Leap years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the earth's revolutions around the sun. The actual length of a year is 365.242 days, not 365 days, as commonly stated. Julius Caesar was behind the origin of leap year in 45 BC. The early Romans had a 355 day calendar and to keep festivals occurring around the same season each year a 22 or 23 day month was created every second year. Julius Caesar decided to simplify things and added days to different months of the year to create the 365 day calendar, the actual calculations were made by Caesar's astronomer, Sosigenes. Every fourth year following the 28th day of February, one day was to be added, making every fourth year a leap year.
February 29, 2008
Happy Leap Day...
Leap years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the earth's revolutions around the sun. The actual length of a year is 365.242 days, not 365 days, as commonly stated. Julius Caesar was behind the origin of leap year in 45 BC. The early Romans had a 355 day calendar and to keep festivals occurring around the same season each year a 22 or 23 day month was created every second year. Julius Caesar decided to simplify things and added days to different months of the year to create the 365 day calendar, the actual calculations were made by Caesar's astronomer, Sosigenes. Every fourth year following the 28th day of February, one day was to be added, making every fourth year a leap year.
The Black Swan...
In Nassim Nicholas Taleb's book The Black Swan he defines a black swan as, "a large-impact, hard-to-predict, and rare event beyond the realm of normal expectations." Taleb regards many scientific discoveries as black swans—"undirected" and unpredicted. The term black swan comes from the Western conception that all swans were white. In that context, a black swan became a metaphor for something that could not exist..until they were actually discovered in Australia. Taleb questions why this would be a surprising discovery and suggests that we are hard-wired to find order in randomness. Taleb mixes financial economics and biology, discusses capitalism and terrorist attacks, happiness and reasoning and philosophy to name a few. It is original and thought provoking and seems that there is an underlying message to us all that we overreact to unknown and unforseen events...very Monty Python.
Seared Tuna w/Avacoado, Ginger, Lime & Soy
Ginger Soy vinaigrette4 handfuls of cilantro
1 jalapeno sliced, seeded
2 T grated fresh ginger
3 garlic gloves grated
juice of 4 limes
1/4 c low sodium soy sauce
1/4 t sugar
1/4 c olive oil
Mix ingredients above together in cuisinart. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and coat with olive oil. Sprinkle the 4 large sushi grade tuna pieces with salt and pepper. Sear the tuna for a minute on each side. Pour half of the cilantro mixture into the pan to coat the fish. Slice avocadoes, place on top of cooked tuna, pour the rest of vinagrette on top and serve.
This is one of my favorite recipes.
Longo Water Canvas Blush...
February 28, 2008
10 Best in the US...
Frank Bruni, the famous restaurant critic, writes about the 10 best restuarants from coast to coast in the NY Times. From California to Boston and back, NY didn't make the list.
Ferrell & Reilly...
Will Ferrell & John C. Reilly pair up again, but not for the continued adventures of Ricky Bobby. This time, they play two spoiled guys who become foolishly competitive after their single parents get hitched. Stepbrothers is directed and co-written by Adam McKay who wrote Anchorman, premiering July 25 - this looks like another commonly-quoted-classic comedy.
Interior Spaces...
I admire those who design the most interesting places & spaces. Here are a few notable favorites in the interior design industry:
If you're on your own, don't fret, there are plenty of resources out there to inspire. Check out Domino Magazine, it is my go-to for ideas and resources. Here are a few things I've indulged in from the 'best of gallery'...
Green Living...
Domino Magazine is getting environmentally conscious with their gallery for making greener choices in your home. Suggestions like selecting a Wolf cooking range and an Asko dishwasher, which uses less water and electricity than ordinary units, are great ideas for going pro-environment in your kitchen. Also, using chemical-free sustainable furniture, earth-friendly paint, eco flooring and vintage finds - you can be green in no time.
February 27, 2008
Why Kauai...
Recently I asked my friends who had a 5 day excursion; to track their favorite places on a trip to Kauai. Definitely one the next stops on my wishlist. What I love is that there's not much you can't do in Kauai; here's a little blurb of things to enjoy on all the shores...North Shore ~ Known as the more tropical, rainy part of Kauai, it is loved by locals who like to surf, enjoy nature and watch wildlife at Kilauea Point National Refuge, also you can take in the view of miles of beautiful beaches. Stay in Hanalei Bay at the Hanalei Colony Resort. Fishing, camping, golfing, kayaking, hiking and a helicopter tour later, you'll be hungry for one of the best restaurants. Choose Sushi Blues, the Tahiti Nui lounge, Postcards café or Kalypso. Stay 2-3 days, and don't miss the most beautiful lush river valley hike on the Na Pali coast, then head to the sun on the South Shore.
South Shore ~ Stop off here for a few days for a sunny retreat. Visit Poipu beach and Maha'ulepu beach. Whale watch from your beach towel, go diving with the fishes, play tennis and finish the day with healing spa therapies. Dine upscale at Roy's, family friendly Brennecke's or the Beach House Restaurant, set right on the waves in Spouting Horn. Stay at Poipu's Plantation Resort or the Grand Hyatt. West Wing ~ Rainbows, canyon views, coastal and forest hikes, this casual side of the island is a natural wonderland. It's treasures are Waimea Canyon, Salt Pond Beach Park and Hanapepe Valley. Things are more slow paced here in the dry climate, hiking and camping after pampering on the South Shore sounds idealic. If you don't want to pitch a tent, stay at Waimea's Plantation Cottages. Rent a four-wheel open top jeep and when you've seen the end of the horizon, stop at Waimea Brewing Company for beers on tap.
East Side ~ Lastly, head to the "Royal Coconut Coast, " for some history and culture and don't wake the Sleeping Giant. Only 30 minutes from Poipu and Hanalei, you can jet here for a day. Set your sights on Wailua Falls along the roadside, and head behind the Coconut Market Place in Kapa'a to see live music at Trees, a new restaurant/bar. For more information on weather, how to get there and accomodations visit Kauai's online visitors bureau.
Aloha!
Crab Roll please...
2 lbs cooked crabmeat
2 bunches scallions (white and green parts)
2 celery stalks, finely diced
juice of 1 lemon
1/2c of mayonnaise
1/2 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground pepper
8 to 10 rolls (toasted on buttered pan)
Finely chop the crab meat. In a medium bowl, combine the crabmeat, scallions, celery, lemon juice, mayo, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Spoon some of the chilled crabmeat mixture onto roll. And lettuce and serve.
And if you are ever in Northern CA - you have to try the Yankee Pier in Larkspur, and Fish restaurant on the water in Sausalito, they're crab rolls are my favorite!
2 bunches scallions (white and green parts)
2 celery stalks, finely diced
juice of 1 lemon
1/2c of mayonnaise
1/2 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground pepper
8 to 10 rolls (toasted on buttered pan)
Finely chop the crab meat. In a medium bowl, combine the crabmeat, scallions, celery, lemon juice, mayo, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Spoon some of the chilled crabmeat mixture onto roll. And lettuce and serve.
And if you are ever in Northern CA - you have to try the Yankee Pier in Larkspur, and Fish restaurant on the water in Sausalito, they're crab rolls are my favorite!
February 26, 2008
Beer Enthusiasts...
With St. Patty's day around the corner, one might be looking for the top 100 rated beers on planet earth. Or maybe you'd like to learn how to taste beer, home brew, or the know history of beer? To find answers and join discussions, you can log onto or subscribe to Beer Connoisseur Magazine or Beer Advocate Magazine. Of the top 100, I was not familiar with many, with the exception of Guinness (the St. Patricks Day favorite) and Samuel Smith's. Also, you can support the non-profit organization whose mission is to help bring the highest quality of beers to Alabama...Free the Hops.
*Note, that Irish bishops moved the date of St. Patrick's Day in 2008 because of conflicting with a holy day. Saturday, March 15th will mark this year's celebratory festivities.
Vintage wall candy...
A mix of modern and vintage objects for the children's room, this vintage gameboard is cute for wall decoration at ThreePotatoFour online shop of unique collections.
I heart the MoMA store...
Games & puzzles, coffee table books and posters, furniture and flatware, stationary & jewels. The MoMA store is a playful one stop shop for your own decadence or gifting.
The Principles of Uncertainty...
Author and illustrator, Maira Kalman has published over a dozen children's books and illustrated many covers for the New Yorker. She illustrated Elements of Style, the first English grammar rulebook with pictures. She has designed fabrics for Kate Spade and Isaac Mizrahi and her expressionist colorful artwork has been featured in the Julie Saul Gallery in New York. But she is most recently known her book, "The Principles of Uncertainty," based on her illustrated weekly column for The New York Times. It is the most creatively brilliant narrative journal of her life and all its absurdities, it's quirky and lovable. "...part documentary, part travelogue, part chapbook, and all Kalman. Her brilliant, whimsical paintings, ideas, and images-which initially appear random-ultimately form an intricately interconnected worldview, an idiosyncratic inner monologue. Kalman contends with some existential questions-What is identity? What is happiness? Why do we fight wars? And then, of course, death, love, and candy (not necessarily in that order)..."
It's like a children's book for grown ups.
February 25, 2008
Eric's Ceasar dressing...
1 egg yolk
1 garlic clove
1 t worcestshire sauce
2 t of hot pepper sauce
1/2 t of balsamic
1 T minced shallot
Mix these ingredients together and gradually add 1/4 c canola oil and 1/4 c olive oil. Add minced jalapeno and minced cilantro to taste. Add 2 T of dijon mustard and stir together.
Toss with Romaine lettuce, add shaved parmesan and serve.
1 garlic clove
1 t worcestshire sauce
2 t of hot pepper sauce
1/2 t of balsamic
1 T minced shallot
Mix these ingredients together and gradually add 1/4 c canola oil and 1/4 c olive oil. Add minced jalapeno and minced cilantro to taste. Add 2 T of dijon mustard and stir together.
Toss with Romaine lettuce, add shaved parmesan and serve.
The Power of Mobility...
The World Bicycle Relief organization founded in 2005 is a pulbic charity whose mission is to empower people through sustainable transportation, the bicycle. Which they believe to be an essential element in disaster assistance and poverty relief by allowing people to be mobile, having access to healthcare, education and economic development. They have partnered with USAID-funded, World Vision-led coalition of relief organizations to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Zambia as well as the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative. In addition to providing new bicycles to improve the quality of life, they include comprehensive training on bicycle maintenance, as well as teaching important life skills and disease prevention education to entire communities.
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You can make a contribution online or buy a bicycle for a volunteer caregiver in Zambia for $109.
Shades of Purple...
Purple was hot on the runway at fashion week. Here are my picks for adding this trendy color to the wardrobe.Chloe dress
Free People tunic
J. Crew joelle cami
Marc Jacobs striped camisole
Mischen accordian dress
Rachel Pally one shoulder top
Rag & bone bubble dress
Ralph Lauren skinny polo
Victoria Secret strapless tube dress
February 22, 2008
Buttermilk pancakes...
I made this at cooking club almost two years ago, the recipe was requested many times...finally here it is!1 c flour
2 T sugar
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 c buttermilk
1 large egg
1 T unsalted butter melted
In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and add remaining ingredients, whisking buttermilk and egg till batter is smooth. Heat griddle, and melt butter on the pan, cook pancakes until bubbles form on top.
For the syrup, add sliced apples and a teaspoon of cinnamon in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Pour this goodness over the pancakes and serve.
My Makeup Bag...
Benefit bad gal lash (blue)
Bobby Brown creamy eye pencil (smoke, midnight)
Chanel creme lipstick (russet moon)
Chanel glossimer (hibiscus, glow)
Fresh sugar lip gloss (goddess)
Laura Mercier lipstick (amethyst, fresh brown)
Stila eyeliner (onyx)
Stila eyeshadows (barefoot contessa, cloud, eden, grace, indigo, kitten & pigalle)
Vincent Longo glossy lipstick (belle etoile)
Style watch...
When it comes to skirts, hemlines are all over the map this season...go mini or midcalf, straight and high-waisted or long and flowy. Almost anything goes for pants too, skinny, low-rise, high-rise, wide leg and sailor style. Just don't go crop. That's definitely out...thank god!
Skirts:
Pants:
A President's Diary...
The nation's 40th president, Ronald Reagan's legacy remains as positive as his optimistic spirit. In Vanity Fair's March issue, the author of The Reagan Diaries gives a brief glimpse into his newly published book that chronicles the daily diaries in an 8 year period of Reagan's white house days.One of the first excerpts: Mon. Jan. 26, 1981 • A meeting on terrorism with heads of F.B.I.—S.S.—C.I.A. Sec's of St. Defense & others. Have ordered they be given back their ability to function. Next a cabinet meeting on the deal with Iran. Hostages will arrive in country tomorrow. It seems some of them had some tough questions for Carter in Germany as to why they were there so long and why they were there to begin with.
From economic recession to drug war to cold war, he was an admirable political figure. He also had a great sense of values and was known for saying one of my favorite statements ever, "At the heart of our message should be five familiar words. No big economic theories. No sermons on political philosophy. Just five short words: family, work, neighborhood, freedom, peace."
It's a must Read.
Erin Go Bragh...
Ireland the Beautiful! There are a million reasons why I'd like to go and I just found one more...The Bellinter House. Set in Navan, lush County Meath, about 30 miles north of Dublin (within striking distance of the airport, if you're over for the weekend). This 250 year-old Georgian mansion has a mix of antique and midcentury-modern furniture, art installations, a couple of pools and a bath house. Known for their laid-back staff and unstuffy atmosphere, how you could you go wrong?
Fancy an afternoon tea in the drawing room? Why not, or you can take lunch in the vaulted cellar, play billiards in the games room, enjoy the in-house cinema, and unwind at the spa. And, if you'd like to be outdoors, they'll arrange hot air ballooning, golf, horse riding, fishing in the river Boyne, bicycling or clay pigeon shooting. All of the above sound ideal to me...
Especially when followed by dinner at Eden, their famous restaurant and possibly a pint at the local pub Mrs O's. Rooms from around £180 per night.
February 21, 2008
Gumball Rally 2008 is announced...
The movie Canonball Run, sparked a tradition across Europe and the U.S. In 2002, my brother and cousin-in-law partook in the infamous Gumball Rally, they rented a speedy car and drove from NY to LA, stopping at check points in DC, Nashville, Dallas, Santa Fe, Vegas and a few speeding tickets later, the rally ended at Heff's mansion. This year, the "10th Anniversary World Tour" Gumball Rally 3000 will take place from August 8th-16th, and it puts the meaning of "Jet Set" on a whole new level... The route? Start your engines in San Francisco and cross the finish line in China. How do you drive to China? Well, 120 cars will drive from San Francisco starting point through LA, San Diego and reach Las Vegas, where the cars will be flown on 3 of the worlds largest Cargo Planes to Nanjing. From Nanjing participators will watch the Mass Games as part of a 'global friendship initiative'. Afterwards drivers will head north to Shanghai and then Xuzhou, before crossing the finish line in Beijing during the Olympic Games. The cost: £60 k per car (2 people) and includes - hotels, VIP parties in every city, airlifting car from US to China and tickets to the Olympics.
Kids Reading Corner...
Cookie Magazine has a list of the 33 best 'unheralded' children's books for storytime. And a few classics to add to the shelf:
The Best of Letterpress...
From notecards to invitations, stationary, announcements, tshirts and posters, here are my favorite custom letterpress companies:Online Paintbrush...
It's hard to commit to anything, none the less, living with lime green walls, or red walls that you thought would be a deep burgandy. HouseBeautiful has an online paint color tool that lets you experiment before you dip the brush.How it works:
Pick a room type from a drop-down menu
Pick the area of the room you want to paint
Click on paint swatch and experiment with selections of paint from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams etc..
Print out your choices and pick up the paint at your local store..
Click on paint swatch and experiment with selections of paint from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams etc..
Print out your choices and pick up the paint at your local store..
No Mess!
Like Cool...
If you happen to be looking for any of the following, now you know where to go.Hands free umbrella
Obama custom air force one sneakers
Air guitar hero shirt
Hot pink baby mullet hat
Beer belly belt
A ski suit with solar powered lights
Obama custom air force one sneakers
Air guitar hero shirt
Hot pink baby mullet hat
Beer belly belt
A ski suit with solar powered lights
Like Cool might be one of the most random online stores I have ever seen...
Delete Facebook...
Not saying that I want to, but if someday I did want to go officially AWOL on my profile...NY Times may be on to - The Way Out.
February 20, 2008
Birthday Bash...
I'm the odd man out, my birthday falls in September, my four other siblings (one missing from this pic)...all have back to back birthdays except on leap year! As they are all married with children now, celebrations can be challenging to finagle. This year, Saturday rules! Here is a birthday party plan with a few creative devices...
Saturday morning:
Hot chocolate, mimosas & homemade glazed donuts at the country club paddle courts.
Mixed doubles paddle tennis tourney. (Teams dress in a theme & bundled - it may snow...)
Winners take home the prize!
Later, warming up by the fire we'll spend the afternoon at my parents home. As a request of one of my brothers we will be watching old childhood movies taken years ago and looking at old pictures. My mother segmented our pictures years ago into our own individual piles from baby pictures to college graduation and every awkward stage in between...
Saturday evening:
Set up a casual buffet style dinner with decorations, plates...
On the menu...
Oysters with Champagne-Vinegar Mignonette
Spinach Salad with Warm Apple Cider and Bacon Dressing
Steak with Shallot Merlot Sauce
Spiced Butter glazed carrots
Honey Butter French Bread
Fudgy Chocolate Birthday Cake
And don't forget to blow out the candles!
Mini Oscar Talk...
There is alot of buzzing and betting as the ballots are sealed in Tinseltown, just 4 days before the Oscar's. Who will win Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor?
Some say "No Country for Old Men" will walk away with Best Director and Best Picture. The screenplay adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s novel, “No Country” centers on three men in a crime thriller. It's a tough call though, "Juno," the quirky indie-teen-pregnancy film had heart and brains along with savvy wit, humor and in my opinion, the best soundtrack since "Garden State."
My votes; Jason Reitman as Best Director for "Juno," Javier Bardem deservedly for the Best Supporting Actor in "No Counrty", Ellen Page for Best Actress in "Juno." For Best Supporting Actress I'm stumped, I didn't get to see the performances...and it's a toss up for best original screenplay, but Diablo Cody could take it away for lovable story of "Juno."
"As far as boyfriends go, Paulie Bleeker is totally boss. He is the cheese to my macaroni."
Love that!
Some say "No Country for Old Men" will walk away with Best Director and Best Picture. The screenplay adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s novel, “No Country” centers on three men in a crime thriller. It's a tough call though, "Juno," the quirky indie-teen-pregnancy film had heart and brains along with savvy wit, humor and in my opinion, the best soundtrack since "Garden State."
My votes; Jason Reitman as Best Director for "Juno," Javier Bardem deservedly for the Best Supporting Actor in "No Counrty", Ellen Page for Best Actress in "Juno." For Best Supporting Actress I'm stumped, I didn't get to see the performances...and it's a toss up for best original screenplay, but Diablo Cody could take it away for lovable story of "Juno."
"As far as boyfriends go, Paulie Bleeker is totally boss. He is the cheese to my macaroni."
Love that!
Award winning skin...
Allure's 2007 Best of Beauty's master list is a one stop shop. Think of all the times you have wondered: What is the best cleansing face wash? And how do I decrease the puffiness around my eyes? With a long list of treatments and products for face to body, I especially loved their 'best of skin' beauty list. Also, don't miss out on the Salon & Spa directory. Flower facials and Clarifying clay masks are just the lift your skin needs after winter months.
Choo choo...
All aboard! I am loving these Iowa Glossy Leather Sandals by Jimmy Choo and the AlexSuede and watersnake handbag. They can take you anywhere...
February 19, 2008
Hide away and play...
From island hopping in Nicaragua, to climbing volcanoes in Indonesia to trekking in Tibet. Last years Trips that topped Outside Magazine's list are not for the faint and high maintenance. They are giant frontiers that circle the globe, and range from moderate to challenging and price anywhere from $1,995-$13,160. Oufitted by expert adventure companies, these expeditions are once in a lifetime trips that will be unforgettable.
Yummy Vegetarian Quesadillas...
1 1/3 cups 1/2-inch cubes peeled Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 medium)2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/3 cups (packed) coarsely grated hot pepper Monterey Jack cheese (5 to 6 ounces)
1 1/3 cups jarred salsa verde (tomatillo salsa)
4 2/3 cups coarsely chopped stemmed mustard greens (from 1 bunch), divided
4 8-inch-diameter wheat tortillas
3 ounces chilled fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled
Prep...
Place baking sheet in oven and preheat to 275°F. Steam potatoes until tender, about 8 minutes. Place in large bowl; sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Toss to coat. Cool potatoes 15 minutes. Mix in Jack cheese. Meanwhile, blend salsa and 2/3 cup (packed) greens in mini processor until greens are finely chopped.Arrange tortillas on work surface. Divide remaining greens between bottom half of each. Top greens with potato mixture, then goat cheese and 2 tablespoons salsa mixture for each. Fold plain tortilla halves over filling, pressing to compact. Brush with olive oil.
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2 quesadillas, oiled side down, in skillet. Brush tops with oil. Cook until quesadillas are brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to sheet in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining 2 quesadillas.
Cut each quesadilla into 3 or 4 wedges. Serve with remaining salsa.
Cut each quesadilla into 3 or 4 wedges. Serve with remaining salsa.
Bangles & Charms...
J.Crew jewels have been a dream lately! Colorful and fun - these cuffs, bangles and charms are perfect accessories for spring and summer ensembles.Anchor charm bracelet
Cabochon-wrapped enamel bangle
Classic gold bangle
Stone mosaic cuff bracelet
Safari style...
West Elm has new organic animal print bath mats in safari, snow leopard and giraffe with shower curtains and bath towels to match! Now you can deck out your bathroom as your own animal kingdom. Accessorizing is easy with their bamboo and metal bath hardware.
February 18, 2008
Wine tasting at home...
Wine country is a little far for me these days, and so is my favorite local wine bar. But, why not have a wine tasting party at home? My Wine's Direct has a tasting party kit complete with six wines, a fun how-to guide, 22 tasting mats, and 6 bottle wrappers. A fun theme for your next dinner party!
Bronzed...
Feeling winter white? In the middle of February we all could use a sunkissed facelift, and that's easy to oblige. Sephora's best bronzer's in my book:
Chic Shoes...
Sandals are not only for the beach, they're getting sexy for the season and are anything but understated. Styled with a sundress, pencil skirt or for an evening out in the city, these fab 5 are my fav!Packing a few things from Nicole...
Nicole Miller has a few NEW casual items that are perfect to pack away for any trip.
Tropic Metal Dress
Gold Mesh Bracelet
Blue Stretch Twill Dress
Reverse Stretch Charmeuse Top
Tropic Metal Dress
Gold Mesh Bracelet
Blue Stretch Twill Dress
Reverse Stretch Charmeuse Top
February 15, 2008
The Sun will come out tomorrow...
Trends have brought out glam and hipster and fashion icon styles to the streets in the past few years. My taste may be a little retro for some, but here are a few pairs of shades that you might want to check out! 
Bulgari's black glam sunglasses with Swarovski crystals.
Dita's Targa sunglasses.
Kate Spade's oversized Janel shades.
Lucky brand's Anthem sunglasses.
Marc Jacob's large round sunglasses.
Ray Ban's classic aviators.
Smith's brown stripe Talent shades.
Stella McCartney's trimmed aviators.
Tom Ford's Serena sunglasses.
Bulgari's black glam sunglasses with Swarovski crystals.
Dita's Targa sunglasses.
Kate Spade's oversized Janel shades.
Lucky brand's Anthem sunglasses.
Marc Jacob's large round sunglasses.
Ray Ban's classic aviators.
Smith's brown stripe Talent shades.
Stella McCartney's trimmed aviators.
Tom Ford's Serena sunglasses.
It's Showtime!
Here comes a long weekend...heading south, north or west. Sometimes an extra day is the best time to rest!You can create you own in-home movie theatre in no time. Clear one wall and queue up the projector for that big screen feeling. Comfy chairs are key. The Maxwell Studio Leather Chair with Ottoman from Restoration Hardware is the perfect front row seat. But before you get settled, start popping fresh popcorn and melting the butter. Now you're just a few Milk Duds and a blanket away from watching Netflix.
The next films on the list...I recommend: American Gangster, Little Miss Sunshine and Pan's Labyrinth.
Action!
S'more please...
While the campfire style S'mores are delish. You don't have to wait until the next time you pitch a tent and build a fire...You can make melt in your mouth gourmet treats at home in your kitchen.I like to substitute the graham cracker sometimes for homemade cookies. Start with the Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe I posted on Feb. 11th.
Then pick up some marshmellows. Better than the generic store bought are Plush Puffs. A few ways to toast the marshmellows, are over a grill, over your gas stove, in the oven in a glass baking pan on low (watch closely), or over a fondue flame. Using chocolate, or minted chocolate, when the marshmellow is still warm, layer the bottom cookie, then chocolate, then gooey marshmellow and cookie top.
For extra decadence, you could add a small slice of banana, spoonful of peanut butter or butterscotch sauce between the cookies.
How do you feel?
We Feel Fine is a global movement going on that is dedicated to the exploration of human emotion. Since 2005, the site has been gathering human feelings from a large number of weblogs around the world. The system searches all the newly posted blog entries for occurrences of the phrases “I feel” and “I am feeling”. After recording - it identifies the “feeling” expressed in that sentence (e.g. sad, happy, depressed, etc.). This is saved together with demographic data about the blogger, where they live, what the weather is, gender etc...The result is literally millions of captured human emotions and wonderful montages of moments in time. Their findings...theoretical answers to questions like: do Europeans feel sad more often than Americans? Do women feel fat more often than men? Does rainy weather affect how we feel? What are the most representative feelings of female New Yorkers in their 20s? What do people feel right now in Baghdad? What were people feeling on Valentine’s Day? Which are the happiest cities in the world? The saddest?Give it whirl!
La Playa...
Travel & Leisure magazine picks the 27 most affordable beach resorts, I narrowed it down to TWO.
WHERE:
CasaSandra Hotel, Holbox Island, Mexico (off the Yucatán Peninsula). An hour flight in a small private plane from Cancun. Known for their welcoming, laid back sophistication, some guests felt like they were staying at a friends' beach house. The CasaSandra is a 16 room boutique hotel on a virgin beach surrounded by turqoise waters. During the day you'll relax by the pool, snorkel with whale sharks riding calmly beside you, kayak, swing back in the hammock, indulge at the spa, and admire the well-known original artwork that adorn the hotel walls. At night, the chef will serve up fresh cuban fare while you sip on mojitos before retiring to one of the guest rooms, all named for inspirations; Ilusión (Illusion), Amanecer (Dawn), Sentido (Feeling). Not a bar in site, this is a very zen getaway.
WHERE:La Veranda Resort, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. An island that still remains quiet (possibly not for long since developers are plotting expansion). This 43 room charming, colonial mansion style hotel on a 12 mile stretch of sand looks like a perfect holiday. Water sports a plenty, a sprawling tiled pool, natural herb scrubs and sunning on the deck will entertain you before you plant yourself firmly at the Sunset Lounge. What better way to end the day than watching the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand? Dine here, at the Beach Grill or La Pouvier. This is the perfect place to lie low in the sun.
Top 5 things to do TODAY...
I recently had my annual physical. I thought the Dr's generic list of things to do was simple and had to share...
1. Quit Smoking (if you're a smoker)
2. Wear sunscreen (every day, even if it's cloudy)
3. Work out 5 times a week (for 30 minutes or more)
4. Wear your seatbelt (even in a cab)
5. Take vitamins (talk to a Dr. or nurtionist about what vitamins are vital)
1. Quit Smoking (if you're a smoker)
2. Wear sunscreen (every day, even if it's cloudy)
3. Work out 5 times a week (for 30 minutes or more)
4. Wear your seatbelt (even in a cab)
5. Take vitamins (talk to a Dr. or nurtionist about what vitamins are vital)
February 14, 2008
Enjoy the Ryde...
Two surf buddies from Laguna Beach started an 'art driven' clothing line concept in 2002 and are still creating, in my opinion, one of the best collections of surf t-shirts anywhere. What better place to spawn than Southern California, where surf culture was first popularized in the 60s. The Ryde, conceived by Mike Figueroa and Matt Allen set out to create a brand built around engaging, artistic designs. They describe their clothing as...'an outward expression of the way they view the world around them.' The Ryde's clothing caters to good-humored, laid-back individuals, aka: The surf culture.
Surf culture: by loose definition is a harmony with life, and the ocean. In a Rolling Stones magazine interview, Pearl Jam's lead singer, Eddie Vedder said, 'surfing is kind of my religion'.
It kind of makes you want to kick back in So Cal.
In the hood...
Chicago graphic designer, Jenny Beorkrem was inspired to create a Chi-town neighborhood poster after searching far and wide for one that fit her modern style. This creative side project evolved into Ork Posters. Which now offers a line of typographic neighborhood posters for Chicago, Manhattan, SF and others. With a great sense of community, this artist donates a percentage of her profits from Ork to two organizations; HEAL Africa and River Action.
Happy Valentine's Day...
I Love that Google always has illustrations on their homepage for holidays. There is actually an archive of all the logo designs.This one is a particulary nice image, considering that it is representing the couple growing old walking off into the sunset... A very happy ending!
February 13, 2008
What to buy a boy...
I honestly have always struggled buying my father, brothers, and boyfriends gifts. It seems to be that if guys want something, they buy it for themselves. I have had my creative moments of gifting, but it's been a challenge. Not so with little baby boys, there are a plethora of things to spoil and adorn the bundles of joy...and none of them are made of snaps or snails or puppy dog tails.Since many of my friends are having baby boys and I have 5 nephews so far, I have tracked down a few of my favorite things.
Jack & Lily slip on leather shoes.
Bla-Bla's Leopold the Lion doll.
Alphabet wall canvas.
Wall letters from Luca Bleu.
Tutti Bella vintage rock & roll onesie.
Ralph Lauren mesh polo coverall.
Comfy cargo pants from Tea.
Dwell cashmere helicopter blanket.
Barefoot Dreams hooded towel set.
Trilogy Navy wool pea coat.
Gymboree's baby boy seersucker shorts.
Disovery's lullaby light show lamp.
Baby Einstein's first sounds video.
And if I could shrink anything J.Crew for a baby boy, I would in a heart beat, but they don't have a clothing line for newborns...not till their grown up, and hopefully that doesn't happen too fast!
February 12, 2008
Hats off to Herbie Hancock...
For the first time in 43 years, a jazz album won the Album of the Year honor at the Grammy's. Herbie Hancock's album, River: The Joni Letters, was a tribute to the songs of Joni Mitchell. As a music minor in college, I studied the history of jazz and Herbie was quickly one of my favorites. I also recommend his albums: Maiden Voyage and The Best of Herbie Hancock: The Blue Note Years.
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