Fabulous find friday, Rea Dunn

 Here is another great Etsy find from artist Rea Dunn. Though these items are manufactured and sold nationwide, all ceramic items you buy HERE on Etsy are handmade by Rea Dunn. You will find limited editions and one-of-a-kind pieces that you can't get anywhere else.

I just love these plaques! What a great idea for a personalized baby, birthday, wedding, or hostess gift.

Have a wonderful weekand !

Xoxo CC

Featured designer Windsor Smith

Windsor smith former ballet dancer turned fabulous designer has to be another designer on the top of my list.  Windsor's true notoriety stems from her love of creating timeless homes for her clients who share her love for classic detail... crown moldings, wainscotings, and cabinets that are crafted more like furniture. Below are a few of my favorite rooms she has done. Haaa, I just love it!

         

Just a few of her pieces I would love to add to my home.

Someday!

Two please. For the end of my dining table

For my entry way

Just because

Enjoy!

Xoxo CC

Whats for Dinner? Flank Steak-and-Blue Cheese Quesadilla with Green Salad

Flank Steak-and-Blue Cheese Quesadilla with Green Salad

And Black Bean Corn Salsa

Ingredients

Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons Dijon-Lemon Vinaigrette
1 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar (or sugar)

1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)

Quesadillas:

1/2 pound flank steak

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

olive oil

1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese

4 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas ( I prefer Ezekiel wraps)

Remaining ingredients: 10 cup torn red leaf lettuce or mixed greens

1 cup vertically sliced thin red onion

I package of sugar plum tomatoes (I like to roast mine in the oven with olive oil sea salt and pepper for about 15-20 min)

Black bean and corn Salsa

Ingredients
1 cup fresh organic store bought salsa (I like emerald valley brand)
2 cups yellow or white corn preferably fresh, but frozen will do. I like to saute the corn a bit as well.

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 bunch finely chopped cilantro

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup lime juice
1 finely minced jalapeno

Preparation

Prepare grill.

To prepare vinaigrette, combine first 5 ingredients; set aside.

To prepare the quesadillas, sprinkle steak with salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place the steak on grill rack coated with cooking spray, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut steak diagonally across grain into thin slices. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese evenly over each of 2 tortillas. Divide steak evenly over cheese; top with the remaining tortillas. Heat a large skillet coated with olive oil over medium heat. Cook quesadillas 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the quesadillas from pan, and cut each into 8 wedges. Combine the vinaigrette, lettuce, onion, and tomato in a large bowl; toss well. Divide salad evenly among 4 plates; top each serving with 4 quesadilla wedges and serve the black bean and corn salsa on the side...

This is such a yummy healthy meal, great for weeknights or for grilling with friends on a sunny evening. I served it to my family on Sunday and we had salted carmel sundaes for dessert. They were to die for.

(recipe adapted from cooking light)

Enjoy!

xoxo CC

Diptyque Home Fragrances

Paris 1961
United by a passion for creativity and design, three artisans became friends and partners. They open a shop at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain to showcase their avant-garde fabric designs and decorative items from their travels.

In 1963, they introduce the first diptyque scented candle. In 1968, the first line of diptyque fragrances is launched. Today, the three Parisian artists are world-renown purveyors of fragrance and scented candles.

diptyque candles are made of a high quality vegetable/paraffin wax mix, the purity and safety of which are indisputable.
Each diptyque candle's wax is properly distributed so your candle burns evenly. With proper care, diptyque candles burn for an average of 50 to 60 hours....diptyque candle’s wax is properly distributed so your candle burns evenly.
Because each fragrance contains a unique mix of natural ingredients, diptyque custom blends specific wax formulas designed to complement every candle scent.

I absolutely love the Lavender and Tuberose!

Diptyqueparis.com

xoxo CC

Fabulous find friday, Rent the Runway

Brian Reyes Marble Print Ruffle Dress,

Retail $995, rental $100.00

Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Ladylike Beaded Skirt Dress

, Retail $400, rental $50

Giambattista Valli V-neck Cocktail Dress,

Retail $2,600, rental 200.00

Have an event to go to?
There's no need to scour 20 different stores, worry about a piece selling out, or stress over when you'll wear an investment dress again. This company was started by two Harvard MBA grads who wanted everyone to have access to Carry Bradshaw's closet. So they set up a collection of fabulous designer dresses for you to borrow.

Rent The Runway is like the Netflix of dresses - it allows you to rent dresses any were between 50$-200.00$ for 4 or 8 days from high-end designers. My favorite feature on the site is that when you order a new designer, you can get the next size up or down for free to make sure the dress fits you. In addition to the dress, you'll get a Fit Kit, which includes deodorant wipes and double-sided tape to keep all of your unmentionables in check throughout your soiree. And don't worry; even if you do sweat through your gorgeous Hervé Léger bandage dress, RTR will take it out of your prepaid return envelope and handle all the dry cleaning.
Rent The Runway is open to members only and there's a waiting list right now, but if you want an invitation to join instantly, leave your name & e-mail address and I'll get one to you asap!

Here is a list of some of the designers

ADAM, Alice + Olivia, Badgley Mischka, Brian Reyes, Catherine Malandrino, Christian Cota, Christian Siriano, Diane von Furstenberg, Doo Ri, Foley + Corinna, Giambattista Valli, Gryphon, Haute Hippie,. Helmut Lang, Herve Leger, Just Cavalli, Lela Rose, Matthew Williamson, Moschino Cheap And Chic, Pencey, Peter Soronen, Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti, Proenza Schouler, Rebecca Taylor, Richard Chai, Robert Rodriguez Black Label, Robert Rodriguez Collection, Tibi, Tracy Reese, Tuleh, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

What a fabulous idea

Why didn't I think of this!

Enjoy!

xoxo CC

Thank heaven for little girls

I recently had my third little munchkin Liam Edward. I completely adore him and I have to say we share a very special bond. But the Lord knew I needed little girls!! Below is a picture of my two little darlings Stella Marie (on the right) and Lucie Louise (on the left) along with some very fabulous little girl rooms. We just moved in to our new home about five months ago and I need a little inspiration for my their royal chambers.

One of my favorite little girls rooms I have seen in a while.

From this months issue of traditional home

xoxo CC

I love thorton designs !

When I came across this designer it was love at first sight. Here are some of my favorite rooms from thorton designs that you must see. I love her classic refined style and attention to detail in each room. I also love all the gorgeous fabric selections that she has chosen for these spaces.
Lee Ann Thornton began designing children's rooms while living in Los Angeles. In 2003 her design firm was launched in Greenwich Connecticut, specializing in high-end residential projects. Lee Ann is known for balancing style and comfort, and firmly believes luxury and practicality can be combined for today's family living.

I absolutely love the lighting in this kitchen space!
Actually I love everything in this kitchen.

Enjoy!

xoxo CC

Baked Kale chips

Are you wrinkling your nose? Are you thinking, “I don’t like greens, this isn’t for me.” Would you believe me if I told you they actually taste like potato chips? They even smell like potato chips when they’re baking. I don’t know what alchemy or magic is going on here, but it’s true. These crisps come out of the oven light as air and seem to melt in your mouth after the first satisfying crunch. I can tell you I made a batch the other day and it was gone that night. My kids are addicted to them. You can use these yummy little crisps to top on soups, pasta, even popcorn.

Whether you already love greens of all kinds or it’s your new resolution to learn to like greens, or you’re cooking for someone(s) who would wrinkle their nose at any thing leafy or green, one nibble is all it will take...

baked kale chips

1 bunch kale, cleaned and dried in a cotton towel

about 2 tablespoons olive oil

salt

cayenne pepper (optional)

Heat oven to 425-450 degrees. Cut stems from the kale stalks. Tear leaves into 2- to 3-inch-size pieces and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil, then toss the kale with your hands until all of it is lightly covered with the oil. Spread kale out on one or two large baking sheets. Don't pile them up; keep them in one layer. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Sprinkle lightly with cayenne pepper (if you want them spicy). Bake until kale is nice and crispy, 10-15 minutes.

Health benefits of Kale

Kale absolutely rich and abundant in calcium, lutein, iron, and Vitamins A, C, and K. Kale has seven times the beta-carotene of broccoli and ten times more lutein. Kale is rich in Vitamin C not to mention the much needed fiber so lacking in the daily diet of processed food eating Americans. The "Icing on the Kale" are the natural occurring all important phytochemicals sulforaphane and indoles which research suggests may protect against cancer. Let's not forget the all important antioxidant Vitamin E. Rest assured kale spares nothing in providing one with much needed nutrients and associated health benefits.
The naturally rich sulfur content of kale deserves a bit more discussion. Science has discovered that sulforaphane, helps boost the body's detoxification enzymes, possibly by altering gene expression. This is turn is purported to help clear carcinogenic substances in a timely manner. Sulforaphane is formed when cruciferous vegetables like kale are chopped or chewed. This somehow triggers the liver to produce enzymes that detoxify cancer causing chemicals, of which we all are exposed on daily basis. A recently new study in the Journal of Nutrition (2004) demonstrates that sulforaphane helps stop breast cancer cell proliferation.

Eat your greens!

xoxo CC

Fabulous find friday, The nude pump

Ok, I have been dreaming about these little louboutin nude patent beauties for sometime now. This is a must have classic item for every womans wardrobe. A nude pair of heels looks so pretty on the feet and goes with so much. So maybe the louboutins are not in the budget right now, I have found a couple other fabulous options for you to check out!

Christian Louboutin
Simple Patent Pump

695.00$

Stuart Weitzman
Platswoon Pumps

298.00

Aldo

MOOS

75.00

Enjoy!

XOXO CC

Fleur de Sel Caramels

I love love a good salted caramel! Here is a fabulous recipe I found. They are easier to make than you would think

Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon fleur de sel*
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla
Special equipment: parchment paper; a candy thermometer

Line bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, then lightly oil parchment.
Bring cream, butter, fleur de sel and vanilla to a boil in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and set aside.
Boil sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

Boil, without stirring but gently swirling pan, until mixture is a light golden caramel.
Carefully stir in cream mixture (mixture will bubble up) and simmer, stirring frequently, until caramel registers 248°F on thermometer, 10 to 15 minutes.

Pour into baking pan and sprinkle a small amount of the salt on the top and cool 2 hours. Cut into 1-inch pieces, then wrap each piece in a 4-inch square of wax paper, twisting 2 ends to close.

You can also dip these in chocolate as well. Just Sprinkle the fleur de sel on top of the chocolate dipped caramel

(recipe adapted from epicurious)

Enjoy!

xoxo CC

Coffee and Tea with Tory Burch

Tory Burch is one of my favorite designers. I love her clothes and I highly favor her accessories . I must say I live in the Reva's (they are a modern day wife wardrobe staple). It was so fascinating to see her entertaining guests in her home and take a peek at some of her classy hosting must haves.

Whats on her menu?

Goat cheese and Gruyère savory scones
Radish-cream-cheese and egg-arugula tea sandwiches
Blackberry mini muffins with creamed honey and butter
Roquefort pistachio grapes
Bowls of blackberries, honeydew slices, and crème fraîche
Candied violets and ginger
Coffee and black and jasmine teas

Roquefort pistachio Grapes

Serves 25

1/2 lb Roquefort cheese

1/2 lb cream cheese (not gum-based)

1/4 lb pistachios

1 bunch (about 1 lb) seedless green grapes, chilled

Thoroughly blend the cheeses, then cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. In a food processor, chop the nuts finely. Remove the grape stems. Coat each grape by flattening a small amount of the cheese mixture in your palm then rolling the grape and cheese between both palms; transfer to a waxed-paper-lined pan. Refrigerate for 3 hours until firm. Roll the grapes in the chopped pistachios to cover completely

Tory's entertaining must have's
A large and voluptuous floral arrangement
A scented candle burning in the rooms people will be walking into
A good set of linens
Some rare books set out by the coffee table for people to browse through

(images and article via Elle magazine)

Enjoy!

xoxo CC