Today marks the third day in a row where I've come across geraniums - either in person or via photograph. They immediately make me think of my Father, who had a collection of geraniums in various terra cotta pots in his home office growing up. They dotted the window sill in hues of pinks and reds, next to a bookshelf chalked full of CDs, cassette tapes and stereo equipment. Along with his boat log, chappy motorcycles and pretty much any possession relating to any said water sport, his geraniums provided him with great joy - and were not to be touched. I learned this the hard way when I "borrowed" a few of his geraniums to spruce up my backyard at my summer pad in Newport. When my parents came over for a barbeque after a night out on the water, my theft was revealed. I was scolded and told to promptly return them to their rightful, nurturing proprietor. To my credit, the potted geraniums made a fabulous addition to my backyard.
Questionable Pizza in Positano
One of my favorite go-to blogs is called This is Glamorous, founded by the ever so chic London-based Roséline. Currently, she showcases photographs for travel inspiration (see here), and the one above gave me pause. I couldn't figure out why, but then quickly realized it is a restaurant I went to with an old friend in Positano. We were so tired from a day of travel along the Amalfi Coast and ventured down the hill with his family for a late dinner. We quickly ordered a plethora of pasta, pizza and wine. Among one of our choices was the "American Pizza" which our waitress was making a great case for without providing us with much detail. When it arrived, we had a good laugh as the pizza essentially consisted of marinara and cheese, with sliced hot dogs and french fries on top. Needless to say, we didn't know if we should be flattered or offended, but it was hilarious. Of course, we ate it in its entirety.
Ciao for now!
Frothy Fiction
After I finish my current read for book club, I plan on getting my hands on The Vacationers. NPR dubbed it as a "frothy beach read" and Preston Davis gave it the thumbs up, so you know it's a good pick.
St Barths or Bust! Support newportFILM
newportFILM is an organization I am continually passionate about - despite living on the other coast. When I'm home, I make a point to attend their film events and think the ladies (and lad!) behind the non-profits' execution are doing some remarkable things for our community and culture in the Ocean State. With Andrea van Beuren and Terri Conners at the helm, the organization has grown immensely over the past few years with the continued support of passionate patrons and people who simply dig a good experience. newportFILM not only celebrates documentary film makers and their audiences, but the organization has the unique ability to curate memorable experiences in our backyard, at some of the most beautiful, iconic and historical outdoor (and indoor) landscapes.
If you're passionate about the organization too, I encourage you to lend your support by making a donation of $50 at minimum. With your donation, your name will be entered into a raffle for a 7 night vacation in St. Barths with WIMCO Villas. (Think of how fabulous you'll feel in your bandeau top, sipping rosé on the beach of French St Barths, knowing you got there with the grace and goodness of your own heart)! The winner will be drawn on July 31st, so hop to it! Visit here for all the details.
Finally, be sure to buy your ticket to newportFILM's Summer Benefit, one of the best parties of the summer! The benefit is this Friday, July 18th at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Slim on Inspiration
I've been perfecting my French Press techniques the past few mornings and as a result, I have consumed more caffeine than necessary. Busy days and early rises have left little time for channeling my inspiration for posts, so today, I leave you with Slim Aarons (again). Hotel Belair, circa 1991 (as if the bikini didn't give away the 90's vibe...). That pool looks like a good time.
Germany Wins...
Germany may have won the World Cup, but Deutschland also scored a goal with Vogue Germany's August cover story. As a nod to the old-school erotic romantic drama 9 1/2 Weeks, model Anja Rubik channels Kim Basinger's intensely seductive yet naive character. I'm loving it. If you haven't seen the 1986 film, get familiar. The most infamous scene? The bizarrely erotic food seduction scene staring Kim Basinger and her domineering lover Mickey Rourke - watch here. I'll forewarn you, you might think differently about your next trip to the refrigerator...
F is For....
...Fall, of course. It's hard to even skip ahead and mentally prepare, but these images just took me there in a big way. Granted, I'm counting down the days to my next east coast jaunt this summer, but this editorial with Giedre Dukauskaite for Vogue Mexico made my mind fast forward for a millisecond. Remember this post?
On the Coast: Rugged Beauty
I've been captivated by the Oregon Coast for quite some time and it remains on my bucket list of domestic travel destinations. This home in Cloverdale, Oregon will be up for auction in two short weeks. Although there are several things I would do differently with the property, you can't ignore her rugged beauty & bliss - all 25 acres! See more here.
Just What I Needed.
I woke up feeling uninspired this morning, until I went through my archives and found this photograph. Pure spunk! This woman is fierce and fabulous in Prada, captured on the street in Paris via The Sartorialist.
"I'll Take You There": Muscle Shoals Sound
I didn't know what "Muscle Shoals" meant until watching this documentary, only to discover it is indeed a town along the Tennessee River in Alabama, and most notably, the breeding ground for some serious soul (anyone that has ever boogie-ed along to "Brown Sugar", "Mustang Sally", and "I'll Take You There", this is where you can relate). More specifically, the film centers around Rick Hall, the self-made founder of FAME Studios, responsible for bringing black and white people together among extreme poverty and tragedies, to create a new genre of music that has lasted for countless generations. Perhaps my favorite component of the film were the musings from Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, Etta James and the like, on the power of this "Singing River" music genre. For anyone that appreciates a little or a whole lotta SOUL like moi, this one is a must-see. View the trailer, here.