Pinterest Inspiration

I am a new convert to the Pinterest (truehildi) craze.  It's amazing what I find and how easily I can fall into the abyss of pinning.  An interesting concept that allows for unlimited creative inspiration.  If you know me, you know I'm all about that!

I'll send you off into the weekend with some of my favorite finds from this past week, all interesting and inspiring.

Geometric lighting partnered with a multitude of lines creates a visual whole

A textured wall treatment versus a textured leather clutch by Anastasiya Komarova.  Both are wonderful.

On my "to visit" list.  The Dar Al Hajar (rock palace) in Yemen

Olive-Orange Vinaigrette.  There must be a million ways to use this

Trestle table by Thesenfitz & Wedekind partnered with fantastic lighting

A DIY project that might be time consuming but looks worth it.  Couldn't find a link for directions.  You're on your own with this one!

Let me know if you try the vinaigrette and how you used it.
Same with making the "chandelier".

Have a great weekend everyone
H

Musée du Quai Branley - Cheveux Chéris

Having a bad hair day?

A current exhibit at Musée du Quai Branley, Cheveux Chéris (Beloved Hair) showcases how hair has played a role in our anthropological evolution.  Whether for protection, power or seduction, what's on top of our head let's the world know who we are on a variety of levels.

Enjoy the video.
H

Paris-CDG Airport and Rodin - Who Would Have Thought?

Espace Musée at Paris-CDG Airport

Travel...exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.

Air travel these days can be unnerving with airline cut-backs, security check points, flight delays, new weather patterns wrecking havoc on arrivals and departures.  While I love to fly and consider it, the flight, part of my adventure, all too often, I spend just as much time in the airport as I do in the air.

Luckily, many airports around the world have addressed traveler's unscheduled downtime.  Wooing top chefs to open restaurants that provide more than just "food court' dining choices makes for time well spent over a great meal and drink.  Shopping too has been upgraded and nowadays, anything forgotten or not purchased during one's actual visit can be picked up in any number of high end duty free boutiques; the likes of which can be found in the world's best shopping districts.

Now,  Aeroport Charles de Gaulle (or Roissy as the French refer to it) has added one more option to keep its patrons happy and what an option!

Espace Musées, a non-profit organization collaborating with museums throughout Paris is bringing art to the traveler.  A 250 square meter, glass enclosed space has been set up in Terminal 2E, giving passengers heading to the US, Asia and Africa via Air France and KLM an opportunity to catch a last minute exhibition before heading home.  The philosophy behind the the current and upcoming exhibits takes on universal themes, easily understood by all cultures.  Travel, happiness, food, movement are some of the topics being considered as are shape, form and color.

Currently, and through the end of April, the museum's first installment features Rodin and The Wings of Glory.  Suggesting movement and flight, the collected works showcase his fascination with planes and all manner of winged images and sculpture.   Models of some of his more famous works are on display as well.

That's not to suggest you pass on the Rodin museum during your trip to Paris as it is one of the city's most spectacular spots to visit.  Espace Musée will, however, allow you to while away the time should Mother Nature or a transportation manifestation (strike) delay your departure back home.

Check out the video link below (in French)
H

Rodin, les ailes de la gloire - Régions - Culture - Télématin - Emission présentée par William Leymergie - France 2

Movie Night Under the Stars

Ultimate outdoor movie theater in Thailand

Under the stars at Parc de Villette, Paris

Movie night under the Brooklyn Bridge

On the sand in India

Backyard summer fantasy

Cozy seaside theater in Turkey

I adore movies.  

No matter where I go, I try to have access to them.  At home in Paris, I love heading to the Champs Elysee where several larger "American" type theaters are located showing both French  and sub-titled foreign films.  The more popular American films are usually shown in what is call V.O. or version originale, a movie shown in English with French sub-titles.  You can find VO movies throughout Paris.  

Hidden in the 7th arrondisement, there is a tiny gem of a theater, La Pagode, that just wraps the visitor in old world luxury.  A bit dusty perhaps, but the past splendor is still apparent.  Literally built in the shape of a pagoda, this late 19th century building was created for the wife of the owner of Le Bon Marché.  Initially used as a ballroom, it now is home to two small theaters and a tiny space for an afternoon tea.  Really not to be missed. 

Then of course there's my iPad.  Not as glamorous as a Chinese pagoda but does the trick beautifully while I am traveling.  I download two movies, watch them, eat my airplane meal (or not), sleep a bit and before I know it, have landed in the country of my next adventure.  What did we do before all this technology made traveling so much easier! 

As I was going through some of my photos from summer 2012, I came across the last one I posted, the seaside theater in Turkey.  It was a great way to end a beautiful summer evening alongside the Bosphorus River this past July.  I had never experienced a makeshift outdoor theater before but I am now a convert.  Good friends, good food, the stars (in the sky and on the screen)...it was wonderful.  It got me thinking about how to make that happen this coming summer and my research yielded all the amazing photos here. 

Hands down the winner for me is the floating island in Thailand.  So on my bucket list.  While that is completely over the top,  the rest ... a park in Paris, under the Brooklyn Bridge, a neighborhood in India,  probably exist in hundreds of cities during the summer months.  I added the one that looks to be in someones backyard as a tiny bit of inspiration to create something under the stars for yourself.  Whether in a  beautiful backyard with land all around or a tiny porch or balcony in the city, movie night under the stars is something to start thinking about now.  While some of us are still wishing for warmer weather.  

Pass the popcorn. 

H

Happy Spring & Macarons

Happy Spring...hope wherever you are, you're feeling it.

And, Happy Macaron Day!

I didn't know a day for these special treats existed, but they are certainly deserving.  These airy confections can be found on every dessert menu in Paris, as well as, in neighborhood patisseries and high end gourmet shops.  Their creation is an art form here in France and taken very seriously.  Like everything, some are much better than others. Tastings take place yearly to determine the best with judging based on the texture of both the cookie or cake (crunchy on the outside but soft inside) and the creaminess of the filling.  As I write this, I am thinking about my favorites and KNOW I'll be heading out to pick some up today.

My favorites can be found at Laduree. The delicate crunch of the cookie and creamy filling work together beautifully.  And the flavors....for me it's a toss up between chocolat and pistache.   Judging by the lines out the door on a daily basis at all their Paris locations,  I'm not the only one who enjoys their take on these miniature confections.

Just one more example of what makes Paris....Paris.
H

Inspiration in Everthing

I strive to live life with my eyes, mind and heart wide open.  

Keeping my eyes open allows me to see the divine in the simple. The photos of the shells and the beautiful iridescent fish are a few examples of things that stop me in my tracks while I'm traveling. The colors and patterns that they create are design in and of themselves.  Perfect in their simplicity. All my photographs serve not only as beautiful memories, but oftentimes, inspiration for future projects.    

Being open minded has allowed me to never be afraid to look at things through different eyes or from a different angle or point of view.  Those fish for example.  There is color and shimmer reflected off their scales, movement in their careless arrangement and an additional design element in their eye placement. As crazy as it sounds,  all inspiration for perhaps a custom fabric or wall covering.  A moment captured, with an open mind can lead to pure potential.    

Finally,  my heart being open allows me to be accepting of others;  people from all parts of the world that have something to teach me wherever I go.  Whether I am in Europe, Africa, the states or home in Paris, the people that cross my path come and go for special reasons.  There's so much to learn from each one! 

So, today, look around you and be inspired.  

H

Skiing Montmartre

When you are given a few snowy days like we've had here in Paris, you make the best of what this magical city has to offer!  Here's one creative way to take advantage of a wintry day provided by Mother Nature.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Packing My Bags

The simple wonders of India

Getting ready for a trip back to India.....here's a little something to get us all in an adventurous mood!

Lacoste, SCAD & Let's Go Back to School

So, my attempt at finding sunshine these past few weekends has been met with Mother Nature trumping me.  Luckily, I was headed to a place that Mother Nature blessed with sublime beauty, rain or shine, and I've been fortunate to be a regular visitor to this little piece of paradise....Lacoste.  I'll share some "sunny" day moments from previous visits to get us all in a warm weather mood!

Time has stood still in this 14th century village located in the Vaucluse region of southern France.  The hilly cobblestone streets are home to a handful of year round residents that enjoy being surrounded by  mountains, lavender, sunshine and vistas the rest of us can only dream about.  

Lacoste is home to many things, most notably, the Chateau de Lacoste, home of the Marquis de Sade.  His castle sits at the highest point of the town and over the years fell into great disrepair.  Fortunately, the fashion designer, Pierre Cardin, purchased it, restored it and it is now a cultural center for the entire region boasting a beautiful amphitheater for outdoor concerts, operas and plays.  His influence trickled down into the village as well and the buildings have been slowly, lovingly, brought back to life.  

This village has special meaning for me as it is home to SCAD Lacoste, a study abroad campus that gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant French cultural community for a semester.  SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design),  a university devoted to training students in the arts, goes beyond a traditional university setting.  Committed to providing the best opportunities for incredibly gifted and creative young minds, SCAD builds on relationships throughout the art, film, photography and design world. My role is connecting people and creating collaborations that enhance all aspects of the university's curriculum both in France and the US. It is a role that I relish and gives back to me in spades as I watch the graduates go on to find so much success in their fields.   

I invite you to check out the university and think about planning a little visit to this beautiful region of France that has so, so much to offer.... except sunshine last weekend.

Searching For Some Sunshine

On my way out of town for the weekend this morning...  Even when it's somber and grey in Paris,  the winged horses (the Fames) glow and shine bright on the Pont Alexandre III.

Poisson Everywhere

Who says you can't fish in the Seine?
Fish are a jumpin' everywhere in Paris - from the Pont Alexandre III to the Place de la Concorde!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

I took this photo last night in the bathroom at the Baccarat Cristal Room.  Paris is filled with fabulous "everything" to experience and for anyone planning a trip to my , this restaurant should be at the top of your to-do list.


You can have a marvelous lunch or dinner in a magical and radiant space surrounded by Baccarat crystal and chandeliers. The Baccarat Museum is there as well. Even the bathroom reflects the elegance and grandeur of the this crystal palace, all designed by Philippe Starck.