Soothing Neutrals to Start Your Week

August is usually the month to check out. The summer sun is unrelenting, afternoons are rosé filled and thoughts usually focus on beach days and backyard BBQs. But not in my world. I’m ready to take the opportunity when everyone else is moving a little slow to get ahead! After living in our house for a bit now, I can now see where I want to focus my attention. It’s true what they say – you discover what a house really needs once you live in it, and I cannot wait to tackle each project (they include things like wallpaper(!), serious organizing and furniture plans). I want to finally put together my version of the capsule wardrobe (more to come) and continue to break in my dream kitchen.

But sometimes a laundry list of goals can start to feel overwhelming, so I’m pulling together a moodboard of beautifully soothing vibes to keep me focused. If I can cultivate the feelings embodied by these calming images as I plow through all my to-do’s this month, I’m going to start September feeling ready to kick fall’s…well you know where I’m going.

So without further adieu, I’ve Got a Crush, August Edition.

I’ve got a crush on simply perfect monochromatic bookshelves,

On a refreshing summer sip,

On a quiet vignettes that prove less is more,

On bar carts that aren’t overstyled,

On a summer style classic,

On beautiful spa-like bathrooms (with rugs!),

On a delicious homemade sweet treat,

And on a lovely display of art in an entryway.

Ok, I’m off to take August by storm. Hope you do too!

Check out our archive of Crushes RIGHT HERE.

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The post Soothing Neutrals to Start Your Week appeared first on Apartment34.

from Apartment34

Artist Haffendi Anuar: Skyscraper Archipelago

Art Republik mindfully takes in the world with Haffendi Anuar.

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S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016: Here Are the 20 Finalists

Congratulations to the 20 young chefs who will proceed to the S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016 Grand Final.

from Fine Dining Lovers

MY X JEWELLERY ESSENTIALS

I’m very dedicated when it comes to my accessories and jewellery. I only wear what I truly love, and when I truly love it, I wear it all the time. And so it went with my X Jewellery bracelets. X Jewellery is the brand I designed four bracelets for last year – which are in fact available as we speak, and with a few additions like the one I’m wearing today. These four bracelets I designed have literally been on rotation around my arm. In combination with the bracelets I already have, they always seem to be the perfect add-on. They basically go with everything I love, and that’s what makes me love them even more.

So a very long love-story short: I dig my own designs a big deal, but I did add this lilac one – with bronze lock – which is outside of my own collection, simply because I think the color is perfect. It’s one of the key-colors for fall actually, so adding it to my “favourites selection” seemed just the right thing to do. And see how easily it’s combined with denim, and other – contrasting – colors! Just how I love it, a little unexpected detail to make it all look much more interesting!

X Jewellery lilac & bronze bracelet | Olympia Le-Tan book clutch | Dries van Noten shoes | H&M Trend jeans | Sachin & Babi top.

Photos by Daniel Kim (Walking Canucks)

This post was created in collaboration with X Jewellery

The post MY X JEWELLERY ESSENTIALS appeared first on THEFASHIONGUITAR.

from THEFASHIONGUITAR

L’Officiel Malaysia features emerging model Frida Westerlund on August 2016 cover

L’Officiel Malaysia August ’16 issue is all about art and design where we put the spotlight on the movers and shakers of this realm of expression and who better to front this issue than one of our favourite rising stars in modelling – Frida Westerlund. Dive All dressed to art perfection in Gucci, Frida is … Continued

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Giorgio Armani Foundation Rumor Confirmed

The Italian designer confirmed the creation of the Giorgio Armani Foundation.

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Top Auction Sales 2015 vs 2016

Stellar auction results from last year and this year continue to inspire confidence in luxury goods but a slowdown is definitely underway.

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Interview: Watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin

We sit down with Peter Speake-Marin as he shares with us his thoughts on the watch industry, his brand and Tai Chi Qigong.

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Carven Discontinues Menswear, Bids Adieu to Hardy

French fashion house Carven is suspending its menswear line and bidding goodbye to designer Barnabé Hardy.

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Clams & Comfort Food

As someone who loves seafood and regularly eats fish, it has taken me until this recipe to cook with clams. Perhaps I was intimidated, perhaps I was not able to access fresh clams, whatever excuse I will offer up, I just had never done it. And now I am wondering why it took me so long. Why? They are so simple to cook; in fact, they’re fun to cook. To hear the “smoaaak” sound they make when they pop open while in the skillet reminds me of a simple magic trick, and oh, my goodness they just add that extra something to an already delicious sauce.

Easy to make in fewer than 20 minutes, update your classic clam and linguini recipe with New Orleans chef Nina Compton’s Spaghetti Vongole and indulge in comfort.

~Key to remember with clams, only buy tightly closed, and if after you cook them the allotted time and they don’t open, toss those that are still closed.

Spaghetti Vongole

—recipe originally shared on WSJ by chef Nina Compton, served at her restaurant, Compère Lapin in New Orleans

yields: 2 servings (20 minutes)

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• 1 large  or 2 small cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/3 bunch parsley, chopped
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon (small – medium size)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• ½ cup minced red onion
• 1 teaspoon tablespoon chili flakes
• 1/2 lb spaghetti
• 16 clams, rinsed
• 1 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. In a large pot of salted water, bring to boil over high heat.

2. While waiting for the water, make the gremolata in a food processor: include 1/2 of the garlic (chopped roughly), parsley, and lemon zest until evenly combined. Season with salt. Scoop into a small bowl and set aside.

3.Heat remaining garlic and olive oil in a large, lidded (to prevent splatter) sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until aromatic but not yet coloring, about 2 minutes. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in chili flakes.

4. Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook, according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Drain spaghetti, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

5. Meanwhile, lightly season onion mixture with salt. Increase heat to medium-high and add clams. Stir to coat shells and cover pan (preferably a glass cover so you can see the magic). Cook until clams just pop open, about 5 minutes. Uncover pan, remove from heat and discard any clams that remain tightly closed. Stir in half of gremolata.

6. Once spaghetti is boiled and drained, return clams to stove over medium-high heat. Once hot, add spaghetti, a few splashes reserved pasta water and butter, and toss to form a creamy sauce, about 1 minute. If pan looks dry, add water until sauce coats noodles. Off heat, toss in remaining gremolata and season with lemon juice and salt.

Enjoy!

The post Clams & Comfort Food appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.

from The Simply Luxurious Life®

Naked Restaurant The Bunyadi Heads to Paris

The Bunyadi, London, closes one month earlier than scheduled, before heading over to Paris with a new outpost.

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Step Inside the Groundfridge: A Modern Cellar Solution

Fridges are going underground in a modern solution to greener living and a bid to re-capture the benefits of the cellar.

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Museum Paints Rosy Future for Indonesia Art

Buoyed by a growing middle class and interest from international buyers, numerous boutique galleries and artists' communities have sprung up in Indonesia.

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10 things to learn while you travel

Experiential travel is the best kind – and what better way to get under a destination’s skin than by learning a new skill under the guidance of local experts? From cooking and dancing to surfing and diving, via a multitude of handicrafts, here are some suggestions for educational, practical activities to try out on your […]

10 things to learn while you travel is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The post 10 things to learn while you travel appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

from A Luxury Travel Blog

Most Expensive Beach Holiday: French Polynesia

A new ranking places French Polynesia top of the most expensive beach holiday list, while Vietnam is on the opposite end.

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Ina Garten’s Garden

After a week of oppressive 90 degree temperatures, I’m actually enjoying this rainy and cooler weekend. I’m sure everyone’s gardens are enjoying the rain including Ina Garten‘s garden. (Try saying three times fast.) Her gorgeous East Hampton property just featured in the July/August 2016 issue of Elle Decor written by Kate Betts. The garden was designed by landscape designer Edwina von Gal and later expanded by her protege Joseph Tyree. It is the perfect setting for entertaining and working on her cooking empire. Ina’s new book Cooking for Jeffrey will be released this fall and I’m sure it will be another best seller.

One of my favorite moments last year was running into Jeffrey in the Air France lounge in October. He was headed to Paris to join Ina who was shooting her show Americans in Paris for the Food Network. My dream is to run into Ina in Paris but I guess that will have to wait for another trip.

Photos by John M. Hall.

from Habitually Chic®

Invest in These: 6 Floating Villas

Architects around the world are coming up with new ways to provide residents with that private island feel thanks to the new floating villas.

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How To Preserve Food | Methods And Techniques

The food preservation is very important. Learn how to preserve the foods like fruit, meat, fish and vegetables. Learn all the techniques to preserve the food.

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Lotus Elise Race 250 Sets Track Record

The Elise Race 250 is faster around Lotus's test track than even the Elise Cup 220 R and is the quickest customer car ever.

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The Week in Bites 31 July 2016

This week at Fine Dining Lovers we discovered the secret life of Bronte pistachios, took a culinary tour of Riga and offered great tips on becoming a BBQ champ.

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Conrad Bora Bora Nui Opens Overwater Villas

Previously named Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, it will be renamd Conrad Bora Bora Nui after a multi-million dollar renovation.

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Cruise Ships Turn Hotels During Rio Olympics

Cruise ships are, at the most basic level, floating hotels that move under their power and the Rio Olympic Games has enlisted their help.

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The Summer Hair Edit

In the second part of my Summer Beauty Series, I share my favourite products for taming tresses when temperatures rise.

For anyone that has seen the episode of Friends when Monica goes to Barbados, you will get an idea of my hair dilemma during the sunnier months.
Like most beauty conundrums during the summer, the key to success is hydration, and taming the mane is no exception.
A moisturising shampoo and conditioner are essential all year round, but for the summer these are crucial. My current favourites are Oribe for Moisture & Control which leave my hair feeling like silk after each wash.

When it’s not the occasion or you don’t have the weather to let your hair dry naturally, the new Dyson Supersonic hairdryer is the ultimate tool for healthy coiffed hair, and has become an indispensable part of my routine. Incorporating the high tech features of a Dyson product, this revolutionary dryer manages the temperature of the air to ensure that it doesn’t overheat and damage your hair, thus removing the shine. It is also more powerful than most on the market and dries my hair in super quick time, both with the precision nozzle and the diffuser, which is my go to in the summer.

OUAI is one of the most exciting brands to launch in the UK for a long time, and I have already fallen in love with the range. The Wave Spray gives the best beachy texture without the crunch usually associated with the sprays containing salt. Spritz on damp hair and scrunch for easy holiday hair or use to create texture before tonging for a more polished finish.

Another summer favourite from OUAI is the Finishing Crème, which gives an effortless finale to your hair, whatever the style. The cream adds much- needed moisturisation to the ends of your locks and can help achieve that glossy piecey finish much envied by me all year round.Letting the hair generate its own moisture is also important and I have been guilty of over-washing in the past. Dry Shampoo has been my saviour in overcoming this and Show Beauty’s version is the best I’ve found. It adds volume to my fine hair and absorbs oil without being white and chalky, great as the base for day 2 or 3 styling.

A drop of Show’s Pure Treatment Oil on towel dried hair has also become an essential part of my blow drying regime. The product is a rich elixir that nourishes and rejuvenates without making the hair greasy or limp. I also use as a serum on dry hair and to tame flyaways

A final tip and must-have in my beauty bag are non-snag hair bands. These coil based bands from Hershesons grip the hair tightly enough to create a high pony but don’t have the rough edges that break and damage the hair. Great for holidays and for those days you want to give your hair a break from heat styling.

from The Luxe Life