Monthly Archives: July 2011

Hungry for the Weekend


As it is definitely the dog days of summer, I wanted to think a bit more about the comfort foods of the season.  The foods that gather family and friends around bonfires, BBQ pits and big picnic tables.

Jello is Glamorous!

This week’s Hungry for the Weekend features lots of summer friendly comfort food.  Let’s dig in.

If you, like me, are hungry for the weekend please, enjoy these links:

Have a delicious weekend!

Where to Eat in Cabo


When we arrived in Cabo we had one goal: eat as much fresh fish and produce as possible.  And, we did.  We scooped up fresh salsa by the chipful, we slathered chunky and smooth guacamole on everything (even eggs at one point) and dined with the fishes.

Before we went to Cabo I did my research, I searched all the travel sites, food sites and blogs, and then I was given the gift of Rick Bayless’ guide to the Baja Peninsula in Food and Wine.  Thank you!  Bayless is the expert, in my mind, for all things Mexican and so his suggestions rose to the top of our list.

First Stop: The Office This is the sister restaurant to one of Bayless’ suggestions, Edith.

What to Expect: Expect a crowd, make a reservation.  This spot is well liked loved by las turistas, and I imagine that is not going to change any time soon.  It is a casual spot, as in wear jeans and you’re over dressed.  The music is playing, your feet are dug into the sand and there is vibrant and bustling energy.

What to Order: We started with some BIG margaritas, and chips and salsa (this is the recurring theme of the trip), then shared a ceviche that was fresh, bright and delicious.  Then we settled in for a second Honeymoon, a special that night, featuring two lobster tails, four prawns, a filet of sea bass, rice beans, and tortillas that were made just a few feet away.  Each bite of the fish was juicy and perfectly cooked.  My favorite was the seabass.

What to Skip: The dessert.  I am really never one to skip dessert, even when I am wearing a bikini the next day, however, this just missed the mark.  Every other dish was so spot on with local flavor and this was a big slab of a banana chocolate cake that we could have found at any Cheesecake Factory around the country.

Why You’ll Love it:

Next Stop, Don Emiliano.

What to Expect: A quieter experience, artfully plated dishes, and unexpected flavors that sing.  This was a great spot to end our trip; al fresco dining – all the tables are outside – and the ambiance of eating in someone’s lovely backyard with our sky dotted with Moroccan lanterns.

What to Order: Do not skip the salad.  We shared a jicama, tomatillo, cactus salad that was incredible.  Bright green and full of flavor this was a salad I only wish we could replicate at home.  For dinner Mark again won the ordering contest with his entree.  Try the short ribs, they are fork tender, and glazed in an aromatic, smoky, rich sauce, and served with orange zested mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll love it: The food is all locally sourced, and while it doesn’t fight the American palate it really stays true to the local flavor, and that includes heat and spice, even in the dessert.  The chocolate tart with salted caramel ice cream had sweet, salty, spicy and savory notes in every bite.

Have you booked your flight yet?  Make your reservations!

What to Wear to Weddings


One night while we were in Mexico we walked on the beach past three weddings in various stages of preparation (set up – rehearsal – ceremony) and the following night a wedding was held at our hotel, and the hotel next door.

It is wedding season, and you are likely invited to one, somewhere.

After slipping that RSVP card into the mail, you might want to think about what to wear.

Is the wedding at a far off tropical destination, where the mood is tiki torch, hurricane candles and a mojito?  (Invite me too, please!) Go full of color, light fabrics and manageable footwear!

Daytime Summer Wedding

L – R: Dress at Net-A-Porter, Necklace at Max & Chloe, Clutch at ALDO, Sandals at Pret-A-Beaute; Sundress at Harvey Nichols, Bracelet by Antik Batik, Clutch at Fashion-Conscience, Sandal at Nordstrom; Dress at Oasis, Earrings at Amazon, Wallet at Nordstrom, Sandal at Macy’s; Sundress at Mary & Paul, Bangles at Simply Soles, Purse at TopShop, Pump at ZapposCouture


Is your next wedding high atop the city on a swanky rooftop, dancing is the main event and the drink is a signature?  Come prepared to party in bold colors and some skin!

Summer Wedding - Cocktail Attire

L – R: Dress at Austique, Hoops at Kyler Designs, Clutch at Zara, Pumps at ZapposCouture; Dress at My Wardrobe, Cuff at Max & Chloe, Clutch at Shopbop, Pumps at ZapposCouture; Dress at My Wardrobe, Earrings at Barneys, Clutch at Endless, Pump at Forzieri; Dress at Bergdorf Goodman, Bangles at Net-A-Porter, Clutch at Forzieri, Sandals at My Wardobe


Is your next wedding bling or bust, with a splash of champagne and crystals dripping from the chandelier and centerpieces?  Sounds mah-velous dahling! Go long or short, but don’t skimp on the sparkle – it is time to make a statement.

Summer Wedding - Black Tie

L – R: Dress at Jane Norman, Bangle at ZapposCouture, Clutch at Lori’s Shoes, Pump at Saks Fifth Avenue; Gown at My Theresa, Earrings at Yes Style, Clutch at The Addison Collection, Pump at Christian LouboutinGown at the Out Net, Earrings at Yes Style, Clutch at Nordstrom, Sandal at Net-A-Porter; Gown at My Wardrobe, Bangles at Nordstrom, Clutch at Nordstrom, Sandals at ZapposCouture


Okay, let’s be reasonable, the dress you wear isn’t the most important dress of the day, and in fairness it really shouldn’t be.  However, I do think that as a guest it is your responsibility to rise to the occasion, without outshining anyone, and be festive and fabulous for your loved one’s special day.

Which outfit is your favorite?

Travel in Style


I have shared with you our (*Mark’s) tendency for packing light, but something we haven’t discussed is travel wear.

When I was younger I was happy enough to travel is clothes that were just as well suited for a yoga class or the gym, but now I try to step up my travel attire so that I can step off the plane and be ready for work, vacation, or whatever this new city has in store.

To get to Mexico we flew DCA  – ATL – SJD (Cabo) and I saw a lot of fellow travelers.  One outfit really stuck out to me.

Gray and White Traveler

Spring/Summer: Fringe Edge Scarf at Jane Norman, Classic Short Sleeve Tee by Alexander Wang at MrsH, Iconic Aviators by Ray-Ban at MyTheresa, Wheeled Duffel by LeSportSac at ShopBop, Slim Flip Flop by Havaianas at Need Supply

This is perfect.  I saw a woman wearing something similar to this in the customs line in Atlanta.  I don’t know where she was coming from, but it didn’t matter.  This look could work in New York, Miami, LA, or the Caribbean.  It is flexible for different cities, comfortable for travel, and practical for any airport activity.
I also think it is seasonally adaptable – yes, I endorse white denim (James Hunter Jeans), year round:

Fall: Diamonds by the Yard by Elsa Peretti at Tiffany & Co, Asymmetric Tank Top by Alexander McQueen at Matches, 42nd Street Blazer by Rag & Bone at Barneys, Iconic Aviators by Ray-Ban at MyTheresa, Wheeled Duffel by LeSportSac at ShopBop,  Toe Cap Flats by Chanel via Marie Claire

Winter: Dalmatian Spot Scarf by Sonia Rykiel at Liberty of London, Shirlyn Open-Knit Sweater by Theory at Net-A-Porter, Funnel Neck Coat at Reiss Online, Rachel Frame Wallet by Hobo International at Nordstrom, Leather Riding Boot by Tory Burch at Nordstrom, Rabbit Fur Ear Muff by Moncler at FarFetch

Okay, friends, WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT?

Cabo San Lucas: Inspired for Home


Mark and I just returned (last week) from a few days in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  It is called el paraiso entre los mares, Paradise between the seas, and it was.
We stayed at the Hilton Los Cabos and enjoy every maragarita, chip loaded with salsa and guacamole, and view.  Luckily, the hotel was designed so that nearly wherever you stood, sat, or lounged (it’s a vacation!) there was a beautiful view.
Now was more pleasant that the view from the hotel lobby’s bar La Vista.

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

By now you know my affinity for the Missoni stripe (which this wasn’t exactly, but it is certianly similar).  The bold colors, fabulous patterns, and pops of light really inspired me to bring this fun, festive ambiance home.

Start with a statement making piece of furniture, eye catching lighting, playful colors in the accessories (rugs and pillows), and of course the requisite margaritas glasses.

If this look feels muy bueno to you, here’s the details:

Top, L – R: Capiz Pendant at Pottery Barn,  Spruce Street Chair by Serena & Lily

Middle, L – R: Dash and Albert Negril Stripe Rug at Velocity, DuraClear Margarita Set at WilliamsSonoma, Julius Grass Storage Ottoman by CB2, notNeutral Season Hurricanes at DesignPublic

Bottom, L – R: Ada Watermelon Fabric by CalicoCorner, Magnificat Avocado Fabric by CalicoCorner, Ikat Fret by Robert Allen Fabrics at CalicoCorner, Abyla Pink Linen Fabric at Calico Corner

The best part of travel is the mental souvenir of inspiration, new recipes and new ideas.  More Cabo influence and inspiration to come!

Hungry for the Weekend


I keep toying with the idea of traveling to a city and just eating.  This is what it would look like:  Welcome to NY, enjoy your stay please visit Russ and Daughter’s for a bagel and shmear, grab a slice on the street, pop over to Levain Bakery for chocolate chip cookie goodness, go to Eataly to savor all of Italy…  Looks like soon I will be able to cross off one of those visits as Eataly will be coming to see me (and the rest of DC)!

Eataly Partner Lidia Bastianich, Joe Bastianich and Mario Batali

This week’s Hungry for the Weekend features lots of cultural foods, a little Jewish, Italian, Mexican and American flavors.

If you, like me, are hungry for the weekend please, enjoy these links:

Have a delicious weekend!

Blue Skies and Fields of Gold


I saw this image of wheat and it hasn’t left my mind; the organic nature and the blend of color really captivated my attention and my imagination.  L – R: Something Blue by Raceytay via Etsy, Liu Wen in Chanel for Vogue China

The great thing about inspiration, especially for weddings is that you can find it anywhere.  Something as simple and natural as a spring of grass and clear sky can inspire a stunning, elegant and truly lovely wedding scene.
Top, L – R: New York Library Entrance by Christian Oth, Popcorn Stand by JL Designs, Vera Wang Dress and Valentino Shoes Photo by Aaron Delesie via StyleMePretty

Bottom, L – R: Homemade Cotton Candy by Cooking Books, With a Kiss Shift by BHLDN, Yuzen Pale Aqua Paper via The Paper Source, Bridal Bouquet Photo by Jennifer Detar

American Beauty


Is there anything more American than red, white and blue and a fabulous dress?

Celebrate in full color and a fabulous dress!