Hotel Rooms: Memories From The Road

I like being a road warrior. I enjoy hotel rooms.  Well, MOST of the time I do.  Here are some of the rooms I have laid the head for a night or two.. the first, is a favorite. If only I could afford the Soho Grand every time I go to NY.

The Soho Grand Hotel in NYC

Universal City, CA Hilton

Marriott Marquis Atlanta

I Forgot...

NY Hilton Hotel Times Square

Kimpton, Epic Hotel - Miami

Intercontinental Hotel, San Francisco

Millennium Hotel, NY

Perfect Day: Sunday In The Backyard

Sometimes, the perfect day happens... today was one of those nice days.

Who would want to go elsewhere?

The new outdoor rug.

The view from the pool.

Blue Daze. My favorite annual.

Cars We Love: Jaguar S-Type

I've only driven this car a few times.  Each and every time was when I got a big upgrade from National Rent A Car.  Once, my boss asked me not to accept upgrades because other people in the company thought it improper that "sales" should rent luxury cars.  Silly. Like people who think because I fly in First Class I paid for the ticket? Ridiculous.  I like the general aesthetic of this now defunct model.  This one is the S-Type R. Nice 8 cylinder. Beautiful satinwood burl... lovely.

Friday Images: Food

So, today I stopped by the market on my way home and was struck by the color and variety in the produce section.  I can't imagine what would have happened had I ventured into the bakery.

Adapted: Ginger Pecan, Peanut & Pistachio Blondies

I love brownies. I love blondies. Today I surfed past a recipe for Ginger Walnut Chocolate Blondies from Joy The Baker.  I didn't have candied ginger and I love multiple nut desserts (ask my family and friends). I also like the juxtaposition of sweet and salty, so I use salted roasted nuts. I revised JTB's recipe and made these.

This should make 9 individual blondies.

Here is the adapted recipe:

Pecan, Peanut & Pistachio Blondies
makes 9 servings
recipe adapted from Joy The Baker


1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts
1/2 cup pistachios
1/2 cup chocolate chips ( like dark chocolate best)


Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease an 8-inch square baking sheet.  Line with parchment paper, leaving two flaps hanging over the edges of the pan. Grease and flour the parchment paper.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Whisk in egg and beat by hand until mixture is slightly pale, about 2 minutes.  Whisk in vanilla extract.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, and salt.  Add all at once to the butter, sugar and egg mixture.  Stir until just incorporated.  Mixture will be fairly thick.  Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center   comes out clean.  They will be golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting.

I like blondies COLD, as in refrigerated COLD.  Try these and let me know how you like them!

Relax: Outdoor Spaces

It's Friday.  I've been a maniac all week getting ready for a presentation and a couple of trips.  Relaxing for a minute, I was surfing a few blogs and ran across this amazing front porch at Imparting Grace, a wonderful blog, check it out in its entirety. I'm not sure I'd ever leave.

All photos from Imparting Grace

Something New: Sewing

So, when I get a quote from a curtain maker that says they want $400 to make a 42"wide by 28" long valance, I wince.  That's ridiculous.

It isn't a particularly large space. Simple. Evenly spaced. Can't cost $400. SRSLY.

So I bought a refurbished Brother sewing machine on Overstock.com. $109.

I bought 3/4 of a yard of cool fabric with an embroidered dragonfly detail from The Hobby Lobby, on sale for $13.

I made a simple pocket for a spring form rod ($3.99).

I did a simple hem at the bottom.

 

And .. voila!!

So, for less than $150 including the machine, I got what I wanted.  And now, I am so enthused, that I plan on making simple slip covers of washable duck cloth for my patio furniture! 

Wearable Art: Sam Hober Ties

I enjoy ties. I know. I know. They aren't required as much anymore for everyday business wear, but I love them.  I have a bunch.  Recently I was turned on to the made to order world of Sam Hober Ties.

There are so many choices. It is daunting. But if you know what you want (I needed Navy Silk Pindot and Green Silk Pindot) then it's easy. They are handmade (and that is obvious), and made to measure, so you tall guys take heart!

Beautifully made. The ties I ordered were really well packaged and sent from the factory in Chiang Mai Thailand.

The first time they came I missed the shipment and the post office didn't leave a notice so they were returned. Imagine my surprise when I got a personal call from Sam!

Great guy. Sent them back and I LOVE these two ties.

 

The texture, color and quality of these are remarkable. I'll definitely go back to this well when I need more.  You should too.  Give old Sam a try.