All of the designs featured were created by SnaideroUSA

Notice the unbelievably unique island which seems to balance on a lark.  The arc-shaped base is so modern yet the material lends warmth to this otherwise clean and crisp space.  I love the curved edge on the wall hung cabinets as well and how all of the doors are unadorned with hardware.

The kitchen below is also stunning.  I love the pendant floating above the island and the linear quality.  The backsplash is frosted glass and the light from the wall hung cabinets creates a stunning glow.

Snaidero USA Symi Bathroom

I love this floating asymmetrically shaped vanity.  The way it overlaps and integrates with the storage cabinet is truly original while the black and white combination provides contrast and variety in both form and color.

The vanity below is also unique.  See how the mirror is hung asymmetrically behind the long, low vanity.  I love the mix of open and closed spaces.  Truth be told I would have preferred to see the second sink on the opposite side of the vanity as I feel it is too close to the left hand sink and there is no vanity mirror above.  Aesthetically, it is lovely and striking but I fear it will not function well.

Snaidero USA Fly Bathroom

Let us know your thoughts.  We would love to hear from you!

Click here to tell us what you think of these contemporary kitchens and baths!

The earthy tone of the portobello can help to activate your wood element.  Mushrooms are a wonderful meat substitute and are jam-packed with flavor.

6 servings

• Prep: 35 minutes
• Total: 40 minutes

Recipe adapted from the Bon Appetit Test Kitchen

Grilled Portobello Parmesan

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 large garlic clove, pressed
• 6 large portobello mushrooms, stemmed, gills scraped out
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese  (or you might take ½ a package of firm tofu with a ¼ tspn of oregano and puree in the food processor—you will swear it tastes just like ricotta!)
• 1/2 cup plus 6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese  (or a vegan substitute—rice or soy)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided
• 6 1/3-inch-thick heirloom organic tomato slices (from 2 very large tomatoes)
• 7 to 8 oz ounces Fontina cheese, thinly sliced  (again here you may substitute soy or rice cheese slices)

Preparation

• Prepare barbecue or indoor grill (medium-high heat). Whisk extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pressed garlic clove in small bowl. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
• Arrange portobello mushrooms on rimmed baking sheet, gill side up. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon generous tablespoon dressing into each mushroom; swirl to coat.
• Stir ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil in small bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Arrange tomato slices on plate; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Place mushrooms on grill, gill side down. Grill until edges begin to soften, 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness of mushrooms. Transfer mushrooms to same baking sheet, gill side up.
• Nestle 1 tomato slice into each mushroom. Divide ricotta cheese mixture atop sliced tomatoes, spreading to cover, about 3 tablespoons per mushroom.
• Top with Fontina cheese slices, dividing equally. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese over each.
• Carefully return mushrooms to grill. Cover barbecue and cook until mushrooms are soft and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

NOTE:  You may also wish to return the mushrooms to an oven if you are using an indoor grill so that the cheese can melt correctly and all flavors meld.

• Sprinkle remaining chopped fresh basil over. Place mushrooms on plates. Drizzle remaining dressing around mushrooms and serve.

Let us know what you think of this yummy creation.  I love to hear your comments!  Most importantly–get cooking and ENJOY!!!

Click here to tell us what you think of this recipe!

Contemporary Orb Pendant adds funk to any space!

Below is a more contemporary pendant –similar in style but the more organic shape and vibrant red glass interior cylinder add punch to your space!

Red Contemporary Pendant

The last pendant in our spotlight is this diamond-shaped pendant from the  Contemporary Collection.  This is a truly unique shape for a pendant and will allow you to showcase your funky flair!

Diamond Shape Contemporary Pendant

Click here to tell us which one of the Hammerton Pendants is your favorite!

The turmeric makes the rice yellow and has incredible health benefits.  Yellow is the color of the heart/center of the Bagua and thus signifies our health.

Black is the color of the beans and in Feng Shui black activates the Career and Life Path Gua of the Bagua.

So when creating and enjoying this dish, set your intentions for your inner health and your career and goal aspirations.  The Law of Attraction will do the rest!

yield: Makes 4 main-course servings

This would be nice with warm wheat or gluten free corn tortillas.

Yellow Rice Salad with Roasted Pepper and Spicy Black Beans

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup brown basmati rice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1 15- to 16-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers from jar
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced chipotle chilies*

Preparation

Stir 3 teaspoons cumin in small dry skillet over medium heat just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Whisk lime juice and oil into skillet.

Stir turmeric and remaining cumin in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water, rice and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and cover; simmer until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Cool rice. Mix onions and half of dressing into rice. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine black beans, all peppers, cilantro, chipotle chilies, and remaining dressing in medium bowl. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Mound bean mixture in center of platter. Surround with rice salad.

*Chipotle chilies canned in a spicy tomato sauce, sometimes called adobo, are available at Latin American markets, specialty foods stores, and some supermarkets.

Click here to tell us what you think of this recipe!

Unique Bedside Tables

Click here to tell us your favorite unique Bedside Table option!

Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits.  Do you know that one serving is a whole cup!  They are yummy and delicious.  Now for your Feng Shui benefits.  When you create a strawberry sorbet, you have a delicious red treat that can set your intention for fame, power and creativity.  Maybe you need to have more power over your food choices, your career, who knows!  So make this healthy cool treat and set your intentions.  You can have whatever you wish for if you truly ask for it!

Delicious Strawberry Sorbet

Ingredients

• 4 cups quartered fresh strawberries
• 3/4 cup honey (only a 1/2 cup if strawberries are sweet) or you could opt for 1/3 cup agave
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup cold filtered water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together strawberries and honey or agave, and allow to stand for 30 minutes to soften berries.
2. In a food processor, puree berry mixture in 2 batches.
3. Strain into a large bowl.
4. Stir in lemon juice and water, and freeze until firm, about 2 1/2 hours.
5. Remove from freezer, and beat until smooth.
6. Freeze until firm, about 1 1/2 hours.
7. Remove from freezer, and beat again until smooth.
8. Turn into a 4- or 5-cup container, cover, and freeze.

Click here to tell us what you think of this tasty treat!

Below are some interesting beds that caught my eye. No matter which one you prefer, you are bound to have sweet dreams in one of these beauties.

Clockwise from upper left:  Classic Wing Bed by Charles P. Rogers, Rattan and Bamboo Bed by Maitland Smith, Guilded Platform Bed by Julian Chichester, and the Edge Bed by Environment Furniture.

Interesting beds

We also love beds from Baker and J. Robert Scott.  From left to right:  Baker’s Luxe Bed, J. Robert Scott’s Cardinal Bed and French Line Bed.

Fabulous luxury Beds

Below are some of the options we regularly recommend to our clients from Kravet.  Clockwise from upper left:  Northport Tall Bed, Cambridge Complete Bed, and lastly the Chelsea Complete Bed.

Beds from Kravet

Click here to tell us which bed you would like to have sweet dreams in!

Check out this recipe adapted from the Kitchen Geekery!

I love Chicken Cacciatore.  Below is a recipe that I have adapted to make it healthier for you, my loyal blog fans.  Let’s do a quick history on this recipe.

In cuisine, “alla cacciatora” refers to a meal prepared “hunter-style” with tomatoes, onions, herbs, often bell pepper, and sometimes wine.

Cacciatore is usually chicken, but if you are vegan or vegetarian, you may wish to substitute firm tofu for the chicken.  If you are using chicken and have the time, try to cook at a lower temperature for a longer period of time which will make the meat even more tender — just be careful not to cook away the sauce!

The dish can also be prepared in advance, just don’t do the last cycle of cooking, or cook the pasta until you are ready to have the meal.  I would use pasta shells, radiattore or farfalle  for this dish.  I prefer brown rice pasta but you can choose your favorite.

The wonderful red sauce will activate your power and fame Chi and the green basil will enhance your intentions for family!  Enjoy this meal with your loved ones and nourish yourself inside and out!

Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients

• Serves: 4
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• 4 chicken breasts or one package of extra firm tofu rinsed and drained and then cubed
• 800g/1¾lbs chopped organic tomatoes
• 400g/14 oz radiatorre pasta (or your favorite)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (Optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Olive oil
• A handful of fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Click here to tell us what you think of this recipe!

Look at the Many Fun Options Offered!

I am in love with the leather inserts that add a pop of color and texture.  The glass beads provide more fun and funky options!

This is a Great Way to Add a Punch of Color to Your Space!

For classic modern with a zip–look to these stunning designs below   I love the sparkle of the tiny beads!

These Rods are Beautiful in Cool Colors as Well!

Walcot House has been creating window fashion accessories for the trade only.  We purchase through our Design Partner–Kravet, Inc.  If you are interested in this line, there is a lot more to see.  We wouold be happy to take you for a tour as part of our design services package so let us know.

Click here to tell us your thoughts about these fun and funky rod sets!

Mediterranean Eggplant Dip

Ingredients

• 1 small head garlic
• 1 teaspoon organic olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• one eggplant
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed organic lemon juice
• 3 additional tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 whole grain or gluten free pita pockets, cut into quarters and toasted

Directions

For Eggplant:  slice the eggplant into rounds.

Brush with olive oil and place on baking sheet.

On indoor or outdoor grill—cook until eggplant softens and has grill marks.

Then Bake in preheated oven of 375 degrees for 10 additional minutes  turning half way through or until cooked

For Pita chips:  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Slice off the pointed top of the garlic and put it on a square of aluminum foil, cut side up.

Drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Wrap it up, put it on a baking sheet, and bake until the garlic is soft, about 45 minutes. Unwrap and let cool for about 20 minutes.

Eggplant Dip:

Into the bowl of a food processor, squeeze in the roasted garlic.

Add the eggplant, parsley, cinnamon, and lemon juice and pulse to combine.

With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Scoop the dip into a bowl, sprinkle with paprika, and serve with the toasted pita points.

Click here to tell us what you think of this delicious dip!