EYE heart

for your little history buff

2012-01-25T09:30:00.002-05:00

check out these new books for your little historian and give her/him a jump start on these classics: Click on the book covers below to be directed to Amazon.com or, better yet, order & reserve your copies locally at Quail Ridge Books & Music.

order now

available march 1, 2012

available march 1, 2012

"UPCYCLE" with molly mutt dog bed duvet company!

2012-01-16T09:10:00.002-05:00

I discovered molly mutt - the dog bed duvet company - at the Grand Opening of Woof Gang Bakery in Raleigh's North Hills this weekend while picking up kibble and biscuits for my dogs. The simple concept behind the company's design is totally genius...way up there as one of the coolest products I have seen in a long time!

P.S. Each fantastic pattern is named for a song, cool!

Step 1: buy your molly mutt duvet + stuff sack
Step 2: gather old clothes, linens, old dog bed stuffing
Step 3: fill stuff sack with your stuff
Step 4: insert filled stuff sack into dog bed duvet

pictures of you

title track

perfect afternoon

bird on a wire

bird on a wire + stuff sack

spitting fire

title track dog (or cat) duvet

la vie en rose

molly mutt creator, molly mundt

The SYDNEY Necklace

2012-01-12T10:00:00.003-05:00

Check out this amazing and inspiring collaboration by Jane Pope Cooper of balboa jewelry & jane pope jewelry + Charlotte, North Carolina based Towne & Reese. The SYDNEY Necklace is available now for pre-order and will ship at the end of the month. Proceeds from the sale of The SYDNEY necklace will go to KINDERMOURN - a Charlotte, NC based program for children who have experienced the loss of a family member or friend. The program guides children through the grieving process through individual counseling as well as play and art therapy.

The SYDNEY Necklace is a design of love to honor an amazing mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister, and Jane's former business partner, Sydney Boone Gaylord.

The SYDNEY Necklace

Grace

2012-01-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

A lovely, little something that I came across in my readings and thought worthy enough to share...

YOU MAY NOT ALWAYS BE GRACEFUL, BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS BE GRACIOUS.

grace kelly - the epitome of grace

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

www.feyt.com

2012-01-10T09:30:00.001-05:00

Ferebee Taube & Eleanor Ivisaker will be launching their newsletter/blog in February, with the rest of the site rolling out over the next several months. The full scale launch is slated for July. Sign up now for personalized styling tips!

Feyt

from feyt.com:

What if you could walk into your favorite store and see only the merchandise you know you like.

Or walk down the street, admire a woman's outfit, and shop from it.

Imagine if you could open your closet to perfectly put together looks, and share them with your friends.

Real style comes from discovery. But discovering the best of what you like takes time, energy and access. Feyt is a website that customizes and curates your personal shopping experience.

Welcome to the future of style.

Ferebee Taube is originally from Rocky Mount, North Carolina and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina. Ferebee has been working as an independent public relations and branding consultant since 2007 for clients such as Vogue, Theory, Vena Cava, Sigerson Morrison, and Chloe. She has held numerous positions in the fashion industry, including director of VIP and celebrity relations at Harrison & Shriftman and celebrity services manager at Calvin Klein, where she spent four years. She is active in various philanthropic activities in the New York area and currently resides in New York City and Millbrook, NY with her husband and three little boys.

Eleanor Ivisaker is a native of New York and attended university at NYU. Eleanor has an impressive resume including: Co-Founder at Earnest Sewn, PR Director at Paper Denim & Cloth and Fashion Department at Harper's Bazaar and Lucky Magazine.

ferebee bishop taube & eleanor ivisaker

ferebee with her boys

eleanor with her son, alistair

The Mystery, Sex Appeal & More of the Photograph

2012-01-08T15:15:00.003-05:00

For me, there has always been a mystery behind photographs, the camera and both the individual behind the lens and their subject or subjects. Great photographers have the ability to capture this mystery or purposefully leave it to be discovered or determined by the viewer. Today, I am teaching myself how to "collage" with digital pictures and thought it would be interesting to put together a few images of celebrity photographers like The Great, Annie Leibovitz, Kelly Klein and the, sometimes, controversial Tyler Shields, a professional photographer based in Los Angeles, along with celebrities and their cameras. Look for more collages as I learn to master this new found application. Oh, what AM I going to do with myself and all of my new found free time??? Exactly what I want...

keeping me up at night...

2012-01-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

It happens every once in a while - OK, more often than that...something catches my eye and I fall completely in love. This killer Balenciaga Brogues City handbag with detachable shoulder strap is causing some serious sleepless nights...I am OBSESSED! In my opinion, it doesn't get any more bad ass than this. A classic that never goes out of style.

balenciaga brogues city

balenciaga

Dress Up Your Desk for 2012

2012-01-06T22:00:00.001-05:00

Hello friends! Happy New Year! It's been a while. To kick off my 2012 I find myself unemployed for the first time...ever. However, no complaints here and I must admit that I am, 100%, enjoying the freedom of not having to get up and go to work or answer to anyone other than my family and me - WHAT A FEELING!!! This has also quickly lead me right back to EYE heart and my last entry from summer 2011...which I have dearly missed and immensely enjoy writing each and every time I sit down in front of my computer. This first week of 2012 certainly has been an interesting one. I have spent my new found freedom this week organizing and tossing lots of unnecessary junk and while I will admit that I haven't even scratched the surface - of all that needs to be done at my house - it does feels good to start somewhere. I have this new overwhelming sense of total freedom that I haven't felt in a long time...add that to being able to spend the afternoons with my daughter makes me smile. In the midst of nesting/purging/organizing I thought I would start the year off by dressing up my desk a bit for the new year. Check out the fabulous desk calendars below, each are sure to add a little pizazz to your workspace and keep you up to date on all of your to-do's. Here's to a fantastic 2012!

kate libby

a few minutes with designer Melissa Akey of Thread Social

2011-07-15T06:30:00.256-04:00

Melissa Akey, owner & designer, of Thread Social has the kind of personality that makes you feel like you have known her your whole life...although you have just met. She makes you feel completely at ease with her cool, kind, down to earth personality. Did I mention, beautiful and effortlessly stylish! I had the chance to meet Melissa a couple of months ago and knew that a Q&A with her would be informative as well as lots of fun! Check it out below and be sure not to miss Thread's Fall, Holiday & Resort 2011 collection which is amazing! NEWS FLASH...be on the lookout for their little girls' line that is currently in the works...can you stand it???!!! Thread Social can be found locally at Beanie + Cecil or online through Thread Social as well as shopbop. Happy Friday! I hope each of you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,
helen

Melissa Akey of Thread Social

HW: Who is your greatest fashion influence?

Melissa: Marc Jacobs, Coco Chanel, Alber Elbaz, Consuelo Castiglioni.

HW: Do you have any fashion muses?

Melissa: Kate Moss, Diane Kruger, Kate Bosworth come to mind. Their style feels effortless and they always seem to get it right, on and off the red carpet.

HW: What are your must haves for fall?

Melissa: Thread Social feather print tea length paneled dress and Lurex Chiffon capelet dress.

HW: What’s your top tried-and-true beauty product or must?

Melissa: Ooh… I have so many favorites but I’m very loyal...

I love Tata Harper’s all natural skin care line. Crème de La Mer, Nars orgasm blush, Laguna bronzer and red square matte lip pencil (all of my color is pretty much Nars!), YSL mascara and I’ve recently discovered Clinique’s moisture surge tinted moisturizer which is fantastic. It’s light and creamy but provides excellent coverage.

HW: Describe your style in 5 words or less.

Melissa: Eclectic, forward, playful, comfortable, fresh.

HW: Are you currently reading any good books?

Melissa: I’m going back and forth between The Savage City and The Happiness Project.

HW: Where are your favorite places to shop?

Melissa: Net-a-Porter.com, Barneys New York, Topshop and Zara for great inexpensive finds.

HW: Sweet or Savory?

Melissa: Savory hands down (I’ve never met a French fry I didn’t like;). Although now that I’m pregnant I need a little of both!

HW: If you could travel anywhere in the world – where would you go & why?

Melissa: This is a tough one to narrow down as there is still so much of the world I’d like to discover. In the near future I’d love to visit South Africa, Egypt and Morocco.

HW: Favorite era?

Melissa: 1970s.

HW: What’s your favorite part of your job?

Melissa: Having a great partner and working with a great group of women. Everyone is very supportive and relaxed yet motivated and proactive.

HW: What is your greatest extravagance?

Melissa: Travel, hands down. Luckily I have a husband who also wants to see the world. That’s always helpful;)

HW: Do you have a favorite motto?

Melissa: Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.

business partners & friends Melissa Akey & Beth Blake of Thread Social

Melissa's Must Haves for Fall

Thread Social feather print tea length paneled dress

Lurex Chiffon capelet dress

I HEART

Fall 2011 - color-blocked fitted skirt w/exposed zipper...oh so smart!

Holiday 2011 - full length t-shirt dress in mixed city lights print

Resort 2011 - peekaboo shift dress

These Are Days

2011-07-14T11:25:00.003-04:00

The 10,000 Maniacs song was our farewell song. The picture below brings back fond memories of that special day. Including my major dilemma...a quest to find a "cool" pair of white shoes to pair with our traditional white dresses. Not an easy task, I might add. Funny the things you remember...here's to SMC! The tradition continues!

News & Observer columnist Lori Wiggins wrote an article in the N&O on graduation morning about Saint Mary’s commencement, “The pomp and circumstance features traditions that define the school’s history and keep alumnae close.”

“Graduation has vestiges of tradition no other ceremony has,” said Theo Coonrod. “It’s the celebration of the feminine spirit. It’s about honoring and celebrating.”

the white, lace handkerchief drops symbolizing the end of another school year

Oh, I almost forgot...while, in general, I don't love white shoes...I can hardly wait to scuff up a new pair of white sneakers. If I had to choose a pair today, they would more than likely be something like these pretty rockin' Christian Louboutin mary janes...


christian louboutin mad mary janes


*brian atwood from s/s 2011 collection*

christian louboutin deva - better in black...no???

Skinny Dipping

2011-07-12T07:30:00.004-04:00

As the mercury rises (it's supposed to feel like 108 degrees today), can you think of anything more carefree, fun & refreshing than skinny dipping?

woof woof

2011-07-11T06:00:00.025-04:00

Broadway Barks was founded by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore out of their love and passion for animals. The foundation promotes the adoption of shelter animals with a focus on education in regards to responsible pet ownership, spaying & neutering as well as the importance of pet identification. Bernadette Peters recently promoted the 13th Annual Broadway Barks event, held this weekend in NYC, on Live with Regis & Kelly. She is the author of two children's books. Her most recent book, Stella is a Star, as well as New York Times bestseller Broadway Barks.
Both are available for purchase on Amazon.com

Bernadette Peters signing a copy of Broadway Barks for Kate

bernadette peters with kramer

Loving...JADEtribe Nicole Tote

2011-07-10T09:50:00.003-04:00

"A little bit beach-y, a little bit bohemian jet set, and 100 percent natural and ethical, JADEtribe is the true embodiment of fashion with a conscience. Whether it’s the handbag repurposed from hand embroidered baby carrier cloths, the hand braided jewelry that jingles or the organically dyed, hand loomed textiles, each element of JADEtribe carries a piece of Kimberly’s heart and the hearts of the women whose lives have improved by making it."

JADEtribe Nicole Tote

kimberly hartman

Check out the post below from shopbop blog - blog.shopbop.com

Founded in 2009, JADEtribe’s handmade bags and jewelry are the result of designer Kimberly Hartman’s journey across Asia. To learn more about the line’s unique origins, I asked Kimberly about her travels, the process of making these one-of-a-kind pieces, and how her eco-friendly accessories help the women who created them.

JADEtribe designer Kimberly Hartman in Laos, helping with the production of the Nicole Tote

You founded JADEtribe after a long trip through Asia. What was the origin of the line?

"In 2008, I decided to spend some time traveling after working sixteen years in the fashion industry. My plan was to discover a new part of the world, and at the same time I had a dream to create my own collection. While in India, I was inspired by the many tribes I met, and the word tribe really resonated with me–a group of like-minded people, sharing the same values, living in a community. Two months later, I was in Laos thinking of a name for my company, something Asian–a color, flower, or something representative of the cultures around me. I have always loved the name Jade, it happens to be good luck in Asia, and it was green! Being ecologically minded was important to me in launching my own collection, and there in Laos it all came together."

What drew you to Southeast Asia in particular, and what made you decide to work with artisans there?

"I had been traveling for three months through India, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand when I decided to return to Laos. I fell in love with the hand-woven textiles I first encountered while in the capital city, Vientiane, so I returned to explore the beautifully picturesque village of Luang Prabang. It was there that I took a course on natural dyeing and hand-weaving. The techniques used by these women have been passed down through many generations, and provide a source of income while preserving their cultural talents. I experienced firsthand that if women are empowered and have financial opportunities, they are able to contribute to a more comfortable life for their families and provide an education for their children."

Nicole Tote, before & after

From start to finish, what goes into creating a handmade bag like the Nicole Tote?

"The Nicole Tote was the first JADEtribe bag created. The incredible women of the Ban Nayang village grow cotton in their village, which is harvested, de-seeded, and spun into yarn. Leaves from the indigo plant and bark from local trees are used to create the organic dyes that color the yarns. The wooden handlooms take one to two days to be set with the traditional “hook” pattern of the Nicole bag, and then the ladies begin to weave. The finished textiles are then sewn by women in a village near Luang Prabang, and we use organic cotton to create the handles and line the bag."

JADEtribe bags and jewelry are known for being both stylish and sustainable. Could you tell us more about how the line is ethically made?

"JADEtribe products are all either hand-made, hand-woven, recycled, or refashioned, and all are created at a fair trade price. I have met and developed my products with families, not factories. Two different families in Thailand produce JADEtribe jewelry: all bracelets are braided by hand, using hand-hammered sterling silver beads or brass beads, bells, and shells. Also in Thailand, I began to refashion parts of traditional textiles into handbags. I use collars, sleeves, aprons, and the most exquisite baby carrier cloths and repurpose them into fashionable bags. Each original tribal textile is one of a kind, so every JADEtribe handbag is unique."

BUY LOCAL:

that iconic cherry logo

2011-07-10T09:00:00.003-04:00

Bonpoint's cherry logo is an iconic symbol of luxury children's wear. Check out their website today for special summer savings of 30-50% off regular prices. Shop baby, girl, boy and don't miss the Yam line for older children and mums.

look No. 1

look No. 10

look No. 9

Summer Friday Cocktail Series

2011-07-08T10:28:00.008-04:00

My Dad is well known for his Bloody Mary's. In the past, we have talked about bottling the stuff! Equally yummy all year round today's Summer Friday Cocktail feature is a nod to this old family recipe. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend! I have lots of exciting stuff lined up for next week including my Q&A with Thread Social designer Melissa Akey. I am so excited to share! Melissa is so chic and super cool! 'til next week...Ciao!
helen

e-stationery from iomoi

Moss Wears Galliano

2011-07-06T11:35:00.011-04:00

Style Goddess, Kate Moss, married rocker Jamie Hince over the July 4th weekend. In what appears, from all of the pictures I have seen, to be a very down to earth - English country - wedding...Kate wore a beautiful, vintage-inspired wedding dress and floor length veil designed by her friend, John Galliano. The dress was cut on the bias with a lovely cream colored bodice and slightly sheer skirt with exquisite gold embroidery in a natural, earthy pattern of leaves. The groom wore a custom made suit designed by Stefano Pilati for YSL. Kate's daughter, Lila Grace, (along with the other bridesmaids) wore very sweet, age appropriate dresses by Christine Innamorato for Bonpoint (a favorite for beautiful, luxurious children's clothing!) Enjoy the photos below! The sophisticated, elegant and always provocative Moss doesn't disappoint, in my opinion. She looks beautiful, sexy, comfortable and happy!!! Can you say OBSESSED? Ha!

rehearsal dinner - kate in vintage...so cool, chic!

mum and daughter

sophisticated, elegant and, of course, a bit provocative...love, love, love the sheer mid-thigh silhouette!

vintage-inspired veil...perfection!

amazing hem detail

bridesmaids wore ivory chiffon dresses embroidered with rosebuds by bonpoint

so sweet!

love this pic!

Walk in Wednesday

2011-07-06T10:00:00.008-04:00

I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday! The beach was beautiful and relaxing! It was as fun as it has been in a long time for me as I got to enjoy the beach like I did as a child...digging in the sand, searching for sand fiddlers & shells and splashing in the surf with my 15 month old daughter...who seems completely mesmerized be the sea. So today, it's back to work and routines after lots of 4th of July fun! Today's, Walk in Wednesday, closet feature is Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti's founder & CEO of VIVRE.

In a most reveling post from Eva, she describes her life as a collector: SO INSPIRING!

"There is something to be discovered everywhere you go. From a secluded beach to an off-the-beaten-path bistro, hidden gems are endless—and finding them is only a matter of opening your eyes. Since I’m passionate about adventure, I love to hunt for the unusual and the unexpected. I think it’s important to expose yourself to everything, and to follow your curiosity wherever it may lead.

In a world of too much of everything, I try to experience life with a curator’s eye. I believe in collecting. I don’t care about the “it” factor. I care about the “why.” When I’m traveling—and even walking through New York—I challenge myself to look for things that have an intrinsic value of quality, or fun, or that tell a story. And only when I find something I love, or that fascinates or inspires me, do I take it home.

I can often be found in the back of a store, rather than in the front, getting to know the owners and asking them to open up all of the drawers. I’ve learned that that’s where all of the true treasures are kept. Once in Greece, I even tracked down a storekeeper in an alley when I saw a one-of-a-kind piece of pottery in the window of his closed-up shop. I loved it. I had to have it. Because I believe that an object is good only when the experience is good—and I was having an incredible stay in Greece—I knew this piece would be something I would cherish forever.

Living a ‘collector’s’ life means a constant search for objects for your table, your home and for your wardrobe. I love the process of building a collection. The buildup is what makes pieces special. It’s exciting. And while there’s nothing wrong with looking—ever—you should never just buy something for the sake of buying it, or because, for example, that dress or shoe was ‘big’ this year. For me, the most important thing to realize in life is that you have to experience things to know what you like. Once you do that, then will you find yourself with a collection of things that truly makes you happy, and thus uniquely your own. After all, isn’t life all about enjoyment and finding your passions?!"

Summer Friday Cocktail Series

2011-07-01T10:59:00.002-04:00

Today's, Summer Friday Cocktail Series, feature is from a wonderful family friend, Denise Gant, who is one of the best cooks I know!!! Have a wonderful, safe and happy July 4th holiday!

e-stationery from iomoi

denise, brian and kate, 2010

Walk in Wednesday

2011-06-29T06:50:00.015-04:00

To kick off my new weekly series, Walk in Wednesday, I thought, what could be more legendary than Vogue's Fashion Closet? In the 60 Minutes video below, Sylvana Soto-Ward gives Morley Safer a tour...and while there is no doubt, in my mind, that I could post daily regarding new & inspiring images of fabulous closets I will reserve Wednesday's for this inspiration obsession. Don't miss Walk in Wednesday each week for your dose.

If it's in style, then it's in Vogue's legendary closet. Sylvana Soto-Ward gives Morley Safer a tour.

Happens Every Day

2011-06-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

I sometimes long for enough time to really settle in to a good book but being a full time mom with a full time job doesn't always allow this little luxury. That being said...there haven't been too many books in my life that have really taken hold of me and had a lasting impression. Isabel Gillies, Happens Every Day, is one of those books. My sister, an avid reader, told me about the author & book. She had actually had the pleasure of meeting Isabel on several occasions. I remember not wanting the book to end and after finishing; searching and hoping to see if the author had written any other books. Happens Every Day is Gillies debut memoir (March 2009) and I am so excited to learn that her second book A Year and Six Seconds will be available August 2, 2011. All I will say is: READ IT!!! I will not pretend to play book critic so below are some reviews from those in the industry.

"A memoir so raw you feel like it's your best friend telling you her story." Glamour ("Must Read" pick)

"This is another favorite of mine. I started this book on a plane last week and did not stop until I'd finished. What I really admired about this book is the way Gillies is brutally honest, even when it comes to certain moments that are less than flattering for her. Fans of "Eat, Pray, Love" will devour this book."
-John Searles, book editor, Cosmopolitan magazine

"I couldn't put the book down. Gillies' memoir is so disarming, especially given that she's not a writer. But therein lies her charm... you're on her side. Gillies comes off as a genuinely peppy, uncomplicated woman. For those readers who've endured similar seismic shifts of the heart, Happens Every Day will offer the comfort of solidarity. For the rest of us who've been, so far, spared, it makes for compulsive and, frankly, chilling late night reading."
– Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air, NPR

"It's a surgical reconstruction of her marriage's sudden collapse, and it's utterly honest and painful. It's a tart book, a universal book, which is to say completely human, and eminently worth reading for both men and women."
-Palm Beach Post

"As intimate as if it came from your best friend."
—Parenting magazine

"Happens is an emotional train wreck you gobble up, rooting for the engaging Gillies."
-USA Today

"[Gillies] brings to life the town of Oberlin, Ohio, complete with organic market, eccentric academics and insanely quaint coffee shops."
—Kirkus

"Emotionally involving...There's a redemptive grace in her struggle."
—Entertainment Weekly

"This is a memoir that reads like a gripping mystery and a moving coming-of-age tale."
-David Auburn, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Proof

"A smart, rueful memoir of love, betrayal, and survival."
-O, The Oprah Magazine

Summer Friday Cocktail Series

2011-06-24T15:37:00.021-04:00

For my first, Summer Friday Cocktail series...drum roll please - the Electric Eel - the refreshing signature drink of Ruschmeyer's in Montauk, NY. I will definitely be picking up some fresh sage at the farmer's market on my way home. If you want to be super simple; pick up a bottle of Simply Limeade and mix in a couple of ounces of Vodka. Delish! Don't miss next week's Summer Friday Cocktail feature. You are sure to be the star of your July 4th soiree when you serve your guests the most delicious Sangria recipe ever!!!

Nostalgia

2011-06-24T07:30:00.001-04:00

I have recently given a little bit of thought (truly, just a bit) in regards to eliminating meat from my diet (beef, pork & chicken and just for a little while...to see if there are any, major or minor, effects in my overall feeling of healthiness) and then I ran across this picture of a JG Melon cheeseburger - an NYC institution. JG Melon is always on my list when visiting New York - it is one of the tastiest cheeseburgers I have ever eaten!!! This also got me thinking about another favorite spot on the Upper East Side that still brings a feeling of nostalgia - Sant Ambroeus - the almond cookies take me back to my childhood and to family trips to New York City. I can taste the homemade cookies & pastries now. I am certain that part of this feeling of joyfulness also comes from the wonderful packaging of these little delights - who wouldn't fall in love with that lovely printed peach colored paper? On my last visit to the city my mom and I stopped in for some petite sandwiches, gelato for dessert and, of course, almond cookies for the stroll back to our hotel. Sant Ambroeus - I heart you! Another favorite is Fred's at Barneys for the Penne di Farro al' Arrabiata (spicy, heaven!) and Estelle's Chicken Soup - described on the menu as "grandma's recipe to cure colds and stay thin" Oh well, so much for the no meat idea...it is summer, after all, and one can't possibly do summer without burgers & BBQ on the grill. There's always fall...have a wonderful weekend!
xo,
Helen

jg melon cheeseburger

box of goodies from sant ambroeus, packaged just as i remember :)

gelato, sant ambroeus nyc

estelle's chicken soup, fred's at barneys

Summer's Bounty

2011-06-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Last weekend my husband and I took our daughter to Foster's Market in Durham for lunch - Sara Foster has created the ultimate oasis for food lovers like ourselves. The place was packed both inside and out with friends and family enjoying each others company and conversation. You can find it all here. I saw delicious sampler plates from the cold case, casseroles, homemade soups, cookies, homemade, fresh fruit Popsicles, etc. I, myself, had the Cobb Sandwich which was simply amazing, my husband enjoyed the Cuban sandwich and Kate quite liked the squash bisque. Our visit reminded me of a favorite, Sara Foster, cookbook, FRESH EVERY DAY, a wonderful resource for the summer months (all year long, really!) Our visit to Foster's Market has inspired me to make weekly trips to our state farmers market to take advantage of all of the wonderful, local, fresh fruits & vegetables (as well as fresh pastries & fresh bouquets of flowers) that the summer months produce. I have also included a few additional cookbooks that are on my shelf and one by Gwyneth Paltrow that I will soon be adding to my collection. While My Father's Daughter is Gwyneth's first cookbook she certainly is not a newbie in the kitchen. One of my favorite picture cookbooks, Spain, by Mario Batali features Gwyneth Paltrow - the two take you on a culinary road trip, meeting old and new acquaintances along the way. The book is a true feast for the eyes. And last but, certainly, not least...what screams summer more than fresh blueberry pie & lobster rolls - YUM! Lobster Rolls, Blueberry Pie is a gem of a cookbook offering three generations of recipes + stories from summers on the coast of Maine. I cannot wait to plan my menu for July 4th. The coast is calling my name! Happy Wednesday!
Best,
Helen

entertaining

peek inside: my father's daughter

peek inside: my father's daughter, gwyneth cooking with moses and apple

peek inside: my father's daughter cookbook: sweet potato ravioli

from gwyneth's, my father's daughter cookbook: duck ragu

JENNIFER FISHER JEWELRY for every mother counts

2011-06-20T08:00:00.014-04:00

jennifer fisher jewelry

In April - I wrote about the Every Mother Counts initiative founded by Christy Turlington Burns. Here is another, fashionable, way to support the campaign. One of my favorite jewelry designers - JENNIFER FISHER JEWELRY - www.jenniferfisherjewelry.com - has designed a piece specifically for the cause. The 14k Rose Gold Heart ($130) would make a special gift for any new mom, your #1 & only mum and certainly don't forget, YOU. $50.00 from each charm sold will go directly to Every Mother Counts.

"Every Mother Counts is an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase support for maternal and child health. Every Mother Counts seeks to engage new audiences to better understand the challenges and the solutions while encouraging them to take action to improve the lives of girls and women worldwide. The keystone of the campaign is www.everymothercounts.org, an interactive platform providing the tools to raise awareness, education, and action."

Children's Book for Grown-ups

2011-06-14T14:40:00.001-04:00

Go the F*ck to Sleep (released today) is a children's book for grown-ups and already an Amazon.com bestseller through pre-order sales. Click the link below to place your order on Amazon.com. Recommended for those with a sense of humor :) A funny & thoughtful gift for any mom and/or dad in your life who is going through the often frustrating rituals of bedtime. I know someone I will be ordering this book for right away!

cover

a peek inside: go the f*ck to sleep

Book Description from Amazon.com:

Go the Fuck to Sleep is a bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where a few snoozing kitties and cutesy rhymes don't always send a toddler sailing blissfully off to dreamland. Profane, affectionate, and radically honest, California Book Award-winning author Adam Mansbach's verses perfectly capture the familiar--and unspoken--tribulations of putting your little angel down for the night. In the process, they open up a conversation about parenting, granting us permission to admit our frustrations, and laugh at their absurdity.
With illustrations by Ricardo Cortes, Go the Fuck to Sleep is beautiful, subversive, and pants-wettingly funny--a book for parents new, old, and expectant. You probably should not read it to your children.

Editorial Reviews from Amazon.com:

"Total genius."
--Jonathan Lethem, author of Motherless Brooklyn, father of two

"A children's book for grown-ups! I really did laugh out loud--hilarious!"
--David Byrne, musician, father of one

"I wish this book had been around during my daughter's overly protracted sleep rituals! Finally, someone tells it like it really is. This is no-guilt funny and a godsend!"
--Cristina Garcia, author of The Lady Matador's Hotel, mother of one

"This is the most honest children's book ever written. And it's f*cking hilarious."
--A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically, father of three

"Go the Fuck to Sleep is the secret anthem of tired parents everywhere. Adam Mansbach's homage to the tropes of bedtime stories is pitch perfect, and Ricardo Cortes's stunning illustrations will keep grown-ups and kids alike returning to these pages again and again!"
--Bliss Broyard, author of One Drop: My Father's Hidden Life