nicole franzen, food, lifestyle and travel photographer

I love food, and I love to travel. Recently, I discovered a blog called la buena vida, by Nicole Franzen, a food, lifestyle and travel photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. She is fabulous! I'm definitely inspired to get out my camera and sign up for that photography class in January...

check out la buena vida here
read about nicole here
images via nicolefranzen.blogspot.com

mama needs a brand new bag...

I travel a lot. And one thing I learned a long time ago is, if I travel with six pieces of luggage, I will have to schlep around six pieces of luggage. So I resist the urge to pack ten pairs of shoes, my entire arsenal of toiletries, and an outfit for every possible occasion, and try to whittle my stuff down to one bag. While not inspiring, it can be done.

For years, I've traveled with this; a heavy cotton, faded turquoise bag, swimming with lime green fish. Not particularly classy, but lightweight and easy to find in a sea of black rolling bags on the luggage carousel. And no one ever wants to steal it...

But lately, I've been craving something a bit more adult; and a little less embarrassing. Yes, people can be cruel...

I would love to have this Cavalier II No.97 Fawn Suede duffel bag from GHURKA. Perhaps as a Christmas gift? Christmas is coming up soon. Anybody...anybody?

shop Ghurka here

ten myths about thanksgiving...

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING (1915)
Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)

I'm not sure if any of this makes a difference to the way I perceive Thanksgiving, or the way I celebrate Thanksgiving, but I find it interesting...

MYTH #1: The Pilgrims held the first Thanksgiving.

To see what the first Thanksgiving was like you have to go to: Texas. Texans claim the first Thanksgiving in America actually took place in little San Elizario, a community near El Paso, in 1598 -- twenty-three years before the Pilgrims' festival. For several years they have staged a reenactment of the event that culminated in the Thanksgiving celebration: the arrival of Spanish explorer Juan de Onate on the banks of the Rio Grande. De Onate is said to have held a big Thanksgiving festival after leading hundreds of settlers on a grueling 350-mile long trek across the Mexican desert. 

Then again, you may want to go to Virginia.. At the Berkeley Plantation on the James River they claim the first Thanksgiving in America was held there on December 4th, 1619....two years before the Pilgrims' festival....and every year since 1958 they have reenacted the event. In their view it's not the Mayflower we should remember, it's the Margaret, the little ship which brought 38 English settlers to the plantation in 1619. The story is that the settlers had been ordered by the London company that sponsored them to commemorate the ship's arrival with an annual day of Thanksgiving. Hardly anybody outside Virginia has ever heard of this Thanksgiving, but in 1963 President Kennedy officially recognized the plantation's claim. 

MYTH #2: Thanksgiving was about family.

If by Thanksgiving, you have in mind the Pilgrim festival, forget about it being a family holiday. Put away your Norman Rockwell paintings. Turn off Bing Crosby. Thanksgiving was a multicultural community event. If it had been about family, the Pilgrims never would have invited the Indians to join them.

MYTH #3: Thanksgiving was about religion.

No it wasn't. Paraphrasing the answer provided above, if Thanksgiving had been about religion, the Pilgrims never would have invited the Indians to join them. Besides, the Pilgrims would never have tolerated festivities at a true religious event. Indeed, what we think of as Thanksgiving was really a harvest festival. Actual "Thanksgivings" were religious affairs; everybody spent the day praying. Incidentally, these Pilgrim Thanksgivings occurred at different times of the year, not just in November.

MYTH #4: The Pilgrims ate turkey.

What did the Pilgrims eat at their Thanksgiving festival? They didn't have corn on the cob, apples, pears, potatoes, or even cranberries. No one knows if they had turkey, although they were used to eating turkey. The only food we know they had for sure was deer. (And they didn't eat with a fork; they didn't have forks back then.)

So how did we get the idea that you have turkey and cranberry and such on Thanksgiving? It was because the Victorians prepared Thanksgiving that way. And they're the ones who made Thanksgiving a national holiday, beginning in 1863, when Abe Lincoln issued his presidential Thanksgiving proclamations, two of them: one to celebrate Thanksgiving in August, a second one in November. Before Lincoln, Americans outside New England did not usually celebrate the holiday. (The Pilgrims, incidentally, didn't become part of the holiday until late in the 19th century. Until then, Thanksgiving was simply a day of thanks, not a day to remember the Pilgrims.)

MYTH #5: The Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.

According to historian George Willison, who devoted his life to the subject, the story about the rock is all malarkey, a public relations stunt pulled off by townsfolk to attract attention. What Willison found out is that the Plymouth Rock legend rests entirely on the dubious testimony of Thomas Faunce, a 95-year-old man, who told the story more than a century after the Mayflower landed. Unfortunately, not too many people ever heard how we came by the story of Plymouth Rock. Willison's book came out at the end of World War II and Americans had more on their minds than Pilgrims then. So we've all just gone merrily along repeating the same old story as if it's true when it's not. And anyway, the Pilgrims didn't land in Plymouth first. They first made landfall at Provincetown. Of course, the people of Plymouth stick by hoary tradition. Tour guides insist that Plymouth Rock is the rock.

MYTH #6: Pilgrims lived in log cabins.

No Pilgrim ever lived in a log cabin. The log cabin did not appear in America until late in the 17th century, when it was introduced by Germans and Swedes. The very term "log cabin" cannot be found in print until the 1770s. Log cabins were virtually unknown in England at the time the Pilgrims arrived in America. So what kind of dwellings did the Pilgrims inhabit? As you can see if you visit Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts, the Pilgrims lived in wood clapboard houses made from sawed lumber.

MYTH #7: Pilgrims dressed in black.

Not only did they not dress in black, they did not wear those funny buckles, weird shoes, or black steeple hats. So how did we get the idea of the buckles? Plimoth Plantation historian James W. Baker explains that in the 19th century, when the popular image of the Pilgrims was formed, buckles served as a kind of emblem of quaintness. That's the reason illustrators gave Santa buckles. Even the blunderbuss, with which Pilgrims are identified, was a symbol of quaintness. The blunderbuss was mainly used to control crowds. It wasn't a hunting rifle. But it looks out of date and fits the Pilgrim stereotype.

MYTH #8: Pilgrims, Puritans -- Same Thing

Though even presidents get this wrong -- Ronald Reagan once referred to Puritan John Winthrop as a Pilgrim -- Pilgrims and Puritans were two different groups. The Pilgrims came over on the Mayflower and lived in Plymouth. The Puritans, arriving a decade later, settled in Boston. The Pilgrims welcomed heterogeneousness. Some (so-called "strangers") came to America in search of riches, others (so-called "saints") came for religious reasons.

The Puritans, in contrast, came over to America strictly in search of religious freedom. Or, to be technically correct, they came over in order to be able to practice their religion freely. They did not welcome dissent. That we confuse Pilgrims and Puritans would have horrified both. Puritans considered the Pilgrims incurable utopians. While both shared the belief that the Church of England had become corrupt, only the Pilgrims believed it was beyond redemption. They therefore chose the path of Separatism. Puritans held out the hope the church would reform.

MYTH #9: Puritans hated sex.

Actually, they welcomed sex as a God-given responsibility. When one member of the First Church of Boston refused to have conjugal relations with his wife two years running, he was expelled. Cotton Mather, the celebrated Puritan minister, condemned a married couple that had abstained from sex in order to achieve a higher spirituality. They were the victims, he wrote, of a "blind zeal."

MYTH #10: Puritans hated fun.

H.L. Mencken defined Puritanism as "the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy!" Actually, the Puritans welcomed laughter and dressed in bright colors (or, to be precise, the middle and upper classes dressed in bright colors; members of the lower classes were not permitted to indulge themselves -- they dressed in dark clothes). As Carl Degler long ago observed, "The Sabbatarian, antiliquor, and antisex attitudes usually attributed to the Puritans are a 19th-century addition to the much more moderate and wholesome view of life's evils held by the early settlers of New England."

This article, by Rick Shenkman, was first published by History News Network
Rick Shenkman is the editor of the History News Network.

Reed Krakoff - Designer

RDK HOBO

born 1964
raised in Weston, Connecticut
graduated from Parsons School of Design
worked at Ralph Lauren Corporation for five years
former Creative Director at Tommy Hilfiger Corporation
former President of Coach, Inc.
launched his own exclusive brand, Reed Krakoff in 2010


BIONIC ATLANTIQUE POUCH

LEATHER T BAR CUFF

BIONIC XL BANGLE

RK STUD WATCH

T BAR BRACELET

shop these items and more  REED KRAKOFF
photo of Reed Krakoff via boston common magazine

why 129?

Are you curious about why the number 129? I mean, food, clothing, shelter is pretty self-explanatory; those are the necessities of life, which is what this blog is all about.

Although, one could argue that there are degrees of necessity; bread and water = necessity vs. 1978 Montrachet and Petrossian caviar = perhaps a necessity for some, but a luxury for most of us. A loin cloth (necessity) vs. a Stella McCartney LBD (luxury) A nice house or apartment (necessity) vs. the penthouse at Trump Tower (luxury). It's all relative, but let's face it; a bit of luxury now and then is a necessity.

And planet carol; well we all live in our own little world, don't we? I live on planet carol...

But why 129? 

I was born on Saturday, August 25th, 1951 at 1:29 in the afternoon. But the thing is, the number 129 constantly pops up on my radar; I look at the clock...it's 1:29. I buy something online...it's $129. I glance down at the gas mileage on my car...it's on 129 miles. I'm driving on the interstate, and my exit just happens to be...you guessed it...exit 129. It happens almost daily. Coincidence? I think not. If you're into numerology, perhaps you can enlighten me.

In the meantime, I've decided that 129 must be my lucky number, and that one day the reason why will be revealed to me. I'll let you know when that happens...

xoxo C 

inspirational interiors - yellow

I LOVE YELLOW! YELLOW IS A HAPPY COLOR.

That's why decorating with pops of yellow is one of my favorite ways to brighten up a neutral interior. You don't have to paint the whole room yellow; a little bit goes a long way. Imagine the rooms below without the yellow accents. Pretty, right? But the cheery yellow adds style and zing. So spread some sunshine!

images via TUMBLR

eden eats

EDEN GRINSHPAN

This morning, I'm watching a show called Eden Eats on The Cooking Channel. Yes, I know it's early, but I'm an early riser...

Eden Grinshpan is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in London, and the host of Eden Eats, a traveling show to find global cuisine in cities across the US. I've been watching it every Sunday morning for the past few weeks. So far, I've seen Charlotte NC, Phoenix AZ, San Diego CA, Austin, TX, Salt Lake City UT, and today; Baltimore MD.

If you're interested in dining off the beaten path, you'll love this show. Eden is enthusiastic and adventurous, as well as quite knowledgeable about food. I share her curiosity about what other cultures eat. Every time I talk to someone from another country, the conversation eventually turns to food. My favorite questions are, "What do you eat for breakfast?" and "What are some of the traditional dishes that you prepare for holidays?" And of course, their holidays are often not my holidays...so I want to know all about their holidays too. Most people love to talk about their heritage. They're proud of who they are and where they came from; and traditional cuisines are an important part of any culture.

There are a few ethnic restaurants here in Dallas that I go to frequently. I've gotten to know the proprietors and ask questions all the time. They often prepare dishes for me that are not on the menu; usually exotic, and always delicious.

You're doing yourself and world peace a favor when you embrace other cultures and get to know people outside of your familiar circle of friends. And if you're lucky, they'll invite you to dinner!

read more about Eden Grinshpan here
image via COOKING CHANNEL TV

thought for the day .03

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.
~ Dorothy Parker




photo by Pieter Jan Meijer via Tumblr

Meet "Poulette"

I found this cute, vintage ceramic egg cup several years ago at a Paris flea market. She was all alone, hiding behind a stack of crackled, cream-colored pottery bowls that I was admiring. Everyone knows I'm a sucker for anything "animal," so of course, I brought her home with me. Her name is Poulette; a combination of the French word for chicken (poulet) and Paulette; a pretty French name for a saucy little chick!

i'm dreaming of a white kitchen...

Whenever I envision my "dream" kitchen, it's almost always white. White is just fresher, lighter, brighter, and cheerier. White not only makes a kitchen seem larger, it also provides a clean canvas for showcasing other elements to create an inviting and functional environment. Wood finishes look richer against white; and lighting fixtures, accessories, and especially food, stand out against the neutral backdrop.

Here are a few of my favorite white kitchens...do you have a favorite?

 

 

images via tumblr.com

Satomi Kawakita ~ 18K gold stack rings

Yellow gold jewelry is making a real comeback these days, and I'm loving these delicate, organic, 18K gold stack rings from SATOMI KAWAKITA.

Satomi Kawakita is a New York City based jewelry designer and professional diamond setter. She launched her own jewelry line in 2008.





braised chicken with potatoes, olives, and lemon

Everybody needs to have a few tried and true, go-to recipes. One of my favorites is this one from Martha Stewart; braised chicken with potatoes, olives, and lemon. It's a hearty meal in a skillet; easy to prepare; and cleanup is a breeze. Serve it with a green salad, or maybe some roasted asparagus, and a rustic, Italian bread drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil with a dash of fresh cracked pepper, and a pinch of finely chopped herb of choice. Simple, sophisticated, and yummy!

recipe here: braised chicken with potatoes, olives and lemon
image via marthastewart.com

Rise No.1 ~ a salon de souffle

Friday evening, I met a friend for dinner at RISE No.1;  a salon de souffle and wine bar located in Inwood Village. The menu is centered around the masterpiece of French cuisine; the souffle. The menu has dozens of savory and sweet souffles, as well as other French inspired entrees, salads, sandwiches and a cheese cart. The souffles are surprisingly low in calories, and they even offer gluten-free varieties. There is also a great selection of wines by the glass.

The interior is charming; warm and cozy; with intimate lighting and beautiful wooden doors. There is an enclosed, heated and cooled patio where "le pooch" is allowed to dine. (I'll have to tell Ralph) They have one-of-a-kind fine linens and European flatware for sale. I noticed some interesting artwork on the walls too.

And the restroom! (I always have to check out the bathroom) It has a double trough sink made of stone, and next to the sink is a stack of linen hand towels; such a beautiful and welcome upgrade from the roll of paper towels or that horrible, super-loud blow dryer. The toilets have hand chains, like the one's in Europe.

But enough about the bathroom! My friend and I split three souffles; two savory - creamed spinach and spicy herb and sausage - and a sweet pumpkin with a creamy sauce poured into the center and served with fresh whipped cream. Magnificent French comfort food! Light as a cloud, but satisfying and filling. The accompanying bread was crunchy on the outside, and warm and chewy on the inside; served with a real butter; just the way French bread should be...

All in all, it was the perfect meal for a cool autumn evening!

C

image via D MAGAZINE

thought for the day .02

A Sunday well spent brings a week of content...

Have a good one!
xoxo C

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thought for the day .01

You don't have to be beautiful or brilliant, witty or wealthy. You don't even have to be young. You just have to be good at life...

xoxo C

urban/rustic decor

Who says modern furniture has to be cold? These urban/rustic pieces from DOT & BO are far from soul-less. I really like the combination of clean lines and organic materials...

BISTRO ARM CHAIR - RUSTIC WOOD

INSIDE OUT NESTING TABLES

IRON SLING CHAIR

JUTE & WOOD LINEA STOOL

HOLLIDAY DINING CHAIR

INDUSTRIAL BAR CHAIR

tote-ally fabulous

I love this tall tote bag from TOTOKAELO. I'll admit, it's probably not tote-ally practical, as all of my stuff would probably go straight to the bottom. But I don't care...I think it's fabulous!

take a chill pill...

Yesterday, I had my twice yearly dental checkup/teeth cleaning appointment at 7 am. I always go early, so it doesn't interfere with my plans for the day. But yesterday, I had one of those days; a gloriously beautiful day that stretched out in front of me; a day that I could have accomplished so much; and all I wanted to do was lay around, play with my dog, Ralph, take a long nap, and watch Castle reruns.

Have you ever wondered why on some days your energy level flat-lines? When it happens to me,  it's best that I just go with it. Shutting down sometimes feels like the right thing to do. No guilt; no pressure; just accept the fact that I need to relax, and do something that isn't necessary, relevant, or quality.

I think it's important to give yourself permission to chill out occasionally. A 24 hour break from the hustle and bustle is good for the mind, body, and soul.

This morning? I'm ready to take on the world!

C

i'm a little retro teapot...

I'm a tea drinker, and love to collected teapots, cups and accessories. My cupboard is filled with teapots; minimal white ones for delicate white teas; dainty porcelain ones for Earl Grey and English Breakfast teas; and rustic Japanese pottery ones for sencha and matcha green teas.

I think this perky, retro inspired, stoneware teapot from DOT & BO would be perfect to serve up something fresh and herbal...

 perhaps some Bamboo, from HARNEY & SONS.

veterans day

Today is Veterans Day; a day in which we honor all of the brave men and women who have served in armed service.

My dad (in the photo) is a WWII veteran. He's 89 years old now, but he still hits the floor when he hears a loud noise; a door slam; a car backfire, etc. Dad served his country gladly, because he believed it was the right thing to do, and says that he would do it again today if they called him.

Every Veterans Day I think of Dad as a very young man, leaving New York City on a ship bound for Europe. He said he watched the Statue of Liberty from the back of the boat as they left the harbor, until she was out of sight; wondering if he would live to see her again one day…

I want to thank my dad, and thank all of the veterans who have given their time, their energy, and sometimes their lives, protecting and defending our country.

Happy Veterans Day! And I love you Dad...

C