Design Ambush!

Watch out or you could be victim of a Design Ambush! This is a great treat to experience as my boyfriend now knows. He went out of town and an idea popped in my head to surprise him with a Christmas decorated table, chairs, and rug. We had already purchased a dining table and benches the previous week, but had not found chairs for the ends. I asked my Mom if she would help and the challenge began!

We already had the bones of the dining set including the Napa dining table and benches from World Market:

We searched all over Atlanta for stores that had nicely designed furniture with an affordable pricetag. Our list of stores included, Pier One, Ballard Design Outlet, Direct Furniture, and West Elm. We had a pleasant find at West Elm grabbing a beautiful gold table runner. The table runner was sparkly, fun and had a natural type feel. I had already purchased a gold glitter garland for decoration and the table runner was going to work smashingly. The simplicity was going to be perfect with any additional table decor.

After West Elm we were feeling a little defeated having not found chairs or a rug so we decided to go to Ikea. Jack pot! We were able to find the perfect chairs at the right price. You had to buy the chair frame and then slipcovers which were easy to put together and don't have the look of a slip covered chair like you might expect. Having wood floors in the kitchen, we were looking for a rug that was a natural material. We found the perfect Tarnby jute rug.

While we were at Ikea we picked up an arrangement of pillar candles in various sizes for the table centerpiece. After we made the purchases at Ikea and enjoyed a coffee and cinnamon roll we hit the road in order to get to Scott's before he arrived home. We had impeccable timing and were able to construct the chairs, throw down the rug, and arrange the table decor in record time. It was such a success to view the completed project. It was also an enjoyable day with my Mom. He was super surprised and grateful for the effort and determination!

If you have the time, motivation, and energy you can really make good progress in a day. You need to map out a plan of attack and stay focused. We only had a small list which still took the entire day so don't overwhelm yourself with numerous details. Keep the list simple and you will be able to accomplish your task. You also need to be flexible and resourceful if you aren't finding the exact perfect piece. Never rush a buy because you will be stuck with it for a while. If it isn't the right time then wait and set out on another day. It's best to make good decisions and buy what you want in order to save money and be completed satisfied with the purchase.

Watch out for the next design ambush!

Christa's Christamas Tunes

I love Christmas time. It's a bit hard to get in the spirit when it is 70 degrees, but a little musical inspiration will always help!

The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole

Christmas is All Around, Billy Mack

Christmas Lights, Coldplay

Christmas Song, Dave Matthews Band

All I Want for Christmas, Mariah Carey

Baby It's Cold Outside, Harry Connick, Jr.

Christmas Must be Tonight, My Morning Jacket

I'll Be Home for Christmas, Michael Buble

I've Got My Love to Keep me Warm (Stuhr Remix), Kay Starr

Enjoy!

Imgine

This is especially significant during the holidays, Jack Johnson's rendition of the ever popular and meaningful Imagine by John Lennon. Keep perspective, keep peace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHCPfs6EGCA&feature=related

r.i.p

j.l

12/08/1980

Google Art Project

For all of us who love to travel and equally love art I'm so happy to introduce this fascinating site (if you don't already know about it, which is quite possible). Google Art Project provides a glimpse into wonderful museum's around the world. I've never been to Amsterdam to see the Van Gogh Museum, but with this site I can get a preview of the spectacular space and art. You can choose from a list of museums on the left hand side of the web page. You can tour the museum by zooming in and out, read descriptions of the work, and walk around. It's similar to "street view" on Google Maps. Check out the Uffizi Gallery pieces in Florence, particularly the Sacrifice of Issac by Caravaggio. Have fun and enjoy the wonderful world of Google Art. It will hook you for hours!

MANGIA! Summer Recipe – Mustard-Seared Tuna with Shallot Cream, Eggplant Relish & Green Beans

The summer is a wonderful time to have friends and family over to share a meal. This menu has become a special one I enjoy making for all types of occasions. It embodies everything summer to me: relaxing, light, and colorful. I found this in Food & Wine and the recipe is by Stuart Bell. The first time I prepared this was for my family last summer and they loved it! It tastes delicious, light, and refreshing and can be paired with a Pinot Noir. My co-workers brought over a delicious Pinot Noir from Sonoma called Banshee 2009. It does take a while to prepare so plan an hour to chop all the ingredients for the eggplant relish. You can have all those ingredients chopped ahead of time and throw on the skillet before dinner. Enjoy cooking this for loved ones and do not stress preparing the meal! Drink wine and have fun!

Mustard-Seared Tuna with Shallot Cream
INGREDIENTS
Shallot Cream
Kosher Salt
6 medium shallots, unpeeled
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Tuna
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon drained capers
Four 6-ounce tuna steaks
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Eggplant Relish, for serving
Steamed green beans

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350. Spread a ½ inch layer of salt in a small baking dish. Arrange the shallots on the salt and bake for 45 minutes, until soft. Let cool. Peel the shallots and transfer them to a blender. Add the cream, lemon juice, mustard and thyme and puree. Transfer the shallot cream to a saucepan and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the capers and cook over moderately high heat until crisp, 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the capers to a plate. Season the tuna with salt and pepper and spread with the mustard. Heat the oil left in the skillet until shimmering. Add the tuna and cook over high heat, turning once, until browned outside and medium-rare within. 2 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the tuna to plates. Gently heat the shallot cream and spoon over the fish. Scatter the capers on top. Serve with the Eggplant Relish and steamed green beans with toasted almonds, olive oil, and salt.

Eggplant Relish
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large eggplant (1 ¼ pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2 –inch dice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium shallot, cut into ¼-inch dice
1 large celery rib, cut into ¼-inch dice
1 large plum tomato, cut into ¼-inch dice
6 pitted kalamata olives, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the eggplant and cook over moderately high heat, stirring often, until the eggplant is tender and browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer the eggplant to a bowl.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add the garlic, shallot and celery and cook over moderate heat, stirring often, until the shallot is softened, 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato mixture to the eggplant along with the olives, basil, and lemon juice. Stir gently. Season the relish with salt and pepper and serve.

Light Up Your Life!

Lighting is a statement accessory for you home! Not only are lamps practical they easily add warmth to a room, pull a reading nook together, and create vertical height to a layout.

My new favorite find is LZF Lighting an intriguing and unique Spanish lighting design studio. They make beautiful art like sculpture lighting using wood.

2modern is a contemporary furniture store that has a large selection of fun lighting options. The Pablo Tube Top Color Lamp would add a fun burst of color in any room. This would be great as a nightstand lamp or fun next to you sofa. At $110 you have a statement piece that will never go out of style.

Crate and Barrel has a nice selection of lighting. With elegant products you can find great basics to fit any room. My friend just bought the Cage Pendent Lamp below. It is on sale currently for $99 and is the perfect pairing of transitional and modern. I think the linear metal framing is a beautiful architectural accent to the drum lamp.

Hive Modern is a clean and fresh website for quick views of the particular lighting fixture you need. It has some very funky options! Keep in mind this is not a budget conscience website, but you can find reasonable deals or dream big!

This Logico Suspension Lamp is a sculptural piece at $340.

I mean who doesn't need a horse lamp for $7,749? I could definitely find a place for this…

West Elm has added some nice pieces to their offering. The selection isn't overwhelming, but simple pieces for outfitting rooms that don't need a show are available.

This Globe Pendent lamp is simple with clean lines for $99.

Cb2 is a reliable source for funky and inexpensive lighting. They have funky options and color choices. I think the L_MP Pool Floor lamp is neat since it is wood and can introduce a different material to a room. I have seen these in person and would recommend switching the lamp shade. It is a bit small and not proportional to the rest of the fixture.

The Miller House Invites You In

The Herman Miller modern classic furniture collections are an inspiration to design. It is super exciting that the Miller house opens its doors for visitors. Check it out:

http://www.hermanmiller.com/discover/the-miller-house-opens-its-doors/

The home in Columbus, Indiana is packed with original mid-century modern pieces by Alexander Girard, Eero Saarinen, George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames. This house was designed by Eero Saarinen for J. Irwin Miller and his wife Xenia. It is interesting how this type of look and design doesn't feel outdated in our generation of design. To me this space is very fresh and vibrant, incorporating design sensibilities that are timeless. My favorite part of this house, other than the fabulous Girard curtains, is the conversation pit. The bright, vibrant pillows add such a fun contrast to the plush white sofa cushions. The entire family can relax, talk about the day, read, or take a nap. The focus is not the TV, but family and conversation. I hope you find the house as interesting as I did!