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Sunday, February 12, 2012 The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is internationally-renowned, and it’s a unique opportunity to stay up with the latest in jewelry design and gems. This is where you see the innovators–it’s where you’ll find new ideas and trends, and it’s scattered all over the dusty desert town, which has grown enormously since I last visited.
I met several incredibly talented artists and saw a myriad of pieces that I longed for during my scavenger hunt filled with treasures of jewelry, geodes, fossils, dinosaur bones and other rarities.
From strands of swollen Tahitian pearls priced at around $11,000 to a breathtaking, fiery Australian opal ring for a cool 30 grand, it was a visual feast for any beauty-lover, and so many things caught my attention. But here’s what captured my wallet.
Sweet Child O’ Mine
For my niece, who reminds me of the Guns ’N Roses song, and possesses the most innocent vivid blue eyes that speak of the sea, I am infatuated with a new stone: Larimar. A marbelized milky delicate blue-hued rock found exclusively in the Dominican Republic, it’s reminiscent of, basically, a cloud-dappled sky. I bought her a heart-shaped Larimar pendant, set in sterling, $25, and matching chain from the good people at Larimar USA.
Golden Boy
For my nephew, who looks like a Huntington Beach surfer and who’s gifted at anything he cuts his teeth on, I bought an authentic shark tooth, $1. This kid already has it all, so I wanted to give him something very special. There were a million teeth to choose from, but I found the one I liked most with regard to color and curvature, and the great guy I got it from sold me everything I needed for my gift. He taught me how to use E-6000, a clear super adhesive that you can get at Michael’s Crafts for three bucks. It took two minutes to glue a silver bracket on the back of the tooth so it can be worn on a brown leather cord, but about 45 minutes for me to understand the simple directions written on the label. Total cost: $7.
There’s No Place Like Home
For my mother, who has a heart of gold and nerves of steel, I bought a giant coral-inlaid silver Tibetan pendant, $80, from S & J’s fine jewelry courtesy of Sonnie and Jack Crowder in Suwanee, Georgia.
Kiss the Rings
With Georgia on my mind, I snagged a couple of Tibetan rings from the same vendor, S & J’s, for myself. Both intricately etched and filigreed and crafted from solid brass, the first one features an enormous oblong black onyx set high on the hand for a lot of vertical depth and drama; the second one is narrow and long, about two inches, covering the first knuckle. It is punctuated with an ellipses of red coral. They are both quite stunning, and cost 70 bucks each.
Every gift was handpicked for its recipient, and just like the individuals themselves, each is unique.
The night ended in a wonderful dinner with a friend from high school, Tam, and her beautiful, precocious daughter. It’s been great seeing you all, and to all a good night.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Hi guys. Today I am writing you from Tucson, Arizona. I’ve attended the annual world-renowned Gem & Mineral Show, and discovered a handful of gifted artists whom I will share with you.
I’ve met some unforgettable new people, and connected with some old friends. I’ll be delighted to introduce you to them as we continue our journey together.
Due to this little detour, the nutrition installment regarding Food Predators will be delayed. Because of valuable reader feedback, I’ve decided instead to give you tips on how to Shake Things Up, With Precision.
There are a few factors to consider if your shakes don’t possess their desired flavor or consistency, consistently. So stay tuned for that little morsel on meal replacement. We’ll get back to the Food Predators later.
In the meantime, I’d love to tell you about some of my discoveries and purchases at the Gem Show, so keep reading!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
We like it a little hardcore, and so does fashion. Jewelry designers are greeting that demand with edgy luxe accessories that are bold and beautiful. Let everyone know just how hard you really hit it with some of these most spectacular statement pieces.
The stunning vertebrae cuff by Jennifer Fisher, $1,250 at Barneys New York, is four inches of gold-polished brass and makes a striking arm ornamentation when it accompanies jeans and a black sweater now, or a sheath dress against bare skin as spring approaches. Dressed up or down, wear someone else’s spine on your sleeve and watch heads turn.
Betsey’s small skull stud earrings, $30, are a decidedly more delicate approach to the deceased. From her Dark Forest Collection, the feminine little things feature heart-shaped eye sockets, opalescent gems and a sweet black bow.
Alternately, you could always wear the oversized Alexander McQueen ring, $290, from Saks Fifth Avenue, adorned with a whimsical bee in Swarovski crystals.
Or invest in a quality umbrella with striking skull knob by the luxury Italian Pasotti, pictured below on Italian fashion blogger Chiara from The Blonde Salad.
You can read more about our love for the unsurpassed quality and beauty of the amazing Pasotti umbrellas here, on BSSTW.
For a slightly less macabre approach, we look again at the designs of Jennifer Fisher. The brass bullet cuff, $915, is two inches wide of pure hardcore.
These pieces work for any season and countless occasions, and just like a bullet, it only takes one.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
How to Be Remembered
While I was in college pursuing a double degree in journalism and theatre arts, I performed at several plays around the local theatres in my hometown. Every night, at about 2 a.m., I came out of my rehearsals exhausted, only to find my car had been vandalized.
Criminal Mischief
Someone was defacing it completely with toilet paper. This had been going on for about a week. Curiously, when I came out to discover my vehicle in this sabotaged state, two of my male friends from high school would happen to appear together, walking aimlessly through the deserted neighborhood.
We would run into each other, like a great big coincidence, and they would ask me who I thought did it. I had no idea, I told them. I could not understand who would be doing this to my car. The guys were the sweetest characters, but also kind of silly. For some reason, they always seemed to have a contagious case of the giggles, which they passed back and forth to one another as we tried to figure out who was responsible for this vicious attack.
“What’s so funny?” I would ask them, bewildered. Saying very little, they came to my rescue, helping me clean up the mess, night after night.
It’s Been Staged
One hot, muggy summer morning after another intolerably long, arduous dress rehearsal, I came out dead tired, again, only to find my car defaced, again. But this time, in a good way.
The toilet paper was all right there in front of my eyes. This time, however, the vandals elevated the assault with a flurry of Silly String sprayed all over the place. They had tied bundles of balloons around my car, and left a bouquet of a dozen yellow roses on the windshield.
Despite numerous hints, I honestly didn’t know who had pulled such a playful prank at first, because perhaps I can be a bit gullible–in fact, I’ll admit that’s the understatement of the century–but believe me, it was quite a mess cleaning all that Silly String off my little black Honda because the perps were indeed very thorough in their efforts. It is one of those things that I will never forget.
An Anonymous Tip
Turns out, it was the two guys from my high school. The one, Alex, went on to Harvard, and then later to Georgetown Law School before taking a career u-turn inspired by his wife and children.
And of course there is Luc, the unforgettable exchange student from Belgium, who is now running his family’s clothing store near Waterloo. He is still eccentric, but I am told he has settled down, at least a bit, with a nice woman.
I haven’t seen those little deviants since that crazy time in my life, but Alex wrote me recently with a full confession to the clever crime against my car: “Sorry! It just seemed to cry out for decoration,” he said innocently. “Surely you understand that.”
And although I am fond of accessories, that wasn’t quite what I had in mind. Yet to this day, the memory haunts me with affection. I can’t help but smile.
Thanks, Alex…and Hi, Luc. Long time no see. Nice work boys, as always. I am seriously glad that my being completely dumb can provide amusement to others, and also to myself.
The Importance of Being Earnest
When you’re at a loss for words, ideas, time or cash as Valentine’s Day approaches, consider, simply, flowers. For a sincere and heartfelt gift for your guy, or your girl, or a dear dear friend, they’re perfect.
It may seem like an unexpected choice to give flowers to the male specimen, which is exactly what makes it so memorable. Or if you just want to say thanks for the favor, flowers are always right. They don’t have to be cliche, and the sentiment behind them lingers long after the scent is gone. The importance lies in the execution of your floral gift, to make a lasting impression.
Flowers with Flourish
Someone once said that real friendship is like a rose because we don’t see its true beauty until it fades. So what more symbolic token of your love, friendship, or thanks can you bestow than a beauteous bouquet of blooms or a single rose, presented with style.
Picking Your Flowers
There are several considerations when picking your flowers. Your budget, of course, will determine what to buy your sweetheart. Depending on how much money you’d like to spend, you can go simple and elegant, or choose something larger than life, or both. It’s entirely your call.
You want to consider the recipient and their personality. Are they artistic and creative? Perhaps an asymmetrical display of bright poppies or a generous bunch of tulips are a good choice.
If your love is a classic kind of person, roses are right. You can present them with a twist in yellow, as my friends did, or striking stark white, or in the stunning flame variety, below, for the one that sets your heart on fire.
Talk to a good florist and get their opinion. I can guarantee you anyone would love receiving a single giant rose, like the ones pictured below from Fiesta Roses. Laid elegantly on a dining table or bed, and accompanied by a thoughtful card with a few choice words, you’ll never be forgotten.
A Single Stem
One of my favorite singers–the velvet-voiced legend Leonard Cohen–immortalizes the single stem in ‘Everybody Knows.’ You really must listen to the entire song to appreciate the talented Mr. Cohen, but here are some choice lyrics for you now.
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long-stem rose
Everybody knows
Making it Last
If you’re wanting a more masculine gift, or if the object of your affection would prefer a nice tasteful plant, you may want to consider a lovely perennial. A perennial is a plant that has a life cycle lasting more than two years. So even if you’re not around that long from now, your loved one will have something to think about when you present them with a Perennial Beauty.
Take a look at the architectural Agave, above, or opt for a lush indoor fern, below. Either will suit your suitor.
Truly, Madly, Deeply
When I fantasize about true love and romance, I am reminded of the insane affair between the legendary social activist Emma Goldman and her long-time love, Alexander Berkman.
Described as the most dangerous woman in America by the media, Emma Goldman’s life was filled with controversy, and passion for her political causes of equality and justice.
The Homestead Plot
It was a murder scheme that bonded the scandalous lovers, Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman, in 1892. Their plan? To kill Henry Clay Frick, a factory manager who was repressing the workers at a steel plant in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
It’s a long, twisted tale, but suffice it to say that Emma found Henry Clay Frick utterly despicable and believed his murder would produce positive social change for the working class. In fact, she even begged Alexander to allow her to participate in the crime.
Alexander was determined to do the deed solo, but in a crazy turn of events it was an ironic failure. He was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Diamonds are Forever
During Alexander’s incarceration, Emma’s life was very difficult without him. Like a true gem, she waited for her man, who was suffering behind bars. When she met him on the platform upon his release, she was, in her own words “seized by terror and pity” looking at his gaunt, pale appearance. Neither of them was able to speak. She presented him with a bouquet of roses, and they went home in deafening silence.
Mad Love
That’s mad love, baby. These are the cinematic gestures that movies are made of. And while it’s true that flowers will eventually perish, just like everything else in this world, it seems, the persistence of memory will endure, eternally.
Perhaps you’ve seen the DeBeers Jewelry commercials informing us that Diamonds are Forever, but the legendary Emma Goldman, who waited 22 years for her man while he was behind walls, was quoted saying, “I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.”
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Regret, Revenge, And Other Things That Begin With the Letter R
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, and although Red would seem to be an appropriate color for the occasion, we’d prefer that it wasn’t a part of our skin.
There’s usually nothing fun about being caught red-handed. Aside from looking bad, redness means inflammation. It’s not a good sign. The tight, chapped, raw feeling that accompanies red hands can render the process of hand-washing unbearable.
And if you struggle with brown spots, thinning skin, wrinkles or loss of elasticity on your hands, there’s a remedy for that too.
It’s all in one package, literally. Dermatologists Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields come to the rescue, and in their routine response to public demand they’ve created yet another outstanding anti-aging solution for savvy women of all ages.
If you regret the abuse and neglect that tip your hand to your real age, or if you simply want to prevent damage that you’ll undoubtedly lament later, I recommend Rodan + Fields. Their Anti-Age Hand Treatment bundles the top in technologies for this oft-overlooked area.
I can only describe their two-part regime as a genigma. It’s a word I made up. Part genius, part enigma.
Genius because the science behind it is simply brilliant, and enigma because I can’t understand how it works so fast.
I could seriously go on for hours regurgitating statistics and spitting up science about how and why the products work. But this is neither a term paper, nor a glorified press release.
We all want results and we want them immediately, if not sooner. The two products double team to really deliver, and fast. I recommend using them together.
To Have and To Hold
For beautiful, youthful hands, I cannot get enough of the Brightening Hand Treatment. It penetrates quickly, hydrating and restoring with all the goodies that your skin will love. It makes a tangible difference right away that, like any good woman, only improves with time.
With a pleasingly mild but luscious scent, it leaves you velvety–an unparalleled silkiness and almost matte, powdered finish–due to a key ingredient: corn starch.
I’ve tried a ton of hand creams, and quite frankly, I’ve really never felt anything quite like this. It firms the delicate skin on the hands and transcends mere moisturization.
Rich with emollient butters and the best oils, it also contains urea and hyaluronic acid to bind water to the skin providing sustained results.
To Protect and Defend
The Shield Hand Balm with SPF 30 ensures smart sun protection in a convenient, portable stick form. It’s like a giant Chapstick for your hands. How great is that? You can throw it in your purse or travel bag and reapply any time to only the backsides, without worrying about sticky fingers. It frees your hands up for other, more important things.
The sunscreen stick is anhydrous, meaning, it contains no water, which is critical in its stability and delivery of 4% ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is vitamin C, a potent skin firmer that also powerfully lightens pigment, if you struggle with brown spots.
In addition, you’ll find the best in peptides courtesy of world-renowned peptide expert Timothy Falla, PhD, Vice President of Research and Development at Rodan + Fields.
You may have heard the buzz about peptides. They are short-chain amino acids that signal natural responses in the skin to decrease inflammation and build collagen, among other admirable epidermal things. Considered anti-aging powerhouses, peptides can be found in many Rodan + Fields products, and they use them generously.
Getting the Red Out
Both the hand treatment and the SPF contain optical brighteners to instantly reduce redness and minimize the appearance of veins, making immediate gratification, in this case, a good thing.
The new Rodan + Fields Anti-Age Hand Treatment Regime is a rarity, applying elegant yet serious skincare science, once reserved for face, to other extremely important extremities.
To Honor and Obey
Back to Square One: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It could take 20 years for you to acquire those unsightly brown spots, but they might hang around ’til death do you part. So, don’t forget your gloves. That way, if you choose to leave a mark, at least it will be discreet.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
There will always be a soft spot in every girl’s heart for flowers and candy, but flowers die and chocolates don’t last long. While nothing is eternal, for a distinctive and lingering gift for Valentine’s Day or any day, I highly recommend Diptyque (pronounced dip-TEEK).
Famous for their unmistakable luxury candles, Diptyque also has a new line of unisex body products that are bomb–perfect for mom or dad, your girl, your guy, your child, grandparents or a cherished friend. Diptyque has something for everyone, even elegant corporate gifts for the discerning employer.
If you’re into aromatherapy and the powerful transformative possibilities of scent, you simply must spoil your Valentine with something from Diptyque. Trust me, they will love it.
Pure, Paraffin, Pleasure…
The diminutive Diptyque candle smells like nothing you’ve ever experienced, and believe me, you can really smell it. The standard votive boasts a tireless 60 hours of burn time and will undoubtedly outshine its cheaper competitors. It’s a smart choice.
With a Diptyque candle, you get what you pay for. Created using powerful concentrations of only the finest essential oils steeped in pure paraffin, they’re sure to set the mood for a romantic evening. Plus, a Diptyque candle will actually stick around long after Valentine’s Day has ended. Even unlit you can still smell the candle in the room.
You can choose from an endless exquisite bouquet of more than 50, yes fifty scents–that’s an amazing variety–in five categories of flowers, herbs, fruity, woods and spicy, so there’s something for everyone, no matter your preference. It’s a complete collection.
One of my favorite memories is the night I dined at the opening of a Francis Ford Coppola restaurant in California, where a flurry of Baies Diptyque candles and their intoxicating aroma seduced me.
Every celebrity is said to have their favorite Diptyque scent, and Coppola’s is Baies. It soon became mine too, and of the many scents to choose from, I still prefer Baies to this day.
Baies, pronounced, simply, ‘Bay,’ is a French term of endearment, meaning sweetie, or some such.
It’s composed of Bulgarian rose with notes of blackcurrant leaves–an irresistible melange of fruit and floral.
Reminiscent of a walk through blooming gardens in Europe, it smells absolutely delicious, and every time I encounter it, after all these years, I’m immediately drawn back to the first time I experienced it–that beautiful balmy night at the restaurant. It’s a powerful testament to the virtues of aromatherapy and memory recall.
The Art of Body Care
Once mistaken as primarily high-end home fragrance, Diptyque recently launched an ambrosial offering of luxury body care products for men and women, known as The Art of Body Care, to complement their lesser-known collection of eaux de toilette which has in fact existed since 1968.
Pick a simple spray or dip into the many tempting products from the line. The Art of Body Care is based on the history of beauty from around the world and includes so many gorgeous things–such as a hand balm from Spain, below, using organic ingredients from that region.
Or their luscious body oil with iris flower from Italy, which can be used wet or dry.
You can put a capful in the tub, or apply it directly on the skin. It’s a very luxurious olive oil and soaks right in so it won’t get on your clothes.
Common Scents That Aren’t So Common
Unlike ordinary synthetic fragrances, the Diptyque scents are inspired by essences commonly found in nature, and all the body products are unisex, so if you buy them for your sweetheart, there’s always the chance you can share.
A beautiful body cream from Istanbul, not Constantinople–lush with myrrh and roses–is a personal favorite of my friend Gregory Costanza, former regional sales manager of the intimate but elegant San Francisco Diptyque boutique.
It may surprise you that a man might enjoy wearing a floral such as rose, but that convention is worn-out. In Europe people are much more liberal with what constitutes a ‘feminine’ fragrance and gender specificity has been replaced by good taste.
The notes of myrrh and roses found in the body cream can be tied over to home fragrance too, making a great candle combination if you care to experiment. Remember, you can customize the Diptyque scents for your home and yourself by choosing any of the fragrance families and combining until you discover what suits you. This is the modern approach to aromatherapy.
A lot of couples come in to share fragrance, which is a great idea if you live near a boutique. The Diptyque staff is very hands-on with their clients. They really aim to please.
Because fragrance is highly personal, you can go to a boutique with your Valentine and identify the scents that you’re attracted to, and then you can coordinate them, together.
But there are only 14 Diptyque boutiques in the world, so if you can’t make it to Paris, London, Doha, Qatar or Dubai, you can call one of the three shops in the United States and let their accommodating, knowledgeable staff guide you on your purchase and educate you on how to burn a candle properly. Believe it or not, there’s an art to that too.
For ultimate convenience, most Diptyque products can come elegantly pre-wrapped, or you can opt to do it yourself.
Fragrance may be simple and straightforward for some people, or infinitely complex and indulgent. Whatever your approach, Diptyque definitely delivers.
Although spotting a lady can be rare nowadays, finding a good mate can be even harder.
Some things never change, and the animal world is no exception. “Animals practice the same sexual rituals we do,” said San Francisco zookeeper Jane Tollini. “We even have homosexual wallabies and lesbian penguins.”
Valentine’s Day, the universal day of love, is two weeks away. As a unique gift for animal-lovers, many zoos are celebrating the sentiment with a voyeuristic glimpse into the mating rituals of our feral friends.
The San Francisco Zoo presents Woo at the Zoo–where erotica meets exotica.
You get to watch a real-live sexual encounter, and Tollini will describe the copulation methods of both predators and prey, at a brunch or dinner event–your choice.
Penguins, she said, like to take their time, engaging in a month of foreplay; lions have sex up to 50 times a day and, while koala bears may seem soft and cuddly, they actually can do some serious damage in a quickie that lasts only 40 seconds.
“Koalas are nasty little creatures that don’t like each other very much,” Tollini said. “It’s a rolling, tumbling thing for them and you have to almost kick them apart or they will kill each other.”
Not surprisingly, rhinoceros foreplay, she said, is the most violent. It can leave the female with deep gashes before the animals lock together for an hour or more.
What a fun and creative way to spend the day with your love, watching and learning about basic animal behavior. It sure breaks up the monotony of ordinary mundane activities; although, I’m sure no one would turn down a thoughtful floral presentation or a box of chocolates.
“I’m Just Visiting The Zoo”
by Dramarama
And I haven’t got a dime
And I haven’t got the time
All the same I’m glad I came
I’m just visiting the zoo
Cuz it makes me think of you
Here’s hoping you can do the same…
Contact your local zoo for the ‘bill affair.’
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