Tablescape: Halloween inspired

It's been a while since my last post on tablescape, so I thought it would be nice to share  something that was very recent...

Our very good family friends were in town and as always, it is a pleasure to host a dinner for them.  And what a perfect way to showcase my newly found piece, perfect for Halloween!  My kids call it the Gates of Haunted Mansion.  And it does look like it, right?  :)  This is a piece found by my partner from the US, that would have been part of the new collection of Petit Blanc.  But of course, when I saw it  while we we were doing our inventory, I just can't let it go.  It's just so perfect for the season!  There is actually a small lever that you can lift to open the gates!  How authentic is that!  So,  sorry for the future buyers, it's only one piece, and i got it!  Haha!!!

This is how it turned out on the dining table.  Would have been nicer if candles were lit, but I didn't have time to take photos when guests arrived...

On top of the Haunted Mansion Gate, I had some gourds and cobs to add to the Halloween feel.  Flatware were folded inside black napkins and tied with orange ribbon and twine.  For the kids' table, I just put all the spoon & forks and napkin in my old orange bucket.  

Another setting for the table outside.  The black fabric was a last minute buy from Kamuning market...30 pesos a yard!  How can you go wrong with that?   A good table setting need not be costly, right?  And the ribbons and twines were actually recycled!  And would you believe those dried cobs are 6 years already?  Yup!  I bought them while we were still living in Singapore and they still look good up to this day.  They've seen 6 years of Halloween at Casa Insigne!

And of course, the kids' can't be left behind.  Since they usually eat and go, thought it wise to keep it simple, but still fun for them.  I threw in some treats, labelled it with their names that served also as their name cards.  

It's always nice to catch up with friends who live abroad.  We all had a good time, not to forget a very sumptuous meal too!  I prepared no-fuss smoked turkey legs (which I got from S&R), so I just dressed it up with a siding of roasted sweet potatoes and whole garlic.  Sure hit during the dinner!  I also made longganisa pasta made from three different kinds of longganisa.  Someone brought the group's favorite lengua and every kid's favorite...Chicken Joy (not in the photo).  Oh, I almost forgot I also made the brie with marmalade which became instant hit!  (Too bad, I didn't even get to take a photo of it.)  The dinner was capped by Krispy Kreme Donuts!  Are you salivating already?  ;)

Kids are on sem break, and we're all looking forward to a short holiday out of town.  How about you?  What's your plan?  Be safe and Happy Halloween!  Here's a photo taken last Saturday during the trick or treat at our subdivision.  :)

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Repurposing Kitchen Stuff

Do you sometimes just buy something even when you don't need (yet!) it or don't know where to use it?  I am guilty of that.  I buy unnecessary things, as long as they're pretty and make me smile  :)  Here are some proof of my thoughtless buying but are now actually serving a purpose!  Yay!

(1)  ceramic pink mug with fleur de lis holds pen and markers  (2)  lacquered bamboo  tray keeps everything organized  (3) vintage depression glass saucer  (remember my post about it here?) holds a couple of washi tape  (4)  mini ceramic planter with legs keeps all the USB and security devices  (5)  egg cups (so pretty!)  holds paper clips and push pins  (6) ceramic dish tray keeps post its, paper clips and stapler (hidden behind post its)  (7) baby blue vintage milk jug (love the bird detail!) holds pencils  (8)  toast holder holds mini memo pads

They're not unnecessary after all!  Right?  They're pretty and purposeful!   :)  And mind you, these stuff are really cheap!

I'm loving how I started my study revamp.  Remember the first time I said I will tackle the study project here?  I  think that was two years ago!  I know, I keep the record on the worst procrastinator!  Well...it's never too late.  I did some repainting on the wall , some bleaching on the furniture, etc..  I still need to redress my study chairs but I'm getting there.  Promise to share with you my "new" study soon!  For the meantime, go and check out your kitchen and do some repurposing, upcycling of your   collection!

Have a good week ahead!

I would love to hear your thoughts!

A Bit of Styling: Trays

When I checked the stats of my blog, some of the most popular posts were those on "A Bit of Styling..".  The one on cake stands being number one.  I'd like to think I am able to effectively share some inspirations and ideas on how to do a bit of styling, using things that you already have at home.   :)   So today,  I thought I'll share another styling idea...  TRAYS!  I have a long time affair with trays.  Just like plates, cake stands, lamps and bed linens, I can't seem to have enough of them.  I'm actually not sure how many I have but one thing for sure, I get to use all of them.  I'm that kind of collector who actually uses her collection, instead of keeping them  locked in the shelves. 

Take a peek at some corners of my home...

This lacquer tray was from Myanmar.  A gift from my BFF.  It has retired from serving, and now this orange tray keeps some of the coffee table books and a mini mahjong set neatly stacked together on the coffee table.  

Now, this breakfast tray...its been used for it's purpose during birthdays, father/mother's day or when someone is sick in the family.  So it's not very often that we get to use it, so I thought why not make it into a side table?  And the height fits perfectly with my favorite chair!

This one was originally a sand tray, you know that thingy that comes with a stick-like rake that you use to create patterns on the sand?  It kinda calms you down, very therapeutic!    Over time, the sand disappeared so I thought it would be nice to keep my collection of cow bone decors.  And the emperor couple actually looks happy on it!:)  Together with them is an old opium jar and two bells (yup they're bells!)

A lacquer tray from Vietnam holds an Iris plant and some coasters on the dining table.

This one is not really a tray but an Indonesian wooden scoop for measuring rice.  Holds fruits on the kitchen counter and sometimes  I also use it to hold pillar candles!

Three more Vietnam finds...

An eggshell lacquered tray (actually its called a spathe) to hold keys and mail at the foyer.

A ceramic blue and white plate with rattan trimmings on the side holds my pretty white hand towels (from Petit Blanc!..go check our FB site!)

And an irregularly shaped (bent!) bamboo tray is used to hold bathroom essentials.  I used a vase to hold the toothbrushes and a sugar container holds the cotton pads/swabs.  

There are still un-photographed trays around the house, but for the meantime, I hope you got some inspiration and ideas on how to use your own serving trays around your home.  Remember it only takes a bit of styling to create a vignette or prettify a corner.  :)  Your serving trays need not be exclusively kept in the kitchen. :)

I would love to hear your thoughts!

ELLE Decoration Philippines!

For a home magazine junkie like me, this is a very exciting news!  We  now have Elle Decoration Philippines!  Woohoo!!    I was pleasantly surprised to see it at Fully Booked and immediately grabbed a copy.  My daughter said "Ma, that's impulse buying, I said... No, I need these materials for my job."  LOL!  Grab a copy and be proud of our very own  beautiful  homes!

Another great read is Dwell Asia.  Comes every two months.  Every issue is packed with lots of inspirations!

These are my little luxuries in life!  Magazines, coffee and books!

Have a good week ahead everyone!  :)

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Kitchen Buddy....the Steam Gourmet

Steamed salmon, carrots and broccoli with Japanese sprinkles for the rice.

Are you like me who still send "baon" to school?  My kids are actually big already and can manage to buy their lunch from the school cafeteria but they both like home cooked food and "Mama's cooking."  So no choice but to wake up early and prepare lunch for them.  Of course I only want the healthiest and  as much as possible, visually appealing because I know it's not hot anymore by lunch time, so at least it should still look yummy for the kids.  

Steamed salmon, broccoli and carrots with a wedge of lemon.  How does that sound to you?  Sounds gourmet right?  This is one of the easiest lunch set I make for the kids.  And it only takes 20 mins to prepare, including chopping of veggies.  Thanks to my kitchen buddy, the Steam Gourmet!  (Sounds like an ad?  :) )

The bottom part is where I cook the fish and the upper layer is for the veggies.  Thanks to my late father-in-law who gifted my son (our little Chef) with this ever reliable steamer.  Now every morning is a breeze! :)  How about you mommies out there?  Any tips on making easy lunch for kids?  

*  Steam Gourmet is available at Home TV Shopping.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Late Lunch and Valentine

This is my lunch today.  Took it quite late at 230 pm.  (Was too full to eat earlier because I had a hefty breakfast with my new found friend... Ingrid :)) I actually had leftovers...leftover pasta salad that my son Rapha prepared for dinner last night, i threw  in slices of lotus root (those round thingy with holes on top of salad) and a few slices of melon.  And I was happy to discover that I still have a couple of SPY wine cooler in the ref!  Have you tried it?  I usually buy that in the Thai stores in Singapore when I was still living there.   And I was just so happy to have found them at Rustans!  You should try it...comes in three flavors, rose (above), white and red wine.  It's light and goes well with pasta,   salad or anything spicy! :)

I know Valentine is over but I just love this song...and I'm sure you wouldn't mind listening to it..again and again...Everyday can be Valentine, right?  ;-)  Enjoy and happy weekend!

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I've posted about Xmas balls here and as I look around my house today, I noticed aside from the balls, I've got quite a number of trees as well...here...take a glimpse of what I've collected all these years. 

The two standing trees in the living and dining room.

Some are old pieces that has become the family's favorite while others were gifts from  friends and family.  They may be of different color and material, but each one finds a perfect nook around the house.  I have favorites but I love them all!  How about you?  Do you like decorating with trees also?

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Xmas Tree decors as centerpiece

Last Saturday, I hosted 10 Juliana's (our home address) first Xmas dinner for 2011.  It was for my girlfriends whom I worked with in the same company before.  Until 4 pm of Saturday, I was looking for an inspiration for the table setting.  I was starting to panic, the guests will be arriving in about two hours and table is not yet made and I still need to prepare pasta and salad!  I wanted it to be glamorous, festive and dramatic but I didn't want to spend for new decors.  

So I went looking around the house and found the black hanging screens  that we sell at i.m.home.  Thought it will be a great anchor for the table setting.  But still, nothing ON the table.  As I was putting out the plates, chargers, etc, I found purple napkins...BANG!  That created the black, gold and purple theme!  And where else can I get purple stuff?  I got lots from my jewel-toned tree!    I got my majestic bird, balls, baubles, beads and mini tree.  I think it turned out nice!  It was glamorous, festive and dramatic! I was happy and I finished just in time :-)

So next time you are setting the table, look around your house first before buying new ones.  Don't be limited with candles and flowers.  Now good luck to me for the balance Xmas dinners!  I hope I don't run out of inspirations!

I would love to hear your thoughts!

More Xmas Balls...

More balls... but this time it's my yummy cheese ball!  I thought I won't be doing it this year but it's hard to refuse friends who have made my cheese ball part of their Xmas dinner spread; while some graciously give them as presents to special friends and family.  And of course there are new friends who just discovered my cheese ball.  So how can I say  no, right?  So together with the help, we are again busy chopping, mixing, moulding and wrapping!  Just like last year!   So there you have it, it's not a decor scene for this post, but I still consider this a Xmas vignette in Casa Insigne!  (This is the third, so 17 more to come!)

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Of Balls & Cones

Wooden Javanese teak bowl by the small Xmas tree.

 An old Oriental basket holds my gold balls and cones by the foyer.

All the carved golden balls goes to this pretty wooden urn in my powder room.

This is how I display my previous years' collection of Xmas balls and cones.  They don't actually belong to the same color group but they look nice when stuffed in a basket or bowl, just the same.  How about you?  What do you do with your previous Xmas decor collection?  Maybe you can replicate this...I'm sure we all have those extra baskets lying around! ;-)

I would love to hear your thoughts!

A Wifey Moment

Taken on our 10th year Anniversary.  Bohol.

Hello everyone!  How was your weekend?  Don't we all wish we have more 4-day weekends in the calendar?  And whether the weekend is longer than usual, it still doesn't seem enough, right?  Ours was spent simply at home...gardening, cleaning, sorting, watching TV and DVDs and lots of cuddling (loving as Rapha calls it!).  


And just at this very moment, I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful, healthy family.  And even more blessed for having a loving husband!  It's not our anniversary nor are we celebrating any special occasion.  I just felt writing about it.   I have a few of my Mama Moments posts here, here, and here.   So why not make a wifey moment post, right?  I know it sounds cheesy but what the heck...it's a good feeling and I want to share it.  So expect posts on my feat, adventure, journey (whatever you call it!) of being a wife in the future!  

For a starter...Just like in the hotel, I have my own turn down service every night!   No fail, every night, I lie down on a bed with the duvet folded just high enough to pull if I need to cover up, two pillows on my head and the bolster, placed perfectly where my legs rest.  And of course, the roller shade at the windows and sliding doors are rolled down, and aircon turned on, during hot days.  I'm not sure when this "turn down service"  started.  I think when I got pregnant the first time?    And it's been going on for 15 years!  Now, tell me, how many husbands do that for their wifey, every single night?  Truly I am blessed!  

Our teak bed...13 years old and counting!

Any wifey moments, you'd like to share?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Home Alone.

This was my breakfast. Muffin with poached egg, chili con carne (leftover from last night) and fruits.  Thought I should take something heavy because there's just so much to do today!  Plus, I feel sad that I'm alone eating breakfast. :-(  Kids are both in school and hubby is out of town.  It was a hearty meal and I'm all energized now to work!  How about you?  What did you have for breakfast?  

It's Friday!  Where did the days go? One thing I noticed, I work better under pressure and  when there are deadlines to meet.  Are you the same or do you like working ahead of schedule?  Whatever style we have, we women are just so good at multi-tasking, right? We manage to do a lot of things in just a short period of time.  So to all mommies out there, have a great weekend!

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Flowers, Fleurs, Flores.

'Thought it would be nice to share with you some of the photos taken by my daughter Bianca during our Baguio trip last weekend.  She likes taking photos of flowers and she's actually good at it! And while I was browsing the album, I just realized that I am a flower person!  There's a lot of it around the house, in print, in different texture and material.  Take a peek of what I found around my home!  The photos on the left are Bianca's snapshots.  Enjoy and may this post bring you a little bit of sunshine amidst the rainy weather we have been experiencing this week (in Manila!).

My DIY clipboard with botanical print.   Embroidered bed linen from Vietnam.

Wooden bucket that holds the TV remote control.  My favorite lamp by Anna Chandler.  (Remember my very first post?  This lamp is part of my collection of her work.)

Bianca's current bed cover, flowers, bees and butterfly print from Ikea.  Another Ikea find, big throw pillows on the TV couch.

My pretty rosette pillow from British India.  One of my Singapore souvenir...antique red Tibetan cabinet that houses candles, and other home decors.

Would you say you're a flower person too?  I know some find it too girly but I think it adds prettiness to any corner of the house, be it in print or fresh cut flowers.  


I would love to hear your thoughts.