Chez Elif'te Oyee Design / Oyee Design @ Chez Elif

Bir ayakkabi sever olarak sevgili Aycin Aydogan'in tasarimi olan ayakkabilari gorur gormez vuruldum:)

Hemen http://www.oyeedesign.com/ adresinden kendisine bir e-mail attim. Ayakkabi tasarimlarina bayildigimi,  Chez Elif isimli bir blogum oldugunu ve orada guzele dair pek cok seyden bahsettigimi soyledim. Bu guzel ayakkabilarin tam da bu aciklamaya ve bloguma uygun dustugunu yazdim:)

O da beni kirmadi ve iste Oyee Design'dan muhtesem ayakkabilar Chez Elif'te:) Cok guzeller degil mi? Aycin bana ilgilenenlerin yakinda websitesinden online satis imkani bulabilecegini de soyledi. Ozellikle Amerika'daki arkadaslarima duyrulur, ya da aranizda cok sabirsizlananlar olursa bana chezelif@gmail.com adresimden de ulasabilirler. Daha fazla resim icin Elif'in Dolabi bolumunu  ziyaret edebilirsiniz.

Sevgiler

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As a shoe lover,  I fell in love with designer Aycin Aydogan's shoes the first time I saw them. I visited http://www.oyeedesign.com/ immediately and sent her an e-mail. I told her that I loved her designs,  I have a blog that I write about anything that is beautiful and I would like to showcase her shoes there:) She replied to me and she told me that she would be happy to have her shoes showcased in Chez Elif so here they are:) Aycin also informed me that if anyone would like to buy them; they can do so via her website soon. Or, as always you can contact me via chezelif@gmail.com :) Aren't they beautiful? For more images please visit Elif's Closet:)
Best

Myras; Harikulade Tasarimlar / Breathtaking Designs

Bambaska bir nedenden dolayi yaptigim bir arastirma sirasinda karsima Atasay'in yarattigi Myras serisi cikiverdi :) Butun tasarimlari o kadar begendim, o kadar begendim ki; bir turlu esas yaptigim arastirmaya geri donemedim:)

Sudaki Istanbul Koleksiyonu icin soyle diyordu Atasay websitesinde; Nice aşklara mesken olmuş konakları, geçmişe dokunan büyüleyici sarnıçları, sırlarla dolu dehlizleri; dünü ve yarınıyla, toprağın altı ve üstüyle keşfetmekle bitmeyen şehir İstanbul’un verdiği yeni ilhamlar MYRAS “Sudaki İstanbul” koleksiyonuna hayat verdi. MYRAS 2010 “Sudaki İstanbul” Koleksiyonu, Marmaray kazılarında bulunan arkeolojik eserlerin ihtişamını Atasay şıklığıyla buluşturuyor. Gorunen o ki Marmaray kazisinda ortaya cikmis tarihi eserler son derece yaratici bir ekibin elinde bu muhtesem takilara ilham kaynagi olmus; ben cok ama cok begendim.

Sonra gozume Imparatorluk Kadinlari koleksiyonu ilisti :) En az Sudaki Istanbul kadar etkiledi beni. Güçleri, aşkları ve güzellikleriyle tarihe damgasını vurmuş imparatorluk kadınları...
Osmanlı Sultanlarından Hürrem, Kösem Sultan, Bizans İmparatoriçelerinden Theodora, Zoe... Isimlerine cok asina oldugumuz bu guclu kadinlar; bu sefer de bir koleksiyona ilham kaynagi olmuslardi. Benim bu serideki favorim Hurrem Sultan'dan esinlenmis olduklari yuzuktu:)



Hurrem Sultan



Troya



Sevgililer gunu yaklasiyorken, ustune ustluk ekranlarda bir de Muhtesem Yuzyil cilginligi yasaniyorken, bu guzel tasarimlari guzel olan herseyden bahsedecegime soz verdigim Chez Elif'te mutlaka size gostermem gerekiyordu:) Sudaki Istanbul ve Imparator Kadinlari disinda Atasay'in Troya, Paktalos, Sonsuzluk, Bereket, Deniz Hazineleri ve Iyi Niyet Koleksiyonlarina da bir bakmanizi mutlaka tavsiye ederim. Bu basaridan dolayi Ozlem Suer ve Atasay'in Tasarim Ekibini de tebrik etmek isterim. Daha fazla resim icin Elif'in Dolabi'na bakabilirsiniz:) Ve tabii ki mutlaka http://www.atasay.com/ sayfasini da ziyaret etmelisiniz:)



Sudaki Istanbul



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I came across to Atasay's Myras series while I was doing a research for something else and I liked these collections so much that I could not possibly go back to my original research:) 



 With its mansions that host many love stories, cisterns that go back to the old times, cloisters that are full of mysteries and with its past and future, Istanbul,which bears/promises never-ending discoveries, have brought life to the collection of MYRAS, “Istanbul in the Water.” MYRAS 2010 “Istanbul in the Water” collection has combined the magnificence of archaeological artifacts found in Marmaray excavation with the elegance of Atasay. (from Atasay's original website)


Imperial Women

 After admiring Istanbul in the Water collection, I visited the Imperial Women collection  which was inspired by women of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires,such as the Ottoman Sultanas Hürrem and Kösem and the Byzantine empresses Theodora andZoe, whose power, loves and beauty left their mark on history...
Personally, I loved Hurrem Sultan's ring the most:)

Apart from Istanbul In the Water and Imperial Women collections Atasay also has Troy, Paktalos, Eternity, Fertility, Sea Treasures and Good Will collections that are all worthwhile to look at. 

I promised to write about anything that is beautiful in Chez Elif so I couldn't pass on this one. As Valentines Day is coming and we all watch Suleyman the Magnificent on TV nowadays;  I wouldn't miss this opportunity to share these beauties. I would like to congratulate Ozlem Suer and the creative design team of Atasay for this success. For more on the jewelry, you can check out Elif's Closet and of course http://www.atasay.com/ :)



Fertility



Surprise someone you love with a boutique dessert by Chez Elif / Sevdiklerinizi Chez Elif'ten bir butik tatlilar ile sasirtabilirsiniz :)

Valentines Day is fast approaching. Would you like to suprise your loved ones with a Boutique Cake or Boutique Cookies designed exclusively for you by Chez Elif this year? All you have to do is to let me know 3 days ahead of time. 
This is the cake I designed for my beloved husband Emrah's coming back from his military service :) You can have a cake solely designed for your special occasion as well.  For more images you can visit Boutique Desserts section.

You can contact me via chezelif@gmail.com or by 540.998.9730

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Sevgililer gunune cok az bir zaman kaldi. Bu sene siz de Chez Elif tarafindan size ozel hazirlanmis Butik bir Pasta ya da Butik Kurabiyelerle sevdiklerinizi sasirtmak istemez misiniz? Tek yapmaniz gereken 3 gun oncesiden bana haber vermeniz.
Bu pastayi sevgili esim Emrah'in askerden donusu icin tasarladim, daha fazla resim gormek icin Butik Tatlilar bolumune bakabilirsiniz.

Bana chezelif@gmail.com adresimden veya 540.997.9730 numarali telefonumdan ulasabilirsiniz:)

Ilayda Isabel'in 1.yasgunu pastasi :) Isabel Ilayda's 1st Birthday Cake

Gectigimiz hafta, son derece buyuk bir keyifle, cok yakin dostlarim Yesim ve Bora'nin guzeller guzeli kizlari Ilayda'nin 1.yasgunu pastasini hazirladim. Bir onceki sene buyuk bir kar firtinasi Washington DC'yi esir almisken dunyaya gelen sevimli Ilayda'nin dogumgunu pastasi konsepti icin Yesim bu yuzden kar tanelerini secmisti:) Mavi ve beyaz renklerin hakim oldugu pastayi hazirlarken cok buyuk bir keyif aldim. Kaplamasinin daha da lezzetli olmasi icin ufak bi supriz de yaptigim bu lezzetli pastadan bir tane misafirler icin, bir tane de ozel olarak Ilayda'nn kendisi icin hazirladim. Yesim'in son derece ozenli bir sekilde hazirlamis oldugu partiye katilmis olmaktan da son derece mutlu oldum.  Dogum gunun kutlu olsun Ilayda, iyi ki dogdun:) Daha fazla fotograf icin Butik Tatlilar kismina bakabilirsiniz.

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Last week, I worked on my close friends Yesim and Bora's daughter Ilayda's 1st birthday cake. Ilayda was born during the big snow snorm of Washington DC last year, therefore, Yesim chose the "snowflakes" concept for the birthday cake:) I enjoyed very much while preparing the cake which was blue-white in color. I prepared one for the guests and one fo Ilayda alone. I also made a small trick to make the fondant taste even better (my little secret). I also enjoyed the birthday party very much which was decorated very nicely by Yesim.  Happy birthday Ilayda, I wish you a very happy year:) For more images you can look at Boutique Desserts section.

Got any plans for Valentines Day? :)

According to the shopping schedule-we all know what this means- the nextmilestone is the Valentines Day :) Apart from the shopping experience, I would like to point out some very unique suggestions for you and your loved ones to share during the month of love for those of you who live in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area! Please visit Culture and Arts section of Chez Elif for details. I believe Valentine’s Day is a special day that should be celebrated with anybody that is important to you, who touches your life and will be next to you no matter what happens.

Happy Valentines Day!

Some highlights from my suggestions, for more please visit Culture and Arts :)

Most Romantic Restaurants in the Washington, DC Area (from About.com)

Looking for a romantic restaurant to celebrate your special occasion for this Valentines Day? It always feels easy to pull out these names but when it comes to our busy schedule it becomes a problem in the last minute. Therefore I referred to one of the most reliable websites for this decision; about.com and here are their wonderful suggestions below. These special restaurants have great food and are among the best restaurants and the most popular in the region. They are all expensive and require reservations. Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation at least a few days in advance. For the list please see Culture and Arts:)

Or, you might want to experience this special night at the Potomac;

Take a romantic cruise and enjoy a night of dining, dancing and live entertainment, while cruising past the beautiful views of Washington, DC. Make a reservation on the Odyssey or the Spirit of Washington.

Or, try an adventurous Valentines Day this year with Terrapin Adventures

 
On February 12^th and13th between, 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. be at the

8600 Foundry Street Savage, Maryland

. Special adventure package for couples is $75/couple includes three hours on the zip line, giant swing, high ropes course, and climbing tower with free hot chocolate, Hershey kisses and gifts from the merchants at Savage Mill. For more information you can call (301) 725-1313

Or, attend a wonderful concert at the Kennedy Center

Be with Chris Botti at the Kennedy Center PBS favorite and Grammy Award-winner, jazz trumpeter Chris Botti will perform at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14, 2011. Botti, who has become the largest-selling American jazz instrumental artist, gained four No. 1 jazz albums since the release of his 2004 CD When I Fall In Love.

Or, laugh a lot at this Valentines Day at All Stars Comedy Club

Be at the All Stars Comedy Club fir their Valentine's Day Show. Enjoy a night of laughter with stand-up comedy featuring three professional comedians from HBO. Special packages are available to add dinner and a hotel room. The Club is located in Arlington, Virginia. Reservations are required please call (410) 212-3568 OR (703) 739-7377.

Also, before the Valentines Day you might want to enjoy Giselle with the Mariinsky Ballet

Please visit Culture and Arts for more information.

Yeni lezzetli ve sevimli kurabiyeler yaptim! / I made more delicious and fun cookies! :)

Gecen hafta cok sevdigim arkadaslarim Uli, Laura ve Anna ile bulusmaya gitmeden once kendime hakim olamadim ve onlar icin renkli mi renli sevimli mi sevimli badem aromali kurabiyeler hazirladim. Sizlerle paylasmadan da edemedim. Daha fazla resim icin Butik Tatlilar kismina bakabilirsiniz. Sevgiler :)

Elif
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Last week I wanted to bake delicious cookies before going to our get together with my dear friends Uli, Anna and Laura:) They were almond flovored, colored and fun cookies. I couldn't help myself but share with you all. For more images you can visit Boutique Desserts section. All the best:)

Elif

Isik'in Atolyesi / Isik's Atelier

Yeni bir yilda hepinize tekrar merhabalar. Acisiyla tatlisiyla koskocaman bir 2010 yilini arkamizda biraktik hatta yeni yilimizin ilk ayini yariladik bileJ Cok guzel ve mutlu gececegine inandigim 2011 yilindaki ilk yazimi canim annemin el emegi ile ortaya cikardigi enfes  tablolarina ayirmak istedim. Sanatci genlerimi kimden aldigim boylece su yuzune cikmisken kendisi ile cok gurur duydugumu soylemek istiyorum. 

Herbiri birbirinden canli ve harikulade olan bu tablolar icin blog’umda ayrica “Isik’in Atolyesi” isimli bir sayfa olusturdum. Simdiye kadarki calismalarinin yani sira bundan sonra  uretecegi diger calismalarini da burda sergilemeye devam edecegizJ Eger cok begendiginiz bir tablosu olursa bana isikertekin@gmail.com adresinden ulasmaniz yeterli J

Isik Ertekin kimdir?

1958 yilinda Gonen’de dogan Isik Ertekin iyi derecede Ingilizce ve Fransizca bilmektedir. Calismalarina once ahsap boyama ve vitrayla baslamis olan sanatcimiz, daha sonra calismalarini yagli boya resimler uzerinde yogunlastirmistir. Pek cok eserini bu blog’da Isik’in Atolyesi bolumunde gorebileceginiz Isik Ertekin ‘e isikertekin@gmail.com adresinden ulasmaniz mumkun.

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I would like to say Happy New Year once again before starting my very first blog in 2011. We officially ended 2010 and are almost halfway thru the first month of 2011 already! I wanted to spare my first blog of this wonderful beginning to my beloved mother’s exceptional paintings. I would like to point how proud I am with her who is abviously the source of my artistic genres J

I created a special page for her paintings labeled as “Isik’s Atelier” where I will not only present her completed artworks only but also will share her ongoing paintings as well. If you come across to a painting that you love so much -as much as I doJ -you can contact me via isikertekin@gmail.com

Who is Isik Ertekin?

Isik Ertekin, who is fluent in English and French, was born in 1958 in Gonen, Balikesir, Turkey.  She started her artworks with wood painting and stained glass studies after which she focused on oil paintings. You can see almost all of her artwork here in this blog under Isik’s Atelier section and you can contact her via isikertekin@gmail.com

Juicy Couture Elif'in Dolabi'nda / Juicy Couture is in Elif's Closet:)

2010 yilini geride birakip yepyeni umutlarla 2011'e baslamamiza cok az bir zaman kaldi. Kendi adima 2010 yilinin hayatima kattigi guzelliklerden dolayi cok memnunum ama 2011 yilina gecen sene oldugundan cok daha pozitif ve daha umutlu girmeye de kararliyim. Umuyorum ki yeni gelen yil, tum dileklerinizin gerceklesecegi, saglik ve mutlulugun hayatinizdan hic eksik olmayacagi bir yil olur:)

Yarindan itibaren 2 hafta boyunca Istanbul'umda olacagim ama bu sirada Chez Elif'i guncel tutmak icin de elimden geleni yapacagim:)

2011 yilina girmenin arifesinde Elif'in Dolabi'nda sizlerle en cok sevdigim markalardan bir digerini, Juicy Couture'u, paylasmak istiyorum. Amerika'da yeni yilin insani en cok mutlu eden taraflarindan birisi de indirim firsatlaridir. Ozellikle tasarim urunlerini Aralik ayi icerisinde geri kalan 11 ay boyunca hayal edemeyeceginiz fiyatlara almaniz mumkundur:) Zira ben de su anda cok uzun zamandir pesinde kostugum Juicy Couture marka cuzdanima bu sayede sahip olmus olmanin mutlulugunu yasiyorum. Belki de bu yuzden tam da yilbasi oncesinde bu tatli mi tatli markanin uygun fiyatli urunlerine Elif'in Dolabi yer actim. Eger cok begendiginiz bir parcaya rastlarsaniz bana chezelif@gmail.com adresimden ulasabilirsiniz.

Mutlu yillar!! :)

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In a little while, we will welcome the New Year. Personally, 2010 was a wonderful year for me but I promised myself to celebrate 2011 even more positively. I hope in 2011, all your wishes will come true and you will enjoy a healthy and successful year with your loved ones! 

I will be in my lovely Istanbul for the next 2 weeks but I promise to keep Chez Elif updated during that time:)

Right before New Years', I wanted to share of my favorite designer labels; Juicy Couture, with you in Elif's Closet. Honestly, one of the most fascinating facts about America during the  holiday season are the wonderful sales you will see while shopping. In this way you can buy especially designer products at a proce that you will not see during the rest of 11 months:) As for me I was happy to find the Juicy Couture wallet I was chasing after for a while now thanks to the wonderful sales. So, right now in Elif's Closet; you can find many wonderful Juicy Couture products. Do not hesitate to contact me via chezelif@gmail.com if you like something.

Happy Holidays! :)