sailing into 2016

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to rush the time along.  I try to enjoy each moment, whether good or not-so-much, making the most of each day and experience.  I must say, I am definitely looking forward to spring.  Growing up in warm climates, I love being outside, working in the garden, enjoying the sunshine.

I'm definitely a nostalgic person.  I love handwriting greeting cards.  I prepare family recipes.  Once I establish a system for doing something, I do it the same way, every time, without fail.  I'm a creature of habit, and I'm ok with that.

At this time of year, I always find myself gravitating towards all things water related - sailing, swimming, and all that is associated with the categories.  Nautical inspired fashion.  Seafood dishes.  Decor with a splash of sailing.  Yacht-chic.  I love it all.

Maybe it's because my father is a retired Naval Officer, and I always think so fondly of sailors and the Armed Forces.  Or maybe because I grew up around the water, and associate the smell of the sea with childhood, family, and all things holy.  And maybe because I love warm climates and traveling, so just the thought of boating transforms my mind to an adventure, an exploration, and good times.  Regardless of motivation and nostalgia, here are a few sailing inspired looks and brands I'm loving:

-- Saint James has been making wonderful woven clothing and accessories in France since the mid-1800s.  Their Minquiers 10 unisex top is one of the most iconic sailing shirts imaginable.  Available in more than a dozen color combinations, the long sleeved tshirt features a round neck, straight shape, and the most breathable combed cotton, perfect for a crisp day on the water and warm days in the sun.  My favorite is the blue/white combination.  US$75.

 

-- Whether spending the day on the water, playing urban hiker and exploring a new city, or biking over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house, a backpack to keep your treasures dry is definitely essential.  Since 1897, Filson have been making quality goods with both design and function in mind, and are particularly geared towards the great outdoors.   I'm particularly loving the Dry Day Backpack.  A lightweight, vinyl-coated polyester backpack with sonic-welded seams, padded ergonomic shoulder straps and rolling hook-and-loop closure.  US$125.

 -- I love bracelets, for both men and women, and think they look best when stacked with three or four different fabrics, metals, and designs.  Really love the maritime rope bracelets with silver plated anchor from Miansai.  Available in several color combinations, fabric and metal options.  US$60.

-- We all know our bodies are composed predominately by water, and how important daily hydration is for normal system function and optimal health.  Water is also incredibly important for our skin.  Biotherm Homme has an entire range called Aquapower, packing the equivalent of 5,000 liters of thermal spa water into their face care.  I really love their Aquapower cleanser - leaving the skin feeling squeaky clean and super soft.  US$29.

-- I love the warm, natural glow candles add to a room's ambiance, and particularly the light fragrance they bring.  What better way to spring into 2016 and set the mood for successfully navigating the year ahead than with Nest's Ocean Mist & Sea Salt classic collection?  The refreshing essence of a gentle ocean mist is combined with hints of sea salt, white tea and coconut. What's not to love?  From US$16.

 -- Sheila Bridges is one of the coolest interior decorators on the planet.  She holds a special place in my heart, because Mom and I used to watch her show on the Fine Living Network together.  On the show, she always had an undeniable authenticity, encouraging her viewers to live their best life, finding what makes you happy, and creating a space that reflects where you've been, where you are, and where you're going.  And she's studied in Polimoda in my beloved Florence.  Sheila offers an extraordinary collection of hand-screened wallpapers.  My favorite are any of her toile collection, but the sailor in me adores her nautical stripes.  In my dream home, Sheila will do all the wall designs.

-- Whether cruising through Norwegian Fjords, enjoying a day cruise on the sea, or sailing through the Arctic, Norway's Helly/Hansen keeps you protected from all the elements with a dash of style + class.  I'm particularly loving their Salt Jacket, packed full of functional details like hand warmer pockets, fleece collar, adjustable hood, water and wind repellent, and super handy hanger hook.




What trends are you loving?  Regardless of where we go in life, I wish you all the best health, happiness, and harmony in 2016.  And of course, all with an added dash of style + class. 

everyday elegance at home

Your home is a sanctuary - the place where you should have ultimate relaxation, letting your hair and guard down, to recharge, refresh, and renew.  Here are a few things I'm loving that will help set the mood, lighten your workload, and make for stress free living with an added dash of style + class:

-- blankets and throws.  I hate being cold, especially at home.  Keeping a pile of blankets and small throws will allow for personal climate control, for both guests and yourself.  Whether hosting movie nights or unexpected guests, I love offering a few comfortable, cozy options.

Made in the USA by Pendleton Woolen Mill in honor of Rainier National Park, this 100% virgin wool blanket is inspired by heritage frontier blankets. This style of blanket, characterized by the stripes at either end, was used during the 18th and 19th centuries as a commodity in the fur trade. Renowned for its quality in keeping cold and rain at bay, trappers in the Pacific Northwest created garments out of these blankets. Each stripe correlates to a value, originally in beaver pelts, that signifies the thickness and quality of the wool. Woven in Pendleton, Oregon for the past century, these distinctive blankets are a cold-weather staple built to offer years of use. US$249 at Filson.

-- home fragrance.  Your home shouldn't be overpowering, with aroma oozing out of every nook and cranny.  However, your home should smell pleasant, with a light fragrance that's distinct and welcoming.  I use a myriad of devices - candles, wall plug-ins, sprays, diffusers, and solid perfumes.  Find a scent that you love, and incorporate it throughout your own space.  After all, it's your house - if you love it, that's all that matters.

Several years ago, I purchased a gorgeous metal Pomander from L'Occitane en Provence.  The small, globe shaped sphere had a small latch on the top, and when opened, revealed four decorative chambers for solid perfumes.  The opened chambers would allow for air to waft gently, revealing the perfect amount of fragrance.  Unfortunately, L'Occitane doesn't offer this anymore, or refills for that matter.  (Good thing I stocked up on solid perfume refills when I did!)

I always seem to love the fragrances from Nest, Dyptique, Santa Maria Novella, and Agraria.  They all offer products packaged beautifully, with fragrances that are crisp, without being clouded by fillers and artificial ingredients.  Prices vary.



The innovators at Philips have brought one of the coolest home accessories I've seen in a long time in the form of a lighting solution called Hue.  One part energy efficiency, one part futuristic living, one part awesome, Philips Hue is your personal wireless lighting system that combines brilliant and energy-efficient LED light with intuitive technology. Together, the light, the bridge and the smart controls not only create ambiance, bring movies to life, optimize energy, and enhance sleep quality, but are simple, easy to use, and maximize the possibilities.  Turn on more than the lights; turn on your imagination, with Hue. (prices vary)

-- a well equipped kitchen.  I love cooking.  Some people eat to live; I live to eat.  Whether cooking for yourself or an army, you always want a well equipped kitchen.  Tools should be in the right place, without having to reach too far, dig too deep, or risk a limb when locating those out-of-reach items.  One of my favorite cooking tools is a Dutch oven.  I have a few different sizes (from teeny tiny to almost-absurdly massive) and shapes (either round or oval), from both Le Creuset and Staub.

If you don't already have a Dutch oven, I'm loving the very manageable sized offered by Le Creuset and Product Red.   10% of the suggested retail price from every item in the (Le Creuset) RED Special Edition Collection will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.  The wide and shallow shape of this oval oven allows for effectively searing and browning meats before slowly cooking to perfection. A greater surface area is ideal for reducing sauces and evaporating excess liquid. This kitchen classic enhances the cooking process by evenly distributing heat and locking in the optimal amount of moisture. With ergonomic handles and an advanced interior enamel that resists chipping and cleans easily, Le Creuset’s Dutch ovens blend the best of the past with the latest innovations in comfort and functionality.

-- snacks.  Food is very important to me, so I love keeping unique, moderately healthy options on hand that don't take much time to prepare.  Think of things you'd put on a beautiful platter for antipasti - olives, pickles, nuts, cheeses, dried fruits, hummus, salumi,  and any other goodies that strike your fancy.  I like to have something salty, sweet, tart, crunchy, gooey, and savory - just a bite or two of each category.  One of my favorite snacks, especially when I'm in a hurry, is roasted nuts.  I'm loving the satisfying, fun flavors offered by Kernel Desires, all handmade and in small batches.  From the spicy Chipotle Chile Almonds to the decadently sinful Praline Pecans to the addicting Smoky Herb Almonds and Pecans, I can't get enough.  They also make lovely hostess gifts and stocking stuffers.


-- cleanliness is godliness.  What better way to guarantee a clean home by employing the People Against Dirty: Method Home.  Beautiful products, with fabulous fragrances, that are tough on dirt and gentle on the environment, without costing an arm, a leg, or your firstborn child.  If there's a surface to be cleaned - from head to toe, ceiling to floor, Method makes a product just for it.

Speaking of clean and effortless, I love the new Miele RX1 Scout Robotic vacuum, US$599.  If you're not familiar with Miele, imagine the home division of  Mercedes or BMW.  The products are incredibly designed, with beauty and engineering at top priority.  If you have hard floors like tile or wood, or have pesky pets, this is definitely the product for you. Features include: 

 • Smart Navigation by Miele features a ceiling camera, gyro sensor and innovative software

• Improved Triple Cleaning System for 34% more dust pick-up performance

• New Chevron style brush roll, two Front brushes, new Side brush dust strippers, and new Sealing lip

• 4 Cleaning Modes for a more thorough clean

• Lithium-ion battery offers up to two hours of continuous cleaning without recharging.
 

 -- Think ahead for maximum comfort, for you and your guests.  No one wants to sit in wet clothes, so I love the idea of keeping an umbrella stand stocked with a few umbrellas, just in case the weather is anything less than merry and bright.   Crate & Barrel offers the beautiful Kensington, for US$139.  The tall cylinder casts a graphic modern silhouette that makes a stunning first impression, with umbrellas or without, in entryway or mudroom. Handwoven into a casual grid, broad bands of iron are worked in the round and given a warm antique brass finish.  If you know you're going to host parties with many guests, or with people you might not see again, I recommend buying a few inexpensive umbrellas either from Target, online, or anywhere else that stocks decent quality and inexpensive products.For those who you trust, or for yourself, try something more durable, like the British brand Fulton. 

-- Prepare for unexpected overnight guests. I keep a small supply of small soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and an assortment of sample sized toiletries and such.  

Your home should be a haven.  It's your physical space to create the mental and emotional universe you so desire.  Whether you seek inspiration, relaxation, comfort, or any other feeling, make the most of what you have.  What products and solutions do you love for your home?

"The home should be the treasure chest of living." -- Le Corbusier.  

fall favorities, and other things you shouldn't live without

Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we're all connected to nature and Mother Earth.  When the seasons change, it's easy to implement other changes in your life as well.  Wash away the winter blues and prepare to blossom with spring cleaning.  Shed those unwanted pounds and dull skin in the spring with a fresh outlook and lifestyle for summer.  Now that it's all, we're bundling up more, enjoying time outside as much as possible, and preparing ourselves for holidays, family gatherings, and other traditions.  Here are a few things I love, that just may help you get in the spirit, add a little dash of style + class to your day, and optimize your time so you can ultimately be your best self.



I've talked about the many benefits of candles multiple times, but it's always worth mentioning again.  Candles are the easiest way to add ambiance and festive cheer to any space.  As autumn's crisp nights creep upon us, I love the warmth, soft glow, and pleasant scents that great candles provide.  Choose candles that are as natural as possible, so they don't leave soot or irritate allergies.  In the fall months, I love fragrances that are a little spicier, like amber, cinnamon, and clove, with dashes of brightness, like citrus or herbs, and deeper woods, like sandalwood, teakwood, and oud.  Agraria Home has a fabulous bitter orange, Nest offers Hearth, Diptyque Paris now features Oud, and Firefood from Henri Bendel are all sure wins.

You've spent the summer outside, holidayed as much as possible, and exposed virtually every inch of your body to the summer sun - it's time now to prepare for the cooler, drier months ahead and refocus your skincare routine.

Exfoliating is very important.  Once or twice weekly, gently slough away dead skin cells and other icky irritants.  You can either physically exfoliate, by using a textured masque or scrub, mechanically exfoliate, with a sonic brush that literally polishes the skin, or chemically exfoliate, with powerful acidic solutions and serums.  Choose a natural product, free from fillers and other harsh ingredients, and always consult your dermatologist if you're going to try something drastic.  I love Origins' Never a Dull Moment.  It's made with ground mango and apricot seeds, crushed walnut shells, and powerful papaya and grapefruit extracts, dissolving lackluster dead skin, revealing more radiant, fresh, and renewed skin.  It's good for all skin types, smells delicious, and is gentle and effective enough to use a few times per week.    My skincare maven and friend for life Linda F. recommends Peter Thomas Roth's firmX peeling gel - a potent potion of multi-action enzymes from pineapple, pomegranate, and keratinase, with cellulose that effectively peel and help uncover a smooth, fresh, new complexion without drying, irritating or causing undue stress to skin. Also excellent at removing impurities and decongests clogged pores for a youthful, radiant look. 

Cleanse the skin, preferably both morning and night.  Look for a wash that leaves the skin feeling crisp and cool, without over drying.  Face washes don't have to be complicated or overly fragrant - I look for one that foams, leaving behind no residue for that squeaky clean feel.  In the summer, I find my skin is a bit more oily, so I'll look for a wash containing a bit of salicylic acids and fruit enzymes, to cut down on the shine.  Intended for acne, Philosophy's Clear Days Ahead is frequently in my rotation - this gel packs a powerful punch on bothersome breakouts.  Plus the orange extract leaves skin feeling fresh and radiant - and smells incredibly refreshing.  Because Philosophy's Clear Days Ahead  can be a bit too drying, I limit its use to the summertime or for troublesome times only.  Year round, I love Biotherm Homme's Aquapower Cleanser, This powerful double-action daily cleanser, which also includes a small dose of exfoliating power, effectively removes impurities while refreshing the skin. Its ultra-cleansing fresh gel formula contains a combination of oligo-elements and potent cleansing agents that leave the skin soft, comfortable and exceptionally fresh.

Moisturize and Protect - after you've exfoliated and cleansed the skin, it's time to moisturize and protect.  I look for products that protect against dehydration, deterioration, and oxidation, like Origins' A Perfect World serum,  Just one tiny drop of this workhorse literally stops the clock on aging, protecting the skin from damaging environmental factors like smog, stress, and other oxidizers and keeps skin looking fresh, toned, and radiant.  I also love Murad's Invisiblur Perfecting Shield - a one-stop-shop for anti-aging, flawless looking skin and protection from the sun's harmful rays (and is really great for both men and women).



And I'm absolutely adoring Tom Ford's oil free daily moisturizer for men.  This lightweight, quick-absorbing, skin-mattifying moisturize urses the Tom Ford Skin Calming and Infusing Complexes with a combination of luxurious butters to hydrate your skin, help reverse dullness and help reduce the look of fine lines and pores. It leaves your face looking toned, polished and re energized, without looking primped or too done.  

Spot treat with masques: sometimes all you need is a quick "rescue" - whether sudden dryness, breakouts, or too much oil and shine, a quick masque will often steer your skin back on track in no time.  Exfoliate and cleanse as normal, then apply a thick layer of the masque to face, neck, and decollete.  Let the masque work its magic for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and continue with your regimen.   For dry skin or a quick moisture surge, I love Fresh's Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask  - their special blend of black tea ferment and extracts of blackberry leaf, black tea, and lychee seed pump the breaks on free radicals and restore skin's elasticity, while Belle de Nuit extract soothes and rebalances the skin to optimal condition, peptides firm the skin and visibly defy the signs of gravity, and hyaluronic acid attracts and maintains moisture for smooth, sheer suppleness. Origins' Out of Trouble is a just what the doctor ordered to fix over productive pores, prevent pesky pimples, and put the kibosh on shine.  It packs a one-two punch with super absorbent zinc oxide and sulfur.  (Side note: If you didn't already know, products with zinc oxide naturally block harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun and light sources, has natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties,  is a natural astringent, and reduces pore size.  If you suffer from Rosacea, Psoriasis, Eczema, diaper rash, or dandruff, products and foods with zinc may be your answer.) It also contains Camphor, which naturally calms the skin.  You'll notice a smoother texture and clearer skin in no time.   

If you travel frequently, or want to make sure you're prepared without breaking the bank, Origins offers the perfect dose of masks in convenient travel or "just in case" sizes. 

If you're like me, you can't live without your iDevices - whether iPhone, iPod, iPad, or iWhatever, they're an essential part to our everyday function.  And that means one thing - we must always have power.  My favorite chords and charging accessories are from Blue Flame.  The cables are brilliantly braided and secured, preventing the dreaded "cable split" so typical of the basic white bits provided by the fruits at Apple.  I had a Blue Flame cable last several years with my last iPhone, and immediately went out when I updated last.  Especially handy if you travel or are frequently on the go, I've had no problems whatsoever.
Makes a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift at the office holiday party, too. 

Don't get me wrong - espresso has a place in my life, regardless of the temperature outside or season we're celebrating, but it's nice to finally enjoy hot beverages now that the temperatures and leaves are falling.  I'm loving hot beverages, especially piping hot coffee.  Williams-Sonoma stocks a delicious concentrate of five different apple varieties, making for a quick and easy pot of mulled cider.  I can't get enough of Teavana's Pineapple Kona Pop herbal tea, either.  When I was growing up, my Mom would make a delicious "percolator punch" - a marvelous mix of equal parts pineapple juice and cranberry juice, with cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and ginger in the percolator basket.  I think it'd be really nice to mix this Pineapple Kona Pop with Mom's "percolator punch" for an added layer of tasty treat.  And for a boozy punch, a mighty measure of Solerno Blood Orange liqueur will make mouths happy. 

My favorite activity during fall: spending time with family + friends.  Get outside.  Throw a cocktail party.  Just because.  Take a hike.  Literally!  Keep a soccer ball in the trunk (boot) of your car for a random pickup game in the park.  Open the windows, feel the fresh air, and remember why you're alive.  Be spontaneous.  While it's important to look to the future, don't forget to see your now. 

thanks + giving

As we get closer to holidays, I was thinking about cool host(ess) gifts.  These are great items to stock up on year-round, for those "just in case" multipurpose gift-giving occasions.  They don't have to be complicated or costly, just of really great quality.

-- tea towels.  You can never have enough kitchen towels.  They can be festive, inspirational, humorous, or purely functional - but you can always use more tea towels.  Flour-sack style towels are especially great for people who're big drinkers or entertainers, as they don't leave lint on glassware. I also love the intricate patterns and delicate weave of traditional European linens, like those from Garnier-Thiebaut.  Their vibrant pops of color are sure to brighten any kitchen or space, and are of amazing quality and durability.

-- candles.  Just like tea towels, you can never have "too many" candles.  Their light, warmth, and fragrance turn a sterile space into the most romantic room.  If you know your host(ess) well, pick a fragrance that you know they'll enjoy or invokes their personality. If you don't, standard wins are always balsam, cinnamon, lavender, and vanilla.  One of my favorite candle companies is Nest.  Once Laura Slatkin had sold her home wildly successful fragrance line to Bath & Body Works, she started the more luxurious, incredibly special Nest.  Better fragrances, less junk ingredients and fillers, and a lot more love, I'm always so impressed with the quality and longevity of their products.  For fall, I'm especially loving their "winter fireplace" inspired Hearth, and know it'd make the most wonderful way to show thanks and giving.

-- Caveat: my next suggestion is far from inexpensive.  But the experience, the product, and the scent-sation is worth it, 100%. Santa Maria Novella's soap, or anything for that matter.  How can three simple words conjure up such time-tested techniques for making the most exquisite products for bath, body, and home?  Melograno (Pomegranate) is my favorite, hands down.  Once you have tried Santa Maria Novella's Pomegranate soap, it is impossible to imagine wanting to use anything else. Triple milled, each exquisite bar is hand molded one by one using 19th century equipment, aged for 60 days in ventilated cabinets, and then hand-wrapped. The all-natural whole milk formula is infused with the classic Florentine scent of pomegranate oil for a lather that is rich, gentle and softly moisturizing. And because each soap is hand pressed, all Santa Maria Novella soaps will last about three times longer than ordinary soaps while maintaining their shape and scent. Suitable for all skin types.

 -- wonderful, seasonal ingredients.  If your host(ess) is a foodie, consider a small assortment of beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables.  Maybe present them in a sweet basket, or a reusable grocery bag.  I'd also recommend a small collection of herbs, seasonings, and spices.  If your recipient is a drinker or entertains frequently, a great bottle of wine or small batch bitters makes a lovely gesture of appreciation.

The gifts need not be expensive, either.  If you're being hosted by a family, one of my favorite gifts is a "movie night in a bowl" - take a large bowl, add a box of microwave popcorn, some sweet treats, and a family friendly / audience appropriate movie.  Wrap in cellophane, tie with a bow, and voila - instant gift, less than $20, that also encourages the family to spend time together (often a gift within itself).

-- I love gifts that keep on giving, like a subscription to Kinfolk or Saveur.  It's no secret that I love to cook, to eat, to entertain, and to travel. So you can imagine my surprise and delight when I opened the letterbox about a year ago and discovered Saveur. My best friend ordered it as a gift, and I'm still thankful. Both Kinfolk and Saveur are simply beyond. Travel. Food. Drink. Beautiful photography. Compelling writing. Fabulous recipes.

Come se dice "delicious subscriptions" in Italiano?  "Kinfolk" and "Saveur" obviously.  

The most important thing to remember is this: your gift should not offend.  I try to refrain from bringing wine unannounced.  When I'm planning a party, I take great care in selecting the food and drink on offer, making sure everything is in perfect harmony.  I'd hate to bring a bottle of my favorite wine as a gift but give the unintended impression that I didn't trust the host(ess)'s ability to properly pair, let alone bring something that wouldn't compliment the other menu items.  This is why I also refrain from bringing flowers - the host(ess) probably has decorated accordingly, so I try and avoid this option, unless you know the recipients well or have established past precedence.  (Don't get me wrong - sending flowers in the days following the event is always a wonderful gesture of thanks and praise.)


But then I got to thinking about the ultimate gift - that of sharing time and talent.  Kinfolk, one of the coolest communities of creative people on the planet, posts a little video section.  Here's one of my favorite: a flower potluck!

 


Next time you're planning a cocktail party or small gathering to sip and snack on all things delicious, consider throwing your own "flower potluck" as well.  I'm sure we all have a small collection of vases from previous arrangements.  Set out a few vessels, sharp sheers, flower food, and other ribbon / accouterments, then invite your friends to bring some of their favorites - whether from the garden or yard, or their favorite florist or market.  You could be specific and assign categories, like greenery, fill, centerpiece, etc., or just keep it open and free.

Once you've had the "flower exchange", continue on savoring the refreshments and company.  Everyone gets a personalized take-home gift!

Gifts don't have to be expensive, but they should always come from the heart.  Remember, the ultimate gifts to give are that of time, love, and friendship.  What's the best host(ess) gift you've ever received?