Showing posts with label Hermes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hermes. Show all posts
Posted by
linda
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Forewarning...as these posts tend to be, this is another long one. Somehow they grow from being average sized posts to mega marathons....... My advice? Dont' read standing up, take an extra five minutes and relax, grab a cup of coffee and hope you enjoy!
HERMES SCARVES' ARTIST IS TEXAS POSTAL WORKER
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Turns out the one behind the famous French fashion label's limited edition scarves is not a trained Parisian artist, but a postal worker from Waco, Texas, named Kermit Oliver.
Oliver sifts mail during the day, and paints at night. According to the Texas Monthly, who recently did a revealing profile on the artist, noted that Oliver was discovered in the 1980s by then Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. He has since kept his job at the Post Office, preferring a simple and quieter life to one of fame and notoriety. His artwork, most well-known for its intricacy of design and depictions of flora, fauna, and exotic animals, is produced in limited edition. Over the past 30 years, he has designed 16 exquisite scarves for Hermes, each of which take anywhere from six to nine months to create. His exceptional designs are so sought after, that his scarves usually sell out immediately in stores, and if they do end up on eBay, sell for at least $800, according to the Texas Monthly. Hermes scarves usually sell for anywhere between $200-$500.
Oliver sifts mail during the day, and paints at night. According to the Texas Monthly, who recently did a revealing profile on the artist, noted that Oliver was discovered in the 1980s by then Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. He has since kept his job at the Post Office, preferring a simple and quieter life to one of fame and notoriety. His artwork, most well-known for its intricacy of design and depictions of flora, fauna, and exotic animals, is produced in limited edition. Over the past 30 years, he has designed 16 exquisite scarves for Hermes, each of which take anywhere from six to nine months to create. His exceptional designs are so sought after, that his scarves usually sell out immediately in stores, and if they do end up on eBay, sell for at least $800, according to the Texas Monthly. Hermes scarves usually sell for anywhere between $200-$500.
In progress.......
A before.......
BEEF BOURGUIGNON
- About 3-4 tablespoons light virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces bacon, chopped (1/2 a package)
- 2 teaspoons garlic cloves, large chopped pieces (not too fine)
- 1/2 cup Cognac
- 1 bottle of good full bodied red wine (ideally like Beaujolais, Cabernet or Burgundy)
- 2 cups beef broth (I used Emerils box of beef stock which is a 32 oz box)
- 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2-2 1/2 pounds beef cut into 1-inch cubes
- Sea salt to taste
- Fresh pepper
- 1 pound carrots, cut to 1 inch (don't use baby carrots, they are too soft)
- 2 med.onions- thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon dried) I used a bit more than the recipe called for
- 4 tablespoons butter at room temperature, melted
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms (cut off stems and discard)
If you have a nice heavy dutch oven, that is preferable otherwise a good stock pot is fine. I used my Le Cruset "weighs a ton" pot but it was perfect for this dish plus its French! Heat the olive oil and add the bacon, cook on medium until fairly crispy. Remove and drain bacon. Add cubed beef (after they have been rinsed, patted dry and sprinkled with sea salt and pepper) one layer at a time and sear the meat, this will take about 4-5 minutes, make sure its seared on all sides. Set aside with the bacon.
Next, you will add carrots, onions, and either potatoes or turnips if you are using them along with salt and pepper to the fat in the pot and cook for about 15 minutes or until soft and onions are lightly browned. Then add garlic and cook for another minute or two. Next add Cognac...you then should take a match and light it right in the pot...STAND BACK while you do this and stare in awe at your budding creation! (This process burns off the alcohol)
Next add the meat and bacon into the pot with the juices already in. Add the bottle of wine and beef broth, this mixture should pretty much cover the meat. Next add tomato paste and thyme. Simmer and then cover...at this point you can either cook it on the stove or transfer to a preheated oven (300 degrees) I cooked mine on the stove.
This stands about 20" tall and about 8" wide
Gorgeous hand cut
The etching is all hand one....beautiful!
Very heavy and amazing quality.
And the darling napkin rings including a few newer ones.....
Also had been on the prowl for some chunky ginger jars that had a lot of white but had that antiqued look that is so desired well at last I found them...let me present the three newest family members to my growing blue and white family! How gorgeous are they? They are now up for sale in my online shop, click here to visit my blue and white porcelain shop.
And you might remember when I first opened my store, I had this STUNNING very Herend like tureen, I sold out right away but am happy to say I just scored two more tureeens and some of the beautiful decorative plates and a few pair of lamps. LOVE this pattern, so rich and elegant!
As always feel free to email me with any questions regarding any of my products/online store or for anything you might be looking for but cannot find. Click here to email me.
And the front door post...here's the top three! Several were neck in neck, but no losers here!
The first two tied for first place.....
This one was a close second...
And this one a close third..it was fierce!
So did your favorite make it?
Still with me? Then read on about this amazing giveaway I am offering.......Want to win a $500 gift card from Homegoods? Its simple to enter....all you need to do is visit their newly launched Stylescope by clicking here. Come back and tell me what style you are. That's it....you are automatically entered! I will announce a lucky winner on Monday, Oct. 15th.
If you want a second chance, visit my online store, click here and come back to tell me an item that might find its way on your holiday list or you can let me know on Facebook.
Remember all anonymous users, if you don't put your first name and last name initial you are not in the running!! Ditto for those who use only a first name, I must have your last name initial to include you. Best of luck...some lucky winner is going to have one fabulous shopping spree. Thanks Homegoods! And thank you for stopping in...wishing everyone an enchanted day!
Posted by
linda
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Wow its 2012, well being a lover of even numbers, I am confident this is going to be one great year! I am happy to open the door to a new year, full of new possibilities, new connections and opportunities.....bring it on!
I just realized late last night, today is MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR BLOGGING!! I can't believe it!! I didnt' have enough time to prepare a full celebratory post but will talk more about it tomorrow and announce a few giveaways to celebrate!! This is some milestone, and I am over the moon that I made it this far!! And I owe it all to my fellow bloggers and readers, so THANK YOU!!
As part of the fun group, "By Invitation only" that I am lucky to be a part of, we decided to, after the success of the Christmas party, all meet up in Paris for a "New Years lunch" to usher in the new year and celebrate the gift of friendship. This was a lot of fun, and when dreaming why not dream big......so we are heading over to the fabulous and famous Parisian restaurant, Pre Catalan for a fabulous "last all afternoon" Champagne luncheon! It is here where we will spend hours and hours talking, chatting, gossiping, reveling over our holiday highlights and of course talking about what lies ahead in the new year and going forward.
When I think of going forward, I think of ways I can become a better person, a more giving person who gives to the best of my ability. Someone who will be the mother, wife and friend that I can be proud to be. I truly believe no matter your age, you are always evolving and if you open your mind and heart to constantly learning and improving then you are destined to continue to become a better, stronger, kinder, more intelligent and wiser woman! So in going forward I focus on positive changes, and being conscious of ways to constantly improve myself! And not just talking about them but putting them into action! Cheers girls!
In addition to having lots to talk about, It was decided that we would feature what we are going to wear to this chic soiree and as I am grateful to have these women as my friends, I also am bringing a small gift as a token of our friendship to each one, a celebration of a new year. So below is what I plan on wearing..I wanted it to feel chic, elegant, timeless and above all else very classic!
So here is the setting of this fabulous get together, the beautiful and sophisticated Pre Catalan..
I just realized late last night, today is MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR BLOGGING!! I can't believe it!! I didnt' have enough time to prepare a full celebratory post but will talk more about it tomorrow and announce a few giveaways to celebrate!! This is some milestone, and I am over the moon that I made it this far!! And I owe it all to my fellow bloggers and readers, so THANK YOU!!
As part of the fun group, "By Invitation only" that I am lucky to be a part of, we decided to, after the success of the Christmas party, all meet up in Paris for a "New Years lunch" to usher in the new year and celebrate the gift of friendship. This was a lot of fun, and when dreaming why not dream big......so we are heading over to the fabulous and famous Parisian restaurant, Pre Catalan for a fabulous "last all afternoon" Champagne luncheon! It is here where we will spend hours and hours talking, chatting, gossiping, reveling over our holiday highlights and of course talking about what lies ahead in the new year and going forward.
In addition to having lots to talk about, It was decided that we would feature what we are going to wear to this chic soiree and as I am grateful to have these women as my friends, I also am bringing a small gift as a token of our friendship to each one, a celebration of a new year. So below is what I plan on wearing..I wanted it to feel chic, elegant, timeless and above all else very classic!
So here is the setting of this fabulous get together, the beautiful and sophisticated Pre Catalan..
Think this will pass muster? Yes!
Beautiful and elegant dining room, hope they are giving us a big corner table.....there will be lots of laughter and it could get loud and boisterous!
Certainly whets my appetite!
And then what I plan on wearing....wanted it to be sophisticated, comfortable, elegant and classic......
This chic little mink stroller will be perfect to brave the cold Parisian streets
A close up of my pretty feminine ivory silk blouse by Dolce and Gabanna
And these classic wool Ralph Lauren slacks in winter white
A classic pair of snakeskin shoes by Jimmy Choo
Here was my basic inspiration....love this classic look, works in any country!
Gotta have my chic super buttery brown driving gloves
And of course have to sport this classic French timepiece, the Cartier roadster watch!
This stunner of a necklace courtesy of Chanel
These pretty little sparklers!
Of course have to have some Hermes here....so why not go all the way! A gorgeous birkin and a fabulous enameled cuff.....
Might as well throw in this chic little beret... I will channel my inner Catherine Deneuve!
And a little keepsake for my special friends to commemorate our special day together.....hummm, wonder what it could be! No peeking!
And a little something for my special group of friends!! 2012 only comes along once after all! You know it has to be from Frances best!
To commemorate my 1 year anniversary,I am going to be offering you readers a few fun giveaways. I am going to announce them in tomorrows post, so please stay tuned! Thank you for joining us in the one and only Paris.....what a delightful afternoon!
I hope you got a chance to see my "Reflections on 2011" post yesterday. It really speaks to my whole Going forward as much as it does what I have learned this past year. Click here to visit!
Wishing everyone a truly stupendous 2012! Au Revoir!
