LET ME WRITE THAT DOWN

My everyday tote bag is packed with my tools of the trade: tape measure, paint deck, iphone and a bulging notebook.  While I tried for a few days to jot down notes or those fleeting flashes of inspiring ideas on my iphone, I found my clumsy fingers usually left me with a garbled mess of letters; more often than not, when I went back to my note page, I had no idea what I had written down!  Besides, I really missed my journal--a place for me to doodle, draw, daydream and write to my hearts content. I'm back to carrying my bulging tote with my journal safely tucked inside and couldn't be happier.  

"My Brilliant Ideas" Journal-How can you go wrong?

Safari Pocket Journals-perfect for a small bag

MoMA's Pantone Journal keeps you on track

Smythson's Inspiring  "Make It Happen" Journal

Have a great Monday and write on!

GIFT LIST FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND

Best friends-they know your favorite color, remember your birthday and take your phone calls no matter the hour. What would we ever do without them? Celebrate the season and your friendship with a gift  as unique and special as your BFF. Here's my top ten list of fabulous finds.  With almost everything priced less than $50.00, you may want to treat yourself too!

 Eco Girl- The Andean Collection Classic Tagua Blue Bracelet from Kaights.

Blogger Buddy-"Inspirations and Ideas" hot pink leather Notebook from Smythson 

 

Party Girl-Raw Amethyst and Crystal Bottle Stoppers at Vivre

 Girlie Girl- Sicilian Lime Soap Set from Ortigia at Barneys

 Chic Chick-Buttery Leather Gloves From Sermoneta of Italy

Miss Organized- Amigo Kangaroo Leather Caddy at MoMA

Fashionista-Wallpaper City Guides Fashion boxed set- NY, London, Paris, Rome & Tokyo at Conrans

Book Buff- Christofle tassled book marks

Yoga Moma-Yoga Mat Bag Hand Embroidered in Belize by non-profit Maya Bags

Sweetie Pie-Vosages Exotic Truffle Collection

ELEVATE YOUR CUP OF JOE

New York Coffee Cup, Graham Hill, 2003

My recent visit to MoMA led me, as it always does, to the Museums amazing gift shop, MoMA Store, to do a little shopping. I never leave empty handed because there always seems to be something new and inspiring.  This past visit I found a wealth of gifts (for me or to give) that followed a coffee theme.  An admitted coffee junkie, I love my morning Joe in a tall mug--I have one or two mugs that are my favorites but I am always on the lookout for something new.

My favorite gift for coffeeholic friends is the iconic New York Coffee Cup ($14.00). Living in the city, nearly every corner boasts a Greek coffee shop that gives you your morning coffee in the familiar blue cup with a Greek Key border.  Some friends (I won't say who you are) will only drink their coffee out of these paper cups, and keep a supply of them in their kitchens ready for their morning brew. Treat them to the earthenware version thats dishwasher and microwave safe.

Here are some of the best coffee cups from a rather extensive selection at MoMA.  Drink up!

The Espresso Set,  Felina Sok-Cham, 2008

This bamboo tray with six inset bamboo suacers, six porcelain cups and six stainless spoons that cleverly rest across the cups makes the perfect hostess gift. ($45.00)

I Am Not A Paper Cup,  James Burgess, 2007

Oh so clever, environmentaly friendly and priced right. ($20.00)

Two Carat Cup, Yusuke Fujiname, 2006

Add a little bling to your breakfast. ($15.00)

Java Jacket Mug, Kit Grover, 2009

This ceramic mug offers an eco-friendly alternative to paper. ($16.00)

A VISIT TO MoMA-MORNINGS WITH MONET

Claude Monet, Agapanthus 1914-26.


I love the city in the fall. The crush of summer tourists are a distant memory and the stifling heat of August has been replaced by a crisp autumn breeze. In the autumn, the city comes alive.  Stroll through Central Park and savor the flavors of fall-the sweet smell of street cart peanuts and chestnuts fill the air. It's the perfect time to take in some of the wonderful things that make the city so special.


Sunday morning I grabbed a coffee at Dean and DeLuca and headed over to one of my favorite museums, MOMA. I can spend hours strolling the galleries: there is always something new to see and something to learn.  I love  French Impressionist works and had been anticipating the Monet's Water Lilies Exhibit for quite some time.


The exhibit did not disappoint. MoMA put all three of Monet's beloved waterlily paintings on view for the first time since 2001 along with a recent acquisition and two guest paintings. The collection was breathtaking!

I highly recommend the Mornings with Monet program. On selected Sundays during the exhibits run (Oct. 18, Nov.8, Nov. 25 and Dec.20), the museum is offering group tours before the museum is open to the public. The one hour tour examines the life and works of the artist with an Art Historian as your guide. 

The mural-sized triptych (Water Lilies, 1914-26)  depicts the majestic plants found in the Japanese-style pond that Monet cultivated on his property in Giverny, France.