It’s here! The sun is finally our friend again and boy does it feel great! Better late than never. Let the tan and the fun begin. . .
Happy 4th to all!
Spoon (spoon) v. 1. To cuddle in a spoonlike position.
Had to share this Kodak moment because no one would have ever believed me otherwise! Me, Grover and Grover’s new all-time favorite toy got it down pat (no pun intended) last night.
Grover was curled up in the crook of my arm with his back and little butt all cozied up to me. He also brought his new best friend (a birthday gift) to bed with him and positioned that thing underneath his paw and cozied up to him. It was a three way spoon.
The salty air does wonders for me. I sleep like a baby when we are on the Cape. And apparently so does my pooch.
Filed under: Events
This past weekend we celebrated “Sarah and the City” – a NYC fun filled weekend for a bride to be. Sarah is a very good friend of mine and I am one of her bridesmaids, although we are not calling ourselves that, just simply bridal friends. Honestly it has been a while since I have been a bridesmaid, so this title suits me and my age just fine.
Our sex and the city themed weekend started on Saturday with a lite lunch, rose wine (my summer fav) and some shopping. We then all checked into the Great Jones Spa (truly one of NYC’s best pampering spots because of the wet spa and a man named Jacob – more about him later.) I gave everyone a short to do list for the weekend. Shocker I know, but what can I say I am the event planner. One of my jobs was the bubbles and the girls were in charge of booking the spa appointments and bringing the snacks.
This spa has memories for each of us. Mine mainly revolve a man named Jacob. I was very tempted to tell Sandra to book me a massage with him, however at the time I could not remember his name. All I remembered was his exact resemblance to actor Simon Baker, his hands, his fabulous accent and a boyish grin that truly made me blush. And before this weekend, I did not really know Sandra all that well, so I figured she would think I was a crazy lunatic stalker if talked about him like this. Not to mention she had to phone the spa and give that description. 
So I kept quiet – first time for everything. We arrived at the spa and I of course started babbling about my male fantasy masseuse. There we were all sitting in our robes waiting for our names to be called and then to look up and see whose magic fingers we got. I was the first called. Held my breath, winked at the girls, looked up and there standing before me was the spitting image of Paul Giamatti. Short, bug eyes and all. Certainly not Jacob. But what could I do? 
Turns out my guy was just as skilled, but the fantasy part was left in the waiting room. Sandra, our lovely singleton of the group, ended up with Jacob. She walked back into the locker room with such a glow I did not even have to ask her. You biatch was what spilled from my mouth. You get transported to another world by the Mentalist and I got Mr. Sideways. After 15 years of marriage one would think they would let me take the hottie.
After our treatments, we returned to the wet spa with a bottle of Veuve-Clicquot and some yummy snacks. Three hours later we left. Now that was a great effort and day.
Part two of our girly weekend was dinner and dancing. We made a rezzy at Sushi Samba on 7th Avenue South. Saturday night, gorgeous spring weather in NYC and we picked one of the loudest, trendiest bridge and tunnel meet tourist spots around. But they have a fantastic deck and indoor/outdoor seating area on the 2nd floor. And Sarah and I have frequented that place for years to imbibe in a mango capirinhia or two. So it was the perfect destination to start our evening.
Our night was pretty fun, but very civilzed too. We devoured our shrimp tempura, spciy tuna and tuna taccitos and had a few rounds of our mango cocktails too. Now it was time to dance off the calories!
We walked and walked that night looking for the best places to salsa dance and ended up at a club called Aspen. Not really what we had in mind, but we all agreed it was appropriate because of its rustic theme. Sarah is getting married in July in Park City – so it fit. And we danced the rest of the night away.
Sunday morning came pretty fast. Well faster seeing we got in Sunday am, but still it was a bit hard to get out of bed. Sarah and I woke and immediately went to Starbucks for grande lattes. Our brunch was at 1pm so we had some time to chill and let the coffee do its job.
And look at us, we clean up well don’t you think? We had a lovely, leisurely bridal brunch at Avra on the upper east side. This was one of Sarah’s requests. And once again, the weather cooperated so we dined al fresco.
“Sarah and the City” was a success and we had a blast celebrating with her before she becomes a MRS!
Sarah always says I am her “most fun married friend,” well soon my dear you will be one of mine.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Hello handsome. Where have you been and why aren’t you on my foot? Meet my latest crush. This particular one is in black, but I covet his younger brother in gold.
He caught my eye last week as I was killing time in NYC and decided to peruse the shoe department at Barneys. Mike was with me and he actually fell in love with this shoe too. Or at least he acknowledged that this 5.5 inches of pure bliss was fierce and understood my obsession. . . well almost. But it was a good start.
There was a young woman trying them on next to the bench seat where my not-so-overly enthusiastic, but obliging husband had parked himself while I dashed around. She did not buy the shoe, which I am actually glad because personally, I don’t think she could have done this filly justice.
For me, it was love at first sight. However I used restraint and left my latest lover safely on display. I am simply going to wait until everything that is anything goes on sale in just a few short weeks. Then I will move in for the kill.
Each spring, two of my BFFs and I spend some quality time in NYC celebrating birthdays, shopping, gossiping and having fun. Most recently, we have established a fun shoe tradition. We all buy the exact same pair of shoe and sport it around all season. And we tend to purchase ones that are not super trendy so we can wear them again and again too. And every time we wear them, we think of each other. Now that is a bonus on our ROI. Prada has been our pick for the past few years, but this season I think a new candidate is in town.
So girls, what do you think of my Pierre Hardy fishnet sandals? Do you have a new crush too?
Filed under: Events
Yes I am almost famous. As some of you may now know, Michael is back in the music industry managing a band called Endway. Last weekend, we decided to go with them to NYC. They were playing at Justin Timberlake’s bar and restaurant Southern Hospitality in NYC and my husband aka band manager of the year thought it would be a great bonding experience to make the trip with them. When I say make the trip, I mean really make the trip.
We were supposed to leave Boston at 12 noon. It was 2:30pm and Mike, Brian (the keyboardist) and me dressed in my “band look” were still outside sitting on our stoop waiting for our ride. Now you know that I travel back and forth to the big apple all the time. Preferred methods being the shuttle or Acela. But there is a first (and last) time for everything. This time my mode of transportation was a used grey van, otherwise known as the Endway tour bus. Two of the bench seats had been removed leaving room for all the equipment in the back and the newly acquired futon mattress between the back and front seats.
We hit the road about 3pm – just in time to hit all the traffic on the Pike and through Hartford. The drive was long, muggy and not very comfortable. Not the boys fault, the van suited their needs just fine. It got them where they were going and provided a place to sleep if their manly physiques and boyish charms failed them on the road. But um, check out two of them above, as you can imagine this rarely happens. Anyway, Mike and I were two added bodies, making it that less comfy and more of an inconvenience times two. Needless to say I was cranky.
We stopped only once for a bathroom run and to get some food. I was hoping for a TCBY, they settled for hot dogs. The rest stop we visited hosted a Knights of Columbus bake sale of sorts. So no fro yo for me, but Gold help me, no hot dog either. Now I was cranky and hungry.
At about half past 8, we finally checked into our hotel. I learned more in those five and a half hours about members of the opposite sex, then I did in college, in all my years of dating and in my 15 years of marriage. And trust me they certainly don’t teach you this stuff in sex ed class, in relationship books or even on reality shows. Life on the road with a band is a whole new type of education.
Personally, one I don’t think I’ll be signing up for the follow up class anytime soon. I am much happier simply meeting them at all their local venues and thinking I know it all.
I was in NYC this past weekend too but flew in on good old US Air. Of course I still went to hear and see the boys. They are like my newly adopted kids. Let me tell you besides the education, there are many other experiences that go along with suddenly having 5 twenty-something year old good looking boys around all the time. It makes you younger for sure. So there I was back in this joint yelling and dancing with Labbadia, Traci and other friends. I have no problem admitting I am having a blast with them and know Mike is too. But I also have no problem telling you, my hubby and them that I am past riding in the back of any van. Soon when our boys transition from band members to rock stars, they will feel the same way.
They are almost famous because they are rising stars. I am because I now get to say, ”I’m with the band,” it just does not necessarily mean that I rode in with them.
Filed under: Fashion
Yes my friends, a jumpsuit. This spring and summer, when I am asked what I am wearing to an event or for a fun night out with my hubby or posse, that will be my answer.
I must admit, I too was skeptical about these babies, but after my young, hip salesgirl at Barneys told me to “just try it on,” I was hooked.
Last month, I was shopping for my trip to St Barths. Because of the horrendous economy and my schedule, I had not been shopping in a while. But I had a gift certificate from Christmas to one of my all time favorite stores and decided my vacation to this trendy, hot spot needed something fabulous and new. I tried on a bunch of pieces – tops, pants, shorts, skirts and dresses. None of which I really loved or loved enough to pull the trigger. My twenty-something rail thin stylista asked me where I was going. When I told her my destination, I thought she was going to jump right out of her boyfriend jeans she was so excited. “Oh my God, I absolutely love St Barths. . .I was potty trained there.” I felt like replying when about 10 years ago, but refrained. She obviously had spent some time on this chic island and could therefore be of use to me.
She then pointed me in the direction of the central mannequin. This tall also rail thin plastic creature was sporting a jumpsuit. And convinced me that this would be perfect for my trip and become one of my favorite things to wear all season. I tried it on and immediately felt rail thin, glamorous, current and oh so chic.
My jumpsuit is black with spaghetti straps, a drawstring waist and long wider legs. A new designer to the scene. . . and is fierce. The tie belt is great alone or with a bigger belt over it. I suggest opting for black if you are a newbie to this look. It is easiest to dress up or down and the most flattering.
I wore my one piece wonder out in St Barths with super high gold heels, chunky gold jewelry and a tan. I felt like a million bucks and had quite the night as a result.
Now that we are finally enjoying some good spring weather and my social calendar is filling up again, I can’t wait to wear it again. A great cropped leather jacket will complete the look one night and a huge waist cincher with some funky gladiators another. The possibilities are endless.
I know this is a leap of faith. But go ahead, make the jump!
Filed under: Feast
My new drink debuted with the spring menu last week at Sonsie on Newbury Street in Boston. This is my third “guest drink appearance” at this trendy, neighborhood eating and drinking establishment. Last year, they came up with the idea to ask some local and almost famous Bostonians for their favorite drink recipes and to then see who and what was the most popular with the patrons and the cash registers. Well three seasons later and three drinks in, and I am still going strong.
Vodka is the main ingredient of all my drinks. Other than wine, it is only what I like to drink. This is my first martini though. Figured I just celebrated a birthday and it was time to put out a real ladies drink. But guys, don’t let it fool you. This is no pansie colored candy drink. The Christini (got to love the name) is potent enough they already put a limit on these bad girls.
Go to Sonsie and order my latest custom cocktail. Take two Advil when you get home and call me in the morning with your feedback and hopefully fun Christini induced stories. Have more than three, and I guarantee you feel a lot more shaken than stirred.
THE CHRISTINI
Kurant Vodka (made from a black currant berry)
Chambord
Fresh lime juice
Shake all above ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
Add a champagne topper and garnish with edible flowers or a lime wheel
Enjoy!
Filed under: Events
2009 Easter eggs by artists Christine DiCarlo, Susan Ciccanesi and newcomer Traci Coulter.
Filed under: Uncategorized
In general, I am not a baseball fan. I am not a crazy, obsessed member of Red Sox nation. And I am by no means a jersey chaser. I can however appreciate those who are, and can almost understand why they get so wrapped up in it all at times.
And I admit I enjoy going to baseball games. Not to sit there for nine long innings, but rather to do what I do best. I like to hop around the clubs or luxury suites socializing with people. To me it is an event. If we are winning, and this puts everyone I am socializing with in an even better mood, well than that is a bonus.
Last week, I went to the Red Sox’s first night game and got the chance to go on the field. Now this is worth bragging about. Baseball fan or not, once standing on the field, you feel pretty damn special. Morgan Dorr, the lead singer of Endway, the incredible band my husband is now managing, sang the National Anthem. He was great. We the groupies got to tag along on field for his moment.
My friend Traci took this photo with her phone. You have to admit, I did okay sporting those pigtails under that cute little basball cap adorned with a mini pink “B.” No one would have ever guessed I was only there for the music and the EMC Club. She then immediately uploaded it to FB (got to love Facebook). The responses came fast and furious – wondering why she, a tried and true Yankees fan, was standing with a girl wearing a Red Sox hat and how amazing it was that we got down so close to the field.
We were on the field.
That feeling, Morgan’s stirring rendition of the anthem, the apres field cocktail and the group gathering at La Verdad all made for a super night. Hey wait a minute, I think I could be a fan after all.
Just about a month ago I had to take a business trip to Atlanta (seems like a lifetime ago now, but so does Christmas for that matter). Being a bit stressed to travel before my vacation and the holidays, I decided to maximize my time and do some holiday planning on the plane ride down south. I brought along a few magazines for inspiration and guidance and found one of my new all time favorite recipes. I love to cook but have never been the baker. This year, I set out to conquer a dessert.
I found a great recipe for a delish caramel and chocolate bread pudding in the March ‘08 issue of Bon Appetit. The recipe was from Jill O’Connor’s latest cookbook “Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey.” I added and can testify to the YUM!
This recipe serves 8 – 10. I almost doubled it and recommend using an even larger baking dish. It gets better the next day – you just need to reheat a touch and make some extra sauce too. Mom, here is the recipe for you and your friends.
Dulche de leche and chocolate chunk bread pudding:
8 1/2 inch thick egg bread ( I used egg rolls and just peeled off the shell. I bet Challah bread would be amazing here too)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided. (leave it out on your counter – it does the trick)
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup dulce de leche topping or caramel sauce (I got the Whole Foods caramel topping – it is made for ice cream)
4 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons dark rum (spiced works too)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
3 oz (about 1/2 cup) bittersweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons sugar
powdered sugar
Preheat over to 350. Place your bread in a large bowl. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons melted butter and toss. Pour onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until bread is golden or about 12 mins (you can do this ahead of time). Then cool. Brush an 11×7x2 inch glass baking dish with butter.
Stir whipping cream and 1 cup dulce de leche sauce in medium saucepan over medium heat until blended and bubbling. Remove from heat. Whisk eggs and yolks in karge bowl. Add rum, vanilla and salt. Gradually whisk in warm dulce de leche mixture and then stir in the bread cubes. Let this soak for 30 mins and stir it occasonally (smell it too occasionally too – it is amazing).
Mix chocolate chips into custard mixture. Pour into your prepared (the buttered one) baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar and bake for about 35 mins (you want it puffy and set in the center). Let it cool 15 minutes and then dust with powdered sugar. Serve it warm and pass with more warm dulce de leche.
Eat just a small bit to satisfy your craving and then sit back and relish in the compliments from your soon to be a wee bit fatter, but oh so happy friends.
