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Something is cooking in my kitchen


Slowly improvements have made their way into my kitchen. I have posted here on some previous changes. In good time we will tackle what remains to be done, but last Friday we've gotten the new dishwasher and range. What a joy!!!
After dish washing by hand like in the good old days for about a month my hands and I were so happy to receive the new dishwasher.


But I am elated to have a new stove. The electrician dated the old one back to 1972!!! Amazing. It still worked somewhat, but so inefficiently and slow to heat, it was an environmental nightmare and certainly an eyesore.
The new appliances are all from GE profile and I am happy with them.



Now I have that gorgeous cooking machine and I am practically hitched to the stove....
My darling husband surprised me Sunday with a set of brand-new pots and pans, stainless steel Cuisinart®, complete with pasta pot and carbon filter mesh lid for frying....


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He went all out and will absolutely benefit from his generosity!!


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Yesterday I prepared a southern German dish: Chicken in Riesling, with Bavarian egg noodles and mushrooms. It turned out delightful and we all pour over cook books to try out new exciting dishes. The picture is by a different chef (See image, thank you), I had no time to take one : )....But I promise you next time I will!





Here is the German recipe version of Coq Au Riesling. The regions of south western Germany, France (Alsace) and Switzerland all benefit from the close geographical proximity. Many similar dishes can be found with slight variations in this neighborhood.
If you google Chicken with Riesling you will find many different recipes. I am sure all of them are delightful! Try!


What I love about this new stove: Firstly a ceramic glass top, easy to clean and modern. Secondly It has two ovens build in. A small top oven for baking, warming and pizza. Underneath a larger convection oven. Much faster to pre-heat, and 25% faster cooking time. Especially helpful with those roasts and turkeys...

Well, it's another detail which makes such an enormous difference for us!
You know where to find me.....

xx
Victoria




Pictures by V. Zlotkowski and as indicated.
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A bedroom

I looked through my pictures for evidence of great details and this is one of the images, which came to my mind. I had seen it a couple of month ago in Lonny magazine and I truly love it.
Analyzing what makes it so enticing are a few things: The symmetry and the contrast between the light walls and the modern bed on one hand and these lovely antique chests, functioning as side tables, one the other.
I adore the popping coral red of the blanket at the end of the bed and the small vases filled with roses left and right next to the head board. The wall mounted reading lamps blend in and do not draw attention. But I become aware of the nail trimmed headboard. And I notice the smaller leaning prints along the wall behind the books. Please click on the images to enlarge and to see ll those lovely details!


There is a lot going on a in quiet way. Looking at the picture I realize how the large classic prints add height and definition to a small and rather boxy room, leaving space for the white monochrome painting in the center. The carpets almost mirrors the scene. All the patterns work well with each other, enhancing the effects of sublet elegance. The longer I look, the more I discover the details. There is a blue and white duvet, striped pillows, sheers and softly gray patterned curtains. And love sits right in this bedroom's center! I love how the light streams in from two sides. This is unique.
There are three layers of carpeting: A wall to wall sisal, a softer larger mat, perhaps a woven wool and again a smaller one right under the bench with a yellow frame inside...
I love the books staples, large colorful ones, perhaps of travel designations or beautiful interiors? Maybe gardening or fashion photography? This place makes me dream and in all its intimacy it opens a world.
On the opposite site is a fireplace. And an armchair with a history. Notice the red piping...And another popping pillow!
I can not see a TV! How divine!


Did I tell you it belongs to Lulu De Kwiatkowski?
It is beautiful!

And a happy weekend ahead to all of you!
xx
Victoria


Images via Lonny magazine.
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Kitchen Love


I really enjoyed this latest piece in Elle Decor showcasing William-Sonoma design guru's kitchen in San Francisco.   Lots of collected clutter styling.  I like it.



http://www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling/articles/kitchen-crafted-easy-living
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Good morning, New Year!

And a happy and healthy one to you all!


This is how it feels like: A good morning like beginning. I am looking forward to the time ahead, have plans and schedules in place and this year I will dedicate it to details. Paying attention to details is as important as the big picture. In designing as in life, the details matter.
You do not need to make big changes or need to shop expensively.
Details are often small, but can make a huge difference. Details are all about your personality, making your place truly your home. Display the things, which matter to you most right now. Change them as you move along in your life, interests, seasons. A small stack of books and letters, finds from nature, a vase with something you picked along the way or grew in your garden, photos, pictures, flea market finds, all those details tell your story!


Editing the small details in your home will keep you feeling current. I often think, as you change the details, you will love your surroundings more, even as they age. There will be no need to exchange things immediately, a throw over your sofa or a shawl on your window can give it a fresh face, a new twist or show how you feel right now.


Images via Amenity Home.
Let the place you live in reflect who you are! It is fun and it never gets boring!

After the holidays are behind us and the tree is discarded or packed away many feel a gaining hole were holiday decorations stood. The new year can suddenly seem to feel flat and endless stretching before us! Make it work for you by paying attention to the details.
To rearrange your mantle display after all the green has gone can be fun, no need to feel despair. You still can enjoy some candles sparkling, exchange your candle holders, bring in some small blooming plants, change your colors.


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I love to begin the new year with fresh flowers, white candles and a clean slate. Usually a fresh scent helps me change the mood and after all the cinnamon and apple scented candles I enjoy an unscented room or just a fresh flowery one.
This one below is from Diane James Home, with a lovingly designed package by my friend Patricia from PVE Design! It smells devine!


Even in winter I love to open the windows for a while and let in some crisp air, to fill the rooms with freshness.

I love to see paper whites and narcissus grow. A grocer's bunch of flowers set up in a small vase or separated in tiny re-used glass containers can ring in the new season. Low key or high end, it does not matter as long as you are willing to pay attention to the details around you.


Your bedroom can only benefit from a change of duvet and pillows or a different throw...
Give your dresser a new look by putting up the latest holiday pictures, display the new perfume or the jewelry you might have gotten from your husband, boyfriend or children. Bring these gorgeous design books or novels you love to read right now and set them up. Use something different on your bedside table.

Image via Elle Decor.

Create a new dining room display, change is good! Use different china as you greet the new year! All those details mark occasions and the beginning of the new year is surely one not to be missed.




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I still keep in mind sustainable living, try to be conscious of my foot prints I leave behind, re-use and recycle, live mindful and caring.
As the new year turns into the year I will take you along as I change and pay attention to the details in decorating and my life. I am hoping you will find inspirations and enjoy the unfolding of your own story this year!
Let's breathe in deeply the fresh air of the new year!

xx
Victoria



Pictures by V.Zlotkowski and as indicated.
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Beautiful Black

Image via CotedeTexas
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My take on the HGTV Dream Home 2011

I just watched the Vermont HGTV 2011 Dream Home tour.   I'm more of a beachy person, but this home really makes me want to ski, hike and play in the snow more than ever!

The guest room, above, is my favorite room.  I love the charcoal walls, birch window topper and neutral tones.
The gathering room above.  The designer used fall foliage as the color palette.  And right on trend, black framed windows showcase the spectacular views.
Stunning beams above and comfy pillows and throws abound.
The designer always uses candles like these in threes in her HGTV dream homes.  Coffee bean filler makes them look more comforting. (Will try this!) And local art, like this metal "cloud" hanging from the ceiling.  I love the picture lights she used throughout the home.  Lighting plays a big role in this house.
 The host described the vent hood as a show stopper.  Agreed!  Have you ever seen cabinet spotlights like these?  Birch wood was the inspiration for the colors in this kitchen.  Did you notice how she stacked FOOD Network cookbooks on the counter, on top of each other.  I'd love to cook like Barefoot Contessa and Giada in this kitchen!
 My sister would love this Wolf range with its red knobs.  There's everything to L O V E about this year's kitchen.  Dual dishwashers and sinks and refrigeration heaven!
I also noticed that the designer mixed more woods than before and used very large picture frames on the walls hung in pairs.  Not as much small frames in multiples like in years past.  I have such an urge to run to HEB and stock up on pears and apples for decoration.  The maple leaf cutting board accent is a subtle cutesy reminder of the location.  As well as the assorted maple syrups. Pancakes and waffles anyone?   Mmmmm. 
The dining room, above, was probably the only disappointment for me.  Could you imagine keeping these desk chairs perfectly in a line?  That would drive me crazy. Looks more like a conference room.  The black leather bordered rug ties in the black leather chairs.  And for the bell jar pendants, I have had those and they are a nightmare to keep clean. They become filmy quickly and bugs collect.  But they do look good!   I promise, other than these two things, I'm a big fan of the dream home!  And I do love this huge wooden bowl overflowing with mercury glass ornaments and the glass candlestick collection.
The master has cranberry walls.  Love these doors flanking the bed!  Here, you get a peek at the toy dog house to the right.  Talk about pampered pooches that get to live here one day.  The host mentioned the men's fabrics used in the room.  Tweed, houndstooth, plaids and stripes.  Modern prep at its finest!  Well done.

 Floor to ceiling drapes separate the master bedroom from the bath.  The tub is a perfect focal point (from the bed, might I add).  
 My favorite room, pictured again, above.
I wish I had the courage to go for slate walls in my own home.  Love the matching mirrors and hanging drums bedside.

The guest bath.  One thing the designer always uses year to year are white towels in abundance.  She's great at accessorizing.  These images make me want to stock up on fluffy towels and fresh flowers STAT. 
These giant sliding barn door is stunning in the game room.  I wish it led to a secret room.  I love Linda decorated the kitchenette counter with matching console lamps to keep it from feeling too stark and kitchen-y.  The coffee table is actually six individual side tables that move aside for the sofa bed.

Notice the steamy hot tub. I want one.  And a built in grill like this too.  Gina, is this Wolf as well?

Probably the most charming is the "ski dorm" as they dubbed it.  Sleeps 8. The table against the far wall unfolds to a large game table and the ottomans in the center can be used as chairs.  Clever. Steal this idea: each pillow had unique embroidery on it:  Play, Hike, Ski, Fish, Bike.... 

And the "dorm bath" with 3 sinks... The designer always leans picture frames on the bathroom counters of her Dream Homes.  I've tried this at home.  It's not very practical, but it looks sharp.  Toilet paper never looked better piled high in this braided basket.

And three shower stalls.  Each with their own rain head.  Interesting....  I wonder how big the water heater is in this house?  Oh, and plenty more white, fluffy towels.

A mudroom everyone dreams of complete with chandelier and vaulted ceiling.

 Every year I watch the dream home, I always remind myself to bring in more greenery.  It so instantly stages and warms your home.  Very pretty!
 Cozy.
Will you try to win it?
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1.1.11

Today is 1.1.11. 

May your new year be filled with those you love, a home you love, things you love do and beautiful little cookies like these.

Happy New Year 2011!

Image:  Hostess Mostess
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