Worn Wear

I'm feeling quite invigorated after watching Patagonia's "Worn Wear" short film, showcasing a selection of the brand's adventuresome customers and their loyal products they've cherished for years. Just last week, my sister and I were remarking on how many tears and stains adorned my Father's down vest and promptly took advantage of Patagonia's "Anti Black Friday" campaign, sending the vest in for repairs. As the film cleverly depicts, each tear and imperfection tells a story about a meaningful adventure or memory, thus, the product becomes a part of one's fiber and essence.

Patagonia has always been environmentally conscious and has for a long time, gained the respect of many for its corporate responsibility practices, employee activism, global outreach and quality products. They stand by their products and encourage their customers to "Return, Repair and Recycle" when possible. This year's "Anti Black Friday" campaign received a bit of flack from consumer studies experts, not to mention the company's "Don't Buy This Jacket" full page ad in the NY Times two years ago, however I think it's a brilliant marketing strategy representing the true moral code of the brand. (It should be mentioned that following the NY Times ad in 2011, Patagonia saw annual revenues increase by almost 40 percent over the next two years). Fancy that!

I particularly relied on the brand's Capilene® baselayers during frigid sailing regattas and practices up and down the east coast in my college years, which are still with me to this day. I consider myself a loyal customer and will continue to look to them as a leader in the industry and global community.

I encourage you to watch the video (here).

Hold On To Your...Bunny Ears...

Playboy's 60th Anniversary Issue has arrived with Kate Moss gracing the cover exuding nothing but sultry perfection.  Below, some of my favorite vintage Playboy covers. They make fun gifts to give to your beau (or self) and excellent coffee table reading. Note some of the captions on the covers...hysterical.

Delish!

Once again, this train is late to the station. I hadn't heard of the Avocado Egg Bullseye until my friends at Coastal Kitchen posted about the power breakfast and then realized there were so many variations out there. It was just this weekend that I tried my own take on the snack (hot sauce recommended!) as a little sustenance before yoga class. How delicious! It's the perfect discovery as I start to get back into the post-Thanksgiving regimen. Be sure to see what the Ferguson girls have to say. Bon appetit!

The Cure

The day after Thanksgiving. If you're like me, you're inevitably faced with a mild hangover and promising yourself you'll go on a juicing craze for the next two weeks. I've found that one of the best cures for a mental or physical hangover is salty air and finding time with the sea. In my younger years, this usually meant stumbling into a dinghy sailboat and going sailing with my college team mates working off our fun from the night prior....These days, the 'cure' has become an experience I crave for mental and physical stimulation. There is something about watching powerful waves meet with a rocky beach while the salty air stings your face and the cold penetrates through your body. You're frozen and uncomfortable, yet at peace and in awe, never wanting to leave.

Above:  Photographs from my latest visit with the sea, no doubt, the best cure. When was the last time you met with the sea?