Loving
A glimpse into how my mind works. A grouping of seemingly disparate items that upon closer inspection all add up to a life well lived. This is a listing of the little (and big) things that make your days more enjoyable because I believe luxury without necessity is boring and necessity without luxury is even more boring. These items are what I like to think of this as my gracious living “mash-up.”
A LIFE WELL LIVED
These two wrote the book on life well lived. An intriguing glimpse into their homes all from the comfort of your couch. A perfect gift for the fashion and home obsessed alike.
One of the best suggestions that I’ve ever taken from a friend many years ago when she told me I needed this in my life. I love you Miss Silvia. (Thank you, Ms. Weiss!)
By now the word is out about this magical wallet. But the fact is is that the rumors are true. It will change your life, it will make you more organized, it will bring beauty and functionaliy to your world. Enough said.
Fragrance is an obsession of mine and this is one of the classic products that should be in everyone’s bathroom. At $12 it’s a bargain but doesn’t smell that way. (Stay tuned for more about the C&P fragrance that is in development right now.)
Rick was our neighbor but that’s not the reason for this entry. These make everything better. From Bloody Marys to marinating pork in the brine, you’ll be happy to have these in your fridge.
Any time it's snowing I know where I'm going. Angel's Share, a perfect Japanese bar in the East Village is great all the time but especially wonderful with snow falling outside. Just make sure you leave a seat at the bar for me, please.
See you next week, hope you have lovely one filled with lots of parties and fun.
view comments...Two more full weeks of shopping, how are you feeling? John and I braved the crowds on Sunday to do some East coast to West coast shopping as all of our things need to be sent by Thursday of this week, so that made this Sunday instrumental to keeping on top of it. We got things for nieces and nephews, Moms and Dads, sisters and brothers. Followed up by a delicious meal for a day of "hard work". Even John said "when you do it this early, it's so much more enjoyable".
PS. The wallet was featured in Daily Candy today on their national gift guide so we sent many of those off to their new homes. If you are interested in ordering one of these, I would do it sooner rather than later as they seem to be the Cabbage Patch Doll for stylish women of 2009.
BANGLES AND BAUBLES
For all those Francophiles in your life (by way of Japan in this case). This is a lovely little book complete with step by step instructions to crafting these lovely desserts when you can't make it to LaDuree.
A beautiful ring by Katie Finn. This is modeled after a horse bit with a grey diamond in the center. It appeals to all I love: horses, gold and diamonds (that's not really all I love, but that was fun to type). Need I say more?
I love Randi who makes this, and I particulary love this necklace. It is magical and wonderful and it is called Ancient Tongues which makes it even better. Like the most gorgeous spine wrapped around your neck. It's a good one for a good girl.
If the coolest girl went to camp and was forced to make something, this would be it. Not everyone could come up with something so beautifully simple and interesting. But Lauren Manoogian did. Lucky for us.
Wow. All I can say about this piece is wow. It is glorious and sexy and tribal and all of the above. So I guess I actually have a lot more to say about it. But seriously, wow.
One last idea. An adored customer, Melissa Kushner, started this wonderful organization called Goods for Good. It is based on the simple idea that we have the ability to turn excess into progress. The organization receives donations of surplus goods from companies, coordinates shipments to Africa and puts them in the hands of schools and community centers. Just the smallest item can make a difference. A pen in the hand of a school child can make the difference between going to class or not. A new meaning for the word bauble. Please give to them, it truly makes a difference
More to come next week. Have a fun one.
view comments...Welcome to the fifth installment of the Ladies of Castor & Pollux.
Meet Kimille Taylor, a friend of mine and of C&P. We met in the store and instantly hit it off; talking about style, animals, food and everything else that crossed our minds (including the best self-help books out there!). Always one to offer up great business and life advice I look forward to her visits, she is a constant source of inspiration.. I hope you agree. Meet Kimille!
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The Ladies of Castor & Pollux - Lady No. 5 - Kimille Taylor
Photo by John von Pamer
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Sunday Chicken - great for dinner parties or just a nice dinner for two. I make this every Sunday, from the first hint of cool weather to the moment it is too hot to run the oven for 2 hours! Buy organic, skinless, on the bone chicken thighs (2-3 per person). Wash and place in a large pyrex baking dish. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coarsely cut two red peppers, one red onion and button mushrooms and throw on top of and aroung the chicken. Generously cover with salt, fresh black pepper, oil and balsamic vinegar. You basically can't add too much oil and vinegar and if you add too little the dish will not be interesting. Cover with foil and cook for 1 hour. Take off foil and cook uncovered for another 1/2 hour. Serve over brown rice (or not) and add a salad if the mood strikes. Super, super easy and a huge crowd pleaser.
Last great book you read?
The entire Twilight series - Loved every minute of it, planning to read it again. Edward and Bella are just as compelling as Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennett.
Summer drink of choice?
Champagne
Animals - names and breeds?
I love dogs and horses, I especially love tall, skinny mutts and most hounds. No corgies or any other ill proportioned dogs, please!
Do you exercise? What do you do, if so?
I am a cyclist. It makes me feel like a kid all the time.
Salty or Sweet?
Ideally both at the same time but I couldn't live without either one. Like M&M's in my popcorn. Or PB&J. In a pinch if you had a gun to my head I would go with sweet.
Who inspires you and why?
My husband because he is super patient, kind, smart, disciplined and has empathy.
Pool or ocean?
Pool.
Favorite city?
New York
Last great vacation?
Vermont. We rent a little cottage there every summer.
Favorite TV show?
Weirdest job you've ever had?
I've never had a weird job.
Favorite restaurant?
Market Table, Carmine Street, New York
Favorite object in your home?
Mobile from the Picasso Museum in Paris that hangs over my dining room table.
Favorite piece of clothing?
My beat up brown riding boots. I can't wait to pull them on every fall and don't take them off till June.
Favorite blog or website?
Something you're scared of?
Poverty
Favorite record?
Favorite popsong?
Get together by Madonna
Your ideal day?
Sleep late, wake up rested, putter around my apartment, go for a walk in Riverside Park, head downtown, shop, people watch and then meet my husband for dinner. I feel fortunate that I have this kind of day all the time.
Favorite gift you've ever received?
My engagement ring. After 10 years I never tire of seeing it on my hand.
Favorite flower?
Pale pink peonies
Astrological sign?
What do you do for a living?
I am an interior designer and have my own business.
Where do you live?
West 83rd Street, near Riverside Park. It is a lovely, magical place.
Your lucky number?
I don't have one but would like to - any suggestions?
What piece of art would you buy if you had no budget?
A Keith Haring Subway Drawing. I love works on paper and am always drawn to black and white art. Those pieces are so vibrant, spontaneous and full of life.
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If you are looking for something spectacular for the holidays, this is the piece. Hand hammered brass nails are lovingly strung on a leather cord by talented designer Tini Bloom of Etten Eller (yes, her name is Tini, and yes, I want to name my daughter that at some point in the future).
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And, if you are feeling a bit more subdued than the full blown amazonian glamour above this is a beautiful option. Brass nuts strung on thin chain make for a lovely weight around the neck, I really love this piece.
We also just received jewelry from Sunday's Best that I'm putting out today as well as lingerie from The Lake & Stars. All great gifts for the holidays.
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Here we are at the second week of the gift guide; I hope that you've started thinking about your gift purchases because this does seem to be the one way to alleviate any anxiety. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a compulsive list maker and this is one of those places where the power of the list will make life simpler and easier, so pull out a pad of paper and your favorite pen and start coming up with those lists. This week we are focusing on something very dear to my heart: animals. I'm a firm believer that a house is not a home (nor is a store a store) without an animal (or two) around. This is a round-up of things your animals and animal lovers will both like. Enjoy!
ANIMAL LOVE
If this doesn't immediately make you want to get on Petfinder, I don't know what will.
This gift does double duty for your loved ones that have dogs and babies. This shirt is really a baby tee, but Beba loves it and clearly makes a great model.
Double duty: farmer's market or a ride for your little dog. Your decision, although I do like to use it for both, usually at the same time.
This is the greatest leash around. Made from beautiful rope and brass, part of the proceeds go towards helping animals find their new homes. A great company.
See you next week!
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I think that 47 five star reviews on the Food Network website says something. That and the fact that my sister (an incredible baker) says this is one of those desserts that are magical. Well, she uses the word awesome but I prefer the word magical, guess we're different that way! Anyways, I trust her opinion when it comes to these things so I'm making this tomorrow. In fact there are many things that we are making tomorrow, they are:
Roast Goose with Pear and Cranberry Chutney
Red Cabbage with Red Currant Jelly
Bread Sauce
Roast Potatoes in Goose Fat
Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Bacon
Green Beans with Almonds
Bread Stuffing with Sausage and Apples
Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Orange Zest
Irish Brown Bread with Smoked Salmon
Kale and Onion Tart
Mashed Butternut Squash
Pumpkin Roulade
Keylime Pie
Gingerbread Icebox Cake
Apple Galette
And just so you know, there are four of us partaking in this meal. Wish us luck. Lots of it. Have a gorgeous holiday spent with friends and family and thank you all for being a part of our family here at C&P.
Love, Kerrilynn
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