My friend Scotty died suddenly a few weeks ago of a heart attack at age 36, while hiking in Alta. He was the most charismatic character - well dressed, well traveled, and could spin you on the dance floor, like no other. But the trait that is remembered distinctly in our minds and hearts, is that he had a zest for life that we can only hope to match in our own lives. Everything he did, he did with soul and purpose. He truly did not care what people thought and he will be missed for his sense of humor and presence. Men's Vogue has a great little tribute to him, with a few classic pictures that render you speechless with their style and humor. As Scotty would say "Human beings were meant to live, not exist..." Be well Scotty.
September 30, 2008
A good friend...
My friend Scotty died suddenly a few weeks ago of a heart attack at age 36, while hiking in Alta. He was the most charismatic character - well dressed, well traveled, and could spin you on the dance floor, like no other. But the trait that is remembered distinctly in our minds and hearts, is that he had a zest for life that we can only hope to match in our own lives. Everything he did, he did with soul and purpose. He truly did not care what people thought and he will be missed for his sense of humor and presence. Men's Vogue has a great little tribute to him, with a few classic pictures that render you speechless with their style and humor. As Scotty would say "Human beings were meant to live, not exist..." Be well Scotty.
North Fork Wine Tasting...
In the heart of September Harvest, a few friends and I took a ride from NYC to Long Island to the wineries in North Fork. Such an underestimated destination with beautiful stretches of vineyards, parks, beaches and golf courses. Only about an hour and 40 minutes outside of the city, this was a favorite day trip and a great birthday treat. Beforehand I mapped out a few places to stop off, usually if you do a car service, they will have the low down on where bands are playing, which wineries are having parties etc...John was great from our limo service and I highly recommend. Here are the locations and a map of places I would suggest stopping, either picnic with bottles of wine or do flight tastings, either way, don't forget to hit the market on Love Lane for snacks!Martha Clara, Jamesport, Macari, Lieb, Shinn, Osprey's Dominion, Clovis, Pelligrini & Paumanok.
September 29, 2008
Colder & Wiser...
It's tough to cover up those gorgeous wood floors. But in the bedroom or a cozy living room space, the colder months make me want to go wall to wall, (and also AWOL). Check out Domino Magazine's gallery of carpets!
Melissa Claire Kitchen...
From personal chef to whipping up pre-fix on Thursdays, Melissa Claire takes over Velo Rouge Cafe to host dinner and cook up delicious dishes for $45 that keep it local and fresh with all farmer's market ingredients. It's BYOB and this week's menu includes: Mountain grown peach, Hobbs bacon & mixed chicories salad
Early girl tomato soup & grilled cheese
Pan roasted flat iron steak Glazed butternut squash & wilted frisee w/ 3 herb chimichurri OR Fresh pasta saffron lemon cream sauce Oven dried tomatoes & melted leeks
Near flourless chocolate cake Crème anglaise cinnamon poached pear
Early girl tomato soup & grilled cheese
Pan roasted flat iron steak Glazed butternut squash & wilted frisee w/ 3 herb chimichurri OR Fresh pasta saffron lemon cream sauce Oven dried tomatoes & melted leeks
Near flourless chocolate cake Crème anglaise cinnamon poached pear
September 26, 2008
NYC Food and Wine Festival
Oct 9-12 check out Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. Taking place primarily in the Meatpacking District and select landmark settings such as the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, the festival will include famous chef's Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis, Tyler Florence, Alton Brown, Masaharu Morimoto, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Ferran Adria, Patrick & Gina Neely, Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsey and Nigella Lawson to name a few. From Music and Munchies to Lobster tastings, sign up for events that will make your taste buds happy!
September 25, 2008
Pillows...
I love Anna Whitford's whimsical three-dimensional pillows for the home. Definitely a girly accessory.
BAM...
Knowing I have love for music and the arts, my friend gave me a thoughtful gift, membership to BAM, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, thanks EE!!
September 24, 2008
Detox...
I rarely write about anything personal. But this it would be selfish not to share tips for getting healthy and getting in shape. It sells millions of magazine covers every day because sometimes for better or for worse, we slip, metabolism changes, we get busy with events that tempt us with sweets and libations...and since I just turned a year older and had an exceptionally 'fun' summer, I'm on a massive plan to take off a few of the extra pounds and fit into the ever so coveted 'skinny jeans' once again.
I tried this last February and it is great and you end up having a ton of energy. Also, with running, bikram yoga and a few hikes, I think I'll be in good shape! So here it is:
The Ultra Metabolism Diet. I read it, didn’t follow recipes completely, but got the basic concept down – Mark Hyman – has two books on amazon.com.
It was hard the first two days actually, but then I never had more energy after that and was into it...
Try the following for 8-14 days:
· I cut out dairy (no eggs, milk, cheese, mayo etc)…no artificial sugars, transfat, white carbs (no bread, pasta)…no alcohol but no soda (for first week, not even diet), no juice
· Can drink, water, green tea.
· Daily, for breakfast, I’d have fruit, or if I wanted to fill up during the day I would make a fruit smoothie (with soy milk & ice). The more berries the better, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry – also melon, grapes, banana, apples etc…
· For lunch I’d have salad with chicken or shrimp, or veggies or a soup, but soup can be loaded with stuff, so I was picky.
· For dinner, fish (salmon, tilapia, halibut – no tuna or swordfish), can have lobster, mussels, clams, chicken, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, or lean turkey for snack, lamb if you want. (no burgers or steak, no sausage)
· Can have brown rice, spices, beans, nuts – eat throughout the day(unsalted cashews, almonds, pine nuts etc…), use olive oils, vinegars, garlic, lemon, a little mustard, hummus, fresh salsa, all natural peanut butter etc…
· Best veggies to eat were brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, spinach, asparagus, edamame, onions, tomatoes, celery, carrots
· Take 2000 MG Flax Seed Oil supplements a day.
· Buy protein powder (better if soy) and use that in shakes.
· For dessert – I ate soy fudge bars, thought they were going to be gross, but they were delish.
· Eat breakfast, eat snacks throughout day (nuts or veggies with hummus), turkey rolled up, apple, shake. And eat dinner earlier…make sure you get protein, fiber every day.
· And exercise – not even much needed (like 45 min)– just a little weights, biking, walking, yoga or running 5 days a week.
In week 2, 3, 4 – I can add a few things back like eggs, low fat cheese, diet soda, red wine etc...
*In week 1 I allowed myself 1 day where I had 1 glass of red wine. And one cheat day, where I couldn't have any of the above, but I could drink out at dinner or an event, beer, or whatever you like.
Also, go to bikramyoga.com - they have listings of classes all over the US. Remember to not eat right before.
Good luck;) Happy health.
I tried this last February and it is great and you end up having a ton of energy. Also, with running, bikram yoga and a few hikes, I think I'll be in good shape! So here it is:
The Ultra Metabolism Diet. I read it, didn’t follow recipes completely, but got the basic concept down – Mark Hyman – has two books on amazon.com.
It was hard the first two days actually, but then I never had more energy after that and was into it...
Try the following for 8-14 days:
· I cut out dairy (no eggs, milk, cheese, mayo etc)…no artificial sugars, transfat, white carbs (no bread, pasta)…no alcohol but no soda (for first week, not even diet), no juice
· Can drink, water, green tea.
· Daily, for breakfast, I’d have fruit, or if I wanted to fill up during the day I would make a fruit smoothie (with soy milk & ice). The more berries the better, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry – also melon, grapes, banana, apples etc…
· For lunch I’d have salad with chicken or shrimp, or veggies or a soup, but soup can be loaded with stuff, so I was picky.
· For dinner, fish (salmon, tilapia, halibut – no tuna or swordfish), can have lobster, mussels, clams, chicken, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, or lean turkey for snack, lamb if you want. (no burgers or steak, no sausage)
· Can have brown rice, spices, beans, nuts – eat throughout the day(unsalted cashews, almonds, pine nuts etc…), use olive oils, vinegars, garlic, lemon, a little mustard, hummus, fresh salsa, all natural peanut butter etc…
· Best veggies to eat were brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, spinach, asparagus, edamame, onions, tomatoes, celery, carrots
· Take 2000 MG Flax Seed Oil supplements a day.
· Buy protein powder (better if soy) and use that in shakes.
· For dessert – I ate soy fudge bars, thought they were going to be gross, but they were delish.
· Eat breakfast, eat snacks throughout day (nuts or veggies with hummus), turkey rolled up, apple, shake. And eat dinner earlier…make sure you get protein, fiber every day.
· And exercise – not even much needed (like 45 min)– just a little weights, biking, walking, yoga or running 5 days a week.
In week 2, 3, 4 – I can add a few things back like eggs, low fat cheese, diet soda, red wine etc...
*In week 1 I allowed myself 1 day where I had 1 glass of red wine. And one cheat day, where I couldn't have any of the above, but I could drink out at dinner or an event, beer, or whatever you like.
Also, go to bikramyoga.com - they have listings of classes all over the US. Remember to not eat right before.
Good luck;) Happy health.
September 23, 2008
Apple picking...
I can't wait to head out to the farms and go apple picking, not to mention come home and make cider & yummy baked goods. Here is a list of where to go in NY State and beyond.
Spain...On the Road Again
Gwyneth Paltrow has a new foodie series on PBS that follows the 35-year-old actress, chef Mario Batali, food writer Mark Bittman, and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols. Spain… on the Road Again is a culinary tour of 13 cities.
September 22, 2008
Happy First Day of Fall...
I took a week off or so - from blogging, visited friends in Boston, had a birthday, went wine tasting in North Fork, Long Island and have been enjoying my favorite month of the year, as it quickly passes by. I can't wait for more road trips and excursions this fall!
Chloe 81...
I had my birthday party this past weekend at a brand new Lower East Side bar, called Chloe81 and it's my new favorite bar in NYC!
September 19, 2008
Dj Dojah Playlist...
“Time of the Season,” by The Ben Taylor Band
“L.E.S. Artistes,” by Santogold“Sunday Girl (French Version),” by Blondie
“Electric Feel,” by MGMT“Harlem Shuffle,” by Bob & Earl“Boy (Extended Mix),” by Book of Love“Whole Wide World,” by Wreckless Eric“I Can’t See Nobody (Daniel Y. Remix),” by Nina Simone“So Rich, So Pretty,” by Mickey Avalon“Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf Mix),” by Pixies
“This Is Radio Clash,” by The Clash“You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” by Rusted Root“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Lick the Tins
“I Wanna Be Adored” by The Stone Roses
September 12, 2008
September 11, 2008
September 10, 2008
Beach Cottage...
Love the hallways of this cute beach cottage. I know summer is over but I can still dream;)
September 9, 2008
September 8, 2008
Hudson Valley & Berkshires Road Tripping...
Having lived in SF for many years, I was lucky with endless road trip options leading to outdoorsy destinations. In NYC, it can seem the opposite, trapped! I stumbled upon a great list of pit stops in the Hudson Valley and Berkshires. Starting in Tarrytown and winding through Dover Plains, New Marlborough and ending in North Adams, this 4 day guide is a perfect rustic retreat with art, waterfalls, hikes, riding vintage plains, culinary treats and bed and breakfasts.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
A reflection of personal triumphs, this film was one of the saddest movies I have ever seen, based on the true story of a french magazine editor, Jean-Dominique Bauby who suffered a stroke at age 42 that left him with "locked-in syndrome". He had complete intact memory and brain function but was paralyzed from the head down, and he couldn't speak. With only the use of one eye, he blinks to the alphabet to dictate a beautiful and heartbreaking memoir.
September 5, 2008
SF boutique loop...
My favorite loop for shopping boutiques in SF is to start of at Two Skirts, Head up to My Roommate's Closet, Stop by the new Simply Chic, and up the block to Heidi Says. Maybe even stop off at the California Wine Merchant for a glass of vino!
September 4, 2008
September 3, 2008
Limited Edition Surf Boards...
Brown Cannon 3, famous surf photographer has created beautiful, useable, vintage designed limited edition surf boards for $6,500 a piece. Crafted from balsa wood, biofoam, and fiberglass and range from five-foot-ten to ten-foot-twelve in length with vivid underwater pics of sea turtles and jellyfish, surf scenes. You may want to hang 10 or hang them on the wall for that price.
September 2, 2008
Favorite Celeb Couples...
I'm happy that Gosling and McAdams rekindled their romance. They are one of my favorite hollywood couples! Most likely because of seeing them in the Notebook, sniff sniff. I also am a huge fan of the on and offscreen bf & gf Penn and Lively. Their cute dog lovers too;)
Fall Museum Scene...
After blazing off to beach destinations all summer long on the weekends, I'm ready to take in the New York culture. Here are a few art shows that look enticing to see. Wilderness Reserve South Africa...
Bushmans Kloof in South Africa looks like the most beautiful oasis. The Koro Lodge off the main lodge is the private luxury villa, that sleeps 4 adults and 4 children. Equipped kitchen and bar, flat screen TV's, private terraces, uninterrupted views of the reserve and pool, this comfortable getaway includes the services of its own Chef and Guide for the duration of your family getaway. Mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, swimming, fly fishing, archery, wine tasting, nature drives and spa activities will keep you occupied. Rates include all meals and range from $1,600-$3,200 a night.
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