April 29, 2023

Lesser-Known Travel Destinations for Interior Design Lovers!

April 29, 2023/ Danae Branson

Maybe you are fortunate enough to have already visited some of the most famous travel destinations, or perhaps you are someone who prefers to explore off the beaten track. Either way, I’ve curated a list of eight alternative destinations that offer a wealth of attractions for enthusiasts of interior design and architecture, promising an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Instead of: Mexico City, Mexico

While both cities feature colorful facades and wrought-iron balconies, San Miguel de Allende stands out for its colonial-era charm. With Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, ornate churches, elegant mansions, and cobblestone streets, this small town in the mountains of central Mexico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its flower-filled courtyards and charming small-town feel.

Instead of: Jaipur, India

Each city having its own unique style of architecture and design, Chandigarh is renowned for its modernist utopia. Designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s, Chandigarh features functional, minimalist design, bold geometric architecture, and innovative design solutions. Some of the notable landmarks in Chandigarh include the Capitol Complex, the Open Hand Monument, and the Palace of Assembly, which showcase the city's pioneering modernist aesthetic. In addition to its architectural marvels, Chandigarh is also known for its beautiful gardens, such as the Rose Garden and the Rock Garden, and its bustling markets, where you can find traditional handicrafts and textiles.

Instead of: Amsterdam, Netherlands

While both are Dutch cities that offer a mix of historic and modernist architecture, Rotterdam is known for its cutting-edge architecture and innovative design. Rotterdam is home to a number of stunning architectural marvels such as the Cube Houses, which are a set of innovative homes designed by architect Piet Blom, and the iconic Erasmus Bridge, which spans the River Maas and is a symbol of the city's modernity.

Instead of: Istanbul, Turkey

Both cities offer a mix of historic and modern architecture, with a strong influence from the Ottoman and Persian empires. Tbilisi is less well-known than Istanbul, but it offers a similar blend of cultures and a unique architectural style. One of the must-visit points of interest in Tbilisi is the Narikala Fortress, a medieval castle that sits on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Instead of: Copenhagen, Denmark

Helsinki and Copenhagen are both Nordic cities that boast impressive design and architecture, but Helsinki is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and its Finnish design heritage. The Design Museum in Helsinki is a great place to explore Finnish design history and contemporary design, while the Arabia Factory, located just outside the city center, is a hub of Finnish ceramics and design. The Finnish capital is also home to some of the most interesting examples of modernist architecture in the world, such as the Temppeliaukio Church and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.

Instead of: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Both cities offer a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with a focus on luxury and high-end design. Baku is less well-known than Dubai, but it offers a similar mix of opulence and modernity. One of the most stunning architectural attractions in Baku is the Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers that are covered in LED screens that display images of flames, making them look like they're actually on fire. In addition, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, is a stunning example of contemporary architecture and design.

Instead of: Barcelona, Spain

Both cities offer a mix of Gothic, modernist, and contemporary architecture, but Valencia is less crowded and touristy than Barcelona, and its architecture is arguably more diverse and less well-known. Valencia is also known for the work of architect Santiago Calatrava, whose futuristic designs can be seen in the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of cultural and architectural wonders that includes the Hemisfèric planetarium, the Oceanogràfic aquarium, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia opera house.

Instead of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

While both cities have their own charm, Brasilia is a modernist utopia that is unlike any other city in Brazil. The entire city was planned and built from scratch in the late 1950s, with bold geometric shapes, concrete structures, and innovative design solutions. The city's master plan was designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and, once again, Le Corbusier. Despite being the capital city, it is often overshadowed by Rio de Janeiro as a tourist destination, but it is well worth a visit.

Happy Traveling!

xx, Danae

April 15, 2023

Fun, Easy & Unique Dinner Ideas: Molly Yeh Edition

April 15, 2023/ Danae Branson

Today, I'll be sharing some fun, easy, and unique dinner ideas by the talented blogger and TV chef Molly Yeh, who has authored several books, including Molly on the Range and her latest one titled Home Is Where the Eggs Are. Lucky for us, Molly has also spilled some of her amazing recipes on her blog, and I've handpicked a few of my favorites to share with you in a slightly condensed version. You can click through to see the whole story on her blog. Get ready to drool!

Bánh Mì Hot Dogs

How about a fun and fancy twist on a classic hot dog?

Serves 8

For the daikon/carrot slaw: 1 cup of julienned daikon, 1 cup of carrots, a big pinch of salt, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and 1 cup of water.

For assembly: 8 hot dogs and 8 hot dog buns, 1 large cucumber (seeded and sliced), 1/2 cup of hoisin sauce, and sriracha mayo (made with 1/2 cup of mayo and two teaspoons of sriracha, or more to taste), 2 jalapeños (seeded and sliced), and fresh cilantro sprigs.

To make the slaw, mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl, cover it, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before using it. Meanwhile, grill the hot dogs, then place each one into a bun and add cucumber slices, hoisin sauce, sriracha mayo, slaw, jalapeño slices, and cilantro sprigs as desired.

Israeli Salad

This dish is perfect for a quick and easy snack or as an appetizer for a larger meal.

Serves 1-2

Begin by dicing up 2 ripe tomatoes, 1 English cucumber, and 1/2 of a red onion, and then toss the vegetables together in a bowl. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, along with a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are coated in the seasoning. Serve with a side of tahini or hummus for a delicious dip.

Mini Heart Whole Wheat Veggie Pizzas

Healthy, freezer-friendly, and full of love.

Serves 6

To make the dough you'll need: 1c (130g) all-purpose flour, more flour for dusting, 1c (130g) whole wheat flour, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp sugar, 3/4 c (178ml) water, and 1/4 c (50g) olive oil.

For the toppings, you'll need: olive oil, 1/2 c (120g) red sauce, 8 oz shredded mozzarella, 2 big cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped), 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped), 2 Roma tomatoes…

To make the dough, whisk together the flours, salt, and sugar in a large bowl, then stir in the water and olive oil. Knead for 5 minutes, adding more flour if sticky, then form into a ball, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 475ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 6 pieces…

Cheese and Onion Hand Pies

Don’t these just look so appetizing and…grabbable?

Makes 8 small pies

You will need: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 medium onions thinly sliced, kosher salt, black pepper, 1/4 cup water, flour for dusting, one batch of pie dough, 1/2 cup shredded cheese (try sharp cheddar), and 1 large egg slightly beaten.

To make these savory hand pies, melt the butter in a large skillet and cook the onions with salt and pepper until soft. Add water, cook until the water is evaporated and the onions are lightly caramelized, and remove from heat. Preheat the oven to 375º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut out 4 1/2-inch circles and top each with 1 tablespoon of onion and 1 tablespoon of cheese. Brush edges with egg, fold, seal, and bake at 375ºF for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Even better served with mustard.

Chickpea Pizza With Harissa And Spinach

A quick and gluten-free meal on the skillet!

Serves 2

You will need: 1 cup chickpea flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, a few cracks of black pepper, 1 cup water, olive oil to coat the pan, about 2 tablespoons harissa, 1/2 large onion chopped and caramelized, 1 cup packed fresh spinach chopped, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

To make chickpea flour crust, preheat oven to high broil. Combine chickpea flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and water in a medium bowl, whisk until smooth. Heat a large oven-safe skillet with oil over medium heat. Pour in half of the batter and cook until browned, flip and cook other side. Spread harissa on the crust, add onion, spinach, and mozzarella, and broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts. Repeat with the remaining batter and toppings.

I hope these recipes inspire you to experiment and find your new favorite dish!

xx, Danae