have a lovely labor day weekend.

Things to consider:
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Take the Metro North to Connecticut (I'm already packed. Bottle of red is corked for the ride).
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Bloomingdales is having a Clinique promotion, if you're bumming around SoHo.
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Michael Bennet Gallery (65 Greene St, near Broome St) is showcasing Salvador Dali's rarest works. Among those: Alice in Wonderland, Paradise Lost.
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Saturday (8/30) Farmer's Market at Grand Army Plaza. (Get there early for the best selection). The peaches, nectarines and heirloom tomatoes are amazing right now.
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Monday (9/1): Caribbean Parade. Starts at Utica, ends at the Brooklyn Museum. The good word is that the best place to view is from the Museum
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Image: NY Times

russian navy, says Lohan.

In Style's September issue featured a look at things that Lindsay Lohan gravitates to. Within those: Hermes bracelets, the next thing from Chanel, a leather bomber-style jacket and manicures.

Anyone who lives in NYC knows that getting your nails groomed in the city is cheap, and addicting. Lohan prefers darker shades: burgundy hues and OPI's Russian Navy. I picked up a bottle of the latter in Midtown (Imperia, 41st & 5th Ave). It's gorgeous! A deep blue with hints of purple.

milk. honey. italy.

I've developed a slight obession with these Italian candies. ($1.25 at your deli).

how they wear it, by city

London, England.
Photo: The Style Scout

Sofia, Blugaria

Photo: Sofia Street Style
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Dublin, Ireland

Photo: Dublin Streets.

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Paris, France

Photo: dans paris


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Tel Aviv, Israel.

Photo: ILook

best of, San Francisco Craigslist

Verbatim:

"I've been trying to think of ways to spice up my life. I'm 35 years old, happily married with two kids and I have a good job in insurance. But somethings missing. I feel like I'm old before my time. I need to inject some excitement into my daily routine through my arm before its too late. I need a challenge, something to get the adrenaline pumping again. An addiction would be nice, but, in short, I need a nemesis. I'm willing to pay $350 up front for you services as an arch enemy over the next six months. Nothing crazy. Steal my parking space, knock my coffee over, trip me when Im running to catch the BART and occasionaly whisper in my ear, "Ahha, we meet again". That kind of thing. Just keep me on my toes. Complacency will be the death of me. You need to have an evil streak and be blessed with innate guile and cunning. You should also be adept at inconsicuous pursuit. Evil laugh preferred. Send me a photo and a brief explanation why you would be a good nemesis. British accent preferred. "

smitten w/ Joanna Goddard

Joanna Goddard's Glamour blog is up! On the menu: love, fashion, sex, culture, travel & relationships. Read it, daily.

holding on to Summer, late night refresher.

Coming home from a late night walk with Pilgrim, I craved a night cap before bed. I opened the fridge. The freezer.


From odd and ends, my End of Summer refresher:

2oz Absolut Los Angeles
2oz San Pellegrino
1oz Ruby Red Grapefruit juice.


>Served in a chilled glass w/ ice cubes.

color, the photobooth & facebook

Sweet Thang, Barkley L. Hendricks

Contemporary American painter Barkley L. Hendricks' Nash Exhibit will be on display at the Studio Museum in Harlem from November 12- March 15. Born in Philadelphia in 1945, Hendricks' works gained him a reputation for pioneering urban black portraiture.

Hendricks' talents range from photography to landscape painting. He is most recognized for his life-sized oil paintings where he portrays his subjects as dignified and proud.



Image, Content: Duke University.

periodicals, Fall Fashion

My stack of to-do:

September 2008 magazines <3

It's the best time of year.

Fashion Speak, Jovovich-Hawk

Hot for Fall: Parisian Hues (think OPI's La Collection de France) with trend-following feathers and metallic statement belt to pull together Jessica Szohr's look.

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View other patterns by this designer! Airy and sensual in feel, I'm beginning a torrid love affair.

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Photo: In Style.

4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile

Set in 1987 Bucharest, Four Months, Three Weeks and Two Days captures an underbelly culture in the final leg of Nicolae Ceausecu's leadership in Communist Romania.

Director/Writer Mungiu developed the script after fifteen years of being haunted by a story of a woman's illegal abortion experience. He mentioned in an interview (Special Features) that he did research to see if the experiences of these women were unusual. Quite disturbingly, he found many parallel situations had developed in previous years.

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The film drew me in with consideration of the filming techniques- a bit raw, bumpy- straight forward. The characters are developed in the first frame. Two gold fish in a cheap tank- which needs more water. A cigarette is curling smoke- a hand extends in from out of the frame to pick it up. The viewer follows a tech student, Otilia, to barter for cigarettes, soap and tic-tacs.

I found myself particulary drawn to the mundane, trivial events encapsulating the hushed tension and fear in Otilia and Dragut (the friend having the abortion performed).
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As an American viewer, I developed a fascination with the beautiful linguistic confusion of the Romanian language. I picked out distinctly Russian and French diction with a tone and flow of Italian. Romania represents the merger of three cultures: Central Europe, the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Through the language alone, it is quite clear that you cannot categorize Romania into any of these, rather that is is influenced and built through all.
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--->Perhaps one of the most curious aspects of Four Months, Three Weeks and Two Days, is that movie theaters are not commonplace in Romania. In a country of roughly twenty-two million, there are around fifty total. The crew involved in the film put together a thirty-day tour, that took them all over the country, to share the film to as many people as possible. Viewers were interviewed revealing that some hadn't seen a film in a theater for up twenty years. The reactions were varied: from tears, to relief. Many stated that the events were very much a part of the Communist era.

neighborhood posters by ork

Check out the full series at Ork.

quelque vin pour les Américains

Wine That Loves is dedicated to selecting wines that pair well with foods which are popular in American culture: pizza, pasta, grilled steak or salmon...

Should we be thankful that we can skip reading Wine Spectator...or embarressed?

Mr. Falafel, you're good- just not that good.

For whatever reason, I remember Mr. Falafel being better than it is-

Perhaps it is because I was ravenously hungry the first time I partook- Either that or it has something to do with how much better Fatoosh is in comparison.

I ordered in: The Falafel Platter # 3 (comes with hummus and babaganoush) and the Fried Eggplant appetizer. The Tahini was missing something- lemon?

The pita seemed to be stale, and on par with a grocery store quality product. One menu item that Mr. Falafel offers that surpasses Fatoosh- is the homemade rose water lemonade. It's a lovely compliment to the spice of the food.

Otherwise, when ordering Middle Eastern salads and pita, I'm going to have to urge folks to stick with Fatoosh. The ingredients taste much more fresh, and are more intrically prepared. I would also recommend the falafel at Fatoosh over that of Mr. Falafel. I cannot speak for the lamb at Mr. Falafel, but it's decent at Fatoosh.

Let's be honest though- when ordering a Gyro, street carts are the best (40th and Broadway- ask for the lamb!!)

Benvenuto Cafe

Italian name, Cajun cater.

The ingredients are delightful, balanced and fresh. Although I am naturally drawn to Southern-Creole cuisine, I often avoid it- as it tends to be on the heavier side. Benvenuto accomplishes all of the charm of a Louisiana menu, without a footnote of guilt.

On the menu:

Prawn & Sausage Jambalaya
Chicken Breast Dijonaise w/ Artichoke Hearts, Onions & Cajun Mustard Sauce
Sautéed Okra & Tomatoes

Homemade Cornbread
Fried Green Tomatoes
Beignets (Dessert)

The chicken was of excellent quality. Moist, firm. The breasts were laced with tender artichokes and whole seed mustard. The fried green tomatoes were devoid of excess oil, and exhibited an excellent texture, adjacent the okra. The prawns and sausage in the Jambalaya were not only large- but generously distributed in the rice. Beignets...oh, my goodness. I need more of these in my life. Imagine a doughnut- that is only subtly sweet. Flaky on the outside, with an interior comparable to the light density of a marcona sweet bread.

950 BROADWAY, NEW YORK , 10010
(212) 614-7224

considerations, Will Barnet

Oil on canvas by Will Barnet.

Above: The Three Brothers (1964). Featured at The Brooklyn Museum.

Below, left: The Blue Bicycle (1979).

Will Barnet grew up in the 1930's and 40's in New England. He studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Barnet's work is centered around relationships between people and his family. His later works (1970's) began to focus on denizens of New York- going about their daily lives.

He works in consideration of the two-dimensional. He is distinguished by his craftsmanship of color and form.

a desk from three potato four

Something to consider, in design/layout of the next apartment.

Photo & concept: Three Potato Four: a Virginia family of collectors.

customize!

Eco-friendly, customizable pillows!

You select the folks/furry friends that best represent your family - and K STUDIO in Michigan will produce the handmade, 100% organic pillows.

Check it out at Branch.

from bowery, deliveries.

for cover

Gowanus Canal.

Sunday Morning.

Mother, Daughter.

206

Area code of Seattle Metro, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island. Address in the Gowanus Canal- Brooklyn. Sunday walk.

offering

Unlike an alarm clock, the Pug cannot be turned off on weekends. Pilgrim will sound at 6:30am Saturday and Sunday, regardless of how late I was up the night before- or rather, into the morning.

Today was no exception. He performed a relentless effort to get me out of bed to let him outside, and feed him. This usually persists for an hour, or two- then I break down and take him for a walk.
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The weather was cooler this morning, ergo, we were able to make it to Prospect Park, before he sat down in protest (Pugs are notoriously lazy, as well they freeze or overheat easily). As we approached Prospect Park Avenue, a woman twenty-five feet ahead was arranging a stoop sale. She yelled out, "PUG! Mother look, it's a Pug!"

Pilgrim paused. He watched the woman's flapping arms and listened to her calls. I assured him, "let's go." Precariously, he walked towards her.

"I have a pug book for you! Here take it!" She presented, " PUGS," by Fiolmena Doherty to me. "Oh, thank you. That's okay. You don't have-"

"Take it"

"Do you have Pug?"

"No, I just love the Pugs"

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After picking up a few loaves of bread and enjoying peach and turkey sausage samples at the outdoor market, Pilgrim and I headed home. A woman stopped us, "I love Pugs! I have two!" She motioned to her canvas bag which had a photo of a pug and said, "I love my pug!" across the bottom.

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At home, I presented the book to Vadim. He immediately jumped in and began to read aloud. What we learned:

"Pugs are intelligent and determined little folk, with much charisma and charm" (108).

"The perfect blend of little dog appeal and wistfulness and big dog stamina is to be found in that adorable creature- the Pug" (4).

"Did you ever talk to a Pug? When you do, the little fellow will look squarely into your eyes with his own huge, dark, flashing ones; cocking his wrinkled head to one side, and you can just hear him say, 'I'm listening and understanding, Boss' " (4)

"The Orient undoubtedly gave the world this philosophical little fellow...However...the theory that pug dogs were imported (in large numbers in the 18th and 19th centuries) from Russia is unquestionably correct." (8).

beer table

There's no sign on the door, just an open window and a young crowd of beer aficionados and those working there way in-
.

Rare beers are offered ($6-95 each bottle or draft) with cheeses, charcuterie, and other simple snacks.

A few dogs sat on laps. A pair of girls shared an awkward conversation. People drank slowly from their carefully selected glasses.

Try the radishes and pink salt with the Del Ducato Nuova Mattina, which has green pepper corns. The Smutty Nose Pumpkin is on tap now. It's a nice shift to Autumn beer, but I have to warn you- the nutmeg can get to be a bit much towards the bottom of the glass.

The JW Lees Harvest is another excellent choice. The nineteen dollar bottle has been aged eleven years and is rightly described as, "hedonistic." There are distinct hints of honey, maple, brown sugar and figs.

Prepare to be cozy, the red seats are lined up at small, communal tables.




beer table. 427B 7th Ave. Park Slope.
catering and off-site tasting parties!

city dogs: 23 Luna, w- friends

Nine-week old Luna (white) meets Jean Claude and Pilgrim. The three discussed where to buy Puppia halters, water bottle vs. dishes for walks and learned to share resources. 7th Ave and Garfield. Park Slope.

city dogs 22: Jean-Claude

"Look at this guy!"

"Jean-Claude! Jean Claude! Say hello!"

"He's quite virile"

"You wouldn't have known. He was the runt of the litter. He's six now"

archives: rolling stone

city dogs 21: bookstore attendant

He had laid himself in the open doorway of the bookstore on 7th Ave and Carroll. Upon approach, he stepped out to greet Pilgrim. He executed a calculated sniff of the air, then closed his greeting with a scratch at the pavement.

a lunch, havana ny

HAVANA NY marked lunch with former colleagues, Jean and Emmett. Tucked into 38th street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, it's an ideal location for Midtowners. The warm staff moved with an ease that was nearly a phenomenon. I was seated and comfortable before I noticed the mediocre decor and menu before me.

I chose the crab cake special, health conscious Jean the Salmon ala Parilla with salad and Cuban black bean soup. Emmett stepped it up with Carmarones Enchilada (shrimp in a spicy creole sauce). Although my crab cakes were nothing special, Jean's salmon was gorgeous. Grilled to a creamy pink, laced with slight whisps of black- the dish was quite balanced. The Carmarones Enchilada came in a heaving portion adjacent yellow rice. The feel was certainly down home and authentic.

Beyond the tastes, conversation was easy and long overdo. We anticipate a twice monthly engagement. I look forward. Good things.

Check out the website.

Consider: Cheap/moderate eats option. Good for groups. Good for time crunch.

a toast to a lovely weekend.

I can't seem to shake the subject...Bryant Park

QUICK! Raid the supply closet in your office and make fan signs for Kid Rock, Lynard Skynard and Good Morning America peeps...

Summer Concert Series this am in Bryant Park!

((If you're reading this, you've probably missed it!)) Prepubescent girls included! I managed to watch the warm up before I had to jet to Fifth Ave.

coco puff, brooklyn

Evening walk w/ Pilgrim. Coco Puff on the street.

photographer, horacio salinas

From this week's New York magazine- urbane designs meet metropolitan grit. You can see the full slide show online- but I recommend picking up the glossy- the images are gorgeous, tangible.

collage for a day.

Stir up some pre-teen nostalgia and do something with your stacks of glossy covers and ribbons from take out and gifts: Collage! I'm thinking of picking up some card stock, a few 80's movies and making a night of it.

Shopping List:

1. Three packages multi-color card stock.
2. Glue stick.
3.Glitter, costume gems.
5. One bottle Sauv Blanc.
6. A few cheeses w/ baguette.

-Slice fruit on the counter.

a place of hunting, bryant park cafe.

When in Bryant Park...(as I am daily)

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Morning Tai Chi classes, Tue/Thur 7am;

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Lunch on the lawn;

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The reading 'room' (shelves of books and reserved tables on the 42nd Street side)

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Movies on the lawn (the original Superman was recently featured).

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Holiday season ice skating and kiosk shopping...oogling over the Sex and the City ladies as they are filmed...

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And the rogue brother- the outdoor Cafe and Bar. Although there is never a line to get in- the two virile 'bouncers' will make you walk around and through the sectioned off line. They will check your ID (if you live in NYC, you understand the rarity of this practice) and stamp a blue 'OK' on your hand.

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Who do these people think they are? I have to get in a line of imaginary people to be branded, pay $12 for a glass of grocery store wine and negotiate my way through a pack of blood thirsty, wedding ring donning businessmen who awkwardly oogle me- even when I'm wearing my "I clearly haven't been able to pick up my dry cleaning navy J.Crew suit." (To give you a better idea of how I look and feel about this suit, the Chinese woman who did my manicure yesterday corrected, "You no this color. Too pink. You like this," lifting a modest nude). Navy suit aside, if you want to feel better about yourself, go to the Bryant Park Bar and Cafe.

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Julia, Monica and I found ourselves wedged between a tree and a hawaiian shirted man who was inching closer at an alarming rate. If I had had one more glass of wine in me by the time he made contact with Monica's derriere, I would have said something. She took ownership,

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"Excuse me?? You're kind of creeping me out here. Why are you on me?"

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*Mumbles, looks around- apologizes*

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A few moments later, we're back to square one with the drifter.

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We opt for plan B: relocation.

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Photo: Wiki Images

dispatches 4: Carine Roitfeld

“They are very, how you say, slick,... But all that money and success are so . . . American. "

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Photo credit: Cat Walk.

a pop for nibbling

My coworkers Nina and Lauren treated to David Burke's Gourmet Cheesecake pops this afternoon! These bite sized cheesecakes come in the form of a lollipop. No need to get a fork or your fingers messy in the office.

I do not particulary care for cheesecake, but this is a lovely treat and twist on an original favorite!

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Photo: theweddingeater.wordpress

city dogs 20: Charlotte.

Closing a long day of planning catered lunches, negotiating happy-hour rates and begging locksmiths to make the impossible duplicate keys- I departed Midtown on the D-train. It was one of those days where you feel accomplished, but know tomorrow's list is already perched on your desk--burgeoning.

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I wasn't sure what I'd want to write about this evening- the man who kept leaning on me on the morning commute- pressing his derriere into my hand- as I attempted to unwedge my arm from between his body and the hand rail on the train? Patent camel heels? Touching base with one of my favorite Southern gentlemen- a Merrill man. (Have you ever noticed how they are all spot on? Or have I stumbled upon a string of good Merrill Lynch FA's?)

--At home, I caught up with Julia. A recap- and regroup, made a salad. Enjoyed some take-out sandwiches with Vadim. Saddled up Pilgrim and headed down to the pseudo dryer cleaner, True Clean, to pick up my clothes. On the way back, (pas de vetements- they always lose/later find my non-washables) I spotted Charlotte ahead.

"Hustle, Pilgrim."

I felt a bit creepy jogging forward. I spoke with Charlotte's Dad last night- and mentioned Pilgrim, "I'm sure I'll run into you with Pilgrim soon. We live right up the street."

Charlotte turned to see Pilgrim and myself approaching rapidly. She stopped. Looked to David. He paused when he noticed me, "Pilgrim? Is that Pilgrim?"

"Yes. Hi! Sorry we're stalking you, I suppose."

"Charlotte, here he is, Pilgrim."

Six and a half year old Charolotte gathered herself a bit too mature for Pilgrim. She looked up with doe eyes, pushing her ears back. He nudged further. She admitted a wag of her cinnamon bun.

peace treaty

Social obligations kept me in the city a bit later than anticipated. I came home to a frantic pug (as Vadim isn't exactly inspired to walk him on his own). We saddled up and headed out. As I heaved the second weighted door to the stoop, Pilgrim waited patiently, then exploded into the warm night air.

Positioned to the left, neighbor Paul was typing on his MacBook. Glass of red at his side. Pilgrim slammed into him. The glass tipped. Shattered. Piece, by piece. Slowly--down--each--stair.

"Oh, let me-. Oh no. I'm so sorry. I'll get you a new glass, a bottle! Do you want me to wash your jeans?"

"No, no...it's fine."

"I owe you a glass. Let me wash your jeans."

He paused, "No, it's fine.

We picked up the fragments. He stepped in while I grabbed some paper towels. As I sopped up the crimson, he poured himself a new glass. He tucked the bottle in the corner.

"The other day, I was out here with coronas," he looked up to me, "the painter was here. He was drunk. He did a better job than the guy who painted it red. He was waving the bottle at me 'I have one too.' "

"I liked the red. Where you one of the people who called to complain?"

"No, no...I don't care that much. But you know, it's better brown," he pointed up to the numbers above the door, "We're no longer Engine 47."

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Upon return from my walk with Pilgrim, I began to look for wine glasses online. Paul has black stemmed glasses. I could stick to the theme- (Amazon.com has a few nice options)or I could go with the Reidel Tyrol- which is a gorgeous glass (pictured above). I have the Reidel 'O' style, but would like an excuse to order a set of the Tyrols.