The Franco-fille

French cooking: Quiche Lorraine

2009-06-22T15:12:00.005-05:00

The quiche was a success! A couple issues: I didn’t have any salt (I recently moved and salt is one of those items I didn’t remember to buy) so I think a pinch of salt would help with the flavor. I left out the onion because the yellow onions at the store didn’t look right. Some recipes called for onion and others didn’t so I figured I was safe.

Crumbled bacon. I used 8 slices of turkey bacon.

Place bacon in bottom of prepared pie shell (I used frozen).

Mixing the 3 eggs, 1.5 c of half and half and shredded swiss cheese (gruyere and swiss mix)

Everything in the pan ready to go!

Oops! The filling spilled out as soon as I moved it. May be I will only use 1c of half and half next time. . .

All done! I was SO scared to eat it. . .

I had about 2 slices (bad girl, I know).

And the rest is going in the freezer! I am NOT gonna sit around and eat this by myself. It’s too rich. But I will say it was VERY filling. You really only need one small slice of this with a nice salad.

Not bad! I’m on my way! I’m thinking I want to try tartiflette or cassoulet next. Or perhaps mousse au chocolat! I’d love to hear any suggestions. I need fairly simple dishes since I’m a novice cook.

French Cooking

2009-06-21T12:00:00.003-05:00

I'm starting a new series where I attempt to make French dishes. I've been foricng myself to cook more instead rely on frozen dinners. I feel so much better. For the past several months (really) I've been wanting quiche lorraine, but I couldn't bring myself to buy the frozen quiche sold in grocery stores. So, last night, I googled for recipes for this delicious dish. I found a simple Betty Crocker version, and a Williams Sonoma version that is quite similar. I'm going with the W-S version:

The northeastern French province of Lorraine gave us this traditional savory tart of eggs, bacon and cheese that seemed to be on every weekend brunch table and ladies' luncheon menu by the mid-1960s. The classic filling ingredients are included here. Some versions add chopped onion or leek that has been sautéed in butter, a nod to the cooking traditions of neighboring Alsace.
Ingredients:

For the pastry:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

8 Tbs. (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into
small cubes

1 to 2 Tbs. ice water

For the filling:

6 lean bacon slices

3/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature

3/4 cup milk, at room temperature

3 eggs, at room temperature

1 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cayenne pepper, to taste

Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
Directions:

To make the pastry, in a bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the butter and, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the ingredients together quickly until crumbly and the mixture resembles oatmeal. Then, while quickly stirring and tossing with a fork, add the ice water a little at a time just until the dough begins to hold together. Gather into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 425ºF.

On a lightly floured work surface, using your hands, flatten the ball of dough into a disk. Dust it with flour and roll out into an 11-inch round. Fit carefully into a 9 or 10-inch tart pan, or a 9-inch glass pie dish. If using a tart pan, trim the dough even with the pan rim. If using a pie dish, trim the dough to allow a 1-inch overhang, then fold under the overhang and flute the edges. Prick the dough in several places with fork tines and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Partially bake the pastry shell until it just begins to color, 10 to 12 minutes. If the pastry puffs up during baking, prick again with a fork to release the steam. Remove from the oven and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 375ºF.

To make the filling, in a fry pan over medium-high heat, fry the bacon until crisp and golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits. Scatter the crumbled bacon over the bottom of the pastry shell.

In a bowl, combine the cream, milk, eggs and melted butter. Using a whisk or fork, beat until well blended. Stir in the cheese and season with salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Pour into the prepared pastry shell and sprinkle the top lightly with nutmeg.

Bake until the custard is set and the tip of a knife inserted into the center of the custard comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for several minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

I will be using a ready made pie-crust and I may have to sub the heavy cream with half and half. We shall see. I'll be back!

Men Run the World. . .

2009-06-06T13:07:00.004-05:00

But Women run men.

First Ladies Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy meet again in Paris. I've been a longtime fan of Carla's music. I love Michelle Obama. They are so cool together!

Pleasant Surprise

2009-06-06T11:27:00.003-05:00

A little sparkling wine and sweet strawberries were a wonderful treat yesterday after a busy busy couple of days. I'm always sampling new wines and came across a recommendation online for Ballatore Gran Spumante. At only $6.99, it was too cheap to not try. I was very pleasantly surprised! It's sweet, smooth, and fruity. For the price, it can't be beat. The packaging makes it look more expensive than it is. My ONLY critique is the wine is a touch too sweet.

I will always keep a few bottles of this on hand, as this will be my staple for small gatherings (unless the occasion calls for something a bit more high-end). Check out the reviews on

Missing Air France Flight

2009-06-01T09:33:00.003-05:00

From the Associated Press:

SAO PAULO – A missing Air France jet carrying 228 people from Rio de Janeiro to Paris ran into lightning and strong thunderstorms over the Atlantic Ocean, officials said Monday. Brazil began a search mission off its northeastern coast.

Chief Air France spokesman Francois Brousse said "it is possible" that the plane was hit by lightning.

Air France Flight 447, an Airbus A330, left Rio on Sunday at 7 p.m. local time (2200 GMT, 6 p.m. EDT) with 216 passengers and 12 crew members on board, company spokeswoman Brigitte Barrand.

About four hours later, the plane sent an automatic signal indicating electrical problems while going through strong turbulence, Air France said.

The plane "crossed through a thunderous zone with strong turbulence" at 0200 GMT Monday (10 p.m. EDT Sunday). An automatic message was received fourteen minutes later "signaling electrical circuit malfunction."

Brazil's Air Force said the last contact it had with the Air France jet was at 0136 GMT (9:30 p.m. EDT Sunday), but did not say where the plane was at that time.

Brazil's air force was searching near the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, about 300 kilometers (180 miles) northeast of the coastal city of Natal, a spokesman said, speaking on condition of anonymity in keeping with department policy.

The region is about 1,500 miles northeast of Rio.

The head of investigation and accident prevention for Brazil's Civil Aeronautics Agency, Douglas Ferreira Machado, told Brazil's Globo TV that he believes the plane must have left Brazilian waters and could have been near the coast of Africa by the time contact was lost, based on the speed it was traveling.

"It's going to take a long time to carry out this search," he said. "It could be a long, sad story. The black box will be at the bottom of the sea."

Air France-KLM CEO Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, at a news conference at Charles de Gaulle Airport north of Paris, said the pilot had 11,000 hours of flying experience, including 1,700 hours flying this aircraft. No name was released.

Aviation experts said the risk the plane was brought down by lightning was slim.

"Lightning issues have been considered since the beginning of aviation. They were far more prevalent when aircraft operated at low altitudes. They are less common now since it's easier to avoid thunderstorms," said Bill Voss, president and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation, Alexandria, Va.

He said planes have specific measures built in to help dissipate electricity along the aircraft's skin.

"I cannot recall in recent history any examples of aircraft being brought down by lightning," he told The Associated Press.

Experts said it was clear the plane was not in the air any longer, due to the amount of fuel it would have been carrying.

"The conclusion to be drawn is that something catastrophic happened on board that has caused this airplane to ditch in a controlled or an uncontrolled fashion," Jane's Aviation analyst Chris Yates told The Associated Press.

"I would suggest that potentially it went down very quickly and so quickly that the pilot on board didn't have a chance to make that emergency call," Yates said, adding that the possibilities ranged from mechanical failure to terrorism.

Families who arrived to meet passengers on board were cordoned off, away from reporters, at a special Air France information center at the Charles de Gaulle airport. That center said 60 French citizens were on the plane. Italy said at least three passengers were Italian.

"Air France shares the emotion and worry of the families concerned," Barrand said.

The flight was supposed to arrive in Paris at 0915 GMT (5:15 a.m. EDT), according to the airport.

Airbus said it was cooperating with transport authorities and Air France, but would not further comment until more details emerged.

"Our thoughts are with the passengers and with the families of the passengers," said Airbus spokeswoman Maggie Bergsma.

The Airbus A330-200 is a twin-engine, long-haul, medium-capacity passenger jet that is 58.8 meters (190 feet) long. It is a shortened version of the standard A330, and can hold up to 253 passengers. It first went into service in 1998 and there are 341 in use worldwide today. It can fly up to 7,760 miles (12,500 kilometers).

French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed his "extreme worry" and planned to visit the Charles de Gaulle airport later Monday.

*******

Let us pray that this turns out positively for the 228 souls on board, and for the families and loved ones waiting for them back home.

The Big "H"

2009-05-22T12:32:00.004-05:00

I'm a recent connoisseur of the venerable Hermes brand. If you love Hermes silks and leathers and one day plan to own the grand-mere of purses (Mlle Birkin or Mlle Kelly), I highly recommend that you visit my two new guilty internet pleasures:

The Purse Blog Hermes Forum and fellow blogger Mai Tai. The ladies on the forum have THE scoop about all things Hermes. And they are generous with there photos. Through the forum, I came across the lovely MaiTai's blog. She is the embodiment of what women envision when they hear the term "french chic." If there was anyone who ever actually lives it, it's Mai Tai.

Chic Style

2009-03-12T14:36:00.002-05:00

I'm a HUGE fan of Victoria Beckham. I think her style is over the top and fabulous. I love that she absolutely takes her style so seriously. Sure, she has some misses but they are few and far between. Fur was on my radar this winter as I spent a lot of time on the East Coast. If you didn't know, East Coast ladies don't play when it comes to their fur! It's practical and stylish. I found faux mink jacket for formal events for under $50, but I'm probably going to purchase a full length fur by next winter. I'm totally coveting this Antonio Berardi fur that Victoria is wearing.

Chanel et Tatou

2009-03-11T19:31:00.004-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obXrWJaV8Hg

I am SO freaking excited for this movie.

Bad Blogger. . .Good News!

2009-02-26T16:24:00.005-05:00

Dang, it's been a while since I've updated this thing! Apologies to the (maybe) 2 readers of this blog :)

While I've been a bad blogger, there is some good news: I'm going to Paris in the spring! Per usual, I'm traveling alone, so if anyone will be in the city or is an expat in the city, I'd love some company! As much as I love to travel, I admit that traveling alone kinda. . .sucks at time. I mean, who's gonna snap my fabulous pics? (I kid, I kid.) This time, I'm coming to the city of lights with a plan: I belong to so many international networking sites and have amazingly kept in touch with people I met in Europe almost two years ago. So in the words of Rhett Butler, "I shan't be lonely."

There are some AMAZING spring fares to Europe now, so I encourage anyone who wants to go but is alone or is afraid of making to 8 hour trip to charge it and think about it later! You WILL get on that flight!

Anyway, bisoux. I'm going to download my french cd's onto my mp3 player and kick my basic franglais into high gear. Vive la France!

Getting Organized

2008-07-01T22:21:00.002-05:00

My life is not totally out of control, but I feel like I need to manage my time better. I've decided to invest in a grown up planner, the planner pad. I had a wonderful planner at my all girls high school and remembered desperately wanting the same planner when I was in college.

I am truly a mess with missing appointments, paying bills late, etc. It's just not acceptable at my age. I also waste a lot of time on the net. I always forget to buy something at the store even though it was written down on a sticky note that got lost. . .

Especially since I'm a member of the JL this year, I have a lot of social and volunteer commitments coming up. I need to make sure my word is my word when I agree to sign up for things. I HATE canceling on someone at the last minute.

The planner pad has a unique three-tiered system for getting organized. First, you list all the things you need to take care of for that week. Then you funnel those tasks into days of the week. Finally, you schedule individual appointments day by day. You can check off as you go and look ahead to things you need to accomplish as the week goes on.

I think I'm a touch to ADD to keep having nebulous thoughts in my head for what I want to accomplish for the week. It would be good to see it in black and white (and color). Oh, and I don't think an electronic system would work for me. The process of writing down my thoughts would be better.

More French Chic: Olivia Chantecaille

2008-06-30T09:04:00.003-05:00

I love her style and always look forward to seeing what she's wearing.
Credit: Park venue Peerage

Perfect Summer Picnic

2008-05-31T22:18:00.003-05:00

I'm currently on the lookout for a nice basket and blanket. Any suggestions?

Mon Foulard (inspired by Une Femme)

2008-05-25T00:06:00.003-05:00

I love scarves. Absolutely cuckoo for them. I think a lot of people my age think a silk scarf may be a little mature and pretentious. But I don't care. They add a touch of class and charm to my outfits. I would much rather wear a simple black turtleneck or white dress shirt or trench and jeans and dress it up with a scarf than wear the latest trendy monstrosity. Yesterday, I wore favorite scarf that I purchased in Switzerland for 20 francs. (I'm still yearning for the grand dame of scarves, Hermes. Un jour. . .)

I'm somewhat particular about what I like in terms of colors and prints: navy, beige, hunter and kelly green, equestrian themes, etc.

I also have a love affair with pashminas, but they are not all that weather appropriate now. So, I think I will just throw on my silk scarves when I feel bare.

L'Hymne a L'amour

2008-05-21T21:12:00.005-05:00

Le ciel bleu sur nous peut s'effondrer,
Et la terre peut bien s'écrouler,
Peu m'importe si tu m'aimes,
Je me fous du monde entier.

Tant qu' l'amour innondera mes matins,
Tant qu'mon corps frémira sous tes mains,
Peu m'importent les problèmes,
Mon amour, puisque tu m'aimes.

J'irais jusqu'au bout du monde,
Je me ferais teindre en blonde,
Si tu me le demandais.
J'irais décrocher la lune,
J'irais voler la fortune,
Si tu me le demandais.
Je renierais ma patrie,
Je renierais mes amis,
Si tu me le demandais.
On peut bien rire de moi,
Je ferais n'importe quoi,
Si tu me le demandais.

Si un jour, la vie t'arrache à moi,
Si tu meurs, que tu sois loin de moi,
Peu m'importe si tu m'aimes,
Car moi je mourrais aussi.

Nous aurons pour nous l'éternité,
Dans le bleu de toute l'immensité,
Dans le ciel, plus de problème,
Mon amour, crois-tu qu'on s'aime?

Dieu réunit ceux qui s'aiment.

Perfect Skin

2008-05-21T20:49:00.003-05:00

If you didn't know, the MAC mineralize skinfinish liquid foundation is a hit! I use this along with the Mineralize powder and I love how my skin looks. I haven't been photographed in this makeup yet, but my sister sent me photos of herself with it on (she's a makeup artist) and it looked like she had perfect skin.

My skin is NOT perfect, but I've started using a mild strength TCA peel and my skin is getting so much better! This acid actually causes your epidermis to fall off and the stronger the acid is (or the more layers you use) the more peeling you get. The first time I did it, my skin peeled for a solid week. This time, I used one layer an I'm getting a nice gentle flaking. I should say I started out with Lactic Acid peels before using TCA. I STRONGLY recommend that you do your homework before using it. I've known about TCA peels since 2004 but it's taken me all this time to do my research and think carefully if I wanted to use it. It's possibly the best skin decision I made!

My skin use to be really finicky but it's really calmed down the past year. I know skincare in France is life, and the next time I go back for a visit, I will be making time to get some French goodies to use on my skin.

Hyeres Photos

2008-05-18T09:19:00.004-05:00

Photos from the Hyeres fashion festival in France. I am in LOVE with this girl's glasses. I think they are Ray Bans? I wear thick black glasses too but I need this pair in my life!

Photo credit: Cafe Mode

Simply Vera

2008-05-16T21:07:00.005-05:00

So I got this Simply Vera Wang skirt on sale at Kohl's and had the opportunity to wear it to a Junior League social. I really haven't purchased anything from her line, but I likes the ease of this skirt (silk material with an elastic back waist). It looks a lot better than in the photo (the bottom doesn't flare out like that).

It was a chilly evening so I wore it with a black turtleneck (a staple for me during the winter) and black rainboots. I felt chic and appropriate for the event. I'm a new member and lemme tell you, these ladies go all out! Everyone was really nice and I couldn't help checking out what the other ladies were wearing. I'm definitely going to have to step my game up.

I never did the sorority thing, and I look forward to having a more active social and volunteer life. I don't know what the organizations are like other areas of the country/world (I imagine it's a bit more stuffy in the Northeast and South--where you may need a sponsor to join!) but it's really laid back with lots of young women.

I'm really liking these two dresses as well:

Here's another dress I bought for another day as seen on The Bag Snob.

Dating Advice from Supermodel Adriana Lima

2008-05-11T12:48:00.002-05:00

SO, YOU WANNA DATE A SUPERMODEL?

Adriana Lima tells GQ exactly what it takes.

There’s the assumption—which we can neither endorse nor reject—that extraordinarily good-looking women aren’t like the women you know. The theory is that women who inhabit the uppermost echelon of conventional beauty are so otherworldly, so demanding, so desired, that no ordinary semi-self-respecting man (i.e., you) could ever make them happy. Your best line? She’s heard it. Your lavish gifts? She’s got a drawerful, thank you. Your supersecret, private vacation island? She used to date the guy who owns it. These pampered, fawned-over creatures maintain expectations so outlandishly high that anyone who attempts to scale the heights required to meet them is destined for crushing failure and frustration.
Or that’s the theory, anyway. But is it true? Hell if we know. So we asked the extraordinarily good-looking Adriana Lima to set the record straight. Here’s her take.
Don’t let me scare you.
Usually, guys are nervous. I think they are afraid of me. I don’t think I look scary. Be however you are. Don’t try to be what you’re not. If you’re nervous, be nervous. If you’re shy, be shy. It’s cute.
Put the Treo down and pay attention to me.
If you’re having dinner with friends and they’re always on the phone or always texting, it’s just impolite. Unless it’s something important—like someone is in the hospital or something—don’t do it. It’s not attractive. It’s a girlie thing.* It makes you seem like a teenage girl. Especially if you’re talking about parties and which clubs you’re going to and who’s going to be there…it’s just silly.
[*Ouch.]
Get jealous…
I like jealous men. I love jealousy. I do. Everything has a limit, of course, but once in a while you have to stand up and say, “I love this person.”
...but not violent.
It’s never okay to defend my honor by beating someone up. You have to control yourself, even if the other person is drunk and crazy. Just say, “Let’s go home. Let’s leave.” You don’t have to say a thing to him. I never have to see that person for the rest of my life. I don’t like fights. I don’t like aggressive people.
Don’t hit on my girlfriends!*
(No matter how hot they are.)
Don’t treat them like a piece of meat. Don’t flirt with them! We’re not competitive. It has happened before, and it never works.
[*While we imagine a man with the courage/gall/nuts to hit on one ludicrously beautiful lingerie model while on a date with another ludicrously beautiful lingerie model may actually exist, we’ve never met him and wouldn’t know what to say to him if we did.]

A beautiful girl is a beautiful girl, not an accessory.
Don’t change your personality when you get around people at a party, or don’t walk in and think you’re the hottest person because you have the hottest girl.* If you start carrying me around like a trophy, it’s not good.
[*Your modesty, Adriana: It slays us.]
Just remember, you’re really dating the waiter.
A man needs to be polite, not just to me but to everyone. I watch that. How does he treat the waiter? How does he treat the coat-check girl? How does he treat the driver?* Don’t give orders to these people. You don’t own everything around you. Treat people with respect.
[*We have a driver? Awesome!]
Your first move should be no move at all.
Sometimes people are too aggressive. I need time to realize exactly who you are before I go out with you. Don’t be pushy. Don’t pressure me. “When can I see you? When can I meet you? When can we go out?” No. Take your time. When I’m ready, I’ll make the move.
Make friends with your inner viscount.
Show me you can take care of me. Say you’re taking me to dinner: I expect you to pick me up and open the car door for me. Hold the restaurant door while I enter and pull out the chair for me when I sit down. Stand up when I go to the restroom and again when I return. I love old-fashioned manners, as long as it’s not forced. I can tell when it’s natural or when someone is just trying to impress me.*
[*Wethinks it most unbecoming a man of good breeding to imperil a lady’s high virtue with beguilement and common trickery.]
Take me away.
(But not too far.)
When we’re traveling together for the first time, we sleep in different rooms. That’s the number one thing. And you should plan the whole trip. Buy the ticket, get the car to the airport, organize everything so I don’t have to think about it. And yes, carry my bags. I don’t travel light, either—at least two bags. Always. But if you say, “Oh, I’m going to fly you to Paris for the weekend,” or something like that, make sure we know each other well first. I’m not going to fly a million miles with somebody I don’t know.

A gift is only as good as the time, energy, and effort you put into it.
Sometimes people think they need to show you how successful they are and how much money they have, so they get you something too big. Don’t do this. The simple thing is always the best. Write me a letter, because it shows that you made an effort and that you gave of yourself. I love that. I also love flowers. It could be even one flower. You don’t have to buy something big to show that you love me.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim high.
You know how you can have a star named after a person, as a gift? A few years ago, a friend of mine received this present* from her husband, and I thought it was so romantic. I thought, Ohhhhhh. That’s really amazing. That’s unbelievable. This guy must really love her!
[*Given Adriana’s estimated 2007 income—roughly $6 million from modeling fees, endorsement deals, Super Bowl advertisements, etc.—and the rock stars and royals she tends to run with, we thought it would be helpful to find out how much it costs to have a star named for that someone special. Five grand? Ten? Fifty? Actually, on Starnamer.org, it’s more like $19.95. Or roughly the price of one mango martini at a hotel bar in Midtown Manhattan. No wonder kids stopped dreaming of becoming astronauts.]
There is no such thing as casual dating.
I don’t understand dating when you go with someone but you can see other people at the same time. Huh? I don’t do that. I’m always serious. I’ve only had four or five relationships, and I’ve never stayed with anyone for less than one year. I don’t date too much because I find it very difficult to find men who are willing to compromise, and when you’re in a relationship you have to compromise. You have to make sacrifices. You can’t just continue doing everything you did before.
Call your mom. For real.
It’s important that a man has a good relationship with his family. Your family is your base—they make you who you are—and if you don’t respect them, I don’t think you can respect anyone else. If you have problems with them, you need to resolve those problems. And while I’m at it, treat my mother like your mother: with respect, with care. I love it when you ask about my family. You should always ask about how my family is doing, because in the future they may be your family, too.*
[*Uh, we haven’t even slept over yet.]

Go home. Now.
You have to have limits—limits on everything: on drinking, on going out, on jealousy. Everything has to have a limit. Nothing too much is good.
Rethink those nurse fantasies.
When I’m sick, I want a lot of caresses.*
Make sure I eat. If you don’t know how to cook, call and get food delivered. Go to the pharmacy and get the medication I need. Just take care of me until I get better. That’s it. Simple. If you don’t know what to do, ask me. Just say, “What do you need?” I will tell you. Whatever I tell you, do. That’s it.
[*Done.] From GQ Mag

I have to say, I agree with just about everything she said. I'm an old fashioned girl myself. I watch Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility and think, those broads had it good! (if you ignore the minor issue of men not being able to leave their daughters money and property. . .) Ohmigosh, I watch Darcy walking with Elizabeth or Edward Ferrars inviting Miss Dashwood for a garden stroll and I think, where are the guys like that? Granted I know I don't live in 18th century England with a country estate and a house in London, but is it wrong to want a little bit of romance? I guess Adriana agrees with me. I'm not a totally cruel Rules! b*tch. I won't walk off a date if a guy doesn't hold the seat for me or order my food but somewhere inside my head is a mental checklist that I'm subconsciously checking off. My friends say I need to step into modern times. But somewhere, I know that those social graces do still matter. Maybe I'm just not in the right place. . .

Tried and True

2008-05-06T21:54:00.002-05:00

The lovely Dita von Teese at the Costume Institute Gala. She never disappoints. Dita, a frequent traveler to Paris, cites the city as her favorite. Just another reason to love her.

Feeling Blue

2008-05-02T12:07:00.002-05:00

Today, I'm feeling a bit down. I won't go into the details but it's hard being a single girl! And not only a single girl, but a fabulous refined francophone old-fashioned girl. I'm feeling an incredible desire to bake today. So I'm about to hit the grocery store, load up on supplies and start making magic in the kitchen! I hardly ever have time to cook, but my soul obviously needs a bit of nurturing and home made goodness. I shall return. . .

Tomorrow's Outfit

2008-04-30T19:00:00.003-05:00

What I'm wearing to the ballet. You like? Haven't decided on a bag or shoes yet, but I'm trying to get out of my "matchy matchy" rut. Things don't have to always match perfectly. I'm thinking a splash of red or even a neutral color like beige or gray. We'll see. There's a gala right after the show (which I'm not going to) but I suspect people will be wearing their black tie attire to the showing. Oh well. I'm not getting that dressed up.

Where is Carmen Sandiego?

2008-04-29T14:05:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, I can't embed this but check it out.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PYhodCCUyBs

Whereforeartthou Romeo?

2008-04-24T19:47:00.003-05:00

I completely forgot I'm going to the ballet next week to see Romeo and Juliet. I can't wait. Last year was my first foray into the ballet scene and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I went to my first opera about a month ago on opening night. Lots and lots of fur abounded. Even though it's opening night as well, I think the ballet will be more low key than the opera was. I'll probably keep it simple with a dress.

Olivia Chantecaille

2008-04-23T23:58:00.003-05:00

I love Olivia's style. Of course, she probably gets her effortless glam look from her French roots.

Has anyone actually tried Chantecaille cosmetics? They are expensive but are they worth it?

Mrs. Cruise

2008-04-23T19:50:00.002-05:00

I really like Katie Holmes' new style. I love it. It's very reminiscent of Jackie O with the brunette bob, oversized glasses, clean lines. I know a lot of people think she dresses too old, but I think she just stands out in a sea of breast baring, crotch displaying teetotaling Hollywood brats. It's obvious her look has been inspired by Posh Beckham and it works. I need a cool BFF like Posh.