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Monthly Archives: May 2015

Summer Salad

In our house we love making fresh salads all summer long.  We even started getting produce from local farmers markets delivered each week (but that’s another post!!!).  My daughter took a cooking class last June and was given this amazing Tomato-Watermelon salad.  It has become a staple in our house during the dog days of Summer!!!!  



Tomato -Watermelon Salad


Ingredients:
1/4 of watermelon cubed
3 medium tomatoes, cubed
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint & basil
6 cups arugula or other fresh greens
Feta cheese to taste (optional)
Almonds to taste (optional)


In a large bowl, combine melon & tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, and let it stand.  In a smaller bowl, add 4 tablespoons olive oil and all vinegar, herbs and pepper.  When the dressing is all mixed pour it into the lemon mixture and let sit in the fridge for up to 2 days.  When you are ready to serve your salad, toss the arugula in a medium bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil.  


Serve by adding a pile of arugula to the center of the plate, topping with melon mixture, and garnishing with feta and/or almonds.



Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Earlier this week I attend the Kip’s Bay Decorator Show House in the Arthur Sachs Mansion on East 66th street in Manhattan.  Kips Bay is one of the premier show houses in the country with 43 years in existence and showcasing 22 of the worlds prominent designers and architects.  Each designer is given 8 weeks to transform their distinct space.  The overall effect was to revive the 5 floors, 9600 square feet of the historic townhouse.   This year the rooms did not disappoint.  There were many dramatic colors and patterns, as well as lacquered walls and furniture,  a huge winding staircase, canopy beds and hidden glamorous wet bars throughout.  Even though all of these exquisite elements were celebrated, I really was excited to see the 3rd floor “tradition with a twist” bathroom that my dear friend and neighbor Peter Sinnott designed.  Peter is a Principal, Senior Designer and Creative Director in a local design team, HOME WORKS.  He is so talented, so it is no surprise that he was given this HUGE honor to have his incredible talent and work on display in this year’s show house.  Kudos to you Peter and keep up the fabulous, inspiring work!!!!

Beverly Hills Hotel Style

One of my favorite places to visit is the Beverly Hills Hotel.  Even if you stop there for a drink in their famed Polo Lounge or stay in one of the infamous bungalows (number 7 was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite and is called the Norma Jean), you have to pay a visit at some point.  Here you will surely channel Hollywood Royalty.  Katherine Hepburn used to dive in the pool with her tennis clothes on, the pool was opened after hours so the Beatles could take a dip and Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned in Bungalow 5!  The stories are endless however one of the most prized room at the hotel is the little fountain coffee room on the lower level.  This room features 19 original, but restored bar stools, around a classic curved soda fountain counter.  One of the most beautiful elements in the room is the Iconic Original Martinique Banana Leaf wallpaper, which has become one of the most recognizable in the world and still widely used today in the design world.  This banana leaf design has been showing up on everything from pillows to pajamas.  Perhaps you can bring some Beverly Hills Hotel glamour into your home!

image beverly hills hotel

Beverly Hills Hotel Style

Brooks Brothers belted dress
brooksbrothers.com

Jo de Mer one piece swim wear
shoplesnouvelles.com

Green skirt
pinkqueen.com

Milly cosmetic bag
amazon.com

Outdoors patio furniture
onekingslane.com

Vista Alegre green platter
gracioushome.com

Serveware
furbishstudio.com

Beverly I Print
shoptheaestate.com

Farewell to Madmen

I am a little bit in a funk today now that Madmen is officially over.  I loved the show so much.  The fashions, the sets, the going back in time.  Everything was perfection.  I must admit I did love the ending.  Here is one last look at the Madmen style.  I love that they put so many vintage treasures and mid century modern pieces back in vogue, especially all the barware.  Good bye to seven amazing seasons of glamour and style!!!

Farewell to Madmen

Fashionable Friend Friday

This week’s fashionable Friend friday is Rita Fusaro, owner of Rita Fusaro antiques.  She is a high end antique dealer that scours the globe for beautiful finds to sell in at Harborview Antiques in Stamford, Ct.  Recently I met Rita at Harborview and she showed me around her vignettes.  Rita is also going to hold a complementary antiques information session for our readers.  She will walk us through her gorgeous inventory and tell us about her unique items.  If you are interested please email nicole@thesteinthals.com and we will set up a mutually agreeable time for our group!  In the meanwhile, enjoy our online tour of Rita Fusaro Antiques.


We All Need A Health Advisor

I recently met Health Advisor, Nina Cheigh.  Nina works with her clients to discuss their overall health with respect to diet, exercise, sleep habits, stress management, medications and vitamins.  She has a 10 day plan which I am currently learning about and will be posting shortly.  In the meanwhile, Nina gave us an awesome healthy yet delicious smoothie to try at home.  You can learn more and follow Nina on Facebook HERE.
Easy Berry Smoothie

Ingredients


3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk

1 cup kale

1 banana

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 tbsp flax seeds



Combine ingredients in a blender; pulse to combine. Add ice; process until smooth