Follow my blog with Bloglovin Casa Bella: April 2011

Apr 29, 2011

Kate's Wedding Gown, yes? no?


What did you think of Kate Middleton's wedding gown?

I loved the lace fabric used for the sleeves, really liked the neckline,
and the soft veil that allowed the beautiful and understated tiara to show through.



I thought the length of the train (12 ft) was
not too pompous and appropriate enough for a royal wedding.

 I actually loved her sister Pippa's dress. 
She looked very elegant.

There were interesting hats at the royal wedding. 
Somehow, Earl Spencer's daughters reminded me of Cinderella's step sisters. 
Those hats...were...well....interesting.

Kate's wedding gown and look was very similar to Grace Kelly's.
Don't you agree?

So..did you like Kate's look?


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Credits: via, and via

Apr 27, 2011

French Country Kitchens


I find the elements in French country kitchens very appealing:
exposed beams, distressed wood cabinets, stone or stucco walls...
 

 large family tables...

 ceramic backsplashes...

terracotta pottery and hanging cookware...

beautiful but yet rustic fireplaces...

sigh...

and wrought iron hangers...
pretty...

I used to like modern architecture with very clean and simple lines. 

It appears that, the older I get, 
the more I lean towards more rustic but elegant pieces with a history 
(maybe because that's what I'm becoming?)
Though a contemporary stainless steel piece of furniture may be hip and quite attractive, 
I find beauty in the more polished and slightly distressed pieces.

Hope you find a style that suits your taste.

Besos, my loves.



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images via.

Apr 24, 2011

Absolutely French


From the beautiful Cote de Sud magazine via Decor de Provence.
Aren't these images dreamy?

I can imagine myself washing those veggies 
while admiring the beautiful scenery in Provence through the gorgeous window.
Heaven.

Impressive chandelier, don't you think?

I LOVE the color on these walls.
I could spend hours reading a book in this perfect little space.

O la la.

Have an inspired week, loves.

Besos,



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Apr 19, 2011

Guest Post: by Arcadian Lighting


We love simple changes that have big design results. 
There are many accent and accessory purchases (such as desk lamps
that can have a big impact on a room for not a lot of money. 
If you have a tiny or no budget, consider some great DIY projects 
that cost almost nothing but can change the look and feel of your room.

Here are eight quick and simple changes you can do this week:
Pillows (via)

Add throw pillows to your bed or couch for an instant makeover. 
You can make pillows if you have simple sewing skills.

Lamps (via)

Buy a new lamp or pair of table lamps for your room and 
your space will feel transformed. 
Lighting makes a huge impact on a space. 
If you have no budget, shop your house for lamps you can switch around.
Paint (via)

The workhorse of design, paint can transform not only our walls 
but furniture, frames, accessories and floors.
Lampshades (via)

If you love your light fixtures, consider changing out the shades or 
adding ribbon trim to the edges to make them feel custom.
Hardware (via)

Change out the hardware on your cabinets, bathroom vanity 
or furniture to instantly change the look of the piece.
Instant Wall Art (via)

Frame wallpaper or fabric for instant wall art. 
Bye bye boring wall!
Customize Table Linens (via)

Cloth napkins and placemats can easily be changed with a DIY project. 
Stamp, embroider, or monogram plain napkins.
Tea Towels (via)

Tea towels can add big impact to a kitchen. 
Look for tea towels in bright colors and bold patterns to add pizzazz to your kitchen.
Curtains (via)

Switching out curtains for new ones is another simple change that won't break the budget. 
If you like your existing curtains think about adding a trim or ribbon to the edge or hem.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting
a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. 

Come visit us today!

Hello loves, Arcadian Lighting provided the content for this guest post today.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Besos,


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Apr 15, 2011

Happy Weekend and Friday's links


Finally! 

The sun's shinning over this side of the Rockies.

Yay!!!!!!
Woohoo!!!
All right!!!
(doing cartwheels now)



Have a lovely weekend!

My favorite posts this week:

1. Linen and White here.
2. Compatible donor here
3. Playful side here

Besos,





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Apr 11, 2011

Colorful Party


Planning a girl's birthday party?

I LOVE (love!!!!!!) the bold color combination used to 
brighten up this fabulous b-day party.

I found this sometime last year on photographer's











When I help people plan parties, I ask them to first choose a color scheme.
For color combination ideas, you can browse magazine ads
or, even better, go out in the garden and look at nature.
Flowers have the best color palettes I've ever seen.

Once you choose your color scheme, ideas on
what to do for your party normally come easier.

I am a firm believer that you can throw a fun
and memorable party even on a small budget.
Happy Monday, loves!

Besos,





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Apr 8, 2011

Armani Inspiration and Home collection



Hello my darlings,

Hope you enjoyed your week and the Armani inspiration boards on my blog.
Here are the last two amazing Armani gowns for this week.






And how about the B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L Armani home collection?
I can't believe it's been over 10 years since Armani Casa was launched.
The definition of elegance.







Enjoy your weekend, loves!

Besos,



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Credits: floral Armani gown; yellow Armani gown; Armani Casa images; all other credits coming soon.