silk and chocolate

Snapshots

2012-02-07T02:00:00.000-08:00

Paris vs. New York

2012-01-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

The Ville Lumière or the Big Apple? Both.

Vahram Muratyan is an art director/graphic designer that has the privilege to live his life in Paris and New York. Thanks to his experience and his travels, he firstly started a blog and then created a book that illustrates similarities and differences between the two cities.

Don't you think his illustrations are amazing?! You can find all his prints here!

My comfort zone

2012-01-28T01:03:00.000-08:00

image via my board

These last days have been really challenging and stressful for me since I had to start searching for a new job. It seems I already found one, that is indeed good news, but what I felt lately was like I lost my comfort zone. I have to prove to myself that I am able to start something new, so let's see what the future brings!

Enjoy your weekend!

Brie and Pear Mini Sandwiches

2012-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Few weeks ago I ate the best sandwich ever, a brie and pear sandwich. Even though I am cheese lover, I never tried a combination with pear before and I was definitely captured. So today I am suggesting you this sandwich in a mini size, that you can enjoy with your friends at home or with your guy while watching a good movie on the couch! You just need some toast bread (I used a gluten free one), French Brie, a pear, fresh arugula and some cocktail sauce. The combination is fabulous!

My suggestion is to put the mini sandwiches a few minutes in the oven in order to make the Brie slightly melt and the bread toast a bit! Enjoy!

Currently obsessed with...

2012-01-13T01:33:00.000-08:00

I rarely wear ballet flats, but this J.Crew classic leather ballet flat looks so stylish and comfy! They are offering it in a rainbow color range, how to resist?! I mostly love the soft fuchisa, the burnt sienna and the metallic gold!

I think I will buy my pair soon (shipping to Italy is just €11.95)!

Do you have one of these flats? Or which one would you pick?

Happy weekend!

Weekend in Venice

2012-01-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

Happy monday everyone! How was your weekend?

My weekend was amazing since my boyfriend and I spent two days in the beautiful Venice. I visited Venice for the first time when I was just a little girl and did not remember how stunning it was!

Other than very romantic, Venice is rich of art and history. Give a look at my photos to understand what I am talking about...

I suggest you to visit this city at least once in your life and when you do, don't forget to take a waterbus ride (or if you prefer a romantic ride in gondola) both during the day to visit the city and see the most famous corners and palaces, and during the evening to enjoy a beautiful sunset and all the lights through the Canal Grande.

Have you ever been in Venice? Did you like it?

If you need any suggestions about the city, feel free to contact me at silkandchoco@gmail.com

New year... New phone!

2012-01-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

Hi girls! How was your NYE? We passed a quite night with friends eating, drinking and playing! We had so much fun!

Few days ago I made up my mind and finally bought the iPhone 4s.

After two years with my Blackberry I thought I needed a more efficient device and once started using it, I was pleasantly surprised as I expected.

I am temporarily using a transparent case, but I am not so sure of keeping it so I started browsing online to spot some possible fancy solutions of case or wallet and here's what I found...

I really like both designers' items but Michael Kors' wallets for iPhone are amazing!

Kate spade cases are available here and Michael Kors wallets here, check them out and let me know what you think!

Happy new year!

2011-12-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

2011 was both fun and exciting: my boyfriend and I spent our first year in our house, we had a fabulous holiday in NYC and in the east coast of USA, I attended photography and Photoshop classes, began painting on canvas and started this blog almost a month ago!
This time of the year is usually dedicated to past year reviews, new purposes, hopes and wishes. In 2012 I hope to improve my skills and to be able to travel again to USA.

Tomorrow we will be heading to our friend's apartment for dinner, this will be a quiet, but fun NYE!

What are your plans for NYE? What are your dreams for the new year?
I wish you a 2012 full of love, health, happiness and exciting new adventures!
Happy new year!

Wishing you all...

2011-12-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a merry Christmas! With lots of love, joy and lots of laughter with family and friends!

silk and chocolate is on Facebook!

2011-12-22T05:34:00.000-08:00

Follow silk and chocolate here!

New Year's Eve Hairstyle Inspiration

2011-12-21T03:02:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve is almost here: you know the date, the place, have the right dress and accessories. But have you already thought about the right hairstyle? Browsing through the web I spotted unique looks: from neat and elegant buns to messy knots, from alluring ponytails to side braids, but also lovely loose waves and chic ponytails.

images via Pinterest and Fashionising

images via Pinterest and Marie Claire

If you want to try the sixties double french twist of the first image to get an elegant vintage vibe, you find the how to here. Enjoy!

Gluten Free Banana Raspberry Pancakes

2011-12-19T00:56:00.000-08:00

This weekend me and my boyfriend wanted to try a new kind of breakfast and so decided to prepare pancakes. Since we tasted - and loved - the original pancakes during our holidays in USA (once here and once here), we tried to recreate a gluten-free version, adding banana and a few raspberries. Though it was our first trial I think the result was really good! The sweet smell wafted through the entire house and we both felt it was a perfect saturday morning!

The recipe is pretty simple and this is what you need to prepare them:
200 gr of gluten free flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
half teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of sugar
2 eggs
250 ml of milk
3 tablespoon of oilseed
1 banana
fresh raspberries for garnish
maple syrup for garnish

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, and oil.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides; then add banana between each layer and garnish with some maple syrup and fresh raspberries.

What do you think? Have you ever tried pancakes? Any American reader who eats them everyday?
Wish you a happy Christmas week beginning!

Festive Decor

2011-12-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

I think that these images are really inspiring! I love how the green of pine stands out on white doors or on white furniture. And what do you think about the unrefined gift decor? I think it has a rustic look but sophisticated at the same time, I will try this definitely!

How have you decorated you home? How are you wrapping gifts this year?

Images via my Christmas board

Holiday PINK gift guide!

2011-12-15T08:08:00.001-08:00

If you haven't thoght of your Holiday gifts yet, have a look at my new gift guide... This time all in pink! Don't you think that PINK brings happiness? And... Which girl doesn't love pink?!

1. Shourouk necklace

2. Mini Assorted Pink Cupcake Liners

3. Emilio Pucci Python Luggage Tag

4. Jonathan Adler Nixon Throw

5. J.Crew Mohair Sweater

6. Karen Faulkner Watercolor Art

7. Micasabella IKAT Pillow

8. Kate Spade Blackberry Pouch

9. Tory Burch card case

Holiday gold gift guide

2011-12-13T01:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas is around the corner and everyone is searching for the best gift. I'd like to suggest you some items - all in glamourous gold - to give this year. All are under $50/€50!

1. Michael Kors Buckle Ring $45

2. Kate Spade Playing Cards $38

3. Kate Spade Gumdrop Stud Earrings $38

4. Kate Spade Iphone 4 Case $40

5. Zara Home Frame €17.99

6. Zara Metallic Clutch €45.00

7. Zara Home Blanket € 45.99

Christmas decor!

2011-12-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

We are getting closer to Christmas!

Our tree is up and our home is fully decorated!

Our tree has white lights, white and red balls, a red chain, white padded hearts, some red wool bows and many other funny things!

We also filled up our empty vases with some white and red balls and some small pine cones:

What do you think? Do you have your tree up and decorated?

Which are your favourite Christmas ornaments colors?

Welcome to Silk and Chocolate!

2011-12-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

After months of admiring certain blogs, I thought it would be a good time to begin my first blog centered around things that I love and sharing them with other people.

I decided to name it Silk and Chocolate because I wanted to combine two words that remind me something very feminine and soft like silk with something sweet and irresistible like chocolate.

I can't wait to share with you my passion for photography, art, decor, food and other things!

So... let the blogging begin!

image via Pinterest