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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Online Fashion Treasure Hunt


Off the beaten path for the best kept fashion secrets...
This is prized knowledge.
You must be special to be following my blog so here is my gift to you.
Wishing You Happy Holidays filled with love.

Ilene

pixiemarket
 poshgirlvintage
adorevintage
farfetch the absolute best way to click through some of Europe's best fashion shops.
billiondollarbabes
E-tailtherapy
shopbop
gilt a member's only site but very good for weekly sales announced in advance.
catwalkgenius sponsor a new designer and watch the line take off.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Tequila Tasting & Margarita Party


It's time to rethink tequila. And-lucky for us-learning to do so is incredibly fun. Throwing a tequila tasting and margarita party is a great way to acquaint your guests with premium tequilas.


Essentials

White Wine Glasses or Shot Glasses
The traditional glass for tasting tequila is called a "caballito", but a good quality white wine glass may be better for savoring the nuanced character of good tequila. A shot glass can also be used for a casual alternative.

Margarita glasses
Large bowled thick glasses are essential for enjoying the true margarita experience.

Pitchers
Accomodate large batches of margaritas. I recommend using one pitcher for each type of margarita being served.

Ice Bucket
Keep plenty of ice available for margaritas on the rocks.

Juice Reamer
Used to extract fresh juice from citrus fruits, like Persian limes.

Garnish Bowls
Small bowls for holding garnishes, and it allows guests to serve themselves.

Plates and Napkins
Have stacks of cocktail plates and napkins available for appetizers and tapas.

Tequila has nuances like fine wine, but a bottle of tequila goes far, making it an affordable way to entertain-especially when you consider the natural accompaniments like chips, salsa, guacamole and ceviche. You'll be surprised by all the characteristics of tequila there are to talk about: appearance, aroma, color, taste and finish.

Pottery Barn Party Planning

Friday, November 20, 2009

The Future



I-Green Power.
Clean energy, clean living environment.
II-Bombs and Bubbles.
Exploding bombs and popping bubbles bringing us back to sensibility.
III-Baby Boomer Biz.
Largest segment of population needs housing, medical care, etc.
IV-Health & Wellness.
An ounce of prevention will keep  those baby boomers younger and healthier.
V-Trading Down.
Downsizing homes and cars. Resales are up.
VI-Education.
Due to job market.
VII-Local.
Farm to table mentality.
VIII-Life Support.
Cleaning, tutoring, cooking, coaching, test prepping, driving schools, etc.
IX-Texas is so hot right now.
Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio & Austin.
X-Booze.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Sweet Auburn and Serpa's.....

I recently took a ride down Auburn Avenue.
It's not what it used to be.
I love the Sweet Auburn Farmer's Market. I think it is the best this city has to offer. Gourmet cheese and wine connoisseurs will appreciate this mecca of Epicurean delights.
We dined at Serpa's. Named for Chef Owner Scott Serpa. Exposed brick and the open kitchen worked for the aesthetic quality. The bar area is just right for a pre-dinner drink or a place to meet and mingle. We were served gougeres with our drinks. A very nice touch and not commonly served here in the US. The gougeres were tiny puffed squares with good bite and texture with a smoky bacon flavor that pleased the palate.
I had the Panang scallops for dinner. The trio of scallops were big and beautifully pan seared with a Thai Panang curry cream sauce that was luscious with just the right amount of red chili pepper zing.
There were Chilean wines on the menu that were a good price point and well noted and appreciated. It's good to have great quality and not have to pay an arm and a leg for it. Nice. 
Go to Serpa's. You will be pleased.
Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner.
Sunday Brunch 11:00-2:00

Serpa's Restaurant

Friday, November 13, 2009

Goddess

Although, a goddess of war, Athena gets no pleasure from battle........but rather from settling disputes, and upholding the law by pacific means. She bears no arms in time of peace, and if ever she needs any, will usually borrow a set from Zeus. Her mercy is great............Yet, once engaged in battle, she never loses the day, even against Ares, himself-being better grounded in tactics and strategy than he; and wise captains always approach her for advice.

The Greek Myths 
Robert Graves 1955

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Interesting Elements



Photographs property of TheSkinny-est.

A Grande Dame


My favorite champagne and not just because of it's perfect tiny bubbles.
It is because of the woman behind the name "Grande Dame"-Barb Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin.
A woman raised to be a wife and mother, left as a widow before she was thirty years old with a young child to take care of. She had no training and little experience of the world. Regardless of these events, she took hold of her own destiny and through determination and talent, she transformed a small unknown family wine trade into one of the great champagne houses of the world.
She just refused to compromise.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Music and Photography


Last night's The Atlanta Creative Project's event , "A Night Of Music and Photography", at Studioplex on Auburn Avenue, was a success judging by the number of attendees. The series of 30 portraits presented gave a colorful and somewhat whimsical insight into the artist featured in their very own studio space. Most artists were surrounded by crates of vinyl records and featured their favorite childhood toy(s).  Atlanta DJs played throughout the evening while hors d'oeurves and drinks were served at this interesting collaborative event. Here is a look....
The Atlanta Creatives Project

Monday, November 2, 2009

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Saturday In The Park


Movement was what I needed. I decided to walk Piedmont Park in the cool Atlanta Autumn weather. There were Rugby players, couples holding hands, joggers, dogs and their owners and moms pushing strollers that must have been thinking the same thought. I arrived just as the produce vendors were packing up from the weekly farmer's market at Piedmont Park. The vendor's spoke about new restaurants bidding for their produce delivery. A truck backed up to pick up a large crate of produce that was going back to the warehouse. Beep...beep....beep....loud and cautionary.  As I strolled, stopping here and there to steal a moment in my camera lens, I feel a sense of a bigger picture unfolding. I embrace the sensation, smile coyly as I pass people and capture it.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Thunder & Lightning


(Created September 20, 2009)
It has been raining for days. Tonight the levee broke. Opposing teams of thunder clouds ridden by Titans rode through my sky. Its been "a comin". The rain had not committed yet. A little here, a little there. Stop. Go. Stop. Go. General Titan let his lightweights feel it out before he rode into town. His opponent had the same strategy in play. Classic  Sun Tsu. It was magnificent. Supernatural. An ode to the powers of nature and it's omnipotent majestic creator. Reminding me that I am small. As small as a grain of sand in a vast unexplainable universe-that I love without understanding. I don't feel the need to understand it either. I just need to feel it. The wind whipping around me as I strain  not to be swayed,the rain hitting my face and changing direction as directed by the wind. The deafening thunder as the storm gets closer to where I stand. Catching a lightning strike in a breathtaking moment as I see it strike down to the ground and shoot upwards the exact path it descended from. Anticipation of the next boom that quakes the air. The rolling thunder in the background that inevitably crescendos into that crackle and boom. Kinetic energy is ripping through the atmosphere.I close my eyes to get further lost in it.
I am alive.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Smart Shopping

ShopSavvy 
an android app designed to search the net for the best price on any item by scanning it's barcode on your phone's built in camera. The app allows you to search reviews, create wish lists and receive price alerts on your phone. You can also review a history of products you've scanned.
Snaptell
An android app that allows you to snap a picture of an item or an advertisement and upload it onto Snaptell's website where users review price and performance.
Amazon App for Android
free app from Amazon that allows users to snap a picture of an item by barcode on their phone and send it to Amazon's search engine. 

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Atlanta In Perspective

I took these photographs in Atlanta, yesterday.
I had a different perspective.
I was looking for angles.
And I found them.


Friday, October 16, 2009

Office Transparency


Transparency is everywhere along with salaries and interview Q & A from  anonymous employees.
  Glassdoor.com

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Why does looking good have to hurt so bad?

Today I went to the mall.
The weather, here in Atlanta, was rainy. Perfect for a day indoors, perusing new things.
I wore my brown suede boots I bought in London.
I made my rounds at some of my favorite stores first; Bloomies, Facconable , Anthropologie, J. Crew, Urban Outfitters for what I call "the funkies", and Sephora.
I took a long walk around the mall and realized my toes were going numb. A little while longer and the pads of my feet started to hurt.
The boots! The boots I bought in London! How could this be? A perfectly pointed toe in a smooth sable brown buttery suede with the most perfect silver bit at the boot top opening. Why??!!!
I remember the day I bought them in Londontown. It was a beautiful summer day and I had just had a pasty for lunch..............(the sound of a vinyl record scratch) Stop.  Ok, Ok, I will spare you the details. I just want to remember how great it felt before I knew how painful they were going to feel.
Now my pretty brown Londontown boots will be spared the long excursions by foot. They will be categorized in the "Looks good. Feels bad." section of my closet.
Sounds like some of the men I've dated........

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Billy, An Impromptu Meeting

So this afternoon, I decide to visit one of my favorite places to eat a casual lunch, Theo's, at The Avenue in West Cobb. I had the absolute best chocolate brioche and cappuccino and the weather was just perfect for lunch al fresco.
A couple pull up in a red Smartcar. It reminds me of Europe.
I am working on my laptop, reviewing the top news of the day which was ,of course, the passing of the Baucus Bill by The House.  I am aware the bill will go through countless revisions before it comes up on The Senate floor. It won't even remotely resemble the bill it is now, I fear. Nevertheless, we can move forward (sigh).
I look up from my laptop screen and notice a young man with designer sunglasses spread out in a chair talking on his cellphone. You know the kind of "alpha male"  body language that takes up as much physical space as possible, impossible to ignore or overlook. He's talking business on his phone. "Yeah, bro. Just send it to me. Im so busy, dude. I'll take a look at it when I can. Cool."
Pack of Marlboro Lights on the table, Fendi glasses, etc. etc.
"Do you mind if I join you?"
He is young and aggressive and hungry. He lights a cigarette. He is from California. Just here in Georgia for a couple of months and then back to Cali. He's in radio......production, he says. He's got a big contract. Gonna make alot of money. Yeah, ok,  it's his story.   We start talking about traveling. He lights another cigarette. Tokyo, Copenhagen, Germany, Hong Kong.  I try to throw him by saying, "So when are you taking me?" All of a sudden it got really quiet.
I think I heard a cricket.
We talk about alot of things. Politics and religion. Surprising, because I just met him and they are usually taboo subjects no matter how well I know someone. Today was different. He said he believed in heaven. I said, "The journey is the reward and there is a heaven." And flicks his Bic lighter to light another cigarette. He referred to Buddhism stating proudly, "I believe in "Boody-ism" I smiled.  I'll blame my inability to be annoyed on the weather. He curses too much. A sign of insecurity, trying a little too hard to get the point across. Trying to shock me. I've been around enough "wiseguys" to be immune to the language. The conversation turns lighter. We talk about where to go in Atlanta to have a good time. He mentions Va. Highlands. In congruent to the image he is trying to portray. He's not playing the Highlands type. Other small talk and although I was amused, I knew if I didn't get up and get on my way, it would go on longer. He compliments me. He says he likes blondes and that I look good. I smile again. Who is this kid? He tells me he has a place in midtown. Billy, don't be a hero. Although you are amusing I need substance. Real substance but thanks for the entertainment.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Highest Common Denominator Of President Barack Obama

 All I could think about, when I heard of President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize win, was this interview of former U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan, by TIME magazine.

When former Secretary General Annan is asked, "Do you think the election of President Barack Obama has brought changes in the world's perception of the U.S.?" His response reveals what the Nobel Peace Prize will do to President Obama's already high expectations.
"I think we all need to help him succeed, and we should start by reducing expectations.  High expectations can cause problems for politicians."
 
Kofi Annan's 10 questions interview TIME magazine

The pressure cooker whistle is now screaming in full boil.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Travel Buzz in North Africa

Marrakech, Morocco
Recently opened swanky hotels, sumptuous restaurants and hip bars now compliment the traditional snake charmers, souks and old section, Medina.
Talk about a dichotomy.....grit and glamour, hedonism and faith mingle.
The country is in the middle of a growth spurt due to it's monarch, King Mohammed VI who has been improving the country's infrastructure.
Riads are Moroccan residences traditionally designed built around a courtyard with windows facing inward. 
Where to stay?
Try here....
Maison MK
La Mamounia
Riad Noir d'Ivoire

Where to dine?
How about here....
Dar Marjana traditional Moroccan dining experience
Bo-Zin trendy but pricey outdoor lounge
Le Comptoir decadent lounge style club and restaurant

Saluum Aleikhum

Shrinking Luxury


For the first time in a decade, Neiman Marcus's annual Christmas Fantasy Gift List does not include a gift with a seven to eight figure price tag. Take a peak...
Neiman Marcus 2009 Christmas Fantasy Gift List

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Gospel

Money is a good servant but a bad master.

3. Have some talent
2. Know the right people
1. Be fun to be with

Dont spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.
No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.
The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.
How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
One shouldn't speak of oneself, or almost never. People should guess you.
The answer isn't to climb down but to rise higher.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Love

Love does not seek limits.
Love seeks outlets.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Food And Wine Festivals

Everyone knows about the annual food and wine festivals in Aspen, Sonoma and Napa Valley. Sometimes the smaller, less infamous festivals are best, due to the fact that there isn't hysteria getting a flight into town and practically no photographers taking up hotel rooms and causing the redirecting of traffic.
Few things in life give me greater pleasure than a fabulous meal and a nice glass of wine in a new locale. I've been known to plot vacations around scored dinner reservations of a notorious restaurant or plan a beach vacation around the best seafood restaurants, or map out days in NYC around cafes, bakeries and wine bars. For me, every travel opportunity is an epicurean journey, but my favorites are the local food and wine festivals, the ultimate celebrations of gourmet delights.

Taste of THE Beach, Northwest Florida
November in the Florida Panhandle is the perfect time to celebrate. The summer crowds have left the beaches of South Walton and have been replaced by the Autumn Tide-a three month long celebration of the area's rich culinary and cultural offerings. Last year was the Inaugural festival that included wine and food tastings and dinners from Panama City to Destin. I recommend staying in Rosemary Beach or Seaside.  Rosemary Beach is beautiful and sophisticated with Sunday jazz brunches on the beach. Seaside is more about casual beach attire. Either way it will be just what you desire.

The Second Annual Taste of THE Beach takes place Nov 5-8. Tickets are sold separately for individual events; visit; www.tasteofthebeachfla.com for information, or contact the Seaside Cottage Rental Agency for Seeing Red Wine Festival packages. www.cottagerentalagency.com.
If you would like to stay in Rosemary Beach, visit; www.rosemarybeach.com/pensione-rosemary-beach.aspx

Friday, September 11, 2009

10 Things To Begin Now

Keeping with my theme of "skinny" information, I will list the 10 most important things we should start to do today.
In light of today's anniversary of 9/11.
Presented Bottom/Up rather than Top/Down.


10. Preserving our natural resources. There is only so much to go around and the raping of it needs to end so that all may live by it.

9.Mass Inter-State High Speed Transportation.

8.Collaboration between U.S. Intelligence Services. This has already begun due to 9/11 and needs to continue to strengthen.

7. Releasing our dependance on foreign oil.

6.Promoting U.S. Ideals to promote and defend democracy throughout the world.

5. Preparing for the safe return of our soldiers and ensuring we have substantial resources for them when they do come home.

4. Monitor threats to control/destroy human rights, ie terrorism, and fight with all of our might to eliminate it.

3. The education of American children. We will need the best.

2. The American Economy eliminating waste. Restricting how many hands are in the pot. Reducing government red tape. Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency.

1. A troop commitment of sufficient weight to turn the tide of war in Afghanistan.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The Alex Midtown Manhattan

The hotel is modern and perfect for buisness, although I stayed mid-week into the weekend.
The service and staff were accommodating and warm-not typically found in NYC hotels.
There was a sense of serenity and order to the hotel, even the lobby, lending to it's sophisticated feel. This is deeply appreciated by it's business class clients.
The Alex is not for a family vacation of little ones but a good choice for adults.
Riingo, the restaurant has Marcus Samuelsson from NYC's Aquavit and shines with his Japanese/American fusion dishes.
The hotel is located on E 45th St, which is close to Grand Central Station, UN Plaza, Fifth Avenue and has easy access to Times Square, So-Ho/Tribecca and Wall Street.


http://www.thealexhotel.com/

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Fashion Fall Forward

I have been spending a huge amount of time lately, drawing with my latest fashion venture in mind. I am thrilled that the season is changing and I will be wearing boots and cashmere or chunky fair isle sweaters and jeans.( I always go back to the place in my closet where the comfort clothes sit). Lets face it-my reality is getting up in the morning, having a cup o java while perusing news or articles that I have dog-eared, writing and just being in the moment until...........well, until I must be somewhere, or meet someone or call so-and-so via phone.
I am inspired by the nod to Victorian/Equestrian styles shown in many of the RTW runway shows for this season. I love the studded leather, draped satin and ruched fabric mixed with tweed.
As my designs are produced I will keep you updated with my sketchings and when and where the pieces are available to purchase. Here's whats on my mind;

Friday, September 4, 2009

Oui Tres Chic


The boutique Hotel Particulier Montmartre in Paris's 18th arrondissement has 5 rooms available for stays.Eclectic modern mixed with classic French decor.
http://hotel-particulier-montmartre.com/en/

Frederick Heyman Photography

Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate

Simple and so good...... 
In a blender, add
1 cup milk
1 cup hot chocolate mix
   I prefer Godiva or Lindt
3 cups ice

Blend until frozen and smooth
Pour into 20 oz glasses
Top with whipped cream
Sprinkle chocolate shavings

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The Missing Banister Theory

When walking down the street, you can walk in one line perfectly without ever falling over.  Now take that same city block, make it a foot wider and then put it a hundred stories high.
You're going to be so focused on the fact that you don't have a banister, that you're more likely to fall because of it.

When you are so focused on what you don't have....you won't have!

Isn't it interesting how one thing changes everything?