Archive for December, 2010

Date: Dec 15 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

I would cave into the whole bar cart trend for this wool canteen.   It’s that gorgeous.  Good news is, I don’t have to.  It would be just as lovely atop a tray too.  Or thrown over a chic hook.  Or…

Okay, so I do actually like that bar cart.  And in case you’re wondering, no I’ve never used a canteen in my life.  And I don’t see myself ever actually using this one either… it would just be there to admire.

Chassity

Comments: 9

Date: Dec 14 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

Hold on to your winter hats.  This week’s Designer Favorites feature is breathtaking.  While Tricia Turner Manasra may be new to the blogging world, she is certainly not new to design.  As the founder of Atelier Turner Event & Design, Tricia creates events and interiors by mixing modern and traditional elements.  Her blog has quickly picked up my radar thanks to her Style House Series featuring a dizzying array of designer furniture selections.  My goodness it’s GOOD.



Hi! It’s Tricia from Atelier Turner [the blog] here to share my favorite pieces of goodness from my abode. I recently met Chassity through the blogosphere. She sure is one savvy blogger…and a delight! I apologize in advance for going a bit crazy with the images. Chassity, thanks for having me over today;-)

My white entry console houses some of my most favorite objects. First, I should tell you I put some serious sweat equity into modernizing this once yellow and tired 50’s piece I found at a vintage shop. Now, it’s a very crisp and clean white allowing everything I place on top to pop.

Oops…accidentally got my Christmas toes in this last picture {thought I would just throw that in for fun}!

• Big fan of family heirlooms {they serve as everyday reminders of those special people who touched my life}. Velvet riding hat and leather whip {my late great aunt’s who was an avid rider}. Silver tray {belonged to my grandmother}.

• Rock was found in the Arabian Desert by my husband {when he was a child}. Mother-of-pearl drum {from the Middle East}…{gifted to my husband from his mother when he was a teen}.

• Picked up the black pottery during a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. This handmade beauty is crafted from black clay {which is unique to Oaxaca and a part of their ancestral identity}.

• Love my orchids {too bad I can never keep them alive}. Got any great tips or tricks to keep these suckers blooming? I’m all ears!

I’m an Interior Architect so I designed this fireplace/mantle {and the surrounding bookshelves} for our loft. It keeps us toasty in winter.

My husband and I custom designed our home {we spent a day at the stone and marble emporium selecting slabs of granite and marble}. Hubby spotted this leftover piece of Esmeralda Green Onyx {it was thrown to the side and on the ground}. We snatched it up. {Surely a statement piece in our second bathroom}.

Five lanterns {evenly spaced across our southern wall} create subtle drama through repetition.

Acquired the Edelman Leather Hair-on-Hide rug through fierce bidding {at my former workplace auction} Was once a half hide {I cut that puppy in two to my husband’s horror (he quickly came around)} and they are now happily sitting pretty on our floor.

An engagement gift from my parental units. {our kitchen pendants bring out her crystal sparkle}.

Bargained and drank a lot of Turkish tea to get a deal on these handmade silk embroidery pillows {first laid my eyes on them at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul during our honeymoon}.

xoxo Atelier Turner

It’s all beautiful, really, but those lanterns along the brick wall had me at first glance.  What a cozy and eclectic abode.  Thanks so much to Tricia for sharing her favorites.  Be sure to check out her gorgeous blog, Atelier Turner, and don’t miss her Style House series.

Chassity

Comments: 12

Date: Dec 13 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

I’m currently really REALLY digging the work of artist Alan Reid. 

Is it just me, or is it perfection?
images via Lisa Cooley.

Chassity

Comments: 9

Date: Dec 13 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

Okay, so I have actually cooked since my last recipe post.  And I’m still getting messages from you about that one, so I’d say that my white chicken chili is world famous now- wink wink.  Considering that it will be pretty hard to top, this time I’m sharing a dessert.  I only make these once a year…because I have no self control when they’re around.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bon Bons
2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup butter (unsalted)
2 lbs (or so) powdered sugar
24 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
3/4 bar paraffin wax
Load up the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar into an electric mixer.
Combine until smooth.  You may need to add more butter or powdered sugar depending on consistency.  Go ahead and taste test (you know you want to!).

Roll into one inch balls and place on waxed paper.  I recommend putting a toothpick into each one to help with dipping in chocolate later.  Refrigerate for about 2 hours.


Melt the chocolate chips and paraffin until smooth in a double broiler (I don’t have one so I made my own).  I wouldn’t recommend using your best cookware for this because as you can see it is messy

While keeping the mixture warm, dip all but the very top of each ball into the chocolate.  Return to wax paper.
They should look something like this.  Mmmmm.

Chill the bon bons until the chocolate hardens.  Then transfer into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer.  They’re ready to serve.
These babies are so ridiculously good, consider yourself warned.  I’ve already served them at 3 get togethers this week (because one batch makes 100+) and they’re always a big hit! 
They would also make a lovely gift for friends and family.  Just package them in pretty boxes tied with ribbon.
If you want to see more recipes, check out the rest of Pretty Mommy’s Holiday Recipe Exchange schedule!  Also, today I’m sharing my want/need/read/wear list on Michelle’s blog.  Go see.

Chassity

Comments: 23

Date: Dec 12 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

I just couldn’t help myself.  I have so many lovely things bookmarked that I decided to do a little gift guide/wish list of my own.  See anything you like?

Feather wreath- Solidigo
Napkins- Anthropologie
Velvet slippers- Toast (Dying over these!!)
Initial necklace- Albeit (Absolute perfection!!)
Ruffle umbrella- River Island
Shoe clips- No. 144 Shop
Luggage sewing kit- Kate’s Paperie
Set of pens- Iomoi
Laura Lombardi necklace- Pretty Mommy Shop
Linen coasters- Namolio 
Clutches- Ben’s Sister
And I just have to include this new jewelry shop by the name of Darby Drake.  At a recent holiday party that i attended each girl was given a pair from the adorable earring collection.  I scored a pair of the owls- so whimsical and fun!!
The price point couldn’t be better, and the whole jewelry collection is fabulous.
And lastly, I think that these jeweled gloves speak for themselves.

Chassity

Comments: 13

Date: Dec 12 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

Today I’m guest posting over at A Thoughtful Place.  Courtney is one of my favorite reads, so I was incredibly honored when she invited me to be a part of her Holiday Haven series.  She’s asking bloggers how they unwind and slow down to enjoy the holiday season, and I’m sharing what I couldn’t do without!  Be sure to stick around and peruse her blog, it’s chock full of such beauty, inspiration, and sweetness.  Courtney’s a girl after my own heart, and I’m pretty sure that if she and I lived in the same area we’d be the best of friends. 
So head on over and check it out, and I’ll meet you back here later today.

Chassity

Comments: 2

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