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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Pasithya Macaron/Cake Stands

I am delighted to promote my 'macarons for party' at Steven's cousin's Baby Shower in the coming month. 

I enjoy very much making the macarons that the thought of selling them came into my mind one day. But I do not just want to sell only the macarons; I want to serve them on my vintage plates. And the only way to do it is to sell the macarons for "parties", like Baby Shower, Bridal Shower, Sweet Sixteen and other parties that people will request around the area.

Since I have never done it before; to promote the business at Steven's cousin's Baby Shower would be a perfect idea. Of course I do not know if it is going to work; but I am willing to give it a try.

I have always love vintage china. These little plates and cups have been sitting at my kitchen drawer for a view years now. And I have never been using them since the day I bought them. Although they are a little worn out from being used in the past a lot; I just love the aged look of them. That is why they are called "vintage!" These are my personal collection and I love collecting the blue band vintage china. The kind that are dainty with bouquet of flowers in the middle encircling by a blue and gilded band. Occasioanlly I take them out and use them for a guests dinner party at home. They are all different motifs with the same theme of color ; blue and with bouquet of flowers of course ! Surprisingly although each plates is different in motifs and brands they are really look beautiful and elegant on the dining table together.

So this macaron stand is from my own collection; and is perfect for  a Baby Shower especially a Baby Boy Shower ! Since I love collecting beautiful vintage china and I discovered that I enjoy baking the macarons recently so the marriage of the two of them created this lovely "macaron/cake stand."

I made the tag myself made from a blue paper craft. And I drilled the plate and the cup myself to create this macaron/cake stand. 

I think it is so adorable !









Thank you for reading !

Ellya

Monday, April 9, 2012

DIY Sparkly Skinny Head Band Inspired by Kate Moss for Louis Vuitton

Last winter I found a beautiful young lady's blog; wendyslookbook! Immediately I was inspired by many of her videos "how tos" and her fashion posts.  This video hairdo in particular caught my attention. Not only because I love her simple, chic and elegant hair style but I love the idea of having a skinny band around the top of your head and on your hair. It is so chic, elegant and simple. I must say I do get lots of compliments wearing this hairdo. 

 Here is the link in case you are curious about what I am talking about. After watching that video I immediately went to Target and bought myself a view of those elastic black head bands. And I am wearing that hairdo ever since. Thank you Wendy for the inspiration !

This head band in my opinion is very chic to wear with a simple "not try too hard hairdo" with a pair of jeans and a simple top. I love the mixing of wearing a hint of glamour {like this skinny sparkly head band} with a very casual outfit. It is fun, playful, super chic and ultra cool for spring/summer outfit.

I was immediately thinking about M & J Trimming store in New York. This is a store filled with beautiful trimmings. So I got mine (below) that I created into this elastic head bands.

Also seen here in my last post.


D.I.Y Head band by Ellya



The inspirations


Another inspiration !
The step by step and what you will need.

~ Elastic band availabe at JoAnn Fabrics
~ Liquid super glue available at Michaels
~ Black ribbon available at Michaels
~ Scissor
~ Clear rhinestone chain available at Michaels
~ Golden mesh ribbon available at Toho Shoji

1.Cut the sice of golden mesh ribbon to your head size {mine is 17"} 2. Cut the same length of rhinestone chain {17"} and using super glue, glue the chain on top of the golden mesh ribbon. 3. Cut the size of the elastic band {mine is approx. 5"} 4. Using super glue, join and glue together the mesh ribbon rhinestone and the eleastic band giving a 1/4" for joining. 5. When glue dried; cut two 1-1/2" black ribbons and wrap around the 2 joinings and close it by gluing the end of the ribbon.


The finish product

And another D.I.Y. head bands by Ellya
Trimmings available at M&J trimmings.

Hope you will like my head bands and thank you for reading !!

Ellya

Easter Dinner Outfit

I finally had the courage to post a set of an outfit here in my blog. Today I am wearing a horizontal stripe midnight blue and white pairing with an old jacket. The jacket is perfect to wear during a spring breezy evening like today. Although I was planning to shoot myself using a tripod but "Steven" my husband was kind enough to help and did the shoots. After we went to pick up Steven's mother and went for an Easter dinner celebration in a restaurant.




I love this dress very much because it is hugged around the body; but not too tight. It is gathered on both sides around the hips and a row of silver buttons decorated on one side of the dress. The three quarter length of sleeves made this dress perfect to wear to go for a fun night out or dinner and yet it is simple elegant dress.



This evening I am wearing;

~"GUESS" khaki jacket (old) ~
~ Random Dress {bought recently at Daffy} ~
~ Vintage Ann Klein cross body purse ~
~ "Guess" nude peep toe sling back pumps {old} ~
~ Vintage golden bracelet {old} ~
~ J Crew leather bracelet {old} ~
~ Vintage clear rhinestone and pearl goldtone plate chain necklace{re-designed by Ellya availabe at MelatiRose} ~
~ Armani Exchange sun-glasses ~
~ Skinny Sparkly Head Band DIY by Ellya {here}

I hope you had a nice Easter celebration, and
Happy Easter to you all !

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

A thank you note from Julie for my macarons.

In the middle of experimenting of making the macarons; Steven my husband asked me if I would give some of my macarons to his client; named "Julie." Of course  I would love to give her some I said to Steven. 

The reason how I became a huge fan of macaron is because of Julie. The story was, almost 2 years ago when we went to Paris; Julie had told Steven that we should stop at Laduree and that she would love if we could bring her a view of these little luxury sweets. Steven of course would love to bring her some but when we arrived in Paris, Steven had forgotten the name of the store 'Laduree' so we completely clueless as to where to get the macarons. I can only suggest to Steven to get some at Fauchon which is a very high end fine groceries, sweet and savory food and delicatessen products in Paris. But it will not a good idea to get her at the time since we must go to a view places before we get back to New York. So we skip Laduree in Paris altogether but only bought a box of macarons for Steven's other client that we are going to stay with  in Crans Montagna Switzerland at Fauchon. They loved it. Then our journey continued to Milan. When we walked around the Duomo where all the fancy boutiques and restaurants are; we found Laduree. We were so excited and went in. I was mesmerized by the soft pastel color of decor, elegance and filled with colorful macarons. We each got one and walked out and ate it in front of the store. Then Steven said he wanted to buy some for Julie, so went in for the second time and buy another  small box of macarons. Came out of the store; then he said oh maybe another small box for my Mom. Went back in again for the third time and came out with another small box of macarons. By this time I was waiting for him outside smiling. When he came out  minutes later, he said he wanted to buy for his Dad and his wife; so he went in again for the fourth time. When he came out I said "that's it you are not going back in again." So we laughed and happy with the little boxes of macarons to bring back home. But when we got home; Julie was travelling out of New York and will not be back for quite some times. Macarons does not stay fresh for a long time. So we ate all of the macarons. That is how we know about Laduree. Ohh...I forget to mention that in Charles de Gaulle airport there is a small stall selling Laduree macarons. That is how I fell in love with macarons.

This is how the macarons looks like when Steven  had a meeting with her and brought the macarons over for her. There are 4 flavoured macarons; chocolate, lemon, orange and lavender.


A week later Steven copied me her thank you note email to Steven.

~~~~~

Hi Steve, Thank you for the wonderful macaroons!!! Tell Ellya I loved them and that Laduree should just shut down now......and go back to Paris!

They are gone...I only shared two of them - one with my brother and one with my friend Marie ( you remember her, I am sure - My guitar playing music teacher friend) . I savored the rest with tea and a smile.mmmmmm

thank you !

Julie

~~~~

 I was so happy when reading her email Steven copied me.  I know that she would like them. Because I know those macarons tastes just delicious !


Thank you for reading !

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Coco Chanel


 All of above images styled, photographed and are property of Ellya



Coco Chanel


This post dedicated to the very time I own a Chanel purse in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1995. I remember so freshly that I bought 2 more at that time ; but could not remember what I did with the two purses because now I only have and keep one and in my wardrobe closet. At the time Chanel purses was not as pricey as it is now. Oh....I am so sad just to think about it.
These two perfumes were given to me as presents by my two dear friends.

Timeless elegance for every women !

Hope you had a wonderful week end !

~~~~

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Low Cal Dinner - Miso Maple Glazed Salmon & Macaroni Cheese

Steven, my husband and I are trying to watch our calorie intake lately. It is not easy to maintain your weight when you reached a certain age. Steven and I are in that age category where we must watch what we eat. Since Steven loves going out trying different restaurant every week end where we could not control the calorie and fat; I must try to come up with a low calorie dinner that I cook for us at home during the week. I found this magazine and I thought the recipe inside the magazine are very easy to follow and looks yummy. So I started a view recipes already; and to my surprise they are all delicious. Even Steven loves the taste of the food. Steven is a picky eater, and he won't eat cous cous, quinoa, scallop, only one or two vegetables, and that's all, but I told him that those are the main ingredients of the healthy food; he said he will try to eat them. So I am looking forward to cook cous cous, quinoa, etc. etc.

Here are the pictures !

The Magazine !

Miso and Maple-Glazed Salmon

Range-Top Chicken, Macaroni, and Cheese

Recipee

Miso and Maple-Glazed Salmon

4   5-ounce fresh or frozen salmon fillets {I used fresh organic salmon}
1/4 teaspoon freshly gound black pepper
2 tablespoon white miso paste
2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar {I like the "seasoning" one}
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds {I did not put this on mine}
1 recipe Sauteed Baby Bokchoy

1. Preheat broiler. Line a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan with foil. Thaw salmon, if frozen. Rinse salmon; pat dry with paper towels. Arrange salmon, skin down, in prepared pan. Season with pepper. Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, for glaze, in a small bowl whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, and vinegar. 2. Brush some of the glaze over each piece of salmon. Broil 4 to 5 minutes more or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. 3. To serve, use a spatula to lift salmon from skin. Transfer salmon to plates; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with Sauteed Baby BokChoy. Makes 4 servings (1 salmon and 1 cup Sauteed Baby BokChoy)
Sauteed Baby BokChoy recipe. Cut the top of Baby BokChoy. 
2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 table spoon light soya sauce
2 table spoon low sodium chicken stock
2 table spoon water

1. Heat 2 table spoon of vegetable oil 2. Sautee garlic for 1 minute and put Baby BokChoy. 3. Immediately put light soya sauce, chicken stock and water. Cook for a minute or two. 4. Put a pinch of sugar and pinch of salt. 5. Cook the Baby BokChoy until slightly wilted.
Per serving ; 425 cal, 22 g total fat (5 g sat. fat), 78 mg chol., 578 mg sodium, 24 g carb., 3 g fiber, 32 g pro.

~~~~~

Range-Top Chicken, Macaroni, and Cheese

Start to finish : 35 minutes

1-1/2 cups dried multigrain or regular elbow macaroni (6 ounces)
Nonstick cooking spray
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 6.5 ounce package light semisoft cheese with garlic and herb
1-2/3 cups fat-free milk
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
(3 ounces) {I substituted this cheese with low fat swiss cheese}
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered.

1. In a medium saucepan cook macaroni according to package directions, except do not add any salt to the water; drain. 2. Meanwhile, coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion to hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and onion is tender, stirring frequently. (If onion browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium.) Remove skillet from heat. Add semisoft cheese; stir untio melted. 3. In a medium bowl whisk together milk and flour. Add all at once to chicken mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.  Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar or swiss cheese, stirring until melted. Add cooked macaroni; cook and stir for 1 or 2 minutes or until heated through. Stir in spinach, To with cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately. Makes 5(1-1/3-cup) servings.
Per serving: 369 cal., 12 g total fat (7 g sat. fat), 85 mg chal., 393 mg sodium, 33 g carb., 4 g fiber, 33 g pro.

~~~~~

Oh I need to mention that I took the 'Magazine' and 'Miso Maple-Glazed Salmon' s pictures at night but with soft box and 2 of 100 watt daylight bulbs spotlights illuminate the box; that is why they look better than the Macaroni picture. I took the Macaroni picture a long time ago and I did not have soft box and day light bulb spot lights at the time; that is why they look yellowish in color simply because of the regular soft light we have at home. I just took both dishes before we had dinner. So I recommend these two easy yummy dishes for you to try and I promise you will not be disappointed !

Good luck !!

XOXO,
Ellya

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Lemon and Orange Macaron

The making of macarons continues. This time it's 'lemon and orange' flavoring.

For the recipe; please look at my previous page of basic macaron here. I just add lemon food flavoring and yellow food color about 3 drops. You might want to put more food color because I think they need more yellow and orange color. I put a view drops of lemon food flavoring and orange blossom food flavoring.

I might say though that I did not very happy with the butter cream filling because it is too sweet and after filling in the macaron the butter cream is melting and dripping on the side of the macarons. So what I did was I added a cream cheese of the amount to your liking. Just mix them well and refrigerate for about an hour before you put in the filling in the macarons. The cream cheese helps the butter cream filling stays nicely inside the macarons and I think it is taste better as well.

Here is the recipe for the Cream Cheese Butter Cream Filling

- 2 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3-1/2 tbsp milk
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter in room temperature
- a few drops of vanilla essence
- 6 oz. low fat cream cheese

Method:
1. Beat the eggs and sugar using hand mixer until well mixed and pale in color.
2. Transfer to a pan in a low heat then add milk
3. Keep stirring until thicken like custard; then put vanilla essence
4. Remove from heat and keep stirring until custard become thick and cold in temperature
5. Meanwhile beat the butter until it looks like mayonaise then put butter in custard; keep stirring until mixed well.
6. Then put the cream cheese and mix well.





Thank you for reading !!

Ellya