The Fashionable Traveler

Urban Adventures with "Aunt Kitty"

2011-12-30T23:20:00.000-06:00

Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit, Dallas Museum of Art

Fashion Divas!

Our "Urban Adventure" started at Mockingbird Station; where I met one of my very best friends, Tiffany and her lovely daughter Maddy, one of my favorite "Petite Fashionable Travelers." I thought it would be fun to take Maddy to see the Gaultier exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art followed by a fun lunch Uptown and a little shopping in the West Village.

My favorite "Petite Fashionable Traveler"

We got our DART rail day passes and hopped the blue line to St. Paul Station, and walked the 2 short blocks to the DMA. We got there early to beat the rush, and I'm glad we did, because we could easily see everything. As we walked, I explained to Maddy, that when I was in design school, Jean Paul Gaultier was one of the most outrageous designers of the time.

The iconic Gaultier bustier, circa 1990 (the year Tiff & I graduated from high school)

As we entered the exhibit we were inthralled and took a full 90 minutes savoring every last detail in the six galleries. Not only were the clothes exquisite, but I was impressed by the illustrations not only from Gaultier's on archives but also from greats such as Jean Phillipe Delhomme and the photographs taken by the most famous photographers of our time: Herb Ritts, Ellen Von Unwerth, Cindy Sherman, and Mario Testino.

Herb Ritts photo of Gaultier and Madonna

I was lucky enough to see the McQueen exhibit in New York last summer, and while remarkably different I felt the Gaultier exhibit was just as intriguing. If you find yourself in the "Big D" before February 12th, be sure and check it out.

After the museum we walked across St. Paul and took the M-Line trolley over to Uptown. The trolley stops every few minutes, so be sure you have time to spare when riding the M-Line. We hopped off at Allen street and walked through the beautiful State-Thomas area fantasizing about what it would be like to live in one of the high-dollar "Texas Brownstones."

On the M-line trolley heading Uptown

Maddy decided to be adventurous and was game for Spanish food. "Not to be confused with Mexican food, she tells her friends." So we had a nice long lunch at Si Tapas (You may remember, its one of my favorites.)

Yummy Spanish food, loved the okra fritz...good call Maddy

"For Dallas with love, Jean Paul Gaultier"

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T07:56:00.000-06:00

The Capital Hotel, Little Rock Arkansas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays where ever you are celebrating!

Like many bloggers, I had reached the point where I felt my blog was running my life instead of it being a more organic chronicle of what I was doing. So I decided to take some pressure off myself and started remembering what I love about fashion and travel and life in general. I do apologize for leaving you hanging. I appreciate the kind words and inquires from those of you who have asked "Are you ever coming back?"

Yes! I will be back. In 2012 look for changes on "The Fashionable Traveler" You will see me explore and express more of my creative side. I've been itching to bury myself in my studio and get back to growing as an artist and designer. I'll be sharing projects I'm working on. I'm taking a photography class and video is my new favorite media---I do hope you may find what I'm doing interesting.

I will always travel, but I have a feeling for 2012 my journey's will be of a more personal nature and close to home.

Holiday Lunch at the Capital Bar & Grill

I was thrilled when my friend Jana from Houston called to tell me should would be in Little Rock for an overnight, and super-excited when she suggested we have lunch at The Capital Hotel.

The Capital is a beautiful historic hotel in downtown Little Rock. We are so lucky to have a world-class chef at Ashley's, Chef Lee Richardson. The Capital Bar and Grill is more casual and a fun place to go for lunch. There are always a lot of politico's and eccentric Southerners noshing at the bar and grill. Chef Lee is one of my all time favorite chef's and I admire how he uses local Arkansas ingredients to prepare the most amazing food.

It was a full house last Tuesday so Jana and I cozied up to the bar to have our lunch. We simultaneously felt under the bar for hooks. We had a friend who used to say, "A sign of a good bar is that it always has hooks for a lady to put her handbag." The Capital Bar is exactly that kind of bar, my friend.

Now, every time I go to lunch at the CBG, I tell myself I'm going to have a salad (although I really want the burger and fries smeared with pimento cheese) However, I came to a compromise and and told myself that somehow half of a grilled pimento cheese sandwich and splitting the truffle fries with Jana (although we weren't going to eat them all) granted was not as healthy as a salad, but not as bad as a burger.

Anyway, lunch was delicious, although we were a little bloated for our impromptu photo shoot in the lobby that ensued.

Not the best focus but the stain glass ceiling is beautiful

Loved the flocked ornaments...I'm sure these will be all over interest

What a gorgeous tree!

Tail-Gating in Style at SMU

2011-10-17T21:22:00.000-05:00

Jane and the Fashionable Traveler on "The Boulevard" at SMU

Going tail-gating with my cousin Jane the morning after my Big 4-0 birthday bash was probably not the best decision, but I have to admit those "SMU's" know how to throw a fashionable tailgate party.

SMU located in the heart of Dallas is a beautiful, picturesque campus. The oaks line Bishop Boulevard, "The Boulevard" and set the scene for picture perfect tail-gating before a home game.

"The Boulevard"-SMU, Dallas, TX

I love Dallas because it is such a "networking" city. It's really hard to meet a stranger in this town, everyone knows somebody. It's a city with six degrees of separation; and in Dallas presentation is everything.

That's why no one was surprised to see a tent set up complete with chic white couches and a chandelier (only in Dallas) or tents catering from some of the best restaurants in the city.

Not to mention, the fantastic people watching. I just love how the SMU girls really make an effort. It was such perfect day, and the perfect uniform was feminine dresses in red or blue with cowboy boots.

I nursed my Bloody Mary from my Texas Tech sippy cup (a birthday present from Jane & Stan) and ending up meeting several fellow Red Raider Alum's...see what I mean about Dallas.

Celebrating the "Big 40" at the "Great State Fair of Texas"

2011-10-16T08:35:00.000-05:00

Everything is bigger in Texas...right? What better way to celebrate the "Big 4-0" than in Texas. I'm so happy my BFF talked me into facing 40 head-on with a big celebration and I'm such a lucky girl to have so many wonderful friends and family that not only made by birthday special but every day special as well.

I was thrilled that everything worked out so I could go to the State Fair of Texas with my friend Tiffany and her family. I haven't been in years, and its always been one of my favorite things to do. I used to work right across the street from Fair Park and often the lovely ladies would let us in for free to have lunch. But having moved away from my native Texas I appreciate the fair so much more. While there are many other State Fair's across the country there is nothing like "The Great State Fair of Texas."

The Old Howard Wolf Building on Parry Avenue---my old office

Fair Park

Living in East Dallas after college, I developed a love for all things Art Deco. Fair Park is recognized as a significant example of Art Deco architecture. Most of the buildings were erected for the 1936 Texas Centennial and many of the design elements have been restored to their original splendor while the inside of the buildings have been updated with modern amenities.

The Women's Museum, Fair Park-Dallas, Texas

Art Deco mural-Fair Park, Dallas, Texas

Art Deco Mural, Fair Park, Dallas, Texas

The prestigious Cotton Bowl, Fair Park, Dallas, Texas

A Texas Aggie (gig'em) and a Texas Tech Red Raider (wreck'em) in front of the Cotton Bowl

The Food
No visit to the State Fair of Texas would be complete without indulging in a little (often lo-brow) "fair food." While it was possible to find everything from "Fried Butter" to "Fried Beer" to "Chicken Fried Bacon" to "Fried Ding-Dongs," I opted for a few old favorites.

Roasted Corn on the Cob with lots of butter and cheese

Texas Tator Twisters

Taco's al Pastor

All Things Fried

Fried Pickles

Fried S'mores

The Midway
You gotta have your picture taken with Big Tex, and you have to ride the Ferris Wheel, "The Texas Star;" it's the largest Ferris Wheel in North America. Even though the rides are over priced, you've got a ride a couple, especially when your oldest and dearest friend dares you; or her lovely daughter ask you to go with her.

The Fashionable Traveler and the "Petite Fashionable Traveler" in front of Big Tex, State Fair of Texas

The Log Ride is so refreshing-The State Fair of Texas

The view atop the "Texas Star"

The "Dare"

All the Rest
There is something for everyone at the State Fair of Texas from the petting zoo, livestock shows, pig races, and stunt dogs, as well as plenty of entertainment.

If you find yourself in Dallas before October 23, 2011, be sure and check out the State Fair

I'm not sure what prize this chicken won, but I hope it was for "Best Hat"

Badger Camp: Owning My Age!

2011-10-14T08:17:00.000-05:00

The girls at "Badger Camp"---girl's trip to Key West

You may recall, a certain girl's trip I took last summer to Key West, FL. I wrote about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat; but I didn't write about the part of the trip that changed me the most..."Badger Camp!"

It took us all of five minutes in Key West to revert from our grown-up, poised and successful "modern women" selves to a gaggle of giggling teenagers. Sure we swapped stories about our families, our jobs, our love-lives but, inevitably, we would wind down every night (o.k....very early in the morning) watching silly Youtube videos on Misty's iPad and collapsing in laughter.

"The Honey Badger" got a lot of airplay. According to the video, "The Honey Badger is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most FEARLESS animal on the planet."

You know the line, "Honey Badger don't care; he don't give a Shit!" In Key West, we became "Honey Badgers;" together we were fearless--- we could do anything! Over our four day trip, we conquered our fears one by one, from overcoming a fear of snorkeling to saying it was someone's birthday (when it really wasn't) and having a house full of drag-queens sing "Happy Birthday" to a certain someone who gets embarrassed easily. Other people took "Girl's Trips" we had "Badger Camp."

A bit of a daredevil, and always the prankster; my friends were determined to find "the thing" I feared the most and make me face it. I met their challenges, faced them head-on. I was "The Ultimate Honey Badger." But as fate would have it, my fear found me, on the dance floor at Sloppy Joe's. A couple of ineberiated college kids kept bothering us while we were just trying to have a good time. It was annoying and we had had enough.

I looked the ring leader in eye and said, "How old are you?"

"21"

"Don't you realize, I'm old enough to be your mother! Would you act like this in front of your mother? I didn't think so, leave us alone."

And with that, the drunk guys scurried away.

"That was awesome!" Carrie said "I can't believe you did that."

Dumbfounded, "I owned my age. I can't believe it...that's my BIGGEST FEAR!" and it was my 'Honey Badge'"

Today, I'm 40...I OWN IT; AND IT'S FABULOUS!

The Fashionable Traveler at 40!

Have You Discovered Pinterest?

2011-10-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

Have you heard about Pinterest? I'm kinda of obsessed with it lately.

Pinterest is a social, virtual pin board. How many times have you come across something online and thought "What a great idea! I'll have to remember that for my next (project/party/room decor idea/recipe/etc.)"

Well Pinterest is the site for you. The best thing about it is that it is social so you can follow your friends and your friends can follow you. It a wealth of rich, visual sharing! I've spent hours "pinning" decor ideas for my "dream-house" "dream-wardrobe" "dream party" etc.

Check it out and let's connect!

What do you think of Pinterest?

Treasure Hunting in Colorado

2011-09-29T07:10:00.001-05:00

Aunt Dorothy & Uncle Jim at "The Texas Outpost"

As Jennifer mentioned in her Colorado story, "First of all, 'cabin' in this family is an euphemism for really nice house in the middle of paradise."

The reason that everyone loves the "cabin" is because its like a living museum full of memories and "treasures" my Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Jim have picked up along the way. I've often thought, that they could have their own "treasure hunting" reality show.

Who else could find a pair of Prada shopping shoes at a garage sale and pay $1? Aunt Dorothy of course. Like any good reality show, sometimes there is a drama. Like the time Jim got fed up with all the stuff they had accumulated and convinced Dorothy to purge some "junk." Reluctantly, she did, and together they lugged a truck load of stuff to the dump. After they emptied the truck, something got Jim's eye and he picked it up and threw it in the back of the truck.

"Excuse me. " Dorothy exclaimed. "What do you think you are doing?"

"What do you mean? We need this."

"Jim, we just threw that out!"

"Oh..." he says as he reluctantly throws his "new found treasure" back into the junk pile.

I definitely have the "treasure hunting" gene, while my brother does not. But we all love to admire Jim and Dorothy's treasure trove. Here's a peek of some of my favorites from the Colorado cabin.

Jim found this stain glass window in pieces over thirty years ago, and had a craftsman put it back together. When they built the cabin, they made this window the focal point of the front of the house.

Stained glass window

Jim, has a gift for wood; spotting it, salvaging it, and beautifully refinishing it. The stairs are made from wide planks of re-salvaged wood, that Jim stained and built.

Jim's hand-crafted stairs

This is the latest acquisition...actually, it's a happy accident. When they arrived at the cabin this summer, they found that this is what happened to my grandmother's old mirror. It looks a lot like some of the contemporary art we saw in Old Colorado City.

There is always something to be done in Colorado. I sang for my supper, by doing a bit of rearranging and making some focal points various things. Here's "The Gallery" in progress.

"The Gallery" Indian rugs, hides, and Southwestern art

Jim and Dorothy have accumulated so many wonderful things, they built a "Treasure Attic" to hold it all. I love the treasure attic. Notice how high the ceiling is, making it easy to stand up, walk around and see everything.

The "Treasure Attic"-Colorado cabin

Are you a treasure hunter?

Fall Handbags and Amaranto

2011-09-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

Remember when I went to Paris in July? Well, I've been keeping it a secret, but I made a little purchase that I'm thrilled about during "Les Soldes." I found my fall bag!

My fall bag!

There is a history here. You see the summer of 2009, I was in New York City shopping with my cousin Lori, and I fell in love with the most beautiful Prada bag. The Cervo BR4099 to be exact. I even sketched it in my sketch book. I wrote, "True bag lust...the first time I've felt it since I bought the Isabella Fiore. (2005)"

"Bag Lust" from my 2009 sketch book

We are in a recession, and I did refrain from dropping two grand on a handbag, but I'm convinced one day I will find that bag on ebay or a consignment store, and we will live happily ever after. Although, I've given up any hope of owning the Prada bag in the near feature, I have never forgotten the color, Amaranto. It's the most beautiful deep red, wine color, that absolutely goes with everything. I'm sort of obsessed.

Fast-forward two years later, I stumble across a bag the same color at Gerard Darel on the Left Bank and best of all, it's on sale. It was my Paris purchase and I'm so glad the sales lady talked me into the matching wallet. I justified the extra purchase, since it would be like getting it for free once I got the de-tax back.

The perfect wallet

As far as I'm concerned it's official fall, I've packed away my white sandals, and broken out the Amaranto bag.

Do you love this color as much as I do? It's really something to consider it looks beautiful with black, grey, and any shade of brown and its also really fantastic to layer several shades of red together...a trend that is going forward on into 2012.

US Open Fashion...A Blast From the Past

2011-09-13T21:44:00.000-05:00

Did you catch the US Open? What an exciting year in tennis! I agree with John McEnroe that it may be one of the best years in tennis history. While attending the Grand Slam tournaments is on my dream vacation list, I always enjoy watching what everyone's wearing on the court.

As you know, I love Retro Tennis Inspiration. Let's take a look at how the late 1970's and early 1980's are influencing fashion...even tennis fashion

The great rivalry...McEnroe/Borg Color coordination makes a great photo op.

The great rivalry...Federer/Nadal

Roger & Rafa...Wimbledon a few years ago

Martina Navratilova

Galina Voskoboeva in Ellesse

Chris Evert

Maria Sherapova

Chris Evert

Sam Stosur-2011 US Open Women's Champion

Chrissie...Pretty in Pink

Venus Williams...In her own design

Tennis Ball Yellow...Chris Evert

Evonne Goolagong

Rafa Nadal

US Open 2011 Mixed Doubles Champions, Melanie Oudin & Jack Sock

By the way, Jack Sock wore the most popular shirt on the men's side. Who wore it best?

Jurgen Melzer

Jack Sock

Jo-Wilifred Tsonga

With Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour as one of his closest advisors; not only is Roger Federer one of the greatest tennis players of all time but also the best dressed man in tennis. I'm always a sucker for a man in black.

Roger Federar, 2011 US Open Semi-Finals

And blue for that matter. You just gotta love Rafa!

Rafa Nadal, 2011 US Open Final

Did you watch the US Open? What did you think?

Colorado: Photo Safari

2011-09-06T06:40:00.001-05:00

Fresh mountain air, cool mornings, sunny days, and breathtaking scenery do wonders for helping one put life into perspective. Although, I was only in Colorado for the long weekend; I felt like I was away for a week. This trip was all about relaxing. Words can not explain how beautiful it was. Take a look at some of my favorite photos.

I could watch deer all day. I'm amazed as their gracefulness and their magnificent beauty. Even though, I slept too late to see the deer that came grazing right up to the deck; I did spot a few more.

We spotted this doe. She stared at us for a while

Then she bedded down and stared at us some more

I was just commenting on how I've never seen a buck, when we spotted
two magnificent bucks grazing on the hill side. The sun was in my eyes, so
the photos are highly manipulated.

This is the same photo, cropped differently and in black and white

Hello Gorgeous!

We drove to Wilkerson Pass in hopes of spotting antelope and buffalo. We took a wrong turn, but saw some beautiful scenery in the meantime.

An old abandon windmill, just off of county road 23

We finally found the buffalo

Do you like to spot wildlife?

Colorado Springs: What to do...Old Colorado City

2011-09-05T08:04:00.000-05:00

Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs

After three stops; I finally arrived in Colorado Springs Friday evening. I was famished by the time my aunt and uncle picked me up from the airport. So we headed down to the historic "Old Colorado City" neighborhood to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, their favorite little French cafe, La Baguette was closed. However, we did stumble across the "First Friday Artwalk"

Old Colorado City is rich in history, known for its very colorful past; its no surprise it attracts a very young, hip, and artsy crowd. The streets are lined with art galleries, vintage store, jewelers, and restaurants.

Arati Art Gallery, Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs

Having arrived after 7:00, we caught the tail end of the art walk, I would have loved to browse more galleries, but we only had time for the Arati Gallery. The gallery showcased an eclectic mix of painters, sculptors, potters, and jewelry makers. Personally, I was drawn to the work of potter David Masimer.

As all the galleries were closing up; we went in search for a place to eat. Thunder and Buttons II came highly recommended by the locals. Although, I rarely eat red meat anymore, I found myself craving Buffalo and Elk...while in Colorado. My eyes zoomed in on the mushroom, Buffalo Burger when I opened the menu. We also had the Buffalo Brat with Elk Chili and the Fish and Chips. Everything was delicious, although on the heavy side. We all loved the side of Horseradish Cole Slaw served on the side. I can't wait to try adding a little horseradish the next time I make slaw.

Thunder and Buttons, Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs

Old Colorado City is a definite "must-do" next time you find yourself in Colorado Springs. On my list for the next visit: Manitou Springs and Garden of the Gods.

Have you spent much time in Colorado Springs? What are some of your favorite places?

The Colorado Chronicles: Jennifer's Story...Paranoia Sets In

2011-09-03T06:13:00.001-05:00

I often tell my family, that it never really matters what I write about them, because most of them never read my blog anyway. Not the case with The Colorado Chronicles. I must say, I have enjoyed the friendly banter all week from the my family. Gee, I thought, if I could help one adolescent girl learn the facts of life, then The Colorado Chronicles were worth my time. But unsolicited guest post from various family members, that's even better.

Today's guest post is from the lovely and talent Jennifer Morris, "A Fashionable Traveler" in her own right. You may remember Jennifer from various other post including my Santa Fe series.

lJennifer's First Visit

Thomas and Jennifer, 1991

As the girl who was lucky enough to marry the dart-throwing, pancake complaining Thomas, I feel compelled to add some color.

First of all, “cabin” in this family is a euphemism for really nice house in the middle of paradise. I recall my first trip to the “cabin.” It was Spring Break 1991, and Thomas and I were taking our first trip together. I was really excited but a little anxious about the state of this “cabin.” I knew there wasn’t a tv or telephone, but I wasn’t sure if there was a bathroom inside the house. Would there be refrigerator? Thomas was bringing a cook stove, so I was pretty sure we were roughing it. This Florida beach girl was nervous.

In addition to concerns about creature comforts, I knew there were coyotes and bears. And I was pretty sure serial murderers lived in Colorado in the middle of nowhere. And, we didn’t have a phone (I can’t believe I am old enough to say we didn’t have a cell phone either).

On the drive up I accidentally noticed (probably while snooping around for evidence of other girls in Thomas’s life), that there was a gun in the car. Eeek! I am not sure I had seen a gun before – certainly not one I could touch. As the 12 hour drive continued my paranoid, conspiracy theory glass is half empty personality couldn’t help but wonder, “Was Thomas taking me up to the ‘cabin’ to kill me?” I knew it was crazy, but I was a crazy girl. I was madly in love with him and he with me. We were planning forever together; but, I had seen all the tabloids. I pushed away the crazy thoughts and told myself to enjoy the trip.

You can only imagine my surprise, bemusement, and indignation when I arrived at the “cabin” to find a beautiful home with three bedrooms, a bathroom with all of its amenities, a full kitchen stocked only how gourmand Dorothy Morris could stock it, hand carved walnut wood stairs, mile high windows showing the beautiful blue sky, and a view that rivals any I had ever seen. This “cabin” was nicer than any house I had ever lived in. Pure joy followed my surprise.

The only other bump I experienced on this first trip was my absolute fear of coyotes. I wasn’t entirely sure what they were – more like dogs or mountain lions – but I knew they were B-A-D. Our first night in bed I became fixated on the coyotes and the windows. I became convinced the coyotes could climb the trees and burst through the windows to eat us. Sleep was futile. Thomas’s laughing didn’t help.

I have had many years of wonderful memories in Colorado and I can’t wait for the FT to make some of her own. Oh, and some things never change. Regardless of where the infamous dart incident occurred or who was on the receiving end, I can assure you it was Thomas throwing them. You see, just this July my sweet husband of mine taught my nephews how to make shoe string darts, and HE BLEW ONE INTO MY THIGH!

Don’t worry Catherine, Thomas will be in Dallas this weekend with J.R.

The Colorado Chronicles: Clueless!

2011-09-01T00:52:00.001-05:00

Highlight's of Summer

I know for a fact the last summer I was in Colorado was 1984; no doubt about it. There is no way my brother Trey can debunk this one (although everyone seems to really enjoy his commentary.) We had gone to Kansas, and I went on to Colorado with the Morris', while my parents and Trey went back to Texas. They were picking me up from the airport and then we were heading to New Orleans for the World's Fair. It was the summer that the question on everyone's mind was, "Who Shot J.R." It was also the summer of "New Coke" and Geraldine Ferraro. My favorite outfit was, my pink and mint green plaid romper with my matching pink moccasins---it really was the perfect outfit for the "Young Fashionable Traveler."

It was also the summer of my adolescence. Obviously all the "smarts" I had from previous summers had vanished into to thin air, as I was completely clueless about so many things. Most of all, I was clueless to the very reason ones goes to the mountains; to escape and to get in touch with nature. There was so much going on in the world. I had already missed the Royal Wedding three years earlier when I was at church camp, there was no way I was going to miss out any other "world events."

Although, my Uncle was a hard-core journalist for many years, he had a guilty pleasure of picking up a "scandal-rag" every once in a while. I was thrilled that I would be able to keep up with "current events" when he threw the National Equirer into our shopping buggy when we went to Colorado Springs to buy groceries. On the ride home, I read it from cover to cover; the headline was "Who Shot J.R." Even I thought it was Kristin, one would think the Enquirer would have it least got that one right.

The highlight of the summer was "Ghostbuster's." In fact it was the only thing Thomas and I agreed on; we were both dying to see it. We were thrilled when Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Jim told us we were going to get to go to the movies in Colorado Springs. Ofcourse, I wore my plaid romper; but Thomas with his "Flock of Seagulls" hair donned his skinny, turquoise, lame tie with his jeans, and short sleeve dress shirt. I think he was going for a Bryan Ferry meets Alex P. Keaton look. It really was a special occasion. Of course when we got to the movie theater he refused to sit with Jane and I. Now I understand, that he was trying to meet girls. Needless to say, he sat alone---maybe it was the tie.

After the movie we got to run around the mall. I remember being really impressed that there was a "Lily Rubin." You know that's where Joan Lunden on Good Morning America got all of her clothes. I went into to take a look, but really didn't see anything that I could use. We finished the most awesome day of the summer so far, by eating pizza for dinner.

Seeing "Ghostbuster's" was the pinnacle of the week. I had been looking forward to it so much. Now that it was over, something begin to gnaw at me all the way home. It was something that had sort of been bothering me all summer, but I had really been to busy to think about it. Now it was back to reality.

Sex (mis) Education

I hadn't had my period in months. In fact, I had just had one back in the spring, then nothing for all of these months. Now mind you, I had no clue about periods, and sex. In fact I had barely even kissed a boy.

My best friend Tiffany and I had so many questions, so naturally we turned to her smart older sister for advice. Stephanie knew everything. In fact she gave us a book, "Wifey" by Judy Blume and told us to read it, and under no circumstances were we to get caught reading it, and if we did she would make us sorry if we told anyone she gave it to us. Most of the book, went completely over our heads. So naturally, we asked Stephanie about the parts we didn't understand... she just laughed at us.

Being a good Baptist girl, I went to Sunday school every Sunday. They were starting to talk about sex in a round about way, mostly the message was "Stay away from boys!" Naturally, Tiffany and I were too shy to ask any questions. Our Sunday school teacher often said, "Thinking about something is just as bad as doing it."

If thinking about something is bad, then reading about something must be really bad. It was at this moment, that I started to worry that I might be pregnant. There were those dirty books, and I had been reading a lot of those. I thought to myself, "If it could happen to the Virgin Mary, it could happen to me, right?"

Mortified in Colorado

"The Young Fashionable Traveler" and my B.F.F.

As I drifted off to sleep, I wished Tiffany was with me in Colorado; she always knew what to do.

Luckily, the rest of the week was filled with everything from fishing, to tubing, to horseback riding.

It was on the horseback ride that I started to feel strange. My stomach started to hurt and I just didn't feel right. When I got off the horse and went to the ladies room at the lodge, I understood why. "Thank you God, for letting me not be pregnant," I said a little prayer in the stall.

Now what? Oh my, telling someone I needed a Maxi-pad is even worse than thinking I was pregnant. I really wished my mom was there. She knew exactly what to do in these situations. One time she told me just to walk by and to point at the ones I wanted in grocery store, then I could go sit in the car, while she bought them. "Maybe, it won't last long," I thought to myself.

The next morning, I woke up and stumbled to the bathroom. Low and behold on the back of the toilet was a box of Maxi-pad's with a note attached. "Catherine, I thought you might need these....P.S. don't flush them down the toilet! Love Aunt Dorothy."

Oh my God! I was so embarrassed, there is only one bathroom. That means Thomas and my Uncle have seen this note....I wanted to die!

A Lost Cause

Miraculously, I made it through the rest of the week without anyone mentioning the period incident. As my Uncle Jim was taking me to the airport, he asked me what my favorite part of the week in Colorado was.

"Duh! Going to the mall in Colorado Springs."

Post Script: I should add that when I made my travel arrangements, Uncle Jim asked me what I wanted to do this weekend. My reply, "I can assure you that I DON'T want to go to the mall in Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Chronicles: Being the "Oldest" Isn't All That

2011-08-31T08:11:00.004-05:00

Part IV of the Colorado Chronicles. Be sure and read Part I, Part II, and Part III.

The next summer I remember, must of been the summer of 1983. Thomas spent the summer as an exchange student in France, which made me the oldest. I was looking forward to being the "top-dog" but I would soon learn that its not all its cracked up to be.

The cousins, Christmas 1982. Can you spot "The Fashionable Traveler?"

Road Trip

I was going be in 6th grade in a few months, then after that, junior high, then high school, then college. Fifth grade was a great year; I felt like I was really smart. My mother was always saying, "You think you are so smart?" (Well, yeah!)

For instance, I figured out that ignoring my brother on the drive up was the best way not to fight with him. I just turned my Walkman on and blasted "Let's get physical, physical....." It was the 1980's and like every other girl in American I had aerobic's fever. It's really too bad that I never quite figured out how to wear my "totally awesome" headband collection while listening to my Walkman.

Meanwhile, Trey; on the other side of the back seat, tried everything to annoy me ilk back-washing in my drink. "That's o.k., I was finished anyway."

He then resorted to taking his socks off and sticking his stinky feet in my face. I quickly, and quietly squashed this problem, with a little move I had perfected over the years. With Ninja precision, I swiveled on my seat, lining my feet up with his, and then I pushed with all of my strength, pinning him into the corner....when will he ever learn?

I really showed him who's boss with that move. We both retreated to our corners for the "stare down" round. I rewind and listened to "Physical" for the 110th time that day, and Trey picked up the Rubik's cube. I on the other hand, was over the Rubik's cube...it was so 4th grade. Nonetheless, I took great pleasure watching Trey struggle with it. He was completely perplexed and I could clearly see what his next move should have been. So I did what any big sister would have done; offer him encouraging suggestions....heaven's no! I gave him a snarky smirk and laughed at him, which completely set him off.

He hurled the Rubik's cube at me and as the sharp corner pelted my leg, all bets were off.

"Ouch!"

I proceeded to lunge over to his side, clobbering and pinching him until he screamed uncle. Then "snap" my mother has flipped down the passenger seat visor, and is glaring at us from the mirror.

Trey and I both found it hilarious that even though, my mother wasn't driving, she could never take her eyes off the road because she was after all the "designated back seat driver." So instead of just turning around and spanking us, she would just reach back and swat aimlessly hoping to hit something. This always made us laugh, which just made her more determined to aim better.

With that my Dad slammed on the breaks, pulled over, and marched us out of the car. We had to put our hands on the bumper; we were both getting a spanking. "I mean it, no more fighting until we get to Colorado," my parents said.

We sulked the rest of the way, thinking about ways to get back at each other once we finally got to Colorado.

The Junk Food Club

In Colorado, I had also figured out how to get around not eating anything I did not like to eat.

"Catherine, what would you like for breakfast?" Aunt Dorothy would ask.

"No thank you. I'm not hungry." I would say as I grabbed my beach towel and cassette player and headed to the deck to do my Jane Fonda workout tape.

Minutes later, little Jane pushed herself away from the table and followed me out to the deck, She copied every move I made...I was so cool.

When we came back in the house my mother grabbed me by the arm, "Cut it out, don't you realize you are setting a bad example? You will eat breakfast tomorrow!"

I proceeded to pick at my food at every meal; yet I never seemed to be hungry. My mother was very suspicious.

Being the ever so smart sixth-grader that I was, I had gathered all of the oatmeal cookies, potato chips, candy, and Dr. Peppers left over from our road trip and stashed them in my travel bag, which I then stashed in the attic. When no one was looking, I would go the attic and have a snack. But someone was looking, my pesky little brother, Trey.

"Give me a cookie, or I'm going to tell," he proclaimed when he found my hide-out. I had no choice.

This went on for days, then Jane followed Trey one day, and we had to let her into the club. I would climb up first, then Trey would give Jane a boost, and finally he would bring up the rear. The attic became our little club house. We would all rendezvous there every afternoon, and miraculously everyone got along.

Then one day, during our mid-afternoon junk food picnic. My mother opened the attic door flipped on the light switch and caught us all red handed. But guess who got in trouble? Me, the oldest, the ring leader.

"You think you are so smart, don't you?" my mother said as she grabbed me by the wrist and jerked me off of my perch and escorted me to my room. She then took away both my Walkman and Jane Fonda privileges, after confiscating all of the junk food."

"Oh my gosh!" What am I going to do in Colorado with out Jane Fonda and Olivia? Climb a tree? Take a walk? "Whatever!"

By the way, I have no doubt that the adults had a few junk food picnics of their own after the kids went to bed.

The Colorado Chronicles: Fishing Trips and Box Lunches

2011-08-29T23:38:00.000-05:00

Always "The Fashionable Traveler" even at a young age. I didn't want to wear the bonnet,
but my Grandmother made me.

Fishing with Grand-daddy

To set the record straight. I do have good memories of Colorado as well.

The next summer, I remember; things had settled down a little, although the cabin wasn't completely finished we did have running water and indoor toilets.

This was the summer that the adults had the brilliant idea; "If we don't give the kids any sugar, maybe they will be nicer to each other. "

So once the Lucky Charms ran out, it was Bran Flakes and Cheerios for this bunch...yuck! I distinctly remember throwing a hissy fit, when Aunt Dorothy and Thomas came home from the grocery store in ~~Estes Park~~ Woodland Park* , because Thomas was taunting me by slurping the last drop of "pop" from his McDonald's cup. (he grew up in Kansas---J.R. will tell you it's called Coke...even if it was a Pepsi.)

"Life is so unfair." "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!"

My tantrum quickly led to a spanking and being sent to our room to think about how hateful I was being.

"And don't come out until you can be nice," my Mom scolded.

Needless to say, I went to bed without any supper.

The next morning, my Grand-daddy, rustled Thomas and I out of bed before the sun came up. He told us to be quite, and get dressed because he was taking us fishing. Just the big kids; age does have its privileges.

He took us to Happy Meadows and got us all set up and positioned us on the banks for the best place to catch Rainbow Trout. We waited and waited, as we watched our lines intently. With Thomas on one side of Grand-daddy and me on the other, there was no time for fighting; we had a job to do. Finally, we got a nibble and miraculously we both caught a fish or two. We fished all morning, and by lunchtime we were starving.

Granddaddy went to the pick-up truck to get our lunch. As he opened the lunch box, he said, "Oh, no! Your Grandmother forgot to pack our lunch."

Thomas and I looked at each other, our eyes big as saucers, thinking we might actually starve to death.

Then like a magician, Grand-daddy pulls a sack from the back of the truck. "What do we have here? I guess this will have to be our lunch."

He pulled out 2 little cans of Frito's bean dip, 2 cans of ice, cold Coke (not Pepsi) and a bag of Brach's party mix. We didn't have any spoons, so we ate the bean dip with our fingers. It was the best lunch ever!

It took me years to realize, he had forgotten our lunch on purpose.

* "JR" has so kindly pointed out Estes Park is 150 miles from the cabin...I meant Woodland Park all along.

The Colorado Chronicles: Trey's Story

2011-08-29T20:21:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: It has been brought to my attention by a few of my beloved family members, that my account of a certain summer in Colorado wasn't the same version they remember. Never one to be a poor sport, I'm happy to take the constructive criticism. Therefore, I'm posting my brother Trey's critique of my recent post. (You may remember Trey from "What Would JR Ewing Wear" I trust my readers to decide for themselves which side of the story to believe.

DISCLAIMER: The views of the "Right-Winged, Gun-Tottin', Fish-Catchin', Deer-Shootin', Chicken Friend Steak-Eatin, JR Ewing-Worshipin' Traveler" are not shared by "The Fashionable Traveler."

The Colorado Chronicles: The Untold Story

-by Trey Longbotham

A very young "JR"

The Fashionable Traveler has led her readers astray with her latest post. The FT’s blog has turned from a somewhat witty travel blog filled with helpful hint and tips for the weary traveler, to a work of fiction. If I want to read lies, I’ll pick up the latest edition of The New York Times, thank you very much. So I, The Right-Winged, Gun-Tottin’, Fish-Catchin’, Deer-Shootin’, Chicken Fried Steak-Eatin’, JR Ewing-Worshipin’ Traveler will fill you in on the " Rest of the Story."

Let’s look at the FT’s latest post and break it down, shall we?

The FT’s first paragraph describing how Jim found the place and bought it, knowing his wife would love it, is pretty accurate. I have no problem with the FT’s account of this historical event. Coincidentally, pretty much the same thing happened when buying their house in the posh Spring Park subdivision of Richardson, some folks call it Garland, but let’s be real here... It’s Richardson.

Our favorite travel blogger goes on to write how the next few summers, the entire extended family trekked up to CO, to help build the cabin from the ground up. Granted, I was about 3 years old at the time, but that’s not how it went down.

The FT and I (along with our parents) trekked up there ONE time during the construction phase, not “the next few summers”. And our ONE trip up there lasted about 3 or 4 days. That particular trip MAY have been the trip that our grandmother “snapped”. Like I said, I was 3 years old at the time. However, I am willing to bet my entire collection of “Dallas” DVDS (Yes, all 13 seasons), that she did not snap on this trip. You see friends, the first time I heard the story of Grandmother snapping at Thomas because he insulted her pancakes was two years ago at her funeral. Mind you, I was 34 at the time. THIRTY-FOUR! You would think the FT would have mentioned this amusing little anecdote a time or two over the next 31 years, right? The truth is, fellow travel-blog readers, that she never mentioned it because she NEVER knew the story. The first time she heard the story was the same time I had heard it, in 2009. FIB #1

The FT goes on the write, while Thomas is eating his delicious pancakes that my mother made him, he is continuously berating her for coloring outside the lines. While, it is true, this event did occur. It did not occur in Colorado. It occurred in my Grandmother’s kitchen in Texas. I’ll cut the FT some slack here on the grounds of poetic license, but nonetheless, there is FIB #2.

Now, after the FT is traumatized by this little fictitious coloring episode, she and Thomas finish their pancakes with Karo syrup (gross!). I have no doubt this happened. Who would lie about a thing like that? Afterwards, Thomas tries to escape, but our little fashionable traveler tracks him down time and time again.

Here we come to FIB#3. Thomas says, “Let’s play a game” and commences throwing darts at our young traveler. WRONG!!!!!!! Folks, THIS NEVER HAPPENED! Actually, it did happen. Thomas did throw darts at someone, but not in Colorado, he was in Texas and he threw him at me and I have the scars to prove it. Thanks Cousin!

JR today

I'm considering giving "JR" a regular spot on "The Fashionable Traveler"....let me know what you think.

The Colorado Chronicles: The Early Years...Camping Out

2011-08-28T15:22:00.000-05:00

Photo-Thomas Morris, "Colorado" What color does the sky look to you?

I'm counting the days until I leave for Colorado to enjoy the cool mountain air, and relaxing long weekend with my Aunt and Uncle. This trip is somewhat of a milestone for me. After being invited to Colorado every summer for over the past decade, and politely declining; I final broke the news to my family a few years ago, that I was somewhat traumatized by summers in Colorado during my childhood and adolescence. The evening ended in tears...tears of laughter, at my expense, and the promise to revisit the family place and face my fears. I'm calling this series of post The Colorado Chronicles....I hope you enjoy!

This post is dedicated to my cousin, Thomas, I'm expanding (and embellishing) on the version of the story that he told at my Grandmother's funeral.

The First Year

My Uncle Jim, likes to say that the Colorado property was the best impulse buy he ever made. He was on a business trip and came across several acres in Florissant, CO back then it was the middle of no-where, but he fell in love with it, because he had visions of sitting on the deck and looking at Pike's Peak. You can imagine how surprised my Aunt Dorothy was when he came home on broke the news. But he was right, she loved it too!

The next few summers, the entire extended family trekked up to Colorado to help build the cabin from the ground up. We got to stay in campers and trailers and tents! I loved to play in my Grand-daddy's old camper trailer, but I had never been on adventure outside of the the driveway. I couldn't wait!

The "idyllic"camping trip soon turned sour. Everyone underestimated how much "fun" it would be to have three small children and a baby underfoot on a construction site in the middle of the woods.

It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets Hurt

It was this summer that my Grandmother snapped. It was the only time any of us can remember her raising her voice at anyone. Thomas caught the brunt, when he proclaimed, "Aunt Barbara's pancakes don't taste sour."

"Well then, go ask Aunt Barbara to make your pancakes!", she scolded.

Scared and bewildered, Thomas grabs his plate and slinks out of the trailer.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting at the table in our trailer, coloring, waiting for my pancakes while my little brother is sleeping. Hearing a faint wrap on the door, my mom opens the door to find a teary-eyed Thomas holding his plate out, "May I have some pancakes, please?"

"Of course!"

"Oh boy, Thomas is here! I think to myself, grinning from ear to ear, he's my favorite person in the whole world, I'm so happy!"

Thomas sits down beside me and watches me color. "You are suppose to stay in the lines," he says. "The sky is blue not purple," he says.

"It was purple yesterday," I reply. "You're not the boss of me. Mind your own beeswax."

"You are suppose to stay in the lines!" "Stay in the lines!" "STAY IN THE LINES!" "STAY IN THE LINES!", he yells.

"Enough!" my mom exclaims. Go outside and eat your pancakes, before you wake up your brother."

As we wolf down our yummy pancakes, drowning in Karo syrup; we are full of energy. I follow Thomas around relentlessly. He tries to run and hide from me, but I always find him.

"Let's play a game," he says as he succumbs to my torture.

"O.K!"

"You stand on that tree stump and close your eyes."

"Ouch!" I scream, as I feel a sharp pain in my foot. "Why did you do that?"

"It's part of the game, close your eyes"

"Ouch!" I start to cry

"Thomas!" my grandmother, exclaims. (She is on her way to apologize to Thomas for yelling at him earlier...can you believe it?) You mustn't throw darts at Catherine!

Now we are both crying, which causes my little brother Trey to cry. Everyone cried and cried all summer. Good times!

As far as anyone knows my Grandmother never touched a drop of alcohol in her life, but if there was ever a time when she needed a drink, I'm sure it was this summer.

...stay tuned for Part II

Don't worry, Thomas didn't turn out to be serial killer, he actual turned in to a very decent person, and he is still one of my favorite people in the world.

In fact, his latest post brought tears to my eyes when on a recent trip to Colorado with his nephews he taught them the virtues of hunting.

Good Hair Day...Thanks Inés!

2011-08-27T18:05:00.000-05:00

You may remember one of my mother's style rules; "Never skimp on your hair or your shoes!"

Speaking of hair, she also says, "One should always go lighter as they get older."

After being a redhead for 15+ years, I discovered my roots where starting to turn pink, Quelle Disaster!

I'm so fortunate to have several amazing men in life, most importantly, my hairdresser, Tim. Tim and I put our heads together (pun intended) and came up with a game plan to gradually go blonde. Since my natural color, (which hasn't seen the light of day in 20 years) is mousy-brown, he wasn't worried about being being able to pull off the new color. He was worried about damaging my hair, and under no circumstances was he going to let me be a brassy blonde.

I'm at the strawberry-blonde stage now. Being fully committed to my new found blondness I'm ready for the total transformation, but he reminds me to be patient. I've been good. I don't wash my hair everyday, I've been using the low setting on my blow dryer and only using it to hit my velcro rollers a few seconds at a time, and I have been using every kind of conditioner under the sun. Regardless of all of my trying, my hair just didn't feel "natural."

Until today. I slathered conditioner on my ends the morning and left it in while I played tennis. After I came home, put of mixture of equal parts Witch Hazel and Listerine on my scalp with a squeeze bottle. Massaged, set,and rinse.

Then, I remembered reading some advice from Inés de la Fressange in Parisian Chic. "For Glossy Hair: Pour three soup spoons of white vinegar diluted in a bowl of water evenly over wet hair after shampooing, Guaranteed to gleam under the flash!"

Moi! After the vinegar rinse

I do admit I used more like a 1/2 cup of vinegar, but its amazing. My hair feels better than it's felt in months....Thanks Inés!

What's your favorite beauty secret?

P.S. Tish at Un Femme d'Un Certain Age is on the vinegar bandwagon too! Check out her post on the virtues of vinegar for skin care.

Pre-Fall Wardrobe Planning

2011-08-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

Ready for Fall by kittylong71 featuring tahitian pearl jewelry

Fall has always been my favorite season. Come September 1st, I'm always ready to get my boots out and start wearing fall clothes. Living in the South, the climate doesn't always cooperate with my fashion sense. I often feel like I have nothing to wear in this in-between season, "Pre-Fall." After taking stock of my freshly edited closet, I started making a list of some key pieces I'm looking for to take me from Indian Summer to true Fall.

I have a couple of outdoorsy trips coming up so I'm looking for some great casual looks. Blouses seem to be a big hole in my wardrobe this season, and I'm always on the look-out for great fitting trousers. Then of course, there's the cardigan, I find myself gravitating to cardigans as a "go-to" piece to throw on at the last minute or have draped over my bag.

1. Jeggings-I wore these to death last fall and winter and desperately need a replacement pair. I love this item with boots and a big cozy cardigan. The perfect ensemble for mountain get-aways or casual weekend dressing anywhere

2. Feminine Blouses- I've re-discovered a pair of Gap long and lean wide-leg jeans in my closet, and love the idea of wearing these with a pretty blouse for a 1970's glam look, paired with chunky sandals and great jewelry.

3. LBD- A little black dress has become my work uniform this summer and I plan on continuing this idea well into the fall. I'm gathering an arsenal, it makes getting ready in the mornings a breeze. If I'm running late, I know I can throw on an LBD with interesting shoes and accessories---guaranteed to always look fabulous. I love the idea of an sleeveless A-Line or a drop waist mod look, a la Prada. I also love the look with a chic bootie.

Check out my Polyvore board for my ideas....

What's on your fall wish list?

Secrets of a Fashionable Traveler: The Organized Closet

2011-08-24T19:01:00.001-05:00

My freshly edited closet

No one has ever accused me of being a neat-nick. In fact, some my call may workspace cluttered, but I prefer to call it "visually stimulating." I'm not one to just shove things in a closet or drawer; I prefer to see everything I need. However, I'm a stickler about editing my closet. Quite frankly, packing light and perfectly for any occasion really goes hand in hand with having a well organized closet. If my closet is unorganized, I feel like my entire universe is out of kilter. When I organize my closets, miraclously all the other clutter in my house seems to disappear.

Secrets of a Fashionable Closet:

1. Edit Often- First, think of your closet in terms of seasons. Keep all of your Spring/Summer clothes together, and all of your Fall/Winter clothes together. Perhaps you have a huge closet, or maybe you have two, regardless find a way to keep things organized.

2. Edit Again- Once, you've broken it down into seasons; break it down even further. I like to think in terms of two month increments. Think about what you want your look to be for the next two to three month's and keep only those things in front of you.

3. Try Everything On- Just like packing, things aren't magically going to look good on you, if they don't look good in your dressing room. Invest in a full length mirror and try everything you own on and take an objective look from every angle. Only keep the things that make you look and feel fabulous, donate to charity or take the other things to your local consignment store.

4. Fill in the Holes- Now you should be left with a well edited assortment of pieces that you look and feel fantastic in. Take a good look, memorize what you have and begin to think about what's missing. Then and only then should you start making your shopping list. In my experience, the majority of the "impulse" purchases have been my biggest fashion mistakes, while the pieces I have invested in, and pondered over remain the pieces that I won't give up.

5. Be Your Own Stylist- This is the fun part. Put on some great music and invite a friend over, (it's always great to have a second opinion) and start trying things on. You may even want to start pulling photos from magazines of looks you like. Have fun, step out of your comfort zone.

Take a peak at my closet, I can already see that I need a pop of color to liven things up a little....

use dust-covers and bags to keep your handbags looking great

I like to keep all of my "go-to" jewelry readily accessible

Shoe rack help shoes hold their shape, and make it easy to see everything

I love hanging towers for storing everything from
flip-flops to sweaters

What's your closet like? Do you have any tips for staying organized?

Little Rock: Night of "The Iguana's"

2011-08-23T21:52:00.000-05:00

"Who are the Iguana's?" my friend,

Mary Jane asked me...

The Iguana's are a band that I loved to see in New Orleans several years ago, and they just happened to be in Little Rock last Friday!

The Iguana's at Jazz Fest, 2011

If you are Treme fan, you may recognize them for the Jazz Fest episode....

HBO's-Treme

Or you may recognize "Boom, Boom, Boom" from Homicide: Life on the Streets

The Iguana's are a roots rock band with heavy Latin influences. It's a "must do" if they are coming to your town. If not, at least check out their music, I think you will love it.

The Iguana's @ Juanita's, Little Rock

The Iguana's @ Juanitas, Little Rock

That's me! Front and Center at The Iguana's

The crowd favorite was their cover of The Skeleton's, "Waiting For My Gin to Hit Me"...I can't get that song out of my head. You can watch the Skeleton's version here.

Do you know and love The Iguana's? What's your favorite band?

Watching My Hoya Grow: Savoring the End of Summer

2011-08-21T20:04:00.000-05:00

As much as I love traveling, I love to be home too. I've been a bit of a lazy hermit the last two weekends. After all, isn't it o.k. to be a little lazy at the end of the summer? I've rediscovered my home, cleaned out some clutter and enjoyed just watching the grass grow. Literally, take a look at my Hoya.

My Hoya is my favorite plant. As long as I can remember, my Aunt Dorothy's Hoya has taken center stage hanging from the ceiling in her breakfast room. The long graceful tendrils hang down and almost kiss the window sill. The Hoya has been there for birthdays, parties,weddings, and numerous special occasions. I was so touched several Thanksgivings ago when Dorothy gave me my very own Hoya, which started as cutting from hers and her Hoya was started from a cutting from her Grandmother.

Much to Aunt Dorothy's dismay, I didn't appreciate the history of the Tower of London in my jaded youth, but she is proud that I now "stand in awe" of my Hoya. I can't believe my plant came from a plant that is well over 100 years old.

It's quite amazing to see a Hoya bloom. The flowers look almost artificial, pink waxy-like, star shape flowers form clusters on the vines.

My Hoya was getting a little unruly, so I took some clippings and started another hanging basket at the beginning of the summer. It's grown like crazy, I was proud of it, I had to give it to my friend Dottie for her birthday yesterday.

Do you have a favorite plant?

Summertime in NYC: Mussels and Gelato

2011-08-19T07:20:00.001-05:00

Nothing says summertime in New York City, like mussels. I love sopping up the rich garlicky broth with a chunk of rustic bread and washing it all down with crisp white wine.

You can imagine how thrilled I was when my cousin, Lori suggested we try Flex when I was in town last month. I woke up salivating in anticipation of the meal we were going to have that night.

Sharing a meal with Lori is one of my favorite things in the world. I love food, but Lori; she's amazing, a true foodie she knows everything about food (she's written numerous books on the subject) and I always learn to appreciate something new every time I eat somewhere with her.

As we stepped out of my Chelsea hotel we were pleasantly surprised to find that things had cooled off a bit from the day, so we decided to walk the ten blocks to Flex in the village. We arrived shortly before 8:00 without a reservation. However, they seated us anyway; one of the nice things about being in New York in the summer; it's practically empty.

The decor was modern with lots of brushed steel fixtures and huge stylized photographs of Prince Edward Island hung on all the walls. The atmosphere was bustling and upbeat, but it was very cozy and easy to have a conversation.

Lori had been raving about the fish and chips so we decided to break out of the norm and order them for an appetizer. She was right, it was the best fish and chips I have had, and the french fries that came with were well worth the indulgence.

The menu featured mussels prepared the traditional way with white wine, garlic, and butter to more creative preparations like Thai, with coconut milk and lemongrass.

It was hard to decided, but Lori opted for the "Thai" mussels while I went with the "Mussels Bisque," with huge chunks of lobster and a cognac rich broth. Sharing is my favorite way to eat; luckily it runs in the family, since we were able to have the best of both worlds. It really was impossible to choose a favorite.

We always have to end on a sweet note, so we headed down to Bleeker street for Grom gelato...it's the best!

154 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 229-0222

Grom Gelato
233 Bleeker (Carmine)
Greenwich Village
New York
(212) 206 1738

Secrets of a Fashionable Traveler: Echinacea

2011-08-17T22:26:00.002-05:00

Echinacea flowers on the Highline

When I first started traveling for business, I would get sick every time I went anywhere. Recycled air on an airplane, foreign environments, eating food out of the norm, and disrupted sleep patterns can all wear down the immune system. Thanks to some great advice I got from my awesome doctor, I"m determined never ruin another trip by getting sick.

"Take Echinacea when you travel," was his advice to me.

It's worked for me for years. Echinacea helps boost the immune system, and helps the body fight off would be infections when exposed to foreign substances or lack of sleep. Over the years I've tried several different things from the Gaia supplements, to a Zinc and Echinacea tablets, and even Airborne. It all works.

I have to add if you are taking Airborne, make sure you follow the instructions and plop a tablet in a glass of water so it will dissolve. I on the other hand did not follow the instructions. Thinking Airborne was just like the French Vitamin C tablets that I had bought in Paris many times, popped one under my tongue. The result was a rabid-like foam coming out of my mouth....trust me not a pretty sight, although my neighbor quickly found another seat on the plane, leaving me a whole row to myself.

Do you have trick for staying well when you travel...or better yet an embarrassing airplane story?

Only in New York...Inspiration is Everywhere!

2011-08-10T21:28:00.001-05:00

Sometimes when I have writer's block, I'll flip through all my photos in iPhoto and wait to get inspired. Needless to say, inspiration always seems to find me. It reminds me of Creative Writing in grade school where you had to look at a picture and write something.

Take a walk with me through Greenwich Village on a beautiful spring day...

One sunny, Saturday, having just arrived in New York City, I wandered through the village on my way to meet my cousin, Lori for lunch at Cafe Ino. Then I stumbled across this tree. I had to photograph it! Since I had been studying camo patterns all week, I saw a striking resemblence.

You wouldn't believe what some people throw out as garbage. There has to be a great story behind this don't you think?

Meanwhile, a few blocks away....I'm starting to see a pattern. Isn't this wild? Have you ever seen anything like it?

Of course we all know that eventually, everyone ends up at the Chelsea Hotel.

I think there is a story there...how about you? Maybe, I'll write it one day. In the meantime why don't you take a stab at it.