Ahhh…It’s a fresh New Year! A time when many are looking at making changes in their lives, perhaps reinventing their style, creating new looks for themselves and their homes. We are all watching our spending habits in this economy however so the thought of introducing a new you and bringing out your lifestyle personality through a home makeover, remodel or interior update may turn that beautiful smile into that “other” look, the one that causes wrinkles. We certainly do not want THAT and it’s too early to be depressed so I thought what better way to start off the year than talk about how to maximize the power of your decorating dollar through Interior Redesign. Which simply stated is the art of transforming your home utilizing the fabulous furnishings and accessories you already have.

Ok…admit it…how many of you are HGTV junkies? Through these shows, mine included, the design world has come alive with so many new and exciting ways to design and decorate. Often times those featured transformations involve crews of contractors and weeks of work and, sometimes, entail large budgets. Anyone who has done a home renovation knows in the end it’s well worth it but what’s the secret to affordable updates? Redesign! You actually can rejuvenate your home using everything you already own…all in a day!

I could use designer lingo and give you a bit of direction in terms of balance and proportion but simply put it’s just about placing your things in the right spot to give you that “designer” look. As a Designer a lot of where and how I place furnishings and accessories is instinctual. Here are a few inexpensive redesign tips to help start your year off reNEWed.

rePaint: The number one and easiest way to change your look on a budget.
reArrange: Determine a room’s focal point, arrange to compliment keeping function in mind.
reUpholster: Changing fabrics can update your entire look.
reFinish: Accessories, furniture, cabinetry can be given a new life and look brand new!
reAccessorize: Your accessories should compliment your room just as jewelry does an outfit.
reEnergize: You can create an energy and balance in your life through the art of placement.

Start off this New Year creatively and give Redesign a try, either on your own or with the help of an experienced designer. You may be pleasantly surprised at how it can change the look and feel of your home and how it changes YOU!

Denise

Copyright 2010 Teichert Design Group

Candy Lesher Cooking Studio | Culinary Expert

Makes 6.

Ingredients:
Basic Yeast Dough
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (scant) yeast – Red Star is my favorite
1 ¼ cups warm water (110 degrees)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ cup olive oil

Directions:
1. Place 1 cup of the flour and yeast in a large bowl. Whisk in water and let stand for 10 minutes, or until very bubbly.

2. Whisk in salt and oil. Stir in remaining flour, adding additional flour if needed to form a soft but not sticky dough. Knead 10 minutes by hand, 5 minutes if using a mixer.

3. Turn dough out into a large, lightly greased/oiled bowl, turning dough once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a cool spot (65-70 degree) until doubled, approximately 2 hours.

4. Punch dough down and evenly divide into 6. Roll or pat into an 8-inch circle. Place a tablespoon of “sauce” into the center. Top with cheese, then meat (if desired), then veggies, being careful not to overfill.

5. Pull up two opposite sides and pinch together at the top. Pull up the two remaining sides and pinch just the top. Gather the remaining dough and pinch into the top, sealing it completely.

6. Place in a lightly greased muffin tin, seam side down. Repeat with remaining dough. Brush lightly with egg wash if desired (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water); you can also sprinkle the top with colorful seeds (white and black sesame seeds) or large-crystal salt.

Sauce Suggestions:
Pasta sauces; pesto; aioli; olive or vegetable tapenades; herbed butter (chilled)

Filling Suggestion:
Raw or roasted bell peppers; raw or cooked onions: raw or cooked mushrooms; sliced olives; chopped artichoke hearts; pickled vegetables; variety of sausages; lunch meats (like ham); leftover roasted or grilled meats; variety of cheeses (mozzarella, havarti, provolone, jack, etc).

Pairs Well With:

Cabernet	Merlot

For more culinary inspiration KEYWORD “recipes”, a specific ingredient or click here.

Visit our Fine Wine & Design info page!

From the Phoenix 2008 Arizona Travel Guide, author Ashlea Deahl writes: “Savor a Sip and a Story at Jerome Winery. Forget everything you’ve read and heard about Jerome. If you want a good story, paired with a good glass of local wine, head to Jerome Winery, located within walking distance of Jerome’s main strip. Our vintner’s philosophy is very spartenistic; create wines that are enjoyable for the novice and the connoisseur alike. Unlike most winemakers, our vintner learned the art of wine making by training as an apprentice under master winemakers throughout the United States and Europe.

Starting with a sassy white Zinfandel we transcend through the lighter wines such as the Pinot Grigio and Mourvedre, progressing to the more robust red Zinfandel and Syrah, finishing with the smooth Muscat and Champagne. For masterful enjoyment we reserve library wines including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Syrah, 15 year old Port, and others soon to be added.

Owner John McLoughlin may pour you a glass of robust Syrah (one of his best sellers) or tangy Zin, and regale you with tales about Jerome’s sordid past – ask him the one about the priest who had a shoe fetish. He’s full of stories, and his winery is full of surprises.

McLoughlin offers more than 30 distinct wines, from Chardonnays to Cabs, as well as the requisite accessories, gifts and snacks to go along with them. Best of all, he works the vines, which are located in Southern Arizona, himself, (he has the farmer’s tan to prove it), and he makes the trip to Jerome just about every weekend to personally sell his product – and perhaps sell you on a story or two”.

La Patrona, (John’s mom) and his sister Melanie can be found behind the copper counter pouring and telling stories of their own. Jerome has no shortage of interesting tales as well as interesting characters. The wines this year feature labels of old family photos and most of the labels come with a story.

Sam Pillsbury shares some of his great wines for this delicious recipe.
Find out more about Pillsbury Wine Company by visiting their site here.

Get the the recipe for Mung Dal Soup here.

Dr. Meghana Thanki ND Ayurzona | An Integrative Wellness Center Enjoy this recipe as seen on Episode 7 of Fine Wine & Design.

Preparation time: 30 minute           
Serves: 4 – 6 people 
 
Ingredients: 
1 Cup Green Split Mung Dal 
8 Cups Water 
½ Teaspoon Hing/Asafetida
Star of Anise–optional
2 Tablespoons Ghee 
1 ¼ Teaspoon Turmeric 
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 Fresh lemon
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt 
¼ fresh ginger root grated or ¼ cup 
2 teaspoon Black Mustard Seeds (less for Pitta, more for Vata and Kapha) 
1 tsp coriander cumin powder
Fresh cilantro
 
Procedure: 
Wash dal until water runs clear. May soak mung beans the night before on counter top. Grate ginger.

Cook dal in a pressure cooker prior or can cook them in saucepan as described below.

Warm 2 tablespoon ghee in large, heavy saucepan.  Once ghee heats up add mustard seeds, asafetida, and cumin seeds to ghee. May need to turn heat down so ghee doesn’t burn.
Wait until the spices begin to pop. Then add mung beans and add some water.
Cover with enough water so soupy consistency. Then flavor on top with cumin coriander powder, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice. Reduce to low-medium heat to cook, if did not pressure cook beans prior, may take up to 30 minutes for beans to cook.

Garnish soup with fresh cilantro.

Pairs Well With:

Pinot Noir	Red Burgundy

Visit Ayurzona.com for more healthful information.

For more culinary inspiration KEYWORD "recipes", a specific ingredient or click here.