The Queen at The Modern

Posted by Gina
Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Rainy Midtown

photo via flickr

I went on a quick trip to New York to promote Charmed Circle jewelry last week. Excited about the chance to put forth my professional self, I packed all my new wardrobe faves. Unfortunately, I did not count on weather that was 20 degrees cooler and perpetually wet. Very wet.

I found myself with free time and, for the first time in a very long while, completely alone. Alone in Manhattan, albeit in yucky weather, is a very good day to me. I decided to go to The Modern. Not usually a place I would take my husband or my children. The food is small and very special.

The restaurant itself is beautiful. It is sleek and sexy. Take a look.

I, on the other hand, was neither sleek nor sexy. I was damp. And I wore something like these, but only uglier.

Back up.  I have a story....

When I was a junior at SMU, I had this great professor. He was my instructor when I attended a study program at Oxford in England. He was from Luxembourg and he was definitely a fan favorite of most of the female student population. I think the thing that clinched his rock star status was the day he had to do his lecture while holding a baby. His sitter had canceled and he went ahead and taught the class wearing a Baby Bjorn. That is sexy. Hmmmm. But, I digress.

During the program, each class took turns sitting at the “high table” during special dinners. The class had to file into this huge, amazing dining hall with much pomp and circumstance (think the dining hall in Harry Potter). It was my turn and I was nervous. My professor looked at me and, noting my hesitation, said this: “Always walk into a room like you are a queen.” And the huge door swung open. 

For some reason, I have never forgotten this. I can’t remember a lick of the philosophy of architecture that he taught me, but I do remember that moment. 

So, galoshes, wet raincoat and all. I walk into the Modern. Best lunch I have had in a very long time.


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So much celebration

Posted by Jen
Sunday, May 10, 2009

ZaZa’s Monarch Restaurant Terrace

I hope all the mother’s out there had a magnificently lovely Mother’s Day! Dreamy day. I love being spoiled. The husband and I spent the night here last night (we were also celebrating his birthday). Uhmmm… LOVE this hotel! Started the day with a fabulous brunch (Mimosa and Eggs Benedict) in front of open french doors overlooking the marvelous terrace and a view of the gorgeous trees and clear blue sky (super cool music to top it off). It was beautiful; why did I not take a picture to share? Oh yes, my camera’s battery is dead and I lost the charger. Very convenient. So here, I found a picture of the terrace on-line.

Then, it was off to pick up the kiddos and enjoy round 2 of the Mother’s Day Celebration. Day of swimming and dinner with friends. The husband here is an incredible cook and we always look forward to his skills. Today? Drunken chicken, spanish potatoes, salad (the wife makes a mean salad) and the strawberry dumplings homemade by his Czech grandmother that joined in the festivities. I way over-indulged. The guys wouldn’t even let us touch the dishes. Nice?

Now, I’m home and realizing that I’ll have to wait another year for another wonderful Mother’s Day Celebration!

What about you? How did you celebrate?


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Modern Mother’s Day Gifts

Posted by Gina
Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Retro Mother's Day Card 1

photo via flickr


It’s right around the corner! Still looking? So are we. We compiled our top 10 list for the modern mother:



She’ll be “in the know” with these chic travel guides to favorite cities, Rome, Paris and London.



Show your mother some love and add to her sparkly repertoire with any of the beautiful and unusual charms from Charmed Circle.



Grocery shopping will seem not seem like a chore when she pulls out this little pop of color.



Pair some of these fab new colors from OPI with a gift certificate for a mani/pedi at her favorite nail salon.  Some personal favorites:
I’m with Brad
Don’t Go There
Call Your Mother



These stylish handmade books will look beautiful lining a shelf.



I first saw these adorable wooden finches in a little gift shop when I was skiing in Breckenridge, CO and I just found them at Anthropologie! They are made from antique decoys and are embellished with little vintage tidbits. How could she not love these?



A gift certificate for an hour long session with our resident wardrobe stylist is just what she needs to spruce up her seasonal wardrobe. Jennifer will shop her closet and zone in on the key pieces that will become the building blocks for an entirely new, revamped clothing collection.



A great belt for her to pair up with her favorite boyfriend jeans and t shirt combo.



All moms need some down time. Give her some fun and games.



And… the old standby: a beautiful bouquet of flowers.


Now, I must go shop!!


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New fave

Posted by Jen
Monday, May 04, 2009

Botkier Sasha small duffle

My friends. They are the dearest. Yesterday, a group of them treated me to a day of fun here to celebrate my birthday. It was such a good time. When it was over, I opened the most beautifully wrapped package containing the most adorable handbag! They must have remembered that orange was my color of the season. This is my new fave bag… Thank you girls! xoxo, Jen


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