Celebration for Opening of Hot Stove Society at Hotel Andra

Last Friday night was a celebration to remember. It was a party at the Hotel Andra marking their 10 -year anniversary, the opening of Tom Douglas's new cooking school,  the "Hot Stove Society",  as well as the unveiling of a terrific remodel which will accommodate the school and Andra's stylish new bar and swanky event space.

The exciting new cooking school will be opening in July and classes will be taught by Tom Douglas Restaurant chefs, visiting chefs and authors. Student will enjoy a bright, sleek industrial space with butcher block and stainless steel (see photo below).

The class schedule starting July 12 with "Unleash the Unami" with chef
Eric Tanaka. Other fun classes in July range
from " The Mornin' After" and "Chop it Like its Hot"
All classes are accompanied with well chozen
boozy cocktails.

Guests have the option and are encouraged
to stay at the well appointed and
sleek Hotel Andra.

Other highlights of the evening were a luge serving ice cold vodka and Aquavit. Of course, catering was done by Tom Douglas. (below)

All and all a wonderful night to celebrate with Hot Stove Society and Hotel Andra. I know that I will definitely be trying out one of these classes this summer!

For more information for to HotStoveSociety.com

Little plates of goodness!

Amazing sleek chandelier in the new event space.

Kate Moss, Topshop Collection Hits Nordstrom Today

Run! Don't walk! The Kate Moss Top Shop collaboration hits Nordstrom stores today. The widely awaited collection includes 61 pieces that re-create Kate's most iconic looks. The collection includes everything - a yellow Prada dress she wore to a cocktail party,  a metallic blouse, boho tops and the pajama look. I will be heading downtown tomorrow to check out this collection!

Posh New Downtown Seattle Condominiums

Specializing in downtown condos, I have to tell you about this new modern and sophisticated building I am really excited about, The Insignia. As of last week there has been 100 pre-sales. This community is two 41 story buildings located at 2301 6th Ave. Great location, one and 2 bedrooms, amazing finishes and views. For more details or a tour contact me!
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2014/02/11/75-plus-presales-logged-at-new-condo.html

Seattle's Revolutionary Arts Access Program For Teens

I am always looking for ways to provide my children with more culture here in Seattle. (Especially when summer is just around the corner). I ran across this wonderful organization called TeenTix founded by the Seattle Center.This organization provides teens ages 13 to 19 with a pass for $5.00 tickets to several theatres, museums, The Seattle Symphony, The Northwest Ballet and more. In fact, there are currently 53 art organizations participating in the program. For more information and to get your pass click on the link ....http://www.teentix.org/

Fashion Friday, Sarah Jessica Parker New Shoe Line and Rebecca Minkoff

Last Friday I headed down to our Nordstrom's flagship store with my friend Sheila. We headed first to the Salon shoe department where they were launching Sarah Jessica Parkers new shoe line collaborated with Manolo Blahniks CEO. (shown above) . I was impressed. The shoes were priced in the $300 range, half the price of Manolos. They had that soft feeling soul and gorgeous sleekness of Blahniks. The most charming fun accent the shoes had that I loved, were that each shoe has

a wonderful small strip of grograin ribbon placed perfectly on the back of each shoe. This charming detail comes from her childhood memory of having worn ribbons in hair.

SJP will be actually making a personal appearance at Nordstrom's flagship store March 5th.

Next, I headed over to the Rebecca Minkoffs personal appearance where they were serving small lovely treats and sips. I got a chance to chat with Minkoff  She really was lovely. I love her line of bags but she had on some fun eye catching shoes on and told me about her line of shoes!

 Here is my Minkoff purchase. A fun little wristlet that she signed on the back! All and all a great day!

Seattle's Ryans Lewis Buys a Mansion in Magnolia

http://seattle.curbed.com/archives/2014/03/macklemore-mate-ryan-lewis-buys-magnolia-home-for-33m.php

Looks like all those rumors are true! Macklmore's side kick Ryan Lewis purchased the previous Elgin home in our very own neighborhood of Magnolia. Welcome to Magnolia Mr. Lewis I would love to give you a tour of our little village! Although you will have to leave the village to find a thrift shop.

ZARA IS OPEN

Finally the wait is over. If you haven't heard Zara opened last week February 13th to the public. I am so excited to have this chic Spain based retailer in our city. I already see a couple jackets that I will be purchasing for spring! Zara is located at 400 Pine Street in the Westlake center!

Designer Secrets for small spaces

Here are a few designer secrets for small spaces. These may come in handy for smaller rooms or while staging your home. http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/ideas/small-space-design-0712?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1451_8680111#slide-1

New Website, introducing www.chardondankershomes.com

Its been awhile since I have posted. I joined Coldwell Banker Bain associates as a real estate agent a few weeks ago. I am finally up and running and things are quieting down a little, (not the market though). Anyway, one of the projects I have been working on is my new website called www.chardondankershomes.com. I am launching it this week. It will be a great real estate tool for searching for properties, and community information such as schools and local happenings! Please check it out!!

Exciting News

As many of you have known from my previous posts, I have been studying real estate for a few months! Recently, I passed the Washington State real estate exam. I am soo excited to announce that I have once again joined Coldwell Banker Bain. I took a break to stay home with my boys but kept busy with my re-designing passion. I have been a resident of Magnolia for 13 years. I know and love our neighborhood of Magnolia and think it is such a special place. I plan on specializing in this area and my goal is to build my business on referrals. Please think of me if you know of someone who may be buying or selling a home! In the future my blog will remain the same content, however, I plan on showcasing homes I think are special and more Seattle real estate news!! So please keep reading!

DIY Valentines Day Wreaths

I want to make a new Valentines Day Wreath and came across this great craft blog and cute DYI wreaths! I especially like the one using the fabric squares.

How To Make A Wreath ~ 22 Valentine Crafts, shared by Laurie Turk on Tip Junkie

http://www.tipjunkie.com/holiday-crafts/make-wreath/

Pantones 2013 Color of the Year, Emerald Green

Happy New Year to all my lovely, faithful, readers out there!! What better way to get the year started on my blog is to post the color of the year. Pantone announced the color of the year, Emerald Green. Can you find a place to work this in your interior design or wardrobe......

photos credits: casa sugar and fashionista

Gorgeous!

Please click the link below for more on this brilliant color.

http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21055

My Powerball Dream House

It was so fun to sit around and dream with my kids on what we would do with all the money if we were to win the Powerball Lottery. When I came by this home, this was it, this would have been my purchase for a cool 70 million dollars, along with my childrens robot and limo rides to school (Ha)! I had to share this beautiful oasis! Can I find just a small slice of this in Seattle.....






http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/tour-jennifer-anistons-beverly-hills-home-for-sale/pictures/pg114

50 Gorgeous Design Gifts under $50

http://www.casasugar.com/Holiday-Gifts-Under-50-Home-25879152
50 Great Design Gifts under $50

Words for the Weekend

I have to say that some of my favorite quotes are from Dr. Seuss. Here are a couple of words to live by...

Happy Weekend!

 

Chic White Wall Rooms

Its been awhile since I posted. Finally the kiddos are in school and settled and I am back to my projects. I am picking a new color for my living room re-Design. White walls have been something I have always wanted to try. They are an easy, inexpensive way to create a chic space. White walls can make a room look cold and stark especially here in Seattle. I want to make sure when decorating to add some warmth. This can be achieved adding texture such as a cozy throw, a soft or Sea grass rug (as above), velvet panels or pillows and warm woods. Also, adding a pop of color helps too!

Photos: Elle Decor, Home and Family.

Luxurious Lacquered Walls

I have been starting to do some research for re-designing my living room. I want to something different with the wall that my fireplace is on.  I love anything lacquer, smooth and shiny. Lacquered walls add a glamorous touch to any room. Lacquer can be expensive and it can be tedious, however, you can get the same look with high gloss paint. I think it looks great in darker colors but it looks great in white too.( below) It can also add a mirror effect to smaller rooms. This can be a great project for those of us who want to add another layer of texture to a room.

Images: House Beatuful, Pinterest, Daun Curry

Living room Make Over

ource: sadieandstella.blogspot.com via Chardon on Pinterest

So I know its been a few days since I have posted. I have been busy with getting the kiddos ready for school and wrapping up my bachelor pad Re-Design project. Since I will have more time on my hands, its the perfect timing for me to start re-designing my own living room. Here are a couple of living rooms I pinned on Pinterest that I LOVE. Great inspiration! I also started a Olioboard as well. (Below)

Source: mydesignchic.com via Chardon on Pinterest

Local Spirits- Seattle's Ebb & Flow Vodka

I know its been a couple weeks since I last posted. It's been a very busy summer around here! Anyway,  we just got back into town and I went to this fabulous Magnolia Housewives Party.  They were serving some great cocktails all made with locally crafted spirits called Ebb and Flow, distilled right here in Seattle by Sound Spirits, located right here in own neighborhood. I tried their Vodka and "Vow of Silence Herbal Liqueur"  truly soo smooth. They make craft spirits one batch at a time and offer vodka, two types of gins and liqueurs as well. You can swing by the tasting room located at 1630 15th Ave W. or go to the link for more info: http://www.drinksoundspirits.com/

Love the bottles

The Vow of Silence Cocktail

                                               

Fun Quote

I found this quote on Pinterest..........Cute!