Life In Style

Everything Nice

                      

Everything Nice, the second novel by favorite author, Ellen Shanman, has arrived as the perfect book to get your brain out of summer beach mode and back to the real reading of the Must Have fall short list. 

Smart, textured, and poignantly stinging - the novel is right on point to bring about the next evolution in sophisticated romantic comedy fiction with really good female driven storytelling. More so- the story seems ripe for movie plucking.  Somewhere between Sex and the City and the forthcoming The Women, Everything Nice is exactly what people who hate the words "chick lit" and "chick flick" are looking for.  If you haven't picked it up yet - go get it.  Or order it here.  Must Haves 

   

Must Have Books for February

All we really need is a roof overhead, food on the table and the clothes on our backs...right?

           

                     

   One girls version of those things...all available at Amazon. 

                                   Must Haves 

Now Hear This

   

Currently listening to and loving the new album by singer/songwriter Todd Alsup.  He's getting raves on the New York music scene and air time on Sirius with his debut CD, facts and figures.  Accurately described as "old school soul with piano-man sensibilities", Alsup has happily found a home on our most played ipod list.  Not to be missed and soon to everywhere. 

Check it out here.  Must Haves

   

January Must Haves

Must Haves for January...

Coppola's 2005 Director's Cut Red Zinfandel:  an outstanding bottle of red wine that can be had for under $20.00...your best bet to keep the January blah's at bay.

Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks:  a brilliant cream blush that actually delivers the rosy glow of just coming in from the cold.  Goodbye powder.

ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream:  if you buy one new product this year, let it be this one.  A 2008 miracle.

Moleskine's 2008 Calendar Notebook: plan for an excellent year, remember your friend's birthdays, and book a vacation.  Must Haves

Renew My Subscription To...

Out with the old.  In with the new.  Time to re-up for the really good monthly reads and welcome a few new ones into your mailbox.  For the well-lived life, in style, here are the Top Ten Magazines for 2008.

1.  Fast Company

2.  The New York Times

3.  Vogue

4.  House Beautiful

5.  Martha Stewart's Living

6.  Food and Wine 

7.  Domino

8.  Cook's Illustrated

9. The Wall Street Journal Online

10.  Wired

Must Haves

Love Olive

Currently loving all things olive...pure, authentic, and naturally lovely.  Definite must have products for November.

Check out L'Occitane and Anthropologie for more lovely things.  Must Haves

A Whole New Mind

I f there is any doubt left to the rise of the forward thinking creative class that is slowly gaining momentum in our country, check out Dan Pink's inspiring book A Whole New Mind.  The next era of big business will be led by those right brained creatives who can integrate design, empathy, meaning, and 360 degree thinking into strategic solutions.  Also it doesn't hurt that the author is decidedly Jon Stewart - like and a very dynamic speaker.  An inspiring read ...  Must Haves

Personal Papers

We can't get enough of this talented designer's custom papers.  With a book due in stores this fall and a line of stationery on the way, Cheree Berry is a rare find along the paper trail.  Her elegant, clever designs are a breath of fresh air for those of you looking for something noteworthy outside the Mrs. John L Strong establishment.  It might be time to invest in your correspondence wardrobe.  Clearly, the August Shop Stop does not apply here.

For Save the Dates, Wedding, Baby, and Personal Stationery - check out www.chereeberry.com.  Must Haves

Wake Up Call

          

The Monday morning wake-up call is something we never look forward to.  Ever.  The most restful, splendid weekend instantly vanishes when your ancient little alarm clock starts demanding that you get into the shower.  But you can do something about that.  The Must Have headliner of July is the ipod alarm clock.   There are several versions out there with varying bells and whistles at different price points, but for the most part this product has been a sleeper on the market for sometime now- all the more reason to bring this very reasonably priced everyday luxury item into your world. The iPod Alarm Clock will ensure that you start every day with your own soundtrack for living.  And anyone with a sense of humor will surely find ways to wake up smiling.  Tomorrow's pick: Jump by the Pointer Sisters.

Many, many thanks to B&R  for helping us start each day with joy.  Before next Monday morning- check out www.store.apple.com.  Must Haves

Get On Board

Isn't it right about this time of year when the last place you want to be is the gym?  The sun is shining, the days are inviting, and so the workout gets the boot.  If your routine is stalled in the station and you can't afford the personal trainer or Pilate's coach you need to get back on track, there is iTrain.  Much like iTunes, you can download trainer guided workouts directly to your iPod.  They have treadmill, weight training, yoga, Pilate's, cycling, ballet...all in a variety of proficiency levels.  And if you like a little star quality in your workout- get an hour with the celebrity trainers who sculpt for Hollywood.  Opt for a monthly or annual membership, or go a la carte and download 3 custom workouts for $25.00.  Just what we need to get the caboose in gear.

All aboard www.itrain.com.  Must Haves