HOT BREEDS

Someone asked me recently, " What it is really hot right now in the flower world?"  My best answer to this question at the moment, and my own personal opinion include the following breeds…….

More after the JUMP

My Old Kentucky Home: Hats, Juleps and Glamour in Our New Favorite State

This past weekend marked the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby here in Louisville.  One thing we learned quickly after moving here is that "Derby" involves much, much more than just the two minutes it takes for 20 or so horses to make it around the track during the world's most famous horserace.  On the Friday beforehand, offices close down early or are essentially deserted, local schools take off, and everyone is in full celebration mode, the culmination of an entire week of build up and fun.  The city wide party kicks off with an air show and the largest fireworks display in North America(!) two weeks before Derby weekend and continues up to the big day with charity events, galas, parties and family events-- including races of every kind imaginable (hot air ballon and steamboat races- how fun is that?!).  

Derby day itself, so everyone tells me, is fun but pretty crazy.  The track is packed to capacity with out of towners, sheiks, celebrities and college students overflowing in the infield.  I love to see photos of Churchill Downs visitors in the past personifying Derby's 139 year tradition of glamour. 

Lana Turner with Tony Martin at the Derby in 1941

Prince Rainier of Monaco (right), 1961

Jack Nicholson in 1998

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, 2004

Dennis Hopper, looking dapper in 2002

The Queen of England, 2007

This year, Jane Seymour looking radiant 

This year we did not head to the track for Derby itself, but instead spent the day before Derby at Churchill Downs at Oaks, the famous filies race and secretly the event that many Louisvillians consider the more civilized alternative to the madness of Derby day.  We had the perfect introduction to this wonderfully fun, over the top tradition-- huge hats, mint juleps and all.  

I love Kentucky.

xo

Liza

Happy Lights

Happy Friday! A week from now we are hosting a fabulous cocktail party.  I am thinking about lighting & what to wear.

My Inspiration Along the Way......

Happy Friday!

M

Spring Fashion 2013

It would not be Fall here in NYC without the kick start of Fashion Week.  I have been watching my favorite designers online, and I love how accessible fashion week is via the internet.  Of course, we have a love for Daniel Roseberry and his work at Thom Browne, so I am happy to share some of my favorite images from the 2013 Spring collection!

Here is where the inspiration all began.......

By the way these are REAL ballerinas. Well done, I just love how inventive each show is. 

FABULOUS!!!

Mel

A Good Read

This past weekend was a big one for birthdays at Mel & Liza, as we celebrated Melina's son, Henry's, on Saturday and mine on Sunday!

My incredibly thoughtful sister, who always gives the best gifts, is also a talented and passionate (though not officially professional:)) gourmet chef, so I was thrilled when a package arrived from her with this wrapped up for me in it:

Even though I have just started, I can already tell that this is more than just a cookbook to flip through-- it's one I want to sit down with and read through, cover to cover.  With a glowing forward by Mario Batali (Gwyneth's close friend and collaborator on several projects already) and pages of introduction by Gwyneth, the recipes that follow already seem familiar and special, like they've been recommended by friends.  Her approach to cooking conveys a genuine love for food and an appreciation of how meals are integrally related to family, even including a fun section on involving your kids in the kitchen.

A few recipes I'm already dying to try:

Duck Ragu

Crispy Potato & Garlic Cake 

And my sister swears that the simple slow roasted tomatoes are to die for.  

• Vine-ripened tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt

Preheat the oven to 275°F.
Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally, rub with a tiny bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt, and bake, seed side up, in a 275°F oven for 3–5 hours, or until they look nearly sun dried (the edges will be caramelized and the moisture will be almost entirely evaporated). These keep, well refrigerated in an airtight container with a bit of olive oil, for at least a week, so make a whole bunch at once.

Have a great day! 

xo 

Liza

The Golden Globes

I was thinking, if I were going to the Golden Globes, lets say with Colin Firth, or Donald Draper, what would I wear??? 

A little Oscar??

I must say the men stole the show.  Yes the women were glamorous as always, but I think the men took it away with their charm and humor.  

Men in black goes a long way. 


Some of my favorite dresses......

I was so pleased to see "The Descendants" recognized as well as The "Iron Lady."  We loved both of those films. Do check them out. 

I am definitely going to see Michelle William's film "My Week with Marilyn."  I loved her winning speech at the Globes. Check it out on You Tube- it is so sweet. 

Enjoy MLK day and get out to the movies!


Besos,


Mel