GOBAMA!!!!

I seriously could not be more thrilled with last night's election results. Found myself getting weepy on the couch watching Obama's speech. Very moving for so many reasons. Caught Ops and Jesse J. getting veklempt as well. I am re-inspired by this country!

Mates of State

New fav band of the moment is a husband and wife duo called Mates of State. Their new album is called "Re-Arrange Us" and every song is good! Great to sing along to on your hour and 1/2 commute to and from work...!

Hello Gorgeous!!!

Kentuck Knob Pics

Falling Water Photos

Oh Happy Day!!!

The weekend at Falling Water and Kentuck Knob turned out to be a momentous one! Whilst enjoying the view of a beautiful vista after our Kentuck Knob (another FLW house owned by Lord and Lady Palumbo) I found Dave on bended knee proposing! Such a happy, wonderful event! I've been floating ever since! Turns out poor Dave was trying to propose all through our Falling Water tour but it turns out to be quite the popular spot so we were never alone! Please enjoy the pics of the weekend. I highly recommend doing this trip. The homes are amazing. Our hotel was a delight if not a bit of a faded gem...but still had lots of charm. Stickley furniture and built in 1901. Beautiful big porch and lots of sassy rough and tumble waitresses. Enjoy the photos!

Falling Water Here We Come!!!

See you all Monday. Off to see Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water in Southwest PA. Full report and pics to come! Have a lovely weekend! xoxoxox

Fun Summer Songs

These are some fun songs I've been listening to as of late. Fun to drive to or run to if you are into that sort of thing. I was introduced to the Madonna songs thanks to a fabulous mix Melissa made me after a fun filled weekend of culture, drinks, food, SATC movie and friends! Here is a short list so far:

American Boy---Estelle (featuring Kanye West who may be an egomaniac but he makes good music)

Get it Together---Madonna (same applies to her!)

Give it 2 Me---Madonna (Paul Oakenfeld edit)

She's Not Me---Madonna

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa---Vampire Weekend

Let me know if you like and what your favs are at the moment.

Summa Summa Summmatiimee...Just sit back and unwind

I've been an awful blogger lately so I apoligize to all 4 of you who read this! Howeves I've been muy busy lately with Bachelorette parties and showers and me and DR have been major gardeners! I think we might have green thumbs as of now because we've been pretty successful so far. Please see pics above. We also purchased a beautiful teak deck set that I'm excited about...mainly so that we can have guests over etc...The other summer hobby I've been trying lately is sort of a detox/juicing/eating raw "diet". Yes, I actually bought a high powered juicer and have been manically making this special potion every morning that consists of kale, lemons, apples and romaine lettuce. It is actually pretty good! I've had to experiment a bit but I think I have found the right combo. I've been thinking a lot lately about heading towards a more vegetarian way of eating. I naturally already kind of do it unintentionally so it hasn't been that tough. I'm also happy about the juicing due to my Crohn's issues and it can be difficult for me to handle major greens (that we should all be eating) like kale so juicing it is a good option for me. So far so good. As I was reading up on this (http://www.therawfooddetoxdiet.com/) I noticed that it would help a lot with asthma and allergies which made me think of Rod. I told her about the book and we are now experiencing trying it together! We have actually both bought dry brushes (book recommends dry brushing every morning to help eliminate toxins) and have started eating much more fruits and veggies. The next step is for us to try colonics but that will be a whole other post! I'm hoping to continue with this to the point where I might not need that much medication if any. There is a lot more to this lifestyle that I will go into in other posts but this is still in the baby step phase for me. I've had two bachelorette parties in a row now so I will be doing some major detoxing this week to cleanse my alcohol and yum food filled body! More to come. xoxox

I Adore This!

Mystery on Fifth Avenue

Can you imagine?! What lucky kids! They are so gorgeous too! I love that the little girl has a short short hair cut...I wonder why? I found this article to be amazing and so creative. What an inspiration for us to do something like it for our kids one day.

Click above on "Mystery on Fifth Avenue" to get the full article!

Me Blog Pretty One Day

So author David Sedaris is one of my favorites...Whilst shopping for Father's Day presents I happened to stumble upon his latest book When You are Engulfed in Flames and just had to buy it. I'm currently obsessed with The Other Boleyn Girl but once I finish that I'm off to Sedaris land. I've read Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. I LOVED the first two that I listed and was so-so on the last. I think I've read a short story in the New Yorker from Holidays on Ice. I don't think I have ever laughed harder from a story than I did with the tale from Me Talk Pretty One Day about the students in the french class Sedaris is taking in Paris all attempting to describe their own country's Easter celebrations...in their broken French. It is hilarious to say the least. Tears! Anyway, I will let you know what I think of WYAEIF. He really can't do wrong.

Shout Out to My Sistas!

Global Classrooms


Click above on "Global Classrooms" for the full story!

In Rememberance

Today is the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Robert Kennedy. I have a deep love for the Kennedy family and Robert Kennedy is one of my favorites. I am always very moved when I hear the speech that he made the night Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. He did it off the cuff and spoke from the heart. He actually had to break the news to the crowd...I think it was a majority African American group in Indianapolis? I might be wrong on the city. You can hear the gasp and cries from the crowd when he tells them. He encouraged the crowd not to react with violence and noted that he also had a loved one killed by a white man. That city was one of the only cities that night that did not riot.

I admire him for being an honest and unpolished politician...That doesn't exist today and I wish it did. Everything is so planned and careful now. From the reports I have been hearing about him it seems that he excelled at making speeches spontaneously and wasn't that great at rehearsed speeches. He also loved to do Q & A with the crowds he spoke to. He also made speeches that he knew might not be that popular with the crowd. The example I heard today was that he spoke to a university in Kansas that is/was known to be very conservative about how he was against the Vietnam War. I'm not sure a politician today would take that risk. It turns out that the crown loved every word he said and he was practically mauled with the crowd's adoration. In fact, some of his staff have a fear of crowds to this day from that night.

The Kennedy family has all the money in the world...they could have lolled around on a tropical island for all their lives...but their sons chose to serve the public and go into politics.

I was thinking today how different our world would be if Robert Kennedy lived and became president. We wouldn't have had Nixon! We also would probably have a lot of faith and trust in our government. He is missed!

Lil' Sumpin'

Just a quick note on a delicious chicken dinner I made last night. Forgot to take a picture! Got the recipe courtesy of browsing through the Food Network site. It was Yogurt Herb Chicken with Roasted Pepper and Pineapple Salsa. Sounds dramatic but it really is very easy. I also happened to have practically all of the ingredients which is rare for me! You start off by mixing a cup of plain yogurt, 1/2 cup olive oil, two cloves of chopped garlic, zest of one lemon, teaspoon of hot sauce, teaspoon of dried oregano (I used a tablespoon), teaspoon of dried basil (again I used a tablespoon, crazy I know...!) and two teaspoons of salt. Marinate chicken in that for an hour in the refrigerator. The salsa is just a blend of the red peppers (I used a few from a jar) with some chunks of pineapple. I used a mini food processor to chop it all up. It calls for a teaspoon of hot sauce but I just put in a few drops. I added a bit of salt and pepper. Also asked for parsley which I didn't have--find it overrated anyway! Preheat grill or grill pan on high heat for about 4-5 minutes. Once chicken is ready, place it on grill for about 4 minutes on each side. (I get a little paranoid about that so kept mine on a bit longer) I sauteed some spinach as a side dish much to DR's delight! Anyway, the chicken turned out to be oh so tender and full of flavor. The salsa was fresh and tasty and wonderful with the chicken. I highly recommend it! Great for the warmer days ahead! Wonder what it would be like if you marinated it overnight and if used fresh herbs? Will have to try that!

Oh P My!

So the wedding season has begun for me and DR! Our first was this Saturday. Lots of fun and yum and dancing! To prep for the festivities I got a mani/pedi and discovered a new color line from OPI influenced by India. My fingernails were treated to "Get Me to the Taj on Time" (hilarious)--a pretty sheer pink, and my feets to "Blackcherry Chutney", a dark dark maroon that almost looks black. Both great colors. For Jessica's party I had "Moon over Mumbai" on my fingernails...a pretty light grey with a bit of sparkle. Highly recommend trying them for future events!

Speaking of weddings, Happy Anniversary to Sasa and Tom! What a wonderful time!

Hello!/Good-bye!

This past Saturday Jessica had a wonderful housewarming/going away party at her apartment in Stuyvesant Town. Housewarming to introduce her new apartment to everyone and going away because she is leaving for a 6 month stay in London in June! So exciting! Unfortunately DR couldn't make it so Beth and Chris were kind enough to let me be the third wheel AND drive me to and from! Such a treat! The party was a great success. Fun mix of people, good drinks (organic vodka no less!) and good eats. We all had a fabu time. Home and in bed by 1 to be fresh and ready for Mother's Day! The picture of the flowers was my dad's "card" to my mom. I think it is beautiful! His other tradition is to plant an herb garden for her. I made breakfast for everyone and we relaxed and read the paper. Later on mom and I ventured to Lord & Taylor because she wanted new eye make-up which was my treat. DR came in the late afternoon bearing roses! We ordered Chinese, ate a lot and called it at night around 9. It was a good weekend. Picture with me, Jess and Beth debuts my new hair-cut!

Little Things

More examples of Dad's work! Thank you for the photo tip Sasa!

Ooooh Domino!

I do really like Domino magazine...although it does not hold a candle to my beloved Blueprint. Why why WHY!!!! were you cancelled??! I still don't get it AND I'm not over it. In the latest issue featuring Julianne Moore looking like a complete loon on the cover...there is an article on a certain Spainsh born Parisian living shoe and bag designer that I was instantly smitten with. First, her name is Maloles Miracosta-Antignac...I'm mean come on! It doesn't get better than that...or does it? Yes. She is also ridculously pregnant and see above regarding birthplace, current residency and occupation. Of course her shoes and bags are beautiful and I want each and every one of them. The article actually focuses on her apartment which is, naturally, wonderfully chic and a mix of classic and modern. Le sigh. La sigha. Inspirational all around. I'm saving my pennies for those shoesies!

http://www.maloles.com/

Roddy Doyle Ha Ha Ha

The Irish author Roddy Doyle is one of my favorites. I was fortunate enough to hear him read from his latest (at the time) novel at NYU ages ago. I was reminded of what I like about his style so much after reading a short story of his called "Bullfighting" in the April 28, 2008 issue of The New Yorker. The story is mainly about the friendship between four men in their late 40s who have known each other forever. There is something endearing and touching to me about men and their friendships...particularly older men. I'm not sure why I feel this way but it might have something to do with exposing some sort of vulnerability which is often taught to be ignored/denied.
I love this story for many reasons. One in particular is that Doyle adds elements throughout to show the relatively recent economic changes in Ireland--which includes travel for the middle class and the switch from emigrating to sharing life with immigrants. Doyle mentions the Polish bartender and his characters traveling to the States, France, Spain. The men have ipods and Blackberrys. The banter he creates with the men is brilliant and funny as well. See link below:

http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2008/04/28/080428fi_fiction_doyle

little things

My Dad has a real artistic eye and his influence shows up all over our home. It is a delight to be surrounded by the beauty he creates! I will be showing examples of his work from time to time in this blog. enjoy!

DR's Iron Chef Contribution!

Picture is of DR's Trout Cakes in the pan.

Iron Chef: Atown!

Yes DR and I had our own Iron Chef competition on Tuesday night. The mystery ingredient? Trout! Caught fresh by DR at his fishing club on Sunday. I chose to make trout tacos (turned out to be burritos because the tortillas were so big) with mango salsa (mango, onion, garlic, red pepper and cilantro...bit of salt and lemon juice) with mashed up avocado. Twas delic! DR made trout cakes using my salsa, egg and bread crumbs. He cooked them in a pan with a little veggie oil. He garnished with lemon juice and cilantro...I think he had some other spices etc...in there as well. Also very good. We declared a tie! Fun to improvise like that. Trout is very mild so it worked well.

Spring? Sprung!

To celebrate the season I went to see the play "Spring Awakenings" with my pal Driscoll this past weekend. Very interesting to say the least. Music by Duncan Sheik of "and I am barely breathing" fame...set in Germany in the 1890's...focused on the oppression of teens by parents, church and school with some disturbing and sad results. The music was very good as was the dancing. At times the play was a little too pleased with itself with how risque it was and use of the f bomb. We saw a bare bum-bum twice...oh la la! Lead actor over enunciated everything and there was a huge spray of spit each time. We could not stop focusing on that. Overall enjoyed it though. After that we met up with Jess and her fabulous friend Darren for drinks and dinner at the new Fig & Olive. We had yum food and cocktails and were highly entertained by ourselves and by our waiter. We were also disturbed to see a ridiculously old looking 13 year old attending a private party next to us. Jess and I remembered how we looked at 13 with Belle France dresses, braces and body waves (me). Topped the night off at a birthday party for one of J and D's coworkers at La Caverna or something on the LES. Fun music and too many drinks.

Introducing The Divine Miss N!

Well, we finally did it! We got DR's 30th birthday present of a dog on Sunday. Very exciting for us. She is a wonderful and very sweet pup who is probably a year old. We rescued her from an animal shelter that has horses, doves, dogs, cats, turtles...you name it. She has a broken leg...they think she was hit by a car. So far she is very sweet and quiet. She doesn't eat too much and is very skinny. We are so happy to have her and to give her a good home. She was given the name Diamond which we were not crazy about. After long deliberations invloving Sascha, Michsa, Niko, Coda, Foxy, (she looks like a fox) and Roxy...we decided on Nina. I feel like we are acting like first time parents with her..."Do you hear her walking downstairs? Did she pee yet? What has she eaten today? Do you think she is depressed?" We also got totally taken at the pet store spending $100s on probably mostly useless stuff like dog shampoo and dog tooth gel...but in our defense we want the best for her! More updates to come!

oy vey!

so DR and i watched this horrendous movie last night..."Once Upon a Time in America" with Robert De Niro and James Woods as Jewish gangsters in NYC during and after the time of prohibition. I thought it was awful! it jumped around to different times...the end was totally weird and confusing...bobby d and james both had manicures with clear nail polish which i absolutely hate with men!!! granted, i didn't see it from the begninng but i'm pretty sure seeing it would not change my opinion.

other than that, thrilled it is almost the weekend! we don't have any solid plans which i am fine with. i will soon be posting pics of house stuff such as the first completed (and very tiny) room of the house!

first attempt!

so i'm thinking this blog will focus on my exploits in the worlds of cooking, working on a house, my other interests, friends, and trying to figure all of it out! pretty vague and broad I guess but that's ok. excited to do this! xxoxoxox