Around the Mall

A few weekends ago, we decided to brave the crowd and go to the Mall and maybe visit one of the Smithsonian museums. It turns out it was practically empty around 4 p.m. when all the tourists are heading out of the buildings. We were in luck, to say the least, and had a wonderful time riding the vintage carousel, visiting the Museum of the American Indian, and just walking around the National Gallery of Art's esplanade and gardens. Have you visited the gift shop at the Gallery? It's the best gift shop in the city for art lovers.

Fall is definitely here, with Winter just around the corner.  I'm holding out as long as I can in flats.  I think I might be able to pull it off until January when I return from out of town.   Emilu, Piki and I are getting ready for our month long trip to Florida and the DR.  It's definitely beginning to feel like the holidays are so near.   Are you planning on taking any family trips or do you have friends visiting from out of town?  That's the special thing about the holidays, right?!

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in a new "light"

Wow, these images are unbelievable!  Well, as you know well, La Sagrada Familia, is Gaudi's most famous unfinished work.  After Gaudi's death it continues to be worked on by different architects.  And since it was first begun 130 years ago now, it has been built from donations. Gaudí himself said: "The expiatory church of La Sagrada Família is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people." The building is still going on and could be finished some time in the first third of the 21st century

So it was absolutely breathtaking to see that Montreal-based studio Moment Factory is helping its cause by celebrating the basilica's intricate design and presenting a figurative interpretation of Gaudi's intent when he created the unique facades of the famous basilica.  The project was realized in front of a crowd of 32, 000 people.  The first multimedia projection on Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia: A large-scale piece, entitled 'ode à la vie', tells the story of rebirth and hope, cast on the basilica’s distinctively intricate nativity façade, presenting a figurative interpretation of the creation of the universe. the work was informed by original color sketches by the renowned architect, for whom color was the 'essence of life'.

Source and Credits via

Art for children

This weekend we visited the National Gallery of Art.  It was a nice afternoon and it wasn't crowded with visitors.  Emilu roamed the halls of the Dutch and Flemish, and the French 19th Century masters collections.  It was rather a short visit, but we did make it a point to stop at the famed gift shop, and I couldn't stop giggling at the beautiful and well stocked art shop.

But what can you buy children who show an interest in art?  Well, almost anything really.  And this shop is full of possibilities.  Just the books are incredibly interesting, and they have an endless choices for parents and educators to choose from.

If you are ever in DC, and there are tons of things to do from visiting all the museums and the monuments around the Mall, all for free, DO stop by the gift shop of the National Gallery of Art. Your kids will love it!

Kids Zone: Watercoloring

I can't say it runs in the family.  Art, that is.  My husband and I are both design and art-loving people. But, we are no artists.   So, when I recently discovered that my 14-month old baby loves to paint, it dawn on me:  Art could run in this family.  And you wouldn't not know it!  She has a steady aim, from paintbowl to paper and from paper to waterbowl.  Of course, I'm thrilled because we, parents, live vicariously, and sometimes, entirely, through our children's passions.  It's a deep yearning of mine, to see my daughter excel in the arts.  No matter what this turns out to be.  Acting, dancing, painting, designing, writing, hey, even graffiting. Anything would do.  As long as she loves it, we'll love it.   I happened to snapped a few photos of D-day (dawning day of art could run in this family)

>

>

>

>

Isn't this exciting? I bet your kids love to paint, too. I can't wait to see her masterpieces on display.

Spotted: Jenni Juurinen, set designer

For a few years now, I've been slightly obsessed with Scandinavian culture, design and lifestyle.  I'm also drawn to other cultures and lifestyles, especifically the islands of Polynesia (quite the opposite, I know) Scotland, and countries of northern Africa.  I recently discovered the work of Jenni Juurinen, a Finnish set designer and stylist whose set designs, and styling is out of this world.  Her works include TV, film, theater and print credits.  She's also the owner of Little Helsinki, a style blog, and style editor at Deko Magazine. She's my new idol, and I would have never been so addicted to Scandivanian design if it wasn't for her. 

>

>

>

>

{Set design by Jenni Juurinem. Photography by Jorma Morstia}

Have an spectacular weekend

Source: followgram.me via Patricia on Pinterest

The weekend is here. Yay!  I cannot wait to start up the grill again and cook some shrimp and salmon.  I have this plan of spending the entire weekend on my patio sipping cocktails and eating smoky food.  Maybe we will squeeze in the art gallery, although we hate to go on weekends because it's just too crowded, but might make an exception for Joan Miro's The Ladder of Escape exhibit currently touring the National Gallery of Art.  It's the only time my husband can visit it.  And you?  Any exciting plans?  As always, here are a few links from around the web that I have truly enjoyed. 



amazing farm dinner in pictures,Part 1 and Part 2


now i can do laundry in these and be totally happy


this photographer's London flat (out of this world)

down memory lane with this 1964 high school yearbook

my mom doesn't read my blog (funny, true story)

wishing I was in this park

or visiting this part of the world in detail!


incredibly clever and yummy food type!

where to get stuck in Italy? (Milano, of course)

these cuties need you, won't you help in any way?

Spotted: Cities and their typography

Now that I have started shooting pictures, I find myself drawn to artists who can create new art from old, overused techniques. Take Gokhun Guneyhan's  latest shots. They are brilliant typographic art directions used as design covers for his photography sets.  Typography is the art and technique of arranging type in order to make language visible. Just brilliant.

Ideas for planning a party

Ideas for planning a party by pachiv on polyvore.com

Orchid Pink Paper Suitcase Set
$32 - shopsweetlulu.com

36" Round Balloon Citrus Orange
$5 - shopsweetlulu.com

Small Yellow Shelf Bin | Crate&Barrel
$4.95 - crateandbarrel.com

Polka Dot Straws Rainbow Mix
$4 - shopsweetlulu.com

Mini Colored Pencil Tubes
$3 - shopsweetlulu.com

Wooden Ice Cream Spoons
$3 - shopsweetlulu.com

Women who make beautiful things

I came across this jewelry shop while watching bits of the Today showing the other day.  Kathy Lee was wearing a beaded necklace, which she revealed was made by a group of Ugandan women.  Now that I'm DIYing bracelets and other jewelry pieces, I was intrigued by their work.

The company is called Thirty One Bits and their mission is simple, to empower women to rise above poverty, thanks to these women, who made it possible. Did I mentioned the beads are made of paper!
I have my eyes on a couple of bracelets for this Summer. Would you buy from these amazing women? Mother's Day is a good excuse to get a beautiful necklace, and you will be helping a worthy cause.