Green Kitchen Stories

Today, we'll be talking about a beautiful food blog, more specifically a vegetarian one.  T'is the season for good eating right? I love a good food photography, and Green Kitchen Stories has a ton of them. The food looks so good on the screen, it makes you want to eat it right off of there.

Green Kitchen Stories is a husband and wife team (I always love those), David and Luise, and their daughter Elsa (love that).  I haven't tried any of their recipes, but I will have to one of these days. As good as the food looks, it has to taste good. They are all about using fresh, organic ingredients, right up my alley.

I really admire their photography, and I can get completely lost on their site looking at all the yummy looking food.

(Images Green Kitchen Stories)

I Spy - RED!

Hello everyone! Did you have a nice Christmas? I had a lovely time with my family. The whole family got together, and had a lovely meal (some might say a feast), laughs, and presents. I actually wasn't feeling too great, but that didn't stop this girl from having a good time.
Okay, on to the topic of the day - bold, sexy, red!
Red is one of those colors that most have a strong reaction to, whether it be positive or negative. When it comes to interiors, I think it's safe to say that, even most red lovers would rather stay away for fear of it overwhelming them or their space.

via Elle Interior

via Marie Claire Maison

Via Living Etc. 

Via Marie Claire Maison

I like it used a lot or a little, its all about the pairing for me when it comes to red. I think it has to be approached with gusto, if you are gonna go bold then you must go for it, and if as an accent color then do so wisely. It is almost impossible to go wrong using it with a white background - either sparingly or in equal amounts. It also works real well with natural tones, and other bold colors like yellows, blues (that is one of my favorite combos) greens, and turquoise, another favorite pairing of mine.

via Elle Decoration

via Apartment Therapy

Via Apartment Therapy

Via Marie Claire Maison

Via Living Etc.

Via Living Etc.
This is one of the most exciting things I've seen in a VERY long time. Who thinks to paint the blinds as an accent color??? My absolute favorite thing is that the knobs on the string is painted - now that is simply brilliant!! I love this kind of outside of the box thinking.

Via Living Etc.

Via House to Home

My favorite color when it comes to painting my nails is red, bright pink is a close second. Something about it makes me feel so sexy and sassy on those days when I'm feeling drab.  It is the perfect pick me up.

Via Marie Claire Maison

Via Marie Claire Maison

I hope these gorgeous spaces left you energized, and inspired. If you have a red phobia, I hope you'll be less fearful, start small - introduce flowers, pillow (s), or a small accessory like the radio in the picture above. Have a lovely day!

(Images linked to their sources)

Merry Christmas!

 

  

 

       

         

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

(Images: 1-3 here; 4&5 here; 6-8 here; 9 here; 10&11 here; here; 12-15 here; 16 here)

Inspiring Photography - Oumar Ly

Every once in a while you stumble on a gem, and you can't help but wonder how come you never knew about it. It's as if the whole world, or a lucky few were hiding a very wonderful secret from you. In these cases I go back to the good ole saying of better late than never - it's a very comforting thought. Today, watching Senegal TV they were doing short documentaries of local artists. One of them caught my eye immediately.

This handsome man here is Oumar Ly a genius photographer!  The program was in french, therefore I couldn't understand much of what they were saying, but the beauty of art is you don't need to speak the language of the artist for his/her work to touch your soul. He is from Podor, Senegal and has been taking photos since 1963. He has just recently been getting recognition by the international art community - a much deserved recognition.  I can't get over how wonderful the composition of his photos are, with little or no props, just everyday people wearing their everyday cloths in regular surroundings. He makes the regular extra special.

I was immediately drawn to his work, and I could't help smiling every time his face was shown on the screen. There is a sweetness about his face that made me want to know him immediately, and even more so his work.

Some of them reminded me of old photos I used to see in relatives and friends homes growing up. For an African girl living abroad, I was immediately nostalgic and missing my sweet grandmother even more than usual.

I am only sorry that I didn't find out about Oumar Ly sooner, but his work will forever stay with me. And now my dream is to own  a collection of his photos. As you can see, his work is beautiful and I encourage you look him up and learn about this very talented man. Happy Friday!

(Images: 1 Lomography 2 Lomography 3 Lomography 4 Lomography 5 Oumar-Ly 6 Oumar-Ly 7 Oumar Ly; 8 Oumar Ly)

Lets Talk Paint!

I am not a very handy or crafty person, painting is about as good as it gets. And I think because its so easy, and can quickly breath new life into any space or furniture, makes it the perfect DIY material for me. I love finding neglected pieces with potential, and giving them a fresh new life.

via Knack Studio

Via Style and Home

Via Style and Home

Painting furniture especially, makes a room feel more approachable. Think coastal living, shabby chic, nothing too precious, but very beautiful.

Via Style and Home

Via Home Life
This makes me think of neon in a whole new light. I think if the whole table was painted this color it could have been overwhelming. Using it in a small does makes a huge impact.

 Using high gloss paint is a great way to inject some glamour and sophistication.

via Sunset Living

via Southern Exposure

Pinterest

Of course this great trick of painting to refresh your space isn't limited to furniture. Accessories are also a great way of achieving the same result. Don't be afraid to experiment, if the color doesn't work you just paint over it. 

(Image sources linked)