Designs art celebrity 2012

Monday, February 28, 2011

Ormiston House in Veranda Magazine

Well, it's turning out to be a big week for us. We just found out that the Ormiston house has made the front cover of Veranda Magazine in Poland. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Paul and Hayley on their beautiful home and am overjoyed by this wonderful article. The morning of the photo shoot I gathered lots of flowers and foliage from my garden at home and arranged them at the house. My favourite arrangement was the one I did on their dining table in a collection of Hayley's mismatched antique jugs and vases.

Thanks again must go to Catherine Shields and Simon Kenny for their continued interest in my work and their beautiful coverage of these lovely family homes I have had the pleasure of working in.

If you would like to see more images of Paul & Hayley's house head over to Content's website HERE...

Skate Shoes are Fun to Have

Skateboarding is a very dexterous and injury causing sport so skaters must be very cautious in deciding the right type of shoes for them. The shoes which are designed and used for skateboarding are known as Skate shoes. Skate shoes are mostly made up of synthetic material like polyurethane or rubber. They are designed to provide maximum support and grip. They have different features for skating purpose. The Skate shoes need to be very flexible and they must be comfortable to avoid any mishap. There are different brands of skate shoes and they are available in a variety of colors. Skate shoes are also very affordable and they are available in the market in varying but reasonable prices. The most important feature of Skate shoes is its sole. It should be flat so that it provides good and firm grip. They should be comfortable and must provide you with stability while skating. Skate shoes must be designed in away to provide complete comfort and safety to its owner. They must be durable and reliable.

As the name speaks Adidas shoes are a sign of high quality and reliability. Adidas shoes are long being used by for sportswear because of its finest quality. Adidas shoes are famous for running shoes but it also comprises of a wide range of casual wears. The shoes made by adidas are made of a variety of material which includes leather, canvas and other superior quality materials. These materials are used to make the shoes more comfortable and appropriate for different activities. The supreme quality of these shoes make your feet feel protected and pampered. The shoes are designed in such a way to prevent any injury. Adidas shoes come in vast variety of designs, patterns and colors to match the latest fashion trends.

The main goal of ED Hardy Boots is comfort. They have supreme quality and are durable. The sole of Ed Hardy boots is soft and comfortable. These boots are best for walking. They have adorable designs and are designed specifically for women so that they look elegant even in the colder seasons. They have color ranges which are neutral and they go well with every dress. They balance the temperature of the body because of the material used in them. They are the choice of many modern women because these boots combine comfort and style and they fulfill the requirements of latest trends.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Gaye McGrady, Miss Asia Quest 1980 From Australia, Top Winners' Photos.

*photos by AMET, Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi, Kedah, Msia.

Gutsy Cooks and HCB'ers share a Sunday

Heavenly Cake Baker's baked one of the most amazing Sticky Toffee Puddings I have ever tasted. A moist, flavorful, a lightly spicy cake, with a decadent lemon toffee sauce, creme fraiche with lemon juice and zest, and toasted pecans. As the fork tines slid into the cake, I knew making this recipe was worth every second.

What was an opening surprise for me was the 8 ounces of stout beer and moist dates. You soak the dates in the beer then puree both together in a food processor. I wasn't sure what to expect since stout beer is a distinguished flavor all its' own.

Then you have the toffee sauce. A lot of fresh lemon juice gets added in to give a citrus edge.

Matched with creme fraiche and toasted pecans, this is one dessert I will remember for a long time.

The Gutsy cooks have been extremely busy as well. Cynthia and Sam are the hosts for this month in the Gutsy Cook Club and chose a main dish of chicken biryani and a dessert; pear, mascarpone, hazelnut tart. I made the Indian chicken biryani, but I followed Monica's wonderful advice over at Sweet Bites; I am so glad I did because after a little research, this is what I found: Aayi's recipes: Hyderabadi chicken biryani recipe! Authentic Biryani from India. Aayi does not give specific measurements for all her ingredients so each person gets to approach the recipe accordingly. Lets just say, I can't wait till next weekend to make this again!

Aayi's ingredient list is as follows (adapted and changed just a tidbit):
1 cup sliced onion (fried in oil till crisp)
1/2 pound of boneless skinless chicken (I used 1 full pound)

Chicken Marination:
3 T. chopped coriander leaves
2 T. chopped mint leaves (I used dried)
1/2 t. ginger paste (found at Safeway by fresh mushrooms)
1/2 t. garlic paste (found in same place as ginger paste)
3 green chilies (I chopped mine; bigger pieces then diced)
1/2 t. red chili powder
4 cloves powdered (I used 1/2 t. of cloves-next time I will use a little more)
1" cinnamon powdered (I used 1 1/2 t. ground cinnamon)
1/2 t. cumin powder (will add 1 t. next time)
1/2 t. coriander powder
1/2 cup thick yogurt (I used Greek yogurt and more like 3/4 cup)
salt

Method:
Add all the marinade ingredients and 1/4 cup fried onion to chicken pieces and leave it aside for about 1 hour in refrigerator.

For Rice:

1 and 1/2 cups Basmati rice (par-boiled, long grain Basmati is the best)

1/4 cup onion

3 cups water

2 cloves (I used 1/4 t. ground cloves)

1" cinnamon (I actually used a cinnamon stick)

2 cardamon

2 bay leaves

1/2 t. ginger paste

1/2 t. garlic paste

1/2 t. green chili paste

1/4 t. turmeric (I believe for the yellow coloring of the rice.)

Ghee (clarified butter; amazing stuff!)

Salt

Method:

Heat ghee and add cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves, ginger and garlic paste, green chili paste, turmeric, onion and fry for a few minutes. Now add the rice and fry for 2-3 minutes. Then add salt water and let it cook (I let the rice cook uncovered for 14 minutes).

Putting Everything together:

Heat ghee in a thick bottomed pan and add marinated chicken. Fry for about 2 minutes. If chicken leaves some water, that is fine.

Spread half the quantity of rice, followed by 1/2 the quantity of fried onion. You can add 1/4 cup water just to make sure the rice is completely cooked.

Spread remaining rice and then onion.

Cover the pot with lid and cook on a medium low flame (I have an electric stove so went with medium low heat) for about 30 to 45 minutes. (I cooked mine for 40 minutes.)

I served the chicken biryani with baked artichokes and our dinner was perfect, filling, and delicious! Not the prettiest plated dish but taste made up for looks.

I made the raspberry souffles from last week's menu, using the rose water. My raspberries actually tasted like raspberries; surprising for being in the middle of wintertime.

My first time making anything with Rose water. I have seen plenty of recipes but I have always chickened out. To be absolutely honest, after trying the finished, chilled raspberry souffle, I am not a fan of the flavor. The first taste was raspberries then a lingering rose flavor. Maybe the dislike comes from being a new taste for me but I didn't care for it. The little souffles turned out adorable and I will make these again, only with plain water or maybe a raspberry liqueur.