lost my ring, it is even more precious to me.  It is so true that you never realize the value of something until you lose it.....even if only temporarily.  I realize now that it is not the cost of the ring that matters so much to me but the cause of the ring.  It's all about love. And so lovelies, today on Valentine's day I wish you love.

Cherio!

Stay Calm And Carry On With Turquoise

When I think of  Turquoise, I picture the color of the ocean mingled with the colors of the sky. This is one of the reasons why this color excites me so much.


As we all know, Turquoise is not only a color, it is also a precious gemstone.  One that is well respected for its longevity and various healing properties throughout the ages.  Turquoise calms, invigorates the spirit and makes us feel happier!   

 This color is fresh, elegant and is believed around the world, and especially in the Native American culture to bring good fortune, protection and blessing to the wearer.  Turquoise is also recognized as a symbol of friendship which makes it a wonderful gift to give or receive.

Here are some Turquoise images that I hope will inspire you to try this fabulous color! Consider yourself forewarned though....this color is highly addictive.

 Check out the fabulous Turquoise finds in this post at the following links:

http://www.madaboutbags.

http://www.zgallerie.com/p-8897-fleur-tealight-peacock.aspx

http://www.instyle-decor.com/tzturq1-turquoise-decor-collectio1.html

http://jewelry.hsn.com/chaco-canyon-southwe_c-J_a-6092_xc.aspx?prev=hp!sf&view=all

http://rpbirt.com/2011/04/chinese-antique-silver-turquoise-bracelet.html

http://www.weddingandbridal.net/2010/07/27/turquoise-jewelry-2/

http://www.turquoisejewelrydeals.com/

Calm & Relaxing Beach Decor

There is something about water that just puts me in a whole other space no matter how I feel at the time.  Whether its the visual of pregnant droplets on a leaf or the pitter patter of rain outside my window, its like a tiny slice of heaven, at least to me.  And so, it came as no big surprise to me upon researching the benefits of water elements in the home that water can indeed add healing properties to a space. 

The very sound of running water has been proven to reduce stress in a person by releasing endorphins that create a calmer mood.  And, a calmer, more serene space can lead to a more productive and happier environment for everyone.  Who wouldn't want that?  If you think about it, tropical destinations with beautiful white sandy beaches and clear water are the most popular destinations around the world. Why is that? Its because the the average person dream of living on the ocean front, near to a lake, or some large body of water.  I too would love to be on the beach right now if I could.  Since thats not possible at the moment, here are some of the tips and tricks I employ to bring the calm and serenity of the beach to my home instead.

1. Beach Finds
I love adding beach finds to my decor.  Whether its sea shells, beach glass, drift wood, sand or even interesting rocks, it makes a stylish statement if done right.  Beach finds are so versatile you can display them in just about any room of your home. If you are not confident in arranging your finds, get a glass jar, or vase in a shape that you like.  Tip: The simpler the better.  Put the shells and found treasures in there and you are done. Arranging your finds on a dish is also very attractive in a space.

2. Beach inspired Photographs and Paintings 

Another look I absolutely adore is a series of pictures of the sea in its various moods or one huge piece of Art depicting the ocean.  Its so relaxing to look at and the colors are just breath taking.  If you prefer to have paintings of shells or fish, this also works just as well, since your brain will automatically think of the ocean and the beach just by seeing corresponding objects.  How amazing is that.

3. Desk Top Water Fountains and Fish Tanks
A friend of mine bought me a desktop water fountain, and I loved it!  It was only about four inches wide and five inches tall but it made my day every day just to have a little piece of therapy in the middle of a chaotic day. Its definitely the gift that keeps on giving.  If you are able to get one of these its the best.  Another popular way to bring the beach to your home is through fish tanks.  Not only is a fish tank great to look at, you will also literally add new life to your home.  In my my opinion its these personal touches that makes a house a home.


4.  Hard Cover Books and Transparent bottles

This is the last tip/trick but not the least by far.  Being a glass lover myself, I think pairing the smoothness and transparency of glass with the simple angular shape of stacked hardcover books is just divine. Furthermore the books  because they are on beach related topics often have photographic compositions on the front that can add to the look you are trying to capture.  I loved this look so much I even created my own beach glass mosaics from sand, beach glass and shells. Hopefully this post will inspire you and motivate you!. Sometimes the most precious and beautiful things in life is right at our finger tips. It is our Inner peace and calm that allows us to focus on what's most important to us.  So, here's to peace and relaxation!

All beach photos were taken in Long Island, Bahamas.

Color me CORAL

I cannot tell you how many times I have admired...ahem...okay, drooled over just about anything in Coral colors even if the product or item itself was hideous.  Yes, the color is that fierce, at least to me.  Unfortunately for many years, the fashion world has either completely ignored or overlooked this fabulous color.......that is until now!  Its the new Fall color!!! Alright, let me calm down so I can articulate without  saying "woo-hooo!!" like a two year old.  Wow.......finally.

Now I know you're thinking, what's the big deal, its only a color.  My friend, this is where you are mistaken, Coral is not just a color.  Coral is ALIVE, don't believe me?  Allow me to explain.

Coral Reefs - 

Coral reefs are actual living invertebrate animals that reside in the ocean.  Though they all secrete a limestone shell around themselves and look like stone they are alive. Coral reefs are vast in beauty, variation of colors, sizes, shapes and species and they provide a home for 25 percent of marine species. 

Healing Ability: Coral is used for difficulties of the lungs, digestion, circulation of the blood and aids in healing the heart. Coral is believed to to restore emotional harmony, heal nutritional deficiencies, depression and lethargy. 

      
Mystical power: Coral is said to cure madness and impart wisdom. It is also used to build an emotional foundation and protect children. In some cultures it is used to aid in the safe crossing of rivers, passages and through tempests. In addition  this, Coral is recognized for its ability to excite nerve power, brilliancy, gladness and foster good health. Unfortunately it is believed that Coral loses loses its power once broken.

Conch Shells:
The conch is a marine mollusk (sea snail) with a beautiful dramatic shell.  It is a delicacy in the Caribbean and the shell is used in decor, fine jewelry and other forms of Art. Items made from conch shells are generally referred to as Coral.  If you have an opportunity to own a piece of jewelry made with this shell, do yourself a favor and get it. Coral is very valuable and highly collectible. Check out the cameos pins in this post, some of them are from the 1800's, absolutely gorgeous!

Okay, now that I have briefed you a little on this, let me tell you why I am so excited.  First of all, this color looks great on just about every skin tone.  No joke, it really does.  From makeup to decor and clothes, this color rocks!  Before I could hardly find anything nice in this color, even when I was specifically looking for it. Now that its the new hot thing for fall just look at all the goodies I found already! Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas to me, yes indeed.

Find all of these gorgeous pieces at the links below:

• www.ultimatechase.com/chase_accounts/florida_keys_conch_shell.htm   (conch shell photo)
• http://www.etsy.com/listing/54900094/autumn-harvest-handmade-lampwork-bead?ref=em ( beads)
• www.etsy.com/listing/40300517/sale-sale-sale-80s-vintage-circus?ref=cat2_gallery_20 (striped blouse)
• www.etsy.com/listing/31891051/in-the-tree-ii-print-free-shipping (bird and flower print)
• http://mydeco.com/rooms/detail/luxurious-coral-bedroom-430707/ (coral bedroom decor)
• www.seenontvmall.com/cat.php?cat=Jewelry&seccat=Fashion%20Rings&sort=&offset=1110 ( coral ring)
• www.thisnext.com/tag/coral-pumps/ (coral pumps)
• http://sbeulah.onsugar.com/search/Phillip+Lim?page=3 (handbag)
• www.thisnext.com/item/1C7F79CC/58CDBAAB/6-strands-6mm-pink-coral (coral necklace bracelet set)
• www.mattersofstyleblog.com/2009/04/colorful-baubles.html (spiny coral necklace)
• www.victoriana.com/Jewelry/cameojewelry.htm (Cameo pins)

 

And I say to myself....What A Wonderful world!!!