I'm always amused by this randomness...
March 26, 2008
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.
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
Abaca pendant lamp $79-$129
Overlapping squares glass top coffee table $249 (not shown)
Paisley outdoor mat $39 (shown with beanbag)
Sydney bar $749
Sydney dining table & chairs $1,199 & $399
Wood-slat double lounger $549 (not shown)
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 onion3 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.
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