Cole Haan: Maria Sharapova's Caged Sandal

Peeling the black patent leather tipped pumps off of my sore feet, I realized how nice it would be to wear a stylish shoe that had the comfort of a sneaker.  Some shoe companies are focusing on ways to make their shoes be totally wearable.

Cole Haan has the Maria Sharapova line of sandals and shoes.  Evans, shoe salesperson at Nordstrom in Columbia, Maryland, pointed out the “Caged Sandal” to my friend Sharon.  These 3 1/4 inch sandals have multiple lizard embossed strips of leather with a zipper back closure. Evans being attentive to Sharon’s needs for comfort, mentioned that these sandals were also made with Nike’s air cushioning technology.

Cole Hahn: Maria Sharapova "Caged Sandal"
Nordstrom

What Sharon and I like about these sandals is that you could wear them with work pants or with a fun dress and achieve two different looks.  These sandals are versatile, comfortable, and hot…. with a capital H!  Evans will gladly help you try on the “Caged Sandal” in addition to any other Cole Haan, Maria Sharapova shoes. 


Look for more shoe companies, like Cole Haan, to leverage sneaker technology to make their stylish shoes feel more comfortable. 

Nordstrom

Columbia Mall

10300 Little Patuxent Parkway

Columbia, MD 21044

Women’s Shoe Salesperson: Evans Apreku

Evans.Apreku@Nordstrom.com

Cole Haan: Maria Sharapova: Caged Sandal

North Carolina, Kitty Hawk: Ocean Boulevard – Bistro and Martini Bar

I just got back from the Outer Banks of North Carolina with a friend who was scouting out the real estate deals to be had on vacation beach houses.  Personally, I believe that the towns of Duck and Corolla have access to some of the best shopping, outdoor activities, and of course beaches.

After having looked at properties on the east and west sides of NC state highway 12, we took a short drive from our hotel, Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk, to visit the Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar.  Katy, our server, quickly took our order for a round of martinis called “Liquid Passion.”  These luscious drinks were made with Cruzan Mango Rum, Amaretto Disaronno and pineapple juice. YUM!

Upon sipping our martinis and looking over the contemporary cuisine menu, we noticed an acoustic band setting up within the dining area.  That night “Ask Fester” was playing live music that was just loud enough so we could still hear ourselves speak.

Choosing from the late night, small plates menu, we both selected the pan-seared beef and mixed mushrooms salad.  The mesclun and red onions were accompanied with goat cheese and adorned with reduced balsamic and extra virgin olive oil.  I opted for no mushrooms, which Katy obliged.  The beef was super tender and paired well with the goat cheese which all melted in your mouth.


I also wanted to mention the restaurant has an array of seafood, lamb, duck, chicken, pork and steak entrees to choose from the regular dinner menu. We decided upon a lighter meal to eat before we retired for the evening.

Too full for dessert (although they looked amazing), we decided to head back to our hotel to prepare for the next day’s round of house hunting.  If you plan to visit the Outer Banks, I highly encourage you to visit the Ocean Boulevard in Kitty Hawk.  The locals know all about it, you should know too!

Ocean Boulevard

700 North Virginia Dare Trail

Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

(252) 261-2546
http://www.obbistro.com/

Consignment Parakeet Bird Lamps: Customized Wal-Mart Lampshades

Parakeet Bird Lamp Base

By great fortune I found a pair of ceramic bird lamps at a consignment shop.  I grew up with this type of lamp and was shocked to find the exact type in a smaller version.  What I like best about this lamp was that the ivory base under the bird lights up similar to a night-light.

When I found the bird lamps, the pair did not have harps and the original silk lampshades were very deteriorated.  I was in search of a lampshade that did not require a harp.  I found two at Wal-Mart for a approximately $20.  Next step was finding a way to decorate it.  With the help of my Mom we found some pretty blue and gold metallic ribbon for trim at a Joanne’s fabric store in Florida.  I also bought some sheer blue ribbon on sale at Michaels in Baltimore. 

Taking my time I wrapped the lampshades with the see through ribbon and created a pleated effect by overlapping the ribbon.  Then I used fabric glue to attach the accent ribbon.  Viola! Customized lamps to adorn an attic bedroom!

Parakeet Bird Lamp:
Customized Wal-Mart Lampshade

Parakeet Bird Lamp Lit Up!

New York: Best Falafel- TAIM

My friend Jesse who has lived in the Metropolitan New York area for years introduced me to this one of a kind place for phenomenal falafel.  TAIM is located at 222 Waverly Place in New York’s West Village and has outrageous Middle Eastern faire at super affordable prices.

A line of patrons who were eagerly waiting to place their order greeted us. Stepping up to the counter, Jesse recommended getting the platter with three types of falafel.  Only having tried traditional style falafel, I was curious to taste the other platter’s offerings.

The restaurant is small and intimate inside and Jesse and I chose to take our platter and eat at the counter bar looking out onto the street.  We began to sample the gluten free red (roasted red pepper) green (cilantro, mint, parsley), and harrisa (infused with Tunisian spices) varieties of falafel.  I prefer the taste of the green and red.  Hands down Taim’s falafels flavors trump any type of falafel I have eaten in the past.

Taim is so popular that the restaurant can not seat everyone inside so many patrons will be standing outside to eat their delicious meal.  Now I call that street food!

Saint Paddy’s Day: Live Ireland Internet Radio March 17th, 2011

One of the places I would like to visit soon is the country of Ireland!  The people, their culture, and the gorgeous landscapes are calling my name.  Having watched, “P.S. I Love You” and “Waking Ned Devine”, I am so intrigued about this place.

Whether you are Irish or Irish for the day, many of a household in the U.S. will be eating corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, and drinking some type of domestic or imported beer today in their homes or at a local bar/pub.  

I wanted to let my blog readers know about a great website that broadcasts Irish music live. 

The site Live Ireland broadcasts traditional and contemporary Irish music. Through two webcams you can see what is actually going on in Dublin and Dun Loaghaire. Go to Live Ireland http://my.liveireland.com/page/radio-1

It is mind boggling to know you can have instant access to live music from across the Pond.

Have a very Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Lastly, I would like to leave you with two Irish sayings:

May you live as long as you want,


And never want as long as you live.

May the most you wish for,

Be the least you get.

Washington DC: Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin March 26- April 10, 2011

As I noticed the daffodils blooming in my front yard, I got to thinking about the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.   Living in the Mid Atlantic region for many years, I personally have had a half a dozen opportunities to check out the cherry blossoms. 

As I further researched this event, I discovered that in 1912 the Mayor of Tokyo gave the United States 3,000 cherry trees as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the US. The first festival commemorating this gift occurred in 1935.

Picture I took at Tidal Basin.
Washington, D.C.

In addition to the blossoms, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has a parade, community art show at Union Station, Park rangers and festival organizers are also available to provide information on the cherry trees and festival events.  For a fee a paddle boat can be rented to glide around the tidal basin.  What I love best about the festival is there are so many photo opportunities to be taken with your loved ones! Another great place to visit during the festival is the Washington Monument.  You can also bring a kite for you and your friends to fly.

Cherry Blossoms and the Washington Monument
Washington, D.C.

Kite flying at the National Mall.

Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin.
Washington, D.C.

If you are able to see the blossoms go during a weekday.   Going to the festival on either a Saturday or Sunday, the pedestrian sidewalks around the tidal basin can be really crowded.  I highly recommend taking the Metro into the city.  The city is packed, many tourists from all over the world come to this annual event. In addition to the cherry trees look out for the Tulip Library.  

Sign at the Tulip Garden.
Washington, D.C.

Pretty pink tulips at the Tulip Library.
Washington, D.C.

Red and yellow tulips at the Tulip Library.
Washington, D.C.

Lone Red Tulip at the Tulip Garden.
Washington, D.C.

Purple and pink tulips at the Tulip Library.
Washington D.C.

Pink tulip at the Tulip Library.
 Washington, D.C.

Take time to see the White House!

I read online that National Cherry Blossom Festival Organizers will be encouraging and promoting the fundraising efforts for the latest victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We are so blessed in our country, it is important to remember those who are struggling at the moment.

Besides the tidal basin, let me tell you about the best-kept secret if you want to avoid the crowds and still see spectacular cherry blossoms.  Take a self- guided tour, which is free, at the National Arboretum located at 3501 New York Ave.  The only drawback is that you can not get there by public transportation, you must drive to the Arboretum.

Upclose and personal with cherry blossoms!
Washington, D.C.

If you go to the tidal basin or the National Arboretum remember to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, picnic basket and patience too!

For more information on the National Cherry Blossom Festival go to:

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

National Arboretum

http://www.usna.usda.gov/

Boston: Children’s Museum Kyoto Home

Today, in light of the current situation happening in Japan, I would like to send out my love and positive well wishes to the people of this country.  My Mom lived in Japan in the 1950’s and says she vividly remembers having earthquake drills in school.  A disaster of this proportion is unimaginable. 

I have never visited Japan but I had the fortunate opportunity to work at the Children’s Museum of Boston and experience one of their most popular exhibits, an actual house from Kyoto.  This reconstructed home is around 100 years old and was once owned by a silk merchant. 

The amazing thing about the Children’s Museum of Boston is that the exhibits are interactive in nature.  Children and adults are able to sit on the tatami mats, pretend to prepare food in the kitchen, while getting a better understanding of Japanese culture and customs.  So many museums do not allow you to touch the exhibits, this one allows you to learn using all of your senses.

When you are in Beantown, check out this museum on 308 Congress Street. Look for a giant Hood bottle of milk on the pier and you know you have arrived!

Boston's Children's Museum

308 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 426-6500
http://www.bostonkids.org/

Rosette Stiletto Sandals: Kailyn BP

Kailyn BP at Nordstroms

I think these sandals are fabulous for many different reasons.   

First things first, look at the adorable rosettes.  Need I say more.

This sandal is super affordable and cost around $70.  The Kailyn can be worn with a beautiful cocktail dress or fun pants or jeans.   The nude satin is a versatile color and material that enhances an outfit rather than to detract. 

These satin stilettos have a 4-inch heel with ¾ inch platform.  Now I know you are thinking, “a 4 inch heel, how can I wear that?” Well the ¾ inch platform helps with stability and I found them easy to wear for a night out.

Lastly, have you noticed nude shoes seem to be in fashion these days?  Look to the runways and movie premiers, many a nude shoe abound.  BP- Platinum can be found at Nordstrom.  Having personally worn them, I highly recommend the shoe for style and comfort.

 Check them out for yourself at your local Nordstrom Department Store!

San Francisco: Jeremy’s Department Store

Traveling out to the left coast, I had the fortunate opportunity to check out Jeremy’s Department Store while staying in downtown San Francisco.  I visited Jeremy’s on 
2 S Park St # 1 in the SOMA section of San Francisco.

According to Jeremy’s Department store’s website, we "get our discounted merchandise from a variety of sources. Some department stores send us items that have been used in advertisements and window displays. Other items we receive are damages and customer returns. We also get merchandise from clothing designers who sell us their production, sale samples and past season’s stocks.”


After being assisted by Jeremy’s helpful staff, I walked away with a pair of Rag and Bone jeans that are one of my favorites.  Check out the discounted designer clothes in person or online.

Jeremy's Department Store

2 S Park St # 1

San Francisco, CA 94107-1807

(415) 882-4929
http://www.jeremys.com/

Great Bedroom Color: Ben Moore’s Mount Saint Anne #1565

I own a bungalow in the Baltimore area and I enlisted the help of Maria Moscato, who owns Moscato Interiors, to select paint colors for several rooms.

I had originally chose a deep cobalt blue paint color for my bedroom, which in a smaller room made for a cave like atmosphere.  That's when I asked for Maria’s help.  She brought several Ben Moore color fans and gave me a couple of options to select.  I went with Mount Saint Anne #1565 which is part of the Classic Color Collection.

Ben Moore's Paint Sample

Benjamin Moore's Mount Saint Anne #1565

Walls painted with Mount Saint Anne #1565

When entertaining at home, so many people ask me which paint color did I select for the bedroom.  I believe the color is soothing to the soul and so classic and timeless it can withstand so many trends that come and go.

Next time you are contemplating a color for your bedroom, consider Benjamin Moore’s Mount Saint Anne.

Baltimore: Southern Sales Service Auction

My friend Elaine told me about this 180,000 square foot selling floor warehouse located at 2015 Washington Blvd in Baltimore that is an amazing outlet for overstock, misorders, returned items, display units, discontinued lines for bathrooms, kitchens, floors, windows and doors.

Once a month you are able to preview the warehouse’s merchandise the Friday before the monthly Saturday auction.  This past Friday, Elaine and I had a chance to look at Thermador, Bosch, Viking ranges, Andersen doors and windows, industrial sized Liebherr and Dacor refrigerators and Samsung washers and dryers.

 

There were isles and isles of kitchen cabinets, marble/porcelain/ceramic tiles and hard wood flooring.  We also found rows of bathtub/whirlpools, vanities, sinks, and faucet fixtures.

Go to the website to find out future auction preview dates/times and auction rules and guidelines.  This is the place to go to buy expensive, high quality items for really affordable prices.

Southern Sales Service Auction

Brand New Building Materials at Auction

2015 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230

410-528-1770

http://southernsalesservices.com/

TIPS: Tips on Tipping

I invited my friend Kathy to have a mani/ pedi with me at a local nail salon.  While we were selecting our nail color she asked me how much do I usually tip the people who take great care of my nails.   Then Kathy mentioned it is hard to know how much to tip someone who takes care of your hair when it comes to shampooing, cutting, and coloring.

I got to thinking what would the etiquette and manners experts recommend.  That is when I went on Emily Post's website to find out what the experts would suggest.  A while ago I found out that TIPS actually stands for "To Insure Prompt Service."  Years ago, a small percentage of money was given to the person before the service was rendered.  Today we give a tip after we have been served.




Emily Post's Website mentioned the following tip guidelines:




Salons:

Hair Dresser- 15-20%, asked to be spilt amongst those who served you
Manicurist- 15- 20%
Facial, Waxing, Massage- 15-20%





Restaurants:

Wait Service (sit down) 15-20% pre tax
Wait Service (buffet) 10%
Host - No obligation $10-$20 if you are a regular customer
Take out- No obligation 0-10% if the person went above normal service
Bartender- $1 per drink or 15-20% of tab
Tipping Jars- No obligation, tip occasionally if the person went above normal service
Restaurant Attendant- 50 cents to $3 depending on service
Valet- $ 2 to $5

Travel:

Skycap- $2 first bag, $1 additional bag
Doorman- $1-$2 for Carrying luggage, $1-$2 for hailing a cab, $1-$4 beyond the call of duty
Bellhop- $2 first bag, $1 per additional bag
Housekeeper-$2-$5 a day, left daily
Concierge-$5 for tickets or reservations, $10 if it is hard to get, no need to tip if it is for answering questions
Taxi Driver- 15% plus an extra $1-$2 if helped with bags

Now these tips are recommended to be followed within the United States.  If you are traveling abroad,  pick up a travel guide that will outline tipping recommendations for those countries.

For information about manners, etiquette, and tipping go to Emily Post's website: http://www.emilypost.com/

Cape Cod: The Wicked Oyster

I recognized that occasionally getting away for long weekends with great friends is really important to energize one’s soul.  Over a weekend last fall, my college friends arranged a get away to Cape Cod to see historical sites, visit quaint New England towns and do some whale watching near Provincetown.

Today’s blog is about “The Wicked Oyster” which is a restaurant located on 50 W. Main Street in the town of Wellfleet. When I lived in Boston I quickly discovered that the word “wicked” was frequently substituted for the words “really” or “very”.   This restaurant was "wicked" awesome!

I found "The Wicked Oyster's" Sunday breakfast atmosphere was casual and unpretentious.  Each server wore the infamous “The Wicked Oyster” shirt in a multiple color combinations.  Fortunately for patrons, the restaurant sells these same shirts. I bought several and own a chartreuse green with pink lettering oyster shirt.  Now you probably have seen Wellfleet oysters before on other restaurant menus.  Wellfleet's oysters have been noted as being some of the best in the world.  

You would have to judge that for yourself.  We opted out on eating oysters that morning but we decided to choose from the breakfast menu. My friends selected from the array of tasty omelets and I chose the french toast which was super delicious.

Being from New England, I like "The Wicked Oyster" and would recommend those who visit the cape to visit this warm, unpretentious venue!  Look for future blog entries on Cape Cod and Newport, Rhode Island.
                 

L.A. Star Quality Consignment Clothes: It’s a Wrap!

When my sister lived in Pasadena, California we got a chance to explore the Los Angeles area by visiting some really unique places.

Today’s blog is about It’s a Wrap located at 3315 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, California.  Since I visited the Burbank store, another location opened up on the West side of L.A. at 1164 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, California.







In addition to offering a substantial discount, what I love about the store is that an actress, actor, or extra has worn the merchandise.  It’s a Wrap provides a substantial discount on the clothing and let’s you know exactly which television show or a movie the clothing came from.  While I was there, I bought a dress for my niece that was worn by a child actress featured on a soap opera.

Now you are thinking, I live nowhere near L.A.  I can’t personally visit one of the stores. Luckily for you, with the use of the Internet, It’s a Wrap has an online presence too.

http://www.itsawraphollywood.com/