Padre Island Coquina Clams

Coquina - Donax variablis, is a clam that is common from Virginia down the Atlantic to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. In some areas it is extremely abundant (Padre Island, TX) but in other areas rare (Galveston Island, TX). They are easily found at the low tide line and can be so dense that they leave no space in between each other. During my last visit to Padre Island National Seashore I observed thousands and thousands of these very interesting and beautiful bivalves. The clams are quite variable, hence the specific name, and can be found in light blue, green, light purple, pink, yellow, orange, striped, and white. While I walked down the beach I found a quite a few whole Coquina shells which I collected.

Here is the range of colors I found. The left two rows are the insides of the shells which are just as colorful as the outer surface of the shells.

The most abundant color I found on Padre Island is white, followed by light blues, then yellow, orange, pink and striped. I also found one that looked greenish. My favorite ones are the bottom left hand side with the striped sun-ray pattern.

The inside of the shell shows rich colors.

Lunch at Nordstrom

Yesterday was such a nice eventful day! I did a few new things like: seeing my first musical while living in Houston and also eating at a new restaurant for dinner. For lunch I ate at a familiar and regular place - Nordstrom Bistro at the Houston Galleria.

The Nordstrom Bistro is located at the Galleria inside the Nordstrom department store. You have to go up to the third floor and it's entrance is situated between the At Home and BP section. It is a lovely place to have lunch especially while you are in the midst of shopping. Every week they have a Chef's Special, which I usually try as long as it doesn't have any red meat in it. The service was very good as usual.

Today Tink and I had the Chef's Special and the Crab Stack:

(photos taken with the iPhone 4)

Ahhh.... the delicious Crab Stack... the crab meat is so plump and the mango, tomato, and cucumber always fresh.

Ahi Tuna Flatbread... The Tuna was perfectly seared, the tempura green beans crisp, and the grape tomatoes sweet!

Versace for H&M

Versace has released the news on there website that they will be collaborating with H&M!! They will have mens, womens, and home accessories. The items will be sold at select H&M stores starting November 17, 2011.

This looks very exciting! I can't wait to see the items and hopefully buy a few too. The homeware items sound very appealing too.

The above photo is a screenshot from the Versace.com homepage.

For more information go to:

Versace

or this informative article from Vogue.com:

Versace for H&M

***Update***

Donatella Versace wore a Versace for H&M dress for here S/S 2012 Menswear show:

...and here is another article from Vogue.com showing a few of the Versace for H&M pieces:

Versace for H&M preview

Versace Mens S/S 2012

The Versace Men's Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show was today!

The collection was reported as: "masculine, heroic, and glamourous." There is no other way to put it... It was Very Versace.

I like the show but it wasn't my favorite. It will have to grow on me. I think just seeing it as the runway pieces isn't enough. A lot of time I have to see the items individually or styled in a more wearable way as they do in the ad campaigns. Here are some photos of select pieces:

The first look. I like it. Its very wearable and the color is nice for spring/summer.

There were a lot of bright pieces in this collection. The socks with gladiator sandals is odd to me but I do like the sandals a lot otherwise. The shorts are a nice color too but I personally don't like pleats or baggy shorts.

The sunglasses and sandals are must haves for me! The head to toe pattern is not for me but the cut looks very comfortable. The model, Simon Nessman, can make anything look good.

The sunglasses are amazing!! They look very similar to the vintage Versace glasses Lady Gaga has popularized.

The reds in this collection were super bright!

A neutral toned piece that is very wearable.

This is my favorite look of the collection. Im sure the jacket will be all over the place in the spring/summer fashion magazines and in the ad campaign. It looks amazing! If you are thinking about buying it inquire at your local Versace boutique early because they will only have a few (if not only one) and they/it will sell out fast!

I like this knit. Even though it is long sleeve it should be comfortable due to the openings in the fabric.

There were a few pieces of swimwear (thank goodness). This is my favorite of the lot.

I also like how the black and white pattern of this years S/S collection is incorporated into next years.

A nice black suit with the interesting detail of buckles. There was a lot of pieces with buckles in this collection. Some paints had buckles going down the entire length of the outer-seam of each leg.

All photos from Style.com

My Garden - Late Spring 2011 pt.2

A few more wildflowers bloomed this week even with temperatures going over 100 degrees Fahrenheit! ... The drought continues and on the news they were talking about the water-restrictions being put in effect.

Missouri Ironweed - Vernonia missurica , these were started from seed this past fall and are now starting to bloom. They bees really like them.

Mexican Hat - Ratibida columnifera , a common wildflower of Houston. Some of the wild plants around Houston are much more colorful with a dark orange to red petals. It is the prefect plant if you want a care free garden. Another very drought tolerant plant.

Sunflower - Helianthus annuus , a very pretty and abundant wildflower in Houston. I remember when I first moved to Houston I was impressed on how this plant was everywhere. It makes a nice garden plant as well. Mine are about 10 feet tall. The seed was collected from the City Centre area of Houston before it was developed again. :P

Martha's Entertaining

** Update! The book will now be released on Oct. 25, 2011!!!*

I just pre-ordered this book on Amazon.com! The cover looks great and I cant wait until November 1st when it is released! :D

432 pages

Published by Clarkson Potter

November 1, 2011

Pacifica Patio Set

Today I received my new patio set!! It is the Pacifica patio set by Martha Stewart Living bought from HomeDepot.com

Pacifica Collection 4-Piece Chat Set

The Pacifica collection is made with steel for strength and durability, and features spun poly fabric and a Frosted Gold frame finish. This 4 piece chat set includes 2 chat chairs, 1 loveseat, and 1 glass top coffee table. The set also includes fashioned mildew and fade-resistant cushions.

Text above from homedepot.com

Love Seat

One of the two cushions

One of the two chat chairs ...very comfortable!

The coffee table with tinted glass

...and each piece has a nice label.

Im really happy because this is the final piece needed to complete my small backyard renovation project. I intend to spend lots of time relaxing and enjoying the garden as much as possible...