Alexander the Great

I really enjoy reading profiles of young innovators and entrepreneurs and stopped in my tracks when I read about Alexander Gilkes. Not only is he considered one of Vanity Fair's 2013 "International Best Dressed" (extra points in my book for the double-breasted jacket), he helped amplify the Krug brand through an executive role at LVMH (at a rather ripe age), and now, while working for Philips as marketing director and auctioneer, co-founded Paddle8. Paddle8 is an online auction house which aims to connect buyers and sellers of fine art and collectables across the world. The company offers 'Themed Auctions', which is a user-friendly auction platform for buyers and sellers that are curated by various figures, publications and institutions. In addition, they also offer 'Benefit Auctions' which I find particularly interesting as they call on non-profits to run their auctions online in various forms and truly help support those non-profit organizations expand their own support and recognition.

Be sure to read more, here. 

Maison Gray

From an air-borne shot of the Zermatt Express in a snowy blanket of white, paddle boarders blissfully skating across a green film of water in Dubai, skiers enjoying a bluebird day atop of Aspen Mountain, or a lone bather on a Lisbon Pier, Gray Malin brings photography to a new level. I'm dreaming of filling my hallway with his large-scale prints with the hope that I'll be sucked into each one for my own taste of la dolce vida in a faraway land... See his entire collection here.

Be Well

I've always loved Gwyneth's attitude as it relates to her outlook on health and fitness. She believes in working hard to take care of the body, while indulging every once in a while. (Not to mention, she is a serious girl crush of mine). She just released her Winter Detox Mag via GOOP and I'm looking forward to trying a few of the recipes. Also noteworthy this month, my dear friend Mere just launched "BE WELL" where she'll be sharing lots of healthy recipes too. Time to pony up and make that Vitamix a reality...

Here's to "Being well" in 2014. Thanks for the inspiration, GP and Mere!

The Hustle before Sunday...

Provided that I can ditch the NyQuil and tissue box in the next day or so, my goal is to see American Hustle before the 71st Golden Globes this Sunday. The film, along with 12 Years A Slave is matched with seven nominations from Hollywood Foreign Press voters.

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.

Back At It

I'm headed to Vermont this weekend for some skiing with my Father and sister. Admittedly, it's been quite a while since I've hit the slopes, so I'm looking forward to getting back at it. My legs are sore already just thinking about it! Nothing a little Baileys and hot chocolate can't fix...

Above: Photographed by Franco Rubartelli, Vogue, November 1969

Currently Coveting

Market & Fruit picking pack. More here.

Handmade Copper Flask. More here.New England Heirloom Seeds. More here.  Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. More here. Canadian Ash Wood Toboggan. More here. Texas BBQ Smoking Bags. See here.Brooks Leather Bicycle Saddle. More here.Wooden Snowshoes. See here.

I absolutely love Kaufmann Mercantile for their carefully selected goods, especially as they relate to sport and adventure. I think any of the above would make for excellent holiday surprises.