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[…]

  

The bebes are bound for their first beach today. And we get a little beach up in this too- Hoo-Ray. It has been way too long since I’ve seen sand much less an ocean, I’m so looking forward to it. We’re headed to Siesta Key, Florida. Recently voted one of the best beaches in the land by Dr. Beach himself- apparently the nation’s foremost beach expert (who knew)- this beach wins awards all over the place, from tripadvisor to the Travel Channel. I grew up in Florida and have yet to step my toes into its award winning sand and thought that[…]

  

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[…]

  

Never has this quote meant so much to me then after reading Angelina Jolie’s op ed piece in the Times yesterday. Her decision to undergo preventive surgery in order to change the odds on her life is incredibly brave and to me, defines the word courage. Yes, it is terribly controversial as she did not actually have cancer but after learning that she carries the faulty BRCA1 gene, she took control of her life’s course and changed her odds of developing breast cancer from 85 percent to just under 5 percent. This is a woman that has her priorities straight.[…]

  

We served up a killer signature cocktail at our wedding back in ’08- wow it’s going to be 5 years  this year. We had our mixologist (aka the caterer’s bartender) create a lavender & lemon twist martini. We named it “The Contender” after our favorite scene from On the Waterfront. Watch the scene here- acting at its finest before Brando got bored with it. My bridesmaids all carried lavender in their bouquets and I used lavender, rosemary, some wild herbs and citrus (for my home state of Florida) throughout the ceremony and reception. Our Contender was a big hit and I[…]

  

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[…]

  

Bells are ringing and RSVP’s are lingering- put that stamp on it and send it in! What to get those lovely people in your lives who are tying the knot. You could just go off the registry- which they will undoubtedly appreciate- but if that’s not how you roll, here are a few things I thought were really beautiful, creative and fun. How pretty and cool is this and what bride wouldn’t absolutely love it. Yes, you’ll have to figure something out for the groom because this isn’t exactly up his alley but she will adore it. What a beautiful[…]

  

I love you, Kiwi Related posts:The Thanksgiving TableHappy ThanksgivingHappy Weekending!

  

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[…]

  

Today I’m couch tripping in the land of the Baja’s newest sensation- the Valle de Guadalupe- a killer wine country led by pioneering winemakers churning out some terrific juice and serving it alongside innovative eats. It sounds more like California than Mexico. But this is the Baja baby and winemakers like Hugo d’Acosto have arrived equipped with years of experience in France, Italy and Napa, determined to make a name for Mexican vino. As if I’m not already totally geeked out, add this hotel to the mix and I’m sold. Faux ticket bought, faux reservation made and I’m off. The[…]