Those close to me know that there is one man that will forever make my heart pitter patter. The man of course, is none other than photographer and King of the jet-set era, Slim Aarons. I suppose it's his photography that captures me, rather than Slim himself...Given that it's a Friday and I'm on vacation, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. Bon Weekend!
Shipyard Shorts
I touch down this morning in the Ocean State for an extended weekend visit with my family. I'm looking forward to attending NewportFILM's event this evening at the Newport Shipyard where the organization will showcase a collection of "adventure and eco docs". Among the collection, they will show North of the Sun, the Grand Prize Winner at BANFF Mountain Film Festival this year. The film chronicles the adventures of two young die hard surfers who conquer nine months of cold, Norwegian winter adventures on a remote, arctic island by the coast of Northern-Norway. Their mission: tasty, COLD waves. (In fact, some of the world's best surfable waves are home to this often unchartered region).
The sunset screenings begin at 8:15 PM ET, however guests have the option of attending the early portion of the evening. At 7:00 PM ET, guests are welcome to the Shipyard for libations and hors d'oeuvres, while taking part in a "meet & greet" with Atlantic Cup skippers. Frankly, the "spiked seltzer and PBR" concoction is reason enough to get me there early...
Visit newportFILM.com for more information about the event.
So Fresh and So Clean (Clean)
The cover of the June issue of Vogue is everything it should be. Charlize looks divine, as always, and the editorial is fun, fresh and youthful, while leaving the reader with a yearning for that inexplicable summer ease. Charlize seems to have a terrific handle on her dealings with fame, and although her relationship with Sean Penn is rather private (as it should be), it's clear she has a renewed perspective on love, life & the like. Read the article here.
Le Freak, C'est Chic
1971 in St. Tropez - Mick & Bianca's Wedding
Bardot. Enough explanation.
Jacqueline Bisset.1966 
Jane Birkin 
Macaroni (the pony) and Kennedy children 
STEVE (McQueen)
Jerry Hall in Halston
I'm convinced I was meant to live in the late 60's / early 70's. Halston. Jagger. Rock 'n' Roll. Bardot. Jackie. Steve. EVERYTHING. C'est Chic.
M&D
Today, I'm thinking of my parents who are celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary. I'm looking forward to heading home in a few days to celebrate with them. Living across the country, I value these trips more than ever. One thing I enjoy most about my visits with my family are the stories from my parents of their younger years, including how they met...
My parents met in the winter of 1980 at a Christmas party with a bunch of America's Cup sailors in Newport, Rhode Island. My Mother credits their introduction to a rather forward hello on her part, which is certainly uncharacteristic for her. At the time of their meet & greet, my Father had his arms around two different girls. (To this day, he will squirm and smirk when my Mother emphasizes this portion of said encounter). They got chatting about their respective upbringings in upstate New York and a few days later, my Father casually visited my Mother at work to ask her out.
On their first date, my Father asked when my Mother's birthday was. When it was revealed that it was in fact the next day, he insisted that they celebrate. The next evening, they went to dinner. This is usually the intersection where my Father will take over the storytelling. Turns out, my Mother had to be home promptly by 8:00 PM that evening for another "obligation". That obligation was her "former" college boyfriend who drove to Newport from New York City to take her out for her birthday...
Needless to say, the questionable guest from New York City didn't stick around for long. Fast-forward through my parents' love affair to the summer of 1983 in the Adirondacks, when after my Grandfather's blessing, my Father proposed to my Mother. They were married on May 19, 1984 in the Ocean State - their Reverend allegedly wore Sperrys without socks whilst performing the nuptials.
When leaving their reception at the Glen Manor House, their wedding guests threw oatmeal (in lieu of rice) on my parents as they were whisked away in the rain to the airport for their Honeymoon in Greece. They laughed, arriving to the airport in a vintage Rolls Royce, my Mother in a white ensemble, my Father in his best, both covered in soggy wet oatmeal.
On the first day of Spring in 1987, my Parents welcomed me into the world. I am told I may or may not be the product of a "good time" at Block Island Race Week...
A Flora Flop
Behold, the catalpa tree. Very few gardeners have planted one since the financial crisis (the one in the 1930s), perhaps due to its messy nature. The seedpods it drops are abundant and pesky and its blooms are shortlived. The catalpa has company though. According to Wednesday's article in the NYTimes, American homeowners have stopped spending money on all types of trees and shrubs. In the four years after 2008's financial crisis, landscaping purchases dropped by 46 percent. Among other floral flops? The Poppy, the Firethorn, the Fig tree and Crinum. I highly suggest reading the article and skip to your nearest garden shop.
Cocktail Hour
For a while now, I've been wanting to host a garden brunch at my place. With the weather heating up in San Francisco, now might be a good time. This Grapefruit Sage Mimosa is right up my alley. Sage, citrus and mid-morning cocktails? Yes, please.
Goodness, Grace
Tonight, marks the opening-night gala premiere of the biographical film Grace of Monaco in Cannes, part of the legendary international film festival. I was disheartened to read about the drama surrounding the roll-out of the film in the NYTimes this morning, but do hope Harvey Weinstein and his company sort out the alleged mess in short order. The film is a highly anticipated one for me personally, and it's a shame to read about such political haste. Be sure to watch the trailer here.
Get On The (Green) Wagon!
As "millennials", we're at a stage in life where we begin to see our friends and peers do some pretty cool things in life. Living in San Francisco, we're especially privy to some unique innovators, dreamers and doers. However, let's face it, that pool of innovators is getting larger and so, when we discover a good thing, it can be transcending.
On the subject of transcending, it gives me great joy and an immense amount of pride to introduce you to Green Wagon, the brainchild of my dear friend Brittany. Green Wagon is a delivery service of organic and gluten free snacks to businesses and homes. Each delivery, (weekly, every other week or monthly- you chose) is a curated box of delightful eats, all 100% organic, gluten free, vegan and non-GMO. Genius. When I discovered how well my package of dried persimmons complemented my afternoon cappuccino at work yesterday, I started plotting my healthy afternoon snacks for the rest of the week. (Think: coconut chips! chocolate covered goji berries! rosemary garlic pistachios!)
The concept truly does re-define snacking as the brand preaches and better yet, you can snack yourself to your heart's content with the satisfaction of knowing Green Wagon donates 1% of annual revenue to a hunger cause. Get on the Green Wagon!
Clap Along...
Sunday, I'll especially be thinking of my Mother. We can often get overwhelmed by visions of peonies, brunch and all things Hallmark on Mother's Day, but I think we can all agree, there is something so special about having a Mother in your life. Take a moment to reflect on the joy she brings to you and if you're far away from her like me, make sure you ring her first thing Sunday! Here's to Mom!