Globe 'trotting' implies a bit more whimsy than this trip I am on actually embodies, but it's an adventure nonetheless. I will be posting every so often as the month progresses, but not nearly as much as in the past few months. The schedule of this trip is brutal and doesn't leave much time for idle reflection (although I do try....staring out of airplane windows or from the back seat of my car as it speeds through cities around the world, often frighteningly so!) I love this illustration for the trip that it suggests: an artist or writer or culture seeker taking only the essentials on a leisure trip to anywhere she wishes. Ah, someday...
28 May 2012
20 May 2012
19 May 2012
Connecting Thru MUSIC
PLEASE take a moment to visit this important campaign. My friends at Statement Arts have developed wonderful programs for New York area youth. This summer they have teamed up with the legendary Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center to run a free music and college preparatory program for 50 underserved kids. This is a much-needed program and will be a life-altering experience for these very deserving kids.
18 May 2012
for Foodie Friday
Salivating.
(courtesy of TasteSpotting)
This grilled cheese sandwich looks amazing....
Avocado, arugula, and goat cheese. Speechless, really.
The good people of TasteSpotting celebrated 'Grilled Cheese Month' (who knew?) with these mouth-watering, gooey sandwiches. Where to begin...
17 May 2012
Archive: foreign currency
Who doesn't like money? I'm sure we all have that little bowl or dish that collects our loose change at the end of the day, or a really long trip around the globe. Every time I get back from working in other countries I seem to have collected coins and paper money from just about everywhere. Sometimes I've run out of time to spend it before I leave; sometimes I save it because its just so beautiful. Our US currency pales in comparison to the artistic, colorful pieces in other parts of the globe. Below, my stash amassed over several years of international travel. Not a bad souvenir.
Coin from China. This is one of many. I have no idea where in China it came from.
16 May 2012
FIGHTER
It is Wednesday and we are halfway through the week. I don't know about you but I could use a little inspiration to get me through the next few days and into the weekend. (and then, for me, a month of international travel - more about that another time) So, to get us all in the fighting spirit here are some iconic images from one of my all-time favorite movies - ROCKY! I love the story of Rocky Balboa. The ultimate fighter, both in the ring and out.
This reminds me of George Bellows paintings from the early 1900s.
I channel these images on my weekly runs. Totally inspiring.
Everyone needs a good coach.
15 May 2012
Purge and Breathe. Repeat.
Shelves were exploding in my closet recently. I woke in the middle of the night to the sounds of commotion. In a daze I wandered around my apartment until coming upon this heap of sweaters and t-shirts and leggings and so on... It was a long time coming and this was the impetus to finally -- reorganize my closet. Its a good closet and it needed attention. I spent half a day taking everything out, examining and trying on, and then tossing into yet another heap (now what do I do with that heap? audible sigh...), and rehanging, folding, sorting. It was a great afternoon. I was reacquainted with so many items I'd forgotten about. And, as I have managed to shed many many many pounds the past few months I was able to wear some of those "if only..." pieces I was ready to part with with. Talk about shopping your closet!
These 'before' and 'afters' really do not do the job justice. Trust me...it's all good.
And that red caftan....could you die? It is from India...one of my prized possessions.
14 May 2012
13 May 2012
11 May 2012
Foodie Friday
For your weekend cooking adventures...
Saveur Magazine and their favorite food blogs...
Food + Wine magazine. Be sure to check out their own blog, Mouthing Off.
It was a sad day when Gourmet magazine went away. Luckily they maintain a site with recipes, features, and blogs.
I love Jamie Oliver. He's just fun to watch and he makes food that's understandable. Buy his books. Watch his show. Visit his site.
I'm partial to Cooking Channel for foodie TV. The shows are specialized...and done well. And check out their blog, Devour, on their website.
For the adventurous eater, check out Lucky Peach. This quarterly journal is produced by McSweeney's and is the creation of acclaimed chef + restauranteur David Chang, Peter Meehan, and Zero Point Zero Productions, the team behind Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
A few more Blogs...East Village Kitchen, 101 Cookbooks, Griottes, Lost in Cheeseland, Smitten Kitchen...there are so many more
10 May 2012
Archive: bracelets
When traveling I very often find unique pieces of jewelry. I have a little collection of bracelets, necklaces and rings. I try to find pieces made from materials indigenous to the country or one that are commonly used by the artisans of a certain place. These bracelets are made of horn and come from Tanzania. I love graphic pattern and their edginess. They look strong and bold -- just how I feel when I think of Africa.
Arusha, Tanzania, 2011
09 May 2012
Let It Pour
It is no secret that I love the rain. And Paris. And the Impressionists. And Woody Allen. Herein lies a bit of all those wonderful things.
Paris Street-Rainy Weather, 1877, Gustave Caillebotte
And...a little scene from Woody Allen's Midnight In Paris.
Gil: This is unbelievable! Look at this! There's no city like this in the world. There never was.
Inez: You act like you've never been here before.
Gil: I don't get here often enough, that's the problem. Can you picture how drop dead gorgeous this city is in the rain? Imagine this town in the '20s. Paris in the '20s, in the rain. The artists and writers!
Inez: Why does every city have to be in the rain? What's wonderful about getting wet?
08 May 2012
flower arranging
This weekend, inspired by this post from goop, I bought bunches of light, pink, and cheerful flowers and greens at my corner bodega. It is so nice to have fresh flowers placed around the apartment. They bring in color and life and always put a smile on my face. And it does not have to cost a lot of money to make the most of what you pick up. I made five lovely little arrangements with less than twenty dollars worth of flowers. And no special vases necessary; I simply utilized saved glass jars and a vintage canister to hold my buds. So easy.
Two bunches of inexpensive flowers along with some soft, lush greens. The jars I have saved and saved. They've originally contained everything from red pepper spread to olive tapenades.
So simple...and sitting atop the trusty china.
Bunched and cozied up into a vintage tea canister.
The lot of them...Now scattered throughout the apartment.
07 May 2012
05 May 2012
Saturday
How I'm starting my day... Coffee, of course. Normally I brew up a big pot of Zabar's blend but I ran out last weekend. So I rummaged around my cabinet and found a bag of beans I picked up on a trip to the Dominican Republic. A classic blend (but not as good as my Zabar's!). And I am continuing to use my china since pulling it out last weekend. It really is nice having it back in sight.
Love this book by Ines de la Fressange.
And giddily enjoying Jazz Radio...set to Timeless Classics. It really doesn't get any better.
04 May 2012
Sargent + Matisse
These ladies look to be enjoying their weekend. I intend to do the same.
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Nonchalior (or Repose), 1911, John Singer Sargent
Girl With a Fur Coat, Yellow Background, 1944, Henri Matisse
This week's favorite finds...
Here are just a few favorite discoveries from the past week.
- French clothing brand Sandro opens in NYC
- the beautiful jewelry of rachel ballat elephantine
- Domino Mag is back! This was always one of my favoriter design magazines. Looking forward to the new issue.
- i've always loved Aqua's lines. I also have a thing for kimonos, caftans...all thing dramatic. Obsessed with this right now: Aqua Kimono Maxi Dress
- more inspiration to cut my hair
- i love art
- 10 dresses we all need
- essential for NYC living
- i need this, yes need....
- love these window covers (and Habitually Chic)
- perfect for discovering + designing your next home proect
- the BEST way to track your favorite blogs
03 May 2012
Archive: cheese board
This adorable little cheese board was in the kitchen of my grandparents, Bill & Gertrude, for as long as I can remember. I discovered it recently at my Dad's house in Michigan and decided it needed to be with me. Coincidentally, I have a thick cutting board from my other set of grandparents, Marvin & Rita. Isn't it funny how this simple little household items can keep you grounded in your past? I love that.
02 May 2012
Yesterday here in New York City, a piece by French artist Paul Cezanne sold for a healthy $19 million at Christie's auction house. The work titled 'Card Player' is a study for a series (1890-96) by Cezanne called 'Card Players' and depicts his Aix-en-Provence gardener Pauline Paulet. The painting, a watercolor, has been lost since 1958; art history scholars only had knowledge of the piece through photographs until is resurfaced recently in the home of a Dallas, Texas doctor. The painting was purchased by an anonymous bidder, and so, this may be the last we see of this special work for quite some time. Take a look...
The Card Player, Paul Cezanne
The Card Players, Paul Cezanne
- To see more works by Paul Cezanne, click here.
- Take a look at the Cezanne collection living at the Metropolitan Museum of Art here in New York City. Click here.
- Bring some Cezanne into your life. Browse the selection at ART.com.
One of my favorites...
A Modern Olympia, Paul Cezanne
01 May 2012
May Day
May 1st represents many ideas: springtime fertility, the Virgin Mary, the feast of Saint Joseph the worker, International Workers Day, and in Hawaii - Lei Day. Needless to say there is much to celebrate on this first day of May. Here in New York City the rain is coming down and although that doesn't make for a sunny start to this new month of May, I find it very soothing. I love the rain, washing away all the bad bits from days before and polishing the city, and us, for a new day ahead.
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