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