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!

Etsy Find: Covet Design Shop

I am so excited that my friend, Hannah, started her own Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/covetdesignshop. Hannah's specialty is banners! She crafted a homemade banner to hang at our friend's engagement party. They are simple banners that can add a personal touch to any party! I had one made for my boyfriend's birthday in March and it was a hit! I requested a bright, golden yellow which Hannah matched perfectly. Here is the banner for my bf's birthday:

Isn't this the cutest picture? This is the banner made for the engagement party. It looked great when posed for pictures and now they have a great gift for other parties or occasions.

Check out Hannah's shop for new and great items! I am sorry for the delay on posts! I am going to get back on track!

Fabulous Suit Inspiration

As working women, suits are not required in as many businesses these days. When it is appropriate to wear a suit it’s hard to figure out where to look for inspiration. What's modern, sleek, and makes a statement in this world of business? I have collected an assortment of classic images to help start the brainstorming process.

The ever graceful and classic Audrey Hepburn in a Givenchy suit

Jackie Kennedy is a more casual style

Julia Roberts in a Stella McCartney suit

Carrie Bradshaw at her Vogue meeting

My girl GP in a sassy & fun rendition of the suit

And again classy Audrey in a vision of green

Some of these may be a bit funky for interviews, but I found that Banana Republic has a great selection of styles that are more attainable. Check these out:

With funky jewelry and a brighter top this would be very sharp

This is a nice soft hue for spring or summer

This has a nice detail in the belt

All my worker lady friends go get em’ and look fabulous doing it!

Valentines Day Ideas

Valentine's Day can be an interesting holiday, but if you focus the attention on people you love it doesn't have to be so depressing! Most people think you have to have a "Valentine", but you already have tons of people in your life that would appreciate a small gesture of thought or love. Parent's, Grandparents, friends, siblings - these are all people who can benefit from a little acknowledgement. I was a bit short on time (which I'm sure most people are) so I had to send my cards out a little late - at least they will get there! I was able to produce handmade cards. It doesn't take a lot of time if you have the supplies and a plan.

Supplies:

1. wine (always #1 when doing art & crafts)




2. ink pad - any color, but I would pick a color scheme ahead of time. I choose to do a slight variation of the traditional. I bought stone colored cards with fig envelopes. I had a bright red stamp pad and a burgundy pen.



3. a fun idea for the front of a card - my idea was something fun and unsuspecting. If you don't have something planned for the big day you can always enjoy a glass of vino by yourself. It's a sweet indulgence to yourself! So why not have the wine show it's love for you! You and wine can have a fabulous night reading, getting a manicure, a reward for working out - whatever, but it's about having the freedom to indulge in whatever you want. If you can't or don't want to freehand you can buy a stamp at your local paper store. Something simple always works. A symbol or a fun design, don't get to intricate because it will take too long to produce a large amount.

Enjoy!

Anthro....Wedding???

*image source Anthropologie

Yes, it's true! Anthropologie has created a wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, accessories and jewelry. It won't be available at Anthropologie stores or online. It's a separate line called B H L D N. It launches February 14 so mark your calendars! Check out this website for a sneak peek:

http://f.email.bhldn.com/i/43/2085899048/index.html?cm_mmc=Email-_-Anthro_11-_-020411FebOverlapsNews-_-main2

Simple Additions for Your Home

I was organizing my new place and thought I would share some tips for quick and artful organizing.

This small chest of drawers serves a couple of purposes (besides storing clothes). I am on the search for a new bookcase so in the meantime I am artfully placing books in cozy settings. I have four books placed on top of each other with the smallest on the bottom. I have this arrangement in threes: lamp, small vase, and tall vase with straw sticking out adding height. You always have a visual balance with groups of threes or a pyramid (this is an upside down pyramid). You're eye naturally follows the arrangement from top to bottom. A secret storage item in this setup is the small orange vase. I bought a set of three in orange, blue, and purple. Placed around my room they serve as accent pieces and quick storage items. I place my hair ties, bobby-pins, and any other small item inside.

I like to have some of my jewelry on display. I bought two hammered silver trivets, one large, one small, from Crate & Barrel. My larger bracelets, watch, and necklaces are in the larger trivet and earrings and rings in the smaller. On the top of my dresser I also have a small ceramic pinch pot where I have smaller pins and rings.

Below I have a corner of my bathroom vanity. I have to have a clock and I found this cute vintage looking clock at IKEA. A morrocan patterned glass canister from World Market holds my toothbrush and toothpaste. Finding interesting storage solutions for everyday, ordinary items is a refreshing organizing skill. My light blue Q-tip holder is perfect for grabbing a couple and hiding the sometimes unsightly things.
Below is another example of a quick book displaying option (when you are waiting for a bookcase). The books are vertical with a candle holder on one side and a picture frame on the other. You don't have to buy bookends. You can find items at your home and make them useful.

New Year’s Peace

The New Year came crashing in like a wave for me this year. I wasn't prepared, I felt stressed, and I had one thing after the next planned in my holiday break. I was tripping and falling, scrabbling to be organized. It was a wake-up call. I realized that life was going to start passing me by if I didn't get an organized handle on my life and commitments. I need clarity, I need….peace. Peace, in my opinion, is underrated in our society. Technology connects people to work at all hours as well as any social media. You have to make plans to disconnect from society. I am going to make plans to find 30 minutes to an hour of each day to reflect, realize my goals for the day and find a time in my day to have quiet and be able to reach back to the moment when I start feeling busy and stressed. Good luck on your New Year's resolution and wherever the year will take you!

Couch Conclusion

The couch search has come to an end! My boyfriend and I decided to check out the JC Penney Outlet store one afternoon (don't judge, if I could afford Room & Board the search would be easy & over - I like a challenge!). The store was south of the airport off the Forest Park exit. The warehouse was large and had a huge selection of sofas, sectionals, headboards, bedroom furniture and dining room furniture. Now, to be honest, I wouldn't suggest going there to find the sleekest designs. It is mostly a destination driven by cost. You also have to watch out for dirty cushions. We had to go on a search to find the cleanest pillows. Overall I am happy with the buy and experienced a fabulous Saturday night bonding with couch over Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Sex & the City and wine.

Reasons this couch is a great buy:

1. Canvas material which is durable
2. Light color will go with any color scheme
3. Great size to fit two people comfortably

BEST PART EVER: PRICE AFTER DISCOUNTS WAS $192.00 WITH TAX!

Price breakdown - Same style couch at:

IKEA, Ektorp $399

Crate & Barrel, Bayside 3-Seat Sofa, $1699

Pottery Barn, Charleston Sofa $1499 - $2049

You can't turn down a price like that. Now I have more money to buy needed pieces for the living room!