Ellen Lau Zarrell, Founder & Creative Director of LeLu Design LLC wears many hats through her artist journey as an artist…a journey has taken her to various fields beyond her profession as Fashion Design Director in New York City.  She has extensive experience in the Apparel Industry after graduating from Parsons School of Design. 

‘As I witness our lives in a high-tech world:  painting or sketching by hand becomes a dying art.  I enjoy the feel of picking up a Venus #4B pencil, a piece of charcoal stick or a paint brush in my hand to create artwork….’ said Ellen.

‘Travels inspired me.  Learning from different cultures often gives me a fresh take to create new art – from the exotic Ikat patterns of Bali, to the rich and spicy color palette of Morocco & Mexico.’

It all started several years ago when Ellen returned from a trip to Oslo, Norway.  She visited her God Daughter, Elizabeth on her 1st Birthday.  Ellen was very inspired by the Gustav Vigeland Park.   Strolling through the park in the rain, Ellen did many quick sketches of those amazing sculptures and later interpreted into oil paintings and pastel drawings when she returned home.  Since then, Ellen found herself a new appreciation of fine art.  She created a nice balance between a professional Fashion Director by day, a painter by night and weekends.

Ellen’s fashion and fine artwork have been produced into Giclee printed posters for sale on various art websites, such as ArtistRising and ImageKind.  Some of her work turned into artistic screen print T-shirts on sale at CozyPetal.com.

Yesterday, July 14th was Bastille Day. 

Despite the history origin of this day, there were many festivals and events around the world celebrated this particular day – in French style, bien sur!

No exception, the treats of French croissants and baguettes with cafe au latte started my day at breakfast.  So, I wasn’t in Paris yesterday celebrating along with my friends there, but New York has a large French population; hence the variety of French bistros, pastry shops and boutiques.  I gave my friends some perfect spa-bath gifts:   Pre de Provence- Heart Shaped Soaps and Luxury Soap Packs.

The Bastille Day Street Fair started off this past weekend – filled with games, and food tasting.  Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time.

The French Institute Alliance Française offers weekly screenings at their cinema for the film lovers.  Many also tuned in watching the Tour de France.

One of the Tribeca neighborhood’s favorite, Cercle Rouge is another establishments of Georges Forgeois – offers classic bistro dishes that are delightful.

Cercle Rouge’s Bastille Day celebrations were being held in conjunction with the French Government Tourist Board, which was raffling off a free 6 day/5night trip for two to Provence. I hope one of you were the winners!

Bali holds a special place in my heart !!

Through my travels, I have discovered Bali my way, or shall I say that Bali found me many years ago.

Not sure if it is the culture, the spiritual air of this place, or simply they know about relaxation through its tranquil settings, to me: Bali + Spa = Haven!

In truth, it has been awhile since my last trip to Bali, but whenever I read anything about Bali and Spas, my eyes light up with by their wonderful photos; my heart fluttered with their words describing its settings, and all those fabulous Spa Treatments & packages.  Now, I know that these might not mean as much to other gals, but to me, it is a quick trip to memory lane, and best of all is the excitement to start planning my next trip! 

So, I have just read about Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa  and just loving their special spa treatments to renew and restore both your body and spirit such as ‘Welcome Aromatherapy Bath in-suite’, ‘Tropical Coconut Body Polish & Seaweed-Cucumber Conditioner’, ‘Fresh Fruit Facial’, or ‘Floral Footbath Ritual’.  Their special package includes Yoga, and Spa Cuisines to purify and energizing the body good.

With quotes like this:  ‘Step into the world of Anantara and experience our timeless touch in surroundings of mystical allure.  Let your worries end and your journey begin.’ – Bali, I will be there again real soon!

Do you want to inspire someone? 

You can achieve that with so many different ways.  What if giving someone a piece of jewelry that carries special message such as ‘YOU ARE LOVED’, ‘ JOY’, or ‘DREAM’?  To inspire someone not to forget their dreams and aspirations…to keep joy in their hearts…or simply to remind them how special they are in your heart?

At Cozy Petal, we are happy to announce that we now carry the Jewelry Collection from ‘Story Bracelets & More’ (www.storybraceletsandmore.com) to our eBoutique.  Perfect for all seasonal gifts - birthdays, bridal shower gifts, mother’s day gifts or ‘just because’ … You have to agree that jewelry can be a girl’s best friend.  From costly designer brands to lower price ranges of the Street fair styles, you can always light up someone with a special charm bracelet, or necklace.  Personally, I love the mixing of leather, metal and beads for the everyday accessories.  These handcrafted jewelry created by Praols (‘Women Helping Women’) is a great message to pass it on.  Jewelry with a Cause, how divine!

Their mission is to help stay at home moms and low income single mothers that find themselves in dire situations.  These inspirational jewelry is handcrafted by these women to empower them to earn an Income without the burden of day care expenses.  Unlike most of the jewelry currently out there, these are proudly handcrafted in the USA. 

All pieces come with a ‘message’ and it is a fun way to pass them along…go ahead, inspire someone today!