Category: La Vie

La Vie, Socialites, Uncategorized

Socialite Obsession: Millicent Rogers

by fayeruz1 Comment on Socialite Obsession: Millicent Rogers

Millicent Rogers Muse 1The word “socialite” is thrown around too loosely, just like the term “genius.” I have a slight obsession with socialites – the classic ones. I don’t favor the nouveaux riche girls – gold-digging, ostentatious and all too willing to use a sex tape to bolster them to very temporary tabloid fame.

At least socialites back inRV-AE203_ROGERS_G_20110909030651 the day had a tougher time breaking into a man’s world. And those glass ceilings gave a lot of them gumption; one of the reasons why so many gay men adore them.

Take Millicent Rogers. An heiress to the Standard Oil fortune, she’s regarded as a fashion icon and art collector. All of these things are true. But she was also a pioneer. With art, she didn’t collect just the standard European classics. She was an early champion of Southwestern-style art and jewelry. In fact, she’s credited for bringing international attention to this style.

Most New Yorkers retreated to Palm Beach or Italy to get away from the city, but Millicent retired to Taos, New Mexico. Back in the 1940’s, Taos was but a small artist colony. It wasn’t yet the spiritual stomping ground for Julia Roberts and Dennis Hopper. She was ahead of her time. So ahead of her time, that she was one of the first celebrity activists for Native American civil rights.

But the thing I am most impressed by, is that she wasn’t a whiner. Her heart was bigger than the average heart. I’m 03-18-12-dogs-in-vogue-book-05not talking about kindness. At her autopsy, her heart was discovered to be four times the size of a regular human heart. She had rheumatic fever as a child, and doctors said she wouldn’t live past ten. While they were wrong, she suffered poor health the rest of her life. This included heart attacks, bouts of double pneumonia and by the time she was 40, she was mostly crippled in her left arm. She died following surgery for an aneurism.

That didn’t stop her from marrying three times, and having romantic trysts with the likes of Clark Gable and the Prince of Wales. She raised three children. She lobbied for civil rights in Washington. She was a hot item on the New York social scene and photographs of her were often featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

She never dwelled on her ill heath, failed marriages and she certainly never tried blending in with the pack. Every time she veered off the reservation, she did something great she was remembered for.

Food, La Vie, Postcards

Postcard from Barcelona!

by fayeruzLeave a Comment on Postcard from Barcelona!
mediterranean 014
Exploring the cloistered Gothic streets

BUENOS DIAS!

Before we embarked on our Mediterranean cruise, we arrived in Barcelona early to explore a bit.

It was a sensual place – summer downpours that made the Gothic architecture slick and glittery under city lights. An azure sea that dotted our paella with its fresh offerings. And everywhere you went, locals were at leisure. At 10 pm you’d find them languid at sidewalk cafes. They’re laughing with their children, sipping sangria and enjoying a long dinner followed by a cigarette.

mediterranean 173
One of the many courses in our “menu del dia” lunch

Whether you’ve been to Spain or not, you’ve likely enjoyed tapas at a restaurant. Eaters beware; Spain knows you enjoy tapas, and restauranteurs will charge an arm and a leg for the tiny plates. Darlings, put your menus down.

mediterranean 206
Papas Bravas and more at Cal Ramon Braseria

Be savvy and do what the locals do. Order the menu del dia (daily special). You will be brought course after course of their freshest food and drinks, as the menu changes daily. You’ll enjoy just as much variety for a fraction of the price. In fact, you will never be able to finish it!

mediterranean 006
La Rambla prepares for an intense thunderstorm

All tourists in Barcelona visit Via Rambla, the main strip of commerce that ends at the sea. While there’s plenty of shopping to do, I recommend ducking into the farmer’s markets. See the locals haggling and squeezing melons, enjoy street food from the vendors and buy gifts that are more authentic and reasonably priced than what you’ll find at a souvenir shop. I much prefer handmade Spanish chocolates or a tiny box of saffron to a porcelain bell with the word “Barcelona” on it.

mediterranean 008
Exotic treats at the La Rambla Farmer’s Market

Of course, don’t forget to eat Papas Bravas (spicy potatoes) and drink sangria. In Spain, they like to add a kick to it and always add Sprite. In fact, when you order the menu del dia at any restaurant, it automatically comes with  red wine and a Sprite, which is meant to be mixed.

mediterranean 208
La Sagrada Familia – spooky and dream-like

La Sagrada Familia is spooky and ominous, a must-see. And while in the neighborhood, don’t miss Cal Ramon Braseria. The spunky owner is free in-house entertainment and his generous menu del dia will not disappoint.

mediterranean 010
When in Spain, try the paella
mediterranean 195
At Montjuic Castle – a historical site with views of the Mediterranean
mediterranean 205
Ramon in the 70s
mediterranean 207
Ramon today

mediterranean 188 BON VOYAGE!!

Holidays, La Vie

Top 10 Ways to Kick the Post-Holiday Blues

by fayeruz1 Comment on Top 10 Ways to Kick the Post-Holiday Blues

Christmas 0091)  Instead of being sad that Christmas is over, remember your actual Christmas. Not the one that Frank Sinatra sings about, but the one with your drunk aunt and the watery dollar store lotion your co-worker re-gifted you.

I don't know about you, but I spend Christmas with these people.
I don’t know about you, but I spend Christmas with these people.

2)  Don’t focus on the shorter days – focus on the longer nights! Slip into your PJs moments after walking in the door. Spike your hot cocoa with some Kahlua and settle in for a night of Netflix.

3)  Winter is the least expensive time of year to fly off to a sunny locale. And honestly, who’d want to pay peak season rates to leave a warm and sunny place, just to arrive in another warm and sunny place? Going in winter also earns you social media bragging points. Don’t overdo it – everyone hates that guy. Not jealousy, actual hate.

4)  The stores have already shamelessly stocked their shelves with Valentine’s Day tackiness. Forget the crowded restaurants with the overpriced prix fixe menus, which is an old restaurant trick to push out a surplus of expiring food. Instead, send those you care about a nostalgic surprise; a children’s Valentine’s Day card in the mail, complete with candy hearts. And on February 15th, snatch up some high-end chocolates on discount. Godiva will be dying to purge their heart-shaped candy boxes.

028
Dinner party at our L.A. cabin

5)  Liven up these drab months for others too, and throw a dinner party. Not only will you be surrounded by good company, but your home will be spruced up, and if your guests were brought up right, you’ll have a couple of extra bottles of something!

6)  Just because the forecast resembles the hideous weather from California Dreamin’, doesn’t mean you need to go pasty. Exfoliate that dry winter skin and do a self-tanner at home. Yow will look fantastic naked.

IMG_2577
No sun? No problem! Thank you Lancome Flash Bronzer!

7)  Learn some new crock pot recipes. Those warm, hearty meals are perfect for this time of year, and will make your house smell of heavenly meat potpourri.

8)  Whether or not you made resolutions, there’s no doubt that exercise gets your endorphins up. If it’s cold where you live, take up an indoor activity that you’ll be more likely to do. Yoga Today is offering a free, 14-day trial which will get you two weeks of freebies. And Amazon hosts a plethora of used exercise DVDs that come at a fraction of the price of a live class.

9)  Take a cue from Elle Woods and go get a mani pedi! Avoid the Bend and Snap.

de2eb6f2-73c7-4881-998c-411742189b6810) Instead of waiting for it to warm up, take advantage of the cold weather. If it snows, go sledding. If it’s cold inside, start up a fire and roast some marshmallows. If there’s an ice storm, know that it’s like earth porn for photographers. It’s gorgeous. Grab a camera, be careful and capture the beauty of it. And always remember, we can’t truly appreciate spring without a harsh winter to precede it.

Holidays, La Vie

My Favorite Things – Holiday Edition

by fayeruz2 Comments on My Favorite Things – Holiday Edition
1782365_10205273927198026_1689753841119739161_o
Hideous Christmas cards – look closely

Season’s Greetings!

To celebrate this magical time of year, I’ve listed some of my favorite things. It feels good to be reminded of countless little blessings that often go unnoticed. Such as…

watching children open presents

IMG_5400

the red cups at Starbucks

10_28_13_starbucks_holiday_2013_5

Christmas boat parades! This one is themed after the holiday classic,

A Christmas Story!

10675651_10205290626815506_3436227525940422825_n

Sledding weather, and the grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and hot cocoa that follow the sledding.

IMG_5297

awkward presents – the gift that keeps on giving01db5fba69e76c63be9dcd6a4042a4fa0ac68c9e25ll

baker’s twine on brown paper

il_340x270.245495497

Vince Guaraldi’s classic Christmas album

B000ICLSMY.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V39732079_Happy holidays to you and yours!

La Vie, Themed Parties, Uncategorized

Key to the Cure (Party Photos)

by fayeruzLeave a Comment on Key to the Cure (Party Photos)
0192d74d7be5aa8b60c86e1c2ad4edce3015e691e7
Annual tee designed by Rag & Bone
01c531f26295d04ecdaf7a7c2a5b5624df4bcbfbd4
Me (left) with Richmond.com Editor-in-Chief Karri Peifer
018531bcbe3c852b2665cdd1e6bde8bbd1489821bc
Fashion show and appearance by designer Nanette Lepore
01ec552ce6c330667e954fed881f040702f737188d
with 103.7 PLAY’s DJ Melissa Chase
01fabcc4d6e6b23137bd6744e9277abcac51f0da32
The best desserts were provided by The Jefferson
01113e98decfbc3fa18223805f4afc4880ced4d803
Bourbon tasting by a local distillery
019d666327b6c059d9971892c72699108f098c42b8
with Summit Media NSM Amy DeVries

01cf0136ea16766406e48eff5dc0ee2b60ebb82f7b017c19b1523d433a2a26f0f8c02185261c9fd1a49501c24502011252ae086e7d6d57a4e1b537f5d4a84b018cad74302960c4f00d8d60fab1ed9f01188790da

Holidays, La Vie, Uncategorized

October Waits for No One

by fayeruz1 Comment on October Waits for No One

Walking my greyhounds last night, a gust of wind hit and it had the delicious smell of wood smoke. Prior to that, I was staring at the ground going over my to-do list. But the wind made me stop and look up. That’s when I noticed pumpkins stacked on front porch steps and barrels filled with mums. I noticed that the leaves on our Japanese maple had turned crimson. “Oh my god,” I thought, “It’s October.” And October is halfway over.

I usually revel in Octoberfests and haunted hayrides. I even give in to that sentimentality-based marketing scheme/religion pushed upon us by Starbucks; the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I see what you did there, Starbucks.

But then I had a baby. In the mad dash of my new routine, I had forgotten to take in this last gorgeous month before the nip in the air begins to bite, when Halloween parties promise a good time and when the Shenandoah Valley is afire with  color.

I’m not letting October go without a fight. Neither should you. Get out there!

69801_1607742763779_1266822_n
October dinner party at our L.A. cabin – sometimes setting the mood is more exciting than the party itself
Food, La Vie, Postcards

A Slice of Hollywood in Wilmington, NC

by fayeruzLeave a Comment on A Slice of Hollywood in Wilmington, NC

yu

The town of Wilmington, North Carolina is often referred to as “Filmington.” TV shows such as Eastbound and Down and Dawson’s Creek were locally-based.  Wilmington is also home to a range of films;  from the David Lynch classic Blue Velvet to summer blockbusters like Iron Man. Unfortunately, North Carolina tax laws may push this lucrative business down to Atlanta and New Orleans, which are more film-friendly.

Inspired by Gone with the Wind's Tara, the previous owners raised the columns to be two stories high
Inspired by Gone with the Wind’s Tara, the previous owners raised the columns to be two stories high

But whether or not the film industry flees North Carolina, John West is in Wilmington to stay, thankyouverymuch. West has been in the business for over 20 years, and while work led him to Los Angeles for over a decade, he was thrilled to return to North Carolina. He and his four dogs feel quite comfortable in this historic home, with two-story columns out front flanked by twin palms.  He has his beloved boat for weekend excursions.  Not to mention his mother, who lives nearby. Not only are they close friends, but Martha West is such an impeccable cook, that I wouldn’t want to be too far from her myself.

Kate Gibbs speaking up for film in Wilmington
Kate Gibbs speaking up for film in Wilmington

The weekend we visited, the film industry held a demonstration to keep production local. West’s girlfriend Kate Gibbs even made the news, speaking up for the cause. It was a relaxing weekend, kicked off by a thunderstorm that knocked out power in West’s neighborhood. It was a welcome event.  We lit candles, poured some bourbon and sat on the front porch rockers, catching up.

Fried green tomatoes - classic
Fried green tomatoes – classic

We ate at one of the best restaurants I’d ever visited, called Rx. This former pharmacy has a modest look that belies some serious artistry in the kitchen. Our accommodations were beyond compare – we stayed in a guest house fully-equipped with a bathroom and kitchen, and well-decorated interiors.

John West and Kate Gibbs
John West and Kate Gibbs

The best part of the trip however, was the boat ride. We cruised waterways that slid by restaurants and bars. We passed tiny islands that appear and disappear depending on the tide. I almost forgot I was in an industry town until we sped past the modern home which was the setting of Sleeping with the Enemy. We even skirted close to Cape Fear, made famous by the Scorcese thriller starring Robert DeNiro, Jessica Lange and Juliette Lewis.

t

It was a nice slice of Hollywood, but just a sliver of a slice. Only in the South can one expect a pickled okra in their Bloody Mary!

photo 5

IMG_7388
We luxuriated in the detached guest home – with full kitchen and bath!

photo 6
My favorite room in the home was the foyer, warm and welcoming with an antique lighting fixture.

Homemade brunch - Martha's breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, angel wings and "Georgia Ice Cream" - AKA grits.
Homemade brunch – Martha’s breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, angel wings, coffee and “Georgia Ice Cream” – AKA grits.

A custom painting of three of his dogs hangs over an antique roll desk.
A custom painting of three of his dogs hangs over an antique roll desk.

A plaque marks the home's historic status.
A plaque marks the home’s historic status.

photo 4
The devil is in the detail in this fine home.

La Vie, Themed Parties

A Wedding in Virginia Wine Country

by fayeruz2 Comments on A Wedding in Virginia Wine Country

the couple is treated to cheers even before the ceremony begins

It’s as if Mother Nature personally condoned the union. At the Curry-Kelly wedding at Bluemont Vineyard, Washingtonians were spared the sultry August heat. It was dry and crisp. Not a mosquito in sight. And best of all, the sunset gave way to a sky so dark, guests admired the milky way, stretched across the heavens.

IMG_7310

The wedding took place on the foothills overlooking land that Jackie Kennedy used to ride through on horseback, both as a child and during her White House years. Leesburg is Virginia’s “horse country” – but as wineries expand in the area, some refer to it as “wine country.” After all, Virginia is the fifth highest state for wine-producing.

IMG_7289

The marriage of Gerald Curry, (an Intel professional) and Jennifer Kelly (a real estate agent), was more than a joining of husband and wife. It was a ceremony to celebrate the modern, blended family. A Brady Bunch with better hair. In addition to exchanging rings, the couple gave matching necklaces to the three daughters they have between them. Guests smiled on as three young girls shrieked with the excitement of officially becoming sisters.

IMG_7303

The bride wore a stunning open-backed dress that broke records for the most photos taken of a bride without her face in it. Indigo and blues were woven throughout the theme, between the sashes on the flower girl dresses to the figs on the wedding cake. Even the engagement ring was blue – a nod to Princess Di’s ring handed down to Kate Middleton.

IMG_7302The open bar at the rustic venue was in full swing even before the outdoor ceremony began. By the time the bride sashayed down the aisle, (and sashay she did – she even did a little dance) guests hollered and cheered. It was an elegant wedding that still found a way to thumb its nose at convention.

IMG_7316

Congratulations to the happy couple!

IMG_7298

La Vie

Six Classic Ways to Make Your Summer FEEL Like Summer

by fayeruz1 Comment on Six Classic Ways to Make Your Summer FEEL Like Summer

Summering by the lake - and yes, we should all bring back "summer" as a verb.
Summering by the lake – and yes, we should all bring back “summer” as a verb

Ever had a summer slip by without stopping to smell the suntan lotion? These few, simple (and mostly free!) things can be enjoyed so that this glorious season isn’t wasted.

Conveniently located on my street - bottoms up!
Conveniently located on my street – bottoms up!

  1. Stop at every lemonade stand. When you buy that ice cold drink,  you’re also rewarding that entrepreneurial spirit that keeps kids away from the TV.  And always pay double of what their drink costs. To a kid, one buck feels like ten, and their smile will be priceless.
  2. Get on the water, in the water and under the water. Even land-locked Minnesota is referred to as “Home of a Thousand Lakes.” Even Death Valley has the Salton Sea. Except don’t get in that one – just admire it from afar.

    Taken milliseconds apart, Hamilton sees fireworks suddenly turn night into day
    Taken milliseconds apart, Hamilton sees fireworks suddenly turn night into day
  3. No one is too cool for fireworks. No one. Exploding gunpowder in the sky? Come on. Don’t miss the annual display, and that patriotic feeling.
  4. Eat what’s in season! Not only will it be tastiest this time of year, but the prices will be at an all-time low. Eat watermelon until the juice rolls down your chin. Come home with a bushel full of lobster. Slather butter over just-picked corn on the cob and pluck tangy tomatoes straight from the vine.
  5. My dermatologist would have a litter of puppies over this, but I’m going to say it: Get out in the sun. A huge percentage of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. It will not only boost your mood, but your energy levels. Don’t forget to use sun block, and enjoy that warm, recharged feeling you’ll get afterwards. Not to mention a caramel-colored glow.

    Santa Monica at sunset
    Santa Monica at sunset
  6. Uniquely summer moments are always presenting themselves to you, and you don’t always notice them. Whether it’s the fireflies that rise up from the ground at dusk, a sunset over the ocean, knockout ribs at a backyard barbecue or a late afternoon thunder shower, slow down for a bit. Stash your phone. Pull up a chair and take it in before it’s gone.
La Vie

Welcome to the good life!

by fayeruzLeave a Comment on Welcome to the good life!

Picture14 What is a bon vivant? No two dictionaries have the same definition, but wrapped all together, they make a perfect package. While the French translation is simply “one that lives well,” it has come to mean that les bon vivants enjoy good food and drink, live a luxurious, sociable lifestyle and have refined taste.

Anyone who knows me could tell you of my obsession with 1960’s socialites and the legendary bashes they threw. I’m no Kennedy, but I’m known to throw over-the-top themed parties, work as a food critic and travel the world. I love a buttery Scotch in a glass tumbler. I’m thrilled by parties where costumes are as mandatory as the signature cocktail. I believe no stroll in Rome is complete without a good gelato.

Too much media is dedicated to perpetuating negativity – zeroing in on celebrity cellulite while the poor things are at the beach with their families. Political pundits playing for their team, pretending not to see the glimmer of good on the other side. With all the malicious gossip and venting in the blogosphere, it’s time to even the score with something fun, informative and a little glamorous.

For those who believe in The Great Gatsby, decking the halls and la dolce vita, this blog is for you!