And The Oscar Goes To...

It is hard to believe that Wolfgang has been doing the Governor's Ball for the Academy Awards for fifteen years now... I was there the first year he did them, as a manager "Host," and was fitted for a gown of my choice by Bob Mackie's atelier. It was the year Forest Gump took in so many awards, and I was in charge of Tom Hank's table. How exciting it was to be there when the throngs of celebrities swoosh into the room, glamorous and glorious. A very exciting event, and one that I always love to sit at home and enjoy on my own TV now. The number of chefs that fly in to make sure that the thousands of meals get plated out and served in unison is unbelievable. And Wolf's team is the best at it, which is why, for 15 years, they are still at it! I can't wait to see the ensembles... I need some ideas, as I am going to have to glam it up next weekend for The Power of Love event going on here in Las Vegas, benefitting The Lou Ruvo Alzheimer's Foundation. Sigfried and Roy are doing a final performance. And Wolfgang is one of the Chefs that will be preparing an amazing meal.

Get your votes in and enjoy the show tonight!

I Need a Vacation Today

I really feel like closing my eyes and being whisked away to Provence today.

I could easily slip into this picture of "Le Couvent des Minimes", a forty-six room hotel and spa (dedicated to the entire line of L'Occitane) that was founded by monks in 1613. It looks absolutely divine in all ways, and the prices are not bad either for a Four Star Relais e Chateau.

Get me there quick! You can see more on their site at
www.couventdesminimeshotelspa.com


Nathalie

Courtesy of Town and Country

Thoughts of Spring...

It has been raining alot here in Las Vegas, which is very abnormal. All of the plants and landscape rocks now have a sparkle to them, and little buds are forming and starting to open. It is still chilly, and we have alot of snow on the surrounding mountains, but you can smell that spring, our best season here, is right around the corner... and that's where my thoughts are today. Cindy's dreamy artwork above, "The Sweetest Day," captures my mood exactly.

http://www.cindyg.etsy.com/

I hope that you too can feel it coming, wherever you are...

Nathalie

Alberta Ferretti's languid flowing lines here bring to mind the wood nymphs coming alive from the darkness of winter. I would take anything from her spring collection!

Alexander McQueen will be doing a line for Target on March 4. If it is anything like this dress, I'll be there at opening!

Nothing spells "Spring" like the blossoms opening up on barren trees. Jared May's photography is so vibrant and crisp, he captures the very scent of spring. You can see more at www.JaredKS.etsy.com

This blue is so dreamy and reminiscent of the sea in Capri. I'd have this in my hands in a heartbeat! By the divine Valentino, no less.

Happy Valentines Day!

Hoping that you have a weekend filled with love

that overflows into the future...

Nathalie

image courtesy of shanissinha on flickr

Dinner in the Sky...A Truly Memorable Celebration

A friend of mine will be dining "aloft " here in Las Vegas this weekend. Talk about doing something different! What a unique way to celebrate a special occasion. I found this concept mesmerizing, even though I am terrified of heights and would never even consider it myself. I am most anxious to hear all about it and see pictures afterwards. You can read more about it at http://www.dinnerinthesky.com/

Istanbul

Madrid

London

Dubai

South Africa

Kelly Wearstler Rocks...

I have been a fan of Kelly Wearstler for years, and could survive in any interior of hers, but must say the palette in her Bergdorf Goodman shop is absolutely divine!

Getting Ready for my Yearly Valentines Party

Today I am baking all day, getting my sugar cookies ready for my annual Valentines Party next weekend. A group of girlfriends and all of the kids come over to decorate them with Royal Icing and Sparkles. This is the fourth year, so the decorating skills are improving dramatically! Little babies have now become mini Picasso's. I also pull out the "Shrinky Dink" in heart shapes, with colored pens and tons of bling to string up necklaces for mommies, grandmothers, and aunties. It is so wonderful to see all of the kids sitting so seriously working on their creations. And when their faces are covered with icing and crumbs, we send them all out in the yard to play so that the moms can relax and enjoy a few well deserved treats! One of my favourite parties of the year. I hope that you enjoy your Valentines as much!
Nathalie

I love everything about Valentines Day! Some of my favourite colors, flavours and feelings abound...

These heart shaped Calmyrna figs with cheese are so delectable!

photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Caviar Blini's with creme fraiche are a must...
however I will make the blini's in a "heart" shape of course!

A little cappucino amongst friends...
photo courtesy of hanhfam on Flickr

I think I could eat this whole thing myself!

Some past Shrinky Dink heart treasures!