The Great Gig In The Sky

It's been many years ago and seemingly galaxies away since my last astronomy lesson. My Sunday trip to the newly revived Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills reminded me that we are all made of stars. Where have I heard that one before? Ah, yes...that Moby song. Gazing one-hundred & eighty degrees over the city of Angels makes you think how small we all really are in the grand scheme of things. For a brief moment, all that seems overwhelming and insurmountable in your little bubble makes you focus on the big picture. Sometimes, we need these little reminders because we aren't the center of the universe. We are all made of stars and all that above us is just a great gig in the sky.

Zenyatta Mondatta

One of my all time favorite albums garners one of the most obscure titles in album title land. During my morning commute, my trusty iPod shuffled to Zenyatta Mondatta tracks. After having a split second flashback to 2004 when I picked up this musical masterpiece from Amoeba Records in Hollywood, I began to wonder, what on earth is a Zenyatta Mondatta? Besides the fact that it's a cool pairing of words, but what does it mean? Stewart Copeland explains, "It means everything," [Copeland] yelled back. "It's the same explanation that applies to the last two. It doesn’t have a specific meaning like ‘Police Brutality’ or ‘Police Arrest’, or anything predictable like that. Being vague it says a lot more. You can interpret it in a lot of different ways. It’s not an attempt to be mysterious, just syllables that sound good together, like the sound of a melody that has no words at all has a meaning." Well, I guess ZM beat the runner up title, Trimondo Blondomina, meaning...3 blondes and the world. I'm glad the Police went with ZM. But, hey, they could have named it anything and it'd still be one of the best reggae and punk playlists out there.

Design Star: Ryan Korban

Recently, I learned of 25 year old "meticulous, self-made" interior designer Ryan Korban (on Elements of Style) and I'm loving his work! Ryan's website www.ryankorban.com even opens with "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. Super cool.

Fun With Words: "Cali"

Sometimes there are words that should never turn into slang. The abbreviated version does no justice for the original term and hearing it used in daily conversations can really make the word sound incredibly annoying. Maybe I'm alone in this. Maybe I'm too observant. But, when people refer to California as "Cali", I ask myself why. Does it really take THAT long to actually say the whole word? I mean those extra 3 syllables are a bit daunting...riiiiiight. I know, I know, we're all SO busy, we just don't have time to say it all. But, please, do me a favor and show some respect for the beautiful State of California. And don't call it Cali. The only person who made the word Cali actually sound cool, was the Notorious B.I.G....cut to, "I'm going going, back back, to Cali." Admittedly, that rap would sound pretty lame if he said California.

Les Hommes

London based trio Les Hommes are top on my playlist this week. Altsounds.com sums up the trio's vibe..."On their eponymous debut album expect to hear cool bossas to cliff-top drives along the Amalfi Coast, full-on pumping dance floor batucadas, and exotic Moog-meets-organ grooves that tap into the images of lost party scenes - all within the confines of a modern organ trio."

Listen to "Intraspettro", "Hommage", "The Forth Homme", "Six & Eight", and "The Way Out."

Home Sweet Home

Studio apartment living doesn't have to look like a temporary living situation. After all it's my home and home is where the heart is. The Hancock Park studio apartment I moved into exactly 2 years ago, went from drab to fab for about $500 in improvements. The right color palette, furniture courtesy of Ikea, Goodwill, Craigslist, my Mom and sister, and designer sampler fabric swatches turned this less than average looking space into a welcoming home. You'll find me here atleast for another year.

Inspiring photos and spaces provide a solid foundation for redesign projects. The Paris apartment style appealed to my personal style and vision for my home.

This photo is courtesy of Teen Vogue circa 2008.

Special shout out to Vanessa of Vanessa + Valentine.

Sunday Night Blues

About this time each Sunday, I reflect on the week ahead and tie up all those loose ends around home that I just won't get to (or want to) once I submerge back into the Monday through Friday routine. So, instead of thinking about it atleast for the next hour...I found some pretty blue pieces to take my mind off all that. Monday will roll around soon enough.

Matthew Williamson + turquoise chiffon = dreams of poolside glamour

The LBD remains namely so...instead the B is for blue.

This Kimono shades of jade mini dress is sexy for cold winter nights as we transition to spring...with just enough coverage in all the right places.

Turquoise NEVER goes out of style. I love these Cabochon dangles.

TWENTY TEN

There's certainly a lot to smile about this time of year. Year in and year out, the clear January LA sky reminds me of new beginnings. This is the time to reflect on the infinite possibilities of the 365 days ahead and how this will be the best year to date.

My get up and go song for today: LOVELY DAY by Bill Withers

"When I wake up in the morning love and the sunlight hurts my eyes. And something without warning love bears heavy on my mind. Then I look at you and the world's alright with me. Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be a lovely day! When the day that lies ahead of me seems impossible to face and someone else instead of me always seems to know the way. Then I look at you and the world's alright with me. Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be...a lovely day!"

Peace and Love in 2010,

Cuvée Chic

The International Frank Sinatra

Music is the soundtrack to life. So, when times call for some fun musky electronic lounge, check out Louie Austen. The Austrian born international crooner of leisure entertains with the charm and charisma of Frank Sinatra and has gained success among the younger electronic music scene. Tracks like "Glamour Girl", "Dreams Are My Reality", "Disco Dancer", "Take Your Time", and "Myamy", and "Rain" are worth checking out.

Click here for Louie Austen's website

Take a Stay-cation

It's been much too long since my last REAL vacation. Weekend getaways to the California desert don't count. So, I'm on the hunt for inspiration that'll take me away to paradise...and I won't even have to step foot out into the "StormWatch" type conditions going on outside.

My all time favorite island scent in a can is Comptoir Sud Pacifique's Vanille Coco. One spritz and you'll be in paradise. LITERALLY! You'll go ape for the Vanille Banane scent. It's truly bananas!

Bring the sea, sand, and sun inside with Trina Turk's Beach candle.

Do you like Pina Coladas? You will now! 2 of the best coconut lotions are: Mountain Ocean Skin Trip handblended in Boulder, Colorado and PURE FIJI Coconut Hydrating Lotion.

Winter InVESTments

When I'm not at work, kick-it-wear is what I like to wear this time of year. For durability, warmth, and style, the North Face offers the best selection of vests, jackets, and fleece. So, you can still look cool while staying warm.

Winter whites are a great alternative to basic black post-workout clothes.

For FREEZING winter nights out on the town, nix the mountain cabin look for something a little more stylish yet functional. The fur vest look took quite some time for me to warm up to, but now I think I'm cool with it.

Rachel Zoe says, "I die for this fur vest!"

The Art of Comfort Food

The grilled cheese is one of the easiest and cheapest comfort foods to prepare at home. All you really need to make the simple sandwich are 2 slices of your favorite bread, plenty of melty cheese, and real butter. Basically, the fat on fat on fat concoction takes about 5 minutes to grill up and lunch or dinner is served.

As a kid, my mom would grill up a few of these cheesy creations at once for us kids. It was typically the weekend lunch or even dinner meal....served with a big glass of chocolate milk. The sandwiches ALWAYS tasted better when she'd make them, especially when prepared with wheat bread, medium cheddar cheese, and of course butter. She never used margarine.

The great thing about comfort food is that there is no wrong way to prepare it. And when it comes to sandwiches, there really are a million and one combinations. I recently discovered one of the most amazing takes on the grilled cheese combining crusty grilled raisin bread, talegio cheese, and apricot-caper sauce. Enjoy!

Short Rib and Tallegio Grilled Cheese with Apricot Caper Puree

Yields 4 sandwiches

Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

15 dried apricots

1 tablespoon nonpareil capers

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

8 slices dark raisin bread

5 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

4 small handfuls arugula

3 oz chopped braised beef short ribs

8 ounces taleggio cheese, rind removed, at room temperature

4 pinches fleur de sel

Preparation:

Place apricots in small saucepan and add water just to cover. Bring to full boil and immediately remove from heat. Mix in capers, mustard and olive oil. Pulse in blender to chunky consistency; set aside. 


Spread one side of each bread slice evenly (to the edges) with 1/2 tablespoon butter. With buttered sides down, top four slices with 2 tablespoons of apricot mixture, handful of arugula and equal portions of cheese. Top with remaining slices, buttered side up. 


Place large skillet over high heat, and melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Reduce heat to low and add sandwiches. Cook until browned and crisp on both sides, about 2 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter lined with paper towels, and sprinkle each with a pinch of fleur de sel. Cut in half and serve.

Recipe courtesy of:

The Foundry on Melrose

7465 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Phone: (323) 651-0915

Restaurant website: http://www.thefoundryonmelrose.com

The Pretty Little Party Dress

Tis the season for parties! And, that means lots of sparkles, lace, and kisses under the mistletoe! Get your party on in one of these little numbers.

Be a devil in a blue dress. But, remember...Santa is checking his list of who's been naughty and nice. This sparkly one is courtesy of Trina Turk.

You can never go wrong with the LBD. Make that an LLBD. Little Lace Black Dress. Get this one at Trina Turk.

Winter whites are always in style. This Urban Outfitters strapless number even has pockets for those extra chilly nights out on the town.

Cheers dolls!

Heart and Sole

Pretty little shoes always make a lasting impression on me. A pair of red heart shoes once brought a friend and I together 7 years ago. The shoes have since worn out, but that friend will always hold a special place in my heart. Here's a few of my favorite kicks:

XOXO,

Chelsea Valentine

Haute Chocolat

One of my oh so guilty pleasures is dark chocolate. And, not just any old Hershey's dark chocolate; but the really good kind that with just one little square, nips that chocolate craving in the bud. It works for me atleast. I'm SO glad this is one vice (in its purest form) that actually has some health benefits. They say it's heart healthy to have your daily dose of 1 little square containing 65% or more of cocoa. My heart and I have fallen for any chocolate with 85% or more of cocoa...particularly, Scharffen Berger, Godiva, or Lindt.

Wardrobe Update: The Tan Suede Fringe Jacket

My R & R weekends are never complete without a little shopping. So, my sister and I headed to the consignment shop in Palm Springs where you'd undoubtedly find anything from sequin jumpsuits that most likely still have residue from Studio 54 parties amongst that to-die-for circa 1983 Chanel tweed suit. Among the second hand clothes, we managed to find a couple black blazers, that with just a little swap of the buttons and a thorough dry cleaning, will create a multitude of outfits this fall and winter. And, just when we thought we'd rummaged through enough of the vintage threads worn by some of the most stylish Coachella Valley lady retirees, we spotted the coolest jacket. The perfectly fitting tan suede fringe number is in next to new condition. I can't wait to complete the look with white jeans, a white tank and real Native American turquoise jewelry.

For $60, my jacket was a bargain...

Especially, when I found this nearly identical one for $462 at www.shopbop.com.

Peace and Love

SUCCEXY

I thought 3 was always a charm. It took me 3 times to pass my driving test when I finally got my license at 17...3 times to remove my 4 wisdom teeth...and 3 jobs in less than a year...I FINALLY landed a permanent 4th job. 4 was always my favorite number.

Starting Monday, less than business casual won't cut it at my new gig. So I'm checking out some new digs and throwing around some outfit ideas. Here are some SUCCEXY looks to inspire me: