Good Vibes

[bèlla]

Little Hobbies That Make Your Life Fun at Home

 

[bèlla]

How to Darn The Victorian Way

 

[bèlla]

DIY Lavender Wreath and Shortbread Recipe

 

[bèlla]

How Traditional Italian Gelato is Made

In the small Italian town of Ruvo di Puglia, siblings Giuliana and Vincenzo Paparella carry on a 180-year-old family tradition making gelato from only three ingredients: milk, sugar, and eggs. It all started in 1840 when Uncle Luigi brought the art of gelato making from the royal courts of Naples to his hometown, Ruvo, and gave it a home. Fast-forward four generations, and the original 1840 recipe, the King's Cream, has been joined by seven other flavors: pistachio, almond, chocolate, quince, nougat, gianduia, and hazelnut.

Behind each and every one of them, the two siblings will transform every ingredient but sugar, from crushing cocoa beans to sourcing vanilla pods from Mexico. We follow Giuliana while she shows us the preparation behind the almond flavor.

 

[sampa]

I like natural fibers best. For most, the fabric isn't an issue. It's the style and cut that isn't flattering. I believe in dressing for your silhouette. You'll always look your best. You can camouflage figure flaws through drape, color, cut, pleats and darts. You can tweak the focal point and direct the eye elsewhere.

Interesting that the fabric isn't as much the issue. I might agree the way that the drape and color can make all the difference.

finally made the shift when I created a capsule. I planned to sew a wardrobe and made white the central theme. My classmates were doing the same

Sounds interesting and exciting watching the Dior film gave me some good information about when you have to create a central theme in all the work that goes into it. It looks exhausting, especially when you're working with others that don't always agree with you.

That's a nice piece. Eyelet is classic. Have you tried outlet malls? End of season deals are usually best.

Yes, I have one 15 minutes from me. When I went into debt in 2013 I decided that I would stick to resale shots as a cheaper option until I paid off my credit cards. Which was last march. It was a long road. I actually have found better quality at one of the resale shops that has more professional wear, then the outlets. The white dress that I have has eyelets at the bottom, but it is knee length. I think I got it some years ago from the Ann Taylor outlet. I think it's more of a princess cut.

Sewing is less expensive in the long run. But getting started is

I'm sure it is. For me I think it would be sort of a time investment. Maybe in the future I will pick that up. My mom has a knack for sewing and I'm always giving stuff to her to put buttons on or repair tares.

 

[bèlla]

Musings

I finally got around to buying a mini refrigerator. It started out with a desire for a skincare fridge for beauty products. Then I realized we had a bigger issue. We don't have enough room for fruits and vegetables. We buy a lot and I switched from plastic to glassware. It takes up more room. I found a solution that accommodated both and would allow me to make natural products. I don't use preservatives.

But I wouldn't buy it. We're not talking about anything expensive. I'm getting a lot for $250. I suspect the Lord had enough. I saw a video yesterday with an immaculate refrigerator (see above). Mine would look the same if I bought the mini. I have the bins and jars. But I need more room.

I realized I was being ridiculous. This is a problem I can solve. The harvest is plentiful this time of year. This is when you make your oils, vinegars, cordials, salts, sugars, and body scrubs. I need to make it easy on myself.

This is one of those bella quirks. I can be a tightwad at times. For no reason in particular. And less so at other times. If it was something for my calling I would have done it without thinking. I wouldn't have wavered.

But sometimes I put myself on the back burner. Truthfully, I've been there all along. I've given Him everything. There was a time I wouldn't ask at all. Nothing beyond my purpose or what He told me to do. I'd spend hours praying for others until I was spent and give myself a sentence. He had to change that. That's where the lectio divina came from.

I've always been this way. I'm not the sort to ask for much. Or at all for that matter. I just go about my business. Oddly enough I don't attract people desiring to take advantage of me. I get the opposite.

Sometimes its weird. I understood their desire to look after me when I was sick. I needed it. But I get the same and I'm better. The caretaker protector. I've asked why that's the case and heard different answers. I suspect the truth is a little deeper. They're drawn to vulnerability. I'm not ashamed to say what I think and feel. Or be scared and weak. Maybe it helps them do the same.

 

[bèlla]

Interesting that the fabric isn't as much the issue. I might agree the way that the drape and color can make all the difference.

Synthetics are popular because they're cheap. But it's better to wear things that are breathable. As for the silhouette, the best approach is a picture. Stand in a three-way mirror. Most dressing rooms have them. You need four poses: front, back, and sides. The mirrors reveal how you look at different angles.

Analyze the images and write down your thoughts. Pinpoint the broadest and narrowest points. Note the best side visually. What do you like most and least? What do you want to highlight and minimize? Create a cheat sheet and store it on your phone. You'll have it whenever you shop.

Do the same thing with color, prints, and shapes. Now you've got a formula. Then spend time at the makeup counter. Tell them you don't know where to start. What should you highlight and minimize? Let them do your makeup and make sure you get a sheet that lists everything they used. It should have a face on it ideally where they replicate the look.

Then get their business card and have them put you in their book. You want to work with one person and develop a relationship. You don't have to buy anything. But you want to make it clear that when you're ready to do so they're the one you're coming to. Only them. You want to do a fall and spring look. So you know the difference.

Sounds interesting and exciting watching the Dior film gave me some good information about when you have to create a central theme in all the work that goes into it. It looks exhausting, especially when you're working with others that don't always agree with you.

Did you see the one with Raf? He dealt with that. Many fashion houses are no longer independent. They're part of a conglomerate. The designer (creative director) is confined to the boundaries established by the owner. In Dior's case, that's Bernard Arnault. He sets the standard.

Some designers have greater license than others. Karl Lagerfeld had carte blanche. He managed everything. He had more creative control than others. Nevertheless, they're the visionaries. They conceive the look and the team brings it to life. The ateliers make the clothes. Not the designers. Alexander McQueen was the one of the few who'd get his hands dirty. But his technical aptitude was extraordinary because he trained on Savile Row and worked there too. Then he went to design school.

You're right it's exhausting. Especially when you're doing shows. The schedule is brutal. Ready-to-wear has its own schedule. Fall/winter, spring/summer, pre-fall and resort. If you do couture you show twice a year. If you have a bridal line, menswear, children, etc. you'll follow their schedule. Plus you're releasing accessories. That's where the money comes from. It funds the rest.

After all of that you have to come back and tweak the designs for the consumer market. Some things are produced for the runway only. It's all about marketing. That's the reason they do the show. There's a lot networking too. You need private clients and muses. The latter are celebrities. They wear your clothes to high profile events and generate publicity.

It's the perfect place for ministry. You meet so many people. You may be the only light they get.

When I went into debt in 2013 I decided that I would stick to resale shots as a cheaper option until I paid off my credit cards. Which was last march. It was a long road.

Congratulations! That's an important feat. I'm very averse to debt. In certain instances its understandable. But for the most part I avoid it.

I'm sure it is. For me I think it would be sort of a time investment. Maybe in the future I will pick that up. My mom has a knack for sewing and I'm always giving stuff to her to put buttons on or repair tares.

How cool. Maybe she can teach you. My mother sewed but I never learned.

 

[bèlla]

Have the Courage to Stand Alone

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

 

[bèlla]

Kibbe Theory & Body Type Quiz

The Kibbe Body Type system is a styling theory that analyzes personality traits in conjunction with physical characteristics. In this video, I will be going over the history of kibbe theory, the key terms, and principles along with examples, and finishing with a quiz so that you may find your own kibbe body type within the 5 families and 13 body types.

 

[bèlla]

Dining Etiquette

In this video, I share with you the most essential table manners rules when it comes to formal dinning. This is your go-to video to watch in preparation for a formal dinner.

*Must watch on YouTube

 

[bèlla]

Weekend Brunch

Corn Soup / Salad Brunch / Nata Obica Egg Tart / Pickled Onions

 

[bèlla]

Paint With Me Studio Ghibli

The process video of my painting of Kiki's house from Kiki's Delivery Service.

 

[JustSomeBloke]

Musings

View attachment 302510

I finally got around to buying a mini refrigerator. It started out with a desire for a skincare fridge for beauty products. Then I realized we had a bigger issue. We don't have enough room for fruits and vegetables. We buy a lot and I switched from plastic to glassware. It takes up more room. I found a solution that accommodated both and would allow me to make natural products. I don't use preservatives.

But I wouldn't buy it. We're not talking about anything expensive. I'm getting a lot for $250. I suspect the Lord had enough. I saw a video yesterday with an immaculate refrigerator (see above). Mine would look the same if I bought the mini. I have the bins and jars. But I need more room.

I realized I was being ridiculous. This is a problem I can solve. The harvest is plentiful this time of year. This is when you make your oils, vinegars, cordials, salts, sugars, and body scrubs. I need to make it easy on myself.

View attachment 302509

This is one of those bella quirks. I can be a tightwad at times. For no reason in particular. And less so at other times. If it was something for my calling I would have done it without thinking. I wouldn't have wavered.

But sometimes I put myself on the back burner. Truthfully, I've been there all along. I've given Him everything. There was a time I wouldn't ask at all. Nothing beyond my purpose or what He told me to do. I'd spend hours praying for others until I was spent and give myself a sentence. He had to change that. That's where the lectio divina came from.

I've always been this way. I'm not the sort to ask for much. Or at all for that matter. I just go about my business. Oddly enough I don't attract people desiring to take advantage of me. I get the opposite.

View attachment 302511

Sometimes its weird. I understood their desire to look after me when I was sick. I needed it. But I get the same and I'm better. The caretaker protector. I've asked why that's the case and heard different answers. I suspect the truth is a little deeper. They're drawn to vulnerability. I'm not ashamed to say what I think and feel. Or be scared and weak. Maybe it helps them do the same.

I'm sneaking round later to put one strawberry in the raspberry container!

 

[bèlla]

I'm sneaking round later to put one strawberry in the raspberry container!

Hey trouble! How was your weekend?

 

[JustSomeBloke]

Hey trouble!

Everyone knows that perfectly ordered and organised stuff is an irresistible invitation for mischief makers.

How was your weekend?

Hot and sweaty. We're in a heatwave here.

 

[bèlla]

Everyone knows that perfectly ordered and organised stuff is an irresistible invitation for mischief makers.

LOL I have a serious penchant for it. More than I let on. Organization, not mischief!

Hot and sweaty. We're in a heatwave here.

Oy, that isn’t fun. Spoil yourself with frozen treats and agua frescas.

 

[bèlla]

Day in the Life of a 1950s Housewife

She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. —Proverbs 31:17

In this weeks video I take you guys along with me as I live like a 1950's Housewife for a day! This was meant to be an average Saturday, so not too much housework was done and more outings and leisure was had instead!

 

[bèlla]

Kitchen & Pantry Organization: Aesthetic + Functional

 

[bèlla]

Bright and Modern Elegant Cottage Home

 

[bèlla]

Meal Prep: 9 Ingredients for Flexible Healthy Recipes

I do meal prep different than most because I prep ingredients over full meals for greater variety and flexibility in my meals throughout the week. Today, I'll show you 9 ingredients that you can meal prep, as well as several healthy recipes for a little inspiration.