An hour in my life

Sometimes I feel like I live a Seinfeld episode. No, seriously. So today I took off for SOHO with my 20 year old assistant (more on her later) to do research for a styling gig.   Right off the bat, we wondered if it was "European Family Week" here in NYC as every side walk was cluttered with big groups.  Here's a picture of two Irish guys who were looking for hooters in their guidebook. Wonder if they found it?

Then popped into Crate & Barrel to pick up a few things and saw this yummy looking margarita mix. The graphics on the label caught my eye then I realized it was from Randy Gerber (Cindy Crawford's husband & Whiskey Bar owner).  Hope it's as good as it's packaged.  

Leaving the store, I saw this sign:

It took me off guard. That was the second store that I had noticed was closing on Easter.  It's weird because these places don't even close for Christmas anymore.  I think it's great.

Then off to Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams.  This sign on the door made my day:

Next onto Elizabeth Street in Nolita that houses beloved Cafe Gitane and chic Tory Burch's shop.   Nestled is a wonderful perfumery, Le Labo,  that is easy to miss.

They make the MOST BEAUTIFUL perfumes & candles.  The packaging is fantastic. It's truly one of those special products and places that NYC needs more of and less Gap. 

Walking home, I saw this odd sight-a truck with two canoes on top.  Wonder where they are paddling off to?

As I walked back home, the sun broke through after endless grey and rainy days.  Isn't this tulip tree amazing???  An hour later and a lot of nothings which kinda make something.

Live Large,

Frances

I love....

Spring flowers. No, really. I mean it. I mean, I LOOOOOVE spring flowers. I love flowers period but spring flowers grab my heart a bit.  Of course there are prettier flowers like peonies or heritage roses. These are scene stealers like Angeline Joline and Catherine Zeta Jones.  They don't share the stage well and quite frankly, all the other flowers seem to shrink a bit in their presence.  But that aside,  spring flowers offer hope. They are the Sandra Bullock of flowers. They are the girl next door who just brings a bit of joy, happiness and before you know it, they are your best friend.  Since it's still all grey here with buckets of rain and chilly days, the bright buttery color pops from the markets and it like an oasis to this color starved girl.   Some flower shots from this weekend.

From buckets at Green Market:

From one of my fav neighborhood shops, aren't the colors like a sunset in flowers?

One sign that Easter is around the corner is the Lenten Rose showing up at Market.  

In joint celebration of Passover and Easter this week, enjoy ...

HA!

Live Large,

Frances

The pursuit of the best NYC meal

Sarah Copeland, my first real foodie friend, and I would treat ourselves once year to a really fancy New York City meal. We'd doll up and saunter into various places (usually French) where the waitstaff to customers was 100 to 1 and drink things like Sancerre or Port.  Like characters in a movie, we'd really go all out.  Sarah went to culinary school and knew her way around a kitchen and I was around to catch a piece of the action.  We were a perfect culinary pair.  Despite our bills which came dangerously close to a month's rent, we ate with the ghosts of R.W. Apple Jr., Julia Childs and James Bearden in our presence.  

As amazing as those annual trips to epicurean heaven are, that's not actually the way I love to eat. To me, the perfect meal is the holy grail in NYC.  Is it Jean George or Daniel or Per Se or Le Bernandin?  Is it French or Italian or Chinese or Indian... oye! So many choices.  Asking me what's my favorite restaurant is like asking which of your kids do you love the best... But I have a few front runners. None of which are fancy or expensive or have things that I can't pronounce on the menu or that I have to ask the waiter to explain.  They are the places that I will return to should I ever leave this city.  They are sturdy standbys like James Stewart. Not sexy but awfully attractive and steadfast.  They're as great on Sat night as they are on Monday night.  Here are two of my all time favorite-one old and one new.  

No. 1:  Pearl River Oyster Bar

If I could order for you, I'd get you a Caesar (the best one in the city so says Mario Batalia and I heartedly agree), fried oysters which are as perfect as they come and a overfilled lobster roll garnished with The Best Fries. The genius is the simple food done really really really well.  And I love the laid back vibe where real New York locals come to dine.  Coupled with a fabulous white wine and a good friend, it just doesn't get better than this... 

No. 2   Motorino 

This pizza temple orginated in Brooklyn but thank goodness, has crossed the river.  Located in the East Village in cheap food central, I wasn't so sure what the hoopla was all about. I mean, pizza? Really?? What's the fuss.. I thought pizzas are all the same.....NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Truly, this is something beyond anything I have ever had. Unreal.  While you could get two Domino pizzas for the cost of one of these bad boys, it's still a meal under $20 and you won't forget it.  

Bon Appetite!

Live Large, 

Frances

Instant Party Makers

Maybe it's the daffodils and hyacinths loaded down on every street corner. Maybe it's my new party mix created from the itune Genesis tool.  Maybe its the changing roster of infused simple syrup cocktails taking over from hot toddies and Manhattans.  Maybe it's the burst of bright colors from new summer catalogs and the occasional "summer is coming" day that mocks NYC until June.  Maybe its the asparagus at the green market and Easter menu items suddenly stocked in the grocery stores.  Maybe it's the birds creating a symphany outside my window.  Maybe because March is birthday season for me. I celebreate getting older and wiser along with half my address book.

So Fridays I ususally write about things on sale but I'm in the mood for a party so here's a round up of some things that set a birthday fiesta in motion.  These simple smile makers don't cost a lot but hopefully, will inspire some trouble.

Spoon Sister owns "silly".  Check these out:

Or these hilarious roman numeral candles. 

Wanna make an entrance? Try sporting one of these from another site selling "funny", Fredflare.com:

Was the fake candy grill too much?   Alright, then order up some of these personalized balloons to win the hostess who thought of everything award.

Another go to site for all party planners is plumparty.com.   I wouldn't consider producing an entertaining story without using something from it.  Plumparty.com, $80. 

It isn't a party without cake, right?  Get inspiration from these fun cake pops from Bakerella.com.  The recipe is on the site as well as TONS of other cake pops.  

Hope this helps your next birthday bash!

Live Large,

Frances

Favorite iphone apps

So the other day, a girlfriend grabbed my iphone to check out my apps and poked fun at  how few I had.  For the record, I thought I had a lot or at least as many as I actually needed. William Morris pretty much sums up my view with his famous statement, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. If you live in small quarters, you must a good editor of stuff.  In fact, ruthless purging is essential unless you want to become an episode on "Hoarders."  I guess this carries over into the tech world too.  There are so many things to load up on the iphone but do they make my life easier or more efficient or useful or more fulfilling? If not, then I don't want it.  So it got me thinking of the apps that I really use day in and day out.  Here are my top picks. While not all are free, they are all worth it.

iphone app must haves:


1password: Keeps up with my growing list of passwords. Pretty soon to use a public toilet you'll need one.  This is my absolute must have, can't live without, am not on their payroll but swear by app.
Twitbird: My preferred way to follow fabulous tweeters.
Flashlight: I can't say how many times this has actually been useful but it's more than I care to admit.
Facebook: Time Waster101. This replaces Bravo TV as "Best way to waste a few hours".
Things:  A steep price ($10), it's been a lifesaver in getting me off illegible yellow stickies onto something that actually works.
Worldmate:Manages all my travel plans and even sends me the weather report. Love.
Vogue Stylist: My latest free app. If it's good enough for Anna....
Sodasnap: Turns pictures into postcards.  I gotta do something with all these snaps.




Send me yours... what the ones you REALLY live by, not the ones cluttering up your screen.

Live Large,

Frances

One drawer at a time.

It's Monday which means it's time for mini-makeovers. I had a drawer meltdown Sunday.  It seemed every one I opened was overstuffed, disorganized and well, not pretty.  Inspired by my Martha Housekeeping Handbook, I conquered my desk drawer while watching one Bravo show.  I treated it like props on set where  "friends stay with friends" so grouping things together, eliminating the overabundance of writing utensils and adding a pretty liner featuring dogwood, a favorite flower.

Desk Drawer Before

Desk Drawer After

If flowers aren't your thing, Hammocks and High Tea have other fab patterns like this too....

Or check out ChicShelfPaper.com where your only problem will be selecting a pattern from their endless  selections.  I could do 800 projects with this all purpose product. 

My favorite desk accessory is the super large, heavy duty rubber bands. It's the toilet seat saver idea... not sexy but you sure miss when you don't have...  Russelandhazel.com

 Here's an inspiration shot from the R&H site to get you motivated to clean up your drawers too!

Live Large,

Frances

Give a girl a break

It's Friday which means its Sale day at 400 Sq Ft.  I'm on the hunt for FREE or BEST SALE item.

Best $5 you'll spend this weekend?
Head to Wholefoods where 3 bunches of daffodils are on sale for $5. That's 30 stems of happiness for the price of a latte.

Thought these labels would be adorable on mason jars filled with mint flavored simple syrup for Easter Mint Juleps.  Get the free download at http://www.hellolucky.com/martha-stewart-weddings.

The fabulous online shop, Iomoi.com, offers stylish e-stationery which I love to send to friends.  They offer free samples for folks to try!

Enjoy!

Live Large, 

Frances

ps.  I was walking in meatpacking neighborhood yesterday and passed this bus. Made me smile so passing along.  Have a great weekend!

Forget your Nikewear, how to dress for the Masters

With all the hoopla about Tiger playing in the Masters this weekend, it brings back fun memories of "crashing" the famed golf event twice while at University of Georgia.  Girls would don cute dresses and get passes from guys leaving after swearing to mail the coveted tickets back.  While on most golf courses, pearls and cleats don't mix, this course is one exception.   It is golf at it's greatest:  the azaleas are in bloom,  men in their linen jackets or other country club looks. Inspired, I hit Black Fleece, the charming West Village shop by Designer Thom Browne who has an exclusive line with the retailer, BrooksBrothers.  Check out this amazing seersucker dress. While not every girl can wear or would want to sport,  I love the dress's "get up and go." This would be a perfect outfit for Augusta.

Here are some other fashions that would fit into the greenway at Augusta just fine.

 

For the chillier mornings...

Wearing these adorable bermudas might just get you invited into the member's only clubhouse.

Another winning look that will make you look like a scratch golfer.


Live Large,

Frances

Ps.   My money is on Tiger to get his tush kicked but that isn't likely to happen.  While not a great man, he is a great golfer.

St. Paddy's Day!

The city is suddenly full of green people. Not martians but honest to goodness painted green people.  Some wear hats with "Irish Diva" on them. Others are loaded down with shamrock necklaces and whatever green shirt was in their closet.  New York City rocks on St. Paddy's Day and has since 1762 when Irish soldiers first marched.   In fact, we host the world's largest parade (who knew??) with clans lining Fifth Avenue.   It's like the whole city is Irish.  Only the infamous Gay Pride Parade and Puerto Rican Day Parade offer as many good people watching opportunities.  And it starts early.

Beer at breakfast? 

What a Crew... I meant, Clan!

Inspired by the revelry, I'm having a "should've, could've" moment, wishing I had pulled off an Irish Dinner Party.  Here's what I would've done. 


Appetizer:
Dark delicious bread cut in triangles and layered with smooth Irish butter and topped with smoked salmon. 


Entree
Shepherd's Pie and side salad served with Guinness and Cider. 


Dessert:
A cheeseboard featuring Irish cheese and Irish Coffee




OR I would make something fantastic from the delightful book, "Supper for a Song: Creative Comfort Food for the Resourceful Cook by Tamasin Day-Lewis (yes, sister to that HOTTIE Daniel).  Besides having one of my favorite sayings as the title, it is well timed for the recovering economy. She teaches  how to use what we have in our pantry to create yummy meals. It comes out 3/23 but the I was privy to the galley and really blown away.  

I end this St. Paddy's Day with a toast to you readers with a favorite Irish  saying "As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction."


Live Large, 


Frances 

Guest Bedroom Dilemma

My apartment, at times, has become something of a Motel 6.  The old adage that you don't know how many friends you have till you buy a beach place also holds true if you have a NYC apartment.  I've had to get creative in turning my tiny little living room into a place for dear friends or families to call home for a night or two. (I have wised up and now limit visitors to 2 nights as it gets a bit...hum.. tight...after that.)  Unlike folks who have an extra room to send guests, my living area becomes someone's bedroom so each morning I rearrange the bed back into a sofa and return the room's purpose back into a living room. I've found this to a be a key to hostess sanity.

My sofa is super comfy for my Bravo marathon watching Saturdays AND as a pullout for visitors.  The smartest thing I ever did was purchase two slipcovers for it so I have a dark chocolate for fall/winter and white canvas for summer. Having tested a lot of sofas, this one passed with flying colors.

Bayside Full sleeper, $1899, Crate & Barrel

My lack table serves as a coffee table in the living room senario and as a suitcase rack in the "guest bedroom."

Lack, $7.99, ikea-usa.com

Visitors use to get their own set of keys on a Tiffany knock off keychain but  after six sets  returned home with the visitors,  I wised up and now hang extra keys on a hang tag labeled with my address.  

Tags, $8.79/1000, Staples.com

.  



I bought towels monogrammed "Bailey's Bed & Breakfast" after a particularly brutal month of constant visitors.   My guest towels are yellow while my personal towels are white. This helps me organize for visitors so they don't get the old college towel that I can't seem to part with.

Towels, $9 with FREE monogramming!, Thecompanystore.com

The old standby of putting out extra shampoos from nice hotels always seems to go over well. Because the sofa is by the window and gets light early, I also set out an eyemask. Rarely used by guests, it adds a Gia Gia Gabor feeling to the set up and makes me feel better as a hostess that I offered my version of a black out shade.

Eye masks, $19, pbteen.com

If I have my act together, I'll leave out a New York Post, New York Magazine or a New York Time Out & glass of wine to welcome them.  Being provided up to date local news has always been appreciated by my inner tourist guide when traveling.

Live Large,

Frances

ps And come visit!

Best Apology Stationery

It's another gray, raining Monday and I needed a laugh so I rooted around Kate's Paperie which always has something to moon over.  This card rose to the occasion.  And perfect to have after a weekend of trouble making.  Wouldn't this make a hilarious hostess gift with a bottle of bubbly?  

Kate's Paperie
katiespaperie.com

Live Large,

Frances

Sales!! Sales!! Sales!!

Current Kitchen Obsessions On Sale Right Now.

I have been coveting this Martha WHITE enamelware at Macy's since I saw it at the spring preview last Fall.  It's on sale this weekend so GO! macy.com.  Perfect for one last yummy coq au qin dinner before winter fades....                                     

                                                             $59.99; macy.com 

A bit modern and organic in design, these plates would update any table at a price that keeps a smile on your face.  Set of 4 for  $19.99; westelm.com

Sigh.  Design within Reach is having it's annual sale. There is so much that I want but these classic "go anywhere" napkins would fit a high brow chic fancy schmancy meal or casual Sunday Supper. 

$11.99 for tabletop happiness; dwr.com

If you broke as many glasses as I do during the holiday season, it's a great time to restock especially with these all purpose cheapies!  

$1.99 each at cb2.com

Just cause I like a hit of unexpected color I'm tossing this into the sale round up. It'd make a lovely centerpiece full of clementines & orange blossoms.  And at $12.95, it's kinda a Crate and Barrel no brainer. 

Live Large, 

fb