Monday, November 30, 2009

Murano Glass Chandelier

I talked about Venice in the previous post and I forgot to mention Murano, which is located off the shore of Venice. Murano is a well-known place for producing Murano glass, a famous product of Venice for centuries. It's home to a marvelous glass museum and several glass factories where you can watch these artists work in their own environment. Murano has its own Grand Canal, along with fascinating shops and sidewalk cafes. If Venice is too busy or overrun with tourists, go to Murano for the workshops and watch the fascinating process of making class in order to better appreciate the time, craftsmanship, and its artisanal creation. It's worth a ride to Murano island by water-taxi.
The art of making glass in Murano first made its appearance in the 8th century. The artistry and skill required to create each piece is undeniable, as is the long, elaborate and often arduous process of its making.
This chandelier was bought for our home when we were there. I love the lanterns of this light's design. It is very Asian and shows the details and hand painting. Another fun thing of this style chandelier is that you can add more lanterns into your chandelier, and we did 13 of them because 13 is our lucky number. Now, it is hung on the ceiling of our bedroom and reminds us of our sweet memory of our trip.
New F21 Sweater.
I styled it with my old Alaia skirt, Urban Outfitters body suit, Eddie Bruno necklace, Givenchy boots. Last week, the weather wasn't too cold-69 F during daytime, so I wanted to wear the sheer tights that added softness and sexiness to this outfit. Wish you all a wonderful day!!!
Thank you very much for visiting my blog and your sweet comments. I truly appreciate it as always. Kisses...Hanh ;-)

Friday, November 27, 2009

Breakfast at Home

Breakfast at Home
Hahaha....just playing dress-up and having some fun on a lazy afternoon at home with my hubby and kids.
Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Vera Wang necklace, Aldo ring, Alaia dress, Ysl pumps...Lol!!!


Breakfast at Tiffany's
I have seen this movie a million times. It's a classic movie, I love it so much!!!and you probably do, too. Audrey Hepburn is a beautiful, elegant, graceful and charming with her stunning face, an icon to many people. Her style is timeless and classic. Everyone knows that, so I don't need to say more.

The book "Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit" by author Sean Hepburn Ferrer who is also her son, is one of my favorite books. It features nearly three hundred photographs, documents and artwork by Audrey herself, many of which were previously unavailable. In this book, the author offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Hollywood's most celebrated actress. Sean tells us his mother's remarkable story, from her childhood in war-torn Holland to the height of her fame, to her autumn years far from the camera and the crush of the paparazzi. It's a rare look at Audrey not from the photographer's lens, but through the eyes of the son who adored her. I received this book from few years ago as a Christmas gift from my sweet husband. I hope this book gives you an idea for your Christmas shopping this year.

1939, Arnhem, Holland. Photograph by Manon van Suchtelen. Audrey Hepburn Estate Collection.Sean at home in 1960, only a few weeks old. Photograph by Mel Ferrer.
Ethiopia, 1988. Photograph by John Issac.

Wishing you all a wonderful, blessed weekend!!!!
Thank you very much for your kind comment!!!
Big hugs...Hanh;-)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Venice, Italy: Magical City On Water

We visited Venice once, and we believe Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It attracts millions of travelers each year. The city is built on the water, just two or four feet above sea level. Unfortunetly, it is rotting away, sinking slowly into the sea. It truly makes you a believer in fairy tales. Cars are banned, so the only way to get around this 5th century city is by foot or by watertaxi. You'll be awed by the magical beauty. It is filled with extraordinary architectural masterpieces and art - The Peggy Guggenheim museum is amazing. Fine shopping and little stores are on every corner; some of the local specialties are carnival masks, Murano glass, and marble paper. Relax in the Piazza San Marco, feed hundreds of pigeons, visit the basilicas, drink a bellini at Harry's bar, wander the romantic alleyways and bridges, and ride on gondolas through canals: These are just some of the unbelievably fabulous things to do. It's really a perfect place for a romantic getaway. Gosh!!! Writing this post makes me want to visit Venice again, right away...It brought back so much sweet memories that's filling my heart.
Piazza San Marco, with Bell Tower and Basilica San Marco ahead.

Basilica San Marco from the corner.High water in Venice, when the tide rises.
In St Mark's square (Piazza San Marco) with high water, they have to build the platform walkway.
Magically, the high water is gone the next morning.
St Mark's square at night. Live music and seating outside of a cafeteria in St Mark's square at night.
Basilica Di Santa Maria Della Salute seen from Grand Canal.
Gondolas are an icon in Venice.
One of the narrow canals.Ponte Della Paglia bridge.
Bridge of Sighs at night.
Riatto bridge.
Bell Tower, Doge's Palace, St Mark's square seen from seaside.
Doge's Palace. Tourists.
Forever 21-Fun

Forever 21 sequin-faux fur jacket, tank, tutu skirt, new F21 leggings. Ysl pumps, Alaia clutch.
Wishing you all a HAPPY Thanksgiving day and a wonderful weekend with your family and friends!!!eat alot of pie, joyfully laugh and party hard with your loved ones!!
Kisses...Hanh ;-)

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Isabel Marant studded Otway Boots

Ok, I saw these Isabel Marant studded Otway boots on the runway F09 - I love them. I saw them again on JakandJil, love them more...Then, Martina has them - I was getting anxious and knew for sure I would get them. Thank you to lovely Martina and sweet Sofie for helping me to find the boots. After months of waiting, they finally arrived...I had the same feeling with Sofie toward them..disappointed. They are overpriced for their fabric, the workmanship, the quality, I think...They can't not refund, store credit only and who know if I find things I love at their store...Then, just keep them for my first IM shoes. I actually LOVE the style very much, just wish they're half of the price that I payed for. Well, what can I say...They're looking more handsome in the pictures than in person. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Um....I keep them!
One of my beloved Rick Owens jacket F09. I madly love this jacket, it's such a cool, edgy, futuristic looking one. I wore it with RO dress.
Love everything about this jacket; the shoulders, the collar, the zipper, the front-cut, the wings in the back, the leather texture...just awesome!
Home Cooking: pan roasted chicken with ginger and basil.
As you know, I love cooking. It's one of my hobbies. I cook alot of traditional Vietnamese food, some Chinese and Thai dishes. I also enjoy making up my own creative recipe and this is one of them. I served with baby agurala, heirloom tomato and balsamic vinaigrette. Pinot noir from Oregon completely compliments the dish...yum!

Ingredients: skinless quarter leg chicken, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, sugar, oyster flavored sauce, seasoned soy sauce, sliced fresh ginger and fresh basil leaves.

Method: clean the skinless quarter leg chicken, pat dry the chicken throughly with paper towels. Sprinkle over each quarter leg chicken with a little garlic powder, black pepper, less than 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp oyster flavored sauce, 1/8 tsp seasoned soy sauce and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Hot pan with cooking oil with high heat, put the chicken in for about 1 minute. Then, cover the pan with lid, turn the heat down to medium for about 7 minutes. Turn chicken for another 7 minutes, continue cover the lid. Now, throw in fresh slice ginger and fresh basil leaves, still cover the lid, let it sit for 5 minutes with medium-high heat...done! Ok, you'll see the chicken has nicely golden color as in the picture and it's ready to serve hot. It's easy to do, you can substitute ginger, basil with your favorite herb. Enjoy the meal!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend with family and friends!!!

Kisses...Hanh ;-)