2020 So Far ...

 Dear readers,

I know, I know. I haven't written in a while.

Let me explain why, with where I last left off: the first 2,5 months of this year I was crazy busy, next to my full-time job, planning our wedding. You can imagine that takes some time.

Mid-way March, the corona-virus was getting closer and closer to home (the Netherlands). It had already spread to Europe, and Italy was in complete lock-down. At the time I thought we were lucky it did not reach us. But it did...

As it reached you.

Three weeks before our wedding (our wedding was planned on April 11th), we made the heartbreaking decision to postpone our wedding because my American relatives couldn't travel from the U.S. to the Netherlands. At that time, they were still allowed to travel, but my dad is an emergency room doctor in New York and couldn't possibly leave as the virus had reached NY in full swing.

One week after postponing the wedding and informing all of our guests, the Netherlands went in complete lockdown. Thankfully, we both have jobs where we can't work from home, so for us the coming few months seemed somewhat normal.

We postponed our wedding to September, thinking (back in March), that was more than enough time for everything to turn back to normal and give us some time to start planning again. Also, we love the month September because we got engaged on September 5th.

Who would have thought this would drag on still today? (obviously people who study infectious diseases)

I hope you all are well. That you are safe, healthy, with an income, and that your loved ones are still well. Things we took for granted a year ago.

As for me, of course I have endured the effects of the pandemic with friends, family members, and co-workers falling ill. But I am well.

And we did get married.

On September 5th 2020, exactly 2 years after our engagement, we said "I do" in Maastricht.

Unfortunately, a lot of our family and friends weren't able to make it. My dad can't travel from the U.S.. Nor my brothers who live there. But we had a lovely day. An intimate, small ceremony and a dinner afterwards. We are looking to celebrate it again once all of this is over.

The last few weeks, my hands have been itching to start blogging again. I have missed it immensely. The baking, the writing, connecting with people all over the world online. I wish I had more time to do it. But I will start again, slowly. Fall is such a wonderful season to bake.

So stay tuned for the upcoming recipes and news! To view my baking creations (and sometimes failures), head over to my main blog Paris Pastry.

Much love,

Daniëlle

Characteristics of Bordered Natural Area Rugs

Characteristics of Bordered Natural Area Rugs

Nothing brings together a space in your home quite like a bordered area rug. While there is a vast array of natural fiber rugs available, including wool sisal rugs, sisal rugs and jute rugs, you should not overlook the pristine beauty of a bordered area rug. This floor covering consists of natural fibers with normal irregularities throughout. The variations in the shading and weaving is part of the rug’s charm. Each one has a distinct character, and there are plenty of other characteristics you are bound to enjoy in your newest furnishing.


Cuts

You will generally find the cuts in bordered area rugs along the valley of the ribs. They may also be located among the buried thread. Although you are likely used to square rugs, this variation may be slightly askew due to the inherent imperfections of each roll.


Custom Fabrication

Each rug is individually fabricated from larger broadloom carpet rolls. As a result, you receive a one-of-a-kind rug that will make your living or family room stand out in the best way.





Size and Texture

As a result of the variations that exist within natural fibers, which also holds true for seagrass rugs, there will typically be an irregular weave. This leads to the rug’s edges not being perfectly straight. This is not a mistake with the border application. Some materials simply have greater skewing or bowing than others. They will be cut as squarely as possible, but it may require “jumping ribs.”


Patterns

You can select either a vertical or horizontal pattern. The size of the rugs in addition to the material allow for both options.


Initial Opening

When you open your new bordered area rug, you should expect the scent of ammonia. While it is strong, you should not worry. This smell usually dissipates within 48 hours.


Shedding

You should also expect some shedding of any loose fibers that exist on the rub. This is a result of the processing used to create wool rugs. When any manufacturer creates a rug, it goes through a combing process, which eliminates any broken or short fibers. However, some of these substances may still fall onto the surface and appear as fluff. You can take solace in knowing this excess fiber consists of a small portion of the total amount of fiber present on the rug.


Proper Care

You should never pull on these rugs by the border. In the event the borders start to wrinkle, you can iron them on medium heat with zero steam. Aside from that, you can take care of your rug through regular vacuuming. With adequate maintenance, you can help diminish the impact of shedding over time.

Back To Blogging!

Dear reader,

You might be wondering why I fell off the radar with this blog.

Life got too busy.

The good news is, I'm back to blogging!

Have been for a while now - on my other blog: ParisLovesPastry.com

So for baked goods and French-inspired recipes, visit me there!


Much Love,

Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or not, I hope you have a fabulous Sunday!

Love,

My USA West-Coast Adventure! French Madame in Las Vegas.

Hi lovelies!

We made it to our final stop. And we're going out with a bang!
Because we're headed to Viva Las Vegas!

This was my last stop on my 2,5 week USA trip.
It was so nice after all that travelling and driving to just relax in Las Vegas.

We stayed at the Monte Carlo hotel, which I would really recommend.
We lounged by the pool, shopped a lot, and gambled of course (I did not lose any money; I'm that lucky!).

Let start:




This was our hotel, the Monte Carlo, seen from the Strip.




The poolside view:








We really enjoyed our stay there.

Let's take a walk on the Strip:














I've stayed at the Luxor hotel (below) twice before.
I like the theme of the hotel.








The inside of the Venetian is amazing:










Ceasar's Palace:




The Wynn:






Chocolate fountain in the Bellagio Hotel:




A Sex-and-the-City slot machine? What! Of course I won, with Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, & Miranda by my side!




The Paris hotel by day & night:






It was such an amazing trip and I made so many great memories!
I know it's not the last time I'll be visiting California/Arizona/Nevada.

So thill next time!
Thank you for following it with me.

Much Love,


My entire Las Vegas Flickr album.