Monday, April 30, 2012

Flower Power!

Happy Monday to all!  This weekend was all about our garden - we planted flowers everywhere and are certainly reaping the benefits of our labor!  Flowers have the power to heal.  If you are not planting a garden, here are some beautiful ways to get flowering results with less of an effort.  Enjoy!


Fashion:  Clements Ribeiro; Luisa Beccaria; Cacherel; Nicole Farhi; Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi; Karen Walker; Peter Som; Vivienne Tam; 

Friday, April 27, 2012

Have an Indulgent Weekend!

I'm in the mood to be a little indulgent this weekend,  perhaps I could have...

...a couple of these
only one or two of these:)...
 a glass of any of these...
and a couple of hours on these  :)...
Have an indulgent weekend!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Raise your Expectations!

When ABC cancelled Extreme Home Makeover Edition I was highly disappointed.  Even though there were gratuitously exaggerated moments of tears and joy on the show - so what, the intent  and results were good!   From the companies that donated their resources & products, to the construction teams and neighbors who all seemed eager to come in and rebuild - literally lives, resulted in some of the best reality programming offered on the air.  It almost seemed unfair that the show would end at a time when American families are now more in need than ever.


The message of helping your neighbors live their best lives was extremely powerful.  The show displayed human nature at its best!  It supported the belief that our very survival as humans relies on our ability to be compassionate and help each other.  It's not only spiritually uplifting to do so, but immeasurably gratifying to both you and the beneficiaries.   Also,  the show inspired people to do great things and be better people - unlike many reality shows that show people demeaning themselves and each other (i.e., House Basketball, Mob - Wives - why all wives :), Bachelor etc...).   This show raised the proverbial bar and hopefully our expectations of what type of television we'd like to see.  


Speaking of raising the bar, why not Raise The Roof?   HGTV& DIY Networks along with the non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together have developed an initiative called "Raise The Roof."  This effort raises money and provides low-income homeowners with much needed repairs and renovations.  As April has been declared National Rebuilding month, over 70,000 volunteers have donated their time and skills restoring homes in need.  On April 28th, HGTV and DIY will announce the Tradesperson of the Year award which is given to a notable volunteer.  To learn more about ways to help, check out The Rebuilding Together website.  You can help in this effort by donating money and/or your time.


This initiative has Carter Oosterhouse as its spokesperson and has new show potential written all over it - hopefully HGTV will agree.  It's a natural and great replacement for Extreme Home Makeover Edition!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Carson Daily

One of the reasons that I have not been getting enough sleep is because I often stay up to watch The Carson Daly show-daily.  Carson Daly has come a long way from his MTV hosting days with his late, late, late night show yes, 3 lates - as it follows Leno and Fallon - ouch!  But it's so worth watching - it reminds me of the late nights we spent in NYC with great friends at places like CBGB's and the motorcycle bar The Ear, which was actually called The Bar until the curves on the B blinked out of its neon sign.  We would listen to amazing new music from a myriad of bands who had fame or could care less and put their music first and just hang out and talk.  There were aspiring actors, musicians, writers, artists, designers and everyday New Yorkers - it was a great time to be in NYC.  You kept your day job to fund your nightly activities because that's when the interesting people truly came out.  If you made it to the point when the bartender screamed out last call, you knew that you were screwed for the next day at work, but that it was so well worth it!

Last Call with Carson Daly is smartly produced - it is a show that primarily showcases great music, but also allows Daly to interview interesting people.  He manages to wisely balance the range of mainstream and virtually unknown guests, which makes his show smartly eclectic.    Carson is clearly a host who gets it and you can tell that he is intrigued by his guests and loves music.  The show is brilliantly produced with great filming, locations and writing - it was also a cool move to take his show on the road.   Last Call is worth staying up for.  

With the recent deaths of both pop culture icons, Don Cornelius and Dick Clark, in my opinion, Carson is  the perfect person to fill these big shoes but hopefully he'll do it with his own flair. This show highlights Carson at his best - I think the style and format truly suits him.  Although Ryan Seacrest has positioned himself as the next Dick Clark - I personally think that he lacks the depth, knowledge and sincere interest in music and pop culture that Carson exudes - although he does have a bright toothed-smile.  Besides,  has anyone noticed that both of the deceased legends initials were DC - invert Carson Daly's letters and what you get - shoe in!  


Although CBGB's has closed and I am no longer hanging out late enough to hear last call :), I still can get my fix by watching Carson's show.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Taking Happy Pills

The rain in New York has stuck around today and it's a perfect time to listen to Norah Jones' new album "Little Broken Hearts."  Norah's back from her 2002 debut "Come Away with Me"- which I still love.  This new album has more of a subtle pop vibe than the smooth jazzy sound that she's done in the past - but it works and is still Norah.  Thanks to my dear friend Chris for sending me the NPR link where I listened to the entire album - I have always liked Norah's voice and will definitely add it to my playlist.  We could all occasionally use some Happy Pills yes?

Sunday, April 22, 2012

A Good Laugh!

Yesterday we went to see the film Think Like a Man, a movie based on Steve Harvey's acclaimed book and literally fell out of our seats with laughter!  The film, with a stellar and at times surprising cast, seemed to start off slow - borrowing literally lines from the book and shamefully reoccurring appearances by Mr. Harvey.  One appearance of him on Oprah to get the premise off the ground would have sufficed!  However, it then picked up momentum and as we had hoped, the story and each character's plight was revealed and with that, some hilarious banter - especially between the men.  Although the premise of women and men in relationships is not original, the casting is perfect - highlighting one of the best comical performances by my new favorite comedian - Kevin Hart - seriously, he could not have given a better performance!  This is a very beautiful cast of solid actors  -  one of the main reasons to go out and see this film.  The other reason, should you need one - it's simply a fun time!  

Friday, April 20, 2012

A Rainy Weekend..

It's going to rain in New York this weekend , which is great for the grass fertilizing seeds that we just planted.  Aside from catching up on some of my favorite movies, books and TV shows,  it's also a great weekend to cozy up in your favorite little haunt, have some wine, great nibbles and good conversation.  Enjoy!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

A Bright New World!

I have never been a fan of neon colors, but I remember as a kid rocking a few Stephen Sprouse designs in the eighties.  Now, many designers have bravely embraced neon brights and to their credit, these work!  And who wouldn't want one of these vespas?  So, even though it's 2012 - it is again, a bright new world! 




Fashion:  Nanette Lepore, Mark Fast, J. Crew