A Busy Holiday Season

The holidays, they come and go so quickly....and so has the past month. The last several weeks have been spent in Portland, eating out.....movies.....ballets......and a few coffee's here and there. As a creature of habit (and a vegetarian) sometimes branching out and trying new places is a challenge, but I have 2 delicious recommendations. The Irving Street Kitchen in The Pearl District has a comforting feeling of rustic elegance. I enjoyed my salmon entree which was slow baked and had a cauliflower-walnut sauce. The salmon was like butter and the presentation of the food was so artistic and I look forward to going back again soon. Our waitress was one of the kindest and most genuine I'd ever had and truly provided wonderful service.

Earlier this holiday season, I enjoyed the butternut squash ravioli at Southpark Seafood. Ravioli is one of my favorite foods, and what makes this one so special is that its actually stuffed and flavorful. So often, ravioli are stuffed and pressed and have no flavor...this one is amazing and has a Marsala sauce. Check it out.

Even though the reviews were average, I loved The Tourist. The scenery in Venice is breathtaking, the story was a fun chase and Angelina's wardrobe was beautiful! On the other end of the movie spectrum, I saw Little Fockers. Its just what you expect...laugh out loud funny with outrageous scenes and DeNiro and Hoffman....classic and funny as ever.

This time of year, its always so festive to see live theater. Whether its a ballet or a play or the symphony, its romantic, elegant and a wonderful way to spend an evening while its raining outside. Get there a little early....have a glass of wine in the lobby first or you can be sneaky like me and smuggle a latte under your pashmina. I love sipping a latte during a performance...but don't tell anyone...

Wishing you all a blissful new year....

Every Gal Needs a Little Sparkle...

My latest obsession carries some serious sparkle. The latest tote from Loft is a beautiful charcoal gray with rows of black sequins. I purchased one the day they came into the store and I've used it almost everyday since. I wear mine with leggings, these gray Uggs and an over-sized top and I've also worn it with one of my favorite LBD's and a long cardigan. This bag is great to dress-up or wear casual. I'll be carrying mine to coffee tomorrow at my favorite cafe in The Pearl District, Caffe Umbria. Visit the Loft and pick up a little sparkle for the winter.

Winter Comfort...

Winter is all about comfort, from what we wear, to what we eat and drink. Today I will sport my favorite Uggs when I head out to see a movie. A few days ago, my winter comfort came in the form of one of my favorite recipes: Poppy Seed Bread. Its one of the easiest recipes I have. So, for the gal on the go who wants to make a good impression when visiting family...I recommend this recipe. It makes 2 loaves......goes very well with hot chocolate....and a pair of Uggs.


POPPY SEED BREAD

3 cups of flour
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
2 tablespoons of poppy seeds
1 1/2 cups of milk
1 cup of vegetable or canola oil
3 eggs (I used egg beaters)
1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla

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Pre-heat oven to 325. The bread will cook for 55-65 minutes (take it out of the oven when the middle comes clean with a fork and the sides are a light golden brown)

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl and blend well. Add all liquids - mix- then add eggs and mix with a beater until well combined. Bake in 2 greased bread pans....and enjoy.

Fall's Favorites.....

Fall is the time of year when I look for the elegant but cozy in my life. Its is also football season, which I love so much. And I also have my season tickets to the Portland Ballet. As you can see, Fall is the time of year to mix all your passions in one season: the arts, sports, reading....and whatever else comes your way. The other day, I was discussing one of my all-time favorite films that I haven't seen in quite sometime: Love Story. And every autumn, I remind myself that I should rent it and every year I fail to do so. This year I ordered Love Story from Amazon. Its the combination of the east coast college atmosphere combined with Ali MacGraw's plaid skirts and boots that make me feel I should watch this film in the fall, in front of the fire (with a box of tissues!) There's just certain things in life that remind us of a certain time in our lives and some things just affect me more in the fall. I reflect a lot in the fall too. I think the fall foliage and the smell of jasmine that looms in the air cause me to analyze my life and reflect more. But for now, I'll just leave you with some of my favorite things. The photo frame above reminds me of something you would have found in the 20's. I love it on my black and tan marble kitchen counters. It adds elegance and simplicity to my kitchen. I just need to decide which photo to put in it. Audrey....well, she affects me no matter what season it is, but even more so in the fall. Maybe it was her fabulous wardrobe that gets me excited for cords and a simple black sweater or my ever loving LBD. Some of you tweeted about the pumpkin muffin recipe I posted earlier. I'm glad you enjoyed them. As I continue to search my files for another great recipe, don't forget to tweet me your favorite fall things and what you love the most...

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Anything with pumpkin is outstanding......and these muffins are one of my fall favorite treats - enjoy and let me know how yours turned out!


3 1/3 cups of flour
1 1/2 cups of sugar
2 T. pumpkin pie spice
2 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup of butter (I actually use a bit less then that)
2 cups of canned pumpkin
1 1/2 cups of milk chocolate chips

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Thoroughly mix together: flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda & baking powder

In a smaller bowl, mix the eggs, butter and pumpkin. Blend well and stir in the chocolate chips.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and fold in with a spatula until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon into greased muffin tins & bake for approximately 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

My Favorite Things......

Fall always brings out the comfortable and the familiar along with the new and exciting. I remember when cardigans were considered "granny clothes". Now, cardigans are essential and should be part of every woman's wardrobe. There are cropped, open cardigans to wear with LBD's, and there are long "boyfriend" cardigans to pair with skinny jeans and boots. No matter how you wear your cardigan remember, its versatile, fun to layer and accessorize and its a must-have in every woman's wardrobe.

Add to your wardrobe, my latest nail color obsession for fall by Chanel. Its a gorgeous stone/taupe that looks incredible with all black and adds dimension to an ivory/taupe/gold outfit. This color is rich and deep and will take you into the holidays and will pair well with your office cocktail dress.....and even New Year's.

Finally...the shoes....the beautiful footwear to piece the outfit together. My latest shoe obsession is by Classiques Entier. I've worn these shoes with the perfect LBD, to the opera and to an elegant dinner. These shoes can also be worn with skinny jeans and a blazer or with a black skinny pant and a longer top, preferably one with a ruffle.

These are just some of my favorites...fall is a great time of year to piece together the old with something new and don't forget to add a splash of color...just to keep it fun!

The Yankees sweep....

I'm loving that the Yankees swept Minnesota on my birthday weekend. We are now headed to the ALCS to face either Tampa or Texas. October is certainly moving quickly....and so far, its been a wonderful month. Here are a few fun pics from the weekend. And yes, my weekend included a lot of cupcakes. Best place in Portland to get cupcakes - Saint Cupcake. Check out their website and enjoy.

Bye-Bye 30's.....

For awhile now, I've been planning how I wanted to spend the last day of my 30's. The final time I will say, "I am 39". I felt this day had to be special, meaningful....a proper goodbye to this decade. I wanted a Hermes bag...but lets face it, with a 7 year waiting list, who has that kind of time?? So, I went with the next best options. My day started with coffee at my favorite cafe with my favorite person (you know who you are!) My day ended with a wellness session: 30 minutes of meditation and 60 minutes of Pilate's followed by a 30 minute massage....followed by a cupcake. All in all, a wonderful day and a satisfying way to say goodbye to one decade and hello to the next one. I decided to stay up until midnight tonight....I wanted to be awake when I turn 40. So, with candles lit, and my fingers typing away...I have Sex and the City on the TV. With Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte on in the background, one is never alone. So, with 2 hours to go until midnight (I feel like a kid on Christmas!) and my favorite fictional friends on in the back, I bid adieu to my 30's and accueillir à 40. Age is just a number and is just a state of mind. I am open and excited to what comes next...a new phase and a new chapter is beginning. The past stays in the past and the present is what we live for...cherishing each and every moment and experience. And to quote Samantha from one of my favorite episodes, and the episode that I just watched - next time I need a pick me up or a reminder that life is good - I'll remind myself: "Hello my name is Fabulous".

Fall Fashion.....

I was born to wear black....summer...winter, it doesn't matter. Black is always the new black to me. Its classic. Its cool. Its timeless. Fall is my favorite season: the changing of the leaves, the smell of jasmine in the air, pumpkins and most importantly, fall fashion. I thank Vogue's September issue which kicks off the season and introduces us to the latest trends and colors.

When I go shopping, and something catches my eye, I always ask myself: "would Audrey wear this"? If she would, then I make the purchase....if she wouldn't, then I have to think more clearly before I buy. Recently, I bought a top that I am quite sure Audrey would not wear...but the color fascinated me and so I began to think out of the box. Does everything in my closet NEED to look like Audrey? Can I take this trendy top and give it a classic look?

Rich camels and browns are hot this fall. It reminds me of the French Countryside - where men wear tweed and women are rich in warm colors and earth tones. And then there is me....in my black. Add a twist to my closet: my recent purchase has sequins. I've never owned anything with sequins because I always found it to be flashy. However, I thank my favorite celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe, for making me a bit more open minded and showing us that a woman can still be sophisticated with the proper sequins. Above, is a pic of the top I bought. The color is gorgeous for fall, but I still have the tags on....haven't quite committed to keeping it just yet.

I think its very common, especially for women, to reinvent themselves throughout various times in their lives. Its an expression of creativity, its fun, and for some, like me, fashion is part of our fuel - it feeds us. Fashion drives me. I get energy from styling and my creative juices just keep flowing. For me, I am on the cusp of entering a new decade...(to be discussed in a later blog, I'm sure...) So, now as I look through my closet, I'm wanting to stick to my basic color palette: black, gray, white, flesh/nude tones....and the occasional splash of avocado green. I can thank my lovely mother for my love of green. Its a classic touch to any outfit, and especially in the fall, when those warm earth tones come alive. I'm thinking about keeping the sequins top, especially since its this gorgeous copper/cement gray color. The sleeveless neckline has a worn, vintage look which gives it an edge, but the high neckline still keeps it cool and classic. Maybe I will pair it with a cropped ivory blazer, skinny jeans and high heels....very trendy but still classic in a way that won't make me feel too over the top. This is what I love about fashion....there are so many options, and if you are like me and prefer to stick to classic styles, just adding one top can change a simple outfit by adding a splash of flair, but still keeping it basic. What will you wear this weekend? What is your favorite fashion item? Is it the LBD, or something more trendy? Whatever it is, enjoy it - love it- wear it - and make it an expression of you and an extension of your personality. Fashion is personal and unique and makes each of us a little different. But in the end...just enjoy fashion and the many options it provides us.

Fabulous Desserts.....

Sometimes a gal just needs a late night treat. Thankfully, Papa Haydn is close by. Last night's dessert - beautifully displayed on colorful plates that mix and match with each other - was a delicious lemon cake. A perfect latte to go with it....and I was as happy as could be. If you live in the Portland area, Papa Haydn is known for their desserts (click to see beautiful pics of their dessert menu) I hope the photos look as good as they tasted. Buon apetite!

An Early Preview of Fall...

This morning, in Portland, it looked like fall....smelled like fall....and I even found a tree that started to change colors. But by this afternoon, the skies were gorgeous and tank tops were back on. But, before the sun made an appearance, here are some photos from the farmers market on the campus of Portland State University...oh, and the last picture is of course Dolce. He is preparing for a long winter's nap!

The Adventures and Mishaps of Dolce....

Yesterday, I spent my lunch break enjoying delicious coffee with a wonderful friend. Our plan was to sit outside...to enjoy what felt like early-fall here in Portland. However, Dolce and his behavior wouldn't allow us to have a calm, quiet coffee break. So, in a rush to get out of the car, add the parking meter sticker to the inside window and shut the car door without him getting out, I did something I've never done before. I left the keys in the car with the car engine running (thank you Mitsubishi for making such a quiet engine) and locked Dolce inside. I'm very grateful the temps weren't triple digits as I didn't realize my error until the last drop of my latte when I went to get my car keys. The lovely owner of the cafe and his friend, attempted creative ways to get Dolce out. Interesting that while they were using a coat hanger (and kitchen tools) 2 police officers and a fire truck went by...and either no one noticed....or no one bothered to stop and offer help. Thank you mom and dad for racing to their home to grab the spare key. Dolce had quite a day....and here are a few pics of the rescue attempt. By the way, I'll be skipping coffee today.

The Columbia River Gorge

A beautiful Labor Day weekend in Portland: a visit to the Gorge and a wonderful brunch at The View Point Inn. I'll write more another time...but for now...enjoy the photos below from my weekend adventure.

Taking a Risk....

I just saw the film, "Eat Pray Love". Movies that focus on the emotional and spiritual side of life always resonate so deep within me. I always come out of those films asking myself a million questions: why didn't I do that? why can't I do that? etc...

But why can't I? Ok...maybe I am unable to leave my job for a year.....and my puppy. But, as I am on the cusp of turning 40 (and you will hear more about that in the next few weeks!) I ponder my life and the many experiences I have had. I've met some who have said that I have had a charmed and privileged life while others have said I have barely lived. You know, some people just aren't shy to offer their opinions! I ask myself, "am I afraid to take a risk"? I find comfort in my home and being surrounded by the things I love - and Dolce and my family. But, as I get older, I'm recognizing more and more that risks need to be taken in life....otherwise, we are always asking ourselves "what if"? And isn't life about experiences and taking risks? My life has been charmed in many ways. I've experienced a lot - some good - some not so good. I've always been a firm believer that things happen for a reason and people come into our lives for a reason....some stick around for the long haul while others are in our lives for a purpose and sometimes its short-lived. I've opened up my heart to a lot of people over the years. I learned something from each of them - otherwise, why would they have come into my life. Hopefully they learned something from me as well. I think every time we open our hearts, its a risk. Risk of rejection, pain, getting hurt. Life itself is a risk, especially these days. But, we are here on borrowed time, and none of us knows how long that is. We should make the most of everyday, of every moment. What one person perceives as a risk is a walk in the park to the next - we each have our limits and what constitutes a risk. For me, I feel I am taking steps and planting seeds and once that new decade approaches and I am officially 40, I will take more risks. Some risks will be small....but I'd like to see where life's path will take me next. Two years ago, I would have laughed if someone told me I'd be living in Portland....but alas, here I am. I'm curious and excited to see where the next chapter will take me. I'm writing more, and although its what I love, I risk people rejecting my works. But, at the end of the day, its worth the risk. I recommend the movie, "Eat Pray Love." There is something in this film for everyone. Where will life take you next? Is there a risk you want to explore but haven't? Live for you and make every day count....and wherever you go....always take a photo of a loved one with you. La pace ed ama (peace and love)

To hot too Blog....

The one thing I don't miss about living in the Bay Area is the hot, hot weather. When its hot, sometimes my creativity goes south...so, the best I could come up with are these photos of Dolce who is fresh from the groomer (and not thrilled about it) But, in the end, he will feel cooler and more comfortable. Hopefully I will too.

May-December Romances....

I'm really not sure why relationships with an age difference are called May-December romances, but they are and it got me thinking...

I recently read an article in the August issue of Vogue about the author, Leon Bing and her relationship with a younger man. I was captivated by her words, her emotions and her experiences. I was also troubled by the fact that when an older woman dates a younger man, society has to put a label on it. And when celebrities are involved, tabloids love to get in on the action. Is this where our belief system comes from - sensationalized journalism? Why, in 2010, does society still lift an eyebrow at the older woman with the younger man? Part of me says its jealousy. Part of me says its a slow news day. And why are we still judging people? Personally, I've dated older men and younger men and at the end of the day, I just want to be with someone where there is a shared connection. Does it really matter if that person is 2 years older or 20 years younger? I think the ultimate goal is the same for most: to share our lives with someone - to be loved and to love in return. We need to live our lives for ourselves and ignore the judgments and labels of others. And if they are going to put a label on it....they better make it Chanel.

Random Pics of PDX....

Random Pics...

Just Thinking....

I'm sitting at my computer knowing that I won't sleep tonight because of back spasms. As I look around my condo, I see issues of Vogue and In Style Magazines. I have Sex and the City re-runs on the TV. When I'm not feeling well, fashion feeds and comforts me. I take breaks from the computer and walk over to my closet (also walking helps the spasms) and I think of the clothes I have purchased over the years....some remain in my closet...others were a miss and are now long gone and many items are new and waiting to be worn. I was thinking about 80's fashion and the many disasters: neon sweaters, halter tops, baggy sweaters and the over-worn hair scrunchies. Then the 90's, where I purchased my first LBD (little black dress) for the wedding of a college friend. I had always wanted an LBD, but I knew the first one needed to be special - it couldn't be just any LBD. No, the first LBD needed to look like Audrey Hepburn. I became so consumed with Audrey the first time I saw Breakfast at Tiffany's. And now, I must own every book ever written about her. The obsession with the little black dress has developed over the years. I have 15 (possibly more) in my closet. Some are sundresses, some are strappy - some get worn to the opera while others are worn with flip-flops for casual lunches. But no matter which LBD I wear....part of me...wishes I was her....gazing inside the Tiffany's window on 5th Avenue - but for now, I'm just the gal, with back spasms hoping tonight's insomnia will pass and that tomorrow my back will be pain free. And if I still have the back spasms tomorrow, I will surround myself with issues of Vogue and In Style and the other things in life that comfort me: Dolce, latte's and whatever fun outfit I pull out of my closet......

Sun and Fun at the SW Waterfront....

I had lunch today at the SW Waterfront....overlooking the beautiful water and boats. Great food, great weather and a very loud Dolce who was not thrilled to be sitting in his carry-case. After lunch, we checked out the Bastille Day celebrations in The Pearl District and there was a contest amongst some of the local waiters to see who can walk the fastest around the park, 3 times, while carrying a tray with glasses of water. It was a spirited event, lots of people, food and pups - everyone enjoying the day. I'm keeping this blog short because it was a long day in the sun....and I am off to bed....I want to be rested for my journey to Seattle, in the morning....Yankees here I come!!

Happy Friday

Where does time go? Its already the weekend. Not that I am complaining, mind you. In my head, its always Saturday. I haven't blogged lately, as I've had my head either buried in my laptop or in a cup of coffee - neither of which you'll want to hear about...trust me! This Sunday, I will venture to Seattle via Amtrak to see my beloved Yankees. And trust me, next week, there will be photos. Enjoy the weekend and the warmth.

Dolce+Groomer=Disaster....

So, although these are precious photos of Dolce, and a lovely photo of my mother! ~ here's how the groomer experience went: I went to pick him up, he ran right past me...out the door...and onto the street towards oncoming traffic. Its an absolute miracle that he was not hit. It was frightening, but also a classic Dolce move because my mother wasn't there and he is always looking for her! This time it almost got him killed. I ran after him which of course only made him run faster. He stopped in the street and I grabbed him. He is home. He is safe. And he is doing some thinking about his actions. What I learned: leash him before he comes out of the grooming room. Precious baby. He is so sweet. He loves my mom (more then me and I have come to accept that) Who can blame him? She's a fabulous lady!

My first weekend in Portland (in nearly a month) without any type of work commitment....and I let loose! I didn't want to be home. We had sun and warmth and I was on a mission to enjoy. Dolce and I did lots of walking in our neighborhood Pearl District. Most of the restaurants I mention are located in the Pearl. Its a great walking district...lots to do and lots to see. I purchased two fun new books from Powell Books. They have a great online store - check it out. I believe they are the largest used and new bookstore anywhere. A trip to Sephora was included as was a cosmo and appetizers from Bluehour. We were out and about all weekend, but the highlight, watching the Yankees come from behind to beat the Dodgers on Sunday evening. I've even included a photo of my four favorite Yankees....Happy Monday!