Coffee Break

 

 

 

I am by no means a coffee connoisseur and to be perfectly honest I think I prefer a cup of instant Nescafe to a cappuccino made with freshly ground Brazilian coffee beans... but don't tell anyone!!! I try to spend three days a week in the studio designing and putting together colour boards. The other two days are spent rushing around client shopping and seeing suppliers and architects - the only thing that keeps me going all day ... is coffee. It gives me an instant pick me-up, allows me to rest my weary legs for five minutes and let's me collect my thoughts. Thank goodness for coffee, I say!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Modern Paris Interiors

When I think of a typical Parisienne interior :- aged parquetry floors, crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors and antique Louis furniture comes to mind. However, there is a very different side to Paris interiors. The apartments are still old and gracious but the furniture is clean lined and modern. The colour palette is bold and simple and the pieces are architectural. Designers like Christain Liagre are leading the way with their contemporary lines whilst still respecting the time honored traditions of quality furniture making. These interiors are all great examples of this new breed of furniture design. 

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  

Celebrating with Tattinger

Last night we celebrated our wedding anniversary with a bottle of French champagne and some romantic, fine dining. There's nothing like a glass of champagne to put a twinkle in my eye, a sparkle in my smile and a skip in my step! We had a lovely evening dining in style on french cuisine reminiscing about good times. 'Happy Anniversary' to my dear, sweet, funny husband!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4

Autumn Days with Michael Kors

Karmen Kass stars in this lovely autumn Michael Kors ad campaign. The campaign was photographed by favourite photographer Mario Testino. I love Michael Kors advertising campaigns almost as much as I love his ultra-american, chic, 'sport-glamour' collections. The photographs look so golden, the models so effortless, and it is just such a great way to show off the clothes and the lifestyle.

Melissah xox

Images via Michael Kors

European Vacation

 

 

It's a great time of year to be taking a European vacation. The weather is still warm and mild - perfect for travelling and the hoards of tourists have disappeared. My favourite trade fair 'Maison et Objet' is held in in Paris in September each year so it would be great to combine a business trip with pleasure and make a bit of holiday of it. The fair is full of fabulous ideas and design inspiration so when that's all over with what a great opportunity to hire a little Citroen and buzz around and explore the French countryside. I think a trip to Champagne would be a must as well as visiting some castles in the Loire Valley and of course a few days of shopping in Paris would be at the top of the list!

   

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9     

Peach Ripe

  

 

I love fresh peaches - they are my favourite fruit. They are so sweet and succulent and juicy. This vanilla frosted cake with fresh peaches and toffee shards looks like it might be a hit for a Spring afternoon tea party. I also love the colour peach especially when it comes to pretty things like ribbons, lingerie, flowers, macaroons, peach flavoued sparkling wine on a hot summer's day and of course Bellini cocktails made with fresh peach juice. Just heaven!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7    

The Touch Up

 

My grandmother was the sort of lady who would 'never leave the house without lipstick' she powdered her nose, always wore gloves, and a hat to church on Sundays. I only wear hats to the races, gloves in Winter but I never leave the house without lipstick and a spritz of perfume...even on my morning run...there's always a slick of natural lip gloss. I am sure my grandmother would be looking down from heaven smiling and nodding with approval!  

 

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4-6

Heaven on Earth

 

 

 

I am loving this soft, floaty prettiness filled with ruffles, sheers, lace and bows. Just simple things to make you feel pretty and feminine - fabulous shoes, heavenly lingerie, pretty dresses and dreamy bedlinen. All the things a girl needs to help her unwind after a tiring week of rushing around. If I can find time to pamper myself a little on the weekend with hair, nails, a chance to dress up and go out for dinner without having to think about cooking. If I can squeeze in a facial or perhaps a massage as well as some quiet time to read or flick through a magazine then I feel I am ready to start the working week on Monday. 

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7