Posts from — July 2011

I can’t decide if it’s Candice or the garden setting that makes me want to be the muse of a Alphonse Mucha painting. Oh, I know, I’m so dramatic. But who doesn’t love Victoria’s Secret, really. If it’s at all possible, I think I may even love it more after sitting next to an Angel at the Chateau Marmont. Wouldn’t you? It wasn’t the wine, Candice really is a beautiful woman – Inside and out – It was a great time.

Victoria’s Secret bubble bath products have been a staple in my bathroom for years. And if I don’t love it, it doesn’t go on this here blog. So trust me when I say that Sheer Love is top on my list for the fall. When I sit on the soccer field, I want to smell of lilies, cotton flowers, chamomile and aloe vera.

Thank you Dream Team and LBC for hooking this up, VS beauty team for the lovely picture of Candice and Monique of ClickLatina for the pic of me!

Dress: Anthropologie Shoes: Calvin Klein

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Long weeks require a DJ and a tea party. While my guys enjoyed their Harry-thon last Friday, I opted for a night of tea, dancing and art. It was so needed. The combo took place at the Pacific Asia Museum. I danced a bit, caught up with old friends … then sat quietly and took an amazing sip of tea at a lovely tasting. Moms, I’m sure you know that “sip”. The one that feels like a warm bubble bath … a massage … a cool breeze … 10 gorgeous men feeding you grapes … Wait, what?

OK, back to the story…

Linda Louie did an amazing presentation on the history of Pu-erh tea right before she served up a delicious cup of magic. I loved watching her hands. They moved so delicately as she prepared the tea. It was a slow, poetic movement in itself very soothing. The presentation was followed by words I shall live by, “Life is too short to drink bad tea”. I realized that I really REALLY needed to step up my tea game. The whole tea bag in hot water is synonymous with sweat pants – It’s like you’ve just given up.

Thanks P.A.M. and the Bana Tea Company for such a great evening.

After my guacamole post, it seems I disappeared into a world of wizards and potions. Well, if this world includes my laptop and Power Point, then, yes, that is exactly where I’ve been. As I sit here typing with my wand and robe in tow, I feel the need to confess something to you. I have never watched a Harry Potter movie nor have I read any of the books. Gasp! How can I even justify being a mom in the last decade?

My son read the books and has watched the films a million times, and talks about it with his friends and family. A lot. Perhaps I have a case of Potter overload? PotterPhobia? Potteritis? OK, this is probably the point where my son would say, “Mom, knock it off”.

Truth is, I enjoy listening to my son enthusiastically tell me about it, and it seems he likes introducing me to the latest storyline. Why ruin a good thing? When I see he is really into something, I always try to find an addition to the experience, albeit an event or art show. Gallery Nucleus is always good like that. I love that they stay true to the hands-on aspect of movie-making and curate exhibits that bring characters to life in various forms. I get to learn about the characters through maquettes and my son gets to learn about Drew Struzan. It works.

If you’re in LA, Gallery Nucleus awaits your arrival.

“Oh so pretty … ”

What does guacamole have to do with West Side Story? A LOT. But only in my head, of course. I’m obsessed with the film. So when I heard that the Hollywood Bowl would be playing it in collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, I could not resist an evening of gang dance-offs and what I think is THE best love story of all time. The beauty of the Hollywood Bowl is that you can pack a picnic basket with goodies to eat while watching your performance. How awesome is that? So, what to bring, what to bring … ?

I decided to stop cyber stalking Presley’s Pantry, leaving her creepy comments like “Come over, I’m hungry”. Instead, I actually tried one of her recipes. And, let me tell you, her guacamole was the perfect snack, especially during my “Somewhere, someday …” chip indulged sob fest. That song does it to me every time.

Thanks, Nicole. This was a perfect touch to the evening! But seriously, whenever you have extra guacamole, feel free to come over. There I go again.

Got Milk? hosted a fun and tasty event at Art Work Studios in Hollywood. Totally up my alley. Summer drinks and art, what more could I ask for on a hot summer day. Oh, and did I mention the drinks were prepped by Heather Perry?

This little beauty is a Red Velvet Frappe (without coffee for the kiddies). You must try it. It’s so amazing and refreshing.

Here’s the recipe ~ One tbsp of cocoa, 1 oz hot water, 5 oz milk, 1 oz red food coloring, 2 scoops vanilla ice-cream, 1 cup ice, whipped cream to taste. If you’d like the coffee version, just follow the instructions but add 2 oz espresso or strongly brewed coffee.