Lessons from a Peony

As I walked into my apartment the other day, I was greeted by some of the most breathtaking flowers I'd ever seen in my life. The luscious fuschia color brought about an energy inside me that was so peaceful, positive and hopeful. I love flowers, but I have NEVER had a reaction like this.

There are always those days when you just need a little pick-me-up as a reminder that everything is not all wrong with the world. I suggest that the next time you fall into one of these slumps that you go to your local flower shop and pick up some pretty peonies. Flowers often remind me of life and how delicate and precious it is. Many times we don't take care of ourselves as we should - physcially and mentally. But, only when we nourish ourselves can we blossom into the full beauties that lie hidden within. I learned that from a peony.

Artist of the Week: Kandinsky

Color Study: Squares with Concentric Rings


Like Goya, last week's artist of the week, Wassily Kandinsky went through various artistic styles throughout his career. Squares with Concentric Rings is a display of his exploration of color theory. Here are a few more pieces:

Munich-Schwabing with the Church of St. Ursula (1908)

Composition VII (1913) -- My Fav!!!

Composition X (1939)

Luxury Luggage I Love

I aspire to be a globetrotter, studying the cultures of the world -- an anthropologist of sorts. And when I finally make it, I want to travel with luggage like this:





http://www.globe-trotterltd.com/

Beautifully handcrafted, Globe Trotter luggage is the epitome of travel luxury.

The Man Bag - Evolved

Not all man bags are created equal. The styles below are a cut above the rest.

The Duffle:

The Messenger:

The Satchel:

And then he created...The New Macbook & Macbook Pro

I've been avoiding this. Why? Because I'm selfish. Because I'm too cheap to buy it for myself, so I don't want anyone else to have it. But, I must confess my pining for the new Macbook, with its silver exterior and beautiful glass-encased screen. And oh, I can't even bear to think about the key board. It's just too much. Just too much.

Artist of the Week: Francisco Goya

Saturn Devouring His Son (1819)

At first glance, this piece appears to be very disturbing and saddistic. At second glance - well, it still is. But this painting can be interpreted in many meaninful ways. Is it young vs. old? Time vs. youth? Power vs. helplessness? What we do know is that Goya created this piece during the later years of his life and he and his own son may not have been on the best of terms at the time.

What's your interpretation? Have any more Goya favorites? Respond and I'll post an image.

P.S. This is my fiance's iPhone screen saver. He's weird...I know.

Capelet Crusader

I don't know about you, but I will definitely be wearing a capelet this winter.

Perfect for the fickle Georgia weather, capelets provide just enough warmth and an abundance of style.

Here's a very affordable version from delia's:

Cassidy Capelet
Item#: 154720
Price: $59.50

http://www.delias.com/

Artist of The Week: Picasso

"Guernica" (1937)

This has always been one of my favorite pieces of work from Picasso. Each vignette within the larger piece reflects the tragedy and painful loss during the Nazi invasion of Guernica, Spain.

I know its strange, but this painting is my iPhone wallpaper. For me, it really puts life into perspective and reminds me to appreciate each moment.

What's your favorite Picasso piece?

Find poster prints of "Guernica" at http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Guernica-c-1937-Posters_i319420_.htm

Wishing for a bad hair day

Well, not really. But the myriad of topper styles decorating shelfs and hat racks this season will make want to keep your coif covered.

Here are a few styles that catch my eye:

• The modern cloche: a throw back to the '20s
www.hats.com



• The timeless fedora: Rat Pack cool

www.bebe.com

• The knit beret: Bohemian chic

www.urbanoutfitters.com



• The cabbie: Urban hipster


• www.bebe.com

Aston Martin Unveils V8 Vantage

Imagine stepping out of this car in your black Christian Louboutins. Fierce! A girl can dream...220 mph on the dash -- this is a speed demon's fantasy.




THE SPECS
The 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe
Price: $119,500
Max. speed: 180 mph
Horsepower: 420
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Miles per gallon: 14.6 city, 29.5 highway
Boot capacity (room in the trunk): 10.6 cu. ft.
Number to be made: 3,500
Cupholders: 2

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/stories/2008/11/09/astonmartin.html

http://www.astonmartin.com/thecars/v8vantage

Black is Back: Timepieces

There is no color more sleek and refined than black. Which is why I am absolutely loving the wide array of black timepieces available this season. From the high-end Jacob&Co. to the more affordable Fossil, there's a black watch for you or the one you love in any price range.

Image courtesy of www.professionalwatches.com

Book Club: Calling all who love the classics

In the last few months I've rekindled my love affair with reading. After three years of being brain dead (figuratively...and possibly literally as well) my mind was begging me for some sort of challenge. I've finally finished reading Memoirs of a Geisha, which I loved. After looking at numerous compiled lists of the best novels of all time, I've decided that my challenge would be to complete the titles I have yet to read. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand lays on my nightstand as I write.

My feat would definitely be easier to accomplish with the moral support of a few readers. If you'd like to join the epitome Book Club, respond to this post. Once a group is organized we'll set up a (realistic) reading schedule and posting discussion/meeting schedule.

What should the first book be?

Trend Alert: Plaid

One of my favorite trends this season is the English country vibe. A cornerstone of the aesthetic is plaid. From modern neutrals to red and black gingham and traditonal tartan styles this look is a must for fall. I love the red, black and yellow, flannel tartan shirt with ruffled front I found at Ralph Lauren. Check out the sites below to find your own unique plaid fashion piece:

• http://www.ralphlauren.com/hlauren.com/ww.ralphlauren.com/
  
• http://www.bebe.com/ebe.com/
  
• http://www.forever21.com/

5 Tips for Adding a Little Spice to Holiday Entertaining

The holiday season is officially here with Thanksgiving right around the corner. Here are some of my personal tips for adding a little extra spice to you holiday entertaining.

1. Make your own flavorful favors: I love sending my guests away with freshly baked sweets. There's something about a home-made cake or sweet bread that is unbelievably comforting and warms the soul.

2. Experiment with classic dishes: Now is the perfect time to be creative and try something new. Add that unconventional ingredient to put your signature twist on a classic.

3. Add personal touches: Store-bought goods can come in handy, but nothing is better than incorporating your own customized decor. From hand-written menus to place settings to centerpieces, find a way to let your unique style sensibility shine.

4. Serve a themed drink: This is another perfect way to add your personalized stamp to your event. Put your own little spin on something well-known or go all out and concoct your own!

5. Don't get overwhelmed: Entertaining is all about enjoying your guests. The host's vibe permeates a room and sets the tone of any party. If you're sending out positive vibes and having a great time, chances are so will your guests.