Aspen Photography...Peter B. Steele

"Tattoed Aspen"

While at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, they had some of Peter B. Steele's photography up from his "Passion Scars" collection. I really fell in love with the aspen trees, they are so majestic...and I love what he has captured in these photos. This particular picture above I would have bought in a heartbeat, if I had the money. I am so intrigued with the way he has collaged and matted this print, my creative juices are flowing and I am thinking of something similar to try on my own...

"Heart Grove"

"Maiden Tattoo"

"Hope Heart"

"Columbine Heart"

"Heart Landscape"

Visit Peter B. Steele's website here to see more of his work.

"Makes Me Happy" Etsy Treasury

It was a joy to wake up and see that one of my lavender sachets is included in this beautiful treasury...
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c29a02490cc6d915fd45354/makes-me-happy
I still can't figure out how to input the link so it will show...sigh.

Aspen Art

"The Chihuahua Has Landed"

In search of t-shirts to bring home, after traipsing through terrible tourist traps, we were so fortunate to come upon a most delightful street fair, where we met the wonderfully talented "Tori"...please stop by her website here, she does the most wonderful work, and you can also commission your pet's portrait from her.

"Olive"

I am crazy about this one too!

Tori's son designed this...both of my sons are crazy about their shirts that I brought them! And the best part is that we supported his ski team ...just love giving back!

"Bueller"

This reminds me of my delightful Golden Retriever, Alba

This is the shirt that I brought home...love it!

Aspen Food and Wine Classic Rocks!

Well, I feel like I stepped out of a movie set...my first time to Aspen, and to this event, and it was quite simply WOW. We were with a great group of people that were a blast, ran into many people from all over that we knew (it is a small world in the wine and restaurant world), ate and drank non-stop. It's taken me a few days just to come off of the high... literally!

AND...none of this would be possible without the help of my dear MOM...who came out for the weekend and rocked my boys world ( they could not have cared less that we were gone)

merci maman xox

Nathalie

I now know why I have heard buzz buzz buzz about this event for years...not only is it that it is in ASPEN, but it is really first class all the way around...

photo...mine

I attended seminars by both Thomas Keller and Mario Batali (here photographed with Food and Wine editor in chief Dana Cowin), and enjoyed them both immensely.

photo...Food and Wine

I had to get Thomas Keller's autograph...and what an autograph...stunning!

We were lucky enough to be invited to the Two Twelve Access Party, the coveted invite of the weekend. And what a party it was!
We were whisked up the mountain in a Lexus (one of the sponsors), to a truly incredible house in the hills. This is an after party solely for the chefs, no press invited. Elad Zvi, the incredible mixologist from Miami's Bar-Lab had flown in to make the most amazing concoctions, and celebrity gust chef Lee Ann Wong was cooking up a storm...sliders and ribs galore were being hand passed as the dj took the place down. A party that I will not forget!

I saw all makes and models of fabulous cars, but I think this one was my favourite!

photo...mine

Loved this window....there is no shortage of designer shops in this cosy town!

photo...mine

Food and Wine Classic in Aspen

I am fortunate to be attending The Food and Wine Classic in Aspen this coming weekend...and have been really looking forward to this trip! It is the first time that my husband and I have been away together in 8 years, and actually the first time I have ever left my boys (sad?)...

Now that I am starting to have to think about packing, having everything at home in order, prepping the house, dog, etc etc.....I really wish I were just on the plane already! Not that I am complaining... I should have some fun pictures after to share. I signed up for a little class with Mario Batali, and with Thomas Keller. Aspen here I come!

Cabana Time!

School's out, pool's in! I started off the summer yesterday with a group of my dear friends at a cabana... the only way to do the pool with the heat we have here in Vegas. The latest in cabana life to hit Vegas is Steve Wynn's Encore "adult" Beach Club and Surrender nightclub, above. At a cost of 68 million, there are 26 "regular" cabanas, and eight 2 story 350 square foot bungalows, that open onto the Strip , so passers by can "peek" in. The Grand Opening was Memorial Day weekend, and they were all sold out...not bad considering the bungalows were $10,000 a day. Who said the economy was hurting?

This is where I go for "cabana time"... the pool at the JW Marriott in Summerlin. Great for the kids, the pool is saltwater, the landscaping is mature (unlike much of Vegas!), so there is ample shade. If you want to be off the "Strip", this is a hotel known and loved by locals, and in a very convenient location.

Cher's Buddhist Sanctuary in LA

Cher's latest home, a 4,000 square foot 2 floor apartment has me wanting to move...or redecorate! How about this 16th century opium bed, couldn't you just jump right in? The serenity and "calmness" of the palette, right in the heart of the Hollywood Hills, would be a wonderful retreat to come home to. Her home is featured in Architectural Digest this month, which I am running off to buy, because I hear that the over the top luxurious stone clad bathtub is fit for Cleopatra...and this I have got to see!

decorated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

This is a great part of LA, full of history. I lived near here at one point, but was on the wrong side of the street (hence no killer view like this).

I could move in here in a heartbeat!

Have a great week,

Nathalie

images from Architectural Digest, via Shine