March 31, 2008

Home finds...

InStyle Home's winter issue had a few custom upholstered pieces that you could grab online in a sec.

Furniture found at Curran Online, Ballard Designs and Jonathan Adler.



New York's downtown art walks...

When the weather gets warmer, you can foot blaze through downtown Manhattan, gallery hopping to exhibitions of photography, painting and sculpture. Check out the TONY art walk downloadable guide to galleries this spring.




A few notables:
American Painting
Calvin Morris Gallery
Carolina Nitsch Contemporary Art
Margarete Roeder
Rivington Arms
Robin Rice Gallery
Brownstone Gallery
Thierry Goldberg Projects
Westwood Gallery

Collective Music...

Keep abreast of new music...The Hype Machine is Web site that scans hundreds of music blogs every day and posts the latest tracks online so that you can sample new tunes and old faves, the files aren't available for download, but there are links to purchase the songs on Amazon or iTunes.

Belay on...


Dying to scale a boulder but trapped indoors? Visit Indoor Climbing, a website that has the latitude of climbing walls across the world.

Fashionable flats...

Gap eyelet ballet flats $39
Gucci canvas bamboo flats $344
JCrew Cristobal patent flats $145
Loeffler Randal Beulah Smoke Anaconda flats $385
Tory Burch laurel flats $295
Urban Outfitters printed animal skimmers $20

Inspirability...


A visual journal of graphic design inspiration, Matt Pashkow puts together an ecelctic collective of famous designers works in his new book, Inspirability: 40 Top Designers Speak Out About What Inspires.

Food delivery online...

You have to try this website. You can order online from thousands of great delivery restaurants. Most of the restaurants offer discounts only available through Seamless Web! And now it's expanding beyond Manhattan into Brooklyn, Jersey, Boston, Philly, DC, San Fran, LA, Chicago, London and more.

March 28, 2008

Rolling Stones' Shine A Light...

Rolling Stones will release the soundtrack from director Martin Scorsese's film Shine A Light. The film was captured at Stones' performances in New York's Beacon Theatre in 2006. The film also integrates rarely seen archival footage of the Stones for a unique cinema experience. Soundtrack available April 1st and film will be released shortly after, you can download the soundtrack now at imeem.

SF...

San Francisco's up and coming calendar of festivals and events through the fall. (New York soon to follow...)







April 26th - San Francisco International Beer Festival
April 27th - Opening Day on the Bay
May 19th - O'Reilly's Oyster & Beer Festival
May 18th - Bay 2 Breakers
May 24th - Carnaval
May 31-June 1 - Union Street Festival
June 13th - Haight Street Fair
June 14th-15th - North Beach Festival
July 5th-6th - Fillmore Street Jazz Festival
July 4th - (falls on a Friday) July 26th-30th - North Beach Jazz Festival
Sept 26th-28th - San Francisco Blues Festival
Oct 5th - Castro Street Fair
October 9th-14th - Fleet Week
October 2nd-5th - Oktoberfest By The Bay

Morgan's Molasses Sugar Cookies...

Molasses Sugar Cookies
3/4 c corn oil
1 egg
1 c sugar
1/4 c molasses
2 c flour

2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ground cloves
1/2 t ground ginger
1 t cinnamon

Beat egg-add sugar, molasses and oil-beat well. Add dry ingredients, mix well. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight. Roll into 1" balls and dip in bowl of sugar. Bake on greased sheets 5-8 mins at 350 degrees.

Before and After...

Domino Magazine's gallery of living room makeovers inspire to make spectacular and refreshing changes.

March 27, 2008

Snack attack...

Glamour Magazine has tips for healthy alternatives to eating and drinking...they will fill you up!

Girls like us...

In Shelia Weller's new book: Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon—and the Journey of a Generation, she chronicles the lives of a generation of women who were a part of rock history and feminism in the 1960s, she calls them the "Rebel Angels". To read an excerpt of her book visit Vanity Fair.

Just because...


I am loving Micah & Me cards and stationary, available on Etsy.

Spruce in SF...

Tucked away in Presidio Heights, is a new notable restaurant called Spruce, in a charming old 30s auto barn that once housed Model T cars. The well known Bacchus group, who owns other popular eateries in Northern California made it likely that this would be a gem.

Dressed to the nines - in the elegant setting of this gorgeous space decorated in cozy chocolate brown and warm taupe tones, a marble bar, mirrors and crystal - its draw is of both the younger crowd of the marina and older locals of pacific heights. Serving a bar and dinner menu you can choose from foie gras, ravioli, or scallops for an appetizer, followed by cafe paninis, buttered Maine lobster or charred Berkshire pork tenderloin and leave room for a brandied cherry soda float. (Among other delectable items of course.) The wine selection is a long list that is bound in over 100 pages, and the good vibe and classic neighborhood feel make this a place where you can truly relish the cuisine and grace of a meal. $$$

Favorites from India Hicks...

Bahamas resident India Hicks, is a former model with an inherent talent for interior design and capturing island living. Her body care and home scents collections have a beachy fresh feel.

Casuarina fragrance Diffuser
Casuarina scented candle
Spider Lily natural triple milled soap

PB Travel

PB Travel has developed a line of personal belongings (pb) for business and leisure travelers, that make the travel experience more clean and comfortable. The product line includes travel blankets, disposable pillowcases, eye masks, luggage tags, passport covers, messenger bags and more, and can be found at retail locations all over the US. I love the fleece blanket and pillow set.

The Keep Calm Poster Gallery...

Keep Calm is an online gallery specialising in limited edition screen prints from various artists and designers. One of my fav's is the silk-screened reproductions of the vintage WWII era poster "Keep Calm & Carry On."

March 26, 2008

This week's fun Wiki How's...

I'm always amused by this randomness...

Family Surf Camp...

Head to Itacaré, Brazil to EasyDrop Surf Camp from September through March (the high season), when the surf is gentle and the weather is dry, with temperatures generally in the 80s and 90s. Reaching Itacaré is tricky—around 15 hours inflight and over land—but the trip is jet lag–free. Nonstops to São Paulo from several U.S. cities (including New York City, Houston, and Miami) usually depart in the evening and land in the morning, and São Paulo is just one hour ahead of EST. Take a one-hour taxi ride from São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport to Congonhas Domestic Airport for the two-and-a-half-hour flight to Ilhéus. (Depending on flight frequency, you may have to stay in São Paulo for a day. Itacaré is a 90-minute drive from Ilhéus—arrange a pickup with your hotel, and keep an eye out for the monkeys crossing the road on small footbridges overhead. And there's no need to rent a car. Everything is walkable or a short $5 to $10 taxi ride away.

The Surf Camp package includes six days of instruction and all the gear, and can be booked à la carte or with accommodations at Girassol. For ages 6 and up. From $495 (without accommodations) to $742 (in a double at Girassol in high season) per person; (55) 73-3251-3065. With five main beaches and dozens of tiny ones. Visit Praia da Tiririca to scope out the local surf scene, or Praia da Ribiera to hone your skills on beginner-level waves. A 20-minute walk will take you to the spectacular Praia de Jeribucaçu.

Where to stay:
Girassol, Run by a warm, friendly couple, EasyDrop's affiliated hotel is just steps from Praia da Concha beach. The 10 rooms are simple and clean, each with air-conditioning and a refrigerator. The lush, hammock-strewn garden is the perfect spot for recalling the day's events with fellow surf-campers. From $41 a night for a double in low season to $130 a night for a four-person room in high season (children under 5 are free); (55) 73-3251-2089.
Ilha Verde, A quiet hideaway near the forest, this pousada has seven rooms (and a bungalow) that feel homey and tropical, with vibrant walls, local pottery, and mosquito-netted beds. Capoeira, yoga, and samba classes are offered, as well as in-room massages. From $100 a night for a double in low season to $420 a night for a four-person bungalow in high season; (55) 73-3251-2056.
Txai Resort, (pronounced Ta-shy): The luxe wood-stilted bungalows have an earthy, modern look, with huge bathrooms and outdoor showers. On site are tennis courts, two pools, and a spa. Service is highly attentive. From $300 a night for a double in low season to $900 a night for a six-person bungalow in high season; (55) 73-2101-5000.

Where to eat:
Restaurante Tia Dete, a hole-in-the-wall that serves the best Bahian food in town, including shrimp moqueca (a rich coconut milk-based stew) and crispy fish seasoned with lime. Avenida Castro Alves, Centro; (55) 73-3251-2379.
Grão de Bico, an indoor-outdoor vegetarian shack, decorated with tables fashioned from surfboards, where you can get a tasty veggie burger and fresh mango juice for less than $5. Rua Pedro Longo 138.
Boca de Forno, is the go-to place when the kids balk at fish stew, this pizza joint has a lively atmosphere, fast service, and delicious thin-crust pizzas. Rua Lodônio Almeida 108; (55) 73-3251-2174.
Info. from Cookie Magazine.

Custom cookies...








Eleni's in Chelsea is a sweet shop with cookies that capture the theme of any occassion. Whether your throwing a birthday party, wedding, or just having fun and want to show it, their cookie creations with playful icing designs will match your festive event. And don't worry, shipping is available across the country with UPS Service, so you don't have to be in NY to enjoy. Prices aren't exactly cheap, for 54 Lobster cookies, you're paying $432, but they are one of a kind!

Book buzz...

If you are open to a spiritual journey, Eckhart Tolle's book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose has been noted as a powerful and transformational spiritual experience. It is the talk among over 5 million people around the world who have signed up to join Oprah's interactive classroom discussions led by Tolle & Winfrey (already 4 weeks into the 10 week program).

Tolle traces the root of human suffering to the 'ego'. He speaks of the critical transcendence of our ego-based state of consciousness as the key to personal happiness, and resolution to existing disharmony in the world. Like many philosophers and psychologists of previous centuries (Descartes, Freud etc...), Tolle describes how our attachment to the ego creates dysfunction and inevitable unhappiness. He encourages readers to awaken to a new state of consciousness and follow the path to a fulfilling existence.

Decorate the deck...









Outdoor furniture finds from West Elm that will deck out your outdoor space for lounging, dining and entertaining:
S
Paisley outdoor mat $39 (shown with beanbag)

March 25, 2008

The search for the Artichoke...


Sold out:( Z Gallerie had this set of white ceramic artichokes for only $16. They went fast but apparently are restocking the supply, so check back! I also heard they are making their way through Home Goods stores...

Monogram sandals...


Stephen Bonanno's selection of fancy flip flops are perfect for summer. With over 40 colors to choose from, why not get a few? $125 for a pair.

Yoga for kids...


Cookie Magazine discusses benefits and risks of yoga poses for kids. If your community doesn't have many classes, visit Yogaalliance.org, where you'll find a searchable database of instructors. Another great Web resource is Specialyoga.com, a site devoted to instruction for children with special needs.


Shopping Boston...

LouisBoston on Berkeley Street in Boston, isn't just a clothing store for men and women. Housed in a large historic mansion, you can find home decor items and eyeware, listen to music, admire art, get a haircut...and have lunch, why not?

Sean's Chipino Recipe...

1 white onion
3 leek stalks (while parts only)
3-4 fresh tomatoes diced and seeded
1/2 bottle of white wine
salt, black and red pepper flake to taster
3-4 T of olive oil
2 bay leaves
4 cloves of garlic
2 T of tomato paste
28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
28 oz. of water

Prep: Saute the above ingredients and add wine as necessary. Add tomato products when vegetables are soft. Then add fish.

1 lb of firm white fish (cod, rock fish, etc.) free to add bunch of different fishes
1 lb of bay scallops
1 lb of crab meat
18 clams (cook the clams separately remove meat add to soup, garnish plates with shells)
18 shrimp (deveined)

Serve with toasted sliced baguette.

Desk set...

Elum Designs deskset complete with 300 pieces total; 35 folding note cards with 35 envelopes, 50 round cornered flat notes and 35 monarch stationery sheets with 75 custom monarch sized envelopes, and 35 folding gift enclosures with 35 envelopes. Sold at retailers all over the world.

March 24, 2008

Stowaway...


Steamline Luggage has a new vintage style collection of trunk inspired cases make you want to become a world traveler. The sets come in leather, canvas or bamboo and prices range from $188-$565.

Greece...

Inside Out Magazine highlights the countries' charm and must-see modern gems.





Aneton Restaurant in Maroussi.
Kentriki Agora - the central food marketplace.
Mount Lycabettus - is a limestone hill in Athens, at 277 meters above sea level, the hill the highest point in the city that surrounds it.
Perivolas Traditional Homes in Santorini, a group of restored 300 year- old caves that have been transformed into a cluster of 17 private houses. The complex is set within an amphitheatrical landscape of curves stepping down to a central stone terrace with a pool that flows over the edge of the cliff into an Aegean horizon.
Semiramis Hotel in Athens.
Villa Evangelini in Syros Island.

Sweaters that make you smile...

Millions of Smiles is a New York based sweater company whose mission is to make the world a happier place, one colorful sweater at a time. "Rooted in preppy heritage with a modern attitude," available at shopbop.com.

Zara home...

Zara's collection for the home is a modern mixture of classics and ethnic style for incredibly reasonable prices.

March 21, 2008

Visit Portland...

Every city could use one of these...a converted elementary school gone - casual hotel. McMenamins Kennedy School is an Inn, with all the amenities. A 1915 school, marks this historic location that has transformed itself into a bed and breakfast, brewery with beer garden, movie-theater and restaurant. With a mosaic tiled hot soaking pool and rooms decorated and themed after nursery rhymes, you'll perk up when you hear detention...Because the small room down the hall called Detention makes delicious margaritas. 10 minutes from Portland Airport, rooms range from $99-$130.

Home plate...

Decorate plates and platters for homeware and entertaining from Mottahedeh & Co, whose china represents present style and dates back to 17th century collections.

March 20, 2008

Costanoa...

A beautiful eco adventure resort on the California coastline, Costanoa was one of my favorite destinations when I lived in San Francisco. Stay in the lodge, log cabin, tent bungalow, or pitch your own. You don't have to stray far from the grounds, as beautiful hiking and biking trails are as plentiful as the lush mountain views from your cabin porch. You can also horseback ride on the beach across the way or take surf lessons. After the outdoor action, pamper yourself with access to the sauna, yoga classes, hot tub or spa treatments. Cook at the open camp, or sit down for casual organic fare at the bar and grille. A little over an hour south of SF, rates range from $95-$365 per night.

Sweet scents for the home...


Jo Malone candle selections from 'home', to 'luxury' to 'travel' - are perfect to surround yourself with, in relaxation and cozy ambience.

Raingear...

Coming upon April showers, it's time to suit up for the rain and get ready to splash in puddles.

for toddlers:



March 19, 2008

Ocean view...

A few stunning and vibrant views, two of my fav's on Flickr. The one to the far left captures a south facing view of the Indian Ocean near the island of Mauritius. From the top of this hill you can see the blue ocean in the horizon. Both of these photos were posted by user Asadbabil.

Drew's office...


Drew Barrymore and business partner Nancy Juvonen started Flower Films production company in 1995. They started off back in the day in Drew's laundry room, but now the red door leads to a beautiful office space for the movie makers, that is featured in Domino Magazine's gallery.