Rabu, 28 Desember 2011

Comfort foods

Merry late Christmas! It's been a little while since my last post, but I have a few good excuses for that. First, I've been sick, second, the holidays kept me busy and third, I've been in the midst of figuring out which road I should choose for 2012.  Go back to school and get a second degree or concentrate on a career path. The second seems much more appealing to me since I am really eager to move out and buy a place of my own however, that isn't possible if I am to go back to school.

Most of the people around me right now have an entire week off for the holidays either from work or from school. So the mood is very festive and I am surrounded daily by the ones that matter. I wish this week could last a little longer. I've been having many culinary experiences lately and trying out many different recipes. I managed to make MOCHI for the first time. They ended up being really hard the second day since I didn't add any wheat starch..  I stacked them up to make a little mochi christmas tree!
Recipe
Basically I mixed 2 cups of glutinous rice flour, 1 cup of sugar and a bit of baking powder in a large bowl and gradually added water. Don't forget the wheat starch, around 1 cup should be good. Mix it up until the mixture becomes like dough. If the dough is sticky, add flour or cornstarch to make it more manageable. I split the mixture in 3 different parts and added different food colouring to each part. You then make little balls with it in your hands and fill them up with red bean paste. Finally, you steam your mochis for 10 minutes and serve! Wait for them to cool down a little first. 

Here are a few more little delicacies I had fun making this past week with my family.

 We all know how our relationship with food changes during the holidays. Whatever diet you were following went out the door in a split second and if you weren't on one you might consider starting one now. Here are a few yummy photos/prints found while browsing on Etsy.  Visit their shops!

World of Interiors

Many magazines today are disappointing - not World of Interiors. I am always delighted with the content - even the advertising is beautiful. The December 2011 issue, which is still on the news stands, is particularly good. Worth the $9 price.
image via World of Interiors
This ad from Paris Ceramics makes my heart beat faster....

Jumat, 23 Desember 2011

Amaryllis time!

It's Christmas so that means it's time for my favorite flower - amaryllis. I can never have too many!

Senin, 19 Desember 2011

House of the Week

Another Monument Ave, Richmond, Virginia house. This one dressed up for Christmas!















Sabtu, 17 Desember 2011

My favorite thing...

about my house at Christmas.



We hadn't put up the banister garland and bows in a couple of years - it really works well in the entrance hall. We are finally mostly decorated! Now I just have to figure out how to deal with the terrible traffic all over Atlanta.

Jumat, 09 Desember 2011

White interiors and inspiring courtyards

Some find that the overuse of white in indoor spaces renders the room sterile and bland. It's interesting to see how different people perceive the same thing in so many different ways. As for myself, I find that white interiors exude a powerful sense of peace and tranquility. It opens up the room, makes it seem much larger and accentuates whatever accessories you add to it. The brightness created by such spaces  seems to fill the house up with sunlight even on the darkest and gloomiest days. 

       Unknown                                                                                                       Decor8

         Iiinspired
         Amyfeelings

I'm currently coming up with some design ideas for a patio, since we are pretty convinced about buying a condo by the end of 2012 (I know I'm way too excited). My garden plans will have to wait for when we will actually buy a house. In my next post I'll put up a few sketches and simulations of what I want it to look like. But for now, here are a few inspiring outdoor spaces and courtyards that get my creative juices flowing.

         Non clickable item                                                                               Remodelista
               Apartment therapy



Selasa, 06 Desember 2011

It's beginning to look a lot/little like Christmas!



Starting to get some decorations up at my house. It's a gradual process that continues right up to Christmas...

Sabtu, 03 Desember 2011

Le Jardin Francais - Boutique de Noel


Boxwood wreath by Le Jardin Francais

Hurry - don't miss these wonderful European holiday decorations made by Le Jardin Francais which are available at the Holiday Pop Up Market at White Provisions on the Westside(under Room and Board). The market will last through tomorrow, December 4 from 11am-7pm.

I bought a wonderful magnolia wreath, pinecone topiaries, and a few more goodies. Everything is stunning!! And these delightful ladies do floral arrangements for weddings and other events too. Make sure to visit their website above.