Dragons in Our Lives

Unintentionally I’ve been collecting dragons since we moved here 7 years ago.  I truly realized this a few days ago when my oldest daughter started talking about going to the dragon dance.  2012 is the year of the Dragon and today is the 1st day of the Chinese New Year.  Today we did see a dragon dance and it was a lot of fun.  Take a peek of some of our dragons!

late 19th century, Chinese Dragon Robe

late 19th century, Chinese Dragon Robe

I quick shot from today.  What a treat, the kids loved it.

I quick shot from today.  What a treat, the kids loved it.

Dragon Etched on Playful Brass Shoe Ashtrays from the 1950’s.  I like to use these for small flower arrangements.

Dragon Etched on Playful Brass Shoe Ashtrays from the 1950’s.  I like to use these for small flower arrangements.

late 19th century, Hot Pink and Silver Dragon Robelate 19th century, Hot Pink and Silver Dragon Robe

late 19th century, Hot Pink and Silver Dragon Robelate 19th century, Hot Pink and Silver Dragon Robe

Dragon Painted Ceiling Beams in the Forbidden City, Beijing

Dragon Painted Ceiling Beams in the Forbidden City, Beijing

Sculpted Metal Dragon Detail in the Forbidden City, Beijing

Sculpted Metal Dragon Detail in the Forbidden City, Beijing

Soda Water at an amazing thatched roof restaurant in Phuket, Thailand.  Is this a dragon or a dog?  I love this picture, and I want to go back there!

Soda Water at an amazing thatched roof restaurant in Phuket, Thailand.  Is this a dragon or a dog?  I love this picture, and I want to go back there!

Chinese Blue and White Chinese Saucer with Dragon

Chinese Blue and White Chinese Saucer with Dragon

Dragon Art with Streamer

Dragon Art with Streamer

Top 5 Ikea Essentials

A few weeks back I went to Ikea to grabs a few things. As I was checking out I realized that everything in my jumbo size cart was white. The more I think about it everything I buy at Ikea is white or very plain. I think Ikea is a great source for basics. So here is my list of things to buy at Ikea:

1.

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Down and Feather Pillows-FJÄDRAR, EKTORP and GOSA TULPAN Inner cushions

I have to resist from buying the store out of these. They come in few different sizes-20″ x 20″, 16″ x 24″, 26″ x 26″, boudoir/neckrolls as well as standard pillow size. The Gosa Tulpan Pillow is great as well; these are great for on window seats but especially for European Shams on the bed. I picked up a pair of these for a client’s monogrammed shams. Check out this bedroom below by James Michael Howard and go to his website for more beautiful interiors. http://www.jamesmichaelhoward.com

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2.

Large White Paper Napkins-FANTASTISK Paper napkinsI also like the solid color napkins for parties and the holidays. These are also available in a smaller cocktail size.

Large White Paper Napkins-FANTASTISK Paper napkins

I also like the solid color napkins for parties and the holidays. These are also available in a smaller cocktail size.

3.

Replacement paper roll for my daughter’s easel-MÅLA, Drawing paper roll

Replacement paper roll for my daughter’s easel-MÅLA, Drawing paper roll

4.

Fjalla White Magazine Files and Boxes I use these for all my magazines, reference material, client folders, important documents, children coloring books, misc

Fjalla White Magazine Files and Boxes

 I use these for all my magazines, reference material, client folders, important documents, children coloring books, misc

5.

Wooden Hangers-BUMERANG, Curved clothes hanger, naturalOk, these aren’t white but they’re another item that keeps me going back to Ikea for more!

Wooden Hangers-BUMERANG, Curved clothes hanger, natural

Ok, these aren’t white but they’re another item that keeps me going back to Ikea for more!