Slim Paley photo….…………… BORA BORA
OK, I admit it, I’m caving in to a sinful desire to post turquoise water photos in the midst of these snow storms all over the country. We could all use a shot of this blue right about now… I know I’m not exactly having to put heated socks on my windscreen wipers overnight (they do exist, I just saw the ad) but we have had some bad weather in Santa Barbara too. Lots and lots of rain. Saturday I even had to wear a coat!
Perhaps that’s why I was drawn to these photos I took in Bora Bora a few years ago. I wish I’d had my Leica D-Lux 3 then. I also really wish that my husband hadn’t fallen ill with the flu and been pretty much incapacitated for most of our stay. But is it awful to say I still had a good time?! It is, isn’t it? 
But just look at this place. Could you still have had a good time if your significant other was sleeping most of the holiday?? Oh, you people are terrible- I knew we had a lot in common!
Slim Paley Photo………Yes, it’s REALLY this colour
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Slim Paley Photo…………Sleeping over the seas
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Slim Paley Photo ……………..Baby Powder sand
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Slim Paley Photo…………….Don’t you just know that Fletcher Christian (the Marlon Brando one) is waiting for you right around that cove?!
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Slim Paley Photo…………………AAnd this is the scene where Jeff Bridges rescues you from Kong (remember… your husband is sick in bed)
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Slim Paley Photo………………Do you think the snorkeling was decent?!
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Slim Paley Photo ……………….. So crowded!
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Slim Paley Photo………..The view from the spa
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Slim Paley photo…………….The Spa deck
and after a nice massage, some pearl shopping…
photo rawpearls.com.au
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Photo from The Bora Bora Nui Hotel Website
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Slim Paley Photo……………..Sun sets over Bora Bora
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Comptoir Sud Pacifique- great perfumes for tropical holidays!
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Well, that was fun. Back to packing coats and scarves for NY and re-checking my gutters.
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In honour of this being such a “Guy’s Day” and all…
I thought I would share this with you;
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On December 3, 1967, Dr. Christiaan Barnard successfully completed the first transplant of a human heart. He performed the world’s first human heart transplant operation on 3 December 1967, in an operation assisted by his brother, Marius Barnard; the operation lasted nine hours and used a team of thirty people. The patient, Louis Washkansky, was a 54-year-old grocer, suffering from diabetes and incurable heart disease.[2] Barnard later wrote, “For a dying man it is not a difficult decision because he knows he is at the end. If a lion chases you to the bank of a river filled with crocodiles, you will leap into the water, convinced you have a chance to swim to the other side.”
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On July 21st, 1969; Well, I think we all know what happened, but it is still thrilling to see the video again
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and now,
February 5th, 2010, My younger son’s small bathroom renovation was completed.
Did I mention it was small??? Since I wrote the post below, he is now 6′ 2.
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(Here is a little “catch-up” for those new to the Murphy’s Wall Saga)
Murphy’s Wall
I’ve just embarked upon a small bathroom renovation. No, make that a big renovation on a small bathroom. It involves knocking down interior walls – walls that we erected many years ago when my younger son was just a wee bean in my tummy. (and note to young mothers; that seems like yesterday) Now, our 6ft 1″ String Bean in that little bathroom?…not so good. Did I mention the house is 115 years old?? And those 115 year old wood floors; they served us well, but all wood things must come to an end (sorry). Anyway, what did we discover today? That the newer wall, coming down so the shower may be enlarged, is naturally where ALL the wires for everything that runs our home, and in fact the entire planet, are housed. It’s Murphy’s Wall!! And are they loose and coiled, so that they be moved over by just a couple of feet? Don’t be daft. Tighter than the veins on Madonna’s arms. Ahh, construction. Ya gotta love it.
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Note the Solatube with fan attachment ( light is not on, that’s sunlight)
The thing on the wall is some sort of remote speaker for his iPod
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Who could imagine it would be that hard to “float” a few glass shelves?
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All Photos Slim Paley
Sink, cabinet, and toilet from Kohler
Oh ya- HAPPY SUPER BOWL!!
Love this bag! It’s like an old fashioned Doctor’s bag, if your doctor was Karl Lagerfeld (oh, that’s a scary thought)
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Have you clocked these really pretty and unusual new Fendi “Peek-a-Boo” bags that appear to be a handbag within a bag? Some look like they are actually doubled, with one side folding down to reveal another colour or pattern on the bag inside, others have pretty little linen or floral appliqued or needlepoint “dusters” I would call them, that simply slide on and off and attach with buttons or snaps. Quite ingenious really, given it must be virtually impossible to come up with truly inventive concepts in fashion at this point. Not to be negative, because I don’t mean it that way at all, but most fashion is a re-invention of a style or concept that has existed historically at some point before. I’ve always been a great fan of Fendi since Karl arrived, particularly their coats and bags and I still have my collection of Fendi Baquettes that would put Poilane (there’s another post- yum ) to shame. I never use the Baguettes anymore, which is silly and lame as they are still in gorgeous, pristine condition. What a terribly embarrassing admission that I would allow fashion trends (sometimes) to dictate how I should be dressing. Eww- slap, slap Slim! Especially given the fact that I always bridle at the What’s In/What’s Out” Lists in magazines, especially as they have often just shilled for something in the “Out” category only a couple of months before (occasionally even in the same issue!) You know what? I say F— that. My mother always taught me from an early age that individuality and having your own sense of style was infinitely more important than fitting in with the “In” crowd (She also taught me not to say F— that too, but not everything sticks…)
Here’s my New List of Criteria determining what I’m wearing from now on:
-I like it! (or I STILL like it!)
-It’s comfortable but NEVER frumpy
-No where will it ever have the word “Juicy” written on it (well, this is hardly new to my list)
-It will be age appropriate(ish) but never boring or Mumsy, or signal I don’t care-’cusI’mjustgoingtoVons…
-It will celebrate ME rather than the designer I’ve already paid to “make” it for me- no double dipping dudes.
-My husband will like it too (but can someone please tell him that high heels don’t really go with everything?- no, scratch that, say high heels really hardly go with anything, ya, that’s better)
-I will start wearing some jewelry and stop feeling I’m totally accessorized just because I threw a scarf on.
-Lastly, What I am wearing now is all about what strikes me as – fill in the blank here; Chic, fun, fashionable, interesting, appropriate, cozy, and most of all, MY style, not anyone else’s. I’m happy, indeed EXCITED to be told what is new in fashion, I just don’t care to be told what is “old”.
So here’s to dusting off one or two favourite old Baguettes and moseying down to Whole Foods. What can I say- I’m a REBEL (I hope the shopping carts are clean). I might even uncover my Peacock feathered bag from Tom Ford’s first Gucci collections- and pray I don’t give Rachel Zoe a heart-attack.
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All photos from Fendi Ad Campaign
Are YOU good about holding your own, or do you sometimes fall victim to FASH-ICISM too?
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Slim Paley Photo……………………………..Flying to Vancouver
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I’m traveling to NY in the near future, which got me to thinking… Perhaps a Travel Tips Post!
(Traveling Woman, Bats for Lashes)
I’m going to send my luggage ahead by Fed Ex. Now that the airlines are charging us a fee per bag, why not spend just a little bit extra and eliminate the hassle of check-in, the extra time in the security line (which for me equates to running through the airport after my husband, still trying to get my belt through the loops) as well as an often interminable wait at the other end for the bags to hopefully come hurtling down the carousel shoot. Recently, my older son’s bags never did show up. He had packed electrical equipment, including new speakers and presents (not the kinds of thing you can take in carry on) and the bags were stolen. The airline reimbursed us $0 – that’s ZERO, because they do not cover any electrical or photographic equipment. They didn’t even reimburse for the cost of the luggage because we couldn’t produce luggage receipts. Extremely irritating. Anyway, this way my bags will hopefully be ready and waiting for me at the hotel, my husband will be happier and I will arrive calm, cool and collected (perhaps with just one belt loop missed)
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When we went to Bhutan a few years ago with a couple of very well dressed friends, I marveled at how crisp and immaculate my friend’s collared shirts looked- even after hiking and scaling up the sides of the Bhutanese mountains (and yes, you heard me, my friends wear collared shirts while hiking- they also always stand whenever ladies are leaving or arriving at the table) I thought they must have secreted away an amazing laundress at the rustic countryside hotel we were staying in until they let me in on the secret; Brooks Brother’s Non- Iron Shirts. They call them Miracle Shirts, and I can see why. Fantastic for travel, kids in college, or just anyone that doesn’t really love ironing…and I know there a few of you out there. They come in both Men’s and Women’s styles.
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Slim Paley Photo.…………………The Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan…………………..In a collared shirt
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While we are on the subject of fashionable male travelers, how great are these Pumas?! From the URBAN MOBILITY LINE, the Urban Flyer Fold makes slipping shoes on and off through airport security a breeze. The back heel part just flips up and down.
“This is a brand new shoe from PUMA’s Urban Mobility Collection and won’t be available until late of February. The shoe will be available on shop.puma.com. at select retailers including Atrium (NYC), American Rag (CA), Gimme Shoes (SF), Kitson (CA), Shoe Mania (NYC), and Madison (LA) and other select online retailers” (from the Puma website)
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I’m still using the first permutation of The Kindle from Amazon (not cheating on you Jeff…yet) but I was with a friend the other day who had the new “Nook” from Barnes & Noble and I must admit, I experienced a little electronic-reader envy. Just a tad. That coloured screen at the bottom, and the bright white of the pages did catch my fancy as much as I tried to resist it… But if I got one, I wouldn’t want to part with my original Kindle as it has so many books on it, so then I’d have to carry both, plus my laptop and my iphone (and my Blackberry for out of the country) plus 17 magazines and one real book just for security and old time’s sake. Hmmm…you see my dilemma…and the need to send baggage ahead…and why my husband doesn’t want to be in line with me.
( The Nook $259. Available at Amazon. KIDDING)
And BTW, have we figured out what the iPad actually does that our laptops and iphones don’t and if we really need to get one?
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-Are you like me and constantly leaving your adapters, chargers and battery packs plugged into the walls of your hotel rooms after check out? If so, these nifty little USB ports might be the perfect solution for us! How can we miss these bright colours sitting right on the desk as opposed to the black or white of chargers in the wall outlet? They might not be the chicest knife in the drawer, but a great idea just the same- and only about $8. Think of all the money we’ll save on replacing electronic accessories, not to mention what a great chew toy they make if you have a baby sitting next to you on the plane. 
(Colorful Flexible USB 2.0 Hub 4 Ports $7.89 Amazon)
-What, besides electronics, books and magazines and any medications you can’t live without, makes you absolutely panic if you’ve forgotten once you get settled into your seat (that naturally is not the one you booked online)?? For me it’s warm socks. OMG- the very moment the realization sets in that I’ve forgotten my fuzzy Target socks I go borderline frost-bite. Honestly, I don’t care that my feet look like golf club covers once I’m settled in to my little Pod of Peace (God willing) for the next 5 1/2 hours (unless of course Sawyer is sitting next to me) I just cannot bare my feet being cold. They’re chilling up now just thinking about it.
Other necessities? Mints, travel bottle of perfume or perfumed sachets (I once traveled in the midst of a soccer team on a European flight… apparently right OFF the field and onto the plane. I’ve never recovered) Bliss Problem Salved 20-in-1 Wonder Balm, Baume de Rose Lip Balm from By Terry, notepad and pen, camera, Bose Quiet Comfort head phones, Bananagrams, my own tea bags, a big warm scarf, layered clothing, whenever possible my own pillow, moisturizer, incense, travel candles, extra socks in every bag.
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By Terry “Baume de Rose” lip balm
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-I now keep a “Travel Drawer” at home, where along with my bag of various adapters and extra camera batteries etc., I store my small travel pillow, things that might be fun for upcoming trips, and all sachet and small bottled free samples of moisturizers, perfumes, hand and eye-cremes, shampoos etc. that I get when purchasing cosmetics. Sometimes, if it is just a short trip, I can get away with a toiletry bag just filled with little packets, eye-make up remover, and cotton pads and nothing else. It’s great. I always check out the “travel size” section in good pharmacies when I travel too- you never know what new thing you simply can’t live without.
Lastly, a couple of “On the Plane” things we need to discuss;
-Establish your elbow room early. It appears to be on a ‘I Was Here First’ code. Get there first. If you have to go to the bathroom, put something on the armrest to mark it as yours, not unlike a theatre seat. (you’re never going to see this person again- although as Murphy’s Law goes, he is probably the same person who saw you singing and dancing in your car on the highway last week)
-Try to avoid having ice in your drinks if at all possible. I know this is difficult, but if you can secure bottles of water rather than cups from the flight attendant you are one step ahead of the game. If they refuse, drink cold white wine (note: if forced to do this sometimes keeping control of the armrest skills diminish)
-Start a little garbage bag at your seat and make it obvious to the person beside you you expect Martha Stewart-esque standards in your shared zone through-out the flight. You might even want to decorate by putting a magazine with Sawyer on the cover sticking prominently out of the seat pocket in front of you. Little curtains of perfumed sachet sheets on either side of the magazine can be fun too.
- and to end on an indelicate but vitally important note: ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure the toilet seat cover is down before you flush in those tiny bathrooms. I once read that 100 billion zillion infinity germs spray up into the room (and on you) with the extreme pressure of those plane loos.
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Please feel free to share any travel tips you may have- I’d love to hear them.
Bon Voyage!!!!
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Slim Paley Photo………… ……………… An embarrassment of bathtub rose petals at The Devigarh Hotel (one of the most unusual and beautiful hotels in the world) Udaipur, India
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Well, are we really going to rely on what that stupid Ground Hog says? I don’t THINK SO!! Let’s ignore that gloomy overgrown rat with Beaver Envy’s prediction of six more weeks of winter and concentrate on what’s really important; What the people that love us are going to buy us for VALENTINE’S DAY!
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Patinated Rose Petal earrings by JAR (Bergdorf Goodman)
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First introduced on Valentine’s Day in 1996 and composed from seven of the world’s most expensive varieties of roses, Jo Malone’s Red Roses Cologne became an instant classic. Now Jo has just released Red Roses Fragrance Chronicles ($95) – the PERFECT gift for Valentine’s Day!! You may create your own story and signature scent using the Red Roses cologne and it’s three accompanying accords, Moroccan Mint Leaf, Ice Rose and Honeycomb (the top, heart and base notes of the Red Roses Scent). Love this idea!
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All Jo Malone products available with free standard shipping and free samples at JoMalone.com, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Sak’s and Barney’s. There you go boys, my work is done here.
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Slim Paley Photo……………………The Quest For The Black Rose is the ultimate coffee table book for lovers of exotic roses. Weighing in at, well, I don’t know because I don’t have a scale but it measures 18″ x 13 1/2″ and it’s pretty damn heavy. With gorgeous matte and glossy photo quality paper it’s an absolute feast for the eyes. I would actually consider removing some of the pages and framing them, they are that beautiful. (just don’t tell Stichtieg-Kunstboek- they live in Belgium, they’ll never know) $125.00 on Amazon
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Slim Paley Photo……………..Roses from my garden
And Now…Martini Time!
LOLA’S, LA “Whats Love Got To Do With It?” Martini
Muddle 5 fresh raspberries with 1/4 of a lime in a Martini shaker. Pour in 1 1/2 oz of a good quality very smooth blanco Tequila (we are using Herredera) Top off with a big splash of Passion Fruit juice (fresh is ALWAYS best) and a very small splash of Chambord. Strain into a very chilled Martini glass and let the games begin.
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Full disclosure: I haven’t read this book and to be honest, despite a couple of good reviews I’ve seen, it’s got chic-lit written all over it, but who could resist the cover for the purposes of this post? If anyone has a good report on it please let us know! ( I love to be proven wrong…if it means I get to buy another book )
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OK, maybe I just made that up.
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Slim Paley Photo
More Valentine’s Day suggestions coming…
Slim Paley Photo………….Hello Lilac buds! (and they say we can’t grow lilac in California!)
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DARLINGS! Summer is practically here already!! The buds are bursting forth, the frogs are singing their hearts out and the days are getting longer (and I’m in a good mood again! )
So in honour of January going buh-bye and the GENIUS of Jean Paul Gaultier, who never fails to put a smile on my face…
A post of some highlights from his brilliant new couture collection and a few green and glorious garden photos snapped today, along with a little appropriate music
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Slim Paley Photo.……………………Here come my artichokes!
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OK, I’ll take the skirt…and the belt, if you force me.
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Slim Paley Photo……….This is the real colour – so pretty!
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Check out the bag
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A Raol Duffy vintage fabric print
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Talon-tastic!
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Slim Paley Photo
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(All Fashion photos from the Gaultier 2010 Spring Couture show)
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Slim Paley Photo.……….…..Gigantic Calla Lily (dig the new Biosil talons!)
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Fab
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Slim Paley Photo …………………………Taken at Lotus Land in Montecito
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Happy February Everyone!!
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Slim Paley Photo…………………………..Moody Roses from my garden
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Haughty Moody
Irish artist John Lavery Study for Hazel in rose and gold, 1921 (National Gallery of Ireland)
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Photo uncredited………… Anglo Moody
I don’t remember where I found this photo. It’s another that has stood the test of time on one of my inspiration boards. Something about the mood of this room just speaks to me, despite the rather torturous looking weaponry. The hide thrown over the heavy lushness of the rug, the roaring glow of the fire reflected in the ruby leather chairs, the chicken wire against the stone walls- it’s British eccentricity at it’s best. I even love the Harry Potteresque serpents keeping sentry at the hearth
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Reading Mood
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I read this book about 7 years ago and was quite amazed by it. For obvious(?) reasons it popped into my head while I was musing about the colours and feel of this post. And something else that is amazing to me? I knew just where to find this book- and I have a lot of books. A LOT of books! I really, truly should have been a librarian, except for the fact that I don’t organize books well, so I probably would have been fired all the time. But there isn’t a single room in our home that isn’t groaning with my books and yet I could probably tell you where most titles are in a pinch. What is that about?? I can’t find the car keys I had 5 minutes ago, or for that matter, even remember where I parked the car, and once, as you might recall from an earlier post, I lost a bed, but somehow my brain photographs my inventory of books.
Sorry…was I rambling? Perhaps I should have saved that for another “Things That Amaze Me” post. If you see this again, please pretend you didn’t read it before.
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Slim Paley Photo…… A bookcase in my home ORGANIZING MOOD
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French Boho Mood
Isabel Marant, Spring 2010 collection. What’s the connection you might ask? Well, you know,British army khaki, fabulous fur jacket- the fur rug. The room above looks a little chilly, the coat is warm….and again, I love the effortless eccentricity, (not that I’m wearing the shorts, thank you very much, other life- time) I’m so excited that Isabel Marant is opening her first shop in the U.S., in New York on Greene St. in the spring! And if you, like me, happen to live in Santa Barbara, you may find the collection at Diani, on State. St.
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Slim Paley photo……… Traveling Mood
A residential field of tulips I snapped just outside of Amsterdam.
A trip to Holland during Tulip Season, which peaks around April 15th should be added to your “Bucket List” (I like this premise, although I don’t like the word bucket, please let’s think of a better one). Anyway, the tulips are one of the most outrageous things you will ever see. You will CRY. Seriously! The Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom has to be seen to be believed. Unfortunately all my photos are hard copies which I have yet to scan, save a few.
“During the 1620s and 1630s, financial speculators in Holland went mad over the brightly-colored flowers: at one point in 1633, a farmhouse was traded for three tulip bulbs. The “tulip bubble” collapsed in 1637, leaving speculators bankrupt, but Holland has continued its love affair with tulips to this day. The ultimate tulip paradise is the Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre field outside the Dutch town of Lisse.” (excerpt from Frommer’s)
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Moody Mood
Just a simple little number from Rodarte, Spring 2010. I like it because it’s such a no-brainer and so easy to put on when you’re running out the door… I’d wear with it, oh say, some high heeled boots, lace up of course
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Slim Paley Photo Masculine Mood
A masculine mood in Sun Valley (picture with a small serape rug and a curly lamb fur cushion on the chair please)
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Dramatic Mood
Kind of hiddy, kind of cool. I’d love to see this fireplace in a much warmer, more rustic looking room. Against a stone wall, with reclaimed wood floors, and fabrics with some tooth and texture- perhaps even a dash of plaid thrown in, I think the contrast would be really striking. If I knew how to photo shop I would try it. What say you? I bet men would like this.
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Fantasy Mood
And girls would like this. My Favourite Dress (available on Amazon)
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Images from the book
“This lavishly illustrated publication is a commentary on the emotional attachment that various key fashion personalities from designers, celebrities, models, photographers, stylists and fashion editors have with the one thing that is treasured in their memory or wardrobe: their Favourite Dress. 75 designers and key industry players from around the world have described the very personal reasons behind their choice, through text, photographs by leading fashion photographers, fabric samples, original sketches and other ephemera their choices come alive on the page. The dresses selected by these individuals are intriguing and highlights the intimacy that the designer and wearer feels with their garment. This book gives the audience an opportunity to explore how a dress can be a creative statement, a symbol of celebration, power, and individuality. “My Favourite Dress” is about choice, memory and a moment; a must have for any fashionista.” (From publisher, Oct. 2009) Oh ya- We all need this book. My mood is getting better…
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Interesting Moody.
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Slim Paley photo…… Armchair Traveling Mood
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Photo from my Inspiration board…….Cute Moody
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Now that’s just CRAZY MOODY!
image castletroycollege.net
To read the letter in larger print click here; Letters Of Note
J.D. Salinger passed away today at the ripe old age of 91. Perhaps there is something to be said for “getting away from it all”. I imagine I join millions of others in saying his “Catcher In The Rye” was a pivotal novel for me . It was truly the first time, as a young reader, that I felt the author was really talking to me and not just telling me a story. I fell in love with Holden Caufield way back then and I never lost the love. To be sure, other suitors and their creators have come along, too myriad to list (OK, Garcia-Marquez gets a shout out) but Holden and J.D. will always occupy that special place in my heart.
Alright, I’m a little verklempt (sp?) so let’s consider this “Mini-Post Thursday”. I’ll be back with more colour tomorrow. Night All…
PS. The above website Letters Of Note (.com) is a very cool site. Give it a gander. ”Letters of Note is an attempt to gather and sort fascinating letters, postcards, telegrams, faxes, and memos. Scans/photos where possible. Fakes will be sneered at. Updated every weekday. Edited by Shaun Usher.” (from the Letters of Note website)
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Slim Paley photo of my porch
I’ve been posting for just a little over six months now. Being a novice, there’s always a steep learning curve, but so far I’ve really enjoyed creating Slim Paley! Now that I’ve accumulated over 100 posts, I thought perhaps it was time for me to start categorizing them, which then led to the idea of writing a little “Catch Up” post as I have quite a few new visitors since I first began. In no way should this be misconstrued as a way of procrastinating, or even getting out of the whole “Categorizing” thing altogether… it will happen…but let’s keep our priorities straight!
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Way back on Lash Chat (9/24), I discussed my dilemma of using Neu Lash to thicken my lashes, only to find I had more lashes growing out of the tear-duct corner of my eyes than my actual eyelash line. Since then, I’ve stopped using Neu Lash and instead, got my eyelashes tinted black at a salon (like you could do this at home) Now I am back to my normal longish but sparsely spaced eyelashes (fence post-like might be an apt description), but jet black and of a more dry and stick straight- ahead nature. Who knew that dying your lashes takes some of the curl out? The only lashes that didn’t stop growing profusely after I discontinued the Neu Lash were the ones growing in my eye corners. You see Murphy’s Law even applies to vanity.
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Speaking of Murphy’s Law, I did a post awhile back called “Murphy’s Wall” (11/11) about renovating my younger son’s bathroom. I’m sure you must think that would be finished by now. You would be wrong in that assumption. It wasn’t titled Murphy’s Wall without reason. Let’s just hope it gets finished before he grows up, falls in love, marries, and the new, vastly irritating daughter-in-law wants to change it again. (Because of course my children are never going to actually move out and leave me )
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On the upside, I did a post called “Things That Amaze Me” (10/18), which is actually one of my favourite posts for a few reasons. Firstly, I must admit I love the photos, secondly I really loved all the great comments and lastly, in complaining about my fingernails, it lead to someone telling me about Biosil for hair and nail growth. While I haven’t noticed any improvement in the hair department (which naturally, or rather UNnaturally, could be due to the fact that I had it chemically straightened to within an inch of it’s follicular life) my nails are REBORN. NO JOKE. My fingernails were so soft and weak they would bend in half if you looked at them the wrong way. Now- Super Talons!! It’s crazy. It took about 2 and 1/2 months to notice the difference. Trust me on this one.
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Another of my favourite posts was “Fearless Fragrance” (10/04) I guess because I am obsessed with perfume, although I haven’t always been, and I fell in love with Luca Turin’s turn of words when describing scent. Since this post went up I have a few new fav’s; Tom Ford’s collection of Musks and White Suede (in a gorgeous rosewood caddy, and Guerlain’s outrageously romantic Iris Ganache. Bal D’Afrique by Byredo Parfums has been calling me too, but I’m trying not to take the call…
What are some of your Favourite Favourites??!
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On a slightly less sexy note, I bought the ThermaPAK Heatshift pad from the “Last minute Gift Ideas” post. LOVE! It’s the little things isn’t it?? I’m clicking away as we speak, in bed, and my husband isn’t giving me Stink Eye for my laptop fan going off. Somehow the pad keeps your lap cool and deflects or absorbs(?) the heat from the computer at the same time. This is a Good Thing. More Midnight Madness Shopping time!!
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Another item I particularly love that I hadn’t tried yet when I mentioned it on the post was the Diptique Roasted Chestnut candle. DEEEvine. It smells like it’s raining outside and very cold, and you get to spend the whole day in bed with magazines, with a fire going, while someone cooks sweet-smelling treats for you. That’s exactly what it smells like. At $65 it’s a splurge but everyone comments on how gorgeous the scent is. I say we all put pressure on Diptique to put them on sale as it’s a “HOLIDAY” scent. Nudge, nudge, wink wink.
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Santa did buy bring me a couple of other items on the S.P. Christmas gift lists including the Bentley of food dehydrators “THE EXCALIBUR”!, It’s fantastic, other than the fact that it’s so big it needs it’s own space in the garage. It has a fan, my old one did not, which seems to facilitate the drying process, I guess not unlike a convection oven? Paging Alton Brown… Anyway, it’s cool and it definitely works. I might even try drying rose petals or whole flowers in it. I’ll keep you posted.
Slim Paley Photo Here I put the roses in an antique leather gentlemen’s cologne case
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Got the new Mac Mouse too (Cool Gifts for Fellows 11/10), although the eagerly anticipated announcement of The iPad today might make my new little mouse feel more like a dinosaur. Who can keep up?! Is it a phone? Is it a computer? Is there a leopard print carrying case available?? Who’s buying one?!
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Lastly, a Burmese official announced yesterday that Aung San Suu Kyi (8/12) would NOT be getting a reprieve on her 18 month sentence (for some crazy zealot swimming onto her property while she was under house arrest) therefore she will not be released until November. She has now been incarcerated for 14 of the past 20 years, I believe. But the Bomb In The Underpants Man will receive an All Frills Package trial here, in addition to “his” Miranda Rights and a defense lawyer that we’ll all pay for. Arrrgh.
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No wonder we seek joy, solace and even escape, in beautiful things…
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Slim Paley Photo Sun Valley
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Slim Paley Photo
I picked these from my garden this afternoon ~ Don’t be jealous- we do get earthquakes, fires and floods…
‘Tis the season for Blood Oranges! The colour simply delights me every time I slice into them and the intensity and tangy-ness is incomparable.
I’ll share my Secret Recipe; Freshly squeezed juice of blood oranges + Miller’s Gin. The secret is in the gin and the blood oranges. Don’t tell anyone who doesn’t read Slim Paley.
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Slim Paley Photo
Miller’s is a very nice clean tasting gin that doesn’t interfere with the flavour of the juice. In fact it runs interference for just about everything after a few sips.
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Blood oranges, like all citrus fruits, are a good source of vitamin C. One medium-sized orange contains 260 milligrams of potassium, 15 percent of the FDA’s daily recommendation. The fruit’s red pigment, anthocyanin, is an antioxidant that reduces the risks associated with many ailments, including age-related illnesses.
Blood oranges diminish the risk of heart disease, some types of cancer and bad cholesterol build-up. They may also reduce the risk of cataracts, and aid in the body’s healing process.
Eating a medium-sized orange provides 28 percent of the recommended daily amount of dietary fiber[citation needed]. Oranges can also be a valuable source of iron, calcium and vitamin A. (nicked from Wikipedia)
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Blood Orange Sorbet
1. Juice your blood oranges. Then measure the juice.
2. For each 1 cup (250ml) of juice, figure 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar to be added.
For example: Use 1/2 cup (100g) sugar for 2 cups juice (500ml).
3. Put the sugar in a small, non-reactive saucepan. Add just enough juice to saturate it very well. Heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Stir the sugar back into the reserved blood orange juice.
5. Chill thoroughly, then freeze in your ice cream maker.
(Adapted (word for word) from a David Lebovitz recipe)
Photo from Dreamydish.com
Candied Orange Peel
Ingredients
Makes 1/2 cup
3 oranges
1 cup sugar
Directions
Using a citrus zester or vegetable peeler, shred long strips of orange peel.
Place strips in a medium saucepan. Cover with cold water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Drain; repeat two more times with fresh water.
Place sugar in a clean saucepan with 1 1/2 cups water; stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add the citrus strips to the boiling syrup; reduce heat, and simmer until strips are translucent, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat; let strips cool in syrup, at least 1 hour. Remove from syrup when ready to use. (dead lift from Martha Stewart)
Miquel Coelho Photo
I don’t really care for candied orange peel but I think they are beautiful and I must say these ones look delicious and downright chic. Roll orange peels in sugar before serving if desired, or dip into tempered dark chocolate. Grapefruit, lemon or limes may be substituted. Wouldn’t all of them together be gorgeous?! I’d be tempted to make them just to go with my decor!
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Slim Paley Photo
Jo Malone Orange Blossom perfume. Still the BEST orange blossom I’ve found. Free shipping from JoMalone.com
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Slim Paley Photo
My buxom blood orange tree
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