Saturday, March 28, 2009

The Martini

In preparation for our local ASID trade show I have been experimenting with martini recipes. All this martini buzz has me thinking about how martinis look crisp and fresh, and how much a beautiful glass adds to the experience.
pictured left
I am not an experienced martini drinker - far from it. I thought perhaps I needed a little lesson on how to make the perfect martini.







And now for the glasses...I have found a few very cool candidates. I like them all!!






















Swank Martini Parisian Martini Glass


Friday, March 27, 2009

Achoo - where are the tissues???

I have been fighting a cold this week - and the cold has won! While I traveled around the office with my box of tissues, I started to think about the aesthetic of tissue boxes, or lack there of.

Why is the packaging soooo ugly?

I decided to see what was out there in design land for tissue covers. Here is a small sampling of what I found. I have to believe that there are more styles available...I just haven't found them. TJMaxx perhaps...

I am shopping today for a few window treatment fabrics at our Design Center with one of my very wonderful clients. I think that I will keep my eye open...stay tuned.



Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Sleek Lounger


Recently while I was searching for just the right chair, I found this thing of beauty, this work of art from DESIGNLUSH. I thought I would share it with you. Gorgeous lines, a wonderful combination of sleek modern with rustic chunky, old wood and new metal - all the juxtapositions that appeal to me. Hope you like it too!





Bronze Lounger with Pine Beam

Monday, March 23, 2009

Good Design - Architecture

What is good design?

It is a question that echoes around in my mind often. I look at something; I LOVE it, I HATE it, it’s…okay. I make those quality judgments based on my accumulated experiences and some “magical” sense or eye that I think I posses. Ever changing.

When I first started doing design work, I though myself a minimalist and purist – no tassels or fringe shall ever cross my desk. Today I have grown to appreciate all the wonderful tools we have to create with, even tassels and fringe (I admit it – I LIKE them).

So what is good design? Is it evidenced by that little feeling that takes your breath away? I agree with a statement in this video from 100% Design, good design “awakens something in you…an awareness....”




I have included some photo of work done by one of my current favorite architects, Hutker Architecture Inc. I see their designs as works of art with great integrity; meant to be handed down generation to generation, in perfect harmony with the environment, and a beautiful reflection of the collaboration between owner and architect. Hope you enjoy their work as much as I do.




Harlock Pond


Harlock Pond


#9


Sugar Mill


Sugar Mill


Sugar Mill


Fixed Point



Green Harbor

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Ecotini 2009


Here in Cleveland the local chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers is preparing for the upcoming interior design trade show, Sourcery '09. This is our 25th year of hosting Sourcery and our theme for this year is "Good Design for a Green Tomorrow."

We typically have a specialty martini for the show and this year is no exception. We are working on various recipes for an "Ecotini." My ASID cohort, Shannon, sent several martini recipe options out for every one's review. My husband, Steve, has volunteered to be the mixologist/guinea pig for our drink experiment. Go Steve.
We decide to whip a batch up today and went with option #3. Whoaw. It needed a little tweak. After the addition of lime juice and some more vodka - it was pretty yummy. The Ecotini is born!

Come see us at Landerhaven on April 2nd and join us for a great day of sustainable design, new products, and an Ecotini. I am working on a wonderful jazz trio and a Skky Vodka bar. See you there!!




Recipes - we picked Melon Liquor and Vodka




The master mixologist at work




Some vigorous shaking...




Great Color!!


Cheers!


Blaaaahhhkkkk!!!


with some quick modifications - lime juice and more .... vodka!




Perfect - LOVE THE COLOR!!!

Sizzling Goat Cheese Salad

While searching for something quick, yummy, and fresh for lunch today, I came across this all time favorite of mine for Sizzling Goat Cheese Salad. I thought I would share this classic with you. Great dish as an appetizer or light lunch with friends. Enjoy!!

4 C. torn mixed greens
½ C. pitted ripe olives
6 whole dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
2 Tsp. sliced green onion
¼ C. salad oil
¼ C. tarragon vinegar
2 Tbs. water
1 Tbs. walnut oil or salad oil
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1 egg
1 Tbs. water
2 Tbs. cornmeal
1Tbs. fine dry bread crumbs
1Tbs. sesame seed, toasted
1 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz. chevre (goat cheese)
2 Tbs. butter
4 small pita bread rounds, split horizontally, cut into wedges and toasted


Arrange greens, olives, tomatoes and green onions on a serving platter. Cover and chill.
For dressing, in a container with lid, combine salad oil, vinegar, 2 Tbs. water, walnut or salad oil, and mustard. Shake till well combined.


In a small bowl combine egg and 1 Tbs. water. In a shallow bowl combine cornmeal, bread crumbs, sesame seed, and Parmesan cheese. Divide the chevre into 16 equal portions; shape into balls and flatten into 1 ¼” diameter patties. Dip each patty into the egg mixture; coat with cornmeal mixture. Cover and chill.


At serving time, in a large skillet melt butter. Add cheese patties and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or till golden, turning once. Arrange on top of greens mixture, shake dressing and drizzle over greens and cheese. Serve with toasted pita wedges. Makes 4 servings.


Vegetarian Recipes - Better Homes and Gardens