Recipe for the weekend - DIY Cake Pops

Hiya guys! It is Friday - Hourray!! But wait I want to talk about cooking today - not a typical topic of mine. and there is a good reason for it, not because I am not a good cook - but just because I never really have the time to make elaborate dishes during the week. But, during the weekend, well let me tell you, I am all for trying something new. And I have been dying to know and try to do these little cakes since the last wedding we went to. At the time, I had to stop myself from eating them all! Really, they are that good.

The bride is now back and I got the recipe - available at Rhubarb and Rose (I also LOVE the blog). And now that I have seen the recipe I just cannot wait to make some over the weekend. I probably tweet about them ( follow me @NoasLibellule) over the weekend.

Aren't they the cutest thing ever? OK, there is a certain amount of pinkiness (not really me) and wedding theme going on here, but I am sure I can adapt the theme to 'date night' for instance (with my travelling, we have not managed a date night this week).

So guys, what will you cook this weekend? Anything special? It is a bit hard with the weather, I thought we were entering the soup season, and it looks like salads are back on the menu! Hope you have a good weekend whether you are, and whatever you are doing!

My (current) favourite French song

23.09.2011 Autumn Equinox ( and a sort of Link Party)

Doing some research about the Autumn Equinox I have just realised that the Autumn Equinox Day is in fact a public holiday in Japan. It used to be a day of worship for past emperors and imperial family members. I do like the idea of having a day off to mark a new season - and reflect on the past. So, of course, I was at work today... but I did reflect on the summer (euh, what summer?) and getting slowly ready for the winter. (By the way, is it me or on pinterest it is already starting to be Christmas?) And to celebrate the new season, I want to share with you THE picture that epitomises Autumn for me.



Melly featured it first on her blog, and I knew that this was my picture to celebrate the Autumn Equinox. I love the boots, the tights, the colours, and also the wind and rain. OK, in real life, I hate the wind and the rain, my hair is going all frizzy, I usually look a mess when I get to work - and you know this is going to be the day of a big meeting. But in the comfort of my home, in front of my computer, with a cup of tea, I love this picture.

So where can you find this beautiful picture you ask? This illustration print will come from Sweden from graphic designer Maja and you have to go and see her shop, there are some amazing prints available (and the price tag is very very nice indeed).

I was supposed to host a Link Party - did I really say that? - but clearly it is not happening ... I promise there will be one in Winter. So what I propose is that YOU GUYS:

1. Write your own 23.03.2011 Autumn Equinox post showing what epitomises Autumn FOR YOU (it can be anything you want - something you made, a picture, an object, an outfit or a collage of your best Etsy finds, why not?).

2. Add a link to your post when you leave a comment on this post, so that I and everyone else taking part can be inspired in celebration of the Autumn Equinox!

3. Follow me so that I can go back to your blog time and time again!

4. And as I am leaving for Zurich on Sunday (coming back Tuesday) I leave you the whole weekend and a couple of days to take part!

Whoohooo, I cannot wait to see your Autumn inspirations!! This is going to be really exciting when I come back home... No pressure guys, but I am relying on you whilst I am away!

{Pay and Display} Artistiquement Design

I came across Debby Smyth displays on different occasions - without really knowing how they were made. She is an Irish textile artist based in the UK who made her name through thread drawings. And I am officially obssessed with her work!

Her work beautifully blurs the boundaries between fine art drawings and textile art, flat and 3D work, illustration and embroidery, literally lifting the drawn line off the page in a series of “pin and thread” drawings.

Debbie has worked with companies both nationally and internationally and I particularly love the cover she did for the New York Times for their Fall 2010 issue.

And for Manufactura for their July 2011 issue

And as we know I am quite a sucker for magazines covers I can display (so I may have to get my hands on one of them0 ... So what do you think guys, amazing or what?

FO and UFOs

Hiya guys!! Happy Wednesday. I am back in England! I am debating whether I should be unpacking my bag or leaving it as it is for my next trip (Sunday) to Zurich - save for the dirty washing, obviously... More hotel weirdness to come? I wonder... Anyway I am not here to talk about business travelling, but to talk about my projects - ok, my progress on my projects. FO: Finished Object (note the use of the singular); UFOs: Unfinished Object (yes, you've got it plural).

Started a year ago, making progress very sllllooowly (hence for winter)

I was doing really well, until I ran out of white fabric yarn. I need to create some more.

By the way, it is much harder than it looks.

Started in the spring, half way through, and going.
The result will be amazing, when I get there.

I finished the necklace I talked about here...
Love it, so easy to wear (note, I had to use some jewellery glue)

So what are you up to guys? What are you current projects? Are you inspired to take up a new craft for the winter...

Whilst in Brussels {reflections on skirting boards}

I discovered a new take on skirting boards. I am no expert on skirting boards, but for having changed or repainted ours, I have some 'experience' of them - and made some assumptions about them (mainly that they are wooden in general). But to my surprise, in the room I am staying in, skirting boards are made of carpet.

yes, carpet...

I have been puzzled about this - so yay or nay for carpet skirting boards, guys? As you can see the whole room is carpeted already (to note: I am all for wooden floor, and no carpet) ... so it could make sense, but really? I forgot to mention, this particular hotel has just been fully refurbished. I personally think that it is a bit of outdated, but what do you think guys?

Back in London tomorrow, blogging will resume as per usual (hopefully).

Song obsession (shame about the outfit)

I really like this song but I cannot stop looking at her outfit (where is the bottom part?).

Hope you are having a great weekend guys. Off to Brussels tomorrow (more business trips) but I hope to catch up with some blogging at the end of the week...

Today, you will find me in...

{Granny Squares - Buy it or Make it?} Noas' Libellule obsession

Hello peeps! Happy Friday! Is everyone looking forward ot the weekend? Anything exciting planned? We are off to our last wedding of the year. And then, that is it, nothing planned, weekends are free... and I will be catching up with some craft. Yipee! And definitely some granny squares. It was really fun to put this post together - and I am super inspired... Will you be?

1. Scarf, House of Holland, ASOS; 2. Kid scarf, Super Soil; 3. Pincushion from Namolio, Etsy; 4. Christopher Kane Crocheted Pencil Skirt, Net-a-Porter; 5. Christopher Kane Suzie Crochet Effect Leather, Net-a-Porter; 6. Blanket from the Knitbox, Etsy; 7. House of Holland Tights, Asos; 8. Cushion cover from the Bayleaf Studio, Etsy.

What I love with granny squares is a) it is quite easy to make, 2) you can make them as big or as small as you wish, and 3) it is all about colour coordination. And suddenly you have your own vintage, or modern homemade home - or a new scarf (I love the House of Holland one)!!

So you are asking how? how can you make those beautiful things? I was hoping to make the tutorial... but did not get a chance in the end (a combination of work really kicking off and catching up with sleep). However Adaiha makes it look super easy at her tutorial page.

I have just been on Ravelry to see what comes up if you search granny squares: 4,092 results that include aprons, slippers, colourful cushion covers... If you want inspiration, this is the place to go!!

Have a great weekend guys! And have fun wherever you are!

Pay and Display - Hangin'

So we created a brand new entrance in our house. The only problem is that it is not a corridor and it is quite big (you will see below a picture), and we never really 'defined' the space. But now as the autumn and winter are looming, I need more space for my coats and wintery stuff ... I found those alternative hooks, and I got hooked (OMG, that is a terrible punt).

1. I am going to use M's athletics trophies (he doesn't know it yet, but this is a minor detail) - featured on Design*Sponge.



2. I will also re-use the paint brushes we used to re-paint the house.. It may be quite nice as they are not super clean and have some colour on them - featured on Colossal.

3. I am liking this project but I think it is more a bathroom one... via Pinterest

4. I am loving the natural version of hooks - via Pinterest

5. My Grandma gave me a lot of cuttlery (on the basis that you cannot find anything in Britain..), and the forks could come really handy for little notes...via pinterest

Here is the new entrance, a bit bland apart from our wedding picture. Cannot wait to have a couple of weekends at home and revamp it!


Guys, did you see any other hooks project? Don't hesitate to share them in your comments!

PS: Keep those questions coming for my FAQ! You have until tomorrow night!

One year (and a bit) on - in pictures

Hi guys! Happy Wednesday. How are you all doing? Do you remember me telling you about the photoshoot we booked for our first year anniversary (+ 3 months by the time it came round). Yesterday, I received all the photos... SO exciting! Here are my favourites of the couple ones..

I don't usually do what I wear posts - but I will make an exception for this post - although it will be quite poor on the details..

So I am wearing: Jeans: Diesel, Top: Asos Dress changed into a top (by me - email me for more details), Shoes: bought on sale in Leiden (the day before), Jewellery: Noir Jewelry (my obsession of this post), Belt: bought ages ago at Warehouse (I think), and in the first picture leather cropped jacket: Gerard Darel, Pashmina bought in Bangkok airport. Who knows what M is wearing, jeans and a blue shirt??

Just a few words about the location. We did it all in one location - although it does not seem like it. In the North of France you can still find the old coal mines buildings and machines, and we were lucky enough to have access to them for the shoot. This is next to woodlands and a coupd of fields - and next to the Church and the Mairie (town hall) where we got married. All very easy.

Finally the photographer, his name is Benjamin Brolet, he lives in Brussels - and is just brilliant. He covers wedding as well as commercial events. He also travels if your wedding is not in Belgium ... Highly recommended.

What I could have done today in Belgium

Went to Belgium for work- dreaming I was there to spend time with Dries Van Noten and discuss his Fall Winter 2011 collection... I just love that first look (and that clutch!). What is your favourite?




PS: Remember this week you can ask me any question you want...

Noas' Libellule {13% Mondays}

Hello guys! Happy Monday! How does the week come round so quickly? We celebrated in style my grand-parents' diamond anniversary. It was great to catch up with my family. Although it is not without its... challenges ... Let just say a lot of questions focused on having children - Was I intending to have any, when, what was I waiting for - at least they are stopping at giving me tips on how-to.. Phew!

The one picture that stood out is that of my brother with this (one of) beloved guitar. He played a solo for my grand-parents, and every time he plays I am just amazed how good he is (he played at our wedding as well - I got quite emotional then..). So here is, the man (well hands) and his guitar.

Full week this week - I have to work 5 days! What!! ... I definitely need a bit of humour. My Dad is a chemist, and this is perhaps why I find this very funny...

So what have you been up to this weekend? Anything exciting? Have a great week, guys.

PS: I have received a few questions about the blog, my HUNDRED post, my pictures... I will be running a FAQ post in a couple of weeks. So guys, you have until this Friday to ask me ANY question you want and I will try to reply to all ... in the best of my knowledge (by the way, we are intending to have children, just not now).

Noas'Libellule inspired {Colours}

I came across (late) Design Seeds through many websites and pinterest. I have always been interested in colour coordination, and colour palettes - and this site captures it all beautifully (the byline is 'for all who love colour' - me, me, me!).

I am working on an autumnal theme for our house, and here are some of the colour palettes which are getting me very inspired at the moment...

How can you not be inspired? Which one would you choose from my selection or the Design Seeds blog?

PS: I have finally decided to host a Linky party to celebrate the Autumn Equinox on September 23.. Yes, I am giving you some warning (and leaving me time to work out how to host one of those) ... What I want from you is something you made (sewing, cooking, drying flower, knitting, anything you can think of), a picture you took, an object that inspires you, what to wear for the autumn... anything that says autumn to you. And will share it with everyone! I will post more details as we get nearer the time.

Have a fantastic weekend guys! Off to France to celebrate my grand-parents diamond wedding anniversary! S-I-X-T-Y years together... absolutely mind-blowing..

{Spikes and Studs - Buy it or Make it?} Noas' Libellule obsession

No guys, I am not turning into a goth ... but I am really liking the spikes and/or studs trend. I am really into new texture and different ways to upcycle clothes and other objects. Spikes and studs are actually really versatile.

My {Buy It} selction is not your usual spikes and studs. It is not really punk - but clearly inspired by the punk/goth movement - and it goes beyond clothing.

1. I love this bowl made by 42pots available at Etsy; 2. Spiked stretchy ring, F21; 3. Stephen Webster silver stud cuff, Asos; 4. Kenneth Jay Lane Sodalite Necklace, Net-a-Porter; 5. La Mer watch, Asos; 6. Bottega Veneta clutch, Net-a-Porter; 7. Spikes on disc drop earrings, Topshop; 8. Louboutin shoes, Net-a-Porter.

How to make it? C'est classique explains it all, with their great tutorial. To be honest, I think this is the tutorial that can be used for all other projects - it has it all: how to place the studs, how to make the holes etc. All you need is the material, I think that should be easily available from Ebay.

So how can use that tutorial? Here are some ideas...

Revamp your handbag...

Pimp your black boots...

Or my favourite, bling up your jacket..

So what do you reckon, thumbs up or down for this trend? Will you be buying it or making it? have you seen other projects, share them ... I always love to hear from you guys...