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Visual Splendor

Visual reviews of apartments, movies and more eye candy.

Artist & Designer Features Visual Splendor

Fabiola Jean-Louis is Rewriting History

07/07/2020

“The series speaks to the shocking treatment of Blacks throughout history and the trauma inflicted on their bodies as juxtaposed with the abstract idea of black freedom,”

“Simultaneously, it engages with a vision of the future—one of hope, resilience, and justice.”

“I have an obsession with exposing what lies beneath the surface. It is my constant examination of the spirit, and no doubt – my intense curiosity with the cycle of life and death. Everyday, I think of peeling away layers, and imagine what I will find. I know that what I am looking for is not tangible, and with all my years of studying science, not even it can help me describe this thing. When I do finally get to a place of imaginative clarity, the visions are so intricate, and intertwined, that I find them too complex to communicate through my work. I am not YET skilled enough to show you all that I see. I work to break that barrier each, and everyday.”

I cannot fawn over Fabiola’s rewriting of history enough. I know you agree. Please check out more of Fabiola’s work here.

Business Features Event Features Visual Splendor

Indy’s First Annual Macaron Day

03/25/2019

You can imagine my excitement when macaron cookies finally starting picking up steam. Now they can be found in bakeries around Indianapolis (and most cities around the USA, at that!) so there’s no need to travel to Paris or order macarons online. Hurrah!

Also, because the macaron is such a fun cookie to experiment with, you can find such an array of flavors, colors and styles! I saw everything from tie-dye, to unicorn-shaped, to sparkly golden macarons in every flavor you can imagine — even tequila! (Rene’s Bakery)

I’m not only going to show you our adventure on this day, but I’m also going to tell you the top bakeries to get macarons in Indianapolis! Please enjoy~

Macaron Ratings:

In order from 5 star ratings.

Rene’s Bakery: Pineapple – Not only was this a new flavor for me but it tasted tart and amazing. The texture was sport on — the shape was a little unique (it was very rounded) but I will be going back here for more. They also had the most unique flavors: grape, tequila, pineapple, mango, etc. Yum!

Luxury Cakes: Orange Blossom – I loved the flavor AND the creme. It was more of a whipped cream ganache and I enjoyed every single bite. It was stuffed with creme!

Macaron Bar: Earl Grey – I love earl grey and so tea-flavored macarons are always a favorite. Great texture, chewy and delicious.

Coat Check Coffee: Fruity Pebbles – I’m sure I am biased but the flavor was amazing, the macaron was the cutest of all and it was a perfect texture.

Cake Bake: Pink Marshmallow – The prettiest macaron. Glittery, perfect shape. Tastes like a traditional macaron. If you really love macarons you must get the Marie Antoinette, it is my absolute, world-wide, favorite macaron.

Circle City Sweets: Raspberry Rose Champagne – Very tasty with both fruit filling and ganache. Great, traditional macaron.

The Gallery Pastry Shop: Matcha – I love matcha as a flavor and the macaron was a very strong matcha. I hate when I cannot even taste it! It was another traditional, lovely macaron.

HoiTea ToiTea: Confetti – For one, they call them macaroons which is a totally different cookie. The macaron wasn’t exceptional in flavor but it was very cute because it was dipped in sprinkles.

Bites: coffee, dessert, bar.: Blueberry Waffle – I enjoyed that the macaron was filled with fruit jam AND ganache but it was bland. I was hoping with the flavor I would be able to taste it but not so much. A little too crisp.

What is Macaron Day?

Macaron Day is a chance for macaron lovers to taste delectable French macarons from various bakeries while also supporting local charities in participating cities: Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Toledo. By mentioning Macaron Day at any of the participating bakeries and you’ll receive a complimentary macaron while supplies last.
Official Macaron Day Website

Reminds me of a cute, colorful town in the Wild West!
Luxury cakes: cute, pink, kitsch.
Cake Bake: one of my all-time favorite restaurants and bakeries.
Cake Bake’s new Pink Marshmallow Dream cake.
Macaron Day passport!
The Gallery Pastry Shop’s decadent, perfect desserts.

Participating Indy Bakeries:

Circle City Sweets | 222 E Market Street, 46204

Macaron Bar | 425 Massachusetts Avenue, 46204 

Coat Check Coffee | 401 E Michigan Street, 46204

HoiTea ToiTea – Broad Ripple | 6283 N College Avenue, 46220

The Gallery Pastry Shop | 1101 E 54th St G, 46220

The Cake Bake Shop | 6515 Carrollton Avenue, 46220

Rene’s Bakery | 6524 N. Cornell Avenue, 46220

HoiTea ToiTea – Keystone Mall | 8702 Keystone Crossing, 46240

Luxury Cakes | 254 Veteran’s Way, 46032

Bites: coffee, dessert, bar | 640 S Main St #100, 46077

Cake pops at Bites — love the sprinkles!

Macaron Fan?

Love macarons as much as I do? I also took along my macaron kitty pins and necklaces to give to some of my favorite stops as a thank you. This pin was made in collaboration with ALTLiAE who is an all star leatherworker and macaron baker in Indianapolis. She wanted a mascot macaron pin so I created this little kitty for her! You can get your own pin or necklace for a limited time in the Miseducated Shop.

Want to collaborate on your own mascot pin to promote your business? Let me know!

Mood Board Visual Splendor

Mood Board: All the Monday Feels

12/03/2018

Who said Mondays have to be a draining, uninspired pity party? Let’s have a Monday inspiration party.

Mood Board post category acquired.

Last night we welcomed the new week by having a card game gathering at our home and I was sure to get an array of tasty snacks: dark chocolate, wasabi soy almonds, popcorn and candies~ sparkling strawberry, pineapple water to top it off.

Dreaming of a photoshoot like I used to do. I don’t know why we leave behind parts of ourselves that we truly love! What’s a part of one of your old selves that you’d like to bring back?

xox


TOO CUTE: A new favorite blog by Kate of Scathingly Brilliant


Add edible flowers to your ice cubes!


Kitschy Living


Nyané

Business Features Visual Splendor

The New Macaron Bar on Mass Ave

10/29/2018

I am pleased to announce that the Macaron Bar on Mass Ave in Indianapolis has opened recently and so I was able to visit and get some tasty macarons while doing a business feature. I highly recommend the earl grey within the current offerings! That’s my favorite flavor, hands down.

If you want a little more than a decadently cute dessert you can also take classes here. They offer classes on making and decorating macarons as well as pairing events inclusive of champagne, coffee or beer!

I was also delighted about the minimal decor, bright POPs of color and the option to order macaron towers for an event. Stop by and let me know what you think.

I’ll see you at the next coffee pairing?

Day With a Camera Visual Splendor

Day with A Camera: A Walk on Mass Ave with Emi

08/17/2018

I had a happy celebration day with Emi recently~ we ate and enjoyed chocolates and had an adventure on Mass Ave.

She insisted on getting me flowers and taking my photo~ she wants to record every moment of… my pregnancy.

I’m pregnant with my second child! More on this later but it has been a long journey to get here and I’m very grateful~ xx.

Boomerang Boutique

845B Massachusetts Ave

Homespun: Modern Handmade

869 Massachusetts Ave

Watt’s Blooming ft MAC (Mass Ave Cat)

615 Massachusetts Ave

Books & Brews

643 Massachusetts Ave

Shop Visual Splendor

Are Blogs Dead? Who Cares, Here’s Magical Girl Nicki Minaj!

07/08/2018

I suspect it’d have a bit more color in it’s face if I’d update at least one time a week.

You know how it is.

I started a new project recently since I arrived home from our beach vacation and I’m so excited to tell you!

I’ve decided to do Magical Girls pins which are honoring to actual female idols but in my own kawaii style (similar to my lucky cryptokitty pin!). They are each inspired by a real life magical girl whom exists in our culture and inspires others with music, fashion, charitable giving, love and mega heart beat motivation. She is not only a magical girl with super special powers but she is here to inspire you to be yourself and never give up.

These are ladies who are stars and have inspired me in a great way.

I also welcome suggestions and have received quite a few. So to be honest the list of future idols is LONG, but, if you suggest the next girl you’ll win a free pin of her. So get to suggesting, darling, and maybe you’ll be on the same page and win!

Our first Magical Girl is… Nicki Minaj. So please say hello to Magical Girl Nicki!

How can you get your own? Well you preorder her here, at my shop! Once there are 15 preorders she will be made and all 15 supporters will receive a surprise gift and their pin. And lots of love and virtual hugs from me. And a big discount for a future order in case you might have your eyes on some other goodies!