Thom Filicia in Loft Life Magazine

I just received my first issue of Loft Life Magazine and there is a Q&A with Thom Filicia and some photographs of his gorgeous home. I connected to something Thom said hen asked what similarities he could find between designing commercial and residential spaces.  "At the end of the day you're designing for people.  Whether you're doing the interior of a car or a residence it can be beautiful but if it isn't comfortable, or inviting, or human on any level, then it really loses.  If people aren't comfortable then that's not good design."  That's really all good design is about isn't it?  Making a person feel happy and comfortable in their space.  

I also had to point out my favorite shot of Thom's home.  He uses his Emmy award from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy as a toilet paper holder.  Gotta love someone for not taking themselves to seriously.  We also can't ignore the safety glass covering one entire wall of the bathroom.  That is a genius idea, the texture is really interesting.  You can check out the entire interview with Thom and more photographs of his home on Loft Life's website. 

Photo Credits: Tom Ackerman 

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What Kind of House Plant Are You?

I have aspirations of being a great gardener one day.  I imagine my yard as the secret garden with winding paths, benches to rest your feet, and wildflowers abound.  Two problems: 1. I don't have the greenest of thumbs and 2. I don't actually have a yard, yet.  Until the day comes when I have a yard with a garden that I can putter around in I get my green fix with my few little house plants.  In case you are like me and don't have a green thumb I found this short fun quiz from Better Homes and Gardens (Find the Best Indoor Plants for You) that helps you figure out what the best house plants for your home would be.  It turns out that I have already made some smart purchases because according to my quiz results one of the best plants for my home is the ubiquitous Pothos:   

I bought that and another plant from Ikea on a whim one shopping trip for $1.99 a piece and it turns out to be one of my smarter plant purchases.  I can't say the same for the several orchids I've killed and the Meyer Lemon Tree that's dieing a slow death in the corner of my living room.  This little plant is happy and thriving in my not so brightly lit condo.  It also doesn't seem to mind too much when I negelect to water it for a few weeks.

I put together a short list of other EXTREMELY hardy house plants for those of you who feel like your home, condo, apartment could use a little more life.  The links below the plants take you to pages with more information about how to care for each plant: 

 

1. Snake Plant  2. Jade  3. Zeezee Plant  4. Hoya  5. Boston Fern 

If you take a few minutes to take the quiz stop back here and let me know the results!

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Photo Credits: Laguna Hill Nursery, Gflora.com, Plantafficionado.com, Martin Olsson

Tasteworthy Tuesday: Sour Cream Cheesecake

I have crossed past with folks who've told me they don't like cheesecake.  I say "crossed paths" because how can I possibly develop a lasting relationship with someone who doesn't like cheesecake.  I mean, what's not to like?  It's sweet, but not too sweet, velvety smooth and simply delicious.  Perhaps those crazy cheesecake hating people have never tried a cheesecake this wonderful.  I follow Alton Brown's recipe pretty closely.  He treats cheesecake as a custard (as it should be treated) and bakes a low temperature in a water bath. The result is the smoothest cheesecake I've ever made.  Give the recipe a try and let me know how it goes.  

    

Sour Cream Cheesecake 

Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown

Ingredients:

Crust:

33 graham cracker squares, crumbled

4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus additional, for brushing the pan

1 tablespoon sugar

Filling:

20 ounces cream cheese (2 1/2 packages)

1 1/4 cups sour cream

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 whole eggs

3 yolks

1/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions: 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and place a shallow pan with a few inches of water in the oven. Brush some melted butter around a 9 by 3-inch cake pan. Adhere parchment to the bottom and the sides.  If you choose to use a spring form pan (as I did) wrap the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil (as I forgot to do) to prevent water from leaking in.  Using a spring form pan means you can skip the buttering and parchment step.

In a small bowl, combine crumbled graham crackers, the melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the parchment-lined pan. Place remaining crumbs on a sheet pan and bake both the crust (at 300 degress)  and the remaining mixture for 10 minutes. Cool. Reserve additional crumb mixture for the sides of the cheesecake.
In a mixer with a paddle attachment, beat sour cream for 10 seconds. Add the cream cheese and sugar and mix on low for 30 seconds and then turn up to medium. Scrape the bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine vanilla, eggs, yolks, and heavy cream. With the mixer on medium, slowly pour the liquid mixture in. When half of it is incorporated, stop and scrape. Continue adding the mixture until the rest of the ingredients are incorporated. Once completely combined, pour into the cooled crust.

Lower oven temperature to 250 degrees F. Place cheesecake into a preheated water bath, in the oven for 2 hours. Turn the oven off and open the door for one minute. Close the door for one more hour. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and place in the refrigerator for 6 hours to completely cool before serving.

If you used a cake pan instead of a spring form pan: When ready to serve, place the entire cake pan into a hot water bath for about 15 seconds. Unmold onto a cake round or serving dish. Take the remaining graham cracker mixture and press into the sides of the cake.

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Weekly Round Up: April 25, 2009

Check out fresh365 for seasonal vegetarian recipes and beautiful photographs of food.

Join me in a mid century modern drool fest.

A mystery solved.

More than you probably ever wanted to know about me.

I'm not sure what the weather is like around the country but it's unseasonably warm in the east coast this weekend. Hope it's sunny and warm where you are. I'm heading out to go soak up some rays, I suggest you do the same.

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I've Been Tagged, You're Next

Brace yourself, you are about to get more information then you probably ever wanted to know about me.  My wonderful twitter friend and now real friend Rachel tag me in a fun post that appears to be bouncing around the blogosphere.   

What’s your current obsession?

Myself. I know that sounds terribly narcissistic but my head is buzzing 24/7 about what my next steps will be, what big changes I want to make to my life, and how I can make it all happen.

What’s your weirdest obsession?

This is less of an obsession and more of an OCD tendency but I need to have all of the clothes hanging in my closet face the same direction.  When I peer into Nick's closet and see shirts hanging in alternate directions it gives me hives.  Thanks Mom, I love you for that :)

What are you wearing today?

I'm throwing caution to the wind today and totally ignoring my corporate dress code.  What's that saying again? Dress for the job you want not the job you have.  Today I'm wearing a new pair of Gap jeans I just got and totally love, a pair of gold sandals from Urban and a silk paisley print tunic.  I kind of look like I should be on vacation instead of at work.  

Friday's outfit by designevolution

My top is actually orange and gold but I couldn't find a picture of it.  Also, I'm not rocking the off-shoulder look in the office.  I'm not that crazy.  

Why is today special?

It's Friday.  The weather is outstanding. I'm meeting up with some of my best girlfriends for a night out on the town.  So many good things in one day.

What would you like to learn to do?

I'd love to learn how to take better photographs, especially of food.

What’s for dinner today?

Dinner tonight is a surprise.  I heading out with girlfriends but I don't think we've decided on a dinner destination yet.  Happy hour on the other hand is already taken care of.  

What’s the last thing you bought?

The jeans I'm wearing today, a great pair of Emma Pink wedges, a Mother's Day card and two Traci French photographs.

What are you listening to right now?

The sound of climate control, shuffling papers, and phone calls that are better left for outside of the office.  Wish I had my Ipod with me. 

What’s your favorite weather?

I have two favorites.  Today is one, 70ish, sunny, and breezy.  The other is the first crisp day of fall when all you need is a light jacket.  I'd more to California to have more days like today but I would miss fall way too much.  It's definitely my favorite time of the year.

What’s your most challenging goal right now?

Finding myself.  Figuring out who I want to be and what will really make me happy.

What do you think about the person who tagged you?

Rachel is such a great person, she's sweet and funny.  I really admire her drive and her ability to take something that she enjoys doing and turn it into a successful business.  And her ability to do it all and still be a great mom.   

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?

Most likely Milos, Greece.  My boyfriend's family has a home there and it's the most beautiful place I've ever seen.  I've never felt more relaxed then the two weeks we spent puttering around the island. 

We're the last house on the right with person standing in front. 

I know what you're thinking, what am I doing in New Jersey?

This is Sarakiniko, another beach on the island.  

Nick's family actually owns something like an 11th or a 13th of this beach.

Favorite vacation spot?

See answer from above :)

What would you like to have in your hands right now?

A cup of Earl Grey and the new issue of Metropolitan Home.

What would you like to get rid of?

About 6 inches of my hair.  It is out of control. 

Which language do you want to learn?

Greek for sure, I plan on spending more time in Greece at some point in my life.  Shame there have all those weird consonant combinations that are so difficult for an american to pronounce.   

What super power would you like to possess?

I'm going to be totally boring and just pick Rachel's super power because she hit the nail right on the head. "At least once a week I fantasize I am Samantha from Bewitched. Matt is not at all like Darren and wouldn’t be threatened nor suppress my talent. House would be fabulous and tidy with the mere twitch of my nose."

What’s your favorite thing about the city you live in?

Again Rachel's answer since we live in the same wonderful town. "It’s diverse, has a nice walkable downtown and decent restaurants. Nice people, many of whom are dedicated to the welfare of our town." 

What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?

May favorite item changes often.  I pick one item of clothing that I love and wear it way too much, then a month later I may decide I'm sick of it or don't find it as flattering as I initially though it to be.  Right now I'm loving these shoes.  Shoes are always flattering.

What’s your dream job?

I'm working on that.  Hopefully my new catering company will take off and I can spend my early mornings baking loaves of french bread, tending to our organic garden and creating beautiful pastries. In my spare time I'd love to offer affordable decorating services and of course turn this blog into a mini success.  

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on?

A bunch of the prints in my Etsy favorites folder and some white Ribba frames from Ikea to go with them.

Do you admire anyone’s style?

Some of you might think I'm crazy for saying this but I love Mary-Kate Olsen's style.  I probably would never dress like her but she's totally fearless with fashion and wears what makes her happy regardless of what anyone might think about it.  I'd like to be a little more fearless. 

What are you most proud of? 

I’m proud of my family.   I'm proud of my Mom for retiring while she's still young enough to enjoy and for being such a survivor.  I'm proud of my father for rekindling a bond with his two sons that he never thought he would have.  I'm proud of my brothers for finding careers that are fulling and making them successes.  I'm proud of my brilliant cousin who is now a published author and her brother for running his own restaurant.  There's much more but I'll stop now.  I've a pretty great family so this could go on forever.    

Now the rules of this tag:

1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.

2. Tag 7 other people you would love to learn more about. Here’s mine: Nichole at littlebrownpen, Marichelle at Heart Handmade, Trina at Decor Addict, Becky at thebubbreport, Tiffany at The Other Tiffany, Michelle at Cicada Daydream, and Ms. Unreliable at That Unreliable Girl.

Greece Photo Credits: guxi4real and gargaro

Spotted at the Matthew Quinn Collection Showroom

Alrightie gang, I need your help.  I spotted this amazing rug in a photo of the Matthew Quinn Showroom from the May issue of Metropolitan Home and need to know who sells it.  I did some investigation work with my trusty assistant Google but the search was not very fruitful.  I thought the pattern had a Madeline Weinrib feel but don't think that is the designer.  Does anyone know where I might be able to find this frantastic rug?  I'm sure one of you smart cookies has an idea. 

  

Update: Kelly Hamilton the manager of the Matthew Quinn Collection showroom contacted me with more information about the rug pictured above.  It turns out that the rug is a custom design created by Matthew Quinn himself.  The rug can be purchased from the showroom and can be made any size or color scheme to complement any décor.  

If you are interested you can contact the showroom at (404) 974-3560.  The Matthew Quinn Collection showroom is located in Atlanta, Georgia and is open to the public so if you are in the area and would like to pay them a visit the address is 349 Peachtree Hills Avenue, Suite B-5-A, Atlanta, GA 30305. 

     

Photo Credits: Atlanta Home and Lifestyles Magazine, Photographer Steve Pomberg

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Ralph Pucci, How Do I Love Thee?

Let Me Count the Ways...

Vladmir Kagan

Jens Risom

Kevin Walz

The list could go on and on.  These are some of things I keep on my "When I win the lottery..." list.  Except, of course, for the Vladmir Kagan coffee table.  I scored an excellent replica on ebay but I need to a have a round glass top cut for it.    

Photo Credit: all photos from www.ralphpucci.net 

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Tasteworthy Tuesday: fresh365

For the past 7 Tuesdays I have been posting recipes without formally introducing to you that Tuesday would be recipe day. I have decided that every Tuesday will officially be "Tasteworthy Tuesday" and every week these posts will be related to all things food. In addition to sharing recipes that are my tried and true favorites, I'll feature blogs devoted to cooking and entertaining.

Today I'd like to introduce you to fresh365 a blog devoted to providing fresh, seasonal, vegetarian recipes.  Recently I have been interested in introducing more vegetarian meals to my diet and this blog is a great resource.  The photography on the site is gorgeous and the feature I enjoy most is the "In Season Now" list on the right sidebar.  I love shopping for produce in season when it's at it's freshest and most delicious.  The recipe I'm most excited about trying is this one: 

Polenta with Fontina, Parmesan, and Thyme 

adapted from Better Homes and Gardens . serves 4

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 c fontina cheese (6 oz), shredded
1/3 c parmesan cheese, grated
2 T fresh thyme leaves
1 c yellow cornmeal
1 c cold water
1 t salt
black pepper, to taste
2 scallions, chopped

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, stir together fontina, parmesan, and thyme. Set aside. In a medium saucepan bring 2 3/4 cups water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together cornmeal, cold water, and salt. Slowly add cornmeal mixture to boiling water, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to very low. Cook for 10 minutes, until mixture is very thick, stirring occasionally. Pour 1/3 of the polenta mixture to a greased square baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the polenta.

Cover with foil and chill in the refrigerator 1 hour, until firm. Bake polenta, uncovered at 350F, 40 minutes, until lightly browned. Season to taste with pepper and top with thyme leaves or scallions.

Photo Credit: all photos are from fresh 365

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Introduce Yourself, Please

Today's post is all about you.  Yes you, my lovely readers.  Lately you all have been leaving such sweet comments on my posts.  You've really made my week and I would like to get to know you wonderful people that brighten my day.  It would be great if you would leave a comment with a link to your blog if you have one, or a link to your business if you own one, or a link to your twitter account if you have one.  If none of those apply just tell me something, anything, about yourself so I can get to know you better.    

Boy this is one warm and fuzzy blog post.  Must be this wonderful morning weather.  Hope you enjoy the gorgeous weather we are supposed to have this weekend.  Get yourself outside and perhaps plant some lovely flowers. 

-Michelle

Photo Credits: Jann Kilmer

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