Banana Republic Shipping to Brazil

To my suprise Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy and Piperlime are now shipping their stuffs to Brazil!. That´s a great news. My shopping options getting bigger.

Brazilian Style

With evocative photography and fast-paced texts by W magazine editor Armand Limnander, Brazilian Style is a curated tour of the most important symbols of modern and traditional Brazil. A fresh and dynamic mix, capturing the culture of one of the most vibrant nations on earth.

A book recommendation for those who desire to know the Brazilian Style.

Summer White Dress

The freshest basic color you can have for summer is no other than white. It makes you feel the cleanest and the most conservative. I first use this dress for the 2009 New Year´s party at home. Originally haltered but recently had it altered to make it have that simple spaghetti strap. Call it shopping escape - when you feel like buying something new and then you have this piece in your closet that´s just hanging there, alteration or transformation of that piece will satisfy your shopping cravings. Inspired by Red by Valentino, featuring the "new" white dress.

The photo shoot took place in one of the eucalyptus plantation in our area. Some huge land owners opt to plant eucalyptus than coffee. Eucalyptus doesn´t need daily care unlike coffee. You plant today, 5 years later it will give you the money less of the day to day hassle of taking care of it. One of the best locations I had so far. Lovely place.

renner dep´t store dress dumond wedge riachuelo chandelier earrings vintage bag

the inspiration for the alteration of the dress. red, valentino´s sister line.



Short Shorts and Crochet Vest

This is my interpretation of a girly way of wearing a denim shorts. Pairing it with a lingerie thrown with a crochet vest over. Completing the ensemble with a wedge. Not all girls have the courage to wear denim shorts. Unless she is the boyish, athletic or wants to try fashion type, she wouldn´t wear it. For me it´s just a matter of balance. If you are so much in touch with your femininity, grabbing that girly top and accessories can pave your way to loving denim shorts.

Hey, denim shorts is my favorite kind of bottom during hot season. Got several pairs in my closet and I´ll be making several posts on how I wear them.

took photos on a "major" road,  the most familiar to me as this road takes me to Espirito Santo do Pinal where we do almost all our daily transactions (banks, groceries, doctors, shopping, work etc.) 14 km. long, 15-minute drive.

hering shorts estaçao 2000 crochet vest thrifted lingerie top necklace&bracelets mom´s closet vintage wedge

"baby! a car is coming"...since it´s a major road we had to give way several times.

one of the big farms along the road. see the greens? they are mostly coffee.

this way please. going back to Albertina.

Homemade Fruit Jam

Aren´t they sweet? Literally sweet because of the great deal of sugar in it and the sweetness of living a simple life. These fruits are just falling on the ground from our garden and the neighborhood´s. Blackberries and oranges are fruits in season that you can get it here for free. Since we love fruit jam spread on our bread and crackers I decided to give jam making a try. Viola! Sweet fruit jams on our table for a month of consumption. Bestowed with a little creativity, these spread catch attention at the kitchen. Cute packaging.

 oranges pesonally picked by the author from her mom in-law´s garden

orange jam this much needed 10 peeled oranges, 3 cups (240ml) of sugar and 1.5 cups of water (240ml).

 they call it "amora" in portuguese. blackberries are very common in south america. freshly-picked by the husband from our client´s farm. they are sweet!

black berry jam. this size contain 5 cups of blackberries, 3 cups of sugar and 1.5 cups pf water.

Procedure (both jams)

1. boil the fruits in water until tender. around 30 mins

2. mix the sugar to the fruit mixture.

3. simmer until thickened. don´t overdo simmering as the jam will get chewy if overdone. I had mine for 15 minutes on medium fire.

When I get to the the Philippines I´ll do this for my Dad. He loves fruit jam for breakfast spread on pandesal or american bread or as dessert every meal mixing it on rice.