New Hermes Store on Madison.....Just for Men

I checked out the new men's Hermes store on Madison recently...It was great! We would not have expected anything less. Some things remain constant and this brand certainly has. The colors vary from season to season (which by the way they always seem to have a pulse on the hot new colors) but the product is consistent and definitely timeless.

My visit to the new store reminded me that I needed to share this... We all know this season there's the borrowed "boyfriend" look. The over sized shirts, pants...well what about your boyfriends ties? I have to admit I did not come up on my own but I did take it to the next level. Make a fun necklace with your "boyfriends" tie... Adding an old Hermes tie, cute white tee...definitely Timeless Cool.

The bummer....no one wants to part with those darn timeless ties!

Jamie Olivers Ted Prize Wish.....

If you have some time it is worth listening to Jamie Oliver at the last TED.

Alessi "24th Sentence Maker Wall Clock by Martí Guixé

I forgot to mention in my last post Mr. Guixé new design for Alessi.

The 24th Sentence Maker Clock  and the "Blank Wall Clock".

In Alessi's new product brochure, it refers to Martí Guixé as describing himself provocatively as an "ex-designer" emphasizing his aversion to the stylized and formalistic approach. Rather than always trying to reinvent some new form that fits into traditional interpretations of function within existing typologies, he engages in the practice of researching new ways of looking at objects, of thinking about them and methods that can encourage peoples' active participation and spirit of reinvention!

"Communicating not only with objects but also with other people through the objects"!

I think this is pretty cool....

Nan Lian Garden in Hong Kong...a little piece of Heaven

Located in the heart of the bustling city of Hong Kong is this little piece of heaven,  Nan Lian Garden. Not a destination that is on many of the lists of  must see,  but certainly should be.

Nan Lian Garden is built in the ancient style of Tang Dynasty. One of the first things you notice upon entering are the amazing rock formations. Our guide told us that most of the rocks in the garden come from the Red River of Xijiang (totaling over 8 tons). They are placed strategically throughout the garden.

Truly an oasis.... see the great city in the background.

Each view carefully planned....

There were four bridges throughout the garden.  This being my favorite...the color against the greens of nature were amazing.

Some of architectural elements.......

Another view of the bridge....just can not get enough of the unbelievable orange!

Lots of old and valuable trees..... over 50 types trees and totaling more than 3000.

Water is one of the main themes of the garden, a waterfall, a spring, a brook and two ponds.

 The water adds to the serenity and tranquility.

The detail and work it takes to maintain the grounds.

Surrounded by the beauty of nature everywhere you look..... A very special place.

Another great place to file in the memory bank!

Monday Morning Music...Kruder & Dorfmeister - Sofa Rockers

Cool song..... http://www.sonodea.com/

NY Times Shopping with Martí Guixé....Resetting the Table

One of my favorite artists' Frances Palmer was just mentioned for her fabulous dinner plates in the New York Times article "Resetting the Table with Martí Guixé". Read more.......

If you would like a little hint of color in your life check out the new butter..............I just saw it in person and it is yummy!

Bergdorf Goodman Shoe Salon App......

.....I cannot get enough of all the new shoes this season..... even though I cannot walk in them (next life) The whole fashion category is very exciting this season. Why are women so taken with shoes? Are you a shoe fanatic? If so, you must download the new Bergdorf Goodman Shoe App . For every shoe app download, Bergdorf Goodman will donate $5.00 to City Harvest each week. 

K D Lang's Amazing Olympic Performance.........

Sorry, the Olympic commitee has the rights the actual performance. Here is a performance in 2005 that was fabulous, now once again in 2010......... yet an even more amazing performance this weekend!

Her real name is Kathryn Dawn Lang and was born in Consort, Alberta Canada. A great choice for the opening ceromonies of the 2010 Olympics!

The Year of the Tiger by Johh Hardy

Wanted to make sure you did not miss this great video..... and  good wishes for a happy and and prosperous year of the Tiger from John Hardy Jewelry.  Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Valentine's Day ....no carnations please

Do you know the history of Valentine's Day? We should all know why we are celebrating, correct? After searching for a simple explanation, the best source I found was National Geographic News. The headline that dragged me into their site was "Think naked Romans, paganism, and whips" ...I read on. 

Now that we have the history down, I thought I would share my personal preference of flower giving guidelines for the holiday. Roses do tend to be a preferred choice for Valentine's Day, although the red rose is very much associated with the holiday; remember there are many more colors .... I love orange!

Simple is best, less is more.... many choices and  price ranges. 

The rules I live by are single colors, no mixed bouquets.  If you have to mix no more than two colors, not including the green. I love the three rule!

........... never say never here is an exception to the color rule

 but  you can see why this works,  they are all the same type of flower.

 Remember, it is not necessarily quantity but quality,

one great flower will always do the trick!

Timeless Cool: Tina Frey Designs in Modern Designs in Resin

Timeless Cool: Tina Frey Designs in Modern Designs in Resin

Tina Frey Designs in Modern Designs in Resin

I recently met a fashionable designer from San Francisco on my last trip to New York....my only regret was I did not take a photo of Tina Frey (the designer) to share with you and show you how great she looked wearing her designs. She had an amazing collection of jewelry and homewares that she designed in resin. Each piece is handmade, individually cast and hand finished. Very modern,  timeless and very cool....Timeless Cool! Fabulous salad bowls, servers, vases......as you can see my favorite color this season is grey.....IT'S THE NEW BLACK!

 The vases come in numerous sizes, don't you love how the colors just POP against that  grey
.

The large salad bowl and the smaller bowl with the yellow servers!!

Love them all....now on to the jewelry

Tina had this necklace on when I met her with a simple black turtleneck and one of the cuffs below.

It was  look fabulous!

All the cuffs were great but this was my favorite....

more...

oh my what's this....leather bags too!

Monday Morning Music Pick...Oldie but Goodie

Great Find....Felix!

Treasure Hunting in in Chiang Mai

I love looking for treasures from the past that can be incorporated with the present, especially in exciting far away places. Given the guidence of a savy treasurer hunter, my son, we ventured out and began our hunt.

As we pull up in the taxi .......treasures treasures everywhere

beautiful teak furniture

gorgeous old baskets

Laquered Serving Vessels

Many interesting statues.... 

detailed wood carvings..

all telling a story from the past

if only these were not sooooo heavy....they would be en route

 pairs are much more valuable since are becoming harder to find

The position of the Buddha's hands have many meanings....when both hands are clasped in his lap, this is the meditative posture, if one hand is up with palm out, it is the gesture of giving instruction, and the one on the Buddha above, is called the posture of Calling the Earth to Witness, and symbolizes enlightenment.

old cow bells and miniture statues from Laos set in wood. I  believe the little statues were used as gifts for holidays such as birthdays but I have been unable to confirm that.

The monks had wonderful faces

Many placed these statues in their homes for good fortune, peace and protection

 or spiritual practice in meditaion.

It is hard to see the detail in the photos, but there are beautiful colored stones

embedded along the edges of  the robes.

We are happy....it was a successful hunt!

Jean-Georges's Fried Rice by New York Times Minimalist Mark Bittman

Jean-Georges's Fried Rice by New York Times Minimalist

I am back in the US and am missing all the fabulous food that I have consumed over the last 2 weeks....I stumbled upon this recipe  and in my jet-lagged state of mind was able to produce a very good meal. Thought I would share...it was fabulous! The key is the crispy garlic and ginger topping!

Love Mail...Happy Valentines Day!

Love Mail

"Inspired by romantic memories of sending love mail to those special people in your life.  The fun collection uses vintage air mail envelope graphics and stamps, making it a beautiful range suitable for the young, young at heart and those being in love."

A friend recently shared with me this link to a very cute website. http://www.kikki-k.com/. It is full of fun gift ideas for many occassions. With Valentines Day rapidly approaching this caught my eye "Camera Kit: Love Mail! What a great alternative to the traditional greeting card......very creative! Photo's are always "Timeless Cool."

Monday Morning Music...take me to Spain

Love it....thank you Felix!