LotusHaus

Follow Me on Instagram } #lotushaus

Hey world! I've been gone from blogging and am busy raising two boys (6yrs x 3yrs) and running Bamboo Beats our Wedding DJ business but I'm on Instagram and Pinterest! Follow me there!!!!

The Temple House } Miami, Florida

The Temple House is a luxurious 16,350 square foot building in South Beach. It was originally designed and constructed in 1933 as a single-family residence by world famous Art Deco architect L. Murray Dixon.

In 2003, the property was renovated to maintain the architectural features and make necessary upgrades. It is now available for private events. Now onto the lovely images!

Nouveau Decor } Inspiration from Indonesia

I'm super excited to be a contributing writer for the amazing magazine and website Wedding Nouveau! Check out my first post about adding decor elements from Indonesia to your home environment!

{CREDITS: (Top Left) West Elm catalog Spring 2006, (Top Right) Balam Bali Villa, (Bottom Left) Indonesian batik baskets, (Bottom Middle) Pan Pacific Bali, (Bottom Right) Crate and Barrel catalog, (Bottom Row L to R), Reclaimed Teak Dip Dyed Stool, Batik Pillows found on Etsy, Ceremic Balinese female statue,  Ikat bean bag/pouf, Indonesian parasols}

Kumi Yamashita } Amazing Shadowplay

Simply outstanding shadow work by Kumi Yamashita, a New York based Japanese artist! Via Design Bureau, an amazing trade magazine and blog.

 

Follow me on Pinterest!

Hi there! You can also find me on Pinterest!

Above is a photo from our recent vacation in Sedona, Arizona. There is a place called Buddha Beach where you can witness in awe thousands of stacked rock sculptures near a Vortex site at the Red Rock Crossing in Sedona. It was amazing! I love Sedona!

Jiun Ho Interiors } The Essence of Global Modern Style

Hello LotusHaus readers! So sorry for the hiatus. Life is hectic with running a successful DJ service, chasing around a 2 year old and keeping up with the everchanging world of music, art and design! Anyways, I came across some inspiring images of the work of Jiun Ho Interiors and just had to share. Enjoy!

Revel Spa - San Francisco

 

 

Lotus sighting

Hello LotusHaus readers! Just wanted to share a quick tidbit from my recent birthday in August. This year I turned 36 and on my birthday, the hubby and I took a stroll at the new Seattle Chinese Garden.  I was fortunate enough to spot a single white lotus in one of the ponds... needless to say, I felt so much clarity in that one moment. Since then I continue to feel very blessed for each and every day of beauty and discovery. I wish all of you moments of peace, clarity and infinite possibilities. The world is yours! Oh and thank you so much for reading my blog!

Chinoiserie Style Paintings by Kathe Fraga

I really like these vintage looking, Chinoiserie style paintings by Kathe Fraga. You can check out her artist statment here and purchase art prints here!

Unearth Malee } Asian Inspired Body Care

Thai Spiced Tea. Ginger Lemongrass. Kaffir Lime Rosemary. Lavendar Lotus Blossom. Cilantro Mint. Papaya Ginger. Mangosteen White Tea Bergamot. So many glorious scents, how does one choose? I recently had the honor of trying several of these luxurious Asian inspired organic soaps by Unearth Malee. Made with all Organic Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, let's just say that I didn't want to get out of the bath tub - the scents and suds were divine!

Marie Pechkam is the founder of Unearth Malee and her Thai American background sets the tone for an amazing variety of organic soaps, lotion bars, soy candles, bath teas, and essential oil diffusers. The packaging is also eco-friendly, made with flower seeded paper that you can plant later. "Malee” in Thai refers to a jasmine flower.  It is also a name passed down three generations in Marie’s family. We are very fortunate that Marie has created Unearth Malee! Now we can also experience the savory essence of Thai herbs and spices that she grew up with on a daily basis!

Also, if you are having an Asian inspired wedding or event and being organic and eco-friendly is important to you, why not honor your guests with these wonderful soaps that can be customized as favors! Love it!

Tropical Hair Inspiration!

I love this photo that was featured in today's enewsletter from Future Natural, an organic and natural beauty product shop! Makes me miss my long hair =)

Anahata } Inspirational Jewelry for your style and your soul

Anahata is an inspiring jewelry line with meaningful sentiments and gemstones - it's the perfect inspirational gift - beautiful and uplifting! The modern style, simplicity and serene quality of these pieces are truly wonderful! Oh check out the packaging! I love them all!

Hotel Maya in Long Beach

I took an iphone pic of Hotel Maya while reading Sunset magazine at the doc's office! I just love the window grill and colored panes! See more images here and here and on Facebook.

Thank you for reading LotusHaus!

Hello LotusHaus readers! I want to thank you for stopping by! I really miss blogging and will do my best to post as often as I can! In the meantime, here are a few recent highlights:

• Raffy is now 20 mos and is talking and running at the speed of light!
• Raffy got to ride on a real train... Thomas the Train (Day Out with Thomas event)!
• Our DJ company won top 3 for Best Wedding DJ in Seattle Bride Magazine!
• We DJ'd for the grand opening of the amazing Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation campus this spring.
• My husband opened up for Dave Matthews and he told Isaac that he liked his DJ set!
• Raffy went to his first big kid birthday party and hung out with 5 year olds.
• I'm on a diet and have lost over 10lbs in 12 days.

Things we are looking forward to:

• The Wiggles concert next week.
• My 36th Birthday on August 18th.
• Yo Gabba Gabba concert with Biz Markie in November.
• Raffy's 2nd Birthday on November 22.
• Hopefully a trip to Hawaii in December!

Jose Zalidivar } Architect turned Event Designer

I love any fresh take on event design! Meet Jose Zalidivar of Fiction Events, a Miami-based architect turned event designer. Read more about him and other up and coming event professionals here.

Sorry for the silence!

Here is the reason for my lack of posting... Rafael is 16 mos now! He is walking, running and talking, loves Elmo, Star Wars, Yo Gabba Gabba, loves to dance and is just so snugable! It's been tuff managing our busy DJ business and being a mom, but I love it! I am in the throws of streamlining our business practices and accounting system, so hopefully that will free up more time to blog. In the meantime, check out the many previous posts! Thanks again!

 

Simplify with Spheres

I love these wire spheres from Accent Decor! They are available in many different colors. Check out the video tutorial by the talented Hitomi Gilliam on how to create this stunning modern arrangement!

Calla Lillies by Koldo Esparza

Check out the movement in this Calla Lilly sculptural arrangement by Koldo Esparza for Gunni & Trentino, the most famous interior design store in Madrid.

Donna Karan's new tabletop line

I'm a fan of Donna Karan. I especially like her Urban Zen foundation and retail collection. In the March issue of Architectural Digest, Donna Karan debuts a glamorous, organically shaped tabletop line.  In collaboration with American tableware company Lenox, Karan has created dinnerware, vases, flatware, stemware, and serving pieces made from porcelain, stoneware, glass, wood, and metal. The collection ties together Karan’s two sides – the urbanite and the nomad. Check out more photos here. Photos by Martyn Thompson for Architectureal Digest.

Koldo Esparza - Spanish Floral Designer

Isn't this an incredible architectural arrangement using conch shells! This impressive gravity defying piece is by Koldo Esparza, a floral artist from Spain. Please check out thewebsite and blog for more wonderful floral art!

An Inspiraling Beach Wedding

OH EM GEE! I am head over heels for this spiral ceremony setup on the beach in Cabo by none other than Colin Cowie! More images here.

Tiare Floral Design

Check out Tiare Floral Design from Tacoma, WA! The floral artist,Tomasi Boselawa is a Fijian artist living in the Northwest. His unique perspective on floral design is informed by his Fijian culture. Check out the floral art gallery to see some stunning floral arrangements!

Rex Ray Art at World Market

I spotted this Rex Ray printed art canvas and another cool one (couldn't find photo of it online) at World Market today for only $139. Very tempting! I love the organic shapes, vibrant colors and patterns within patterns.

Unique Bud Vases by Chive

Found these the other day... Check out Chive for some wonderful options for a simple and modern table scape.

Thankful for What I Have - Table Setting

This Thanksgiving in Seattle it snowed! Needless to say we got stuck indoors and as the snowed cleared I had to use what I had at home to create the table setting. I brought out my collection of gourd shaped vases and small bud vases and luckily a color theme occured - brown, plum, rust orange and teal. I used some dried branches I had laying around along with some awesome natural cotton boll sprigs I bought at a display sale. I was inspired to use the cotton sprigs because they reminded me of snow. I also had these tiny metallic ornaments in teal that I hung from the branches and ribbon from my Thanksgiving 2008 table.

 

Inspiring Fall Centerpiece by Flowers of the World

Simply lovely. I am thankful for amazing floral design by Flowers of the World (NYC).

Rafael's 1st Birthday Party

Rafael's party was so much fun! Despite the forecast for snow, lots of friends and family turned out to celebrate with us at the colorful playspace, Whirlwinds. The venue's orange, blue and green walls were the overall inspiration for the party. Check out these photos!Here's my my pint sized birthday cake table! I found the banner and paper centerpiece at a party store and added my custom character in the center. The big character was cut out from a simple 20x24 photo enlargement at Sam's Club Photo. Much cheaper than Kinko's and it was on glossy photo paper! The cardboard cake stands are readymade, I just decorated them with ribbon. I found these on the cheap at Jo-Ann Fabrics.

The cake toppers were homemade using printouts, tape and toothpicks.

Colorful balloons, felt table runners and custom cut "confetti" characters completed the look.

The cake toppers had two different character faces! so cute =)

Here's the birthday boy! His godmother made him a fleece suit to match the character I drew!

Here's the cake room as viewed from the play room.

Here's the awesome playroom! There were tons of toys and riding toys and a huge slide/jungle gym (not shown). The parents told us they loved the stress-free party because the kids could run wild while they socialized with the other guests.

Inexpensive white plastic tulip base photo frames from Ikea lined the bookcases with photos of Rafael throughout the year.

The take home party favor was an organic lollipop in homemade packaging.

Here is my Smilebox slideshow of the party:

 

Make your own photo album

Rafael is Turning One!

I can't believe my baby is turning one! He's the reason this blog has been so lazy! Sorry folks =) I am truly enjoying being a mom! Below is a photo from Raffy's first Halloween! He was a baby yoda with light saber and all!

Here's sneak peak at the look I've created for the party. Can you tell I love the cartoon Pucca???  I just had to create my own little Raffy version!

Illustration by me, Joanna Dyckhoff =)

Color Inspiration from Eileen Fisher

I am loving the fall color palette and accessories over at Eileen Fisher! Check out all of the deep toned scarves and sweaters! Also, if you are a business woman just starting out, you can apply for the 2010 Eileen Fisher Business Grant Program for Women Entrepreneurs!

Wedding Nouveau Image Gallery!

Are you ready for some global fusion inspiration? Here it is! Go to Wedding Nouveau's new Image Gallery and click and drool to your heart's content!

Idea for a Modern Man Party!

 

If you had the loot to throw a party for your quirky modern man, these Domsai Terrariums would definitely be the focal point! At $150 each you might want to chop up some action figures and try to make some on your own (make sure you don't reach for the ones on his shelf, though!).

 

Colorful Cotton Ball String Lights

I saw these colorful cotton ball string lights at Graham and Green and thought these would be great for parties and for Christmas! I like that they have a different look and texture versus plastic or even paper lantern string lighting I ordered some from a Thai ebay shop called LaiThai Lighting!

Baby Boogaloo - Too Fresh for Words!

5 Year old, Miles Brown showing his love for Hip hop dance over a few favorite songs. Video by Ross Harris

Lily Pad Felt Bowl

All of you know I simply adore this felt lily pad (lotus flower) by Etsy seller Felt Planet!!! This would make a perfect table favor for a small dinner party or bridal shower!

Beautiful Ceramics by Malu Serra

Malu Serra is a ceramicist from São Paulo, Brazil. Her ceramic work is beautiful, earthy and wabi sabi style! Truly inspiring! Also check out her blog.

Obi Handbags and Kimono Pillows } by Grace Design

I am in love with these gorgous handbags and throw pillows by Alison Gledhill of Grace Design! The designer is from Canada and makes these creations out of vintage obi and kimono fabric. Alison even custom laser cuts the wooden handles herself! Gorgeous. I will take one of each please! Oh, and did I mention these pieces are actually affordable! Score!

Green Garmento

(photo via Greenzer)

I tried out my free sample of the Green Garmento and I must say I am very impressed. As an alternative to the not so eco-friendly plastic dry cleaning bags, these fabric 3-in-1 bags are really cool! Large enough to hold several hangers and roomy enough to be a full size laundry bag, these things really are functional. There is a drawstring on the bottom and a zipper on the side. Here is how I used mine: a) loaded in my hubby's dress shirt and slacks. I even put his dress shoes and socks inside then cinched the bottom closed, yippee! b) after he wore them I removed the hangers and shoes and carried it like a duffel bag to the nearest green dry cleaners (in Seattle, it's Blue Sky Cleaners) c) when they were done I picked them back up in the same back, all neat and ready to go again. d) repeat process

This definitely makes life simpler, enjoy!

Color Me Brussels } The Pantone Hotel in Belgium

Do you love the Helvetica font? Are you a color fanatic and can spout this year's Pantone color of the year? Or are you just in need of some color therapy? If so, book your flight to Brussels, Belgium and stay at the first ever Pantone Hotel. Wowsers! I want to stay there and have a meeting there too! Although I probably wouldn't be able to turn my brain off and end up reciting pantone numbers in my sleep. Brings back memories of when I was heavily involved in apparel design.

Tatcha Japanese Blotting Papers

A must for the global bride and her bridesmaids! These Tatcha Japanese Blotting papers are made with abaca leaf fiber and contain no powder or fragrance. So beautifully packaged, these would make great bridal party gifts too!

Flowers of the World - NYC

via flowersoftheworldnyc.blogspot.com

My heart always beats fast when I see images of modern floral design! Today I just discovered Flowers of the World in New York. Check out their blog to see some gorgeous modern arrangements and wow factor window displays!

Eat Pray Love inspiration

Photo by Amy Barry

I'm trying to finish reading Eat, Pray, Love before the movie comes out and have noticed a hailstorm of merchandising that is coming out along with it. I think it's hilarious. I'm a marketing advocate (sucker), so I am aware of it and still appreciate it! Although, the initial premise of the book was that she gave up all her worldly goods due to a bad divorce that left her with nothing. But with Julia Roberts as your moral compass, instead of popcorn, you can enjoy these with your movie... ha ha, sorry for the sarcasm, lol!

The Eat Pray Love collection by Fresh... (I'm sure these smell yummy)

by Dogeared... (these jewelry pieces are simple and sentimental)

by Republic of Tea... (haven't tried it but I'm sure it tastes lovely)

All hail marketing strategies, lol.

On another note here are some posts that may help you find balance:

Reflection

 

Chinoiserie Flatware Box

What a great wedding gift idea! Check out this black laquer Chinese inspired flatware storage box!

Modern Square Beverage Dispenser

Ooh, the floral designer in me is loving this modern square glass beverage dispenser... just imagine the cool decor you could design in the bottom container...

Antique Buddha Necklace

Gorgeous antique Buddha pendant by Laurie Gilula at Henry Road!

Thoughtful Jewelry } Meditation Bells by Paul Morelli

Oh, I would love these Meditation Necklaces by Paul Morelli for my 35th Birthday next month... too bad I would have to reflect on selling my my first born in order to afford them, lol.

Anne Namba } Kimono Couture Wedding Gowns

Based in Hawaii, Anne Namba creates gorgeous couture wedding gowns made from vintage kimono and obi! Tip: Pair your kimono couture dress with custom made kimono shoes by Hetty Rose. Click here for more kimono ideas.

A Grand Floral Entrance by Yvonne Design

via yvonnedesign.typepad.com

How about these amazing floral designs for a grand entrance to your ceremony! See more lovely photos at Yvonne Design!

3D Graffiti Animation

via vimeo.com

Featuring a backdrop of Southport Broadwater Parklands, a sustainable project in Australia, this 3D graffiti animation by Graffiti Technica is quite impressive... the things that your mind and technology can achieve, man...

Rafael - 8 months, wow!

 

Pop Up Solar Party! Boxman Studios Shipping Container

via www.boxmanstudios.com

Wow! Do you have a empty lot or large grassy field? If so, have a sustainable party by checking out these solar powered pop up mobile venues disguised as shipping containers. Like a transformer, the container opens up to reveal a super hip bar, bamboo dancefloor and a modern option to having a tent.

Photo Fonts

How fun would this be to recreate? Check out this origami inspired photo font file at HandMadeFont from the UK. There are some other really cool photo fonts at this site too! I love the donut font below for a sweet kid's party theme!