New "Things to Treasure" Laduree comes to New York, Essence, Town and Country, Real Simple Family and Golf reading for children.

Laduree has arrived!  

Momofuku cookies are divine, Crumbs bakery has scrumptous cupcakes,  but we have to stop for a minute and consider what Laduree will unleash in New York City this fall.

If you have not eaten a macaron before, wait, have one from Laudree on August 22nd and let the obbession begin.

Laduree is a Parisian patisserie founded in 1862  and it is most famous for it's double decker macarons. The bakery is credited with inventing the double decker macarons. There are Laduree shops all over the world in addition to four in Paris, there are bakeries in  London, Milan, and Istanbul among other places but never one in New York City. They will open a store this month, on August 22nd  at 864 Madison Ave, NY ( between 70th and 71st). The location will have two areas one for enjoying macarons on site and the other for orders ( mine included) .

It is said that in the 16th century Catherine de" Medici brought the macaron from Italy to France. Louis Ernest Laduree was a miller, who opened a bakery on the Rue Royale in Paris. In the 1930's his second cousin Pierre Desfontaines, invented the double decker macaron, a flavored ganache between two macaron shells. If you have had a macaron, if not well made, the ganache can be too sweet, too crumbly or too pasty, it has to be just right, the shells and the ganache, Laduree always seems to get it right.

They come in fantastic variations by season Mint and Strawberry, Lily of The Valley, Almond Morello Cherry, Granny Smith Apple and other delicious flavors.

Find yourself at Laduree this month or get on the phone and place your order!

Town and Country and Essence have new editors and this is change I can definitely believe in.

Town and Country's editor is Jay Fielden of Men's Vogue fame, Pamela Fiori left months ago and the void was filled briefly by Stephen Drucker but this is my second Fielden Issue and it is excellent. The articles are insightful and colorful, I read the magazine from cover to cover.  There is some interesting insight from Ashraf Kahlil  about the changes in Cairo, from both a colonial and present day view. There is a profile of the three homes owned by the late reclusive heiress Hugette Clark, a wonderful story about the relationship between a woman and her favorite scents by Gully Wells then last but not least two stories about Ernest Hemingway and his family. The magazine has zoomed to the top of my to read list, the stories have great depth, grab a copy or download it now! The fashion is still there but the magazine now has so much more.

Constance White has had a significant career in fashion from her role as the NY Times Fashion contributor, to EBAY fashion director and now to editor in chief at Essence magazine. Her second issue is stunning, Essence has gone global, the stories, beauty and fashion reads have a global perspective and that is truly refreshing. There is a story about Women from the Diaspora which covers black Brits, another profiles women from countries all over the world and what they are wearing,  and under Work and Wealth excellent tips for Storage Ssolutions at home and do not miss the Reader's Choice awards!  Another one for you to read cover to cover.

Real Simple is one of my favorite magazines, I love the stories about family and cooking among other topics and  now we have the same fantastic formula with Real Simple Family, it is a single issue magazine and you need to grab it before it is gone. They cover great issues from how to tackle homework battles, to fixing boo boos to schedule streamlining. Fall 2011, is on newstands or downloads now.

I was at the PGA Championship today and met wonderful author Susan Greene who was promoting Count on Golf and my daughter loved it for her read before bed tonight and we loved it because it exposed her to something new and she was counting and spelling at the same time with Jimmy the bear, it was fun.

The books are

Count on Golf- counting from 1 to 10 using golf accessories and rhymes .

The ABC's of Golf - Learn the alphabet and the game from A to Z.

Consider it Golf- Rhymes and Etiquette and golf safety.

Opposites with Golf- learn the game using the concepts of opposites.

Junior golf Journal - Track progress and enjoy memories.

Worth every penny!

Enjoy your new treasures and please send us your feedback about those delicious macarons.

FashionMom

It's Friday! The Gimlet and The Lemon Drop, variations on two cocktails.

The Gimlet

When Spirits and Beer were stored in wooden barrels, bartenders unsed a small sharp tool called a gimlet to tap into them. This inspired the creation of a refreshing short citrusy cocktail. In 1953 Raymond Chandler made it the favorite of our favorite detective Philip Marlowe in The Long Goodbye.



The Gimlet

11/2 fl oz gin

11/2 fl oz lime cordial

Cracked ice cubes

Small lime wedge, to decorate

Put the gin, lime cordial ( such as Rose’s lime juice, or mix equal parts sugar syrup and fresh lime juice), and 4 to 5 cracked ice cubes into a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously. Strain into a well chilled cocktail glass and serve decorated with a wedge of lime.

Gimlet on the rocks

11/2 fl oz gin

11/2 fl oz lime cordial

Cracked Ice cubes

Pour the gin and lime cordial into a sours or old fashioned glass filled with ice. Stir well and drop a wedge of lime into the glass. Serve with a stirrer.


Vodka Gimlet

11/2 fl oz Vodka

11/2 Lime Cordial

5 cracked cubes.

Serve straight up or over ice.

Tequila Gimlet

11/2 fl oz Vodka

11/2 Lime Cordial

5 cracked cubes

Serve straight up or over ice.



Scotch Gimlet

11/2 fl oz Scotch Whiskey

11/2 fl oz Lime Cordial

5 cubes cracked ice



Put the Scotch, lime cordial ( such as Rose’s lime juice, or mix equal parts sugar syrup and fresh lime juice), and 4 to 5 cracked ice cubes into a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously. Strain into a well chilled cocktail glass and serve decorated with a wedge of lime.

The Lemon Drop – The Cool Lemon Classic



Lemon Wedge

Superfine Sugar

11/2 fl oz vodka

½ fl oz Limoncello

½ fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Lemon slice to serve.

Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with the lemon wedge. Dip the rim in superfine sugar and chill well. Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes; add the vodka, Limoncello, and lemon juice; shake vigorously. Strain into the glass and serve decorated with a lemon slice.

Citrus Drop

Lemon Wedge

Superfine Sugar

11/2 fl oz vodka

½ fl oz Triple sec

½ fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Lemon slice to serve.

Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with the lemon wedge. Dip the rim in superfine sugar and chill well. Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes; add the vodka, Triple Sec, and lemon juice; shake vigorously. Strain into the glass and serve decorated with a lemon slice.



Sweet Lemon Drop

Lemon Wedge

Superfine Sugar

21/2 fl oz vodka

½ fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Lemon slice to serve.

Sugae Cube

Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with the lemon wedge. Dip the rim in superfine sugar and chill well. Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes; add the vodka, and lemon juice; shake vigorously. Strain into the glass and serve decorated with a lemon slice. Drop one sugar cube into the glass before serving.

Melon Drop

Superfine Sugar

11/2 fl oz vodka

½ fl oz Midori melon liqueur

½ fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Maraschino cherry to serve.

Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with the lemon wedge. Dip the rim in superfine sugar and chill well. Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes; add the vodka, Midori melon liqueur, and lemon juice; shake vigorously. Strain into the glass and serve decorated with a cherry.




Lemon Soda Drop – use a highball glass

Lemon Wedge

Superfine Sugar

11/2 fl oz vodka

½ fl oz Limoncello

½ fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Cream soda or lemonade

Lemon slice to serve.

Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with the lemon wedge. Dip the rim in superfine sugar and chill well. Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes; add the vodka, Limoncello, and lemon juice; shake vigorously. Strain into the glass and top with cream soda or lemonade, serve decorated with a lemon slice.


Please drink responsibly!

Have a great weekend!

Italian Day continues- Missoni for Target- Our Must Have for Fall

Missoni for Target- Our Must Have for Fall

I cannot wait for this collection to hit the stores. My focus will be on the accessories, scarves, and handbags you cannot lose with those. I can finally own something from the venerable fashion house, yeah!

In Stores and online September 13th!

FashionMom: Travel and Shop- Our Top 12 - Milan, Itlay- The D...

FashionMom: Travel and Shop- Our Top 12 - Milan, Itlay- The D...: " Milan, is one of the most important stops on high fashion calender and it is one of the most glamorous cities in the world. The ..."

Travel and Shop- Our Top 12 - Milan, Itlay- The Design Capital of the World.

 Milan, is one of the most important stops on high fashion calender and  it is one of the most glamorous cities in the world.

 The history, the Duomo, the beauty, the glamour, the designer outlets are just some of the things Milan is famous for.

Milan is not just known for history and the past but for their focus on the future and the future of design.

You will be busy taking in the sights, so we decided to keep the list concise to maximize your shopping experience. I tried to do 10 but could not, so Top Twelve!

Be sure to stroll Via Gesu in  the  heart of  " The Golden Quadrangle"  where all the haute couture ateliers, and the famous haberdasherys including Brioni are located. Visit Spazio Rossana Orlandi on Via Mateo Bandello, boutique, restaurant and gallery run by the effevescent Rossana Orlandi

 10 Corso Como

First pick north of the city center has to be Corso Como, the most famous store in Milan. Corso Como is owned by Carla Sozzani sister of Franca Sozzani who is the editor in chief of Italian Vogue. The space has a café, boutique, art and fashion bookstore and gallery. You will find clothing from all of the greats, and more. One of the most beautifully curated shops in the world, loved by fashionistas everywhere.

10 Corso Como

Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, Milan - Shopping Mecca and a must visit when in Milan. it was opened in 1878 and was one of the world's first enclosed shopping spaces.

La Vetrina di Beryl

Loved by Milanese women, this boutique is a favorite place to buy sexy pumps, sandals and boots from top designers and local Italian brands.

4 Via Statuto, north of city center

AOC- African Oriental Art

A duo of stores sells jewelry, home and clothing from all over the world including India and Africa. You will find everything from tea glasses to crafts from Africa. Lose yourself in the world for a couple of hours.

One of the most famous shopping streets in Milan.

23 and 34 Via Confalonieri, north of the city center

Penelopi 3

Stocks mod accessories for the home and garden. Tons of choices.

1 Via Palermo, north of the city center

Fiorucci

The mega center consists of individual boutiques selling everything from clothing to shoes to home goods.

2 Galleria Passarella, City Center

Great shopping guide for Milan and other cities.

Limoni Best

Milan's version of Khiels’s, this profumerio sells Marvis Toothpaste and Labello Lip Balm along with other greats for less than we would pay in the US. Reserve an afternoon.

4 Galleria del Corso, City center

The Duomo, Milan

Geox-

The leather sneakers and shoes loved by Italians and cheaper than we would pay in the US. Check out the golf line, excellent.

26 Via Monte Napoleone, City Center

Prada and Miu Miu

You cannot visit Italy without a visit to Muiccia Prada’s stores, it would be a mistake.

Prada- 63 and 65 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele/ Miu Miu – 3 Corso Venezia, City Center

Gucci and Dolce and Gabanna - Gucci for a pair of the loafers and a watch, Dolce and Gabanna for a sexy dress.

D&G- 2 Via Della Spiga

Gucci- 5 and & Via Monte Napoleone , City Center

Napoleone - Excellent prices for fantastic vintage finds, you will love this stores.

5 Via Degli Arcimboldi, Porta Ticinese

One of the best travel series on the market

Outlet- Il Salvagente

Lots of finds with drastic reductions by top designer names. Definitely needs an afternoon.

16 Via Fratelli, Bronzetti

Park Sempione, Milan Italy

Flea Markets

Naviglio Grande and Viale Papiniano- Naviglo is every Sunday and Viale is every Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Naviglo is along the bank of the Naviglo Grande and Viale runs the length of Viale Papiniano.

 

Read, The House of Gucci on the plane, you will be ready for Milan in a jiffy!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Happy Shopping!

It's Friday! Saturday Morning Cures!

You can't get rid of alcohol with more alcohol right?  well... these cocktails will help to get rid of that pounding headache....

many of the recipes contain eggs which helps to provide a much needed dose of protein and the extra energy needed the day after.

Bloodhound

2 oz gin

1 oz sweet vermouth

1 oz sweet vermouth

1 oz dry vermouth

3 strawberries

 crushed ice

Mix the gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth and strawberries in a small blender with a little crushed ice until smooth. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Cupid

2 oz dry sherry

1 teaspoon sugar syrup

i egg

dash of Tabasco sauce

Shake the dry sherry, sugar syrup, egg and dash of Tabasco sauce vigorously over ice cubes until well frosted. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Perfect Love

1 measure vodka

1/2 measure Parfait Armour

1/2 measure maraschino liqueur

crushed ice

Shake the vodka, Pparfait Armour and cherry liqueur together over ice cubes until frosted. Put some crushed ice into a chilled cocktail glass and stain the cocktail glasses.

Widow's Wish

2 Oz Benedictine

1 egg

light cream

Shake the Benedictine and the egg vigorously over ice cubes until well frosted. Strain into a chilled lowball glass and fill with light cream.

Mint Sunrise

Cracked ice

11/2 oz measures Scotch whisky

1/2 oz brandy

1/2 oz white curacao

fresh mint sprig

Pour the scotch, brandy and white curacao over the ice in a chilled highball glass or lowball glass and stir gently. Decorate with the sprig of fresh mint.

Suffering Fool

1 tablespoon Angostura bitters

crushed ice

2 measures gin

2 measures brandy

1/2 oz lime juice

1 teaspoon sugar syrup

ginger beer or ginger ale

cucumber slice

lime slice

fresh mint sprig.

Pour the bitters into a chilled highball glass and swirl around. Discard the excess and half fill the glass with cracked ice. Pour the gin, brandy , lime juice and sugar syrup over the ice and stir well. Fill with ginger beer or ginger ale and stir gently. Dress with cucumber, lime and mint.

Hot and Dirty Martini

3 measures chilled vodka

1/2 oz dry vermouth

1 teaspoon olive brine

stuffed olive

shake the chilled vodka , dry vermouth and olive brine over ice cubes until well frosted. Strain into a chilled martini or cocktail glass and garnish with a stuffed olive.

Ginger Beer

1 cup beer

2 measures ginger brandy

Pour the beer into a chilled beer glass or tankard then add the ginger beer.

Please remember to drink responsibly!

Have a great weekend!

Looking your Best! Take the best Photographs on vacation. Best Photo Sharing Sites.

Here are some great tips for taking the best shots of you and your family while having fun in the sun or snow this year.

We also added some of the best sites to share your photos, enjoy!

1. Food- I would like to take more food photographs for the blog but I am never sure where or what to do. Make sure that your plate has no smudges and take it by a window, food photos are best in soft natural light.

2. Planes- Avoid the glare by turning off the flash and press the camera flush against the window.

3. Landmarks- Keep the landmark or monument to the side of the camera lens, as opposed to the center, for a more artistic look.

4. Sports- Stick to a sport that you know very well, so you know when the next great shot is coming. Use your action button if you have one for the best shots.

5. Self Portrait- Reach out at far as you can so your two faces have a backdrop and always try to shoot from above to avoid double chins.

6. Landscape- Keep the sun behind you and aim to shoot during dawn and dusk the first and last 60 minutes of the day are the best.

7. Group shots- Be sure that random objects like tree branches in the frame do not appear to be growing from the person’s head. If shooting 8 or more stand on a chair.

I have tried a few picture sharing sites and have never returned because there is always something that never works for me. Here are a few of the best for everyone to try.

Flickr- For those who want to be photographers, this is a great site. There is drag and drop organizing and an online photography community. They make first time sharing a breeze. There is 100MB of uploads each month and there is access to user friendly tools for creating calendars and cards.

Transfers photos and videos to your computer and photo sharing sites!

Picasa- For the tech geeks- it is Google’s answer to photo sharing. Your account will hold thousands of photos and offer one click editing tools like red eye reduction and image effects designed to turn gray skies blue or color pictures to black and white. You can map your photos too tell them where you took your pictures and it will display them on a Google earth satellite map.

One of the best cameras on the market, bright 3 inch screen and optical stabilization is just one of the many options from this camera.

Photobucket- for the Facebook addicts. One click of the mouse and you can post images to all of the popular social networking sites. Posts to FB,Blogger. Also has a video sharing capability.

One of the best cameras on the market.

SmugMug- For Semi Pros- for a small yearly fee you have unlimited photo storage, advertising free pages, full screen Flash slideshows and personalized galleries created with themed templates.

This can wrap around anything and keeps your camera steady. Excellent!