Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest - 20th Anniversary



Well, it keeps getting better and better! Fresh snow and Deer Valley Resort's finest efforts meant we could all enjoy skiing during opening weekend - December 3rd. The event accommodations were at the fabulous Montage Deer Valley and JUMA Entertainment* created yet another top notch event (and much sought after invite). The show aired last Sunday on CBS and the event helped to raise funds for Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s charity Waterkeeper Alliance. It was a weekend filled with fun, food, skiing, parties, celebrities and all for a great cause - the environment. And, MARY J. BLIGE and GAVIN DEGRAW performed live in an intimate setting - now that was awesome. Take a look at some highlights and fun. I couldn't mention everyone or put in all the photos or I might lose ya! Don't forget to watch Larry David's piece and also Gavin below.

And look for the event again next year - first weekend in December!


Me and my hubby* - the man that makes this happen
Love Terrell Owens - his team won the race and we love his hat too!

Hugs in the tent at lunch
Watching the race
Perrey Reeves from Entourage with my friend Stacey - look at the Di Modolo medal Perrey won

Funniest introduction by Larry David on Saturday night
****Larry David was a riot Saturday night introducing Bobby Kennedy at the Auction - click here to listen - this is a CAN"T MISS.



Simple table scape but it works

Biggest draw at the Auction

Here is a little piece from the concert...




Alan Tudyk from Suburgatory having fun (Steve the Pirate, Dodgeball)
More hugs - at the concert
At the concert with my girl!
From Housewives of Beverly Hills, Taylor Armstrong
And then, to close the weekend...

Who went to the spa instead of skiing on our last day?
Not me, I went skiing.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Raving about Cakeman Raven

I had a birthday a few weeks ago and my husband got me an outrageously delicious and special birthday cake - made by famous Cakeman Raven - the red velvet cake expert. And I got to watch him - Cakeman, not my husband -  decorate it before my eyes; he worked effortlessly and within a few minutes - viola!  -beautiful. And it gets better because when it melts in your mouth you cannot believe you waited this long to try the original red velvet cake. My suggestion: go get some - he makes over 5000 cakes a month!


What does red velvet cake taste like? Some say like chocolate cake - well there is some resemblance but it is not just a red chocolate cake. For me - it is the texture that makes it stand apart.

"A real "southern treat", described as an aphrodisiac dessert, deep in its bright redness and buttery crumb texture accents the sweet cream cheese frosting, mellowing out the pecan oils from the crusted pecan garnish.


After the first bite, you're hooked!"


Here are a few shots on location in Brooklyn with JUMA execs and crew - watch for upcoming TV show. I will keep you posted but in the meanwhile, let them eat cake!













Saturday, November 19, 2011

Taking in the local color

Marlyn Dintenfass Painting at the Babcock Gallery, NYC 

My coat matches the painting above

How many blues do we see in this Louisa Matthiasdottir painting? At the Tibor de Nagy Gallery , NYC
Just a few shots of some works I saw recently in New York. Always love color and to explore new artists.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Treedom: Luxury Eco-Friendly Tree Houses

Photo courtesy of Lost At E Minor


These eco-friendly luxury tree houses are unbelievable. I would love to throw a party in one of these - or just hang with family - anything really as they pretty fantastic. Click here if you want to see more.
I found them on one of my favorite sites - Lost At E Minor. They are built by a company called Blue Forest. 

Not even sure if this would this be downsizing.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Yes You Cannes Frites

Pastis, Cannes

What can I say, pommes frites are on my mind and there is way too much serious news in the world this week to even think of something else to comment on. So, whether in Cannes or NYC, this is a no brainer - all diets out the window - order them. Not only are they fried, but they are TWICE fried.

In fact, get a double. That's what I did a few weeks ago while in Cannes with my husband. I couldn't stop eating them long enough to take a simple photo. But the menu is nice, right?


(I am afraid this is becoming kind of a theme with me, see photo of "regular" fabulous SALTY fries here.)

And here are a few photos from our trip...

The Marina - drinks with friends

I call this purple "boat" the Lakers Yacht... maybe it is... what's up with the NBA season?
View of Cannes

World Premiere of Upcoming ABC Show Missing (well, it was a business trip!)

Yum Yum

I always travel in color.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Smashing Pumpkins

Sidewalk display in NYC


I am not one for frothy drinks unless it is due to the whipped cream on my hot chocolate. So here are 2 versions of a great Halloween potion or a fine fall cocktail:

This first one is so easy, I have renamed it:
The Easy Jack O' Tini
1 or 3 Candy Corn Pieces
2 oz chilled vodka
1/4 oz Bols Pumpkin Smash Liqueur (or other pumpkin liqueur is fine too - whatever you can find as it is not so easy to locate)
Place a single candy corn (or 3) at the bottom of chilled cocktail glass. 
Combine vodka and liqueur a shaker with ice, shake well and strain into the glass.
Note the added treat when you get to the bottom of the glass - vodka infused candy corn. 
The end!


This next one is a variation of the traditional Margarita:
Pumpkin Margarita
2 oz Tequila
1 1/2 oz Bols Pumpkin Smash 
1/2 oz Triple Sec
2 cups ice
Blend all together until smooth, pour into a 16 ounce (pint) glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Option - serve in a traditional margarita glass, use the cinnamon stick as garnish and throw a dash of nutmeg on top


Drink recipes adapted  from Drink of the Week, which also has other pumpkin options for ya if you look for them!
Of course you could always just spike your pumpkin latte.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Just for Keith: A Taste of Nashville in 48 Hours

I love Steve Martin -  but I guess not enough.  Martin and his band the Steep Canyon Rangers, won entertainer of the year last Thursday night at the 2011 International Bluegrass Music Awards in Nashville and I had no idea he was seriously in the music business. Who knew?  Obviously not me.


But, I do know about Keith Urban and that was what got us to Nashville for 48 hours over the summer. A birthday request to see him in concert - so off we went. And now, it is one of our favorite cities. We only made a dent and we will be heading back for sure.

Our highlights:

Friday - arrive mid-afternoon and head to our hotel.

Hutton Hotel in Nashville - great boutique hotel with lots of style and centrally located. The staff is super nice - as we found most people in the Nahsville to be. Highly recommend.

Hotel Lobby

Mad dash for a tour of Vanderbilt University. Even in the rain it is still gorgeous and impressive.  And look at the great colors in some of the libraries.


A twisty campus tree

Yummy blue ceiling

Loving the green walls


1808 Grille - located in the Hutton Hotel so obviously it was convenient for us (just an elevator ride). Sophisticated and approachable food and we loved the decor - modern but not cold. White accessories and great lighting. Also, they opened 1/2 hour early for us so we could eat dinner and still get to the Grand Ole Opry show on time -  that's southern hospitality for ya!

Hush Puppies


Grand Ole Opry - a must. A little hokey but fun.

Nice Suit

Saturday - still raining but we must go to the Pancake Pantry, apparently a Nashville tradition (with a very long wait).



 The Country Music Hall of Fame . Lots to absorb and we skipped the guided tour. Fun to see all the displays  - from Carrie Underwood's dress (like 15K swarovski crystals!!??)  to Elvis' car and piano (there are some very weird things there too -  along the lines of stuffed squirrels).


Pre Keith Urban we ate at Puckett's which was fantastic! Located in the Honky Tonk part of town and near the venue. We fall in love - with fried okra (get the ribs too).
Try it at home with Paula Dean's fried okra recipe.

And, now, the reason for our trip - Keith Urban - just look at him!


The show was fabulous! We also like Jake Owen who was the warm up.

Sunday, we leave mid morning knowing we will return - the trip was just not long enough.
But please, the real highlight of the trip for me ...


sisters...priceless

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Nailing Blue

 Blue Rebel from Chanel


It's officially fall and that means a new nail color has captured my attention - Blue Rebel from Chanel. Go get it ladies - it's fabulous! Men - stick to NO polish please. Warning, the color is addicting and will replace your previous darker shades in the months to come.
Love, love, love!

And, while we are in the midst of blue, take a look below at the nautical theme of a recent Orrganics invitation. The invitation suite and the event were branded with a ship's wheel and lots of blue. Another love.




Invite done with Luscious Verde

Goodies using the ship's wheel done by Kim of Kim Rosen Events.


And, as an added piece today,

Come Sail Away - back to the 70s with Styx. I think the pant silhouette is now back in style. Enjoy!