Lavender Thoughts

Macaroon Monday //

2010-12-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

Guess the Flavor?

And the Person of the Year Goes to...

2010-12-05T23:56:00.000-05:00

The editors at FN have voted and chosen Christian Louboutin as person of the year, in the shoe world that is. Looking at the art below he may just be in the running for a nobel prize as well as FN's person of the year! Let's face it, you slip on a pair of those heels and you instantly feel like a million bucks. If everyone had a pair of Louboutin's we could probably solve world peace.

The rumblings around the office this past week in anticipation of the big event and even more momentous award ceremony were all the buzz. The day after everyone was in a tizzy about Blake Lively's introduction of the man himself! So hats off and congrats Mr. Louboutin, Brian Atwood for Designer of the Year, Ivanka Trump for Launch of the Year and Blake Mycoskie from TOMS for brand of the year. -Enjoy

Blake Lively and Christian-
I don't get her as a muse maybe
someone can explain it to me...

Brian Atwood and his mother.
I couldn't resist, he is just cute as a button!

Become Your Dream Part II

2010-11-22T17:26:00.000-05:00

Ok! This is the third time I have seen this on the Upper East Side in the past month. I am curious to meet the person who goes around writing this on street corners and garbage. I think it's amazing and probably gets a lot of passer-byes to stop and take note - but why? Just wanted to share...and remind you all to "Become Your Dream".

Macaroon Monday //

2010-11-22T17:18:00.000-05:00

Guess the flavor?

The Girl With/Who...

2010-11-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

I am anxious yet hesitant to begin the last of Stieg Larsson’s Trillogy, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest. I am typically not one for these types of novels. I haven’t been able to stop since picking up the first of the set, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. It is bittersweet. I will finally know the outcome of Lisbeth Salander and Blomkvist but after I am finished, that’s it. There are no more antagonists and climaxes; there are no more vivid girl-on-girl scenes, no more journalistic ventures that will be undertaken. It will be over. I guess this is what the author intended. Tragically, his sudden death in 2004 leaves us wanting to read more. Even more ironic but typical with many great creators, was that he never was able to witness his successes.

With that I leave you to crack the spine of suspense one last time!

Sunday Supper

2010-11-21T18:02:00.000-05:00

Another reason why I love NYC, the opportunities for foodies are abundant! Tonight I can't wait to partake in Sunday Supper at Public, something I have always wanted to do. I have always adored the place for both dinner and brunch. Not to overshadow this "Sunday Supper at Public but a food experience that I am super excited for is Thanksgiving Dinner at Eleven Madison Park, that is if we are unable to make it back to western NY for the holiday. I have actually dreamt about EMP brussel sprouts, stuffing and cranberry sauce twice this week. Yummm - Can't wait for Thursday!

Sunday Supper at Public "Join us for Sunday Supper, an opportunity for the kitchen to explore new ideas and ingredients and a chance for our patrons to experience new dishes not on the regular menu. The ever-changing, often-seasonal, five-course menu is $50 per person and served every Sunday evening."

PUBLIC
210 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012
212-343-7011

The panna cotta is the best in the city! I'm not sure if this is it because the picture saved as "drink" but looks like it.

Temple Shaaray Tefila

2010-11-18T20:42:00.000-05:00

The years I spent doing my post-bacc for medical school were some of the most lonely, isolating, dark and terrifying times of my life. My favorite thing to do was walk the mile and a half back and forth from Hunter College to my apartment albeit at all hours of the day and night, struggling with 20lbs of books, clothes that hadn't been washed since the last exam period, and thoughts of cellular respiration and nucleophilic attacks running through my head.

I always looked forward to my walk. I have learned that the extremely small things in life will get any pre-med/med student excited beyond belief. I was no exception. What got me through was that once a day I would walk past Temple Shaaray Tefila to see the inspirational words, quote or phrase that had posted on the wall of the shul and I knew I would be ok for the next few hours. I would find it to be so reassuring and therapeutic to whatever I was going through at the time.

Last night I found myself walking home late at night realizing that I would be shortly passing the synagogue that I found such daily inspiration in. I was excited beyond belief to see what message was left for me to read and ponder for the rest of my walk home. And here is what I found...

"A LITTLE LIGHT WILL DISPEL MUCH DARKNESS"

Temple Shaaray Tefila

250 East 79th Street

At Second Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10021

CHARLES LEDRAY: WORKWORKWORKWORKWORK

2010-11-18T19:49:00.010-05:00

At The Whitney Museum

NOVEMBER 18, 2010–FEBRUARY 13, 2011

I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the Charles Ledray exhibit last night entitled: WORKWORKWORKWORKWORK. I was given exclusive tickets to the event by a friend of a friend who is actually one of the youngest assistant curators in the states. I was so excited to meet her and see her work on opening night. I was blown away by the artists work, the minatureality and the display. To me the exhibit was reminiscent of Working, by Studs Terkel, which has for a long time been one of my favorite pieces relating to the Early American experience post industrialization.

If you have time over the next few months I would highly recommend taking a peek at the exhibit and cozying up to Working! The images are credited to The Whitney Museum or my iphone. I want to thank Lindsay Malen and Christina DeSimone for the invite and such a wonderful evening!

Love This - It reminds me of my grandfather
Fred Metzger who was a catcher in the '40's!

Above Images Compliments of The Whitney Museum - The last three photographs document the original installation of Charles LeDray’sworkworkworkworkwork in the summer of 1991. For this installation, nearly six hundred precisely fashioned miniature objects created by the artist were layed out on a sidewalk in the center of New York’s Astor Place. Inspired by the itinerant street vendors that flooded the city’s streets during this era, LeDray created tiny versions of the kinds of secondhand items typically sold in these spontaneous sidewalk exchanges. The objects on display—clothing, housewares, jewelry, magazines, books, and artwork—each evoke a unique, personal backstory regarding their previous owners. The “work” in LeDray’s repetitious title can function as either a noun or verb, reflecting the vast amount of objects, the lengthy and laborious task of creating them, or the basic need to labor in order to survive.

My Favorites

Titled: Ring Finger

Titled: Long Story Short

Tiny Tighty Whities!
I don't understand the mounting but love the undies.

More...

So many mini pots but only took pics of the white ones

Funny Story: This is Komal. Lindsay and I kept getting yelled at by him for getting too close to the art and finally he said, "please no closer, they are just books - what are you looking at, you don't have to look so hard and so close, you could even make them yourself, you can make them for your home if you like them." We love you Komal!!!

Titled: The Pride Flag

I wish I remembered the title

Love the mini-mini replica suit hanging

And of course my obsession with flip-flops

Whitney Museum of American Art
945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street
New York, NY 10021

Admission is pay-what-you-wish on Fridays, 6–9 pm

The Search has Ended //

2010-11-12T16:18:00.003-05:00

The job search has come to an end hence my entries were lagging somewhat. I think I have found my “career soul mate” the ultimate dream job! Not that my husband doesn’t measure up in the soul mate arena but for a girl to be complete the entire personal and professional package has to be aligned. I am so excited and can’t wait to start.

I will be celebrating a lot this weekend, my new job, my first wedding anniversary and my father in-law’s 70^thand would like to make an online toast to my readers...I wish you life, love, peace and happiness!

Be sure to clink your glasses this weekend. I will probably be making one too many champagne toasts, well I am really a prosecco kind of girl! This is one argument I would never want to be a part of, a French/Italian spat over bubbly is sure to end in disaster or with an off the wall iconic sound bite such as, “the rent is too damn high”. With that I close and raise my glass to you. I feel new beginnings all around!

- Cheers, Salud, Fisehatak, Prost, Afya, Na Zdrovia, and most of all L'chaim

images: weheartit

26.2 //

2010-11-08T18:30:00.000-05:00

i-phone

The ING NYC Marathon

What a tremendous event this is for everyone, participants and on-lookers alike. My sister, William and I woke up bright and early to meet up with the runners a block over on first avenue. For whatever reason I happened to agree with her logic for timing when the men's elite group would be passing by. The logistics were slightly skewed because of the varying start times and a delay with the elite groups start. Unfortunately after a little more than 90-min (for those of you who know me that's an eternity when I'm cold) standing in the freezing cold waiting for the runners I gave up and went home for lots and lots of hot tea, multiple blankets and a good book. I had all the intentions of going back outside but I didn't thaw out until much later and the superstars had already finished the race.

I have lived in different areas along the race route for eight years now and have yet to see the elite runners with my own eyes. There's always next year. Later in the day I was able to catch the stragglers and cheer them on while crossing the park to meet friends on the west side for a late lunch. BRAVO to all of the runners who finished the race, what an accomplishment!

Macaroon Monday//

2010-11-08T09:35:00.006-05:00

Guess The Flavor?

Lavender: Health Benefits//

2010-11-06T15:00:00.003-04:00

By: Mark’s Daily Apple

10. Scent

Crush fresh lavender between your fingers or rub lavender oil on your temples for a soothing dose of aromatherapy stress relief. Lavender relieves anxiety and tension naturally.

9. Tea

Did you know that steeping a small handful of lavender flowers in boiling water creates a healthful herbal tea? This is just as effective as chamomile for promoting sleep and helping to soothe frazzled nerves.

8. Perfume

Lavender oil makes a nice, chemical-free alternative to perfumes and colognes. Dab a little at the back of your neck or wrists to smell clean and light.

7. Bath

Adding either oil or fresh buds to a hot bath will promote relaxation and ease tired muscles.

6. Sleep accessories

Tie up fresh flowers in a satchel, small pillowcase, or reusable eye pillow. Lavender helps you to sleep better.

5. Skin relief

Is your skin burned, chafed or irritated? Add some lavender oil to your moisturizer or a spray water bottle and apply or mist your skin generously.

4. Sweet, fresh-scented laundry

Tie up a bundle of lavender blossoms in a cloth and add them to the dryer cycle when you do laundry. It beats those chemical sheets!

3. Cuts and scrapes

Lavender has natural antiseptic properties. Use lavender oil as a protective salve instead of rubbing alcohol (this is a nice alternative for children).

2. Dandruff
Between vinegar and lavender, who needs those harsh chemical shampoos? Steep lavender as you would to make tea; allow to cool and use as a rinse daily until dandruff is cleared up.

1. Recipes

Between vinegar and lavender, who needs those harsh chemical shampoos? Steep lavender as you would to make tea; allow to cool and use as a rinse daily until dandruff is. Lavender makes and unusual, floral accent in many dishes. Reader Sarah C grills peach halves wrapped in applewood smoked bacon and tops them with a sprinkling of lavender flowers and crushed black pepper.

Lavender Thoughts would like to suggest adding a scrumptious dose of lavender when making sweet treats like ice-cream, chocolate truffles or savory biscuits. Yummy!

I Spy: A Wedding //

2010-11-06T10:27:00.017-04:00

On my walk to return a bridesmaids dress to J Crew I stumbled upon the most gorgeous NYC wedding. I could hear the bagpipes playing for blocks and made it just in time to see the newly married couple exit the gorgeous Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on the corner of Park Avenue and 84th Street. I was hesitant to take pictures but the music was playing and I thought of my readers overseas that are missing their slice of New York. I crossed park while still debating and realized that I wasn't able to get a good shot so I ran back, climbed up on the median and made it just in time for the dramatic exit of friends, family, swords and kisses. I love weddings!

images: my iphone

The Mark Hotel

2010-11-02T21:39:00.001-04:00

Do you have an extra $60MM lying around and your looking to invest? Possibly in real estate? The penthouse at The Mark may be the perfect option for you. The Mark Hotel is a true institution in the City of New York. It has been housed in the landmark building on 77th Street And Madison Avenue since 1927 and remains surrounded by the most famous museums, art galleries, boutiques, shopping and restaurants. What more could you ask for? I guess for $60MM you should be asking for a lot! Here's a sneak peak inside some of the lavish offerings at the refurbished residential and commercial property. Enjoy!

Fabric Swatches

The Foyer

The Foyer, styled differently

The Living Room - shot with a gel or filter

Same Living Room - without gel

Small dining area looking towards the living room

The Kitchen, so stark and I don't

mean Philippe Starck

Jaques Grange's leather-topped desk and furnishings

evoke 1930's Parisian luxury says The Mark

The trademark Mark finishes include

ebony, sycamore and nickel - Love!

Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Bedside, a Creston room control panel adjusts

temperature, entertainment, shades and lighting. Fun!

The closets are to die...

Love the marble, nickel and how this is arranged!

The Washroom

Jaques Grange decked the halls

The colorful and artful seating area

Elevator

The Mark Hotel concierge -

outstanding service around the clock

Perfection is in the DETAILS

The Mark Hotel's Grand Entrance

Mini Green Hydrangea Inspiration //

2010-11-02T19:49:00.003-04:00

I LOVE hydrangea and Spencer from Bloom Box has inspired me to pull together my favorite floral pics that encompass this gorgeous and bountiful flower. Warning... the below designs are obviously not budget conscious options, so keep that in mind. Enjoy!

My Favorite for Fall Brides or Maids From Stoneblossom

images: The Knot, Stoneblossom Floral

My Interview With The Founder of Bloom Boxx

2010-11-02T13:49:00.000-04:00

Spence has more than 25 years of experience in the floral industry and has worked in many aspects of the business. As a floral designer and manager, he has planned and overseen numerous weddings, showers and parties. Earlier in his career, while working full-time in the industry in Norfolk, Virginia, Spence produced and emceed annual Christmas holiday design expos for audiences of up to 300. A natural on stage, he took his talents to television, and in 1995, Spence produced and hosted a 30-minute cable program called "Let’s Talk Flowers," which aired on three cable systems in Southeastern Virginia.

After spending 9 years in New York City, Spence is now based in Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore. He continues to work as a floral designer, event planner and coordinator of weddings, bridal showers, and fundraising entertainment events.

How did you become interested in the flower business?

I was born into it. My family has been in the industry in Norfolk VA, originally as wholesalers, since 1926.

What do you like the most about Flowers?

Flowers are one of nature's most colorful and lovely expressions of beauty. Fresh flowers cannot be manufactured. They are joyful. Even in unhappy settings, such as a funeral, flowers are the element of beauty, life, and joy. I love working with flowers.

What is your favorite “sensible” flower?

I am a champion of carnations. But lately my favorite is Mini green hydrangeas. They have become relatively inexpensive; they are large so they "fill" without needing a lot. They work easily into almost any color scheme. And they're simply lovely and can stand on their own.

What is your favorite flower, regardless of price?

I can never choose one, it changes all the time. My favorites include lilac, gardenias, and peonies.

Can you share some images of your arrangements with us?

In the September 2010 issue of Florists Review Magazine, it was reported that the average price of a bride's bouquet is $140 (source: The Wedding Report, Inc.). Bloom boxx is proud to boast that our average cost for a bride's bouquet is only $83.50, that’s 40% less!

What do you see as the next trend in bridal flowers?

Hand-tied bouquets will remain popular. However I think you'll start to see them more "loose" and free-flowing in shape, not just the perfect "round mound". Also I think purple will be big in 2011.

How do you manage to keep your prices so low?

I incorporate less expensive flowers and fillers alongside more pricey flowers in my designs, and arrange them well so that the end result is a beautiful and elegant design that is sensibly priced.

I also help clients cut corners when it's easy to do so. For example if a bride is carrying a bouquet of pink peonies and roses and needs flowers at the church altar, I would encourage less expensive pink carnations or snapdragons in the altar flowers. Because you'll still achieve the color effect, yet people won't be up close to the altar flowers and are only at the church ceremony for a short time before moving on to the reception.

So in summary I keep pricing sensible with flower selection, skillful design, and smart planning.

Do you have a "Secret Garden"?

Actually I would say my secret garden is the 3 bunches for $10 at the grocery store! You never know what they'll have on any given day, but I always find good, fresh flowers and it's a great source in a pinch for a quick hostess or birthday gift.

How do you keep yourself inspired?

Competition shows on reality TV. Watching other craftsmen at work, being challenged, makes me want to be better. Top Chef, Project Runway, The Arrangement.

Also I enjoy making arrangements for my local art gallery, Parlor Gallery, in Asbury Park. I make arrangements for them when they open new exhibits and use their current show or theme as my inspiration or "challenge" to stretch myself and try new things with flower design.

What would you recommend to brides as the go-to resource for floral inspiration? I think best overall for weddings is Martha Stewart Weddings. However, specifically for flowers, there is a magazine available on the racks at stores called Wedding Flowers. It's from the UK and is filled with amazing wedding flowers in an array of styles. It's awesome.

Describe your perfect client?

My perfect client knows his or her color palette and overall tone they wish to achieve for their wedding or event. But then is able to let go and trust me to create the flowers to achieve the vision, without worrying about each and every detail. As with any professional (caterer, baker, make-up artist, etc)- I want a happy client who will hopefully refer me for more business. Trusting me to do what I do best results in a win-win.

If you could give one piece of advice before the big day what would it be?

It's about the experience, not the show. Your guests want to have a good time. Period.

Your dress should fit you well. You should be comfortable walking in your shoes. Your food should taste good. The cake should taste good. The climate should be comfortable. Your flowers should be pretty and complement the tone of your wedding. What any of it costs or what the designer label is does not matter. You can serve peanut butter and jelly with beer in cans - if people are having a great time, they'll love it! It's about the experience, so make it a great one and let this philosophy guide you as you plan.

Beautiful. Stylish. Reasonably Priced Flowers.

To Contact Bloom Boxx:

Phone: 201.962.0620

Email: flowers@bloomboxx.com

Website: www.jerseyweddingflowers.com

Blog: http://bloomblogg.com

Happy Halloween //

2010-10-30T16:59:00.000-04:00

I found these images when I was doing my initial cupcake image search and I have been waiting for this weekend to share with all of you. The city is already in a Halloween Tizzy, everyone is walking around in costume celebrating and preparing for the village parade. My most favorite part is seeing the excited kids and their costumes. Enjoy the treats below!

Louboutin Sweet Old News//

2010-10-30T06:28:00.001-04:00

Louboutin collaborates with Ladurée a leader in French Patisserie to come up with a collection of mouth watering special edition macaroons. The macaroons are prepared by Louboutin and Ladurée's pastry chef Philippe Andrieu and come in flavors of fig and date. These limited edition gift boxes became available mid September '09 at Ladurée, Harrods and Burlington Arcade Gallery. Has anyone tried?

images: luxury.insider.com

Black Layers //

2010-10-29T19:25:00.003-04:00

Layered SOHO Grunge by blipovsky featuring all saints boots

Klimt Inspired Pieces by Aquilano Rimondi //

2010-10-29T13:47:00.001-04:00

My Personal Favorites

The rest of the Collection...

The presentation model was wearing this outfit when I met with Tommaso

and Roberto, but it had a single slit, which I prefer. Check out future

posts for the single slit presentation of this look. Love, love, love.

I want this jacket! You can feel the quality
of the unbelievable fabrics and design skill
when you hold this piece of art in your hands.

So very Klimt

LOVE this top

The jackets are to die for...
structured and well thought out

LOVE these two!
Images: Style.com

Chunky Knits //

2010-10-28T17:28:00.001-04:00

I love warm weather, if it could be 80 degrees all year I would be immensely happy. New York has been beautiful these past few days. The sun is shining and its a balmy 70 degrees. This is my type of fall weather where all that's required is a cute pair of jeans, t-shirt and a fun light sweater. Unfortunately tomorrow it will dip 10 degrees lower and a chunky sweater, scarf or hat will be just whats needed to perfect your casual Friday look and take you into the weekend. Enjoy!

Sneak Peek: A French Countryside Wedding

2010-10-26T17:30:00.001-04:00

Writers Block

2010-10-26T17:23:00.000-04:00

I hate feeling the pressure to write. It's why I could never actually be a writer. I studied copywriting and journalism in undergrad but whenever the pressure was on I would find myself lost in a mess of profound confusion, staring at a blank sheet of white paper. I find myself in that place once again. I have so many thoughts swirling around and I have so much that I want to share. But for now that is all you get! How do you overcome writers block?

Image: LeLove

Too Much to Write About and Not Enough Time //

2010-10-26T13:12:00.005-04:00

I have so much to share and not enough time to write. I want to let you know what I have cookin. I have been a busy girl, running about and meeting with all sorts of amazingly inspiring people from executive recruiters, yes they can be interesting, to Milanese fashion designers and entrepreneurs.

Upcoming stories to include: One-on-One Exclusive Interview with the design duo of Aquilano Rimondi; Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi. Behind the scenes of the 6-week wedding. Finding a job in these tough times. The story behind the amazing Bloom Boxx, which provides custom flowers at sensible prices - something every bride loves to hear. And lastly a re-cap of last nights fabulous I am Staggered launch party and an exclusive Q & A with the Deputy Editor of I am Staggered USA, Brenda Della Casa. I am Staggered is a new online men's, yes you heard me correctly, men's wedding website.

So please keep checking back for updates on these stories and more. If you are dying to read more about one of these stories let me know and I will re-prioritize the order.

-Hugs, LT

Casa de Krakoff //

2010-10-26T10:23:00.002-04:00

Check out Reed and Delphine Krakoff's Upper East Side brownstone featured in Vogue. The interior designer and her husband Reed the president and executive creative director of Coach found the ultimate in Manhattan real estate and transformed it into an impeccably curated gem.

images: Vogue