It's too cold to get spring fever yet, but as fashions are about to hit the runway in a few weeks, I am getting warmed up. I love Erin Fetherston's feminine spring dresses.
January 29, 2009
Erin Fetherston...
It's too cold to get spring fever yet, but as fashions are about to hit the runway in a few weeks, I am getting warmed up. I love Erin Fetherston's feminine spring dresses.
Ruffalo Residence...
Sunrise Ruffalo, wife of actor Mark, wanted to create a comfortable space in their Hollywood home. I love the modern meets bohemian style. Domino has the whole gallery in and out. And sadly, Domino is on the outs...my favorite magazine is about to bite the dust!
San Francisco Photography Class...
A little Photo 101 with Nicole Hill. Hooray! If you've always wanted to get your feet wet and learn the basics of photography. Sign up for March sessions in SF. Mommy Gear...
I saw this handy thing on Emilia Jane - trioBike, it's fantastic for my mommy friends -and carries the whole fam! With 3 independent functions: a bike, 2-seat buggy and carrier bike. You guessed it though...it's not cheap. But hey, you're saving in gas money and burning calories. Win-win!
January 28, 2009
Eat Cake...
3 ounces fine-quality semisweet chocolate 1 1/2 c hot brewed coffee
3 c sugar
2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
2 t baking soda
3/4 t baking powder
1 1/4 t salt
3 large eggs
3/4 c vegetable oil
1 1/2 c well-shaken buttermilk
3/4 t vanilla
For ganache frosting
1 lb fine-quality semisweet chocolate
1 c heavy cream
2 T sugar
2 T light corn syrup
1/2 stick (1/4 c) unsalted butter Special equipment
two 10- by 2-inch round cake pans
Make cake layers: Preheat oven to 300°F. and grease pans. Line bottoms with rounds of wax paper and grease paper. Finely chop chocolate and in a bowl combine with hot coffee. Let mixture stand, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Into a large bowl sift together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl with an electric mixer beat eggs until thickened slightly and lemon colored (about 3 minutes with a standing mixer or 5 minutes with a hand-held mixer). Slowly add oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted chocolate mixture to eggs, beating until combined well. Add sugar mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined well. Divide batter between pans and bake in middle of oven until a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Cool layers completely in pans on racks. Run a thin knife around edges of pans and invert layers onto racks. Carefully remove wax paper and cool layers completely. Cake layers may be made 1 day ahead and kept, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature.
Make frosting:Finely chop chocolate. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan bring cream, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over moderately low heat, whisking until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat and add chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted. Cut butter into pieces and add to frosting, whisking until smooth. Transfer frosting to a bowl and cool, stirring occasionally, until spreadable (depending on chocolate used, it may be necessary to chill frosting to spreadable consistency). Spread frosting between cake layers and over top and sides. Cake keeps, covered and chilled, 3 days. Bring cake to room temperature before serving. Garnish with fresh berries.
Tres Adorable...
I love Lanvin's collection of funky printed totes. They remind me of colorful vintage travel posters. Although pricey for moi, fun to look at...
A Few Light Reads...
Kidding. These are not for the faint, but as economic and political shifts effect the US and the world, here are a few interesting theories to chew on... Share the Luv...
Luvin blogs like The Finer Things...for keepin on keepin on when it comes to nominating stellar bloggers. It is one of my favorite blogs in addition to the besties below.To share the LUV, follow these instructions!
1. Put the logo on your blog or post. (You can highlight the photo and text of this post and copy/paste wherever you need to)
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award.
top 10: 1. Cup of Jo 2. unruly things 3. coco + kelley 4. paper planes 5. absolutely beautiful things 6. the Secret Weapon 7. Style Court 8. annechovie 9. Hostess with the Mostess 10. White & Wander
Don Draper...
I heard Mad Men was cool, but for me it was when John Hamm hit Saturday Night Live with his infamous 'How to be Don Draper' skit (guidelines below) that got me hooked on the character. Hats off to my west coast cousin and her husband, who were way ahead of the game and had a fabulous Mad Men themed New Years' bash with all their friends. step 1
when in doubt, remain silent
step 2
when asked about your past, give vague open ended answers
step 3
have a great name
step 4
look fantastic in a suit
look fantastic in casual wear
look fantastic in anything
sound good
smell good
kiss good
strut around with supreme confidence
be uncannily successful at your job
blow people away anytime you say anything
take six hour lunches
disappear for weeks at a time
and so on...
January 27, 2009
Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa in NYC...
Wine and wellness come together at The Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, located in New York City's Plaza Hotel. The historic address is enough to put you in a happy, tranquil mood, and after stepping into the spa you will instantly know you are in store for marvelous pampering. Caudalie, is a french term for the measurement of the amount of time that the flavor from a sip of wine lingers on your palette after tasting. The name reflects the distinct benefits that wine has to offer to our health, wellbeing and beauty. Sign up for a Crushed Cabernet Scrub - it's an exfoliating and hydrating treatment that uses a delicious mixture of grape seeds the size of Tic Tacs, essential oils and brown sugar.
Last Call for Restaurant Week in NYC...
New York kicked off the new year with 2 stints of 'Winter Restaurant Week', with 250 restaurants participating (the most yet). This is the final week - January 25-30, where three-course prix-fixe menus go for lunch and dinner will be under $40! Confessions of a Shopaholic...
Isla Fisher is one of my favorite comedic actresses and can't wait to see Confessions of a Shophaholic when it comes out Feb 13th! Based on the novel by Sophie Kinsella about a college graduate that lands a job as a financial journalist in New York City to support her shopping addiction. January 26, 2009
Bar Jules in SF...
Walk-in seating, lunch and dinner menus changing daily, cozy ambiance in Hayes Valley - Bar Jules is a new treat.
Stop and Listen...
The Washington Post, as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people - organized an impromptu musical performance at the DC metro station. Dressed down, world famous violinist - Joshua Bell played Bach on an instrument worth $3.5 million, in the center of the station, during rush hour. It was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. 3 minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. After 4 minutes, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy, but was hurried along by a parent. In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew that the violinist was one of the best musicians in the world. Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100.
A worthy, message, stop and listen to the music - or smell the roses, or just look around;)
Chocolat...
You don't have to choose between salty and sweet. You can have both! Love Fran's Chocolate Covered Caramels with Sea Salt.
Brussel Sprouts Gratin...
2 pounds brussels sprouts (trimmed and cut in half)1 tablespoon oil
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoon butter (melted)
1 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs)
1 cup gruyère cheese (grated)
Toss the brussels sprouts in the oil, salt and pepper. Place the brussels sprouts in a 13 by 9 inch baking pan in a single layer. Roast the brussels sprouts in a preheated 425F oven until tender, about 20-30 minutes. Pour the cream over the brussels sprouts and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. Mix the butter, bread crumbs and cheese and sprinkle on top of the brussels sprouts. Broil until golden brown on top, about 3-5 minutes. Recipe from Closet Cooking.
January 23, 2009
Brit Pillows...
Revisiting Tom Robbins...
I just finished the four Twilight series novels. The first two being my fav. In high school one of my favorite books was Still Life with Woodpecker, so I'm having a nostalgic desire to read all of Tom Robbins' novels again.
Easy Living in the UK...
Love the Easy Living magazine in the UK, and their fashion spreads this month.1. Black wool coat from Austin Reed; Gucci purse.
2. Striped wool sweater from Paul Smith; Gold button necklace by Sam Ubhi; Tod's leather purse; studded Burberry belt.
January 22, 2009
Love Jenna...
Not only has Jenna Lyon's inspired colorful feminine fashions for J. Crew, but her home and lifestyle match her spirit. Love this mini-interview in Cookie Magazine and the precious pic of her and the lil one.
Long Dresses for Spring...
Banana Republic's long silky pastel dress, available in April. $175
J. Crew white shiffon. $325
Super Bowl Party...
Sadly, my team - the Patriots are not in the running, but I still look forward to Super Bowl parties! Set up your pool and get cooking! Here are a few tips if you're hosting the Big game bash this year.
January 21, 2009
The Social Table...
Chef it up at Social Table. Every week they will be hosting hands-on cooking classes in a Manhattan located restaurant-style kitchen. Bringing people together around a table to share in the joys of fresh food, good wine and an adventure in cooking...the classes are 6-8 people. Check the schedule!
New President...
I got back just in time to catch the Inauguration. A very star-studded magical event.
I'm back...
For work we stayed at Chateau Saint Just, 40 minutes outside of Paris for a company kick off. Such a gem outside the city.
January 13, 2009
Off to Paris...
Getting ready to jet off to Paris! This will be my last post for the week. Have a good one.
101 Indoor Activities for the Family...
Cookie magazine brings fun times inside this winter! From baking to science experiments, improv, papier-mâché and more creative ideas.
January 12, 2009
New Year's Resolution #8...
Have an art show!No matter how small or grand, I'd love to do a few new paintings and have the collection displayed locally. Sadly, I have not painted in over a year. Lack of NYC apartment space has been a common excuse;)
The Globes 2009...
Very exciting that Slumdog Millionaire won best picture, also I am a fan of the John Adams series on HBO, and 30 Rock, so I was thrilled to see their collection of awards! And cheers to Kate Winslet, one of my favorite actresses for her double win. 
The Nimbo Fork Lodge...
The Nimbo Fork Lodge, in the mountains of western slopes of the Brindabella Ranges in Australia, is a fly-fishing destination to rival the best around the world. The quest to create a Nantucket island feel of New England and Snowy mountain lodge, looks well achieved. With a beautiful lodge and stand alone cabins that spared no comfort or expense, this getaway sounds idealistic. The lodge also has an impressive wine selection. The best season for it's thriving trout and other fresh water fish to catch; November through June. Stay for about $500 night (per person), which includes three meals a day. Fishing instruction starts from $90 per person for two hours and is given by a few familiar experts in the region.
January 9, 2009
New Favorite Photographer...
Part of the resolution to take more pictures includes appreciation of various photographers. Rodney Smith is right up there. As an art major in college I took photography back in the dark room days...I need to upgrade my lens to the great digital era, and I don't mean the pocket coolpix. These romantic photos are beautiful and inspiring.
Recession Friendly Restaurants in NYC...
If there's a bright side to the recession, it's that New York's restaurateurs feel our pain (or are in it themselves) — but they want to keep feeding us, and we want to keep eating as well as we always have. Check out New York Magazines' list of dining deals in the city.5 Ninth: $24 three-course lunch (one of the best dining deals in the meatpacking district).
21 Club: 3-course prix fixe menu at lunch for $35, and dinner $40 when seated by 6:30 p.m.
Abboccato: new selection of chiccetti (small plates for sharing); $26 three-course lunch on weekdays.
Allegretti: $28 three-course lunch.
Apiary: $35 three-course Sunday dinner, featuring options like pan-seared halibut with broccolini and spicy eggplant, and pumpkin crème brûlée.
Artisanal: $24.50 three-course dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Bacchus: $25 three-course dinner with plenty of options.
Bar Boulud: $24 three-course lunch.
Bobo: Everything is $20 or less on the new den menu.
Café Loup: Nightly $28 three-course dinner.
Casa Havana: Recession Special breakfast includes two eggs, ham or bacon, French fries, toast, and coffee for twenty cents.
’Cesca: Half-price wine on Mondays; $31 three-course dinner before 6:30 on weekdays.
Chanterelle: Three-course lunch for $42, which includes tea or coffee and a tray of chocolate truffles.
Community Food & Juice: Burger and a beer for $15.
Craftsteak: The new bar menu features options like fried mac and cheese and crispy pork belly, all for $15 or less.
Daniel: Starting in January, the lounge will offer a cocktail or a glass of Champagne plus dessert for $25
davidburke & donatella: $24.07 three-course lunch with shockingly luxurious dishes.
David Burke at Bloomingdale’s: $24.07 three-course dinner.
Demarchelier: Two-course dinner with wine for $26.
Dennis Foy: any appetizer and entrée for $27.
Dovetail: $38 three-course Sunday supper, featuring dishes like sweetbreads and duck goulash.
Eighty One: $42 two-course seasonal dinner all night on Sundays and from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Eleven Madison Park: $38 two-course lunch; new à la carte bar menu.
The EU: All entrée prices have been reduced by approximately $10.
Fiamma: $50 three-course dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Fleur De Sel: $29 three-course lunch.
Gotham Bar and Grill: $31 three-course lunch; options include grilled steak.
Gramercy Tavern: $14 soup and sandwich in the Tavern room at lunch, options include a lobster roll and borscht.
Grayz: $27 three-course lunch.
Japonais: The Restaurant Week menu is still being served from 5 to 7 p.m. every night.
Jean Georges: $28 two-course lunch, plus free marshmallows (possibly the best deal in town?); $35 three-course dinner from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-11 p.m.
Johnny Utah’s: $19.95 three-course lunch; two-for-one drinks at lunch.
JoJo: $24.07 three-course lunch; $35 three-course dinner before 6:30 p.m. and after 9:30 p.m.
L'Ecole at The French Culinary Institute: The nightly $42 five-course dinner features standout dishes like grilled rib steak and fluke carpaccio.
La Bonne Soupe: $23.95 three-course lunch and dinner.
La Petite Auberge: Four-course dinner with coffee for $28.
Le Cirque: $45 three-course lunch in the dining room; $28 two-course lunch in the café.
Matsugen: $24 bento box lunch; $35 six-course mini-omakase dinner
Megu: $55 three-course dinner.
The Mermaid Inn: The menu includes new wallet-friendly items such as a lobster po' boy.
Mia Dona: $24.07 three-course lunch (don't miss the bigoli); happy hour from 5-7 p.m.; 25 percent discount on gift cards worth $100 or more.
The Modern: Every bottle of wine in the Bar Room is now $50 or less.
Momofuku Ssäm Bar: $28 three-course lunch, features favorites like pork buns and spicy rice cakes.
Nougatine: $24.07 three-course lunch; $35 three-course dinner before 6:30 p.m. and after 10 p.m.
The Orchard: BYOB with no corkage fees every Sunday night.
Ouest: $34 three-course dinner before 6:30 p.m.
Pamplona: $15.95 two-course lunch; $21.95 three-course lunch; more shareable, wallet-friendly items at dinner.
Payard: $31 three-course lunch; $37 three-course dinner before 6:45 p.m.
Perry St: $24 two-course lunch; $35 three-course dinner before 6:30 and after 10 p.m.
Persimmon: $37 tasting menu.
Petrossian: $37 nightly three-course dinner; $31 three-course brunch on weekends.
Picholine: New Menu d'Economie features half-portion entrees and tasting flights for $20 and 60 wines under $60.
The Smith: $12 burger and beer every Sunday night.
South Gate: $24.07 three-course lunch.
SushiSamba: $35 three-course dinner.
Tabla: $27 Autumn-inspired three-course lunch; $35 chef's three-course lunch.
Tailor: Enlarged bar menu now includes items like chicken-liver pâté; Monday night special of huitlacoche corn dogs with a beer for $12.
Tempo: $32 three-course dinner Sunday through Thursday; lots of options.
Union Square Cafe: Recently added 100 new bottles of wine under $75.
Vero Panini & Wine Bar: On Monday nights, order a glass of wine or a beer at the bar and receive a free panini.
Vong: $24.07 three-course lunch; $35 three-course dinner.
Wafels & Dinges: The price of the WMD (the Waffle of Mass Deliciousness, which includes unlimited toppings) has dropped to $6.
21 Club: 3-course prix fixe menu at lunch for $35, and dinner $40 when seated by 6:30 p.m.
Abboccato: new selection of chiccetti (small plates for sharing); $26 three-course lunch on weekdays.
Allegretti: $28 three-course lunch.
Apiary: $35 three-course Sunday dinner, featuring options like pan-seared halibut with broccolini and spicy eggplant, and pumpkin crème brûlée.
Artisanal: $24.50 three-course dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Bacchus: $25 three-course dinner with plenty of options.
Bar Boulud: $24 three-course lunch.
Bobo: Everything is $20 or less on the new den menu.
Café Loup: Nightly $28 three-course dinner.
Casa Havana: Recession Special breakfast includes two eggs, ham or bacon, French fries, toast, and coffee for twenty cents.
’Cesca: Half-price wine on Mondays; $31 three-course dinner before 6:30 on weekdays.
Chanterelle: Three-course lunch for $42, which includes tea or coffee and a tray of chocolate truffles.
Community Food & Juice: Burger and a beer for $15.
Craftsteak: The new bar menu features options like fried mac and cheese and crispy pork belly, all for $15 or less.
Daniel: Starting in January, the lounge will offer a cocktail or a glass of Champagne plus dessert for $25
davidburke & donatella: $24.07 three-course lunch with shockingly luxurious dishes.
David Burke at Bloomingdale’s: $24.07 three-course dinner.
Demarchelier: Two-course dinner with wine for $26.
Dennis Foy: any appetizer and entrée for $27.
Dovetail: $38 three-course Sunday supper, featuring dishes like sweetbreads and duck goulash.
Eighty One: $42 two-course seasonal dinner all night on Sundays and from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Eleven Madison Park: $38 two-course lunch; new à la carte bar menu.
The EU: All entrée prices have been reduced by approximately $10.
Fiamma: $50 three-course dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Fleur De Sel: $29 three-course lunch.
Gotham Bar and Grill: $31 three-course lunch; options include grilled steak.
Gramercy Tavern: $14 soup and sandwich in the Tavern room at lunch, options include a lobster roll and borscht.
Grayz: $27 three-course lunch.
Japonais: The Restaurant Week menu is still being served from 5 to 7 p.m. every night.
Jean Georges: $28 two-course lunch, plus free marshmallows (possibly the best deal in town?); $35 three-course dinner from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-11 p.m.
Johnny Utah’s: $19.95 three-course lunch; two-for-one drinks at lunch.
JoJo: $24.07 three-course lunch; $35 three-course dinner before 6:30 p.m. and after 9:30 p.m.
L'Ecole at The French Culinary Institute: The nightly $42 five-course dinner features standout dishes like grilled rib steak and fluke carpaccio.
La Bonne Soupe: $23.95 three-course lunch and dinner.
La Petite Auberge: Four-course dinner with coffee for $28.
Le Cirque: $45 three-course lunch in the dining room; $28 two-course lunch in the café.
Matsugen: $24 bento box lunch; $35 six-course mini-omakase dinner
Megu: $55 three-course dinner.
The Mermaid Inn: The menu includes new wallet-friendly items such as a lobster po' boy.
Mia Dona: $24.07 three-course lunch (don't miss the bigoli); happy hour from 5-7 p.m.; 25 percent discount on gift cards worth $100 or more.
The Modern: Every bottle of wine in the Bar Room is now $50 or less.
Momofuku Ssäm Bar: $28 three-course lunch, features favorites like pork buns and spicy rice cakes.
Nougatine: $24.07 three-course lunch; $35 three-course dinner before 6:30 p.m. and after 10 p.m.
The Orchard: BYOB with no corkage fees every Sunday night.
Ouest: $34 three-course dinner before 6:30 p.m.
Pamplona: $15.95 two-course lunch; $21.95 three-course lunch; more shareable, wallet-friendly items at dinner.
Payard: $31 three-course lunch; $37 three-course dinner before 6:45 p.m.
Perry St: $24 two-course lunch; $35 three-course dinner before 6:30 and after 10 p.m.
Persimmon: $37 tasting menu.
Petrossian: $37 nightly three-course dinner; $31 three-course brunch on weekends.
Picholine: New Menu d'Economie features half-portion entrees and tasting flights for $20 and 60 wines under $60.
The Smith: $12 burger and beer every Sunday night.
South Gate: $24.07 three-course lunch.
SushiSamba: $35 three-course dinner.
Tabla: $27 Autumn-inspired three-course lunch; $35 chef's three-course lunch.
Tailor: Enlarged bar menu now includes items like chicken-liver pâté; Monday night special of huitlacoche corn dogs with a beer for $12.
Tempo: $32 three-course dinner Sunday through Thursday; lots of options.
Union Square Cafe: Recently added 100 new bottles of wine under $75.
Vero Panini & Wine Bar: On Monday nights, order a glass of wine or a beer at the bar and receive a free panini.
Vong: $24.07 three-course lunch; $35 three-course dinner.
Wafels & Dinges: The price of the WMD (the Waffle of Mass Deliciousness, which includes unlimited toppings) has dropped to $6.
January 8, 2009
Miriam Haskell...
I have broken the commandment, thou shall not covet...I wish for all things lovely by Miriam Haskell, her jewels are beautiful and classic.
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