To print or not to print

modern rugs design by Garnet Hill

There are so many pretty prints to decorate a home, but my heart belongs to the mutes. 

When I say mutes I mean the subdued hues. Hahaha. Sorry for raping proper terminology.

This one can be a bathroom rug... Even a kitchen rug.

traditional rugs design by Home Decorators Collection

I love how the zigzag contrasts so well but blends amazingly with the distressed wooden floor... ORGASMIC! :) But I don't think white distressed wood floors are ideal for Philippine climate.

contemporary rugs design by Urban Outfitters

Another cute bathroom rug idea. If this were not a rug I would even hang it on the wall like a tapestry. Then put cute candles adjacent to it.

modern rugs design by Macy's

I actually bought something like this, and put it in our condo's kitchen. 

modern rugs design by Rugs Direct

Only because I AM NOT A FAN OF KITCHEN RUGS WITH ROOSTERS AND CHICKENS THAT LOOK LIKE THIS:

CLUCK CLUCK CLUCK!!! GROSS!

Lantern ideas for our house

So we're in the process of putting together the look of our house, and I thought I'd share with you guys a little detail Darwin and I are obsessing over. 

Lanterns.

We will have them, as porch lights and for our backyard deck.

Went online to search for ideas and where to buy, and this is what we've come up with:

Outdoor Candle Lanterns placed on the floor can make an area feel a little more homey

traditional outdoor lighting design by Pottery Barn

These are gorgeous when put on top of tables in the backyard.

outdoor lighting design by Pottery Barn

Get two of this and hang on either side of the front porch

traditional outdoor lighting design by Circa Lighting

And since we're on the topic of outdoor lighting, it'll be so cute to put these party globes in our backyard deck/entertainment area :D

traditional outdoor lighting design by Restoration Hardware

Our Provençal Getaway

As a part of our 3-week honeymoon, Darwin and I drove to Aix-en-Provence. 

This was a third leg of six cities visited. Darwin and I also visited Nerja for a good friend's wedding, Malaga, Toulouse, Lourdes, Nice and finally, Paris. 

We were hoping for lavender fields and a trip to Arles and St Remy (where Van Gogh painted most of his famous works such as:

The Bedroom 

Yellow House

Garden of Irises

Unfortunately, Fall was not the best time to see lavender fields. But we were happy to get lost and explore the little town of Aix, anyway.

On the weekends, the city centre hosts several Provençal Markets. We decided on Les Grandes Marches.

We scored the place for cheese, sausages, spices and little knick-knacks. 

 

It was also tempting to buy "antique" dining ware, but at this point luggage space was an issue as we still had a long way to go (and a lot more shopping to do!)

 And if you ever visit Aix, I beg you to try this place out. It was recommended by Sophie, our B&B host. On our first night I managed to get us lost and we ended up eating in some Japanese restaurant at the centre, but when my navigator husband took over taking directions, we (or should i say HE) found it!

Chez Thome is in a very quiet place on top of the hills. It is run by a pretty lady in her 40s, and you can tell by how the place is decorated.

Distressed wood, plants and a feminine accent. I live for these things.

Darwin's starter... Foie Gras. DEATH. DEATH!!!

And his main dish, the most amazing Tartare EVER. EVER!!!!!




I won't bother posting my food. His deserves the spotlight.

We booked ourselves at a pretty Bed & Breakfast on top of the hill, just 10 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence's city centre. It's called La Bruissanne and it is run by a wonderful woman name Sophie LeGrand.

We took the Marius, their "honeymoon" suite. It was beautiful... such a quiet place and she decorated the room with so much heart. Down to the last corner.

Our bed was fresh and clean and comfortable.

 This is a photo of how our room looks from the outside. It has its own patio. This is where we spent idle time just meditating and kicking our feet up.

The breakfast nook. Sophie served us fresh bread, jam, butter, coffee, tea, juice and yogurt every day. 

The breakfast nook looks over the pool and garden  

This is breakfast and I'm dying to go back

Then there was a little outdoor pantry for late-night tea/coffee/snacks.