The OTK Boot---A Sixties Rage Returns with a Vengeance

 
Barbarella 1968

 

I recently took stock of my own boot collection, one in which I've meticulously collected over the years like  pieces of fine jewelry. While reflecting on my own boot brood, the 1960's Armour Hot Dog jingle came to mind: "Big kids, little kids, kids who climb on rocks, short kids, skinny kids, even kids with chicken pox." Yes, they are like my children, each distinct, purposeful and varied. My boot portfolio can describe a veritable plethora of attitudes and can fill every boot wearing function: rain, snow, cowboy, modified cowboy, bootie, motorcycle, riding, pointy toe flat, pointy toe high, killer knee high 4' heel (the kind you need help peeling off) and even the native American fringe boot, I've still yet to wear. But I don't own this one.  I don't own an OTK boot, that is an "over the knee" boot.  So before you go "boo hoo", I am not saying I am buying the new and improved version, which by the way, Jane Fonda sported over forty years ago. I am just saying I don't own it. But if I were to purchase one, I want to share with you some of my favs.

Grandma's Irish Soda Bread - The Ultimate Comfort Food

As the weather gets cooler,  there's nothing better than great comfort food like homemade soups and  breads.   I was taught how to bake delicious Irish soda bread, with this recipe, by my grandmother Bridget Finnegan Lyons (1894 - 1989).  Please note the bread does not keep long and is best toasted from day 3 onwards.  It is sheer perfection when served with a strong Irish or English cheddar cheese.

Santa Monica's Shangri-La Hotel: Paradise, Indeed!

 

                      Shangri-La Hotel, Santa Monica

As an avid gardener, I feel like I know every nook and cranny of my garden. Each spring, I look in a certain spot for the tulips.  And, every summer, I keep my eye peeled for the spot where the dahlias come up. But every so often, I get a surprise.  Something pops out of the ground that I wasn’t expecting and it’s a sheer delight!  That’s how I felt upon recently discovering the Shangri-La Hotel in the heart of Santa Monica. 

Originally built in 1939, the oceanfront hotel recently completed a 35 million dollar renovation celebrating its original Streamline Moderne design – from the curved mahogany bar to the unique art deco fixtures. The gorgeous renovation, with incredible attention to detail, is the brainchild of owner Tehmina Adaya (who you meet in the video below) and LA nightlife impresario/designer Marc Smith (he’s the guy behind the cool, downtown nightspot The Edison). A goal of Tehmina and Marc’s was to keep the hotel luxurious and chic – but comfortable and suitable for families.  And, I must say, after chatting with a friend of mine, it seems they've accomplished that goal.  My friend's home was recently damaged by fire and she and her husband and their three kids moved into the Shangri-La for several weeks.  They gave their stay the thumbs up,  with the only major complaint being that the drawer in the refrigerator didn't work.  With that being the only negative after three weeks of hotel living with kids- I'd say that's a pretty decent endorsement!

"Couture" versus Cheap foundation. SheSez Gets Suckered, Then Surprised.

We’ve all heard the dermatologists’ stories  – expensive cosmetics aren’t worth it – unless you place a premium on pretty containers.  The ingredients in cheap vs. expensive cosmetics are the same.  Even so, I fell for a pricey brand recently. I was so underwhelmed by the results that I decided to do a little test panel – the results of which might surprise you. 

But first, a background story. I used to know a woman who had beautiful skin and impeccable makeup and I asked her what she used. She seductively replied, “Only Cle de Peau.”   I vowed to check out the products the next time I was at Neiman’s.  

An Ayurvedic Healer's 3 Secrets to Healthy Living

 

                           Janesh Vaidya

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog – I went to a lecture by an Ayurvedic Healer.  Before I get into Part II – a correction on Part I.  In the section on AGING, in India they believe man’s life span is 120 – not 60 as originally stated.

During his “workshop” Janesh Vaidya shared his 3 Secrets of Healthy Living. They can be separated into 3 categories: Food, Lifestyle, and Thoughts.

An Afternoon with an Ayurvedic Healer

 

          Janesh Vaidya and Joan Estes-Lindskog

Knowing absolutely nothing about the subject, I went to a lecture this past weekend by an Ayurvedic Healer.  The literal translation of Ayurveda, by the way, is the science of life; derived from the Sanskrit words ayur meaning life and veda, meaning knowledge or science.  Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and is considered the oldest healing science. The aim is to integrate balance between the mind, body and spirit - to prevent illness and promote wellness. Using natural substances like herbs and oils and massage, it's considered "alternative" medicine here in the U.S.

 

               Joan's gorgeous gardens

The lecture was held at my friend Joan's incredibly zen, South Pasadena home.  First, a quick story about how Joan and Janesh Vaidya, the healer, met.  Three years ago Joan lost her beloved husband of 17 years, Martin, after he suffered a massive heart attack.  Joan could not cope with her grief. How could the love of her life die at just 52, while in such excellent health, leaving her alone to raise their young son?  Joan felt that all of her dreams were shattered. Neither friends, family nor a psychiatrist could help Joan with the debilitating ache in her heart.  Five weeks after Martin’s death, desperate to help Joan, two of her close friends suggested a meeting with Janesh. Joan agreed. 

SheSez Lets You In On A Cooking Secret: A Shortcut Worth Taking

I love to cook. I'm a good cook. And, good cooks know that most shortcuts are a no-no. Want to make risotto?  You gotta take the time to make chicken stock. But sometimes I just don't have time to do every single thing a recipe requires - particularly when it comes to desserts.  It's inevitable when I'm having a dinner party. I'm cooking steadily all day, pacing myself,  but then a miscalculation occurs.  Something takes longer than anticipated or a kid needs a ride to Palm Desert to play soccer because, it appears, there aren't enough soccer players here in Los Angeles. Plans for the homemade desert get scratched and, instead,  I make a last minute dash to a bake shop. 

Having said that, there's one shortcut in the kitchen that I believe is worth taking.  Its the pre-made, refrigerated pie crusts by Pillsbury. 

 

The Newly Renovated Four Seasons Hotel Spa in Beverly Hills - A Zen Experience Not to Be Missed

  
Four Seasons Hotel Spa, Beverly Hills

The last time I had a scrub I vowed never again.  I distinctly remember lying in a chilly room as a zoned-out “therapist” pummeled a grainy, resin-like goop into me while humming bad hard rock and slogging me with a wet loofah.  The coup de grace was being hosed off with cold water while reclining on a metal rack that looked like it came from Costco. 

So, suffice to say, when invited to spend an afternoon at the Four Seasons Hotel Spa in Beverly Hills, The Manipura Experience , which begins with a full-body scrub, was not my first choice treatment.  However, I was persuaded by my host’s rather ardent ravings about it.  And, when she cautioned,  “You have to be open minded” it was a slam-dunk.  I’m tired of pricey spa treatments that I could've done to myself or are so boring that I find myself making my grocery list during them. This sounded intriguing, I thought to myself, as I sipped my green tea by the exquisitely landscaped Cabana Restaurant. By the way, I wish I'd allowed more time for this tranquil pool-side spot.  The gardens alone put me in a zen state!

 

The Cabana Restaurant gardens, Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills

Found: The Elusive Daytime Dress

                      

3.1 Phillip Lim cascading ruffle dress plum $675

Chic daytime dresses are hard to find. And if you do find one, it is frequently boring and uninspiring. Every woman should have at least one daytime dress in her closet to wear for events like a charity luncheon, a bridal shower, a funeral, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony or a "business" cocktail party. Today I found some great daytime dresses while shopping at Barneys CO-OP designer RTW. The Phillip Lim dress shown above would be appropriate for all those occasions mentioned with the exception of wearing it to a funeral. 

Mums the Word

                Pot of Mums from Costco, $15

I’ve always loved the blast of color that planting fall mums offers. But the plant’s bloom only lasts for 4-5 weeks, and I then I’m forced to look at an ugly stump until it re-blooms months later.  What to do?

My longtime gardener, Jose, had the perfect solution.  Use mums in pots – do not put them into the ground.  Then when the blossom goes – so does the plant - only to be brought back out when the color returns. With that in mind, I bought this gorgeous 3-1/2 foot potted pink mum at Costco for $15.  If it were a clay pot, it'd be impossible to lug around, but luckily the container is plastic.  The perfect spot in my yard turned out to be in between some ferns and some roses where another plant had died over the summer.