Life In Style

More like it

Post rant fashion findings.  Forget rompers, punk, and disposable.   This is more like it:

   

    

Images courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman.  And The Row, Ralph Lauren and Dior...

 

A Wednesday Rant on Thursday

      

The sloppy 80’s glamazon look is back and it is so confusing.  I recently read this month’s ELLE, which is consistently my least favorite fashion magazine on the stands, but I’d read everything else.  What is going on here?  Ridiculous photo shoots full of loud and unflattering Desperately Seeking Susan mesh punk, out of touch sheer dresses on languishing models and completely out there jumpsuits with booties that that have no place in a modern woman’s closet.   

I am dumbfounded why editors continue to talk about encouraging their audience to be resourceful in these uncertain times, and yet offer up crazily expensive pieces that we all know have no more than a couple months shelf life in them, at best.  The only thing worse that cheap disposable clothing is expensive disposable clothing.  To borrow a word from the financial and environmental sectors – we are looking for sustainable.  We are looking for something smart and chic that doesn’t break the bank and will offer up major ROI in the coming years.    We are desperately seeking responsibility from our leaders, ourselves, and yes – our clothes.

 

Images courtesy of Elle.

Brand New Day

In honor of Inauguration Day and the hope of better days to come...

 

Image courtesy of Obamicon.   

My Whole Life, I Don't Know What This Song Means...

As 2008 comes to a close, I realize that I don't know what it is I'm singing every December 31st a few strokes before midnight...

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

"Auld lang syne" translates to "for times gone by".  How lovely.  Tonight we'll raise our voices and our glasses in celebration of the year gone by and the happy times to come in 2009.  Happy New Year!

Goop

 

About 10 years ago, I became quite enamored with Gwyneth Paltrow.  She's my kind of girl - intelligent, warm, stylish, and completely her own.  Sliding Doors, Emma and Shakespeare in Love became part of my "most watched" rotation and I confess that I own them all on VHS.  (Yes, VHS - Gwynnie and I go way back.)  Somehow, I always thought we might be great friends, should our paths ever cross. 

Though I've lost sight of my girl in recent years, I was delighted to come upon her new website, GOOP.  It's a lovely lifestyle blog full of resources on food, fashion, health, and a myriad of little things we all like secretly like to know about our favorite people.  I confess that I'm about to google the jeans and trench coat she references in her "My Uniform" post as I feel that they would be great additions to my own uniform.  Worth a look today...

Thank you to another stylish blond, Miss Bridget, for the Goop referral.  aha!

  

If The Stockings Get Hung...over

If you are feeling festive and your social calendar is lit up like a Christmas tree, there is a very good chance that you will find yourself over-served this holiday season.  Here are Boy Wonder's tips on surviving the season:

 

Before Bedtime…

Alcohol is a diuretic.  Your head hurts in the morning because you are dehydrated.  The next time you  enjoy 5 glass of Glenlivet, know that you are massively dehydrating yourself.  Water before bed is an essential to avoiding a mind-splitting headache the next morning. Also, a snack with some protein (go for the cheese; skip the crackers) can help breakdown the alcohol in your system and fend off a hangover.  Also, keep in mind when placing your drink order… the darker the alcohol the worse the hangover.

 

What to do When You Wake Up Hung Over…

 

1. Go back to sleep - Take a loss on the 9am conference call and give your body the time it needs to process the alcohol.  Alcohol prevents deep, REM stage sleep so you might need the 3pm nap on the couch to make it through the workday. 
2. Replenish your body.  That 4^th vodka martini was a mistake and now you need to replenish.  Water, orange juice and Gatorade in mass quantitieses are the best.  Caffeine always sounds good after an all-nighter but make no mistake; a cup of coffee or can of Coke won’t help you at all!  Caffeine is another diuretic and we don’t want that.
3. Eat.  Your stomach is probably questionable and crackers or toast may seem like the answer but trust me, they are not.  You are looking for mineral rich food (or something with grease) to help right your system.  My go-to: a hamburger and fries. In Poland, they drink pickle juice as a hangover remedy.  To each, his own.
4. Hair of the dog. This is a controversial hangover remedy but if you must, a Bloody Mary is the only way to go.  Your body will start dealing with the new alcohol and be forced to ignore the old and in the mean time tomato juice is full of vitamins.
5. Shower.  You probably smell like bar and cigarette smoke anyway so what can it hurt?  A word to the wise: switch back and forth between cold and hot water.  No science here, just a good old fashioned wake up call.
6. Last resort: Alka Seltzer Morning Relief. This stuff does wonders, but please be careful when self-prescribing aspirin, Tylenol and ibuprofen.  The side effects can be magnified when alcohol is in your system.

Hang over tips from the master, Boy Wonder.  Food Glorious Food

Giving Thanks For...White Chocolate and Raspberry Bread Pudding

Hello Life in Style!  The dishes are done, the project is wrapped, and just in time for Thanksgiving and the commencement of what I am now calling, the "MONTH OF JOY".  Let the joy begin.

No doubt everyone has their favorite traditions, but on the off-chance you are in the mood to bring something new to the holiday table this weekend, let it be this: White Chocolate and Raspberry Bread Pudding.  I had it at a wedding a few years ago and it changed my life.  Luckily, I was the event planner and the generous chef, Lon Lane of Inspired Occasions in Kansas City, has offered to share the recipe with us.  Do not miss:

White Chocolate and Raspberry Bread Pudding

by Lon Lane of the Catering Company

10-12 oz. Challah, cut into 1" pieces

3 cups whipping cream

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sugar

10 oz. white chocolate

7 egg yolks

2 eggs

1/2 pint raspberries

Preheat oven to 275.  Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until light golden and dry, about 10 minutes.  Cool completely.  Increase oven temperature to 350.  Combine whipping cream, milk  and sugar in large saucepan and simmer over medium heat stirring until sugar dissolves.  Remove from heat.  Add white chocolate and stir until melted to blend.

Whisk yolks and eggs in warm chocolate mixture.  Place bread in bowl and pour chocolate mixture over.  Let stand 15 minutes.  Gently stir in raspberries.  Place in pans and cover with foil, spray foil.  Bake 45 minutes.  Uncover and bake until golden, about 15 minutes.

Thank you thank you to Lon Lane for sharing his genius and to mom for making the ask!  Food Glorious Food

Top Ten Things To Do While You Are Waiting for Life In Style To Resuscitate...

Sometimes life and work throw you a curve and all you want to do is blog, but you get so busy and it's 5:00pm and there you are: in your pajamas, you didn't go to the gym and there are still hours of work ahead.  As it's clear that Life In Style is taking an Indian Summer hiatus while it's author works her butt off, here are The Top Ten Things To Do While You Are Waiting for Life In Style To Resuscitate:

10. Call Babbo and wait on hold for a reservation not at 4:30 or 11:45 pm.

9.  Celebrate the return of the fall television shows and get into Mad Men.

8.  Download the summer's pictures off your camera and have them printed.  When was the last time you held a photograph?

7.  Swap your foundation out for the non-summer shade.  Replace your mascara while you're at it.

6.  Go to yoga.  It's a love/hate relationship with the mat, but we all need it.

5.  Anna Wintour your closet for the outdated pieces that are holding your New Fall Self back and start the recon mission for key wardrobe updates.  Get out there - it's not an easy fall...

4.  Try sticking to the "cash only budget" plan and see what that life is like.

3.  Be thankful that the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, is on its way.

2.  Trade heirloom tomato salad for Granny Smith apple crisp.

1.  Call your mother.  She knows a lot more than you do.

aha! 

Life Moves Pretty Fast...

If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it...  Thanks Ferris.  At the end of a very busy work week, I'm stopping for a moment to look around and be proud of the work.  As my Grandfather said: Work. Thank God for the might of it.

Here's your thought for the day: 60 in 60. 

Flash created by Creative Producers Group.  aha!

An Outdoor Girl

Have a wonderful holiday everyone!  I am off to the mountains for a full week of rest and family and will return...maybe. 

A Week In The Life Of My Mouth: Day Four

I've always liked the idea of a neighborhood restaurant. In a perfect world, we all would have one: a warm, dimly lit café around the corner; a bistro just a stumble down the block; a spot up the street where you could always get a table. We all would have a restaurant where we truly belonged—like the bar in Cheers, only without the kooky customers.

In this perfect world, the maître d' would greet you with a kiss on the cheek. The server would set down your usual drink before you'd even taken a seat. The menu would open like an old, familiar novel, the one you've read a half dozen times but never seem to tire of. You could eat and drink and carouse as though you were at your own kitchen table—but at the end of the evening, you could tumble into bed without washing a single dish. When I die, I've decided, I don't want to go to heaven. I want to go to my neighborhood restaurant.

-Molly Wizenberg; excerpt from her September article in Bon Appetit

Day Four: Le Petit Greek

Amen Molly. After living on the fringe of cute neighborhoods for the last ten years, I have finally landed in a lovely area of town that has a bustling little main street full of cafes, boutiques, ice cream parlors, and a terrific yoga studio.  I feel like I've arrived.  I live in the cute.

Perhaps my favorite thing about living in such cuteness is my own neighborhood place, Le Petit Greek.  The Ideal Husband and I happened upon it the day that we moved in and haven't stop going back since.  It's that perfect mix of a relaxed atmosphere that is always 3/4 full but you never have to wait for a table and the food is honest and fresh.  The restaurant is family owned, and supported by the most gentle and friendly staff I've ever come upon - led by their charming maitre d' Mario. It's the perfect neighborhood place and the evenings I spend on the outdoor patio eating spanikopita, Ionian salads, and freshly baked pita make it all worthwhile. 

It's Friday and half past 5 where I live, so let's call an end to the working week and go for an end of summer supper to usher in the first signs of fall.  Can you believe it's time for a jacket again?

Food Glorious Food

A Week In The Life Of My Mouth: Day 3

Day 3: Palate

Serious excitement and anticipation preceded our evening at the newly opened, Palate.  It was to be a double celebration housewarming and birthday dinner for two very special friends, who also happen to be family.  Palate is hot off the press with a glowing rave from the L.A. Times which described a carefully edited menu of simple dishes done to a perfect T.  Palate also boasts a sister wine merchant and cheese shop where where you can indulge in small plate tastings while browsing a gastronomic library full of foodie books.  Heaven. 

I confess that I had pre-ordered in my head, which I am prone to do, but was delighted when our group opted for the full-on shared experience and so we ordered half the menu.  From the porkfolio to the truffle risotto to the vegetable papillote to the impulse-buy rabbit, it was beautifully conceived, executed, and presented.  Thoroughly well done in all aspects. 

Except one.  We had the oddest service.  Left relatively unattended, patronized by the sommelier who kept calling us "kids", and an unbelievable moment when an entire bottle of water was spilled onto my lap...  Without a big to do about the whole service bit, I'd say that the confluence of odd service dynamics could have soured the evening if not for the genuine delight and conversation of our company.

Let's chalk the weirdness up to an-off night and say this:  The food is excellent.  The ambiance is excellent.  The whole gig is exactly the kind of well-conceived dining experience and culinary intention that I root for in a restaurant, but somehow I know I won't be back.  Too many restaurants out there to look back, except to check if my pants are dry yet.   

Food Glorious Food

The Bird of Peace Gets It Right

I ran across this today and loved it.  Dove, I think you're on to something.  aha!

A Week In The Life Of My Mouth: Day 2

Day Two: BLD

                     

Say hello to my new go-to L.A. restaurant.  BLD is a perfect candidate for the "place you go to most"  with a user-friendly and yet inspiring menu complemented by a nice wine list, a gorgeous cheese plate, and seriously good coffee.  Fresh decor and truly alluring lighting make you want to linger over cappuccino and solve the world's problems.  So we did.

For me, the standout was the evening's special heirloom tomato salad with insanely good burrata.  (I told you it was burrata week in Los Angeles.)  For my date, the Banana Cream Pie with brownie crust made him put his head on the table in disbelief. The spot-on dessert menu lingered with us so much that we brought a visiting friend back two nights later and left in a blissful coma of Three Layer Yellow Cake with Bittersweet Chocolate Frosting, Blueberry-Nectarine Crisp, and good old Chocolate Chip Cookies with milk.  Don't worry, we shared.

In short, BLD goes on the short list.    Food Glorious Food

A Week In The Life Of My Mouth: Day One

As a newcomer in the City of Angels and self-respecting food lover, I have decided not to eat at the same restaurant twice until I have an understanding of the culinary landscape in this town.   Armed with a willing dinner partner, a slew of brilliant guides and recommendations from the local food blogging community - I'm on it. 

I think we've made some real progress this week as the past seven days have been chock full of visiting friends, special occasion dinners, and a Saturday night date with the Ideal Husband.  Hence, there's been A LOT of food.  I'll give you the run down in the next couple days - let's call it  A Week in the Life of My Mouth.

Day One: Osteria La Buca

   

The warm bustle and bursts of laughter from neighboring tables made me feel instantly at home at La Buca.  Tucked in among who knows what on east Melrose, the exposed brick, unfussy decor and interesting multi-level space make this little osteria seem like it's own world.  Among a group of friends, we sampled a decent amount of the menu.  Here's the report:

Everyone but me loved the duck prosciutto with burrata.  (By the way, it must be burrata week in Los Angeles because every single restaurant is hawking burrata specials.)  We tasted two of the pizzas, both of which were successful with crispy crusts and well balanced flavors.  The pesto ravioli and pink vodka gnocchi were a little run of the mill and though the Fungolata salad was lovely, it made me realize just how good Mario Batali does it over at Mozza. 

Yes, the atmosphere is more cravable than the food, but worth it for that "good-to-be-with-friends-St. Elmos Fire" feeling.  I'll go back. 

And The Ideal Husband sat next to Kevin from the Backstreet Boys.  Food Glorious Food

Everything Nice

                      

Everything Nice, the second novel by favorite author, Ellen Shanman, has arrived as the perfect book to get your brain out of summer beach mode and back to the real reading of the Must Have fall short list. 

Smart, textured, and poignantly stinging - the novel is right on point to bring about the next evolution in sophisticated romantic comedy fiction with really good female driven storytelling. More so- the story seems ripe for movie plucking.  Somewhere between Sex and the City and the forthcoming The Women, Everything Nice is exactly what people who hate the words "chick lit" and "chick flick" are looking for.  If you haven't picked it up yet - go get it.  Or order it here.  Must Haves 

   

The Santa Monica Farmer's Market

      

      

      

Beautiful, beautiful photos of a friend's day at the Santa Monica Farmers Market...

Images courtesy of Bill Sinclair.  Food Glorious Food

Farmer's Market Friday

This weekend: go to the farmer's market and cross your fingers that summer never ends. 

      

    

Photos and recipes found on the latest incarnation of Tastespotting.  If you haven't been - go NOW. .

Dance, Sing, Floss...

I loved this ad from Lululemon - (found on the back cover of a yoga magazine, naturally) ...especially the bit about the flossing.

Breakfast of Champions

Evidently it takes a lot more than a bowl of Wheaties to get the gold these days.  Take a look at the 12,000 calorie day in the life meal plan of Olympic gold medal superstar Michael Phelps... 

Breakfast:

3 fried egg sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, tomatoe, fried onions and mayonnaise

5 egg omelet, grits, 3 slices of french toast with powdered sugar, 3 chocolate chip pancakes

2 cups of strong coffee

Lunch:

1 pound enriched pasta

2 large ham and cheese sandwiches with mayo on white bread 

1,000 calories in energy drinks

Dinner:

1 pound of pasta

1 large pizza

1,000 calories in energy drinks

Awesome.  And the 11 gold  and 2 bronze medals are good too.

Read the full story Here.

Maxed Out

 

Something very good is happening this summer.  Something smart.  Something versatile.  And something that is universally flattering to women...the maxi.  If you don't recognize the name, don't feel bad (it's dumb)- most of us know this item of clothing as an update on the very user- friendly hostess gown or caftan.  The caftan is a chic woman's answer to the little girl's sundress.  Quite sexy in its ease and silhouette, the maxi has found its way back into our hearts as we realize that it takes us to brunch, on to an afternoon of shopping, and somehow gussies itself up for dinner with a pair of flat goddess sandals and a little clutch.  With the summer's best headed for the August sale racks, keep an eye out for this updated classic.  I predict it's not going away anytime soon.  I Heart Fashion 

Swamp @ss Be Gone

                       Boy Wonder saves your butt...

                  

With the thermometer cresting 100 degrees on a regular basis, men are faced with the terrible reality of Swamp @ss.  Also known as Monkey Butt, Swamp @ss is that awful combination of sweat, humidity, and cotton underwear that every man experiences when wearing jeans in the heat.

It's a problem. 

Enter Patagonia's Active Classic Boxers..  The super breathable and quick-drying boxers wick away the swamp stuff before it gets you, plus they are made of 100% recycled polyester so not only will they keep you and your patute cool, they are another way for us to save the world and go green. 

As a fan of all things that wick, Patagonia has truly outdone themselves.  Unbelievably comfortable and light weight, they are available in a variety of colors and styles.  If you are old school or a bit Metro - have no fear.  They also offer a brief and boxer-brief in the same material.  And as I never want the ladies to feel left out, Patagonia has a full line of women's underwear as well. 

Patagonia is one of the most trusted names in outdoor equipment and is designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, so imagine what it could do for your cubicle-bound lifestyle.  I never gave much thought to underwear but I have seen the light.  A pair of these will change your life.

Check out the anti-swamp @ss collection at REI or Patagonia online. 

Wordle Me This...

 

Wordle.  Oh, this is a good one.  One of the most addictive little sites I've come upon in a long time, Wordle is  the perfect toy for wanna be graphic designers who wish they had skills.  Enter a mess of adjectives, snippets from a paragraph, or full prose and the Wordle tool will generate “word clouds” from what you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes.

You will spend more time than you'd like to admit concocting the perfect jumble of words to randomize and tinker with until it looks just so.  For all you typesetting font geeks out there - this will keep you busy for a while.  aha!

Fourth Finger Figure 8's

Beauty tip of the day, complements of the Skin Care Guru at Larchmont Beauty:

Apply eye cream with your fourth (ring) finger from the outside corner of your eye inward.  Tap the cream gently into the skin of both eyes and then trace a figure eight path outward to stimulate blood flow to the area.  Give it a couple 8's for good measure.

Note to all readers: The Larchmont Guru is a rare commodity in this day and age.  A lovely and frank Frenchman, he can diagnose any skin, hair,or beauty need and recommend THE perfect product solution for your query.  He's only in the shop on the weekends - so plan ahead.

The Driving Loafer Changed My Life

Boy Wonder emerged recently from his self-imposed blogging hiatus to share a bit of fashion wisdom For The Boys...

The Driving Loafer Changed My Life by Boy Wonder

The heat of the summer creates a problem for most men.  The desire to remain cool and look cool inevitably leads to a default footwear option: the flip flop (or man-sandal, if you are more the Armani type).  While the flip-flop is hard to beat for comfort and ease, it is often, if not always, lacking in the appropriate dress category.  You can't roll into a nice restaurant or a dinner party in flip-flops and expect the world to take you seriously. 

Enter the driving loafer.  Designed to be worn with or without socks, the driving loafer offers all the advantages of a flip flop (breezy slip-on ness), while still providing a sense of Clooney style that the flip- flop just doesn't get done.  Plus, I know no men who actually update their rubber flip-flops each summer which means we're all walking around in a serious funk of sun-dried chlorine, sweat, and beer from the last year's 4th of July party. 

Moreover, the driving shoe is versatile.  It dresses up with slacks and a blazer or down with jeans and a button up.  It says to the world, "Hey world, I am comfortable and confident in my shoe choice and I know enough not to wear my shower shoes out for sushi on a Saturday night."  Dig it. 

I proclaim this the summer of the driving loafer.

                  

In the Swim

Loving the new swim suits from Stella McCartney and Pucci...

The Wright Stuff

At 5:05 today I set off to find a little shop that I have known of for some time and never seen.  Having poured through the Jonathan Wright and Company catalog for years and ordered specialty items over the phone long distance, it was heaven to spend a serene hour wandering through the carefully curated trove of papers, desktop baubles, gifts, and curiosities Mr. Wright and his associates have assembled.  The custom letterpress invitations are to die for and the "ready to wear" papers are marvelous.  I hope the June birthday girls like their cards, if I can part with them...    

The Land of Avocados

There may be traffic and botox and smog in Los Angeles, but let me tell you - there is also PRODUCE.  Serious produce.  From the Farmer's Markets to the road stands to the vegetable aisles of Whole Foods - the California produce is unbelieveable and this Midwesterner/New Yorker is very, very excited.   Among other things, California is quite literally the land of avocados - home to about 90% of the nation's crop and a large part of the region's farming business...which means that we should all be doing our part to make really good guacamole...and enjoy it all summer long.  Here it is:

Perfect Guacamole (tried and true)

6 vine ripened tomatoes; chopped

4 T. white onion; minced

1 Serrano chili; finely chopped

2 T. fresh lime juice

1 t. kosher salt

4 ripe avocados

4 T. cilantro; minced 

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, chili, fresh lime juice, and kosher salt.  Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop out the avocado flesh into the tomato mixture.  Add the cilantro.  Mix and mash with a fork, leaving some lumps.  Season with salt, add a little lime juice to prevent the avocados from discoloring, and garnish with a sprig of cilantro.

Makes 3-4 cups which will all be gone in a matter of minutes.   

Lattes In My Lobby

This is just a little blurb to let you know that there is a full-service, top of the line, barrista machine in my lobby.  Hello Hell.A.!  Cappucinos, chai, hot chocolate and the most delicious lattes you have ever had can be yours at the touch of a button.  It's built into the rent so please stop by and partake of the lattes in my lobby.

Hell. A. Katie

It's a sign.  Literally.  As I walked home from lunch hour yoga (!) and looked up into the seventy degree, no humidity, blue sky of Los Angeles, I laughed out loud and and smiled for a good New York minute.  Way up in the clouds, a happy little plane was finishing it's sky written message: WELCOME. 

After the graduation packing moving blitz of the past two months, the Ideal Husband and I landed at the doorstep of a new chapter in Southern California and boy does it suit.  L.A.'s welcome bag is full of treats...  a disarming afternoon breeze, a hot bed of good yoga, fresh food and great farmers markets, and best of all - old friends waiting with open arms. So much to see and say and taste and try - but after that nice long Life In Style nap, I'm well-rested and ready to jump in with both feet.  Let's see what the well- lived life looks like California style, eh?   

A big thank you to whomever ordered that little plane today and it's not at all little message. I feel very welcome here... 

       

Nap Time

Busy days full of moving, shaking, and question marks.  While I pack it in (literally), Life In Style rests...back soon!

Stop and...

Spring is here and we are saved.  Though the schedule has not stopped and there's still no time to smell the flowers - we've got to have something more cheerful than the M.I.A. clock, yes? 

                                 Daffodils.

Thanks Mom for the lovely reminder... aha!

M.I.A.

Dear readers and friends...  Please forgive the patchiness of posting these days.  Life in Style is M.I.A. and will be back soon!

         

Site Surveys

If your everyday site surfing sources are getting a little dull, here's a couple of new finds to perk up your mid-week. Enjoy!

The Spoon Sisters:  Two siblings created this surprisingly imaginative and on-point site in honor of their mother, who had a special talent for picking out perfect presents.  "Better living through giving" - love that!

Posh Vintage: A goldmine on line resource for fabulous vintage pieces...with detailed measurements and phenomenal repertoire.  Start drooling over party dresses for spring.

1stingames:  Your one stop shop for vintage board games - from nostalgic favorites to things you never even dreamed of.  Perfect way to raise the bar on game night or surprise someone with a fantastic hostess gift.

Check out this month's Lucky magazine for a comprehensive list of aha! sites to browse.

Miss Pettigrew Made My Day

This lazy Sunday was spent in all manner of laying low activities - making breakfast, making cookies, making lists, and making a dent in the corner cushion of the couch... all of which was quietly underscored by a marathon of movies playing in the background - Ferris Bueller, Sixteen Candles, Sliding Doors...just plain old good movies. 

In protest of daylight savings and the end of the weekend, the Ideal Husband and I headed to the movie theatre to see Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day.  And yes, Miss Pettigrew made my day completely. 

In the wrong hands, it could be one of those flimsy period pieces that gets described as "madcap" or "a parlor comedy".  But in the hands of old favorite Frances McDormand, new favorite Amy Adams, and spot-on Shirley Henderson - this is one of those plain old good movies.. 

And though my Husband is always Ideal, this winning little movie is perfect to see all by yourself.     reFRESH

Silly Running Girls in Amsterdam

Silly women in Amsterdam donned their high heels for the second annual "Stiletto Run".  Holding a copy of Glamour magazine in their hand and wearing stilettos at least 7 cm tall, 150 women ran for the chance to win E10,000 in shopping money.  One can only imagine the ankle, knee, and spinal injuries that occurred during this ludicrous publicity stunt. 

    If you still read Glamour, it's time to run away.  aha!

The Spring Crew

      

          

There is only one chain shop left where a girl can get a modicum of style for a decent price - J. Crew.  A few favorites from the first batch of their spring arrivals...

Antthropologie is the exception to that statement. Although they have had a really bad year.   I Heart Fashion

I Love Joe A Little More Now

 

A serious impulse buy has lead to a serious love affair. 

At the end of a supermarket sweep-worthy run through Trader Joe's, I found myself paralyzed in front of a display of Dark Chocolate Joe Joe's.  Lovely Trader Joe's has covered their (trans fat free) version of Oreo cookies with perfect dark chocolate and come up with a perfect cookie.  You may remember a similar eureka moment back in December when I came upon their candy cane Oreo cookies, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.  Go get them.  They're near the register.  And if you don't have a Trader Joe's in you town, let me know and I'll send you some. 

Food Glorious Food

Loving the Lululemon

 

 

Have you noticed how cool the workout clothing has gotten lately?  Is it possible that we're finally moving beyond the Juicy Age of matching velour sweat suits and into seriously smart athletic gear?  Leading the pack are Stella McCartney for Adidas, North Face, and this very cool line called LuLuLemon.  There are almost too many choices to look through - but surely you will find something that will change your life among this incredibly flattering line of yoga pants, tops, jackets...  Or let me put it this way, your butt never looked so good.  Check it out.

Thanks to my tall friend Kate for the recommendation.  I heart Fashion

Must Have Books for February

All we really need is a roof overhead, food on the table and the clothes on our backs...right?

           

                     

   One girls version of those things...all available at Amazon. 

                                   Must Haves 

Found!

After months of searching antique stores and debating the muted quality of Anthropologie's "not quite it" reproductions, these perfectly old fashioned, bohemian glasses landed right in front of my nose on the pages of March's House Beautiful magazine. 

Dear Easter Bunny, I'd like a set of ten in every color of the rainbow please. 

See the collection at Marston and Langiner.  Nest

Cocoa Brownies Trial Run

Well, we know we're really in the thick of winter when I find myself baking on a regular basis.  In observance of the very gray day and in joyful anticipation of an old friend's Monday visit, tonight I am giving these lovely sweets a try.  Will report back...

         

Best Cocoa Brownies
Adapted from Bittersweet by Alice Medrich

10 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process is fine)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cold large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.

Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium metal bowl and set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir from time to time until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and hot enough that you want to remove your finger fairly quickly after dipping it in to test. Remove the bowl from the skillet and set aside briefly until the mixture is only warm, not hot.

Stir in the vanilla, then add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one. When the batter looks thick, shiny, and well blended, add the flour and stir until you cannot see it any longer, then beat vigorously for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Spread evenly in the lined pan (the batter will be very thick).

Bake until a toothpick emerges with some moist crumbs sticking to it (but not wet with batter), 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.

Lift up the ends of the parchment or foil and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into squares.

If all goes well, a big cheer for Cookworm, who's recipe and photo are respectfully listed here.  Check out her site!  Food Glorious Food

Nothing but Nice

             

            On this sunny but freezing Wednesday, I...

Took a little more time in the morning to look really nice. 

Was early for an important client meeting. 

Played with flowers and art with a lovely person who could be a friend if there was more time. 

Filmed a little video segment that was breezy and fun. 

Talked with my mother for an hour at lunch. 

Made the acquaintance of  a tremendously gracious and strong public servant who will have me thinking about her for days.

Finalized arrangements for a gospel choir performance. 

Delighted in an evening to myself with a bowl of cereal and a glass of champagne for dinner.                                  

                            Such a nice day.     

                           

Definitely, Go.

If you're not up for There Will Be SO MUCH Blood this weekend and 27 Dresses is out of the question, go see Definitely, Maybe. The Ideal Husband endured at least 4 shop guys giving the requisite shout, "chick flick", as we truthfully answered their small talk - shop talk conversation while doing errands over the weekend.  And you know what?  It's really good.  Refreshingly good.  It's got snappy dialogue, good character repartee, and yes - heart. 

The complete enjoyment of this movie by both genders prompted a ride home conversation about the difference between chick flicks and romantic comedies.  Chick flicks give only the woman's perspective and portray the male characters through a skewed girlie prism.  They are almost always boring and silly - The Wedding Date, The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan.  Whereas romantic comedies almost always explore the relationship between two equally flawed and vulnerable people, a man and a woman.  These are some of the movies that have become part of our lives - When Harry Met Sally, It Happened One Night, Pretty Woman, Shakespeare In Love.  So this little rant is For The Boys, don't dismiss a potentially lovely night out with your sweetheart because some dude in the Starbucks says, "Wow.  Chick flick."  He's probably eating his popcorn and peanut m&ms alone. 

For The Boys

Mad at Cow

Unbelievable. 143 MILLION pounds of beef were recalled on Sunday; roughly 37 MILLION pounds of which went to school lunch programs and other federal nutrition programs.  It's horrifying. And like foreign oil, it's time for America to give up its dependence on beef.  Eat salmon or try bison.  This is too much.

Read CNN's full article here.  Food Glorious Food

O-R-E-O

I came upon this ingenious recipe from Bakerella that is so fantastic in the most high/low way.  This is a Valentine concoction that even the most novice baker can attempt, and is destined to find a place of honor among the Good Enough To Eat Apple Crisp, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, and Gram's Peanut Butter Balls.  It's Valentine's Day, so would you please make the OREO TRUFFLES?  Yes, we will. 

Oreo Truffles

1 package oreo cookies
1 8oz. package cream cheese ;softened
White or milk chocolate bark

1. Finely crush cookies in a food processor or place them in a ziploc bag and whack with a rolling pin.
3. Roll the mixture into 1" balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.  Freeze.
4. Melt chocolate as directed on the package and then dip balls into chocolate, tap off extra and set aside on wax paper covered cookie sheet to dry. 
5. Once dry, refrigerate and enjoy!

Makes about 36 truffles. 

Adapted by Bakerella, then Kate,  from the Kraft Food & Family Fall 2006.  A lifetime of thanks to Ms. Bakerella for her inspiration.  Food Glorious Food

Fall 2008 Picks

Here are my first picks from Fashion Week's Fall 2008 collections - from Mr. De la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, the smart boys at Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors and a little bit of Rock & Republic to boot...more to come.

    

    

    

    

For a look at the shows, go to New York Magazine's site here.  I Heart Fashion 

Leave It At The Door

       I came across a feature in the New York Times last      

       Thursday on this Desolation Doorknob Hangers series

            that began as a public art project in Washington.

                  So simple and thought provoking.

More from Ms. Hesh's collection here.  Plain Old Tuesday 

Getting Your Green Every Day

Check out the newest wave of daily doses:  Ideal Bite.  Ideal Bite is "bite-sized ideas for light green living" that arrives daily in your inbox with smart little tips on how to live well and live green.  Ideal Bite is surprisingly relevant, fun, and au currant.  You can subscribe to your city's edition or get a taste of the green life across the country.  Try a bite.  The Green Bug

Plain Old SUPER Tuesday

Vote early. Vote often.  Fingers crossed on this Plain Old SUPER Tuesday.