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Currently on Broadway as Mary Wilson of The Supremes in the hit show Motown, Ariana DeBose gives us a peek into a day in the life:

Ari, take us through your day:

My Morning:

My day always starts off with a cup of joe and some morning business.
-P.S.: as an actress, watching Crimes of the Heart totally counts as business- ha.
I’m working on my website and using the black and white fishnet veil image as inspiration.
My mom sent me this write up in my local Raleigh paper- what a nice surprise.
On my way to the 2 train, I spy some sensible graffiti art.

My Afternoon:

I squeeze in a quick photo shoot as I needed some new shots, I like how this one turned out- it’s my Mary Tyler Moore moment.
I head to the Genius Bar on the Upper West Side which I love because you don’t need an appointment.
I arrive at my dressing room to find my gown from Hilton Hollis- yay- for opening night, a huge perk of being on Broadway.
My latest obsession- Chimes Ginger Chews, they’re delicious and good for the vocal chords.
My fabulous dresser helps me restyle a dress I’ve already worn for another event.
I always pop in to stage management to say hello, we have an amazing and hardworking team.
That gooey gold lame is courtesy of the design talents of one Emilio Sosa- our costume designer. I’m the understudy for Diana Ross and I cannot wait to get into that gown.

My Evening:

A quick backstage photo op before curtain and then off to drinks with the legendary Martha Reeves and the Andantes (lucky me- another huge perk).
That’s a photo of my personal guru and master set designer, David Korins and I- he’s totally a genius.
And that’s a wrap- back uptown I go to start all over again tomorrow.

I’ve know Ari since she was a wee student of 18. Now she’s all of 22 strutting down the step and repeat with two Broadway shows and a stint on So You Think You Can Dance under her belt. Geez Louise, these young whipper snappers move fast today. She’s all abuzz on the New York theater scene and she took a few minutes out of her fun filled day to talk with us.

Did you always know you wanted to be on Broadway?

I always knew I wanted to perform. I figured out that Broadway was the place for me around age 12. The first musical I saw was Rent and there was something about that girl in the leopard coat (Mimi) that made me think I could do what she was doing.

What is your favorite thing about being on Broadway?

There are too many to count; but I just adore all the amazing people I get to meet.

What’s it like playing Mary Wilson? 

It’s fabulous to play an icon every night! And Mary had so many dynamic qualities that make it so fun to play. She was a ball of sex appeal and utter joy.

How much do you love your costumes, and Emilio Sosa- what is he like to work with? 

Emilio is so wonderful! He has such an eye for a woman’s body and how to capture the essence if each client or character. We had such a good time together with both the Mary track and my Diana understudy costumes. He worked to tailor the styles to my body and personality- makes a girl feel special!

Tell me about your training.

I trained at CC & Company Dance Complex in Raleigh, NC. I am Studio raised and grew up competing and taking class at conventions. I started taking private vocal lessons my junior year of high school and spent a short time at Western Carolina University where I took a very helpful acting class. But I am still training as we speak. I treat every job as a chance to learn something new, I’m constantly in dance class and training with my vocal coach.

What was it like being on So You Think?

SYTYCD was such a whirlwind. It was my first real audition experience and I learned a lot about myself and how to function in an audition. The show itself was just icing on the cake! I mean what 18 year old doesn’t enjoy being on TV?!

With an 8 show a week schedule and working 6 days a week, what is your perfect day off?

A day at the spa! I love to lounge in a pool with my best girls and a mimosa, throw in a full body massage and I’m set.

Sounds pretty great Ari. In your next life, you’re a…

Fashion Designer

Who or what inspires you?

PEOPLE inspire me. Every day I see something- an act of kindness, or something as small as a smile will inspire me.

Where is your favorite spot on the planet?

Austria. I sound like Maria Von Trapp, but I have never been more at peace then when I was there, the air is so clean.

What’s on your Bucket List?

So many things! I want to visit the rock of Gibraltar, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, ski the Alps and I definitely want to perform at the Kennedy Center.

What is something you really don’t need to do again?

No. More. Reality. Shows. It was fabulous while it lasted but I don’t need to do it again.

I just bought Then Again by Diane Keaton. I really admire her and I’m enjoying her insight thus far and I’m currently listening to Morgan James Live: A Celebration of Nina Simone. This fierce white woman is singing for the gods!

What is your favorite personal possession:

I have a string of red beads from the 50′s my great grandmother gave me before she passed. I wear them whenever I want to feel fancy.

Favorite style or beauty trend of the season?

I’m living for this Aqua Fresh vibe this summer spotted via Marie Claire’s UK site.

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I just love this. Not sure why- maybe it’s the whole idea of having limits in such vastness or maybe it’s just cool. In any case, happy weekend to you all! I hope you enjoy the first days of June. We’re throwing a tiny birthday party for the tiny bebes. They turned one this week so they’ll be smashing some cakes and opening some presents- yippee.

I’m making this Banana & Blueberry Cake and this Carrot Cake- I just can’t go the full monty yet with the sugar and the ice cream. If you’re rolling your eyes at me as you read this, I don’t blame you. But they’ll be on to sugar soon enough and besides I’m in full on preservation mode. I absolutely love watching them grow but will so miss the tiny babe stage.

I hope you all have a most excellent weekend.

A little link love:

A winemaker’s favorite places around the world.

Next time I’m in Paris (please let it be soon), I’m hitting this place up for the cutest kids’ clothes ever.

Calling all bike loving crafty waftys- DIY your own super cute bike crate. How great is this.

The best wedding party photo of all time?

Ikea makes a really cool pharmacy cabinet. I would love this for my bathroom.

For anyone that has the time, here are some super cute DIY cocktail sticks to make your party pinterest perfect. My parties these days are definitely not darlingly designed, it’s more of the throw it all together at the last minute or let’s just have an impromptu picnic but hey- whatever works.

And next time I’m in San Fran (please let it be soon), I’m hitting this place up for fantastic curios and oddities.

Haven’t we all danced around our bedroom in our underwear to the Dixie Chicks, “Landslide”? I know I have. Check out Tyler Marcum dancing alongside his 20 year-old self. This is awesome, he was pretty inspired in that dorm room.

My new favorite wine label.

Animals that you didn’t know existed- love that Irawaddy Dolphin!

Wow. There are so many things to say about this and I really can’t tell whether it’s for real or a spoof but after it’s all said and done, it’s really all about that camel toe and that gallup. Wow.

Mario Batali’s way of welcoming the weekend- Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!

A life sized prairie dollhouse gone- so sad.

This is absolutely hilarious- a conversation between a dad and his 2 year old daughter reenacted by adults.

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I’m starting a new series called “According to Jess” where my Southern, sassy and opinionated (in the best way) pal, Jess Hartman shares her lifestyle and travel tips. She’s a New Orleans native who splits her time between NYC and Baltimore, where she, her hubby Jason, and soon to be little girl dwell in a cute little row house. Jess and I did our first Broadway show together, The Boy From Oz- you really bond with someone when you originate a show together, not to mention sharing a tiny dressing room on the 4th floor of the Imperial Theater- ahh, those were the days!

We recently met for brunch in this historic and ridiculously cute waterfront Baltimore neighborhood and I fell in love with Fells. Fells Point- According to Jess:

EAT:
Sofi’s Crepes for authentic crepes, Salt Tavern for inspired American food, The Black Olive for tasty Greek food in a a rustic and romantic setting, and Pitango for great gelato.

SHOP:
Sound Garden for vintage LPs, Killer Trash for killer vintage, AMuse Toys for beautifully crafted toys for your tots and Poppy and Stella for darling shoes.

PLAY:
One of the highlights of the year in Fells is the Films on the Pier series. Watch classic movies outside on the dock- how swoonful is that photo!

Our day in Fells:

The pier is so pretty and those big beautiful boats make want to jump onboard and yell Ahoy Matey! Jess does her best bevel in front of the Bond St. building- once a showgirl, always a showgirl. These pirate guys were killing me- they absolutely live for these weekends. That cute baby bump- can’t wait to meet the little Miss.

Jess’ Cabo Citrus Punch Mocktail direct from this dreamy place:

Don’t you just want to jump into that picture and order yourself a cocktail (or mocktail)? Calgon- take me to Cabo.

A Momma’s Mocktail-According to Jess:

P.S.: I love Jack Rudy’s Small Batch Grenadine Syrup- the best.

{Images: Olives: wiseGeek, Pitango gelato: Shootfirsteatlater.com, Fells Point Pier: Ken Adams, Mocktail: MarthaStewart.com}

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I love this image from Audrey Simper’s “Wake Me In Another World” series.

Happy Weekend and Memorial Day to you all, dear readers. What’s on the list for your weekend? Do tell. We are staying put this weekend and laying low after enjoying some time at the beach.

A little link love:

Have you guys seen the 6 second recipe food app, Vine? I love it. Here are 10 of their most popular 6 second videos.

Speaking of apps, I’m loving my new A Beautiful Mess photo app! Great fonts and cool effects. Totally worth the dollar.

If you’re thinking about a kitchen reno, here is a step by step process with a budget breakdown. This homeowner lives in San Francisco, so her labor is on the high end but it lays it all. I love the finished product, especially that zinc countertop with those barstools and that vintage hutch- clean and modern with a vintage bent. Love it.

And while we’re talking reno (can you tell what’s on my mind- if only I had something to renovate- ha) Holy Smokes- this renovated convent is rocking my world. I love it! The cement floors might be a wee bit hard for the bebes but it’s stunning.

Clever cookie cutters like:

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I’ve made a dangerous discovery. There is a wonderful little chocolate factory around the corner from my house. Seriously. The good people at Fleurir Chocolates are busy baking and batching delicious artisanal confections all day long. I had to stop in, sample and of course take a few bars and delights with me for the road. This is not good for my whole post baby slim down routine but what’s a girl to do. Anybody that’s infusing lavender and shiraz into one tiny chocolate has got my business.

A young couple run this operation. He from Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney and she a recent college grad, they make their home in Virginia just outside of DC. Their actual storefront is in Georgetown and the Alexandria location is their chocolate factory with a bonus storefront for lucky folks like me. How cute are they:

A few more images from my visit:

My favorite treats were the ginger and mint infused Ginger Rogers and the Great Plains Bar with salted breadcrumbs and a pretty abstract expressionistic splatter paint job. Visit Fleurir in DC, Alexandria or here at their online shop.

{Photo by Christina Bernales}

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I’m amassing an ever growing Hit List of destination restaurants to patronize. It’s so long, it’s dizzying, but I can’t stop myself- so many dishes to eat, so many places to explore. Stop the insanity, Leon is getting Larger (Airplane reference anyone?). Sir and Star is my Hit List’s latest addition run by the husband and wife team of Margaret Grade and Daniel DeLong of Manka’s Inverness Lodge fame. After a devastating fire to the lodge’s famed restaurant in 2006, they have breathed new life into a nearby Olema landmark. The couple had their eyes on the Olema Inn for years and their turn of events gave them reason to act. They bought the inn, revamped it promptly renaming it The Olema and opened Sir and Star- a little jewel of a restaurant. It’s the kind of place that just looks like it makes great memories.

I love the whole West Marin region. We drove up to Olema once on a whim while I was on tour in San Francisco (Chicago with Huey Lewis= nightly shots of whiskey post curtain with The Heart Of Rock ‘n Roll and the Cell Block Girls- now those were the days). There, in the West Marin, we found an inviting, mysterious and fog-filled coastline (one reason Sonoma is such a hotbed for Pinot- thank you mother nature) home to Point Reyes National Seashore and the Tomales Bay Oyster Co. We stayed at a divey little motel and I was completely enchanted by the area.

The restaurant at Manka’s Inverness Lodge was the stuff of locavore lore. A destination for farm-to-table foodies including the likes of Prince Charles and Thomas Keller, I sadly did not get the chance to visit. But with The Olema and its new restaurant, Sir and Star- the trail-blazing Manka team is back. The dishes still have whimsical names as they did at Manka’s- “Crab Plucked From Surrounding Seas” and “A Neighbor’s Quail Plumped With Kale”- personalizing the food and giving it a story. Named after the intersection where this little house lies, at Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and Star Route 1, it even bodes a mystical name- a name that  implores you to set out on a voyage for discovery. Westward Ho! Next stop- Sir and Star.

Round out your West Marin County Voyage with these must stops:

Hike the Point Reyes National Seashore, a morning stroll along this coastline will put anyone in a good mood. But don’t dip your toes too deep as this is Great White country. Dip at your own risk.

Slurp your heart out at the Tomales Bay Oyster Company. A local’s favorite, these oysters are farm raised on the premises and the spot is perfect for picnicking.

Cowgirl Creamery at Tomales Bay Foods. Take a $5 tour of the original outpost of this cult creamery in Point Reyes Station. My favorite of their delicious cheeses is the Mt. Tam.

Relax on the Tomales Bay while staying at The Poet’s Loft in the tiny town of Marshall. This view would unleash the prose of any lucky visitor’s inner poet.

This perfect little patch of planet is one of my favorite places. It kind of makes me feel like a West Coast Jessica Fletcher- it’s quaint, charming and local like Cabot Cove and inspiring enough to make me want to solve mysteries. Ok, I know that’s kind of random but it’s the truth. Have you been? Do tell your favorite spots in the area.

{Image Credits: James Baigrie, The Olema}

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Happy Weekend dear readers. What adventures do you have planned for this mid May weekend? My dancers are performing in their spring concert this weekend- Merde girls- we are walking a 5K with the bebes and I’m going to head out to the Old Lucketts Store Spring Market. I haven’t yet ventured out to this legendary vintage outpost and their spring market promises to be amazing. They suggest bringing a trailer- Ha. I don’t even have room left in my storage space. Oh well, it will be fun to browse.

I found a new obsession in affordable art. Now that 20×200 has closed (boo), I am really loving Leif. The original canvas above by artist Kate Smithson will set you back $125. Pretty sweet for an original work and I love the purple and yellow color combo. Leifshop has a well edited array of gifts, accessories, tabletop and jewelry to boot.

I can’t wait to see this new Somm doc, I’ve been following its progress and waiting for its theatrical release. A great idea- to document and follow 4 wine pros on their quest to becoming Master Sommeliers. The test is absolutely impossible and I can’t believe anyone actually passes, much less on their first attempt. I hope to attempt the Master of Wine exam at some point in my life, a similar test with less emphasis on service, but it will take me a few years yet to get through my current Diploma program first. Meanwhile, this doc looks pretty great- I only wish there was a woman in the mix.

For the next time you’re in France- 5 French souvenirs under $5.

I absolutely love this travelogue of Argentina- so pretty and inspiring.

Fake twitter avatars for Amelia Earhart and some of her famous female friends.

Somebody made this video compilation of my some of my sister in-law Charlotte’s work on Broadway. She’s completely amazing.

I love this- a photographer mom dresses up her 5 year old daughter as her 5 five favorite heroines for her 5th birthday. What a great idea and what a pretty little model- so inventive.

This story made me cry- what brave parents.

Who knew! Get way more juice out of your lemon by cutting lengthwise. Proof here.

Did you know that Sydney Poitier’s life course was changed by an act of kindness? While working as a busboy, a waiter taught the Bahamian how to read setting him on his course to become one of our greatest actors.

For all the gluten free peeps out there, this new book looks amazing. Her blog has some great tips and recipes for living the high life sans gluten.

California’s Gold- Huell Howser would approve- if you live in Northern California and love wine, this looks to be an exciting new little wine country. Just 140 miles north of San Fran, the Gold country is home to some terrific restaurants and small mom and pop vineyards.

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My mom and I spent Mother’s day together this year- the first time since I can remember. We took in a fabulous brunch with bebes at Bryan Voltaggio’s Volt. Tremendous. T.J. the wine director, paired us up with some amazing wines to boot. A tasting note on my favorite of his picks is below. Here are a few scenes from the day in lovely Frederick, Maryland.

Volt’s beautiful 19th century Frederick mansion.

The bebes go to brunch. The housemade breadsticks with a bit of Vermont butter and sea salt were a big hit, as were the grits and the eggs and the dessert and… well they pretty much loved everything and so did we.

A little Gruner, some Sonoma Chard (delicious with only minimal French oak), a 1er Cru Chablis and of course bottles for the bebes.

I try not to take too many pictures of my food as at the end of the day, it’s not actually all that interesting to look at, is it? And as I just read, obsessive food photography could actually indicate an illness- read the article here- ha. But, with this meal, it was so perfect, I had to share.

I started with a deconstructed clam chowder. The sourdough starter in the spaghetti replaced the bread bowl and the smoked potatoes, and tiny olde salt clams were topped with a zesty breadcrumb and fresh herbs mix for crunch and pretty chive blossoms for a little kick. I loved this dish. I had an amazing almost orange-colored omelet with cheddar, ramps, shitakes and asparagus for my main course and this meyer lemon custard with white chocolate, ruby grapefruit, celery, bitter cocoa and cardamom. Pretty killer.

T.J. paired us up with a Chablis to accompany my pasta and a lightly French-oaked Maldonado Sonoma Chardonnay for the omelet. The asparagus is always tricky and I tasted a Gruner which I loved as well, but the Chard was a bit more weighty and nice with the fresh farm eggs and cheddar. My favorite wine of the day though was my mom’s Nicolas Rossignol Pinot Noir that she sipped with her poached eggs and pork belly- really a sublime pinot, one of the best I’ve had in a while.

Strolling through pretty downtown Frederick. With Carroll Creek running through the center of town and lots of great shops, restaurants and Civil War history, it makes for a great day trip.

If you go, don’t miss:

Silk & Burlap: a really well edited boutique filled with vintage and modern apparel and home wares. I love these Italian mint booties and this pillow, but they were a bit out of my budget. I did find a killer statement necklace here- big fan of this place.
The Tasting Room: 40 wines by the glass with a great list.
That Cuban Place Café: tasty Cuban place in a casual setting. Man, I wish I had this place around the corner from me.
National Museum of Civil War Medicine: an interesting look into the medical side of the war.
Schifferstadt: this little gem of a museum is housed in one of the oldest structures in Frederick. Built during the French and Indian Museum, this is a great example of German Colonial stone architecture and the museum highlights the historic architecture of the area.
And of course, I highly recommend blowing it out at Volt.

My favorite wine of the day- a Nicolas Rossignol Burgundy:

Rossignol is a young winemaker who has recently taken over his family’s operation. He’s making waves in Burgundy by turning out some terrific wine, I’m so glad to have been introduced to his juice. If you spot a bottle on a menu or in your favorite wine shop, I highly recommend picking it up, you will not be disappointed.

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Happy Weekend and Happy Mother’s Day, dear readers. I love this kooky mother daughter photo of Shirley MacLaine and her daughter, Sachi Parker circa 1959. It’s my first official Mother’s Day and my own momma is here to celebrate. We had a great run in the rain today- the bebes’ first experience with a full on downpour. We were attempting a walk and a trip to the park when the rain intervened. It ended up being so much fun- running and pushing their stroller at top speed in the rain. They loved it and so did we. We ran for blocks absolutely drenched and laughing all the way. The sun promptly appeared after the rain decided it was done and that heavenly after rain smell filled the air. I just read that it has a name, that heavenly smell- it’s called Petrichor. I wish you could bottle it, but then again- no. It’s kind of nice having to wait for it and that wonderful moment when it reveals itself. What a fun and beautiful evening, thanks mom.

I’m off to St. Louis today join my hubby for the premiere of his new ballet at St. Louis Ballet, Volatizing the Esters. Yes- he named his ballet the name of this very blog. What can I say, it’s a good title. It’s a contemporary ballet and he experimented by using a few different props, one of which is a giant carpet that the dancers dance on and with, throughout the piece. I’ve just seen little bits and pieces via video so I’m really looking forward to it. Here’s a few sneak preview videos of C working with the dancers. I’m so proud of him- merde, honey.

What are you all up to this weekend? We’re going to journey up to Bryan Voltaggio’s Volt on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the day of the Moms and otherwise lay low.

A little link love:

Foolproof dinner recipes including a Jean-Georges Vongerichten molten chocolate cake to make your momma for Sunday, courtesy of Mark Bittman.

Have you discovered Gizoogle yet? My brother Ben sent me the link a few days ago and it is worth blowing a few minutes of your day to Gizoogle one of your favorite sites. Here’s what happened when I gizoogled my blog.

The James Beard 2013 Award Winners. I have GOT to get to Little Serow here in DC, now it’s really going to be impossible.

This iconic graffiti mecca in Long Island City will be demolished to make way for more boring and insanely expensive condos. How sad. So long 5Pointz.

I am digging these silver t-straps. Just bought myself a pair- $49, I mean come on.

A last minute Mother’s Day gift that will make you both feel good. #honoryourmom

This apartment is pretty wowzers.

How to make a smokin’ cocktail- quite literally- with real smoke.

David Sedaris spends his spare time picking up trash on the side of the road. Get into his fantastic head here.

NYC’s top 20 most anticipated restaurant openings.

Mario Batali’s Crab Salad with Mint Oil recipe- this looks delicious!

Have a beautiful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

Cin Cin!

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