A MUST in 2014

Live music has always punctured deep into my soul. I need it, I want it and I crave it. Upon moving to San Francisco, I was feeling a void from not being close to home to enjoy our local reggae band ("Hot Knives," anyone?!?). It was one night at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco (the "other" Boom Boom), I found my fix. When I first saw Will Magid and his band at the Boom Boom, I felt like I struck gold. Now, if you want to persuade me to see music, the mere mention of "trumpet" will really get me fired up. Will Magid's sound is vibrant with the sounds of horns, lively percussion, classical strings and energy like no other. Oh yeah, a whole LOT of trumpet.  (Think electronic meets funk meets soul meets New Orleans meets swamp). It's the kind of music that will make you high with your own sweat, infectious happiness and you'll find the dance moves you never thought you had.

Seeing Will Magid is like having a hot love affair - your mind fixates on the sensations you experience in the moment and you can only think about getting more. If you're like me and plan to integrate more live music into your 2014, get Will Magid high on that list. See their upcoming show schedule here and be sure to sample their sounds as well as like them on Facebook.

Above photo credit: Lauren Merrigan

White Christmas

One of my favorite Christmas movies is the 1954 musical-romantic comedy, White Christmas. I have memories of watching the sister act with my own sister absolutely mesmerized by the glamorous costumes the Haynes sister adorned and all the allure the 1950's sets offered, being too young to truly grasp the plot of the movie. (Watch a clip of sister act here). Yesterday, I spent the afternoon seeing the film at the Jane Pickens Theater, followed by chowder and a bloody mary at The Black Pearl. It was the perfect winter day that subtly reminded me of the ease and enjoyment that the holidays bring.

Wishing you all the ease, joy and beauty the holiday can possibly offer you and your family.

A Carolyne Roehm Holiday

I've always adored Carolyne Roehm's work and as we progress into the holiday season, I will certainly use her tablescapes and holiday designs as inspiration for my own. I particularly love her ability to shy away from the typical green and red color palette and integrate what I think are refreshing "lively" colors (blues, greens and winter whites), into a special holiday design scheme. Her table settings and interiors come alive with the perfect balance of whimsy, tradition and ease. See more here.

Heaven In An Ice Shack

I stumbled upon an episode of Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown" series this past weekend. Immediately, I became enthralled at the mere mention of "ice shack" and "foie gras" in the same sentence, not to mention the jolly Quebec duo Dave McMillan and Fred Morin (M&R above), whose passion for food and memorable dining experiences, is practically seeping from their pores. Catch a clip of the show here. I'll warn you, you'll be craving truffles, vino and romance in no time.