MC Moves: Yoga

Fact: I want to be a person who loves to workout and get that endorphin high  I recognize how good it is for you - everything from your bones to your skin benefits from a good sweat session, but I can't seem to get into any sort of rhythm.  It seems that when things get busy, it's the first thing you should do, and more often than not, the last thing I do, do, favoring instead sleeping or writing or late night closet organizing.   However, when obsessive thoughts get to be a bit more crazy than usual, I know it's time to do some yoga.  I've taken classes - hot is my favorite - and I know how beneficial it really is (kept sanity in check throughout the entire wedding planning process thankyouverymuch!).  For me it's less about the physical challenge, although, that is, of course, a great side benefit, and more so about the mental challenge of honing in and tuning out.  And with that said, I'm off to put in some mat time.  

Here are a few more reasons to do those sun salutes.

Italian Dressing

There have long been two positions on style - French vs. Italian.  The French certainly own all things "chic", but the Italians have glamour down to a science.  (And it's not limited to Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, although they are incredibly glam, just check out It-Girls, Olivia Palermo or Bianca Brandolini for a more modern take.)  I love and appreciate that je ne sais quoi; however, I'm often drawn to the polish and sophistication of Italian style.  Check out these tips to infuse a little Italian sizzle into your style:

- Embrace Your Figure - Learn what looks great on you, not just what looks great editorially.  Get personal with your tailor.  A few minor tweaks make all the difference.  

- Stand Out with Accessories.  This doesn't mean they have to be large or flashy, but instead add personal touches for a little extra oomph. 

- Sneakers belong in the gym.  Flip-Flops belong at the beach.  

- Add an air of mystery.  A golden rule for a reason.

- Details make the difference.  Something as subtle as a well-manicured hand (doesn't even need to be polished, but filed, buffed, etc.) or a bold red lip show that you put in the time and effort to look your best.  

- Fragrance.  Find your signature scent and don't leave home without it.

Who knows Italian style more than these two?  Here are Dolce & Gabbana's Life, Italian Style Tips.

Need even more inspiration - click here.

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Friday Finds

Here is what I'm loving this week:

- An easy way to create a French Twist. 

- I can't wait to check out the new Charles James: Beyond Fashion Exhibit at the Met.

-We can all use extra backup in the kitchen.  Here are few tips to help in a pinch. 

- I'm always on the hunt for shelf accessories.  Currently obsessed with this.  Would be super cute on a vanity.

- Folding the fitted sheet is the bane of the laundry experience.  Here's a how-to that breaks it down.

Happy Friday!

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Beach Reading: The Darlings

I recently finished The Darlings by Cristina Alger, and it was the perfect beach read - light, entertaining and super engaging.  I couldn't put it down!  Check it out here.

Gone Sailing

Sometimes you just need a little R & R, and last week, Mr. C and I took our long-awaited, and eagerly anticipated sailing trip to the BVI.  It was exactly what the doctor ordered - lots of sun, surf and snorkeling.  We saw amazing sea life (untouched coral reefs, tribes of tropical fish and sand for miles), explored isolated coves where the stars look close enough to touch, and we totally disconnected.  No phone, no internet - it was vacation circa 1990's and it was fantastic.

I over-packed of course (although the LL Bean Tote was seriously helpful!), but in light of the fact that everyone seems to have a "What to Pack", I'll go ahead an share "What Not to Pack".  Here are my lessons from sea:

- Floppy Sun Hats.  I totally fell victim to this.  I had sun-dappled visions of floppy hat perfection.  I trekked that hat over 2,000 miles, and guess what?  I did not wear it, not even once.  Not even for a photo.  Because as it turns out that those breezes that move the boat, also move hats.  Skip them (unless it really, really fits well or you don't mind losing it).  Instead opt for a baseball cap.  Bam!  All of sudden you're sporty, and you look like you know what your doing.

- Heels.  Have you seen the movie Overboard with Goldie Hawn?  Enough said.  You'll be barefoot, so make sure your pedicure looks great.

-Makeup.  Unless it's SPF lip balm (or SPF itself), you probably won't be wearing it.  After all, you never know when you'll want to take a dip, and nothing says amateur move like streaky mascara.

Island hopping

Starboard

Sunset

Little villa

A Toast to the Derby

I love the whole idea of the Kentucky Derby, the style (hats! seersucker!), the horses and, of course, the cocktails!  Here is a Derby classic, the Mint Julep as seen in The Joy of Cooking, in honor of this weekend's festivities.

- Start by chilling a 14-16 oz glass or silver mug in the refrigerator

- Combine in a bar glass: 2tsp Sugar Syrup, 6 medium-sized mint-leaves, and 1 dash of bitters

- Brush leaves gently with a muddler and stir

- Pour 1 large jigger bourbon whisky and stir again

- Remove serving glass (julep cup) from refrigerator, pack it with ice and strain it into the above mixture.  With a bar spoon, churn ice up and down.  Add ice within 3/4 inch of top.  

- Add 1 pony whisky

- Repeat churning process until glass begins to frost.

- Wash and partially dry a long sprig of fresh mint and dip in powdered sugar

- Decorate glass with sugared mint spring and insert straw.

I love this Derby-inspired party.  Happy sipping!

Pink Lady

In the bright lip debate I'm most often a red lip girl, but lately I'm veering towards the dark side, or as the case may be, the light side.  Pinks ranging from bright barbie pinks to flamingo and even cotton candy feel fresh and new.  To keep it from feeling too precious, I like more of a matte finish.  Paired with simple skin (hold the blush) and a simple lined eye (a classic cat is my favorite), it's feels very riviera-chic.  My current favorite is the Laura Geller Love Me Dew Crayon in Dragon Fruit Sorbet.  It's super easy to apply, who doesn't love a chubby crayon, and the color wears beautifully.

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Words to Live By

On an oh-so-busy Monday, it's always a good reminder to take a moment to slow down and enjoy the little things.