LotusHaus

Eyelet Paper Lanterns } Luna Bazaar

Look at these lovely eyelet lace rice paper lanterns at Luna Bazaar! They are intricate and whimsical and come in a variety of shapes and lots of different colors! Hmmm, these would be perfect for my patio..

Some of my favorite songs...

Did you know that you can create your own custom video player on YouTube? It's cool!

Easter 2008 } Life is An Occasion, Rise to It!

This Easter Dinner Party was inspired by what I saw at a recent movie marathon with my hubby. Inspired by the surreal colors and shapes from the Dr. Seuss movie, Horton Hears a Who (I just loved the precious pink clover!), the floral arrangements are made from plants from around my hoodville. Yellow forsythia branches and pink flowers from some rock climbing ground cover (anyone know the name of these flowers?) along with their green leaves were all the elements that I used. Clumping the flowers in masses gave me the color power I needed to make a strong statement. I lined the inside of the rectangle glass vases with leaves for a nice splash of green and an intriguing underwater look.

For the table runner I used a colorful outdoor table cloth (the kind with the flannel backing) that I had previously picked up at a discount store. I cut the table cloth into 3 table runners - oh so easy! For place settings I made tiny bouquets using the same flowers and foliage. For my party favors, I made tiny accordion books with a quote from the magical movie Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, "Life is an Occasion, Rise to it!"

Making an accordion book is really very simple. Cut up some cardboard (the back part of a notepad) into whatever size you want (mine was about 1.5"x 4"). Take some pretty paper (like origami paper, scrapbook paper or in my case, Amy Butler paper from Jo-Ann's), cut it to a size that's 3/8" wider than the board and then glue it down and wrap the edges to the back and secure. Cut up some paper slightly smaller than the cover and accordion fold it. Glue the top and bottom pages to the inside of the cover and wrap with a ribbon.

For my party I asked my family not to open the books until after dinner. When they opened the books we played a little game of favorite things. I asked them questions and they had to write down their answer on each of the 6 panels. The questions were about their favorite color, favorite pet/animal, favorite day, favorite flower, favorite food and favorite hobby.  We learned a lot about each other with this game! Apparently, my husband's favorite flower is me! How sweet!

This table centerpiece was my version of an Easter Egg hunt! Using colorful mini chocolate easter eggs and an acrylic office supply cube, my family had to use chopsticks to nab a treat. It was fun!

To see more of my parties click here! Enjoy!

Jill Barton } Beauty and Truth in Painting

Above is a Quan Yin inspired painting by an amazing artist named Jill Barton. Having inspired a whole family of artists, Jill's daughter Paris Gerrard thought I might like some of her mother's work. She was absolutely right! Such amazing talent in mother & daughter! So inspiring! I love Jill's personal philosophy...

I identify with the Japanese aesthetic, wabi-sabi, which points always to what is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.  I am constantly experimenting with new techniques... I hope that my paintings will inspire, heal, open, connect and delight the viewer. ~Jill Barton

Modern Ice Scuptures } Okamoto Studios

Super cool...and Icy too! Feast your eyes on these unique ice buffets created by Okamoto Studios in New York. Via The Bride's Guide.

Coasters with a Conscious } Naturally Modern Tableware by Dinah Coops

Dinah Coops, fellow Seattlelite and Biznik member has developed a superhip and eco-friendly version of the traditional Euro slate tableware. Made from 100% recycled paper infused in a non-petroleum based resin with a cork backing, Dinah's line of coasters and placemats are resistant to heat and water, and can be used for place settings, candle trays, or simply as art. Check out Dinah's collection here and be sure to peep her beautiful artwork.

Algabar } Tea and Tranquility in LA

Beauty. Utility. Spirit. Oh my goodness, I need to get back out to LA...La Brea Avenue to be specific! Check out the Algabar Tea and Lifestyle store inspired by modern Chinoiserie and the art of living and giving. Here you will find a beautifully edited collection of Tea, Home Decor, Fragrance and Gourmet Foods. Algabar also features many unique events like tea and chocolate tastings, global flavor cooking classes, a hot tea bar, MarTEAnis and specialized catering.   I love the Algabar philosophy and it's tranquil and modern vibe!

Ovopur } Environmentally friendly water dispenser that looks like an egg

Today, I discovered Ovopur, an environmentally friendly and uber-cool looking water dispenser.
Via MocoLoco, I learned that the Ovopur:

1) Consumes no electricity. Instead it uses gravity to filter and revitalize tapwater, 2) The unit itself is made of porcelain, glass, and metal, and 3) Features a reusable, multilayer filter cartridge whose contents are 100% recyclable. The main reservoir can hold up to 11 liters of fresh water, with the water level indicated by the magnetic gauge. The filter cartridge uses a combination of KDF 55, activated carbon, microporous bioceramics and quartz crystal to remove impurities from the water.

Wowee! This is so global cool! Download the brochure and find out how this ingenious piece of work is inspired by Chinese Tradition.

GlobalFlora } A Basket of Double Happiness

Featured Floral Designer: Waterlily Pond - San Francisco, CA

Here is a vibrant Chinese inspired wedding theme complete with beautiful woven baskets, bamboo poles and double happiness motifs. Waterlily Pond founder, Natasha Lisitsa has an amazing body of modern floral design work that I cherish and look up to.  Natasha started doing flowers for a living by falling in love with Ikebana. I hope to follow in her footsteps someday! For more ideas on Chinese style decor and favors for your wedding check out Chinese Weddings by The Knot.

Swanky Tables Blog & Mod Asian Settings

Via the cool new event design blog Swanky Tables, I was led to these awesome photos of low table settings by Wildflower Linens. In a funky world-beat style, the top photo reminds me of Japan in Wonderland and the bottom photo is like a marriage of West Elm and Anthropologie. How inspiring & fun! Thanks Annette!

Unna & Co } Organic & Exotic Herbal Soaps from Thailand

Happy Exotic Easter! For a gift that lathers one in organic luxury and enlightened tradition, let me introduce you to Unna & Co. Rooted in traditional Thai herbal medicine and naturally sustainable practices, Unna & Co aims to create products that cater to your senses while de-stressing the mind, body and soul. These gorgeous egg-shaped organic soaps come beautifully packaged in a hand-woven Thai silk keepsake box. You can reuse the box knowing that your support preserves the traditional silk weaving methods used by families in northern Thailand. If you are in Seattle, you can purchase them at Seva Home, which is where I first saw them!

Bodanna } Gifts that Give Back

Via EcoChic Weddings, I was inspired by the story of goodwill and goods by Bodanna Studio, a New York non-profit that uplifts inner city kids through the art of pottery. Using the pottery enterprise as a real-life classroom, youth develop creativity, discipline and a strong work ethic while handcrafting ceramics and operating all aspects of the business, from product design and development, production, sales and marketing to shipping. 100% of the proceeds of every sale support Bodanna's mission of empowering youth through enterprise. What a great business model! The product is gorgeous and thoughtful!

Feng Shui Rabbits for the Kids!

I want one of these! How cute are these Feng Shui Rabbits?! Buy them here.

With large floppy furry ears, these cuddly plush rabbits are a joy for any child to receive. These wonderful rabbits are dressed in brightly colorful outfits with the Chinese character "Fu" - Good Luck or "Shou"- Longevity on its stomach.  Fengshui rabbits wear Mary Janes and come in decorative round boxes with the Chinese eternity symbol on the box cover. This box can be used to store additional toys or used as a fun decoration around the home.

Spring Asian Cookies } PopArtSweet's Etsy Shop

Etsy is such a great place for inspiration! I'm lovin' these artistic and Asian inspired cookies by PopArtSweet! Wouldn't these make fun baby shower, wedding or Easter gifts?

Kokeshi Inspiration } Mirabel's Etsy Shop

Meet the beautiful, sweet and serene kokeshi characters from Maeve Donohue, a Vietnamese Irish American visual artist and designer living in Rhode Island. In her etsy shop, you will find original paintings, illustrations, prints, and lovely little items made out of her illustrations! I just love love love the NAMASTE card and all of her illustrations and cards!!!

Egg Hurricane lanterns } Mod Easter style all year long!

I am lovin' these ceramic egg shaped ceramic hurricane lanterns from Graham and Green! Wouldn't a tablescape with these lanterns as the focal point make for a very modern Easter setting? You could also place a small cup of water inside with a kenzan and have a few branches or grass blades protruding in and out of the holes!

A Sweet and Sustainable Bedroom Bench!

I just love this sweet bench made of reclaimed Chinese Fir! Check out this lovely bench and many other inspiring lifestyle products for your Body, Spirit and Home at Acacia.

Scent O' The Irish } Get Lucky!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I found some lovely Irish scents and soaps that could take you over the rainbow! (if you could smell through the internet, lol). The Ilaun perfume, with it's lovely packaging, has a fresh and light scent with the fragrant essence of Orchid. The Handmade Irish soaps in Irish Rose, Irish Field, Irish Linen and Irish Hedgerow are sure to conjure up images of a very lush and green Ireland. Have a lucky green day!

GlobalFlora } An Elephant to Remember Your Wedding

Featured Event Designer: Save The Date Event Consultants - New York, NY

Save The Date is an Event Consultancy in New York and they specialize in Ethnic Weddings (Indian, American and Cross-Cultural). I saw some of these inspiring photos in their amazing gallery and just had to share! I love the modern use of traditional symbols like the Ganesh table and a real live elephant (decorated with flowers of course) for carrying the groom! How I wish I could attend weddings like these!

Ikat } Beauty and the Weave!

In a world full of fast paced technology, the latest and greatest gadgets and hyperlink surfing, it's comforting to believe that global textiles and culture will never go out of style. I pray that as a global culture we will preserve and support the ancient and traditional techniques of arts and crafts, like Ikat weaving. Having grown up with Ikat textiles from the Philippines and Thailand, I have enjoyed seeing Ikat being used in modern fashion and lifestyle. Above is the latest Trend Alert from Elle Decor's April 2008 issue via the fabulous Chaikhana blog and below is another Ikat trend sheet from Elle Decor in August 2007 via Style Court.

Easter Party Favor Idea } Organic Chocolates in Natural Sinamay Pouches

Here's a sweet idea for an organic Easter Party Favor! Wrap up some tasty organic chocolate easter eggs and bunnies from Sweet Earth using some colorful and natural fiber Sinamay pouches (A product of the Philippines!) from Plum Party, add some raffia ribbon plus a Bloom card and convey your sincerest Easter greetings! Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.  ~S.D. Gordon

GlobalFlora } Kimono inspired wedding in mint green, red and orange

Featured Floral Designer: Wiggy Flowers - San Francisco, CA

This beautiful kimono inspired wedding was designed by Wiggy Flowers in San Francisco. Catherine Conlin is the owner and designer of Wiggy Flowers and explains that to be "wiggy" means to be free-spirited and unconventional--trying to push the limits of one's imagination. I really appreciate the imaginative & free-spirited use of of mint green, orange and red in this gorgeous combination of gloriosa lilies, lotus pods, freesia and orchids.

GlobalFlora } New LotusHaus™ Blog Feature!

Hi everyone! I am starting a new feature called GlobalFlora™, which will showcase global modern weddings & special events designed by some amazing floral artists, event stylists and cultural creatives. The main focus will be on weddings and special events inspired by cultural traditions and world-friendly design. This feature is dear to my heart and will be a testing ground for the new Floral Design & Event Styling division of LotusHaus™ Creative Services. As always, I encourage and request your comments, feedback and suggestions! Thanks for your continued support and encouragement! Watch out world!

Jin Patisserie } Please don't hide these Luxe Easter Eggs!

Celebrate Easter the right way with beautiful delectables from Jin Patisserie! I am so in love with the graphic beauty and super luscious styling of all things Jin. Check out the collection and online shop here (and enjoy the lovely twinkling music that plays after the jump)

Lalla Lydia } Modern Moroccan Style Blog

Hey everyone! Please check out fellow blogger Lalla Lydia and her sumptuous Moroccan & Mediterranean style blog! Based out of Portland, Lydia is Moroccan by marriage and recently received a diploma in International Studies with a Mediterranean Region focus! Congratulations Lydia! You rock the Kasbah!

MiGi Style } Lifestyle Design By Martha Stewart Expats

Via the fabulous Hostess Blog, I have discovered MiGistyle. A lifestyle design company from two former Martha Stewart Living editors/designers, Michelle Adams and Gia Russo. They design great lifestyle product, create beautiful books and have many multimedia shows about entertaining. Swoon! They are so inspiring! Of course you can guess that I LOVE the Utopia collection!

Jim Denevan } The Zen of Sand Art

Take a deep breath and plunge into the beautiful work of Jim Denevan, a phenomenal artist that makes larger than life freehand drawings in the sand. Truly in touch with each moment and the law of impermanence, Jim's labor of love usually takes hours to complete. Once his freestyle design is done the ocean washes in to reclaim its canvas and to reinforce the awesome power of nature.

Some of My Favorite Movies

I just felt like sharing a small selection of my favorite movies...these ones are especially inspiring to me because of all the fantastic colors, detailed costumes, furnishings, food and cultural accoutrements - oh and of course because of the beautiful strong women! (from L to R, top to bottom)

The Scent of a Green Papaya
Kama Sutra
Hero
Whale Rider
Like Water For Chocolate
Amelie
Memoirs of A Geisha
The Pillow Book
Frida

I'd love to know some of your favorite movies too!

Parasoleil - The Art of Shade

Via An Indian Summer, one of my favorite blogs, I discovered Parasoleil, a company out of Colorado that produces earth-conscious artistic copper panels for architectural and landscape design. I have a love affair with wood lattice, window grills, carvings and iron works found in places like India and Asia, so this product really gets my blood pumping. Thanks Bhavna!

Oh Boy! My godson Isaiah Braxton has arrived!

Hi everyone! Sorry for my absence, my husband and I have been busy helping my best friend with the delivery of her first son, Isaiah Braxton! (Remember my Tropical Baby Party?) As godparents we were with my friend from the time her water broke to the time Isaiah entered the atmosphere and beyond...what an awesome and amazing experience to witness the birth of a child! I can't wait until we have children :) I am happy to report that mom and baby are happy, healthy and getting settled into their new life together!