PLANNING A SOLO GETAWAY

I have never taken a vacation by myself, it has always been with a partner or friends.  At this point in my life, I think the timing is right.  I am stumped on where I want to go, SO many options.  I know that I only want to go for 7-10 days, so the Maldives is out because it takes 33 hours to get there!  So here are a few of my picks so far...

I have been to Italy a couple of times, but have never been to the Amalfi Coast.  I love the food, and the passion of the Italian people.  Positano looks amazing!

 And, I can totally see myself lounging on the beach during the day and playing at night.

Then again, I hear the South of France is amazing.  Who doesn't adore the French!  Saint Tropez...

....Monaco

I'm also considering the Seychelles....

But that seems a little bit like a romantic vacation for two...

Maybe I'll do something completely different and go to Bali.  I love the book and movie, Eat, Pray, Love and my life is in a transition like hers was, thoughts?

 

And maybe I can even visit the real Ketut Liyer, the Medicine Man that Julia's character met with that gave her direction for her future.

Bali is sounding better and better!

A LITTLE BIT OF PARIS

One of my favorite trips in my life thus far was to Paris.  I love everything about it.  The sidewalk cafes...

...the fabulous Parisians and their passion for beautiful things.

From the clothes, to the interiors, and the food - it is true that design is all in the details and the Parisians don't miss a thing.

That brings me to my first impression of Paris.  I stepped in to my hotel room to find a little plate filled with macaroons.  I had never had one before and I fell in love.  I immediately asked the hotel concierge where I could find these decadent pastries.  I walked directly to Lauderee.

By the way I found out quickly, never call them a "cookie." They are pieces of art that are full of texture from the slight crunch to the soft creamy center - the flavors dance on your tongue.

Since then I have been on the hunt for a macaroon that would bring the experience I had in Paris to the U.S..  In my search I have never come across a macaroon that compares, until now.  I met Chef Alex from L'Artisan in SF and he changed my world.  His macaroons are seriously better than the ones that I had in Paris.  They are visually gorgeous, and the flavors and texture are absolutely perfect.  Check out this video of Chef Alex and me where he shares his passion and talks about the various flavors that we are offering at Joyus. 

LIGHTING IT UP!

I'm looking for great lanterns to source right now and in my search I came across a photo of somewhere in Marrakesh and fell in love with these lanterns.  Yes, you can fall in love with lanterns.

DREAM DINNER PARTY SETTING

As I've said a ton on this blog, I am addicted to entertaining.  I love to design parties, I love to create environments that people can connect in, and where they build lasting friendships.  I also love to watch people have a good time.  It is selfish in a way because it makes me feel good to be the one that has created a space for people to have fun in, it is something I take pride in.  I know at some point in my life I have come across people that felt I used entertaining as a tool to "show off."  What I have realized through time is that entertaining is my passion, my hobby, and the way I show love to the people in my life.

So, when I have a free day or night I automatically want to create an event.  Large or small, it is such a good way to create memories.  I can't count the number of people I have grown closer too, the communities that have been created, and the laughter that has surrounded those moments.  Entertaining creates community, and no matter how much you move or transition in life you have the opportunity to reach out to people by inviting them into your home and sharing a meal .  It is so has such a deeper meaning than just setting a pretty table.

If I had a dream dinner party setting this may be it...

Thanks to Kelly Wearstler for once again creating an environment that I am obsessed with!

THE ART OF THE BAR

I'm working on building out the perfect bar cart for one of my segments on Joyus.  In my research I found some pretty creative solutions and options, but this one is crazy cool.

I'm not sure where it would go in my house, but I'm tempted to find a place for it.  I've never seen anything like it.  What are your must haves on a bar cart, with the exception of the booze?


 I recently bought a collection of bitters tinctures, and they have been a hit at dinner parties when guests mix their own cocktails.

I also have some interesting liqueurs I ran across, and I am loving right now.  Check these out...

I am obsessed with the Rhuby...

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS

I am constantly looking for art that moves me.  I came across this painting and was drawn into the subjects sadness, there is such a softness and beauty to her at the same time, there is something about it that feels quiet and peaceful.

What do you see?  This is why art is exciting to me, everyone sees something different and interprets it with what they can relate to in life at the time.

FRIDAY IS HERE!

I think it is about time that I start planning my next vacation to somewhere warm, where I can put my feet in the water, sip a tropical cocktail, and laugh with friends.  This weekend I am going to work on defining where that next trip is going to take place.  I am thinking it will look something like this...

But before I get too lost in vacation dreamland I have to hop a plane to North Carolina for Highpoint Market.

I am looking forward to catching up with old friends and building relationships with some vendors that I may feature on Joyus.