Ikram

What a fabulous lunch.  Despite the fancy hype of this place, I was pleasantly surprised by the calm and easy going vibe.  A must needed addition to the lunch scene in CHI

MY NEW SITE

YES, ITS BEEN A WHILE.  LIFE HAPPENS, MARRIAGE HAPPENS, NAME CHANGE HAPPENS.  CHECK HER OUT www.mariahagentopper.com

Butterfly Chairs

HHHMMM, This could be addition to the fireplace I was thinking? Inspired by the brickhouse. Im really vibing the black base and leather covers

new obsession

Vera Wang Yellow Gold Green Tourmaline Pave Diamond Candy Ring.
A bit much(Pricey) for just a fun candy ring but just look at it! Its F^$*#&G AMAZING!

top 10 list of Must stop shops for priming up for the holidays

1. Mongo Home, 1753 N. Damen ave. for a conversation piece in the entryway
   
2. Modlife home, 3856 n. Lincoln ave., for a touch of Hollywood Glamour!
   
3. White Attic, new to damen street hooray, mother of pearl salt/pepper shakers to die for!
   
4. Jayson home &garden, 1885 N. Clybourn, I just got amazing flax linen napkins for a tabletop shot for Playboy Magazine, leland is a sweetheart and knows his stuff
   
5. Marshalls 600 N. Michigan Ave., cheapy gems for a great tablescape or extra doo dadds
   
6. Posh, 613 N. State St., great butter dishes and champagne buckets for those cocktails
7. Salvage One, 1840 W. hubbard st., Mid century modern furniture
   
8. The wine discount center, 1826 1/2 N. elston, Pouilly Fuisse or a nice Rose great for the holidays!
9. Post 27, 1819 W. grand, they are just so pleasant in there
10. Stitch 1723 N. Damen, Missoni throws, pillows, or a cool valet for the console

And dont forget Flowers from a NEW Leaf on Wells

YES!!!RED FOR MY FALL COLLECTION

so Alice and Olivia for PAYLESS... Missallfun loves LUXE for LESS.  Stay tuned as I run over to check them out live.  Coming from someone who works in photography, good lighting can make anything look better then its true self.  Fierce!

OH MY ITS BEEN TOOOO LONGGGG

Ok Im back. Im jumping into the Fall with this inspirational pic via cocokelly
I just love it! Ill start collecting every silver urn, pot, vessel I set eyes on.

NEW Project: Babies room

Little sis having baby oh my. big sis gets to decorate the room!
Heres a medley of whats in store.
Midsummer Light by Tord Boontje for artecnica. In green and yellow
decals in Wee Jungle series by Blik
Im also thinking about organic paint in a mint or lettuce hue and a super fun Flokati rug to bring it all wild and together.

Missallfun Couscous salad remains a hit!

First round had pomegranates, second batch got golden raisins. Both Delish! Martha you would be so proud of my tedious recipe.

Men tend to like this more then the chics. Very interesting...

1 can garbanzos rinsed, dried on paper towel while you do the rest(moist ones make for mushy mess)



2 boxes plain Near east couscous
4 cloves of garlic minced
salt/pepper to taste
2 tbls curry powder
1 tbls ground cumin
dash chili powder
Bring to boil, then add couscous stir, cover, turn off heat, sit covered 5minutes. fluff with fork

1half red onion finely chopped
2 scallion stalks, white and green parts chopped
Half a bunch of flat leaf parsley chopped
1 hand full chives, then chopped
add to a large bowl
Mix couscous, herbs and onions

1 cup toasted pine nuts. Dont be lazy and skip this! All you do is heat up a pan, pour in, watch them, give em a shake until golden. DONT walk away! These yummies burn quick. like 2mins really

1cup re hydrated golden raisins(add enough water to cover, boil until fat about 5 minutes)strain

In frying pan heat 2tbls extra virgin olive oil then garbanzos, sprinkle, salt, pepper a bit more curry powder and stir fry a bit

These annoying steps intensify the flavor and add moisture to the salad
Mix all together more salt and pepper to taste.

AidsChicago.org

May 8th, missallfun will be lending her production hands at the Design for The Cure event at Le Passage. This event should be be fun so anyone who is around and in for a good cause stop by. visit www.aidschicago.org for more info.

superfun impulse purchase

So Tangerine is one of my favorite stores in Chicago, which you already know. Whenever im feeling like I have absolutely nothing I like anymore I go there and find pieces. My chaotic life as a stylist demands me to be comfortable while maintaining a stylish edge. Norma Marcella (local Chicago designer) really caught my eye as I dashed out the store last night. There it was. Black ruffled bloomers for adults! Spicy girls like me! So versatile! So fun! I MUST HAVE THEM! In less then 2 seconds I saw my spring/summer 08 future. Bloomers with leggings and converse, Bloomers and bare legs with mustard heels, bloomers pulled high and American Apparel t-shirts! bloomers in bed...;) Now, as I embark spring I can continue living the life. Norma Marcella, missallfun approved.

Hejfina Sample sale this weekend

new collections at MERIDA

I cant wait for my samples! check out the new Tufted collection from merida asap.

Missallfun Back for Valentines

Coco Rouge in bucktown just sent me some awesome images of their latest work. Nothing says I care more then a detail obsessed package and perfectly developed piece of coco.

Tulum, Mexico

ohhh Tulum was wonderful! As chill and perfect like one would hope. Missallfun had a fantastic time chillaxin at Zamas, Maya Tulum and the beach. I highly recommend Tulum to anyone who is adventurous(not so high maintenance), who enjoys simple life paired with a high quality of realness. From the ant migration in cabana #12 to the Mayan honey massage from Lecrucia at Maya Tulum, Missallfun had a fantastic time and wished she could only share it with the company of more friends. Ari and I even enjoyed a wedding(dont freak not ours!) at the beach front restaurant at Zamas. Speeches, toasts, drinking coconuts, fresh salsa, eating,dancing, reading(The Omnivores Dilemma), swimming, sweating, exploring the ruins and lots of smooching but of course...

LOVE LOVE LOVE

ok so good sleep wasnt exactly what I encountered in Tulum but thats for another post. Moving forward I just couldnt help myself when I set my eyes on this beauty today! Isnt it lovely? fit for a king and queen! Anything tufted makes missallfun week in the knees. The Antoinette silk upholstered bed is Available at Barker Stone House

SHES OFF

Missallfun is off for a much needed vacation. TULUM here we come!

New Orleans

Brad Pitt commissions designs for New Orleans. NY Times says he commissioned 13 architects to design 150 homes that would cost about $150,000 to build. Hes planning to match 5 million dollars! IF you dont have that kind of loot to donate you can still be involved by adopting certain things in the house at makeitrightnola.org
This is such a great holiday gift, especially for someone who has everything. the site is amazing you can click into the home and purchase energy efficient light bulbs for the living room if you choose.

Thayer Spring 2008

Thayer Spring o8 line is full of easy feminine strong pieces. Missallfun approved! Im obsessed with this one!!!! My favorite yet!

stocking stuffers at GreenerGrassDesign.com

my guilty pleasure this Thanksgiving.

Guia la Bruna, Enfant Gate Brief

silky and smooth just enough to get things going in the bedroom. This sassy number can be found at one of our fav. Studio City stops. Faire Frou Frou.

MESSY URBAN GET UP AND GO HAIR

Aside from my hair vitamins, aaron keeps me fresh. Just wanted to share the love!

H&M

so last week I was swamped with work, on set and sans computer but I must share this awesome video of the mayhem Roberto Cavalli contributed to H&M. Most stores cleared out by noon. Please check out the video on Yahoo news. Such a mob scene! I wonder if any tights remain.

My Thanksgiving dessert choice #1

perusing epi today I found this fantastic looking delight. This coconut rumcake will sure be a hit at the missallfuns and look glorious on the table. The recipe looks intense so ill need to channel my inner Martha. Wish me luck!
For cake:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs plus 3 large yolks
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup well-stirred sweetened cream of coconut such as Coco López

For coconut slivers:
1 medium coconut
2 teaspoons confectioners sugar
For icing:
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons well-stirred sweetened cream of coconut
1 tablespoon dark rum
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
Equipment: a 9-inch round cake pan (2 inches deep); an adjustable-blade slicer

Make cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Lightly butter cake pan and line bottom with a round of parchment paper. Lightly butter parchment, then flour pan.
Whisk together flour (1 1/4 cups), baking powder, and salt.
Whisk together whole eggs and yolks, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in flour mixture until combined, then whisk in butter until just combined. Pour into cake pan and rap pan on counter to expel air bubbles.
Bake until golden brown and cake starts to pull away from side of pan, about 45 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 10 minutes. (Leave oven on.) Invert cake onto rack (discard parchment) and cool 10 minutes more. Generously brush top and side of warm cake with cream of coconut, allowing it to soak in before brushing on more. Cool completely.

Make coconut slivers as cake cools:
Pierce softest eye of coconut with a small screwdriver, then drain and discard liquid. Bake coconut in a shallow baking pan 15 minutes. (Leave oven on.) Break shell with a hammer, then pry flesh from shell with screwdriver.
Thinly shave enough coconut with slicer to measure 2 cups and toss with confectioners sugar, then spread in 1 layer on a baking sheet. Bake until just dry but not golden (some tips may color), 5 to 10 minutes. (Shave and bake remaining coconut with more confectioners sugar to serve on the side, or freeze for another use.) Cool coconut completely. (It will crisp as it cools.)

Make icing:
Beat together cream cheese, cream of coconut, rum, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons cream with an electric mixer until smooth, then beat in confectioners sugar. Icing should be smooth and slightly runny; stir in remaining tablespoon cream if necessary.
Smooth icing over top of cooled cake, allowing some to drip over side, then top with coconut slivers.

OMG, Is it new years already???

so I havent even got word if thanksgiving will be at my parents house or grandmas and I just received a myspace message inquiring about my NYE plans! Already? I havent even thought about my side dish contribution to turkey day.
Anyway, on the radar:
1.skip town, ting did that deal go down and if so can you spot me some miles?
2.dinner party at casa de missallfun? I barely finished the clean up from Halloween!
3.Hire a culinary student to cook for a small group
4. Visit the NYC girls
5. start thinking about what restaurant will suffice for a 2008 kick off
6. Cuddle with mr.allfun
7. sleep through it and opt for brunch?

Prepping for Haunts

Last night Ms.tobepink came over for a quick dinner and a party consultation. spiced pumpkin wine goes rather nicely with garlic and rosemary! Just a few pics to show you my progress of me setting the tone!

Lemony Snicket in "The Composer is Dead"

I cant wait to check out the Symphony Centers "The Composer is Dead" this Saturday at 3pm. With these past few wickedly chilly days in Chicago, an afternoon at the symphony will be a big hit on my Agenda.

Current Obsession

Im going nuts over this BAG!!! Im picturing it with my great brown flats, my sneakers, my new wool skirt and my missoni tights. I actually cant think of what it wont go well with. Givenchy Large Shiny Grained Nightingale is on the radar...but is it worth being evicted?

An amazing Show

Last night I had the pleasure to see Vicente Fernandez at a sold out show live in Chicago. As always, it was a moving show, full Mariachi, Tequila and thousands of loyal fans enamored with his voice and presence. For those unfamiliar check out this podcast at NPR

New to Chicago: Flirty Girl it up this Fall

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to scout out Chicago's west loop hottest new gym. The new all women's workout facility, aka Chicago's high end exclusive womens club caters to strong women who want an alternative to the average gym. They didn't skip a beat with the concept nor the interior. I had such a great time owning my stripper pole and hanging out in the locker room. Chandeliers, Pink towels and rose petal soaps have me all kinds of sold. Whether you join on a monthly basis or purchase a punch card Flirty Girl Fitness truly offers a one of a kind program and experience. Dont forget to hit up the spa after your hot bod boxing class and enjoy a Flirtini at the bar! Best yet, a sun deck for the summer!

Green is the new Black

You may already own a "Im not a plastic bag" tote but dont be left out of the loop this fall when you can upgrade your shopper with Cara Zavaletas original design "Green is the new Black" made in the USA canvas tote. Im such a fan of this shopper because its roomier for groceries and great as a carry on. Cara has partnered up with Carbon Fund and some of the proceeds go to the cause! Not only is this a responsible buy but a fantastic gift option this holiday season. Missallfun approved!

My Past Weekend

Yes, Friday I was at Jerry Kleiners Green and Pink themed Bash. I usually dont pose for photos but make exceptions for friends. Last Girl Standing and my coworker at Playboy was buzzing around the scene taking pics and making the mix fun. This explosive event was an invite only and when I arrived it was so mobbed I was escorted through Room 21's Kitchen( A very clean one I must add). Im sooo cool:) Right. Anyway, the party was at one of my favorite locations. The Chicago Illuminating Co. is a great open space with attached garden. The space is truly a gem alone or it can be transformed into whatever your hoping to achieve.
Saturday: Brunch at Wishbone where I had the Mississippi mud coffee, so yummy a sure fire way to start an afternoon and Corn Flake Crusted French Toast. Delish! Then over to Wicker for a Mani-pedi at Pinky Nails followed by a quick costume change and off to my volunteer position at Cut and Paste. This year was amazing! Just look at the audience participation in the photo above!!! She came up dressed like Alice! I had so much fun, a truly unique event. Sunday: Huevos Rancheros at Milk and Honey and you know I didnt forget the Lavender sugar cookie. ITs soo busy there! Nap time... woke up to a text invite to Target I couldnt pass up a quick trip to one of my favorite places. I picked up a few items for the Big MISSALLFUN BASH Oct. 31st! Finally, Bears Packers Game at the new sports bar in wicker, Boundary on Division street. Over a 100 beers and crispy tater tots get my stamp of approval. Missallfun approved!

pretty flowers to start of my weeK

Add it to your fall purchase list

Dropping OCT. 30th is this fantastic book. Place your order at amazon. I just love a great Hard Cover, dont you? Anyway Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People will sure to be a hit in your collection or a fantastic housewarming/holiday gift.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

I just received work that Indulge Boutique should be opening its doors by November! Stay tuned with all the opening party details!

New Resource

just look at this great concept done with class. Our friends at Birdie-buddies.com offer great company for all your "on the green"needs. These guys are great to have in your rolodex! Missallfun approved!

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

I just learned that the Symphony Center is presenting Macy's day of Music on Oct. 13. Saturday will consist of a ton of acts from 2pm-11pm. Im hoping to make a few after dinner? what a great addition to the weekend!

Marble tops x 3

look at these gorgeous Draper-style cabinets at our friends at Modlife. The set of three would be a perfect buffet with matching lamps and a great bar spread. Two would also serve as a great back to a tufted sofa. The brass pulls are to die for and I just love how marble reflects a soft light from a pair of lamps. Such a great find and price!