Back in the day, I was a showgirl in Sin City (the top-wearing kind) and I returned there for a couple of days last weekend.  I was both inspired and a little miffed by the changes since the late 90s, but some things never change. Here are my picks for a razzle dazzle Vegas weekend. 1. The Bellagio- most of the rooms here have been recently renovated and have a great modern feel. Swanky, Classy (dare I use the word- not sure it belongs anywhere, especially Vegas), and centrally located, the Bellagio is always a great place to stay. Dale[…]

  

My brother Matt had us over for Thanksgiving this year and my father in law, Jacques drove down from NY to be with us. It was a tasty good time and conversation about the Absinthe documentary- appropriately named Absinthe- sparked our curiosity to do a tasting, Matt just happened to have a bottle on hand- tastes kind of like ouzo to me. The Sea Smoke Southing ’09 Pinot was really a stunner with our bird- it was complex and subtle all at once, a really beautiful wine. I had been waiting to drink this one and it was a good[…]

  

My mom and her longtime beau got married last weekend in the Valley of Fire State Park, just outside of Las Vegas. We did it up- took the babies to Vegas and had a swingin’ time.  More posts to come but one of my favorite moments was stopping at the Moapa Truck Stop just outside of the Park, to load up on champagne and other tasty treats. We had heard good things about the place, but were more than pleased and surprised to find that they stocked Veuve in their fridge. Veuve has never been a personal favorite, but it[…]

  

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  Katy Robbins, one of my dearest friends, has obliged to be Volatizing the Esters’ personal stylist, giving us her educated and fashion forward picks each season. Katy and I met in acting class in LA. We were scene partners and I must say, we did some of our best work together but alas, she was destined to be a stylist. She styled me for my 1st Broadway opening night for The Boy from Oz in vintage Ungaro- apropos for a musical about Peter Allen largely set in the 70s-the girl knows her stuff. That’s what friends are for. Hailing from[…]

  

  Weekend in Winnetka with the Wilsons That’s a lot of W’s and there were lots of kiddos.  My mom and I took the bebes up to visit our friends in the northern suburbs of Chicago. We’ve all known each other since the 70s- that always sounds so funny- Carrie and I have been friends since we were 1. It’s all too easy not to make the effort to visit friends that live a plane ride away- especially with little ones in tow- but time spent with loved ones is kind of what life’s all about. We were treated to[…]

  

Jessica’s Biel’s Giambattisa Valli Haute Couture wedding dress is spot on.  What a bold choice- splotchy pink and white brush strokes, classic lines with a modern edge- it’s like a little candy confection and an abstract painting made a baby (or a wedding dress).  I just want to eat it. Olive and Sinclair’s Salt and Pepper artisanal chocolate is one of my budget busting vices. I would eat a bar of this every day if I let myself, and I almost do.  I discovered it in Nashville last year while having brunch at Marche. I brought home a couple of[…]

  

If you are in New York and want to volunteer in Staten Island, here is a great list posted by a friend actively involved in the Staten Island relief effort. 11 Tips on volunteering in Staten Island: 1. Know where you are going and who are you going to volunteer for (check out recovery.org/staten island) but I recommend giving donations at the Crossroads church and dispersing from there. 192 Ebbets Street is a distribution center smack in the middle of the worst parts that needs help. 2. Avoid being a Disaster Tourist – if you are shooting photographs, also use[…]

  

Take a page out of Harlem Prep’s book. Be sure to exercise your civic duty and VOTE! I just got back from my local voting precinct and always get such a joyful rush out of our freedom to vote. It is definitely something to be grateful for.   Related posts:Notes from the Weekend"How’m I doin’?"Present-ing: The Dude

  

With New York, New Jersey and Connecticut still suffering from the aftermath of Sandy, this video below of Casey Neistat’s trip through Staten Island is worth a watch. If you are able to donate, please do so. The latest from friends in the area is that Staten Island is inundated with physical donations, the best thing to do now is to either volunteer your time and/or donate money or blood. Great places to donate: Food Bank NYC, Red Cross, and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NY. In other less important news from the weekend, I’m always in the mood for a[…]