Ian Flemming's Goldeneye

Mid winter, no matter how much I enjoy wearing my Sorel boots and seeing the snowflakes fall into a warm cup of a chai latte, I miss the sun on my skin.

There's a lot of favorites about this season, big, comfy sweaters being more forgiving of an extra pound or five, snow days and Netflix marathons.

But sometime mid February, I dream of sunny beaches and enjoying warm waters in the tropics. Somewhere where a frozen drink doesn't seem inappropriate...

For all my friends and family, they know the level of obsession with James Bond I have is close to unhealthy, so when in need of a mental gateway, there's nothing more perfect than the location in Jamaica, where Ian Flemming wrote all of his novels.

I'd recommend a fantastic documentary on the subject, titled Everything or Nothing about the legacy Flemming left behind.

Ian Flemming loved Jamaica and it inspired him for many years to use the backdrop for Bond's character. The villa he lived and wrote in was owned by many people throughout the decades but in recent years it has been owned by a record executive with deep roots in Jamaican music culture.

Dr.No was filmed on the island itself, and to many Bond fans Jamaica always holds as the paradise that started it all.

What I wouldn't give for a quick gateway from New York to Goldeneye right now. To sit at the desk Flemming used and touch the keys of his typewriter and later enjoy a martini on the James Bond Beach. One can dream...

Till next Time! Nina

But first, coffee...

Growing up in Europe, my obsession with coffee began at a really young age, almost inappropriately young age. Adults in my family used to gather every day, for a cup of coffee. Drinking that cup, smelling the aroma, knowing everyone's way of drinking it, was a ritual. It meant joining "the circle", it meant participating in gossip feasts, discussing politics, soccer matches, holiday gatherings and countless other social occasions. How else will you know the party is almost over if not for coffee?

You can tell so much about a person by the way they take their coffee. Bold and black, means you're a purist, extra milk and sugar means you love to day dream. Weak coffee meant you're probably going to drink more cups in a row and you're in for a slow awakening.

Coffee is my love. Every morning begins with a cup, and it never feels officially as if the morning had begun, until that first cup has seen the bottom of a mug.

I have been chasing a perfect cup of coffee throughout Manhattan, and would love to share some of my favorite spots with you. I encourage you to try these special cup of jo spots and share your thoughts with me.

My go to coffee spot in TriBeca had always been at an Italian baker, Grandaisy Bakery. Located at 250 West Broadway, the morning perfection of well brewed coffee, paired with pistachio pastry, is an orgasmic way to start your day. Their egg sandwich is also a party in my mouth and only their bold morning roast is also invited. Crispy, fresh baked whole grain bread with hard boiled eggs, dill and herb mayo, capers and sea salt satisfies every Eastern European need for cornishons and eggs in the morning.

While shopping in SoHo, I can never resist the radiant decor of Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring Street. They've won every award for every delicious item on their spectacular menu, and the coffee... well, it pairs perfectly with sunny decor, almond croissants and a copy of the latest Saveur magazine.

My latest discovery since I begun spending more time in the West Village, has been Jack's Stir Brew. It's a real neighborhood spot where baristas know your name and the size of your favorite order. It also fools you by appearing real charming and homey, but they take their coffee very seriously. My fave on the list is the Stella and Mad Max. Make it a double, make it with organic maple syrup and pass on the scone.

Jack's is located on 138 W 10th St. And if you run into Elvis Costello or Sarah Jessica Parker, play it cool.

Till next Time! 

Nina

Emerald- Color of The Year

Pantone 17-5641 Color of 2013

I don't believe in New Year resolutions that begin with "Will not...". Isn't it just better to start resolutions that begin with "I'll surround myself with...." 

For a person that loves vibrant colors, I rarely wear or decorate in colors that are alive. Guess it's the stereotypical New Yorker in me, because as I take a look around my wardrobe, muted, monochromatic lifestyle, I vow to wear more vivacious palette. I fell in love with Greige as much as the next gal, but the understated Calvin Klein elegance, must make way for lush, deep hues that excite.

It's not about simply wearing more emerald, it is about adding dynamism to spheres of your life that may need a little visual boost. Living beautifully means living more artfully, is it not?

Gucci Spring 2013

"Lively.Radiant. Lush...a color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony"

"The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world. This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors."

Color of the year. It's not just for redheads and royals anymore. Let's live artfully. 

Til next time!

Nina

Tablescapes

There's something magical about a table set up for a dinner party.

Most hostesses don't get to enjoy the beautiful set up before guests arrive as they are rushing about in the kitchen, plating and feeling the pressure of the clock.

I myself love table decorating and even more so hosting my friends and family for dinners and brunches.

Any occasion is a brand new chance to pick out flowers, scouring Etsy for last minute decorating objets des curiosities.

Vintage cake server for Gummy Bears and Twizzlers in grandmother's butter dish? Oui, si vous plait!

Tea Party for One!

In the world of Grey Gardens, we can't all live in the perfect world where every dinner party deserves most beautiful (and costly!) flower arrangements. Not all get to be Carole or Jackie, some of us get to be Little Eddie or Big Eddie. 

I invite you to explore the delicate art of table setting, for you and your loved one, because we all want to be a part of high society for an evening. Maybe because it's a Wednesday! 

Or because your pen exploded in your favorite bag and the silk lining was pastel pink! 

Who cares? Treat yourself!

Love me violet, love me not!

Mint, gold, it's a party for two!

 Outdoor Party, simplicity at its best

Green with Envy!

No need to serve a five course meal, sometime the more unexpected the better! 

Elegant table setting? Serve baked mac' n' cheese and pigs in the blanket. 

Loving understated elegance? Serve macarons! If only for their beautiful, rainbow colors.

Just teleport me now!

This time of the year, the sun disappearing so quickly, the frigid temperatures and lack of outdoor seating at Juliette makes me think of comforts of tea.

After-all, what's better than Harney and Sons Tropical Green Tea, or better yet... a tea bar designed to tickle every sense. Because life is that wonderful!

Beverage Bar for Winter Blahs!

Til Next Time!

Nina