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.

Love

Love does not seek limits.
Love seeks outlets.

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 The summer crowds have left the beaches of South Walton and have been replaced by the Autumn Tide-a three month long celebration of the area's rich culinary and cultural offerings.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

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.

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/

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;

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

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?