What I wear underneath it all influences how I feel, depending on my mood. It certainly is a nice secret to keep, n’est-ce pas? Cosabella is lovely for an underpinning update. Use this code GUIDEAFF for 10% off. You’re welcome!
Author Archives: Jenny
Point of View {Miami}
Our brains are wired to find patterns. From my balcony in Miami, I spotted a sea of man-made connectivity woven within nature’s course.
Image Credits: Jenny Graham
Take A Dip
Just yesterday, it snowed in New York City. I wore a winter cap, wool coat and tall boots. Imagine the shock of my wardrobe when I dug up pairs of sandals and a few sleeveless dresses late last night. I’m jetting to Miami on behalf of my day job, looking toward the light of the sun. I wonder if it will be warm enough to take a dip in the sea?
Image Credits: Zimmermann
November in Connecticut
Images taken in Madison, Connecticut by Jenny Graham
Golden Glam
Mini Cheesecakes
Well before blogs existed, recipes were written and passed down through a strong line of ladies on the Italian side of my family. Mini cheesecakes are not inherently Italian, at all, however this easy, fun bite of a recipe is a sweet treat worth sharing. Food is life, and when made with love, it doesn’t get any better…
12 foil liners
12 vanilla wafers (make your own just like this)
2 eight ounce packages of cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 organic eggs
Place one vanilla wafer in each foil liner.
Mix cream cheese, vanilla and sugar on medium speed until well-blended. Mix in eggs.
Pour mixture over wafers, filling 3/4 full.
Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.
Let cool and top with fresh fruit, preserves, nuts or chocolate. Be creative!!
(JBD Note: “be creative!!” is a notation by my effervescent mom, JoJo, who adds that line to many a recipe)
Image Credit: Jenny Graham
l’homme @ home {sean stak}
Newlywed, New Yorker and the November l’homme @ home is a true man of style. Mr. Stak is in the know when it comes to New York City. Lucky for us, this handsome gent is dishing on all things downtown-cool.
NAME: Sean C. Stak
DAY JOB: Associate Director of Investor Relations
HOMETOWN: Branford, Connecticut
CURRENT ‘HOOD: West Village
HIDDEN TALENT: I am pretty good at A LOT of things.
SONG ON REPEAT: Black Country Rock by David Bowie, Ever Loved Once by Blitzen Trapper, When My Train Pulls In by Gary Clark Jr.
INSTAGRAM OR TWITTER: Instagram @seanstak
COCKTAIL DU JOUR: Dark & Stormy
TOP 5 NYC RESTAURANTS OR BARS:
Malaparte: Little known Italian spot on the corner of Washington and Bethune. Flies under the radar with killer food in a picture-perfect setting.
Fish: A raw bar and PBR special, fresh lobster-scallops-crab legs, and lobster mac & cheese all under one roof in an easy-to-miss storefront on Bleecker.
Tavern on Jane: Wide-ranging menu with underrated food in a classic, unpretentious West Village hangout. Crayons are provided for illustrations and tic-tac-toe on the tablecloths.
Common Ground: Chandeliers, board games, red couches and an Avenue A crowd that’s usually between two and three sheets to the wind.
Kettle of Fish: Total dive, cheap Yuengling, perfect darts set up, lots of Bob Dylan & The Band coming through the speakers and they have Sixpoint Little Wisco available on tap.
FAVORITE QUALITY IN A WOMAN? Sense of humor. Taste in music.
I LOVE A WOMAN WHO WEARS…Cut-off jean shorts.
WHAT SHOULD EVERY MAN OWN? A classic timepiece. While the cost of an IWC, Omega, Rolex or Tudor can be startling at first, think of it as an investment in something that will be worn on your wrist every day for the rest of your life – or until you pass it down to your son or grandson – and will never stop ticking. The functional aspect of a quality Swiss-made watch cannot be overstated yet it simultaneously serves as arguably the most fashionable aspect of men’s style.
BEST CITY ESCAPES? Watch Hill Beach in Westerly, RI; Pine Orchard, CT; Gin Beach in Montauk, NY
WHAT MAKES NEW YORK CITY SPECTACULAR? No matter how much you have seen, done and experienced in New York, there is legitimately always more because of its constant and effervescent evolution. How many cities in the world can you say that about?
GREAT DATE SPOT? Cocktails at Employees Only followed by dinner at Little Owl (or vice-versa). Good drinks and good food in a good neighborhood make everything just a little bit easier and a little bit more fun.
WHAT WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE? The basics – white canvas sneakers, well-fitting khakis, a crisp blue oxford – pieces that looked good 20 years ago and will look good 20 years down the road. It’s easy to get caught up in the new and now of style but it is incredible how well taking a look back will help you take two steps forward.
Images c/o Sean Stak
Missoni Home Collection
A cool air has arrived in New York City and I’m wrapping myself up in the colors of autumn with the 100 percent wool Husky throw by MissoniHome. I keep it in my home office nook, where the wide weave plaid lives well near florals and ikat.
Wool Throw Blanket: c/o MissoniHome // Lulu and Georgia Pillows ~ similar here
Lulu and Georgia Adelaide Console Table
West Elm Elton Settee // Lulu and Georgia Sabine Rug
Image Credits: Jenny Graham
A Seasoned Satchel
Life has been stocked and busy lately. I am already looking forward to a weekend city escape, complete with wide open skies full of stars. This Dooney & Bourke beauty looks and feels like a handbag but fits everything I need for a low maintenance getaway. In one satchel, people, just one satchel…
Bag: Clayton Satchel c/o Dooney & Bourke // Skirt: Club Monaco ~ similar here // Denim Jacket: Anthropologie
Image Credits: Mike Ajello
JBD Says: French Children Don’t Throw Food
Well…JBD recommends French Children Don’t Throw Food by Pamela Druckerman. Ms. Druckerman is hysterical, smart, full of wit and delight. This book throws the truth at Americans. How do you raise your children? How were you raised? The self-deprecating, effortless novel has solidified my desire to raise a child in Paris. While reading the tome, I recognized my own Mother’s parenting style; thanks Mom for the independent je ne sais quoi. And: merci to author Pamela Druckerman for sharing a provocative formula for all families.
