Happy Easter everyone! The cutesy pastels and smooth chocolates that surround this Sunday never fails to cheer me up. Keeping it short, ta-ta for now!
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Eggy
Happy Easter everyone! The cutesy pastels and smooth chocolates that surround this Sunday never fails to cheer me up. Keeping it short, ta-ta for now!
Saturday, 30 March 2013
Secret Jungle
This garden of mine is more like a jungle than a garden; not an inch of it is organized in the least. I think that if I was a little girl, I'd be getting lost in every corner of greenery with my Barbie's, exploring and imagining. I found this little guy in the last three pictures by looking out the kitchen window whilst doing dishes and dashed for my camera. He was quite an excellent little poser, mad props lil man. Anyway, what I love about outdoor spaces is that they are equally as beautiful whether they are Apollonian in nature (heh) with rows and order, like the gardens of Versailles for example, and yet you get an intimate space like this and you just want to get lost, like with The Secret Garden or an untamed rainforest, which is a little bit of a Dionysian side we need every once in a while. I think AP Lit has gotten to me a bit more than I'll gladly admit with all this Apollonian vs. Dionysian talk, do forgive me. Enjoy your gardens and outdoor spaces people! They're gorgeous no matter what.
Thoughts?
Friday, 29 March 2013
Friendly
This gorgeous food that you're no doubt drooling over was made for me one airy afternoon by a good friend of mine. It was this that actually inspired me to get more into cooking. He whipped up the most gorgeous, delicious pitcher of sangria stock-full of everything you can imagine. There was also herbed pinch-bread, hummus with red capsicum, a moroccan bean salad, and a delicious french baked dish who's name I can't remember for the life of me. It was a lazy, hazy (thanks to the sangria) afternoon talking about god knows what and who the hell cares or remembers, but what I do remember is god the food was delicious. Thanks for setting me on the right track bubba! Fond food memories forever. #FFMF yeah that's right I'm starting a twitter trend. Hashtag it.
Photos from my personal instagram
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Braided Tuesdays
With my hair off my neck in these two little braids and a peplum, fisherman patterned blouse on today, nothing could go wrong.
I think Tuesdays are a great day for something that distracts you, an old movie you havent' seen in years and forgot how much you love, sitting down with a book and a coffee, going to a dance class, listening to old music. Because let's face it, how productive can you really be on a tuesday. You've gotten through Monday (congrats!) so let's celebrate the smaller achievements in life haha!
{wearing: Urban Decay black liquid eyeliner, Mac lipstick in "cherry", shirt - Soon Lee}
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Grapefruit Donuts
I found this wonderful recipe here and thought I'd give it a shot! Sounds like a crazy combo but I liked it, it was a fun new experiment.
servings: 15-18
ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1/8 cup of grapefruit juice, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2.25 teaspoons of instant dry yeast, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of butter (2 tablespoons separate), 4 cups of rice flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of grapefruit zest, olive oil for frying
preheat: none
prep: warm milk + grapefruit juice in microwave for one minute, then stir in the sugar until dissolved. Add yeast,stir lightly and allow to sit for 5-8 minutes. separately, melt the butter, stir in the eggs, and beat on low speed. add to the yeast mixture and add flour one cup at a time, followed by salt and zest. Knead dough for 8-10 minutes on higher speed (not too high). put the dough in lightly greased bowl, cover and put in fridge overnight.
next day, roll out dough and cut into circles with top of cup. Lay cut-outs on a baking sheet, cover, and allow to rise for 1 hour.
Thoughts?
servings: 15-18
ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1/8 cup of grapefruit juice, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2.25 teaspoons of instant dry yeast, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of butter (2 tablespoons separate), 4 cups of rice flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of grapefruit zest, olive oil for frying
preheat: none
prep: warm milk + grapefruit juice in microwave for one minute, then stir in the sugar until dissolved. Add yeast,stir lightly and allow to sit for 5-8 minutes. separately, melt the butter, stir in the eggs, and beat on low speed. add to the yeast mixture and add flour one cup at a time, followed by salt and zest. Knead dough for 8-10 minutes on higher speed (not too high). put the dough in lightly greased bowl, cover and put in fridge overnight.
next day, roll out dough and cut into circles with top of cup. Lay cut-outs on a baking sheet, cover, and allow to rise for 1 hour.
{icing-whisk together 1/2 cup grapefruit juice and 2 3/4 cups powered sugar, refrigerate until thickened}
cooking: heat oil enough so that the donuts can float and test the temperature by using a donut hole. plop in a donut and leave each side in for 30-45 seconds before flipping/replacing. place on cooling rack.
finalizing: dip cooled donuts in glaze
Thoughts?
Saturday, 16 March 2013
Celebration!
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Workspace Inspiration
Because this space is so important to me, I'd like to introduce you all to my workspace before I
share with you any of my creations! (You may have already seen sneak peaks on my Instagram [@girlsforpearls]).
This first photo was taken at my desk, a black Ikea desk with a glass top and two storage areas
just beneath the surface where I collect inspiring images and the occasional book for school.
The top is an absolute wreck most of the year as textbooks and notes clutter the surface,
or for example in this first picture, I'm making jewellery for a gift.
Once I clean it up I'll share nicer photos with you all, don't you worry.
And here is my outdoor dining table that serves a double function as a workspace for when I need
fresh air and gorgeous natural lighting. I was working on another part of this gift, the process of which
in fact inspired me to start this blog because I realized I can make some incredible and beautiful
things with my hands surrounding my art, crafts, and above all dance (my greatest passion).
Anywho, this part of the gift is my best friend's birthday card (she's a bit of a sticker fanatic) as well as
the instructions that go with the "ingredients in a jar" gluten free recipes for cookies and brownies I've made her!
The following photos are spaces that I find inspiring, spaces I crave when I look at the
mess on my table and think "jeez if I just took 5 minutes a day to clean up, this would NOT BE AN ISSUE."
I've got these images running through my mind:
What I love about this space is the natural wood in contrast with the false, unnatural colors of the
work being done on it. Okay, so maybe I'm talking about the photo more than the space itself.
But, my point is that natural wood makes anything with color so unique looking and helps it really to stand out.
Also, I think customized, random cork coasters are a genius gift idea (housewarming in particular).
This here garage-turned-workspace has enough industrial piping to give it the rugged touch I think all
workplaces need just to get you in the right mindset, but the life jumping out of the work being
created here just draws out the natural lighting you can get from such a space where you can make
one of your four walls disappear with the click of a button.
The length of this space is such a luxury I can't even begin to imagine. I'd definitely be rolling out
huge canvases and rolls of fabric, then probably inviting 20-or-so people over for "paint your body and
roll around all over the canvas" parties.
Boom. First word I think of when I see this. Maybe it's the boom that was created when the artist
dropped a can of paint on the ground there, maybe it's the "boom" of her mind when she thought
"eh, i just don't care". And who can blame her, look how much CHARACTER it adds to the space!
I adore the neutral walls in contrast with this splatter of marvelous color on the floor, as well as,
of course, the natural lighting. I'm a sucker for this stuff. Seriously.
Simplicity at its finest. I think what does it for me with this space is that fan; even if I never turned
the thing on, it would be a constant reminder to listen to music of a certain era, watch movies of that
same time, and look for inspiration in the past (become a devoted follower here and you'll soon get
the joy of seeing me reveal myself as the total and utter history dork that I am--I live for the study
of the past. Whatever, more later! Focus, child).
This right here is the epitome of adorable. The strong pastels and mixed patterns are so quirky,
the fanned coasters and moleskins, the coordinated pattern on the pencil jar? Just stop it already,
we can't all be as cute and organized as you. While I think maybe there is too much coordination here
(I'm the master of "hey it doesn't go but let's wing it and say it does, people will surely believe it")
still, mad props to the organized, and probably OCD-exuding, brilliant mind getting to use this desk.
This space wins the award as my favorite. It has exactly the right ambiance that I like, although maybe
it's not the ambiance that makes me the most productive (who cares yeah?). Regardless, this view
of dead winter trees versus the verdant life in the plants on the desk is so perfect I'm drooling.
All is mix and matched which is my style to a T, and you can just tell by this artist's sketches that
this is a place that fuels inspiration and creativity. A+++
Last but not least, a perfect example of what I always want my desk/work space to look like and
never manage to get to. First of all, patterned walls=LOVE. The neutral colors and geometric shape
is so simplistic and yet fashion forward (aka that is one damn well dressed wall). Moreover, the clothing
rack brings a whole new dimension to the space. I think the line between fashion and art is blurred
in every moment of our lives, and this just goes to show that the inspiration goes both ways
between the two. These bring little pops of color and new patterns that adds a dynamism to the space
that just makes you want to work but also dance around at the same time. Hmmm, maybe I'll rethink that.
Photo 1: Instagram @girlsforpearls
Photo 2: my personal photo
Photos 3-9: Tumblr under the 'workspace' tag
share with you any of my creations! (You may have already seen sneak peaks on my Instagram [@girlsforpearls]).
This first photo was taken at my desk, a black Ikea desk with a glass top and two storage areas
just beneath the surface where I collect inspiring images and the occasional book for school.
The top is an absolute wreck most of the year as textbooks and notes clutter the surface,
or for example in this first picture, I'm making jewellery for a gift.
Once I clean it up I'll share nicer photos with you all, don't you worry.
And here is my outdoor dining table that serves a double function as a workspace for when I need
fresh air and gorgeous natural lighting. I was working on another part of this gift, the process of which
in fact inspired me to start this blog because I realized I can make some incredible and beautiful
things with my hands surrounding my art, crafts, and above all dance (my greatest passion).
Anywho, this part of the gift is my best friend's birthday card (she's a bit of a sticker fanatic) as well as
the instructions that go with the "ingredients in a jar" gluten free recipes for cookies and brownies I've made her!
The following photos are spaces that I find inspiring, spaces I crave when I look at the
mess on my table and think "jeez if I just took 5 minutes a day to clean up, this would NOT BE AN ISSUE."
I've got these images running through my mind:
What I love about this space is the natural wood in contrast with the false, unnatural colors of the
work being done on it. Okay, so maybe I'm talking about the photo more than the space itself.
But, my point is that natural wood makes anything with color so unique looking and helps it really to stand out.
Also, I think customized, random cork coasters are a genius gift idea (housewarming in particular).
This here garage-turned-workspace has enough industrial piping to give it the rugged touch I think all
workplaces need just to get you in the right mindset, but the life jumping out of the work being
created here just draws out the natural lighting you can get from such a space where you can make
one of your four walls disappear with the click of a button.
The length of this space is such a luxury I can't even begin to imagine. I'd definitely be rolling out
huge canvases and rolls of fabric, then probably inviting 20-or-so people over for "paint your body and
roll around all over the canvas" parties.
Boom. First word I think of when I see this. Maybe it's the boom that was created when the artist
dropped a can of paint on the ground there, maybe it's the "boom" of her mind when she thought
"eh, i just don't care". And who can blame her, look how much CHARACTER it adds to the space!
I adore the neutral walls in contrast with this splatter of marvelous color on the floor, as well as,
of course, the natural lighting. I'm a sucker for this stuff. Seriously.
Simplicity at its finest. I think what does it for me with this space is that fan; even if I never turned
the thing on, it would be a constant reminder to listen to music of a certain era, watch movies of that
same time, and look for inspiration in the past (become a devoted follower here and you'll soon get
the joy of seeing me reveal myself as the total and utter history dork that I am--I live for the study
of the past. Whatever, more later! Focus, child).
This right here is the epitome of adorable. The strong pastels and mixed patterns are so quirky,
the fanned coasters and moleskins, the coordinated pattern on the pencil jar? Just stop it already,
we can't all be as cute and organized as you. While I think maybe there is too much coordination here
(I'm the master of "hey it doesn't go but let's wing it and say it does, people will surely believe it")
still, mad props to the organized, and probably OCD-exuding, brilliant mind getting to use this desk.
This space wins the award as my favorite. It has exactly the right ambiance that I like, although maybe
it's not the ambiance that makes me the most productive (who cares yeah?). Regardless, this view
of dead winter trees versus the verdant life in the plants on the desk is so perfect I'm drooling.
All is mix and matched which is my style to a T, and you can just tell by this artist's sketches that
this is a place that fuels inspiration and creativity. A+++
Last but not least, a perfect example of what I always want my desk/work space to look like and
never manage to get to. First of all, patterned walls=LOVE. The neutral colors and geometric shape
is so simplistic and yet fashion forward (aka that is one damn well dressed wall). Moreover, the clothing
rack brings a whole new dimension to the space. I think the line between fashion and art is blurred
in every moment of our lives, and this just goes to show that the inspiration goes both ways
between the two. These bring little pops of color and new patterns that adds a dynamism to the space
that just makes you want to work but also dance around at the same time. Hmmm, maybe I'll rethink that.
Photo 1: Instagram @girlsforpearls
Photo 2: my personal photo
Photos 3-9: Tumblr under the 'workspace' tag
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Hello everyone! As per usual, these first greetings and posts are awkward and this is by far not my first attempt at a blog.
However, I want a blog focused on organization and beauty in everyday life, so Girls for Pearls it is!
Inspired by ABeautifulMess, HonestlyWTF, CupcakesandCashmere, and StripesandSequins, I'm going for DIY, day in the life,
beautiful crafts/projects, music selections and beauty posts. About how to make each day seem a bit more precious.
I can't wait for all the ideas I've got wrapped up in this brain of mine, starting with some gifts I've made for my best friend's birthday
party this weekend-the big 18!
I'm 18 as of October and a high school senior living in Singapore at the moment.
I'm off to university in a few mere months in the states and have so much to look forward to.
Girls for Pearls will hopefully have me stopping to look around and appreciate what I have around me (and snap some pictures to share of course).
Singapore's been home for 7 years and I want to capture every little last thing about it before I move away!
Needless to say, I will have many more posts to come, so stick around!
And here, my face.
Photos taken by Sid Iyer Sequeira for my high school senior portrait - he's absolutely inspired and incredible!
I'll try to feature more of his work in the future. Thanks Sid!
However, I want a blog focused on organization and beauty in everyday life, so Girls for Pearls it is!
Inspired by ABeautifulMess, HonestlyWTF, CupcakesandCashmere, and StripesandSequins, I'm going for DIY, day in the life,
beautiful crafts/projects, music selections and beauty posts. About how to make each day seem a bit more precious.
I can't wait for all the ideas I've got wrapped up in this brain of mine, starting with some gifts I've made for my best friend's birthday
party this weekend-the big 18!
I'm 18 as of October and a high school senior living in Singapore at the moment.
I'm off to university in a few mere months in the states and have so much to look forward to.
Girls for Pearls will hopefully have me stopping to look around and appreciate what I have around me (and snap some pictures to share of course).
Singapore's been home for 7 years and I want to capture every little last thing about it before I move away!
Needless to say, I will have many more posts to come, so stick around!
And here, my face.
Photos taken by Sid Iyer Sequeira for my high school senior portrait - he's absolutely inspired and incredible!
I'll try to feature more of his work in the future. Thanks Sid!
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