Indulge Decor Blog

Paris - January 2010: Preparation & Packing

C:

Paris in January is cold. And, when I say cold, I mean sunny cold, windy cold, cloudy cold, drizzly cold, rainy cold, and snowy cold - in any combination on any single day. I will be in Paris for a week, so I am completely expecting to enjoy all the 'states' of cold weather, after all - if you can't enjoy yourself in Paris in January than you just shouldn't have come. If what it takes for you to have a 'nice' holiday is warm sunny weather than may I suggest a Carnival Cruise, those boats are full of fair-weathered tourists. I, on the other hand, am happy to be in Paris. I share a more 'the-wine-glass-is-half-full' type of sentiment and enjoy Paris any time of the year and am thankful to get to go at all.

My trip to Paris is mostly for work. I am to attend the Maison & Objet Show held January 22-26 at the Villepinte - Parc des Expositions (You might notice the sign along the freeway just as you leave the Charles de Gaulle Airport.)

 

But alas, not to worry too much for me because I hope to have at least a day before the show and at least a day after the show to sightsee. (Trip shortened greatly because crammed between Harbour Island and New York - 3 great trips - 1 short month)

PROPOSED SCHEDULE:

Leave Tuesday afternoon - 3:30 p.m.

Arrive Wednesday morning - 7:55 a.m.

Travel Tip: For those of you traveling from Houston or anywhere else that the airline drops you off inconveniently 7 hours before hotel check-in, I wisely book the hotel room for the night before and tell them that I will be a late check-in, very late. That way, when I get to the hotel, I can have a bath, take a nap, and wake up refreshed to start my day with brunch at none other than my favorite serves-breakfast-all-day cafe - Cafe Flore.

               

Thursday - Sightsee

Friday - Showday

Saturday - Showday

Sunday - Showday, expect to skip out early

Monday - Sightsee

Tuesday - Leave Paris 9:25 a.m.

PACKING:

Apparently, I must be drinking from the 'Blogging Kool-Aid.' I wrote that blog (The Concealer) right before I left for Paris - Coats, scarves, boots, sunglasses, jewelry, purses - all 'Concealer Clothes.' All tips ideal for traveling, too.

On the way to the hotel, 12 hour travel day later, ugh. 'Concealer Clothes' holding up better than 12 hour travel breath. Notice darling husband not sitting very close.

My husband has a saying - "If you can't carry it, don't bring it." Translation - he, too, only has two arms and can not manage to schlep more than two bags at a time. Meaning - one reasonable bag for him and one over-packed bag for me. The rest of the so-called necessities (my stuff) is up to me to carry. So over the years, I have managed to convince myself that I can do without a lot of incidentals when it comes to traveling. Besides, if I do conveniently forget something or gleefully managed to way under pack, I am in Paris, and, almost anything can be replaced (upgraded).

Here is my 'Winter Concealer' packing list for Paris in January: To include - show clothes, sightseeing clothes, and special 'date-night-out' clothes.

Full disclosure - this is everything I took to Paris. Including my sleepy-time clothes.

Coats:

• Black Cashmere - for the coldest days.

• Brown Suede - for sunny days.
  

• New Shortie Trench coat - for all the drizzly days. (Which happened to be all but 2 days)                                    

Scarves:           

• Black and Gray Cashmere - (Gifted to my husband years ago, but absconded by loving wife, wink.)
• Kitty-Cat - just for show.
• Mink - showy and warm! Perfect for dress up.

Purses:

• Grey Bag - for all occasions
• Kitty-Cat Satchel - the ideal show bag (I get tons of compliments on this bag. Don't tell, purchased years ago with HSC, shhh.)
• Petit Evening Bag - brought for date-nights. Restaurant tables in Paris are positioned so closely, that I have learned it can be very awkward for waiter and neighboring tables if you have huge purse that needs to be put somewhere. Small bags are tres chic for dinner.

Footwear:

• Work Boots - several years old, way comfortable.
• Glam Boots - for 'date-nights.' Look great with all the dresses I brought.
• Flats - known as my 'shoe-shoes.' Comfortable for walking around the show for hours on end. Who would think flats could be so comfortable.

* Note how small hotel closet is. If my feet were any bigger, I don't think my shoes would have fit!

Shoe Tip: Compede

I buy 2 packs of Compedes at the local Pharmacie as soon as I arrive.

My year round madness of Havainas wearing leaves my feet quite unprepared for the 8 hour grueling show days. I don't care how comfortable those shoes or boots are - there will be blisters. There are always blisters!

  

Jewelry:

I only bring what I will wear constantly. Without hesitation, I took the ring my husband so lovingly purchased for me for our tenth wedding anniversary (After he was reminded on blog that he had forgotten - 3 months later, tee hee. Love the blog!)

 

Notice - French girl carrying an umbrella, hum. Rain is certainly a motif for Paris (and Houston) in January.

T-Shits & Sweaters: for layering.

T-Shirt Tip: I like to wear T-Shirts under my sweaters. Don't think that just because it's winter that you don't sweat. Well, maybe I should make that an 'I' statement. I sweat regardless of the temperature. I think that my sweating is spurned on by the claustrophobic-ness of wearing so many clothes at one time. Just thinking about it makes me sweat.

Jeans: Of course. Jeans are not just American, anymore. You see lots of jeans being worn in Paris - both styles skinny with flats or tucked into boots, and fuller cuts worn out over the boot. Jeans worn with long sweaters, short jackets, and gorgeous minks. (Even in the Anna Wintour movie The September Issue, 'Anna' dares to mention J.Brand jeans in her opening interview, aghast!)

Hair: I know! I know! It wasn't for trying. I remember very well my 'Personal Resolution.' I brought the stupid thing (Chi) and it would not work with any of the converters we brought. So, of course, my hair was wildly frizzy the whole time. I tried to keep it (the heap) up in a ponytail as much as possible but even I started to get a 'pony' headache. 

And, don't even get me started on that 'thing' (apparatus) the hotel calls a blow dryer. My dog Spotswood emits 'toots' with stronger currents than that damn thing had on 'high-speed.'

 

My Packing Essentials:

Products:

The older I get the more 'products' I seem to use. Even though hotels usually provide lovely bath products, I like to begin my day smelling like 'me.' I can not live without my Frederic Fekkai shampoo and conditioner (I buy the large size for home and a special small size for travel.) My own personal crack cream - VRAI.

(Ignore image of Chi. Am still mad at it.)

Things to swallow:

Melatonin - a tablet under the tongue and I sleep like a baby until the dreaded 4 a.m.

Flaxseed Oil - because I can feel the elasticity evaporating from my skin on the plane.

Psyllium - will not explain further. If you know what it is you probably have to take it too. If you have never heard of it than lucky you, for now.

*All pills dumped into convenient ziplock bag because bottles are large and cumbersome.

Hope you enjoyed the first installment, tomorrow is Hotel Reservations.  Au revoir.

Winter Linen Sale

This would be a really good time for you to take a few minutes out of your busy schedules and have a good look at your sheets, towels and bathmats. There is a very good reason why 'Linen Sales' are held in January all across the country. Think how much you would enjoy your New Year if you didn't have to dry with that old frayed towel, look at that tacky bath mat, or sleep on that slightly torn-at-all-four-corners sheet. Typically, new sheets and towels fall under the category - Husbands are thankful, too.

So, don't wait any longer: Take inventory.  Make your list.  And, come by the store and improve your life dramatically. New sheets and towels can be a life improving thing. Well, maybe not life improving, but it'll make you smile every morning :}

Winter Linen Sale In-Progress 20% Off  Wednesday, January 13 thru Saturday, January 23     We have expanded the sale to include our Blanc D'Ivoire and custom headboards.    Luxury bed and bath linens from Sferra, Peacock Alley, Matouk, Yves Delorme, Matteo, and Abyss.   Layette linens from Kimberly House and Serena and Lily.    Special Orders Welcome Minimum special order $150.00  Sale limited to sheeting, shams, blankets, coverlets, bed skirts, lucerne down, terry towels, bath mats, and headboards.               Indulge Decor                                                      Indulge Linens Decor             2903 Saint Street                                                 2501 River Oaks Boulevard             Houston, TX  77027                                              Houston, Texas 77019             713.888.0181                                                       713.521.7107                       Indulge Blog      Indulge Decor Website      Indulge Linens Website

My New Year's Resolution(s)

 

C:

 

 

My New Year's Resolution(s), I mean Additions.

I took a poll today to see if any of my friends, co-workers, or family members had thought about what their New Year's Resolution(s) might be. Well, much to my surprise, I was generally met with astonishment - "Huh," from one. "Oh my God, we're not even through Christmas yet!" exclaimed another. And, a familiar chuckle, with a roll of her eyes from yet another, "I can't even remember if I made one (resolution) last year, hmmm." And my favorite - "I don't do New Years, I do Lent. It's shorter, less pressure. More manageable. Plus, I feel bad if I break Lent because I'm Catholic. I feel like something bad might happen to me (if I break Lent) and nobody (God) is paying attention to the New Year's Resolution, if I break it who cares, there's no consequences." And, yet more laughter from another, "I don't know, I don't need to lose any weight this year! I don't know if I have anything else to give up."

I polled the same group of people again and this time asked them what some of their past New Year's Resolutions (NYR) were, and their answers all seemed to revolve around the same subject matter - exercise more and drink less. Translation - dieting. Dieting is good, don't get me wrong; it's just not very thought provoking. And, kinda something you should just be doing anyway. The other old standby seemed to be - shop less. Again, how soulful. And, from a fellow fashionista, "I'm adding skirts and color to my life!" I didn't realize NYR transcended to wardrobe selections and Pucci prints?

All polled also agreed that I should write about something else this week - something more Christmas-y; after all New Year's is another week and a half away. "Exactly!" I exclaimed. "That is exactly why I'm going to write about New Year's Resolutions (NYR) this week, not next week. I think that one of the main reasons why people fail at NYR is because they don't put enough thought into it. They decide after Christmas, when they are feeling all bloated, exhausted, and broke. Things that make you go hmmm - After weeks of reckless shopping and Christmas party over-indulgences NOW I'm going to make my NYR to exercise more, drink less, and shop less. What a stretch. How mind altering. And, since I came up with this (or these) fabulous resolutions so easily, I will have no problem committing to them for an entire year, ha. Result - 6 weeks later (max.), resolution(s) broken, little regret. How can you possibly regret something very much when you put so little, or even no thought (effort) into it.?

Other NYR's worth sharing - "Being on time."  "Hell, I don't know - Not cussing so much, ha, ha." and a favorite exploited by many I'm sure, "Not talking badly about friends or family members."

Well, I'm the exact opposite. While everyone else is planning what pretty dress to wear to which fabulous New Year's event, I'm planning which completely remote destination do I want to wake up in. In my thirties, I wanted to wake up to Howler monkeys in the almost inaccessible (8 hour bus ride, ugh) rain-forest of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. No T.V., no hot water, no air-conditioning, no phone, no internet, no shopping, no invitations, just me - a friend (later, my husband), a few items hastily thrown into a backpack, lots of books, and a very noisy rain-forest. Oh yeah, and one very small crab that seemed to live in the drain of the shower.

As soon as I would arrive (Did I mention - how terrifying the 8 hour bus ride was?) at my $25 a night hotel, I would kick my shoes off, hide my watch in the toe of my travel shoe, and throw a swimsuit and pareo on. No makeup, no hair, no outfits with coordinating Gucci sandals, just the feeling of ahhh.  And, the sound of nothing. Complete silence - except of course for the birds, bugs, monkeys, ocean, clinking of tiny crab in shower, and laughter from the jolly German in the room one over. I would head straight for the beach, take a long swim, go for an even longer walk, take a short nap, eat an incredible dinner of whatever the local fisherman had caught that day, read some more, and fall fast asleep. Only, to be awoken at the crack of dawn by those silly Howler monkeys chattering about what a beautiful day it was going to be. 

The day would begin with a huge South American breakfast of fresh juices, local fruit plucked from a nearby tree, and freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee. Then, I would go for a long swim in the ocean, an even longer walk on the beach, read some . . . . . nap, . . . . . walk, . . . . . swim, . . . . .fresh fish, . . . . . read, . . . . .fall asleep. . . . .

Somehow, I actually came to realize that when there are absolutely no distractions, and you have run out of books to read, you will be left with no other choice than to think. And, what do you think is the one thing that you can't stop thinking about? - Yourself.

In the immortal words of Seinfeld's beloved patriarch Frank Costanza - "Serenity Now!"

So, what always comes up for me when I'm on vacation is this - How do I get this feeling of 'Ahhh,' at home? How can I live my life at home with the same sense of ease that I have when I'm away from whatever it is in my life that makes my days so crazy?!

So, I make a list, of course. And being slightly O.C.D., I don't have one single thing about vacations that I love, I love several things. I'm busy loving my vacation morning-noon-and-night:

Walking on the Beach,

Peace and Quiet,

Not Caring What Time it is,

 Fresh Seafood and Fresh Fruit,

 Reading a Good Book,

Swim in the Ocean,

 Falling Asleep Exhausted at the End of the Day.

So, how can I get that Ewww, Ahhh feeling once the vacation is over, and I have returned to  my regular drone life in Houston where I work 6 days a week?

Every Year, (for the last fifteen years, or so) My New Year's Resolution has been: I Resolve to Live a More 'Relaxed' Life.

My Past New Year's Resolution Tips: Translation - 7 Things You Could Add to Your Life on a Daily, Weekly, or Monthly Basis That Would Relieve Some Stress in Your Life and Possibly Make You Feel Better (more relaxed).

Go for a Walk: Literally, exercise is supposed to be an incredible stress relief, and I don't mean - join an exercise class, buy a new outfit, and rush to get there five minutes late because you can't find a parking spot. I mean - walk out your door, take a deep breathe, and go for a walk (try to take the dog.) Just breathe.  Try going before work to organize your thoughts, it's a great way to clear your head. I always go for a walk in the middle of writing the blog, and I usually think of the funniest thing to say when I'm the furthest from the house with no way to write it down. Note to self: Should bring tiny notepad and pen on walks or a friend with good short-term memory.

Silence: Start by turning the radio off in your car. And, don't call anyone either. Just try to get where you're going without a lot of drama. (Impossible feat for my sweet husband who mutters and curses under his breathe at traffic - very stressful for all)

 Take Your Watch Off: The other day, I had a complete left brain/right brain moment. I was sitting in my car at a stoplight, heading to work when I looked down at my hands (positioned correctly, I might add - 10 & 2.) On my right, I had a pretty ring and matching bracelet, and on my left hand nothing. Somehow, I had forgotten to put on my wedding ring and my watch (I immediately checked to see if I had on deodorant) and, I was half way to work before I realized my blunder. I wondered how the day would go not knowing every minute of every hour. No problemo - there was a clock on the dashboard of the car, twelve inches over on the radio, and again, on my phone, and all six computers at the store. Everywhere I looked, there was the time, it was too much time. Is it necessary to know the time every minute of every day? Do we really need to know the time every milli-second of every moment. I take my watch off the moment I get home. There is no need for me to know what time it is all night in my own home.

Eat Well: My husband, who grew up living all over the world, declares that I have never tasted real fruit. He can not imagine a society (Americans) that grows up eating waxed fruits and vegetables. And, don't even get him started on the aisles of canned, boxed and frozen foods found at every chain grocery store throughout every tree lined neighborhood. He can not even stand the idea of buying fresh-frozen fish. Be aware, look at the box, read the ingredients, not just the calories. Be conscious of what you eat. Try buying all your groceries fresh (not frozen, canned, or boxed.)

Read a Book: Enjoy some time to yourself. Spend thirty minutes or an hour every day enjoying being relaxed. Again, no phone, T.V., or radio. My dog enjoys book reading time and her subsequent tummy tickles.

Soak in the Tub: With no ocean nearby to jump into, I resort to my tub. Every night, I take a long soak in my tub to relax. Again, no phone, no T.V., no music, - just the tub. I dim the lights and pour a little something smelly in the water and just relax for thirty or so minutes. I usually think of something really fun to add to the blog when I am half way to the state of prune. Again, pen and paper would be handy.

Go to Bed When You're Tired: I can easily tell when I'm stressed out about something because I can not fall asleep. We all know that endless feeling of just lying there awake, mind whirling, no sleep in sight,  grrr. On vacation, I always fall asleep while I'm laying in bed thinking about what a wonderful day it was. No whirling, no grrr-ing. Just sleep. So, it's not just about going to bed when you're tired, it's also about focusing on the things that did go well that day and let the other things resolve themselves tomorrow.

 

So, as you can see, my New Year's Resolutions are not 'resolutions' per say they are more like 'additions'. For me, it is not so much about omitting, denying, or sacrificing - that all feels so negative and defeating. Instead, I choose to 'add' something positive to my life rather than 'take-something-away.'  Years ago, I asked my father (a.k.a. Pop Davis) what he was giving up for lent, and he replied that this year he was adding something positive to his day instead. My father is a very spiritual man, and he told me that he was going to set aside a certain amount of time each morning for prayer (very helpful in times of crisis to have prayerful father) So, my idea of adding instead of denying actually came from an elder, wiser person (And, if you ever saw the size of my father's tummy, you would understand that he's not exactly the type of guy who offers things (desserts) up for a New Year's (365 day) Resolution.

My New Year's Resolutions 2010: 

(Already decided upon and just happens to be a repeat of last year's)

I Resolve to Live a More Relaxed Life, by:

Turning the Radio Off in my Car

Spending Less Time Looking at my Watch

Going for a Walk

Eating Well

Reading a Book

Soaking in the Tub

Going to bed When I'm Tired

Not lose sleep over . . . . .

 

If you can't think of any 'additions' of your own and you'd like to borrow some of mine, go ahead and have at it. You might actually find some positive results without even trying very hard.

Possiblities: Unconsciously of course, you might even manage to lose weight, drink a little less, and if you do decide to read a book instead of a fashion magazine or shop the web, you might even 'shop less' 

Possible End Result: More money saved by eating well, drinking less, and shopping less to spend on insightful trip to quiet remote locale.

This year, I'll be ringing in the New Year on a remote island in the Bahamas that is 3 miles long and a half a mile wide. While I'm there, I will be enjoying all of my resolutions, I mean additions, and thinking about what a great year 2010 is going to be. I know that there are parts of 2009 that almost everyone is ready to put behind us.

 

And, oh yeah, - While I'm there I will try very hard not to cuss even when I don't catch a  sneaky, and elusive bone fish all day.

And, I will also try very hard not to say anything bad about anybody (stupid-ass-bone-fish- that-I-have-never-caught-and-my-8-year-old-nephew-caught-on-his-first-day, grrr.)

Oops, that was two broken commonly over-tried NYR in one swoop. Well, I've been working on those two (NYR) for at least a decade now. Like I said, I do better with adding something positive than stopping something naughty. Those two things (cussing and talking badly - stupid-ass fish?) are simply encoded in my DNA and part of my personality, and I can't possibly seem to rid myself of them, ughhh.

Good luck making your resolutions or as I like to say - additions!

 

 

 

I'm No Martha Stewart

C:

I feel like this is a good place to stop and explain myself a little. I feel as though many of you either have or are creating a false impression of me. The other day a lovely customer (and, one of my favorites) commented in frustration to me, "I just don't have it together this year - something is just off. I read your blog and I shop at your store - How do you do it? How do you do everything so perfectly, and, the worst part is - You make it look so easy?" So, let's just nip that kind of silly projection in the bud (or is it butt?) The definition of projection is attributing your own repressed thoughts to someone else. For those of you who don't understand 80's psychobabble that means basically you think that everybody else's life is a bowl of cherries.

Yes, I do have a lot going on. The two stores are very busy this time of year but as we like to say down here in Texas - 'It's not my first rodeo.' This year will be my eleventh Christmas at Indulge. How do I do it? How do I keep it all together? How do I make it all look so easy? Well, you know at the end of the kid's books when the wise old guy tells the likable main character "You always held the answer within." (Or, some baloney like that.) Well, you do hold the answer within, and it's actually something you can do yourself. The answer is make a list.

MAKE A LIST.

Every single morning when I wake up, I sit down with my coffee, a pen and paper, and I make a list for that day. And by list, I mean my Top 10. What are the ten most important things I must do that day? I make the list by priority and then again by what could be easily accomplished in groupings together - Don't be a starfish running all over town, spinning your wheels. Group your errands together. For example, if we are low on wrapping supplies for the store, then we will plan on going to the bank, post office, and pick up wrapping supplies all at the same time, and hopefully grab lunch. Five errands, one excursion - thirty minutes.

You have all heard the expression 'Live by the sword, Die by the sword.' Well, that is how seriously I take my list. 'Live by the list, Die by the list.' My list is portable. I make my list at home and then I immediately put it in my purse. It goes with me to the store and sits next to my keyboard in plain view for the duration of the day. The reason I like to write my list on paper is the sheer satisfaction of crossing items off the list as they are completed. I love the look of a crossed out list.

DELEGATE.

When the girls walk in, I read off the list and we see which items can be divvy-ed up. The girls love to be asked to help and they like to stay busy - it helps the day go faster.

ASK FOR HELP.

Now, all that sounds great, right? Really helpful tips - Make the List, Delegate, and Ask for Help. 3 simple things. But, perspective is important too. Focus on the big important stuff, don't sweat the small stuff. Focus on what you did accomplish that day not what you didn't.  At the end of the day be pleased with your effort and start the next day's list. Anything that wasn't accomplished moves to the top of the next day's list.

What about the small stuff? Well, that's where my cracks start to show. I can get all the big stuff right, but I just lose it on the small stuff. For instance - one thing out of the ordinary occurs in the morning and I forget to put on deodorant. I don't know why it's the deodorant but it's always the deodorant. So, I keep an extra mini travel size in my purse and another at the store. There's an 'ole saying - 'Horses sweat, men perspire, and ladies glow.' Well, I've got to tell you, down here in Texas during the summer when the heat index is around 100, I fall more under the barnyard animal classification. That's a small thing that can turn into a big embarrassing thing by the end of the day.

So, the holiday season is upon us. You are starting to feel overwhelmed.  Why? What is it that has you so overwhelmed? Write it down. Start your list. Maybe break the lists down by categories. Let's start with Thanksgiving. That's at the top of my personal list right now.

  

THANKSGIVING HOSTESS LIST:

 To Do List - House Chores:

Go through each room and check to see if you need to replace light bulbs. Then, do the same outside. Husbands are very good at this type of chore. Thank him when he has finished and be sure to tell him what a big help he was, wink wink. You couldn't have done it without him sort of thing.

Does anything embarrass you? For instance, your guests will be sitting on the same couch your teenage son and husband lie on every Sunday to watch endless hours of sports. This would be a good time to notice if you smell feet. Walk into the room and breathe deep. Chances are either your couch and/or throws smell like feet. This would be a good opportunity to wash the throws. 

Stinky Feet!
 

For me, it's not so much the feet as it's my dog Ricochet likes to treat my slipcovers as her own personal napkin and wipe her mouth/doggy beard down the sides of my couch after every meal. Each one of my sofas seem to have a doggy wainscoting down the back. When I ordered my couches from Quatrine, I ordered two sets of slipcovers - a spring/summer ecru cotton and a fall/winter flax linen. This would be a good time to change/wash those slipcovers or at least check your cushion covers for stains.

Ecru Cotton Slipcovers.

Flax Linen Slipcovers.

To Do List - Guest List:

I have what I call an 'Orphan Thanksgiving.' Many of my friends have moved here from out-of-state and it's too much to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So I make sure that I ask my girlfriends who are not from around here if they have plans for the Thanksgiving Holiday. This simple act of kindness has turned into The Greatest Holiday Advice That I Could Possibly Give a Thanksgiving Hostess -  Invite a Friend. Whatever family dynamics you fear around the holiday will certainly be minimized by friends on hand. My Father who is very comfortable talking about the health of his prostate within family gatherings restrains from this topic in front of my girlfriends and sticks more to the weather and current events.

 To Do List - Menu:

I have served basically the same Thanksgiving Dinner Menu for the past twenty years. This topic is not open for discussion. There will not be any deviation from 'said' tried-and-true menu. Unlike Martha Stewart, who makes it all look so easy with a staff of lord knows how many, I actually have to do all this myself with only the help of my husband and my sweet girlfriends who are eager to roll their sleeves up, add a little extra deodorant, and stand over a hot stove and sweat a bit. Ask for Help - My husband is a great help with the grocery shopping and the Spec's Liquor Store run.

After 20 years of cooking Thanksgiving Dinner together, everyone knows their responsibilities. We are like some kind of cooking-poetry-in-motion phenomenon. The chief-chef participants are: I., A.D., A.H., and C. - we are Team Thanksgiving. (Delegate.) Each of the guests who are chefs or is it chefs who are guests are responsible for certain dishes. I love the idea of too many cooks in the kitchen, that's what makes it fun to me.

Herb Roasted Turkey - I. - Hen ordered from Whole Foods the week before. 

Fresh Cranberry Sauce - C. By special request from my Father.- always fresh, never out of a can.

Stuffing - C. One batch prepared to stuff turkey with and another batch prepared and cooked separately in the oven for my mother who overly fears poultry bacteria.

 Chalfonte Sweet Potatoes- A.H. I drop off my charme rattan/pyrex casserole dish and she prepares these off site in the comfort of her own home while watching some trashy T.V. show like N.J. Housewives.

Oval Rattan/Pyrex Casserole Dish, in 2qt and 4qt.

Martha's Mashed Potatoes - A.D., A.H. & C. It's not like any of us needs the others' permission to use the whole stick of butter.

Green Beans - C .Nobody really eats these but I feel better if there is one thing that is green and not a starch.

Buttermilk Biscuits - C.

Farm Gravy - A.D. Prepared as the turkey is being carved with the drippings from the turkey. It's the piece de resistance of the Turkey dinner because it is heavily poured onto every item on your plate. We don't tell A.D. but we always have a backup in the fridge - something store bought from whole Foods, you know, just in case.

Pies- One Pumpkin Pie for my Father and one Pecan Pie from Goode Co. BBQ for everyone else. Like I said, I'm no Martha Stewart. I'm not embarrassed to admit that I serve store bought desserts. I don't have time to bake two pies, besides Goode Co.'s Pecan Pie is the best I've ever had. (Would make a great hostess gift if you are invited to my, I mean someone's, house for T. Day.)

Team Thanksgiving Tip: Keep your recipes as simple as possible.

(I'll share all these recipes next week on a separate posting because they are kind of long once you put them all together.)

Like I've said, I've spoken to all my chef/guests, and family/guests and we are all so excited about Thanksgiving. I'm getting my house kind of pulled together, and I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving. If you're not there yet, and you are starting to stress out about your family coming and the meal. Don't forget to try my Thanksgiving Hostess Tip - Invite Some Friends Over.Trust me, there are a lot of things your family won't bring up when a non family guest is sitting at the table. Wouldn't you look forward to a meal that your entire family might be on their best guest behavior. Perhaps, you might sweat a little less yourself. Maybe at the end of the evening, you might even feel that My-Dinner-Party-Was-A-Complete-Success-Glow. (Glow meaning shine, not female sweat, tee, hee.)

Good luck, and why don't you think about replacing some of those tired old cherries that might be lingering in your head with some fresh cranberry thoughts for the Holiday Season? (That was a metaphor if you didn't catch the Holiday humor.)

Gobble, Gobble.

P.S.- You might start thinking about starting your Christmas list right about now. Don't you know the most famous list maker of all has already started his - The Big Guy Himself, Santa.

Your Mother-In-Law Called. . .

C:

Your Mother-in-Law called and she's planning a visit, an extended visit - she wants to spend time with her grandchildren over the holiday season.

Now is not the time to live in denial. If you have not spoken to your Mother-in-Law, or parents, or crazy siblings, or whoever it is that makes your palms start to sweat just thinking about them, now is the time to call. It is far better to know the reality of your impending 'situation' than to live in denial only to knock yourself out in the end, again.

So, if you haven't heard from her yet, go ahead, make the call, "Hi, I'm just calling to check in and find out what your plans for the holidays are?" It's as simple as that, kind of.

Every year, year-after-year, the biggest sale we have in the store during the holidays is not to an adoring husband shopping for gifts for his beloved, not to a corporate head honcho looking for 75 of the same expensive, but not too showy business gifts, but to the procrastinator. And, by procrastinator - I mean most of us. That is exactly why I'm writing this blog this week so you can think about it for the next several weeks, laugh at yourself, and then in a few weeks when your back is up against the wall come running into the store frantically screaming, "I need help! I need help! Could someone please help me!" Now, J. and I are very familiar with this ritualistic seasonal holiday behavior, but I've got to tell you - it scares the new girls. It actually freaks them out a little to see our sweet, lovely customers get so completely unglued. And, if you think it doesn't show, or that no one notices, quit fooling yourself - we are no amateurs. The mother-in-law called and apparently she's planning to stay awhile mania has been a phenomenon in our store for years. The holiday anxiety syndrome blows into town every year right around the time the shopping centers start to blast that endless drone of holiday cheer that they think their customers want to hear 6 weeks before Christmas.

The reality is - she, or he, or they, and possibly their children and pets are about to descend on you and your nice, quiet home.

So, lets get started. Let's focus on the Mother-in-Law. They tend to have the strongest voice and the longest memories. Let's make it super special for her so when she goes back home she can confess to her friends, "Although, in the past, it hasn't always been ideal, this year everything was perfect - my daughter-in-law just thought of everything, sigh."

Practice Makes Perfect: Start eating together, as a family, at the dinner table again. Mother-in-Laws do not understand that today's children are too busy to eat dinner at the dinner table. Have your children practice their manners and see if they are capable of these three things: Having a conversation without arguing. Not sitting on their feet. And, not playing a video game under the table. All three things - simultaneously, for at least thirty minutes. This exercise will probably take several attempts and produce tears, plenty of tears.

Car Service: First impressions can be everything. Wash your car. For some reason, she will assume that if your car is clean and organized, than your home will be clean and organized, and just to compound this theory - than your life will be organized. And, not to make it too much about her, but her stay will be organized.

The Bar: In case your Mother-in-Law has a crooked elbow, or she's just stressed out from her day of traveling, make sure you have plenty of whatever it is that calms her nerves - because her nerves are precious to you and you are anxious to make sure that they are calmed at all times - white wine, red wine, vodka, scotch, bourbon. . . .  And, think to leave her fancy out where she can pour herself another without having to disturb you because, after all, she's on holiday and who's counting?

 My Stocked Bar in Squeaky Cabinet:

The Guest Room:  Make sure the bed is comfortable and presentable. We've all the heard the expression, 'Woke up on the wrong side of the bed, grumpy.' Nice sheets, comfortable pillows, warm blanket - simple as that. Do you ever wake up in a hotel grumpy, no? That formula works! A cozy throw for nap time. Plenty of hangers. Clear out your junk in the drawers and closets - she surely doesn't need to know how much you spend on clothes you will never wear again because you forgot that you were storing them in the guest room. Perhaps, a good book and a carafe of water set on a bedside table for the middle of the night awakenings. Bonus Points Awarded: Charme picture of her and her grandchildren prominently on display, front and center in a pretty frame - something that might even go with the decor in her house when you tell her to keep it at the end of the visit if it goes well - Double Bonus Points Awarded!!

Pretty Lilac Sferra Throw and Sferra Hand Embroidered Francesca Sheets:

Be prepared - after a good night's sleep on these sheets, she'll be kissing you good morning.

Juliska Bedside Carafe and Not-Exactly-Real Violet:

The Guest Bath: A stack of fresh towels (not the ones you dry the dog with!) in varying sizes. A new bar of soap at the sink and in the shower! Do not leave the used ones in there from your last guest, uchck. Maybe a fragranced candle. Perhaps a pretty vase with some flowers. And, of course, a room fragrance near the throne for embarrassing issues we just don't talk about. Some supplies - Q-tips, cotton balls, an extra roll of toilet paper, shampoo, body lotion, a nail file. Bonus Points Awarded: Simply ask her if she prefers floral or non-florals scents for her bath products. It doesn't hurt anyone to have her think before she steps foot on the plane that someone cares. Try to keep bath products, candle and roomspray consistent within one fragrance, we don't want to upset her delicate sensibilities with too many scents - after all, we're not picking out car freshener.

Charming Cote Bastide Bathroom Accessories, Not-Exactly-Real Paperwhite and Elizabeth W. Lavender Bath Products:

 

  Note: Lavender is also soothing and relaxing, perhaps you should buy some for your bathroom also - your Mother-In-Law has not cornered the market on nerves.

  

Fridge: My sister-in-law always stocks her fridge with whatever my parents eat for breakfast and mid-day snacks. Several days before the visit, she double checks with them that those items are still their favorites and if there is anything else they would like to nibble on during their stay. Bonus Points Awarded: Keep your guests full. A full stomach is a happy stomach (My sister-in-law happens to know that my mother has enjoyed a bowl of Quaker oatmeal every morning of her precious life for the last ?? years so she makes sure that she has plenty on hand.) Plus, don't make your guests go to the grocery store with you, nobody actually wants to go to the grocery store.

Something to Do: Plan out your meals ahead of time - which ones you'll eat at home and which restaurants you would like to dine out at. Have your reservations all made in advance and be sure to request a quiet table. Try a museum, or a fun family movie, shopping (But not for you, for her. Mother-in-Laws typically do not like to see their daughter-in-law's extravagances. You can call the store from your cell phone and put the item on hold later.)

Well, that's enough for now.  Mull it over for a few weeks and we'll see you at the store a few days before she arrives!

Insider Tip From an Actual Honest to Goodness Feared Mother-in-Law: Like any true journalist, I am not a liberty to reveal my sources, but I went over my list of suggestions with a known M-I-L and she just smiled and nodded in approval. She even went as far as to say that it sounds like it would be a lovely time, but she had not heard from her daughter-in-law yet!  See, make the call!!!

 

Fashion: Flip It

C:

For me, Sundays are the day of rest and laundry. All week, I find myself hanging up dirty clothes on the back of closet doors and stashing t-shirts safely out of harms way - and by harm, I mean M., my trusty maid. M.'s approach to laundry is the exact opposite of mine. M. has more of an "all encompassing" style - meaning she dumps it all in together. Whereas I'm a "sorter." And by "sorter" I really mean "sorcerer." I am truly gifted with laundry. It is one of my hidden talents. I don't even mind doing laundry because I am that good at it. Every Sunday morning when I start the process, my husband groans like Lurch (from the Adam's Family) "Ugghhh, not the laundry." He chooses not to participate in my weekly ritual, which is fine. We can't all be passionate about sorting things.

There are three key elements to being a kickass laundress - sorting, detergent, and patience. Follow these simple "laundry rules" and you won't be groaning like Lurch every time you have to do laundry.

Sorting: Three simple stacks.
Blacks
Colors
Whites

Sub-Sorting: Results in three more stacks. (This is my personal insider tip.)

I subdivide each stack by fabric - translation: his and hers. His clothes are obviously a little less precious than mine and usually a whole lot dirtier, so I wash his on the "boil - heavy load" setting and mine on the "cold - delicate" setting. Most of his go straight into the dryer, and mine are hung to dry at their convenience. And, as you might expect - ironed, lovingly (ha!), by M., aka The Iron Maiden.

Tip: I do the whites last so the white-y lint stuff doesn't get all over the black stuff.
Tip: Begin to fill the washing machine with water and pour the detergent into the water before you pile the clothes in. (Does not work in front load washing machine, obviously.) I like liquid detergent better than powder - those blue crystal-ey things can make even more stains.

I manage to conquer all my stacks in a day because I get up so stupidly early. You may be a one-load-a-day-kinda gal. You could do a load while you watch T.V., you could do a load walking the dog, you could even do a load while you're out for dinner with a friend (so-called multi-tasking.)

Detergent:
I actually use Tide For Sensitive Skin for everyday clothes - meaning most of his and some of mine. 

 

 

You may, on occasion, need to use a little Shout for the impossible hard to reason with stains.

 

On my precious favorites I use Le Blanc Linen Wash. I use the Original Fragrance for my clothes and the Lavender for the boudoir.

So, I'm sorting, and I'm drinking my coffee, and I'm grooving to my caffeine rush, when my very good friend A. called, "I started The Flip." she said excitedly.

Personally, I hadn't even thought about starting 'The Flip' yet. It's still 93 degrees out and she's already flipping her closet. Well, I'm always up for a challenge. How about you ? Shall we flip out together?

Before we do flip, there's something we have to do. I know you don't want to do it, but it's necessary. In fact, it's mandatory to a good flip.

The Weed: Be brutal, if you can't be brutal invite a friend, or sister, or even your mother if you have to. Do not ask your husband - that falls into the same territory as - "Does this outfit make me look fat?" line of questioning.

Fit - If it doesn't fit, it goes in the pile.  Be honest with yourself, you probably are never going to have a stomach or legs like you did in college - just let it go. If it doesn't look good now, it's not going to look good tomorrow.
Style - Clothes do go out of style.  Those jeans from 5 years ago - in the pile!
T-Shirts - Check under the arms. Do I need to say more - pile!
Appropriate - If your teenage daughter wants to wear it chances are you shouldn't be - pile!
Frequency - If you haven't worn it in a year, omitting ball gowns - pile!
Age - If you think it's back in style - pile. Unless it's Italian, then just put a jacket over it.
Shoes - You can have too many - pile.

Handbags - You can never have enough. Store!

 

 

 

Most maids are thrilled to be asked if there is anything they or a friend might like in the stack. There is also Purple Heart, Goodwill, The Covenant House, The Womens Alliance, all of which are in need of items that you no longer need or desire.

The Flip:
There is a 20/80 rule in economics that I'm sure if studied in context would surely apply to womens' closets - you probably wear 20% percent of your clothes 80% of the time.

The Fall Flip:
Whites, pastels, and sleeveless are "put away." Grays, browns, kitty-cat, and long sleeves move to the front. Black and khaki stay in the neutral zone. They can be worn year-round depending on the weight.

The Order: I organize my closet by use - my top 20% is always at the front.
New - everything with a price tag goes front and center, regardless! Especially since I know you paid full price for it because there haven't been any sales yet.
Daily - next, put the type of clothes that you wear the most toward the front - i.e. if you work - then work clothes, if you just workout - then workout clothes, if you lunch then - lunching clothes. The front clothes should be lifestyle clothes.
Weekly - next-next, these are the weekend clothes. i.e. sexy kitten top for dinner with your one-and-only-someone (or potential OAOS), or maybe church-mom dress. The tennis outfit that doubles (tee, hee) as the errands ensemble.
Monthly - next-next-next -Best friend or family member's birthdays and anniversaries.
Special Occasion - next-next-next-next- engagement parties, weddings.
Destination Locations - way back of the closet (maybe even a hallway closet) -ski clothes, hiking gear, sailing, or just that perfect turquoise caftan for beside the pool in the Bahamas.

Tip: Shoes and accessories should be put under the same rigorous tests as clothes.

Today:

 

Tomorrow:

 

Yesterday:

 

Reward - now, maybe there's a little extra space for something new. See, I got this really cute pair of gray J. Brand jeans and this too cute gray print kitty-cat sweater set. I couldn't decide which I would wear more  - the cardigan or the tank, so I compromised and got the set. I hated to separate the cubs. Tee, hee. 

 

Indulge Tip:
For his closet  - try Antica Farmacista - Cedar and Lime Reed Stick Diffusers

For your closet - try Elizabeth W- lavender hanger sachets, square sachets and drawer liners. The lavender reed sticks are pretty incredible too. (Did you know lavender is also a natural moth deterrent? I don't know why because I love the smell.)

 

 

Look forward to a fun new blog post most every Monday.

 

Then & Now

C:

A customer came in a few days ago and said "I just have to tell you the funniest thing - I'm in North Carolina to pick my kids up from camp and my husband and I are staying at this little bed and breakfast and in the lobby was a copy of 'Cottage Living' magazine with your house on the cover! Can you believe it ? How many years ago was that? And, they still had it sitting out! Does your house even look like that anymore?"

So, that was then and this is now.

 

I'll be honest with you, it took me a little bit to find where I had placed the magazine in one of my uber-over caffeinated Sunday morning cleanup sessions (similar, to one that I'm having right now, ha.) I finally found the magazine and was kind of excited to flip through it to see how all my cute little touches over the years had greatly improved my decor.

I walked around the house with the magazine in one hand and my morning coffee in the other on my own personal 'home magazine tour.'

Within minutes,I had put myself in time out and gone back to bed. I downed another cup of coffee. And, I would have had another except my head was kind of starting to hurt (instead of a brain freeze, I was heading toward a caffeine molten meltdown.)

My house did not look - charme. My house looked horrible! Actually, it looked like a before shot, not a finished product. Suddenly, I remembered sweet Ali saying she is so glad that I'm back in town and that she is done with her 'dog sitting tour.' Now, she can go back to her own apartment and get her life back together. Jokingly, I said - "You know, I'm the one on the other side of that story." I had been away almost six weeks and my house was suffering from what I affectionately call CREEP.  Similar to that person at a party that you don't want to talk to but won't go away, creep is that stuff in your house that you don't want to deal with and it won't go away. CREEP!!! My house was infested with creep!

Back in the 80's when I was a self help book junkie, I read a passage in some book that basically said - when you walk into your home you should have the feeling of exhaling. A feeling of respite. Comfort. Relaxation. In other words, for those of you who don't speak 80's psycho-babble - your home should be a place that you look forward to coming home to.

My home had been that for me, but after months of traveling and nonstop working, my home had become anything but that. So my 'Then & Now' story is actually going to be called 'Ahhh, I'm home.'

If you look around your home and only see perfection, then you can log off and check back with us next week for a fabulous new posting. If you live in the real world, like I do. Then, lets de-creep our houses together and get that 'Ahhh' feeling back: And, oh, grab a trash bag!

Entrance - have pretty flowers planted by the front door. Trust me, it always cheers me up to see those flowers when I come home after a long day. (The kitty, too.) 

Ahhh 

Creep Free - have the first room you walk into be CREEP free. Do not throw stuff in this room! Leave this one room alone.  If you see creep building up in this room, move it away.  Have at least one room in your house that doesn't stress you out. Preferably the room you walk into at the end of a long day.

  

  

I switch this centerpiece out all the time. Actually, I have several that I rotate through.

Plants - have at least one plant per room.  Fake or real, I'm old school about fake plants, but they make such good ones now you can't even tell the difference. Tip: If you are going to use fake, make sure you only have out plants that would actually be in season and blooming at that time. Throw away the spindly, dying plants, or set them outside in the plant infirmary. I spent $45 today at the nursery and filled every room in the house with plants. Tip: If your having a party,switch out the plants for some fresh cut flowers.

So pretty!

Fragrance - try a room spray, candle, or reed sticks to freshen your rooms.  I have two huge dogs and a kitty, so I'm probably a little over-the-top sensitive that my house doesn't smell like a barn. I keep a reed stick diffuser by the front door and I turn the sticks every few days.

Ahhh.

Keys and Leashes - since I mentioned the dogs and you can only imagine that they like to go on W-A-L-K-S it is handy to have their collars, leashes, umbrellas, and keys all together. In the winter, we also hang scarves and gloves.

Toys - I have dogs, you may have children. I'm sure that my dogs are no better than your children at putting their toys away. Have a handy place to put the toys away in the rooms that they play with the toys. 

Front Door...

  Back Door...

 

Face in the bowl - puppy crack.

 

I can't breathe, but I can't let it go either...

    

Thank God my sister is here to bark...

      

Too many toys, too little time...

  

Something Personal - my dog Reny passed away recently and I'm still not used to her not being at the front door when I get home, so I made a little 'ode to Reny' memorial that actually makes me smile when I pass by it. See, the sheep - for sheep dog. And, don't send your decorator out to pick out 'your-something-personal.' You have a heart don't you? You must care about something?

          

Magazines - tear out the pages you want to keep and throw the rest away! Do not save magazines! Save pages! If you recycle - fantastic. If you don't either give them away to a friend or neighbor, or toss them!

                    

Mail - stand over the trash can and open your mail. Keep monthly bills out and put important papers away, out of sight. In an organized manner.

                                               

                         

Pictures, too. We know you're pretty, but you don't need a picture of every trip you've ever been on out, rotate your photos, or simply replace older ones with newer ones. Tip: Family photos, if there is a new in-law, this would be a good time to update some pics.

Kitchen - everything you own does not need to be out. Appliances are not accessories. Tip: Put the appliances you don't use away and only keep out the ones you use on a daily or weekly basis.

                   

Desk - everyone has a "desk" now. Everyone has a computer, phone, cell phone, mail, bills. . . . . try to keep all those items in the same place and organized. Cups for pens, baskets for mail, change, invitations, etc. . .

         

Exit Strategy - have a specific place set up for keys, sunglasses, cell phones, lint brush (me), lipstick, and purse. If just that little bit of organization saves you five minutes every time you leave the house, just think what else you could accomplish with your day! Also, it's always nice to have a mirror by the door you leave your house. I have one by my front door and back door. Believe it or not, I've caught myself with black panties worn with white dress countless times. Tee hee on me.

(Note to self: five minutes a day equates to 1825 minutes a year or 30.4 hours or 1.26 days of searching for your keys.)

          

Monthly bills clipped together with duck bill, tee hee.

So, when it was all said and done, my 'creep poltergeisting' took about three hours. 

             

And, I feel uber-organized again.  I'm not even concerned that I'm leaving town again next week because I have that "Ahhh, I'm home," feeling again.

And, now we are ready for the Then & Now edition of our story. Sans - stylist, photographer, assistant, florist, and editor. And, maid, who seems to always be on "holiday."  And, in defense of myself, if some of you were wondering about those 'red pillows'. You know the song - "Another one bites the dust, ah huh, another one bites the dust." Replaced immediately after seeing image of red pillows in print.  Not unlike unsavory outfit that looked "cool, hip, and young" according to sales person, but in reality looked like "Mrs. Roper hits Vegas" to the rest of the world. Picture not included.

                       

                        

        

                 

                                  

Reward for my efforts: Beautiful Cote Bastide Notepad for my uber-organized desk! I can't believe I've never owned one?!

Look forward to a fun new blog post most every Monday.

In Préparation

 
  

PREPARATION :

In preparation for my trip to Paris, I head straight to the Galleria - shopping mecca of Houston (a three city block long, airconditioned 'ode' to the vice of spending.)

 

It is important for the Bi-Continent-Shopper to be able to spot the differences between the American styles and the Parisian styles amongst her favorite boutiques. It is my theory that many of THE fashion labels have developed a 'look' for the department stores, a 'look' for their boutique stores, and saved yet another, chicer 'look' for their  Parisian stores.  I'm sure that you could expand my fashion philosophy further to say that even the L.A., N.Y., and Houston stores receive different pieces. All this inconsistency makes it very difficult on the weekend shopper. Sometimes, 'Vogue' just isn't enough.  Therefore, the Bi-Continent-Shopper wants to spend her time, energy, and resources on 'unique' pieces not common to her hometown. Unlike a big-game-hunter posing next to his kill, the Bi-Continent-Shopper when complimented on her never-before-seen scarf, sweetly smiles and effortlessly states: "It's lovely isn't it? I picked it up in Paris."

Now, on this particular trip to the Galleria, my obliging husband came along, muttering something about prices and exchange rates. There I am, looking for inspiration and, there he is like rain man trying to memorize the price of every item I pick up. 

OOPS, I bought a gray purse. Well, it was done in the name of research. Now my husband can enjoy spending his time calculating the difference between a handbag purchased at the Galleria in dollars and like handbag puchased on St. Sulpice in Euros.  

Au Revoir for now. Next entry: Paris! I'll let you know how I came out on the handbag. 

Getting Ready for the New York Gift Show

 

This will be our first blog entry and we wanted to kick it off with something really great like the New York Gift Show - great city, great show, great time!

 

This is about my 20^th New York Gift Show, add in an equal amount of Dallas Gift Shows and at least ten Paris Gift Shows and I guess you could call me a Gift Show "veteran." Not something I’m unusually proud of – it’s just my life and my job. So, having said that I really LOVE the New York Gift Show! 

Over the years, I have perfected a plan that is equal parts fun and work. Did I say that – I meant work and fun.  Every time I mention to a customer or friend that I’m making my plans for the NY Gift show, they respond back “How exciting! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back!” So, I one upped you all and decided to blog about it! Now you can follow my whole trip; even the stuff I don’t tell anyone. Here we go – The New York Gift Show – Fall 2009!

PACKING: First of all, it’s New York! And Manhattan for that matter – take the “good stuff.” For NY in August, I pack the trilogy – black, white, and khaki. This year Khaki took the form of python, or as I like to say “slitheren.” 

  

 

For summer, I pack dresses, sandals, scarves, a fabulous straw bag, and always a rain coat.

 
 

 

It happens to be very chic to carry last seasons handbag which makes me chicer than chic because my YSL straw bag is from three seasons ago and nobody even knows it ! Love YSL for repeating the exact same purse three years in a row!

My “Packing” Tips:

·        Wear a dress for dinner, and then recycle it the next day for street wear with a scarf or more casual shoes.

·        Don’t forget a chic little clutch for dinner that can be tucked behind your seat or set on the table to impress your friends (at the current handbag prices who could enjoy dinner knowing “your precious something- special -satchel” is tucked under the table next to a borderline housebroken FiFi dog.)

·        Bring the good shoes and leave the good jewelry at home. Did you hear about the Saudi Princess who had $15 million in jewels stolen from her hotel room in Sardinia?  Only bring the jewelry that you are comfortable wearing day and night. (Being from Texas – we don’t have a problem with that! If people can wear their sunglasses at night, surely you can wear your jewelry during the day!)

 

TRANSPORTATION: Do I need to reiterate this – ask your hotel for the number of a driver to pick you up at the airport and deliver you to your hotel.  Car service does not cost that much more and it is so worth it to hear your name called out at baggage claim “Mz. Daviz,, Mz. Daviz, car service for Mz. Daviz”

My “Transportation Tip:

·        Change! Lots of change! Funny how drivers never have change. “Sorry Mz. I only have $100s.” Whatever!

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We stay at Hotel Elysee on 54^th Street between Park and Madison. I love this hotel! Hotel Elysee reminds me of Bertrams Hotel in a  Ms. Marple movie – “nothing ever changes."

The hotel is very European with wine and cheese served Monday thru Friday evenings and tea and Milano cookies set out all day and all night on the second floor for the jet lagged Europeans or the piggy Americans. It’s not exactly The Pierre, but I love it. (I shouldn’t say that – I’ve never stayed at The Pierre.)  

A word of warning, though –  at the Elysee there is no room service for you princesses, you actually have to go down stairs and get your own coffee. If I can do it so can you.

My Hotel Tip:

·        Ask the breakfast hostess for a tray and small pot of coffee to sneak back to your room.

 

 

My Travel Tip:

-  I always pack a pair of Havaianas in my carry-on to wear at least until I get through security  - I hate having to sit there and take off strappy sandals or boots. It's much easier through the whole "no shoes past this point" part - gross!

-  I also like to pack my own Sferra cashmere throw to take with me on the plane - airplane blankets: also gross!