Saturday, July 24, 2010

Sangria a la Valentina

Sangria is my favorite Summer cocktail..it's refreshing, fun, hot, sexy and easy to make.
As a soundtrack for the weekend I suggest the latest Xtina Aguilera album...high notes, fun, up beating and  full of soul...HOTCH HOTCH HOTCH !!!  just like Spanish culture.
Have a fabulous weekend, all!




Sangria a la Valentina

Chopped fruits: orange, red grapes, green apple, pear and strawberries.
5 full spoons of sugar
one big lime
Brandy, Strawberry liquor and Triple Sec
Any cheap red wine ( for this one I used a red Italian Lambrusco)
Prosecco and sparkling water
Lots of ice

How to make it? r u serious?!? lol
on a large pitcher mix all chopped fruits with all the sugar...almost smashing it...add all the ice...add triple sec, strawberry liquor, brandy and red wine. (use a port wine glass to measure 3 first liquors)...fadd a splash of sparkling water and top the pitcher with prosecco(or any sparkling wine).

Whisk all several times( I use a wood spoon to do that) and serve on a large Bordeaux  wine glass.  
Enjoy it! but please, don't drink and drive or if you drive, don't drink.
I make this drink at home and I drink at home and then I stay at home.
XoXo !!!

  








Xtina Aguilera newest album is called "Bionic" and is beautiful...it  brings her back on top of the pop music scene. Listen with no filters and move shake your body honey!

See you!!!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Book cover: "Modern Expressions"






This is the cover of my upcoming book, "Modern Expressions".

Turn heads by creating fabulous and fashion-forward jewelry!

"Modern Expressions" features 25 step-by-step projects featuring some of the coolest products available in the jewelry making industry today.

Learn to create chic necklaces, earrings and bracelets using basic jewelry techniques building a strong foundation to create your own one-of-a-kind pieces. Fashion sketches accompanies 15 of the projects to provide you an excellent guidance on how to pairing it with clothing choices.

A men jewelry gallery offer a fresh vision on male accessories.

Coming in January 2011  by North Light Books an imprint of F+W Media Inc.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Sexy hoops with Garnet CZ's


The folks from Artbeads.com sent me a couple of fancy cut Cubic Zircon drops  and I was waiting for the right moment to make something ultra sexy and feminine with them.
I got several ideas going on. I love fancy cuts and on those situations there is no need to do too much with it because the wow effect is the stone itself.

After months and months storaged inside my secret drawer, here it is my design incorporating them into a fun, sassy, sexy and luscious pair of hoops - long and flowing, like I think it should be.



I 've decided to use a wide flat circle disc as a frame; I wire wrapped around with larges and longs wraps using copper Artistic Wire, then I created simple dangles of flat oval garnets to be added to the end of gold filled chain. The focal components are the garnet CZ drops. I love this fan shape cut and it has a little of art deco in it.




Design and photos by Fernando Dasilva © 2010.

CZ garnet fan cut drops by Artbeads.com
Product score:   *****




Disclosure:  
A pair of garnet CZ faceted fan pendant CZ-GARN-FN18  was kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.



Thursday, July 1, 2010

"Bang" by Marc Jacobs

With his first men's fragrance in a decade, Marc Jacobs is launching "BANG" on July 30 at Bloomingdale's and Marc Jacobs stores first. The bottle is extremely modern and architectural and the title itself is provocative and has several connotations - very Marc Jacobs. Below is the advertising that features the designer himself laying naked on a silver Mylar bed, with an oversize bottle of the fragrance covering his  playground area. lol
More sexy and controversial for America impossible.
I loved the advertising...it has my name on it...shinny surface, modern bottle, impacting name and a handsome man exposing himself, and when the man is one of the most talented designers of all times it makes lots of sense. Along with a large list of DVD's, this fragrance will be on my holiday basket for sure.

Actually, I think when you can't afford clothes by designers like MJ the quickest way to get that touch of sophistication is to buy a top notch perfume... so get you clothes from the outlets and cover your skin ( but cover honey, cover all) with Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford and or Marc Jacobs. Glamour me! Glamour you! 
I can't resist to finish this post with one of my favorite Portuguese words used by me on situations like this one...Mr. Jacobs on these ads looks simply   MA  RA  VI   LHO  SO !!!




"Bang" © 2010 by Marc Jacobs Internactional 
Marc Jacobs photographed by Juergen Teller

Source: WWD - Beauty - May 21, 2010.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Style TOHO Party @ Bead and Button 2010

TOHO hosted once again a fabulous night of food, entertainment and art and their customers, fans and followers enjoyed @ the Bead and Button Show 2010 in Milwaukee. The party this year was held at the
CHIQUEEEEERRRIIIIIMO (that means : ultra chic) art gallery space at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Lots of glamour, lots of beads, exquisite and whimsical neckpieces  adorning several necklines that  night and the food was beyond DALICIUUS !
I  thought it was more conservative this year and that "lounge ultra bar" vibe wasn't there like in past years. But regardless it was a very elegant and sophisticated party and below you can check some of my favorites looks of the night.




Beadalon's product manager Wyatt White and Mr. Toho. Young vibe and fun look. Every time those  two meet they share lots of jokes.



This is a funny and happy look. The necklace was very "unexpected" and I couldn't figure out what kind of beads was made off, but it looks like a  ids playground around her neck. She was gratuitous posing  for this blogger.




Above, dressing on a rich chocolate and black long dress is Create-Your-Style with Swarovski Elements Ambassador Anna Draeger. I liked all about ther look. hair, out fit, color choice.
She is on top of her game exuding confidence. I really like the combo clutch and golden cuff.  



I am not sure if the lady above is wearing Missoni but it's definitely on that level. The graphics are amazing and she coordinates short handle purse with gold flats...cute. The necklace is solid black and long enough to keep it chic and airy.




Vibrant color at a vibrant party - better combo impossible. I am a huge fan of this color (chartreuse or lime green) and Debra Rohlfing was impeccable. She is on top of my list for taking risk and make it work. She looks comfortable, elegant and sassy. Gorgeous! Fashionable, fabulous and Daliciuus!!!


I loved the minimalism of her outfit. I do have to say that I missed the make up on both Asian women. 
Over all it's great that she coordinates shoes  and necklace - the amber-brown-turtoise shades can be found on both accessories. The dress is very urban Japan meets New York "I gotta go". 


My three no no go at the party were : party favors bags ( pls. Toho, come up with a different color for t next event), plastic badges and purses.
Can somebody come up with something else than elastic cord and plastic Id names for guests to wear at social events? It kills any fabulous outfit.

As far as the purses, I think woman should wear clutches more often at night events. Long handle purses are very day light and many times don't go with the outfit a woman is wearing. So, for all of my female readers remember: if you have a chance, make a fast and furious purse switch when you have a dinner party or when you  are going to a lounge or club. 

I hope you all enjoy the pics and many thanks to all the ladies who stroke a pose to this blogger.

Nando.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Praying to Santo Daiquiri

Well, looking back to my post on May I was shocked realizing that I only posted here once...but this blog is a reflection of what's going on in my life and I was taking care of tons of stuff..I doesn't mean that I had nothing to say or to show to all of you - it's all about managing my time and I am not good on that as you have figured by this time.
I got back frm Vegas yesterday...I went for my partner's birth party and to walk JCK Show..the absolutely fabulous JCK.
I will post some notes about the show soon.
Today I am resting and doing some chores and enjoying few cocktails at home...i love to drink at home..if the cocktail doesn't turn out great I don't have anybody to blame but myself...and for now it's all daliciuus
So I hope you are having a daliciuus day and take care!


  


On left, the first strawberry daiquiri of the day; on the right the third one, with a subtle change.

And remember...make the most of your life and celebrate yourself, your house, your family, your day, your love, your fails and your victories every day of your existence. 

Love, 

FerNando.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Mexican Beauty

OMG!!!

No , I won't display here my list with the top 50 mas bellos Mexicans because there will be no space enough...yes baby...beautiful people Mexico has to spare and its cities, food, music and lots of margueritas.
I want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on this space spotlighting the fabulous and modern artist who was Frida Kahlo. Frida was an artistic genius, surrealistic and modern.

Para Mexico y sus hijos and mi hermanos. 
Viva Mexico! 








Monday, May 3, 2010

Opening Mother's Day celebrations

Create an exquisite necklace for your mother using a substantial Murano glass heart pendant by Murano Glass. You can always create a beaded bail and run through your favorite chain or build a rosary-style linked necklace like this one I created using 20 gauge of gold filled wire or if you want to keep the cost lower replace with German style wire from Beadalon. 
I bought these died glass roundels back in February at the TBTB Show in Tucson and although is a fake
"quartz" bead I loved this velvety texture that glows on this bloody red. I off set the symmetry using few white alabaster Swarovski Elements in similar shape and I added a second milefiliore glass bead on tear drop shape. I like how Murano glass beads can bring any piece of jewelry to a higher level and I think once is combined with high end crystals it turns into a nice replacement for colored gemstones. Imagine this necklace made with 14 Ky. gold wire, rubies and a carved coral heart...it would cost you 5 times more than this one created by me. 



"Milefiliore d'amore" necklace. Design by Fernando Dasilva © 2010.


Friday, April 30, 2010

To die for



A very legal summer dessert prepared by WW. Refreshing, light and sweet enough...after those temptations how about another temptation:



Water served by Jesus Luz...Jesus is a Brazilian model who was booked to be in a  photo shoot with Madonna last year...the spread was for W Magazine and all the photos were taken by Steven Klein. Since then Jesus has been in the spotlight abut a shocking number of people from the fashion and modeling industry kept talking bad things about him and his modeling career.  

I honestly think he is gorgeous and he is away better model than many other Brazilians.
It's all about jealousy and bad vibe.
I am happy for him.  Now he does not only brings light but also water.
Ohhhhh, Madonna!!!


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

"Copacabana nights" earrings

Hello everybody!
I am here with a freshy, sassy, sexy, breezy, airy and modern pair of earrings debuting my early Summer 2010 mood.
Inspired by the sexy girls from Rio de Janeiro and their wild summer nights here it is. Enjoy them.
The necklace was designed qite ago but it is like most of my jewelry timelessly CHIC !
And remember...you dont ever have to match but coordinates!
You can read a review of the shell pendants on my Modern-Expressions.blogspot.com.





 "Copacabana nights"earrings by Fernando Dasilva



Sunday, April 18, 2010

Breakfast a la Gabriela

The sweetness of ripe bananas is always welcome anytime of the day but yesterday I treated myself with one of the most delicious breakfast delights that I've ever tried.
I skillet fried a couple of ripe plantains and forgot about bread, cookies or cereal bowl for a day and went back to the days of my rich and happy childhood.
This is a very common delight throughout the entire Northern region of Brazil and it can be enjoyed in the afternoons as well. Simple and flavorful, "banana-da-terra"* is the perfect match for a homemade cup of coffee - not expresso, nor americano, but boiled in water and sugar and strained...old fashion.
Cut them on the diagonal. Use a large skillet, melt the butter on medium heat and let the foam to subsides and then add the slices of plantains...fry on all sides until golden. Remove it to a plate and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top.


It's fantastic, exotic and Daliciuus™.
And remember Brazilians like coffee sweet as love, strong as sin and hot as hell.

* plaintain in Portuguese...its a variety of banana.



Saturday, April 17, 2010

A tropical Sangria for mom


Last Saturday, I had a great time with my mom. We stayed all day at home just chatting and hunging out - we laugh, we danced and we cried....a very Almodovarian day.
She was visiting and I decided to make us a pitcher of Sangria - my special recipe.
I bought this rose wine from Spain and I added: triple sec, brandy, lime juice, lots of sugar, apples, red grapes, orange slices and lots of ice. To top the whole pitcher I added sparkling water...bubbles are always welcome!

The result is below.


Strawberries and orange slice for garnishing.  Daliciuus™ twice!

Tchim, tchim!!!

Friday, March 26, 2010

The rejected designs

The design below did not make the book.
The color palette is very Spring/Summer...well well well..life goes on!




Fernando Dasilva for "Modern Expressions" made with CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements.

I got no time 4 !!!

No, I did not give up on Daliciuus™.
I have been working a lot, the book's manuscript is done and Spring is here.
I will blogging more than ever... at least I hope so. lol

My "I got no time 4" this week goes to:  Kate Gosselin.
I don't understand why she is in the spotlight. No offense, but I never watched her reality show and did not give a ===== about her life.
I always thought that to be sucessful in life you should work hard and be talented..at least have some talent.


I am still thinking that pop culture is beyond all the trash we have been witnessing in the media these days; it's part of what Andy said many years ago but man, I haaaaaaate that!



Wednesday, March 10, 2010

My best from the Oscar



The Oscar 2010 was okay.

I don't understand how somebody can be nominated 17 times and still not be awarded.
I think that Sandra Bullok's work is overrated. 
I am happy for Monique..but to me Meryl or Sedibi should've taken the statue home.
And I dont hink SB long gold dress wasn't that special at all..old classic Hollywood style...if I had to pick an old Hollywood style dress I'd stick with Nicole Ritchie..she looks so mature and regal..I loved it!

Getting back to the women, ny number one look was JLO...MARAVILHOZA !!!




MY # 1 Jennnifer Lopez...I loved all about this dress...architectural ..couture..high fashion...statement...and she is the only one who can wear a pale color dress and we can still see her. Gorgeous!!!





MY # 2 - the co-star of "Up in the air" Vera Farmiga...WOW!!! no words...fuchsia architectural..astonishing!!! What a brave woman! Loveeed it!  




MY # 3 - "Avatar" diva---Zoe Saldana...tres chic! couture...purrrrple rocks and she worked the red carpet..the purple shoes are fantabulous! love the excess of ruffles...it's red carpet..you are supposed to awe me!!!





MY #4 ---Sarah Jessica Parker....my God! many people hated this dress but I loved it! the color platte is fresh and unique..daring lines...loved the platinum flowers on top. She looks gorgeous to me.



 MY # 5 ....for the first time ever I like everything about Cameron Diaz on this dress...statuesque, glamourous, luxurious, rich...according to JRivers the color is "GREIGE"...ta meu bem!!! between silver shadow and gold shade ...fabulous! She looks regal e powerful.


Saturday, March 6, 2010

Summer mood





Easy, breezy cuffs...tropical wood and frosted colored beads and of course sparkles...casual streewear..




I can't wait for a Summer caipirinha party ... away better than mojitos!! lol



Love those gerbera daisies...and green amethyst earrings to un match...





Necklace made with new article 5328 CRYSTALLIZED™XILION beads...named after "Cinque terre" an Italian region by the Mediterranean. I redid this necklace to fit one of my friends outfit at the Crystallized party. I love the color palete.
yummmyyyy!!!