HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

I'm ashamed to say that I have yet to mail the first holiday card. To be completely honest, we just took our photos last Saturday. In addition to taking pictures that day, my husband and I also celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. So much can happen in six years and the proof lies in our past photos. Only one year is missing and once you go through the photos, you can guess why...

Christmas Wedding 2005

Christmas 2006 - [4 months pregnant with the twins]

Christmas 2007 [Twins are here!]

Christmas 2008 [Look, we added another!]

Christmas 2009 [This is what happens when you don't have a nap before photos]

Today, Christmas 2011

These people take my breath away...

As my family celebrates the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, we also pray that you too are able to be with family/friends who love you dearly. I thank God for all of you and appreciate the support and encouragement you've given me throughout the year.. I hope I have been able to reciprocate it to you.

Happy Holidays with Love,

Erika

ERIKA WARD ON HUFFINGTON POST, CHICAGO SPACES

H ey Folks, I've got exciting news. If the title of this post didn't give it away, I'm now blogging for the Huffington Post! My first article was published last night, a book review of Chicago Spaces: Inspiring Interiors by Jan Parr and the Editors of Chicago Home and Garden Magazine. I read the book from cover to cover and it's safe to say that I'm enamored with the talent that resides in Chicago and outlying suburbs.

The book however is not as predictable as the title. There is no tribute to architecture greats such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, though mentioned with much reverence; instead the book sets out to strategically dismantle the reputation of Chicagoans being known for safe, conservative design.

The book is divided into two categories, "Room" and "Homes," each chapter chocked with vibrant, colorful spaces that reflect the personality of its respective owners. "Rooms" features five generous home tours each in a different Chicago neighborhood. The interiors, three of which have been designed by industry professionals and two designed by talented homeowners, explore an inspiring mix of styles and periods. Showcased is a 6,500 square foot Wilmette property belonging to Interior Designer Julie Edelman, also a member of a noted blogging conglomerate known as Material Girls. The design's emphasis is based on Edelman's affection for oversized artifacts and her mission to administer her Victorian home to healthy doses of youthful elements. The results yield a home free of decorating boundaries and home that is never short of conversation pieces.

Part Two of the book, entitled "Homes," has to be one of the most prominent examples of awe-inspiring, yet approachable design. Each room of the house is covered in this section including the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, and children's rooms. Parr introduces each section with a clever narrative relating to the use of each room and provides a descriptive preview of what the reader is about to see. Each set of rooms runs the gamut in regard to design sensibilities -- from a modern cottage to a spacious PreWar condo.

There much more to learn about Chicago Spaces, so click here to see more images and read my review in its entirety. 

What are your thoughts on Chicago Interior Design?

images courtesy of Agate Publishing

CRANBERRY APPLE CRISP

Use Apples or Your Favorite Fruit to Whip Up this Heartwarming Dessert

text and photography by Tiffany Scales, Food Contributor

Hi there! Can you believe Christmas is only a few days away?? Are you ready? Is your menu planned? Just in case you haven't thought of a dessert, I've got one for you. I don't know about you, but I LOVE baked apples. They just warm my heart and remind me so much of the holidays. This apple crisp is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I am in need of a baked apple. Crisps are simply a layer of baked fruit with a buttery, crispy topping. They are really easy to make and you can use any fruit you like. Apples just happen to be my favorite...

Here is what you need and what to do:
8 granny smith apples
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 tablespoon of orange zest
Juice of one lemon
Juice of 1/2 an orange
1/2 cup of dried cranberries
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg


For the topping:
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 granulated sugar
3/4 cup of light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
1 cup of old-fashioned oats
2 sticks of cold unsalted butter, diced

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Peel, core and cut the apples into large chunks. Good conversation or music makes that process go by much faster. :) Place the fruit in a large bowl and add the zests, juices, cranberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir everything together. Pour the mixture into a 13x9x2 dish and set aside. Combine all of the ingredients for the topping into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is in large crumbles. Sprinkle the mixture over the fruit. Be sure to completely cover the fruit.

Place the dish on a sheet tray and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The topping should be browned and the filling should be bubbling on the sides of the dish. Gosh, my mouth just started watering...

I love to serve it warm with cinnamon whipped cream.

For the whipped cream:
Whip 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Vanilla ice cream would work perfectly, too.

Let me know if you have any questions and/or if you decide to make it! 

Recipe adapted from Ina Garten

10 KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Simplify Meal Preparation with the Right Tools for the Job

text by Tiffany Scales, Food Contributor

Hello! I hope this week before Christmas is off to a great start for you! I have some great recipes coming up, so I want you to have the right tools to make them! I firmly believe that having the right tools in the kitchen makes cooking much easier and enjoyable. The tools I love the most are not only basic, but quality. The last thing I need is something breaking in the middle of making a dish! Here are my top 10 kitchen essentials. I think they make great last-minute gifts, too!

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1.| Every kitchen needs a set of "basic tools." That includes a whisk, slotted spoon, large spoon, spatulas,  and tongs.

2.| Every kitchen also needs a good set of knives. Many recipes involve chopped meats, fruits and vegetables, so you need a good sharp knife to help you get the work done in a safe and efficient manner.

3.| You would be surprised at the number of recipes that call for an electric mixer. I finally broke down and bought my KitchenAid mixer several years ago and I think that it's one of the best investments I have made. It makes baking 100 times easier.

4.| Wearing an apron, especially a cute one, makes you feel more confident in the kitchen and not so upset when things get messy. If things don't get messy sometimes in the kitchen, then you probably aren't doing it right. Just a sidenote...

5.| A good set of pots is required, not optional for good cooking. If your food burns easily and gets stuck to the bottom of the pot every time you cook, then it's time to invest in a new set. This is the cookware I use and I love it. It's quality (i.e. heavy stainless steel), reasonably priced and I love the glass lids. 

6.| I love fresh salad dressing. Would you believe that I make it in this $2.50 jar? My favorite dressing is lemon vinaigrette. All you have to do is add the juice of one lemon, double the amount of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper to the jar. Shake it up and presto- fresh salad dressing. 

7.| Freshly ground black pepper makes food taste 100% better than the stuff in the tin. Promise. This pepper grinder has a permanent home near my stove.

8.| The first recipe I will be sharing with you calls for lemon and orange zest, which are very popular ingredients. I use this Microplane for all of my zesting. I also use it to finely grate cheese. I never use pre-grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese = fake flavor. Just another sidenote...

9.| I cut all of my fruits and vegetables on wood cutting boards. They are easy to clean and make great accessories in the kitchen.

10.| You would also be surprised a the number of recipes that require a cast-iron dutch oven. Think of it as an oven on top of your stove. I use this to braise meat and to make quick soups and stews, which make regular appearances on my kitchen table during the fall and winter. 

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I have referenced the source of the items above. However, note that most of these items can be found at your local TJMaxx, HomeGoods and Target, so look there first!

These are some of my favorites, what would you add to the list?

CELERIE KEMBLE FABRIC AT DEEP DISCOUNT

I've got a deal that will bring you much holiday cheer! I'm selling 5yards of Celerie Kemble/F. Schumacher 'Bleeker' in Birch. The retail price is $118/yd, but for you I'm offering it at $50/yd. This fretwork geometric pattern has been seen in House Beautiful, Lonny, and many other of our favorite shelter publications and looks great when paired with a floral print or solid. Jump on it now. I don't expect it to last over the weekend!

FOR SELLERS: TIPS ON HOLIDAY DECORATING

On the drive home last night I took some time to admire the holiday lights. Most of the homes were tastefully decorated, but there were a few homeowners that went overboard. Holiday decor, or any decor for that matter, is based on personal preference. You really should do what makes you happy unless of course your house is on the market. In this situation, you should show a little restraint and use decor with mass appeal.

The AJC recently interviewed me on this very topic. Here's the advice I gave to sellers on decking the halls when the halls are for sale.

1. | Concentrate your decorating efforts on the front door, mantel, the kitchen, and dining room.
2. | Simple greenery does wonders for warming an entry. If you have double doors, please hang a wreath on each door.

via boston.com

3.| Keep decorations festive while also adding a few natural elements into the mix. Try to keep decor non-holiday specific.  You never know which holiday your potential buyer may celebrate.

via unknown

4.| Stacked logs and lanterns are an easy way to create a cozy atmosphere in your living room. Everyone can relate to cuddling fireside with a loved one or with a cup of cocoa. Save the holiday stockings for Christmas Eve instead of displaying them all month long. Potential buyers should be able to image themselves living in your home, not feel like they are intruding on your family's personal time.

via Kay Douglass / House Beautiful

 Have you every tried selling your home during the holidays? Did you make any changes to your holiday decor? Please share your experiences.

REAL ESTATE LUXE: 105 KINGSTON MANOR

When I was a child it seemed that my grandfather would take the long way no matter where we were going. Driving through residential neighborhoods was his preference, no matter how rich or how poor. It was usually on Sunday after dinner that we took our informal tours heading home from our favorite restaurant. As I look back I now appreciate the value in his architect's critique on the style and structure of what seems like every home we passed. Clearly, this childhood experience had a heavy influence on my love of real estate.

Years later I find myself doing the same thing, checking out homes that are for sale and later looking them up on the web to find interior shots. If you didn't know that you can find a steal in the Atlanta luxury home market, then let me be the first to tell you--there are amazing deals out there. For those of you moving here from states with a pricier cost of living, you won't believe what you can get for your money. Many of my clients have capitalized on the break in house prices and have purchase their dream homes sooner than anticipated.

For example, here is a listing 105 Kingston Manor located in Buckhead, one of Atlanta's most exclusive neighborhoods. It's a 8 bedroom / 6.5 bath home with spectacular amenities currently for sale at $1.9M.

Located in a three home cul-de-sac, it appears to be a modest home from the front entry, but the rest of the house tells another story. It boasts a three-car garage....

...a gourmet kitchen

...a generous master bedroom. In my head I've already cleared this room and replaced the wall-to-wall carpet with hardwoods.

a nine seat home entertainment theater system... 

a full basement where the men and children can play.

and a pool that guarantees every summer blowout will take place on your property. If the pool doesn't confirm it, then this outdoor dining space will. 

Just add heat lamps and start a roaring fire in the outdoor fireplace and enjoy dining alfresco all year long.

 

This home also comes with bragging rights: According to my friend and listing agent Brandi Hunter, it belongs to a well-known professional athlete and can be yours for a easy $1.9M. Any takers?

Contact Brandi Hunter (404) 564-9500 and/or twitter @B_Luxurious for more infomation. http://www.brandihunter.com/.  



SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: QUALITY BATH

I'm proud to welcome Quality Bath as one of the newest BLB sponsors! Specializing in kitchen and bathroom fixtures as well as hardware and lighting, Quality Bath touts over 25 years of plumbing experience and has a reputation for stellar customer service. They have the testimonials to prove it.

Taking full advantage of the expertise that awaits you at Quality Bath puts you a step ahead in making an educated decision regarding kitchen and bath upgrades in your home. Even a small change to your space, i.e. replacing an old vanity, or installing a contemporary faucet, increases the value of your home whether you are looking to sell or completing a remodel for your family to enjoy. Let's take a look at the selection:

luxurious soaker tubs

furniture inspired vanities



indoor and outdoor lighting

towel warmers and much, much more!

These items are only the beginning of the endless, well-sorted selection you expect to find at Quality Bath. Check out the site today for inspiration and great deals for your next home improvement project!

SUREFIT SLIPCOVERS ARE A GREAT HOLIDAY QUICK FIX

Before I got wind of the amazing pieces that could be found a my local thrift stores, I bought this $40 wingchair from a Craigslist seller. It looks pretty good from afar, but up close tells another story. The previous owner had a cat that apparently used the arm of the chair as a scratching post and the fabric was no bueno.

I'd plan to put the wing chair in the master bedroom, but I decided to move it into the children's playroom for additional holiday seating. It still needs to be reupholstered, but the task is not on the top of my to-do list. Instead I chose the more budget friendly option of ordering a slipcover from Surefit.  Slipcovers are not only great for a furniture quick change, but they also allow you the option to live with secondhand furniture until you get around to having it reupholstered.

Available in an array of colors and styles, the slipcovers are also machine washable and super easy to put on.

Velcro ties encircle each leg to insure a snug fit.

I chose the the Form Fit, Stretch Suede in Oatmeal. It's very soft, comfortable, and has a great overall look.

Slipcovers has come a long way, haven't they? Do you currently have upholstered furniture that could use a quick fix? Have you tried Surefit?

FTC Disclaimer: Surefit.com provided the slipcover in exchange for a product review. The thoughts and opinion are my own.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: STORAGE BEDS DIRECT

BluLabel Bungalow welcomes our newest supporter, Storage Beds Direct! This U.K.-based company has a wide selection of storage solutions for your small space. I can attest firsthand to the functionality of this design because I had one in my first place, a 525 square foot condo in Midtown Atlanta. My bed was very similar to this one with drawers, but what I owned was not nearly as stylish as these. I stored my everyday clothes in two units that tucked neatly under the bed, yet everything was still easily accessible.

The Hyder Bali Leather Ottoman Bed nearly blew my mind when I saw the mattress raise like the roof on a convertible. This is perfect for storing out of clothing, shoes, and pretty much anything that is used seasonally or infrequently.

Storage Beds Direct also sells guest /or trundle beds that accommodate a full sized mattress so your visitors can sleep comfortably. Beds are stored underneath the main unit when not in use.

There is much more to see on their website from headboards, chest of drawers, and desks to divan beds, mattresses, and bedding accessories that help you make every night a restful one. Take a look and see how Storage Beds Direct can provide you with smart solutions for your small space.

BEHIND THE SCENES: TABLESETTINGS REDEFINED

The table above was one of the two featured in my latest contribution to Atlanta Tastemaker Magazine [ATM] entitled, "Tablesettings Redefined."

The location was Westside District's Redefined Home Boutique, a store chocked full of found objects, antiques, and furniture made by local craftsmen, it is truly a curator's paradise. The owner David D'Ambrosio decorated two tables exclusively for ATM in honor of a staged, magical New Year's Eve celebration.

One table consisted of an theme inspired by rustic elegance, the other had more European influences and was steeped in tradition.

As I chatted with David I couldn't help but take a few camera phone shots of the tables and his enchanting boutique. Of course you can see Chandra's professional shots in this month's issue and also read my article in its entirety [see the ATM digital mag at end of this post].




Redefined Home Boutique
887 Howell Mill Road NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30318

COLOR NEWS: PANTONE SELECTS "TANGERINE TANGO" AS THE COLOR FOR 2012

Yesterday Pantone Color Institute, a.k.a. the world's color authority in fashion and home, crowned "Tangerine Tango" as 2012's Color of the Year.


So what does this mean for us? We can expect to find an abundance of this zesty reddish orange in the upcoming Spring and Fall Fashion Collections as well as in cosmetics, paints, home decor fabrics, and accessories. Pantone Color Institute's executive director, Leatrice Eiseman reports,

"Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it...Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."  

via m design interiors

Tangerine is one of those colors that looks great with almost everything, doesn't it. Above, the duotoned drapery makes a great impact against rich, chocolate brown walls. They, combined with the artwork and patterned ottoman, are what takes this room from good to great.

At the moment, I'm smitten with the combination of tangerine and fuchsia:

I could start with using them as pillow accents...

pillows by Villa Home Collection

...and use them against a neutral backdrop as seen in this bedroom designed by Janice Palmer. She created this showstopping suite in the Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorators' Show House and Gardens last May. Click here to see the rest of the space and my exclusive interview with her.

I can't mention the new color without listing the previous selections from the past years. Many of the trends are still going strong, especially turquoise.

PANTONE 19-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

Does tangerine already exist in your home and wardrobe? If not, how will you use tangerine in the upcoming year?