The Bomb.

'Bombshell' is how Bergdorf Goodman describes Eniko Mihalik in their Resort 2010 Magazine spread - and with good reason. That hair, that body.... (swoon), she is the bomb.
The instant I saw this cover image, my inner dialogue went something like this:

"Whoa!
Wow!!
Look at that hair... I want that hair!"

Since Bergdorf Goodman calls this a 'magazine' I think they should give proper credit to the hairstylist, make-up artist and model (and not just the photographer, which is so early 90s).

Ok, so forgetting the hair for a moment... I am really coveting those YSL raffia platforms. In every color. Seriously.

photos:
Berdorf Goodman
http://fashiongonerogue.com/

Foxy!

I know it's shocking that I adore this sweet 'lil fox scarf... Isn't it genius?? Eugenia Kim does it again.
Found on Anthropologie.

zuzana serbak: Wild and Inspired

Saw these beauties on Lara's blog, pretty connected. It's not often you see something so different and beautiful... so much looks the same these days...
Good luck Zuzana Serbak - I hope someday I have one of your creations in my closet!

See more of Zuzana's work on her blog.

36...

Lovely birthday dinner.

Seaside

A break from the daily routine

Foster Dogs of NYC

This is Zeke.
A Bulldog/Australian Cattle Dog mix.
Extraordinary!

He was left in an alley somewhere in Tennessee with a sign on him that read 'freak'.
He was rescued, renamed Zeke and is now adopted.
Isn't he amazing? I think he and George and Ellie would get along famously.
Nice work Foster Dogs Of NYC!

Yes, please!

REACHED THE BEACH!

Despite the big smiles, this was also a very challenging (and sometimes grueling) experience.

My body was definitely hating me when I started out on my 4:45 am 7-miler, head lamp and all! Like most of the Dames, I definitely had some painful moments in this 2-day bonanza...

The DAME crew was amazing. Nothing like time with girls to bond, share and laugh. I only knew 2 of them upon arriving at the Waterbury park and ride on Thursday, and by Saturday, yes - we were all real friends. Pretty cool. Stress, challenges and a unified goal (reach the beach!!) is always a good recipe for friendship...

And like in most things in life, experience is a huge asset. Here are some of the big learnings that I will remind myself of next year (if I am deemed worthy of a 'Dashing Dame' again):

Drink more water, and when you think you've had enough, drink more water
Bring a water bottle with a spout (not one those with the big opening so water pours all over you)
Gatorade tasted better than anything - bring some
Eat - sounds simple, it isn't. You want to barf, but got to eat!
Bring Starbucks instant coffee - hello?
Stretch after your run - again so obvious, but SO didn't happen
Bring 2 pairs of running sneakers (if possible)
Pack a pillow (and a sleeping bag)
Train before the event, faster + fitter = happier
And... pack lots of pink... I think I excelled at this one ; )

Until next year - there ain't nothing like a (Dashing) Dame.

It's on!

Dozen Dashing Dames!

Dress rehearsal

Last leg - Reach the Beach. This is embarrassing, but spirited!!
O said I need a hat with a big flamingo coming out the front of it - that would be pretty awesome. I think I will add some terry wrist bands - to go with the socks.
Now, I just have to worry about RUNNING.

The Muppet Show

Buttered popcorn and feety pajamas.

Irresistible smile

Love the chops on this big grizzly. Got ursus arctos on the mind tonight - this one is just full of charisma and charm, in my opinion. Looks like he might even carry a tune or dance - but not in a circus way.

Oli said "it's a good reminder to brush your teeth". He's funny.

Grin and bear it (sorry, I had to - Jane will appreciate it)!

bear image from 'metrognomevoices.com'

Growing up

This adorable yellow bedroom with twin beds reminds me so much of our bedroom growing up. Yellow + white + black = chic.
Mom's got wicked style!

Image from DOMINO magazine, May 2008

Reach the Beach

200 Miles.
24 Hours.
12 Girls.
2 Vans.
LOTS of PINK!

Yep, that's 'Reach the Beach' relay which starts a week from tomorrow. 12 ladies running 200 miles (3 legs each that average a total of about 16 miles per person) over a 24 hour period. We are called the "dozen dashing dames" and our unofficial uniform is lots of hot pink.
I am runner 12 - which means I am also runner 24 and 36... which happens to be the finishing leg - so fun, SO SCARY! At least we finish on a beach, literally... where there will be tasty food (anything will be tasty by this point) and cold beer!
I have been training for a week, which as anyone that runs knows, is ridiculous - because you need more than a few weeks to train for these things... but I will do my best and troop it out!

Stay tuned.

O in a nutshell

All that's missing is the blue cashmere sweater (and O, of course)!

Mexican Soup

With summer squash, masa dumplings, avocado and cilantro salsa.
From Deborah Madison's "Vegetable Soups" cookbook.

Big hit!

Confection

DVF. Fall 2010.
That's all.

Ginger 'Gizer

I tried this product, called 'ginger 'gizer' for the first time after finding it at Healthy Living Market in Burlington. It's made by 'ginger people', and I am addicted. I love the stuff. Super zingy with a bit of lemon, apple and honey. You can drink it cold or hot (which I haven't tried yet but sounds awesome). And how about their brand mascot ginger guy - he is almost a little creepy, but I still like him.

Wonderland

All that's missing is the Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar! These mushrooms are out of this world.

Photos taken on Mt. Mansfield by Oliver

More from my 'favorites' series...

From the MIU MIU Spring 2002 collection. I have worn this dress so many times, and it is still one of my very favorites.
Only two were shipped to the NYC store - Sara Jessica Parker bought the other one and wore it on a 'Sex and the City' episode... (it was a quick scene).
We both wore it WITHOUT the liberty print shirt underneath...

This image is from Style.com

"love bundles"

Favorites...

These hurt, but boy did I love them.
And really, they were a symbol of freedom and independence for me - two great things.
They are the Christian Louboutin 'Rolando' pump for Roland Mouret's runway collection a few years back.
Beauties.
I sold them on ebay before moving north... isn't that nuts?

What is beauty?

It is an (old) VERSACE ad.
Isn't it totally fabulous? I adore this photo.

Interesting to see how the fashion industry has changed, especially the models - by today's standards all these girls would seem 'big' and maybe even old... The top models today are an average of 15 years old and also much skinnier than the 'supers' were.

Personally, I love their womanly bodies - flesh, muscles, boobs!! Holy cow, I think we have some women here. Hooray!

In order, (in case you need help); Christy, Nadja, Cindy, Stephanie, and Claudia. (I think Claudia is my personal favorite... )

Current Hair OBSESSION....

Drew at her NYLON magazine shoot - love it, love it, love it.

Simple dinner for one

While O's away, Emily will cook herself shrimp. Any why not? I have to say, this is one of my favorites - garlicky shrimp with butter and good green olive oil, tomatoes, and a splash of white wine. Toss it over some rustichella d'abruzzo pappardelle egg pasta...

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. Ten minute din din!

Toto....

I don't think we're in New York City anymore.....

Caution!!

CAUTION is right!

Seriously, who on earth was in-charge of the signage on the stowe bike path? This is just silly.

This weekend in Stowe...

It was a pretty eventful weekend here in Stowe - glad I stuck around to enjoy it! The weather was pretty much perfect, aside from a few thunder crackers here and there - Highs in the 80s!
It was 'balloonfest' at Stoweflake Resort and Spa, which is basically in our backyard. That meant all weekend you could walk out the front door to see these HUGE balloons - sometimes they seemed so close you could touch them!! I was thinking how much Ellie and Henry would get a kick out it. Very magical. Very Wizard of Oz.
Last night was a 'concert in the meadow' at Trapps Family Lodge. Pretty awesome. Meike packed a picnic that would knock your socks off - lobster rolls and delicious lemon cake (my absolute favorite).... The music was a bit 'big band' for orchestra, but I still really enjoyed it, but it is really all about the picnic and the vistas and the company - all which were unbeatable! The fireworks at finale were a nice surprise too!!

Always happy we stayed home for dinner

It's tempting to go out after a long day of work - at home. Sometimes we feel like we are crawling the walls and need a change a scenery. But, we are on a budget.... so we often suck it up and stay home most of the time - and we always happy with that decision. Healthier food, no big bill at the end of the meal, and a nice relaxed atmosphere!

Last week, we were tempted to head out the door, but instead, we made halibut (somehow I justify this on my "vegetarian" diet... hmmm).
We made it in the oven with dill, lemon and olive oil - and salt and pepper, of course! We had it with organic red potato, grilled summer squash, steamed broccoli, and a yummy side salad. A little New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc help round it all out.
It was incredibly tasty, healthy and clean.
We'll have to do it again soon!

Thinking about bear logos....

And slowly losing my mind.....

For Jano - Self Portrait by David Whyte

Self Portrait

It doesn't interest me if there is one God
Or many gods.
I want to know if you belong -- or feel abandoned;
If you know despair
Or can see it in others.
I want to know
If you are prepared to live in the world
With its harsh need to change you;
If you can look back with firm eyes
Saying "this is where I stand."
I want to know if you know how to melt
Into that fierce heat of living
Falling toward the center of your longing.
I want to know if you are willing
To live day by day
With the consequence of love
And the bitter unwanted passion
Of your sure defeat.
I have been told
In that fierce embrace
Even the gods
Speak of God.

~ David Whyte ~

(Fire in the Earth)