Magazine BLU Summer 2008

MAGAZINE

BLU EXPLOITS

INDULGENCES

DECADENCE...SHARED

VOL 2 ISS 1

Midsummer Luxury Break-Up Blues Cigars & Whiskey Flirty Fashion for Her Smart Fortwo St. Augustine Sex Too Soon?

Turks & Caicos

PLUS:

Classic Lingerie Who Is It Really For?

SOURCEBOOK FOR DISCRIMINATING SINGLE MEN & WOMEN

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SUMMER 2008 PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Going Bi-Coastal with a Parachute Once upon a time, on a quiet evening in 2003, I tucked myself into bed with a heavy sadness in my heart and a question on my brain. It was a question asked by Richard Nelson Bolles, referring both to a job hunter’s process and the title of his book about finding your dream work. That query, as frustration and boredom from 20+ years of doing the same work day after day welled within me, was, “Kimberly, what color is your parachute?”

With that, I slept. Around three in the morning I awoke with the magazine concept fully clarified in my mind, with a giant, “Aha! That is my destiny!”

Now, we are going through exponential growth and development, here at Magazine BLU. Am I scared, yet? Well, maybe a little. It is that type of fear that drives astronauts to climb the stairs into a shuttle, first-time skydivers to step out of the plane, baby birds to plunge and flap their wings.

It is funny, how all of my metaphoric scenarios involve potentially falling to Earth from heights.

Yes, I’m feeling some fear. But, I don’t think that this fear is of “what ifs.” It is more the nervousness one feels when approaching the pinnacle of Destiny. Our crew sees the peak. We just reached the tree line and right above us, just beyond the thinning clouds and within reach, is Magazine BLU – the print edition.

There have been some days when I did not think a print edition, or further expansion of the Magazine BLU concept, could happen. I admit it. I think all business owners have those days. It is when you are tired – when you think you should just give into the more “normal” rat race and take a nine-to-five job, for goodness’ sakes – that doubt sometimes creeps in. It is the nature of this game of risk, this entrepreneurship.

Of course there has been doubt at times. Just like that newbie skydiver, I looked down for a few seconds and my stomach flipped. I wondered, “Can we really do this? Can we take that step?”

I guess the answer to the latter question is clear. The first major step was to move the Publishing Office from Philadelphia to California. That has been done (with me cursing the 2500-plus miles, unending highway, and hot summer sun the whole way).

Relocating the company and my personal life from one coast to the other was indeed intimidating and a major undertaking, but to say it was a worthwhile move would be a simple understatement. I know that, while it was a hassle, this change was pivotal to our future.

So, here we are in California. The skydiver’s feet left the fuselage and there is no direction but one. We all see the target and the entire team is zoning in to hit the bull’s eye.

When I realize how far the concept has come in the past five years, and that we’re still here, with the most supportive team of co-skydivers in the world, I feel such joy intermixed with that rush of adrenaline.

The answer to Bolles’ question regarding the color of my parachute?

That is easy.

It is a bright, promising BLU. Thank you for patiently hanging in with us while we relocated and reconstructed for a bigger future!

We’ll see you at the bull’s eye.

www.magazineblu.com

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MAGAZINE

BLU

Summer 2008 Volume 2 Issue 1

FEATURES 09

FLORIDA, FOR GROWNUPS

St. Augustine proves Florida is historic, elegant, and sophisticated...and not just about Spring Break and Early Bird Specials. By Kimberly Toms.

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DRIVING WITH SMARTS

Sometimes being small and economical is actually quite socially intelligent. We prove that, tooling around Manhattan in this new little machine. By Kimberly Toms.

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CURING THE BREAK-UP BLUES

The split was destined to be, as otherwise you would not be, well...broken up. The end of a true relationship is almost always painful, but there is light at the end of that tunnel of temporary gloom, courtesy experts and those who have been there, before. By Felicia Coley.

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CIGARS & WHISKEY

Some pairings are better than others, whether in romance or libations. Cigars and whiskey offer a timeless union that will have you raising a glass and toasting to “forever after.” By Curt Riedy with Kimberly Toms.

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SUSTAINING LUXURY

You, like many others, aspire to call your very own private island “home.” Lets get real: It probably is not going to happen in this economy or any other...unless, you tweak the dream, just a little . We show you where you can realistically live with the iguanas. By Kimberly Toms.

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SEX TOO SOON?

How long should you wait to have sex with your new “friend,” for the first time?

Most of us agree the first date is not optimum, but who really knows when the time is right? By Felicia Coley.

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LINGERIE: WHO IS IT REALLY FOR?

The founder and designer of CLO Lingerie reveals who she designs for, and in turn, who benefits.

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SUMMER 2008

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DEPARTMENTS 37

WHISKEY TASTES & TOASTS

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Bushmills Irish Whiskey’s Master Distiller Colum Egan explains how to properly taste whiskey; some worldwide brand favorites; charming toasts from Tullamore Dew.

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CAPTIVATING SINGLE

He is a Manhattanite with a law degree, living the life many only imagine or see on television: 30-something, Irish, handsome, and the man-about-town. Go ahead, you know you want to read all about him.

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FASHION: SUMMER SWEETNESS

We hit the streets of Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco’s family neighborhood, to catch a glimpse of flirty fashion styled by Jessie James Boutique and donned by a sweet blonde with aspirations of her own.

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INDULGENCES

We found some of the greatest things for your living space, lifestyle, wardrobe...and even your pet. We bring them, BLU approved, to you.

109 DUDE, WHERE’S YOUR STYLE? Jeff Wyatt outlines some “do’s and don’ts” for the male gender to follow when dressing in summer’s more relaxed style.

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IN EVERY ISSUE 02 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 06

CONTRIBUTORS

110 JEFF WYATT’S MUSINGS Writer/comedian Jeff Wyatt reflects on dating and dishes out his perspective on women. By Jeff Wyatt.

111 EXCERPTS FROM BLU BLOGS A sampling of recent articles from Magazine BLU’s bloggers. All may be read in full and accessed from www.magazineblu.com.

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SUMMER 2008

MAGAZINE

BLU KIMBERLY TOMS PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF kimberlytoms@magazineblu.com OFFICE / INQUIRIES: 4847 HOPYARD ROAD SUITE 4344 PLEASANTON, CA 94588 www.magazineblu.com info@magazineblu.com

Magazine BLU is digitally published quarterly, following availability ov Volume 2 Issue 2 in October 2008 by Nola Blue Media, LLC of Pleasanton, CA. SUBSCRIPTIONS: First four issues FREE via the World Wide Web. Subsequent issues, US: $4.95 per issue; Canada: $5.95 per issue. Copy and unauthorized distribution prohibited. Reprints available through inquiry at info@magazineblu.com. All rights strictly reserved, and reproduction in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without prior written permission from the Publisher. Copyright 2008. Printed (both digitally and hard copy editions) in the USA. Byline contributors' views do not necessarily represent opinions of the Publisher.

MAGAZINE BLU: SUMMER 2008 / VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

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SUMMER 2008 CONTRIBUTORS

MARK MARGRAFF senior photographer Mark Margraff lives, breathes, and exudes his own commercial artistic style. He shoots regularly around Philadelphia and works with top advertising agencies and publications. He is passionate about both his work and his family.

SUZAN MARGRAFF senior stylist Suzan Margraff is an internationally trained stylist and makeup artist. She often collaborates with her husband, Mark, on projects throughout the United States. Suzan also co-owns and operates a salon in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

CURT RIEDY writer Curt Riedy began his writing career at Kutztown University, where he graduated with a BA in Professional Writing. He has since written for multiple newspapers and magazines with a focus on the arts, film and music.

JEFF WYATT writer A New York writer/comedian with a wit ranging from jovial to acerbic depending on the subject, Jeff has spent the past year delighting audiences, be it in a comedy club or his first passion, poetry readings.

DANIEL MEZICK photographer Daniel Mezick graduated with a BA in Studio Art Photography from Lycoming College. He has worked on shoots ranging from corporate portraiture to editorial magazine spreads, commercial products, advertising campaigns and large book publications.

FELICIA COLEY writer Over the past twenty years, Felicia Coley has amassed a successful writing portfolio, including for magazines, newspapers, and corporate entities. Her penchant for writing what she knows has evolved into her latest chapter: creating the original online gift registry for single women. The Well-Heeled Society was inspired by Coley’s colorful, personal experience as a successfully single woman. Of all of her accomplishments, this one is closest to her heart. Not so much because it is personal, but because she is reconditioning society by showing that single women have milestones, too - milestones that don’t necessarily include love, marriage, and a baby carriage.

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based, water soluble, condom and latex-safe Astroglide a regular part of your sex life. It’s available where you already shop, so get some today.

You’ll thank us tonight. To get a free sample, call 800-848-5900, or visit astroglide.com.

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The former Ponce de Leon Hotel is home to Flagler College.

Photo courtesy St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB.

St. Augustine

By Kimberly Toms

Florida, For Grown-Ups

I am a grown-up. At least, I came to that conclusion a few weeks ago when I was watching television and saw a 40-ish woman being interviewed. First I thought, “Wow, she looks good for her age.” Then, I heard her age and thought, “That’s only a couple of years older than me.”

The realization set in.

I am a grown-up. Time for me to admit it.

I had already realized I have very specific taste. I just hadn’t equated it to being a specific age. It just is what it is:

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I can’t pull off junior clothing styles anymore (and who really wants to?).

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I wouldn’t be caught d-e-a-d standing in line to get into a nightclub.

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When I hear reality show kids bickering on MTV, I want to ground them and send them to their rooms.

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I don’t eat at places you can “drive thru.”

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Slang words perplex me.

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I have – and this one really, really troubles me – looked longingly at “comfort” bras, thinking that if I ditched one of my sexy ones, “nobody would know the difference.”

Yes, I am officially a grown-up.

As makes sense, when going on vacation, I want to go on a grown-up vacation.

In other words, lying on a beach where spring break television is filmed is not enticing to me. I want to be comfortable (pampered, even), entertained, well fed, dressed up, dressed down, worked out, manicured, provided with many shopping options, educated about the places I visit, kneaded like dough, and pretty much left to do whatever it is I wish to do.

That is a vacation.

Fittingly, when I was approached with the option of taking a trip to St. Augustine, Florida, my first thought was of repulsion, just as the image of bikini bunnies and buff dudes bounced in my head, with crowded beach sand under their feet, loudly drunk revelers all around, and flea-bag waterfront motels looming cheaply in the background, along with boardwalk souvenir and “mix-andmatch your swimsuit” shops.

But, one of St. Augustine’s tourism industry folks, Jay, insisted that St. Augustine is not the cliché that is very often Florida.

He was right. I didn’t see even one plastic, pink flamingo.

In fact, I cannot report seeing a single Recreational Vehicle in motion (although I am sure they were there, somewhere), nor a Speedo stretched to its death on a body about five sizes too big for it.

So, go back to your office, Jay. I have some exploring to do!

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Decompression In the Old and New Since September 1565, people have been landing and remaining in St. Augustine, establishing it as America’s oldest continually occupied European settlement. It was first inhabited by the Spaniards, then the English, the Spaniards again, followed by pre-Victorian Americans in 1821. Rarely is ownership of a possession so disputed, without having great appeal, beauty, and value. St. Augustine has all of those traits, whether in the eyes of a real estate owner, political leader, or vacationer.

Upon driving down King Street into the town of just over 12,000 full-time residents, one first notes St. Augustine’s architectural uniquity. Looming hotels, museums, educational institutions, places of worship and other facades are

distinctly and grandly European, while residences of old are clearly settlement houses that once held practicality of survival high with the hopes and promise of the New World.

Present day museums echo both the grandeur and bare necessity of old, like two sides of a coin, as evidenced by the Lightner Museum on King Street – three floors of costumes, furnishings, Tiffany glass, and other artifacts of 19th century opulence, and St. Augustine Historical Society’s Oldest House and Museum – the Gonzalez-Alvarez House on Francis Street, a National Historic Landmark and the area’s oldest surviving Spanish colonial dwelling.

Reminiscent of New Orleans and cobblestoned villages of the Old World www.magazineblu.com

are the housing districts. These quaint and endearing neighborhoods are ones in which you can stroll and sightsee unguided. In doing so, you pass current residents who have clearly dedicated themselves to preserving these treasured homes that quietly encase historical, cultural, and even warfare-surviving emotional significance that modern Americans rarely experience firsthand.

These housekeepers live within that rich history every day, knowing only pieces of the full story the walls certainly could tell.

Political leaders, business owners and inhabitants of St. Augustine have done a superb job of maintaining the Spanish colony’s integrity, with an attention to (and love of) the details of period architecture and daily life. It is that www.magazineblu.com

which makes the town so quaintly appealing, in a way that larger cities of old, such as New Orleans, unfortunately have not. This is an attentively-manicured and pristinely-kept version of “Once Upon a Time,” without so many smells and creepy corners that might keep a tourist in their hotel room at night.

In fact, it was while on a walk down St. George Street after a sumptuous dinner that I realized life in the big city has frayed my own nerves. I had eaten, then cancelled my limousine service back to my hotel, desiring to walk off both calories and metropolitan stress. I wound and turned down many streets, my heels clicking on the cobblestones, my mind fully engaged in a pure lack of thought, head clearing with fresh

ocean air and evening breezes of midApril, as I window shopped and made mental notes of places I would explore the next day.

It was dark, about 11:00 p.m. As a truck slowly ambled past and the driver said, “Hello” from his window, I became suddenly aware that I had neither been instinctively watching my back, nor stressing over whether personal safety was at risk. Yes, this is a place where a solo traveler can explore in full peace. It is a place where decompression comes easily.

Photo: View of St. George Street. More than 2 million tiny white lights glow in St. Augustine during the annual Nights of Lights Celebration. Courtesy St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB. 12

No Luxuries Spared My gracious hotel was the Hilton on Avineda Menendez and the bayfront, just a short walk from the Castillo de San Marcos, one of the most historic attractions of the area. I know exactly what you’re thinking: “You’re in a history-laden village and you stay at an international chain hotel?” Why yes I did, and with zero regret! Well, no regret except that of sleeping alone in my giant, comfortable bed.

It was a superb choice, as this is not just any “branded” hotel. It is the smallest Hilton in the world, with only 72 rooms cozily contained within the Spanish Colonial façade of nineteen buildings. The hotel is adequately designed and constructed to fit well within surroundings dating back to the 17th century, yet with all of the modern comforts a somewhat spoiled traveler might desire. Most enjoyable was the lack of crowds in places such as the hotel workout room, a facility I enjoyed twice per day during my stay, as I could work out in solitude – something rarely enjoyed in a larger hotel or membership gym. I could

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have also enjoyed a solo dip in the pool that overlooks the bay, but I was so preoccupied with the sights of the town that I missed my opportunity.

Although the Hilton was well-suited for my wants and needs, if sumptuous luxury and pampering within the City Gates is your objective, the Casa Monica Hotel at the corner of King and Cordova Streets is historically suited to answer your every desire. Originally designed, built and opened by Bostonian Franklin W. Smith (founder of the YMCA) in 1888, Casa Monica was quickly sold to railroad pioneer and local magnate Henry Flagler, who renamed it The Hotel Cordova.

Now again under the regal name Casa Monica, one of the Kessler Collection of unique hotels, and a member of Preferred Resorts and Hotels Worldwide, Casa Monica is a Four-Diamond landmark offering exceptional comfort and world-class amenities. A boutique hotel with Spanish Moorish grand design and Victorian appointments of cobalt blue, deep red and gold, it resembles a European castle. The lobby showcases chandeliers, gilded furnishings, columns, arches, and a fountain. A penthouse view offering sweeping, panoramic views of the ocean, town, and bayfront entice one into the not-sosubtle upgrade.

Casa Monica boasts an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub on a 4,000 square-foot deck, a 164-seat fine dining restaurant (the award-winning 95 Cordova), Café Cordova with convenient and standard fare such as sandwiches, salads and soups, Starbucks Coffee, the Cobalt Lounge, 8,000 square feet of retail shops, valet parking, 24-hour fitness facility, and much more.

Photos, opposite page, from top: Built in 2005, Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront replicates colonial Spanish architecture. Bottom: The luxurious Casa Monica Hotel. Both photos courtesy St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB. This page, from top: Raintree Seafood & Steakhouse. 2nd from top: Raintree’s dining patio. Bottom left and right: Raintree’s cuisine is as artful as it is enticing. All Raintree photos courtesy RaintreeRestaurant.com.

Colorful Cuisine, Cultured Flavor I have to admit something very, very personal. That is that during my St. Augustine travel, I was in the middle of a very structured diet and my biggest fear was that of packing on the tons of pounds one accumulates when being enticed and treated on a typical grown-up vacation. Yes, I feared the cheesecake.

Knowing restaurants are a pivotal part of any getaway, and perhaps one of the greatest indulgences known to man, I could not ignore the significance of local cuisine. So, I did what any good travel writer does, and sucked it up (quite literally, “Hoovered,” if you will), allowing myself to partake as if I was unencumbered by guilt or calorie counts.

Oh, the struggle of it all.

Once I hit the doors of Raintree Seafood & Steakhouse, an award-winning casual restaurant within an 1879 Victorian home, all signs of a struggle had disappeared. The staff of Raintree were approachable and friendly, atmosphere romantic – yet not intimidatingly romantic for the solo or platonic diners.

Both the structure and owner Lorna MacDonald have their own unique, romantic stories to tell about how Raintree came into being. It is a story you should inquire about, while visiting and enjoying the delightful fare. www.magazineblu.com

I started with 2004’s Australian Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet and Smoked Salmon Crustini. Pesto, capers, onions, tomato, mozzarella, and caviar all intermingle and dance upon the crustini, an appropriate accompaniment to a delightful wine. Also offered are Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes; Baked Scallops on the ½ Shell with sake ginger vinaigrette; Spicy Seafood Roll served with spicy garlic aioli and a Mirin teriyaki glaze; Portobello Mushroom Stack of wilted spinach and Crab Imperial on a pepper lentil coulis; Maryland Style Lump Crab Cake with slaw and tropical fruit salsa; Baked Oysters topped with roasted red peppers, scallions, bacon, and parmesan cheese; Escargot Broiled with Champagne in garlic butter sauce with French bread Melbas; Quail Legs wrapped in bacon, served with barbecue sauce, and set on shoestring onions; or a soup of the day selection.

My salad of choice was the day’s arugula with raisins, pine nuts and low-fat raspberry vinaigrette. It led me well into one of the evening’s special entrees, that of Scallops, Shrimp, and Lobster on Bowtie Pasta in a Champagne Cream Sauce. Yes, I realize that a cream sauce is one of the most decadent selections I could make (forgetting the diet), but simply could not resist. I did make a special request that was very nicely honored: “Hold 75% of the pasta, please?”

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When I took the first bite, I knew holding most of the pasta was a good idea, as I would have eaten every single bowtie. The champagne sauce was that brilliant – creamy, but not like an Alfredo. It was buttery, flavorful and indulgent, yet not heavy. Just enough sauce lingered upon each taste of seafood and pasta that the mouthful was well-dressed, never masked.

My first course was Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Salad with Organic Greens and Balsamic-Apricot Reduction. It was too delightful to call it a salad, but that would be its category in layman’s terms. An option for that evening (as the menu changes daily) was the Roasted Beet and Organic Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette and Pickled Red Onions.

That brings me to the subject of the seafood: Every prawn, scallop, and lobster portion included in the entrée absolutely burst upon biting. I question if I have ever had such succulent seafood, but don’t tell anyone in New Orleans that I said that! There was actually a little “pop” as my teeth pierced the seafood’s surface. Have I not been adequately experiencing seafood until this meal?

As the ballet that is Opus 39’s experience continued, the second course brought the largest Pan Seared Scallop I have ever seen, with Warm Purple Potato Salad, Micro Greens and Truffle Peppercorn Vinaigrette.

I am quite fond of the Warm Purple Potato Salad, something I had never even fathomed until that evening. I selected this over the Sauteed Shrimp with Grilled Asparagus, Jicama and Roasted Poblanos.

Other entrees from which to choose range from bouillabaisse, salmon, Ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, Chilean Sea Bass, Pecan Trout Meuniere, duck, shrimp, pork, chicken, lobster, prime rib, lamb, filets, sirloin, ribeye, and so much more. Vegetarian selections are also available, such as a wonderful Stuffed Eggplant with fresh vegetables, ricotta, mozzarella, balsamic reduction and red lentil puree.

My third course was Seared Day Boat Cod with Polenta Cake, Zucchini-Stinging Nettle Ragout and Thyme Pan Jus. That is quite a mouthful to speak, one that also was quite a pleasure to savor. The alternative was Seared Hawaiian Pumpkin Swordfish with Sweet CornOkra Saute, Bacon and Arugula.

Another famous staple in my native New Orleans is the Bananas Foster. I refuse to compare that to any other, so I will simply attest that the Bananas Foster Crepes dessert of Raintree beckons me back, right now…perhaps evermore. Will its lingering memory ever leave me in peace? Perhaps that is a question that can only be answered through another sampling.

Fourth brought Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Sugar Snaps, Dried Cherry-Fingerling Ragout and Scallion Puree. It also brought a second glass of my Cabernet. There were two other choices for this course, including Roasted Quail with Cannelini Beans and Roasted Tomato-Picholine Olive Broth, or Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Braised Shallot Sauce over Root Vegetable Puree and Braised Swiss Chard.

My second evening found me at Opus 39 Restaurant & Food Gallery, a culinary destination founded by nationally acclaimed chef Michael McMillan, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.

Within the unimposing yet artful structure of 39 Cordova Street is a meeting of quarterly-changing art exhibitions and a five course tasting menu, accompanied by a superbly and selectively stocked Wine Gallery, of over 400 selections.

I chose the duck, because I had yet to ever encounter a duck that met the requirements of my palate. I simply had never enjoyed the fowl. I felt like taking a risk, as by the fourth course, who could go wrong if something was not a favorite? After all, I had five other courses to rely upon, if this one went awry. I would fully recommend just such a tactic of trying something new, if you find yourself in Opus 39, as I doubt anything could be less than perfection. In fact, I loved the duck.

Opus 39 is an experience, not simply a restaurant or meal. One should always arrive unencumbered by time and desiring the most from the full experience of upscale, innovatively designed daily menus. At a fixed price for the evening, each diner selects from a couple of offered plates for each course. This is done for five courses (including dessert), or six if you opt for the cheese course to be included prior to the sweet ending.

The meal begins very interestingly, with a walk to the wine room where Chef Michael provides insight and explorative assistance with the massive selection.

I chose my longtime favorite, Silver Oak’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003. I do love the oak flavor of that particular cabernet and enjoy it immensely, every single time.

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The optional cheese course was next, that of Humboldt Fog with Orange Honey, Fennel Pollen (so delightful), Frisee and Walnuts. Definitely opt the cheese course in!

I was abstaining from a third glass of blessed red at this point, as I wanted to lighten up for the dessert selection, if that makes any sense at all. A wonderful iced tea (I am Southern, remember) accompanied my Passion Fruit Custard Chocolate Mousse Bombe with Vanilla Bean Crème Anglaise.

Goodness sakes, it was passionate! Again, there were two additional selections: Coconut Cheesecake with Coconut Macadamia Nut Crust and Tropical Fruit Compote, or Citrus Crème Caramel with Pedro Ximenez Macerated Berries.

How did I make my menu selections, for the most part? I went with instinct, leaning toward those I had never come close to experiencing before, and even selecting the duck – which I typically cannot eat. For the dessert, I did what any sweet tooth should do when faced with three very luscious selections: I asked my accommodating and smiling server which was his most favored choice. He certainly did not lead me astray!

This second evening, after the meal drew to a close, I again walked the city streets, window shopping and people-watching in the safe, moonlight breezes. I was officially relaxed and well-fed. I feared the bathroom scale, but would worry about that tomorrow. Imagine my complete amazement (after those meals and many others almost as decadent), when I stepped onto the scale in my metropolitan home and found that I had actually lost two pounds that week, due to all of the walking and touring! I think that was probably the most delightful and inexplicable weight loss I have ever experienced. I certainly would be willing to test the validity of that, again!

An Escape of Historic Opulence Well beyond the City Gates and on the famed Ponte Vedra Beaches is Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, a distinguished choice for anyone seeking unparalleled service, opulent surroundings and upscale amenities, as well as a selection of recreational, dining, shopping, and relaxation activities that are rarely experienced within such unencumbered proximity to a historic sight of St. Augustine’s caliber.

At Ponte Vedra – with its Five Diamond accommodations and pristine white beaches – 36 holes of golf, tennis, top-notch workout facilities, heated swimming pools, fishing and seaside enjoyment are all daily offerings, along with sublime spa treatments and your choice of meals at one of their four restaurants and three lounges (or in your incredible room).

As I had explored so much during my time in St. Augustine, I was completely wiped out and sank immediately into Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s delightfully comfortable bed with soft sheets and four fluffy pillows, remote control in hand and oceanic views with swaying palm trees just through the room’s large window. After sleeping some of my exhaustion and the early evening away, I awoke with zero guilt and quite a bit of hunger, finding their 24-hour room service menu neither sparing nor without struggle, in deciding which of the many options to select, as well as which of the eye-catching rich desserts I should avoid.

After eating too much and indulging in that cheesecake I tried unsuccessfully to talk myself out of, I immersed myself completely in the spectacular space that was the bathroom. The giant tub beckoned me that night, with midnight bubbles, and the separate, large shower being the option for morning. Before leaving at checkout time the next day, I spent at least an hour longer than usual primping, as the vast dressing vanity in the bathroom encouraged me to sit, take my time, and start my day feeling as pretty as I desired.

My only recommendation for improvement upon my time at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club? That would be to linger much, much longer and explore so much more.

Photo, opposite page: St. Augustine Nights of Lights celebration takes place each year from mid-November through January.

This page: The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, a Florida landmark since 1928, offers a world of deluxe accommodations, fine cuisine, top recreation, and the finest in classical service. Both photos courtesy St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB. www.magazineblu.com

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Recommended Hotels Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

Conveniently situated on the bayfront, this hotel is only steps from the Castillo de San Marcos, as well as all that Old City St. Augustine has to offer. The facades of 19 historically accurate (yet recently constructed) buildings house 72 guest rooms, an outdoor pool, lounge, and restaurant. 32 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084; 904.829.2277; www.hilton.com.

Casa Monica Hotel An 1888 landmark, the Casa Monica Hotel is the city’s only AAA Four Diamond accommodations. 138 rooms and suites are welcoming to guests seeking inspired service and regal beauty, along with the 95 Cordova Restaurant, lounge and heated outdoor pool. 95 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084; 904.827.1888; www.casamonica.com.

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Opened in 1928, this 250 room resort is far more than just a place to stay. The upscale resort offers 300 acres of amenities and recreation, including 36 holes of golf, 15 hydro tennis courts, 4 heated swimming pools, bicycling, boating, fishing, oceanfront fitness center, full-service spa, 10 boutiques and shops, four restaurants, three lounges, and much more, not to mention the sandy shorefront on the Atlantic Ocean. 200 Ponte Vedra Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082; 904.285.1111; www.pvresorts.com.

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Favorite Restaurants Raintree Seafood & Steakhouse

Raintree is not only our favorite restaurant in St. Augustine, but is one dreamt of fondly, due primarily to their succulent seafood and wonderfully decadent Bananas Foster Crepe dessert. Of course, dinner comes before dessert and you will not be disappointed there.

Dress is dinner casual, which suits the overall vibe of St. Augustine very well. Shuttle service is available to and from most area hotels, but the distance is walkable from most locations in town. 102 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084; 904.824.7211; www.raintreerestaurant.com.

Opus 39 Restaurant & Food Gallery Opus 39 is a second “requirement” when in St. Augustine. Their menus are planned daily with such attention to detail, and the wine selection is absolutely superb! This five- to sixcourse dinner extravaganza is enjoyable in and of itself, but the quarterly art showing throughout the dining space is food for the creative part of your soul. 39 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084; 904.824.0402.

95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel 95 Cordova features New World Eclectic Cuisine, fusing American, Middle Eastern and Asian flavors. Top shelf martinis and other beverages compliment the extensive, seasonal menu that is enjoyed in richly extravagant surroundings, including deep colors and 24 karat gold accents. 95 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084; 904.827.1888; www.casamonica.com.

Photos, both pages, clockwise from top: Cuisine takes on the form of art at 95 Cordova, in the Casa Monica Hotel, just as (bottom right) 95 Cordova’s dining room is a sumptuous and regal experience. Bottom left: A four poster bed awaits guests of Room 203 (and others) in the Casa Monica Hotel. All photos courtesy Casa Monica.

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Enlightening Museums and Historic Places Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

A local stone called coquina – a limestone rock formed of tiny seashells bonded together over time – was utilized as the masonry for the Spaniards to construct the Castillo from 1672 to 1695, upon the orders of the Queen Regent Mariana of Spain. Its primary purpose was to defend the city and port, particularly from neighboring Charleston, recently founded only two days’ sail from St. Augustine. The Castillo is the oldest remaining European fortification in the continental United States. Open everyday except Christmas, from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (last tickets are issued at 4:45 p.m.), the entrance fee is $6.00 for age 16+, 15 and under are free. For more information, visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/archive/casa.

City Gates Directly across from the Castillo are the City Gates. Constructed of coquina in 1808, the existing gates were an improvement upon the original access point of 1739. It was the only entry to St. Augustine through the defense line on the north side of the Spanish settlement. Today, these gates lead you right to St. George Street and all of its history and shopping possibilities.

Flagler College One called the Hotel Ponce de Leon, this campus was a very exclusive luxury resort, built

by Henry Flagler the railroad magnate in 1887. It is widely known for its Tiffany glass windows, artwork and interesting architecture. An active college campus, tours are offered daily. 74 King Street. 904.819.6400.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum Built over a span of three years from 1871 to 1874, the Lighthouse offers panoramic views of St. Augustine and the surrounding shoreline. The lightkeeper’s house also contains a museum. 904.829.0745.

Lightner Museum Once the Alcazar Hotel of 1888, this museum houses Victorian memorabilia, Tiffany art glass, paintings, sculpture, toys, porcelain, and furnishings. 75 King Street, in the City Hall building. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Desirable Shopping Historic St. Augustine Shops are everywhere you turn, within the Old City and Historic Downtown of St. Augustine. They range from souvenir stores to treasured antiques, jewelry, leather goods, shoes, clothing, cigars, art, and much more.

Uptown San Marco Just outside of Historic Downtown St. Augustine, about half a mile to be exact, is a strip of art galleries, antique shops, clothing and furniture stores, all lining San Marco Avenue.

The last Saturday of each month is “Uptown Saturday Night,” when stores and galleries remain open until 9:00 p.m.

Art Galleries of St. Augustine AGOSA is a membership organization of art galleries. Every month brings “First Friday Art Walk,” when 29 galleries stay open until 9:00 p.m., holding receptions and parties for new and known artists. These galleries are spread throughout Historic Downtown and on Anastasia Island, just across the Bridge of Lions.

Outlet Malls There are two outlet complexes in the vicinity of St. Augustine. Prime 1 Outlet Mall is located on State Road 16, 7 miles northwest of Historic Downtown, just before the I-95 overpass. Famous brands are featured, such as Guess, Liz Claiborne, Coleman, Pacsun, Adidas, and many more. St. Augustine Premium Outlets is 8 miles northwest of Historic Downtown, just past the I-95 overpass. There, you will find 95 branded stores, such as Gap, Coach, Nine West, Osh Kosh and others.

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Intriguing Guided Tours Ghost Tours of St. Augustine – “A Ghostly Experience”

A walking tour held nightly through the streets of the Old City (365 days per year), Ghost Tours of St. Augustine is one of several such tours of the area. We believe, however, they are the best – just as it seems the ghosts do, as evidenced by the company’s website, as well as on the Discovery Channel and Travel Channel. Take your camera and click away almost constantly. We did, and lets just say that we have an odd photograph as a keepsake. Even if you’re not a “believer,” the tour is exceptional, as it encompasses much of Old St. Augustine, the Castillo and the City Gates. Many tales are told and with dramatic flair by one of over 20 costumed storytellers. A great night out in the ocean breezes and moonlight, particularly after some decadent dessert! Other ghostly tours are also available through the same company, such as a riding tour and a sail aboard the 72’ Schooner Freedom. 904.461.1009. www.ghosttoursofstaugustine.com.

The Schooner Freedom The 72-foot Schooner Freedom, a tallship, embarks daily from the City Marina for a two hour day sail, an evening sail and a one hour ghost cruise by Ghost Tours of St. Augustine. $35 ages 13+; children 2 to 12 years are $25; children under age two are free.

904.810.1010. www.schoonerfreedom.com.

Old Town Trolley Tours With over 20 stops for getting on or off the trolley, all located conveniently throughout St. Augustine, this trolley-style tour covers over 100 points of interest and provides an easy ride to most of the city’s sightseeing, dining and shopping. The tour boards at the Old Jail located at 167 San Marco Avenue (free parking). 904.829.3800.

Convenient Beaches St. Johns County boasts 42 miles of beaches for relaxation and fun in the sunshine, from Ponte Vedra Beach to the county’s southern end. North of St. Augustine is Vilano Beach.

Anastasia State Park and St. Augustine Beach are very active areas, whereas Crescent Beach and Summerhaven (to the south) are quieter, despite having been vacation destinations since the Victorian age.

Photos both pages, from top: Castillo de San Marcos. The Castillo was built in 1672-1695 to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World. Center: One of the dramatic views at the Castillo de San Marcos. Stroll along Avilles street, the oldest street in the city. Enjoy shopping, art & dining. This page, left: Flagler College balconies and tower. Beach of Matanzas Inlet.

All photos courtesy St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB.

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By Kimberly Toms Photographs by Mark Margraff and SmartUSA Photo, this page: SmartUSA

...smart!

...social...stylish...spunky...spirited...

Gaining eye contact, a smile, a nod, or a wave of acknowledgment from passers-by in America’s largest metropolis is rare, whether one is walking or driving. Yes, in New York City, one can feel isolated in a crowd. This is not an affront by the good people of Manhattan; it is simply a fact of life.

Spend thirty minutes behind the wheel of a Smart Fortwo in the same city, however, and the driver is suddenly Miss or Mister Popularity. After living five years around New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia, I was astounded by how magnetic I suddenly was, while tooling about the Big Apple in a cherry-red Smart Passion Cabriolet. Yes, the one-time strangers of the island suddenly embraced me, wanted to talk to me, and even told me how cute I was, in the 106.1” long, 61.38” wide fuel-sipper.

Nonexistent was the claustrophobia that scares me out of a Beetle or hard-top Mini, the same sensation that urged me to turn down the bright red, t-topped, bitchin’ Camaro my father excitedly had me test-drive just before my sixteenth birthday, way back in 1986.

Yes, you heard me right: I turned down the potential of a spanking new, leather-infused, t-topped, ‘80’s speedster teen’s dream due to my impression that it felt like (as I described it to my father back then) driving a red “toilet paper tube.” I’ll never forget the look on his face, as his five-foot four-inch small Daddy’s Girl said, “No thank you” to such generosity, because of lack of spaciousness.

The Smart Fortwo did not play upon my dislike of tight spaces. It felt downright roomy, in fact.

It was Earth Day, 2008. The city was bustling as much as ever, at just before 2:00 p.m. I was offered a test drive of the tiny Mercedes derivative that is only a foot longer than a golf cart and over three feet shorter than a Mini Cooper. Yes, you read that right. It is three feet shorter than a Mini! Imagine the parking possibilities.

I zipped around Manhattan, at first wary of taxi cabs and other fast-moving SUV bogeys that dwarfed me. Soon though, I forgot how small I was in the grand scheme of gridlock and mid-afternoon traffic, as I effortlessly traversed through lanes, around trucks, past stoplights and pedestrians.

Before climbing into the cockpit, I seriously doubted there would be manageable comfort in the two-seater. I have to admit, however, I was incredibly surprised by the headroom, legroom, elbowroom and all-around spaciousness of the little powerhouse.

I did not experience a feeling of inferiority or size-envy when around larger counterparts that day, but people on the street did experience whiplash. The social marketability of Smart Fortwo goes beyond cuteness, economy, and fuel savings. It is pure, unadulterated magnetism, the sort that some men feel when taking a

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young niece or nephew out on the town to scam for single chicks in the grocery aisles.

I was scamming. Scamming and scooting. Turning heads, gaining waves.

I got a “thumbs up” from a lady crossing Broadway. A large and somewhat intimidating-sized delivery man started a conversation with me over the din of traffic and to my left (across three more lanes of traffic), as I sat at a red light on one busy street. That was just after my passenger and I had finished telling a big guy in the Mercedes luxury sedan to our right side that, yes, the Smart Fortwo is the little sibling to his big four-door status car. He was raving about the car’s appeal, just as he was multi-tasking – maneuvering into a parking space and talking with us through his open window – at the same time.

The big delivery guy to the left was not satisfied to just find out what the car was called. He bound down the sidewalk closer to us, still across three lanes of traffic. Next thing we knew, questions flying through the air, his deep Italian-American accented voice resonating over street noise and construction, he was directly to our left. The conversation switched to pick-up compliments about the compatibility of the vehicle’s color with my blonde hair.

Yes, the Smart Fortwo is one social car. Screw online dating or coffee houses. Just give me a set of keys and I’ll be content to meet and greet without leaving the comfort of the surprisingly roomy interior. At an average 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 during highway travel, I could socialize quite a bit on the 8.7 gallon tank.

Beyond its curb appeal, the Smart is, well, smart. It is amazingly priced at approximately $11,590 for the base Pure model, $13,590 for the wellstocked Passion coupe, and $16,590 for the Passion convertible.

Lacking sticker shock is one thing. Fuel savings adds to the appeal.

The coolest surprise, however? How about fully-replaceable, pop-on, pop-off body panels? Yes, you can meet another Smart Fortwo driver at Starbuck’s for coffee, and then trade your car’s body panels in the parking lot. How very Lego-esque!

Within about five minutes, you can switch your ride from red, to blue, to yellow, multi-colors, or whatever suits you that particular day. An entire body kit costs just below $1,000. Yes, you can even

Photo, opposite page: The Smart Fortwo Cabrio tools around NYC easily and efficiently (courtesy SmartUSA). This page, top: Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe in blue; 2nd from top: Passion Cabrio in red; Bottom right: Smart’s Passion interior, nicely appointed; Bottom left: The Passion Cabrio dash offers utility combined with comfort and a little whimsy of design. All photos, this page by Mark Margraff. www.magazineblu.com

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coordinate your Smart to your mood, an outfit, or even the Partridge Family’s bus.

Smart Fortwo Passion, Passion Cabriolet, and Pure models are available at Smart Dealerships and designated Mercedes outlets in the United States.

For more information: www.SmartUSA.com.

Despite the switchable panels and a 95% recycled composition, the Smart does not compromise on safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provided the highest approval ratings for front and side impacts, with the rear receiving the second-highest rating.

The 2008 coupe received four of five stars for driver protection and three stars for passenger. Side crash rating was a perfect five stars. This safety can be attributed to dual front and side airbags, the trademark Tridion safety cell (like a roll cage) with front and rear crush zones, antilock brakes, stability control, and traction control.

The Fortwo’s engine is a 1.0 liter, three cylinder, automanual fivespeed that can reach 90 miles per hour, achieving 60mph in 12.8 seconds. Admittedly, the transmission has been considered its leastattractive feature, with a little jarring between gear shifts. The Smart handled dips and bumps well, but potholes are a little intimidating at this size. On the fly, however, driving through urban areas and in and out of traffic is quite fun. It is a zippy micro-vehicle with a lot of charisma.

Best for urbanites, trendsetters, stoplight commuters, and as a second vehicle to a luxury model (for affluents), the Smart Fortwo definitely brings socialization back into the driving experience. An added bonus might just be the fact that the Fortwo is built for only two people (as the name clearly implies). So, put on your best smile, drop the top of the Cabriolet, zip about the city, and find yourself a new friend to smartly position in that passenger’s seat.

Top photo: Backstage at the Live Earth concert in London, the Black Eyed Peas explore the spaciousness of the Smart Fortwo; Bottom: The Smart Fortwo Cabrio is sporty, stylish, socially inviting and offers 12 cubic feet of rear compartment space for groceries, storage, or general cargo. Both photos courtesy SmartUSA. 27

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Curing the

Break-Up Blues

By Felicia Coley

Summer 2008 has us slipping on fashions with the aquatic names of “petrol” and “Olympian.” So if blues are the new greys, is bitter the new black when it comes to a breakup?

Marcia of West Palm Beach, FL is wearing her emotional breakup on her sleeve, dipped in the hues of bittersweet memories. In the fall of 2004, she met the love of her life while teaching English classes in Spain.

“After partying nightly for a week straight, I was forced into being the third wheel to two couples one night, which I had to do since my girlfriend and I had made a pact not to separate,” says the 32-year-old executive assistant to a global investment firm. “Not feeling well at all, I looked across the room and saw the most amazingly handsome man. He caught my glance, and when we spoke, I was smitten,” she recalls fondly. “He was like an instant prescription, because I immediately felt better.”

Ending her teaching gig did not end their involvement. A one-year, long-distance relationship blossomed; along with the decision for Marcia to relocate to Spain once she secured her visa papers (and tied up loose ends in Chicago, where she resides).

But as fate would have it, the visa papers took longer than expected, along with Marcia delaying the move six months to ensure a more stable financial situation. Those delays caused her Spanish lover to become impatient, and in January 2006, he broke off the relationship with a telephone call.

“He respected me wanting to get everything in order, but at the same time, he was ready for a relationship right then,” she recalls. “As hard as that telephone call was, he was attentive to my feelings; refusing to hang up until every question I had was answered. It was the longest, hardest conversation of my life.”

When asked if she has gotten over the breakup, Marcia has no hesitation in admitting her feelings. “I don’t think I will ever get over him, because I feel I missed out on a great guy. A breakup is like a death - maybe not as harsh - but just as traumatic,” she states candidly. While www.magazineblu.com

she did not ball up into a fetal position with a week’s worth of ice cream (“I forced myself to go on a date two weeks later”), Marcia realizes that time does heal all wounds.

That brings up the subject of climbing back up onto the saddle of dating.

According to relationship journalist Lisa Steadman, author of the book, It’s a Breakup, Not a Breakdown, it can be an intricate balancing act.

“If you date too soon, you run the risk of rebounding and that just muddies your emotions further. Or, you run the risk of meeting someone amazing who you’re just not emotionally ready to get to know,” Steadman advises. “If you wait too long, you may start to develop fears and phobias about getting back out there that aren’t based in reality. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling.”

Marcia did get to see her ex last December, while visiting friends in Spain.

“We went to dinner, at which time I poured my heart out to him in an attempt to rekindle what was lost. But he let me know that he was too deep into his current relationship with a girl who was about to move in with him. A girl he admittedly confessed to not being in love with,” she sighs. “He had actually been in an argument with her right before he came to meet me for dinner. The argument was about me.”

Indeed, a breakup is a complicated web of emotions for both the dumper and dumpee. But to say the one being dumped 28

is the only one who hurts is painting with too broad a brush. Yes, for the dumpee, the view of a breakup is often blindsighted, especially when coming from a person who once voiced their undying love for you. But for the dumper, the guilt of knowing you are responsible for breaking someone’s heart is often at battle with the responsibility of ending a relationship that just wasn’t meant to be.

For Mike Haro, his breakup came in shades of both black and blue, which his girlfriend sustained as the result of a head injury from a car accident.

“We moved out to California from Virginia to live together, and when she was involved in that car accident, her whole personality changed,” says the 43 year-old writer, now residing in Memphis, TN. “She decided to move back to Virginia at the request of her parents, and she told me she desired to attend college there. But when I suggested I move back with her, she wouldn’t respond.”

His gut feeling also sensed there was another person in the picture.

“I was working three jobs at time of her accident, so I never really had time to spend with her while she recovered in the hospital,” Haro regrets. “I feel that had a lot to do with her shutting down on me. But at the time, I had no choice. I had to provide income for us.”

Feeling like he never received a heartfelt explanation, Haro stayed in California and turned his pain into poetic prose and music beats for 1½ years, until he happened upon his next love.

That indeed is the slippery slope of being dumped; not giving in to the knee-jerk reaction of a scorned lover. Getting even should be left for the movie scenes (who didn’t cheer for Angela Basset’s character in Waiting to Exhale?). But, when you are able to transform the emotional pain into a productive act (versus destructive) is when the defining moment of your character resonates. Having said that, some use a breakup to make a dramatic revision in their personal lives. Men tend to upgrade to reduced passenger seating - usually in the form of a drop-top roadster. Women tend to change their hair color and/or style. A select few may even change their minds (see boomerang sex), where, if not consensual, ends up being a whole different topic (see restraining order).

Do I Need To Slap You? How To Avoid Stupid Relationship Mistakes.

Hickford offers both comical and realistic advice on ending repetitive dating mistakes. She is currently happy in a dating relationship, but realizes the happiness didn’t come from the presence of another.

“I learned that I was absolutely responsible for my own happiness - that no one could make my happy, only happy-ER. I realized that I was mourning the Dream, not the Reality - as I say in my book, often that’s what makes us sad when relationships end. It’s the loss of the Dream (of happily ever after) because the Reality was pretty crappy, or we wouldn’t be breaking up in the first place.”

Speaking of reality, while most of our breakups are not played out on the unrealistic sets of reality TV -which uses the poetic license of editing for more dramatic segments - we still may feel like the whole world is laughing, judging, and aware of the demise of the relationship. But in reality, the pain of the breakup is often magnified by the shame.

Kitty* of Los Angeles, CA found herself dumped after a three-year relationship.

“The breakup was mutual because it turned into a long distance relationship (when I moved to LA). It was hard to keep up ... but in the end, I was the one who got dumped.”

In terms of recovering, Kitty bounced back easily. It wasn’t that hard to get over because it had been such a long time since I saw him (long distance thing),” says the 27-year-old Community Manager for Fashion & Beauty for ThisNext.com.

“But it was hard to get over being able to talk to someone everyday about everything. I leaned on my girlfriends a lot and just made sure I was out on the town - a lot. I also talked about the breakup to

After her breakup, Michele Hickford was feeling the need for Sicilian, in the form of a 23year-old model wannabe. And by leaving London, where her ex husband resides.

“We’re still in touch (me and the ex, not the model),” says the writer, who authored the book, 29

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people and on the web (Product Therapy-The Single Life),” Kitty states.

Having a support system is highly recommended by Steadman. “If you feel stuck, ask a friend for help getting you back on the dating scene. Go out with your single gal pals and just have fun. There’s safety and strength in numbers.”

“One of the greatest challenges of re-entering the dating world following a breakup is that we have a tendency to compare the person we’re on a date with to our ex,” Steadman continues. “And no matter how wrong for us our ex was while we were with them, suddenly the bad disappears and we only remember the good. That’s why it’s so important for us to be conscious of this habit and turn down the volume on those comparisons. They’re incredibly sabotaging.”

Although statistics are unclear on the average length of time the standard dating relationship (i.e. heterosexual couple in a monogamous commitment) lasts, in the Denver Family Development Study, couples dated on an average of 32 months prior to marriage. This study, conducted by Dr. Howard J. Markman (professor of psychology at the University of Denver), involved 100 couples planning first-time marriages, who were followed from its inception in 1980 for over a time span of 13 years.

Internet dating relationships, on the other hand, last an average of seven months, according to a study by Dr. Jeff Gavin of the University of Bath’s Psychology Department (UK February 14, 2005 Press Release). Statistics for LDRs (long-distance relationships) report that of dating relationships, an estimated 1 in 7 (14%) were longdistance, and 3.5 million dating couples are involved in long-distance dating relationships (The Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships, A Division of JF Milne Publications.)

Even though his attempt to create a long distance relationship was rejected, Haro does see the silver lining from his breakup.

“If you feel like your breakup has you going downhill real fast, it’s because you need speed to get a bigger hill. And always remember, if you’re about love, don’t give up on love,” he advises.

For Gomez, she reflects u p o n h e r breakup experience by comparing it to the movie Evening, starring the stellar cast of Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, Toni Collette and Claire Danes. In the movie, the daughters of an elderly woman are surprised to find out about their mother ’s secret. From her deathbed, the dying woman calls out for the man she loved more than any other from some fifty www.magazineblu.com

years ago, yet never pursued.

“Knowing that I did all I could do, I’ll try to make it (love) work here in the states,” she confirms.

Kitty took the high road in terms of keeping the lines of communication open.

“I am still friends with my ex, we talk online every now and again,” Kitty confesses. “When something is funny I still call him and we talk on holidays to wish each other a Merry Christmas and all that jazz.”

Experiencing breakup blues is a life-shattering experience for both the dumper and dumpee. Whatever your position is in the matter, the correct timeframe for getting over it is never in black and white. Like death, there will be phases in experiencing the breakup process: shock, denial, sorrow, anger, pain, and finally, acceptance. The key is to not remain stuck in any one phase prior to acceptance. The end of a relationship can, however, open up a spectrum of colorful opportunities, such as moving to a new city to start a new life, jumpstarting a new career, or finding out how amazingly resilient you are.

But, the most promising opportunity is another chance to get love right. *Fictional name 30

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Cigars & Whiskey A Pairing Primer

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There are plenty of pairings in the food and beverage world, such as peaches and cream, peanut butter and chocolate, surf and turf, vodka and olives. Quite some time ago, one such pairing was discovered by our forefathers, as they indulged in two of life’s most decadent adult treats: cigars and whisky*.

Part of Christopher Columbus’ legacy is that of introducing tobacco to the Europeans. From that point on, cigars have had constancy in the upper class domain. Whether mild, medium, or fullbodied, each brand and type of cigar exhibits its own distinctive taste and sensation, just as these early imbibers discovered with pleasure.

The same can be said of whisky, which has an endless number of variations, including everything from Scotch, Scotland’s self-proclaimed “Water of Life,” to bourbon, the corn-based heart and soul of Kentucky.

Both highly coveted indulgences within the luxury world, cigars and whisky can often be found in close company – mingling together in the hands of the elite who require the “finer things in life.” When enjoyed as a pair, this powerhouse duo offers unsurpassed pleasure, working together to enhance the imbibing experience of those who treat themselves.

The combination of cigars and whisky is particularly heightened when the drink being consumed alongside the cigar is a single malt Scotch. Widely considered to be the liquid counterpart of the Cuban cigar, a single malt Scotch is the perfect drink to have in hand when one decides to light up a favored stogie. Without a doubt, there is something that is just plain magical about this pairing. In fact, outside of Laurel and Hardy, Batman and Robin, or (as blasphemous as this may be) peanut butter and jelly, you would be hard-pressed to construct a pairing that competes with the genius of this dynamic duo.

We had the privilege of speaking with both Simon Brooking, the “Scotch Master Ambassador,” and Fred Booker Noe III, a Kentuckian and seventh generation family member and great-grandson to the God of Bourbon himself, Mr. Jim Beam. These two men are perhaps the greatest sources of experience and knowledge for offering tips on the proper pairing of cigars and whisky.

“The similarities found in whisky and cigars really parallel one another,” said Simon. “There is a great communal culture between us. It is all about sharing.”

There are two roads most often traveled when one explores the blending of a cigar with whiskies (or any beverage, for that matter): coordinating weights (heavy with heavy or mild with mild), or contrasting weights (heavy with mild) paired.

Just as in the world of dating and human pairings, it can be said that like-mindedness is more compatible or “opposites attract.” Both can be the best route, but which is the best route for you is according to your own style and taste.

Intimidated, yet?

Imagine a child dressing himself for the first time. He goes to the closet, selects pants, then a shirt. The boy dresses, then proudly appears at the breakfast table. The rest of the family notes his pride and enthusiasm, just after noting that the brown corduroy pants are not really suitable for summer and the red and white striped golf shirt does not quite coordinate with the bottoms, either in color or weight. Still, the child dressed himself. It was a first. He learned from the experience and was soon coordinating outfits like Hugo Boss, himself.

The first instance may not have been a pairing of optimum appearance or suitability for the season, and it may not have flattered his frame. But, it was a step in the right direction. It was a learning experience. He quickly noted he was too hot in the corduroy, then changed into cargo shorts, feeling much better after the switch.

Yes, he learned much about texture, weight, volume, and personal taste that day.

Story by Curt Riedy with Kimberly Toms Photo by Radde Suvakov www.magazineblu.com

Similar to this is one’s first attempt at pairing of a good beverage with a favored cigar. The humidor and liquor cabinet present so very many possibilities, to an intimidating degree. Finally, you just have to make a selection. It is a leap of faith, this cigar with that whisky. It could be a golden pairing. It could be the worst matchup you’ve ever experienced. But, this is a bold step forward for your palate. Soon, you will be a connoisseur, pairing with confidence and ease, just like a kid with a closet full of Garanimals.

The general idea behind the art of pairing cigars with beverages is that the drink (however 34

weighty) should bring out flavors in the cigar that one might not note when the cigar is smoked without the glass in hand. Likewise, the cigar should heighten the drink experience, bringing out sensations and flavors that otherwise were not so noticeable when the liquid is enjoyed in solitude. For example, a cigar with a good drink may suddenly taste more chocolaty, or sweeter. The beverage may offer strong flavor notes like orange or oak.

Where to start? For which bottle do you reach? How about a light bourbon?

As an illustration, there is the Basil Hayden, from Kentucky. The Basil Hayden is a light bourbon made with twice as much rye as most, and is enriched by peppermint. With notes of pepper and citrus, ending with a spicy warmth, it is an ideal candidate for pairing with a light cigar.

A strong bourbon can sometimes be daunting to those new at sampling of pairings. For this, Fred offers simple advice: “If you taste a bourbon and make a face, you need to cut it back. If you cannot take it straight, then don’t fear. There is a lot you can do with…bourbon.” Try cutting the strength with water, anywhere from a splash to equal parts water and bourbon.

Just as one might need to lighten the punch of a bourbon with water, the pungency of the cigar itself can be subdued with the lighter sensation of a mild single malt Scotch. The delicate balance of the single malt allows its aural sensation to properly step in and present itself.

In such a pairing, the cigar retains its flavor and the Scotch simply becomes more enhanced. Somewhere in the middle, the full body of the smoke and mild body of the drink meet, allowing a unique, rewarding result that is sure to please any aficionado.

For a near-perfect example of an extremely mild Scotch for your stronger cigars, one cannot do much better than a Dalwhinnie.

Known for its incredible smoothness, the Dalwhinnie exhibits a very aromatic, slightly peaty flavor that is almost as sweet as honey.

This Scotch makes for a winning combination with the La Aurora 100 Anos, a cigar made from a very rare Corjo tobacco that delivers distinctively strong flavor and body. Working together, the Dalwhinnie and La Aurora provide a sublime balance of strong and mild sensations.

“With a single malt Scotch, you enjoy it the way you like it,” said Simon. Scotch is “a very personal experience. You simply have to find the flavor profile you enjoy, and the cigar that corresponds with it.”

“Depending on the occasion, a lighter style [beverage] works exceptionally well after dinner,” said Simon. “However, there are certain occasions, such as when you’re out on the golf course, for instance, that you’d probably want to go with something a bit more robust.”

splash.

Synonymous with the word “mellow,” a Macanudo is known to emit a soothing sense of calm. When paired with Laphroaig, the Macanudo works with the Scotch to offer a distinctive mellow peatiness that the user will find to be quite relaxing.

Another Laphroaig marriage that is highly recommended by Simon is its pairing with the Cohiba, a very hearty smoke. The Cohiba provides the definitive compliment to a ten year old bottle of this Scotch.

For those in need of a bit more pep, there is also the Laphroaig Quarter Cask. A younger, livelier version of whisky aged in small barrels, the Quarter Cask possesses a genuinely sweet oakiness, with a coconut aroma and zesty orange finish. When paired with a medium-bodied cigar, this Laphroaig’s sweetness is highly enriched.

There has been quite a bit of research conducted by experts to determine top choices in pairing of drink and smoke. Fred and Simon, who have conducted several cigar and whisky pairing events together, know well the rules behind combination of the two.

The beginning connoisseur should be wary before diving into exotic couplings, as while some cigars can create an ideal complement to a single malt Scotch or bourbon, others are known to severely contrast. Still, depending upon the situation and specific taste of those who choose to indulge, contrast isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For some, contrasting equations equal satisfaction.

“At a cigar club, everyone will offer something different to you, which is also true with the whisky culture,” says Simon. “We like to share. This creates a window of opportunity, with different flavors forming from region to region.” Just always remember that (again, just as in a human pairing or relationship) an ultimate coupling for one may not be enjoyable for another.

Despite the accepted norms and rules, “Everyone is trying different things,” proclaims Fred. “When they see new brands, they want to try them. A lot of people are more open-minded, and a lot of bartenders are coming up with a great selection of unique new mixes to experiment with.”

As the pairing neophyte launches a personal quest for finding their own favored combinations, an open mind should be maintained.

Jumping straight into self-pairing is often the modus operandi of those with stocked home humidors and liquor cabinets (and for some, highly stocked egos).

But, the best path is probably that of first following in the footsteps of those who have paired before. Try mixes that have been reviewed by experts and are considered top pairings, then after gaining a fuller perspective of cigar weights and whisky flavors, as well as what works best together for your palate, you can set out to forge your own path and discover new combinations to enjoy.

For those occasions, the Laphroaig is known to go very well with a big, full-bodied cigar. Typically aged for over ten years, it is fairly easy to see why the Laphroaig single malt Scotch is amongst the strongest flavored Scotches around. The Laphroaig is more ideal during colder temperatures, and is known to be very heavy.

Invest in a simple journal or notebook and keep it handy when sampling. Make notes regarding each pairing, flavors experienced in the drink before introducing the cigar (and vice versa), as well as heightened flavors noted when enjoying the two together. By keeping notes, you will soon realize that there are parallels and preferences that suit your individual taste buds.

Offering a rather peaty aroma, a Laphroaig Scotch is perhaps best suited to the nonsmoking palette when cutting it with a bit of water.

However, to many that is simply not an option, as they prefer their Scotch served in its entirety. Amongst the cigar crowd, the Laphroaig is better enjoyed with a Macanudo, versus cutting it with a little

Successful pairing is both a science and an art form. It is not simple and can be slightly overwhelming, so educating oneself first will lead to more enjoyable moments of cigar in mouth and glass in hand. After all, if luxury and quality taste as a combination were

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easy to obtain between cigars and whisky, the marriage of the two would not hold the stature that it does, in smoking dens, cigar bars, social circles and living rooms worldwide.

*The most widely accepted Irish and American spelling is “whiskey,” a Victorian-era defiance of the traditional Scotch version “whisky.” For simplicity, and according to the 1968 directive of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms regarding “official” spelling, we are going with the traditional version for this article. After a sip or two, we may be more inclined to spell it as “whiskey.”

Jernigan’s Tobacco Village, Scotch and Cigar Bar in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania offers the following spirit and cigar pairings as their favored selections: SPIRIT

CIGAR

STYLE

Knob Creek Bourbon

Punch

Full-bodied

Dalmore 21 Single Malt Scotch

La Gloria Cubana

Full-bodied

Macallan Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch

Partagas Black Label

Full-bodied

Glenmorangie 10 year Single Malt Scotch

Ashton Cabinet

Medium-bodied

Blanton’s Bourbon

H.Upmann Vintage Cameroon

Medium-bodied

Laphroaig 10 year Single Malt Scotch

Partagas Serie S

Medium-bodied

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

Macanudo Vintage

Mild

Photo by Quentin Houyoux www.magazineblu.com

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How to Taste According to Colum Egan, Master Distiller Of Bushmills Irish Whiskey

Whiskey

Colum Egan, Master Distiller of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, is naturally passionate about whiskey. For him, becoming Master Distiller of Bushmills Irish Whiskey was fate. When he visited the distillery as a paying customer almost a decade ago, he fell in love with the distillery and the process of making the world’s oldest whiskey.

“The history, heritage and magic of the distillery intoxicated me,” he says. “I immediately felt at home.”

Egan also points out that the source of the water supply used to make the whiskey is St. Columb’s Rill; his first name is derived from the word “Columb” and is pronounced the same way. Purely coincidence? Colum thinks not.

Egan grew up in Portarlington in County Laois - the heart of Ireland’s barley-growing country where he graduated from the University of Limerick with a degree in production management. After a series of jobs in food and beverage production, Egan started working in bottling, vatting and blending at Irish Distillers Ltd in Dublin. He later joined the Old Bushmills Distillery and was soon appointed Head Distiller.

“Moving from bottling and blending to distilling and processing was a natural progression,” Egan says.

Recognized for his true devotion to Bushmill’s, leadership and innate ability for whiskey making, Egan is now the Master Distiller of Bushmills, following a year-long tutelage under the previous Master Distiller, David Quinn. “I have one of the best, most exciting jobs in the world,” he says. “It is a dream come true.”

Below, Colum Egan shares his thoughts on how to properly taste the spirit: To taste whiskey, you will need your senses of sight, smell and taste - plus a little guidance and an open mind. Remember, taste is a personal experience, so there is no “right,” or “wrong.”

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Step 1: Prepare for the Tasting. The tasting room should be free of extraneous smells and should have good lighting. The right size and shape of the glass is vital, and makes a huge difference in the ability to nose effectively. Do not use traditional whiskey tumblers.

Instead, use a snifter, which allows you to swirl the spirit and gather the aromas around the rim.

Step 2: Note Appearance. Pour about an ounce of whiskey. Hold the glass to the light, or against a white napkin, and take note of its color, depth and clarity. The whiskey’s appearance should be a guide to how it has been matured and for how long, since the color comes from the wood.

Step 3: Add Water. Almost all whiskeys benefit from the addition of water, which will open up the spirit, in most cases. It is always best to add water a little at a time. Older whiskeys (more than 20 years) or whiskeys aged in sherry can be damaged by the addition of too much water; the aromas break up and the flavor becomes flat. The water used to dilute the strength of your dram should be still and not too high in minerals. At professional tastings, distilled water is normally used.

Step 4: Nose the Whiskey. The aroma of a whiskey is called the “nose.” To determine the nose, tilt the glass, swirl the whiskey and inhale slowly. Do not sniff too intensely or too often, because the alcohol can inhibit your sense of smell. The aromas are often complex and multi-layered. With a little practice, you will learn to break smells down and identify what they are.

Step 5: Taste the Whiskey. Take a sip large enough to fill your mouth, then roll it over your tongue. It is important when tasting, to hold the liquid in the mouth and to make sure it coats the tongue thoroughly to help determine mouthfeel. First, register the texture and smoothness of the whiskey. Then, try to identify the primary tastes - the immediate flavors your tongue collects. The finish, or the aftertaste, refers to the sensation experienced after swallowing, as well as the flavors that linger in your mouth. www.magazineblu.com

Popular Whiskeys, On the Go-Go! A Quick Guide to Worldwide Favorites

Bushmills Irish Whiskey The Original Bushmills Description:

An authentic, premium Irish whiskey, made with the finest malted Irish barley and pure Irish water drawn from St. Columb’s Rill, whose distinctive character is gained as it rises in peaty ground and flows over basalt rock.

Production:

Bushmills is distilled three times to achieve its purity and smoothness, and aged in aromatic warehouses for a minimum of five years in American Bourbon and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks that impart its golden color and distinctive characteristics.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Begins with scents of barley grains, followed by the presence of malt. Very clean sherry notes. Hints of age with some oaky character filtering through.

Taste: Strong maltiness on the palate with dark chocolate oaky notes.

Finish: Begins with chocolately notes, completed by lingering hints of grain.

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Wild Turkey Bourbon Wild Turkey 101 Description:

America’s best-selling premium Bourbon, Wild Turkey 101 is the flagship brand in the Wild Turkey portfolio and the first Wild Turkey Bourbon ever produced.

Production:

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon uses the finest natural ingredients, including at least 51% corn, along with barley and rye. Crystal-clear, limestone-purified water is used for distillation. It is aged in new, charred white oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Taste: Distinct caramel and vanilla flavors. Finish: Very

long, rich and full-bodied. Powerful, yet soothing.

Jameson Irish Whiskey Jameson Irish Whiskey Description:

Jameson is a world-class whiskey whose global status among a handful of prestigious premium brands defines it even more than its position as the world’s No. 1 Irish whiskey. It has been produced in Ireland according to the highest standards since 1780.

Production:

Jameson is made with the finest ingredients, including pure Irish water and a combination of malted and unmalted Irish barley. The malts are dried in closed kilns, retaining the natural flavor of the grain, setting it apart from the smoky taste associated with Scotch, which is dried over open peat fires. Triple distilling in large copper pot stills makes Jameson smoother than most other whiskeys, and its maturation in Bourbonseasoned American oak and sherry-seasoned Spanish oak casks gives it a superb mellow bouquet.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Mellow pot-still whiskey with toasted wood and Sherry undertones. Taste: Round and smooth with sweet, spicy and toasted wood notes. Finish: Dry, yet incredibly smooth, with a lingering crispness from the pot still.

Jameson 12 Year-Old

Description:

Jameson 12 Year-Old is carefully aged to achieve its peak of perfection. It has a mellow, sweet, nutty character, resulting from the extensive use of sherry-seasoned Spanish oak casks during its maturation.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Spicy and warming with a prevailing Oloroso Sherry undercurrent. Taste: Fills the mouth first with sweet Sherry, then adds th e delights of old pot still coupled with a short, but effective flypast of spice. Finish: Begins with hints of the pot still, followed by Sherry and ending with a contribution of intense vanilla.

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The Glenlivet The Glenlivet 12 Year-Old Description:

The Glenlivet 12 Year-Old is the quintessential Speyside malt and has become the benchmark by which all other malts are measured. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824.

Production:

Made with the finest ingredients, including barley and yeast, The Glenlivet’s distinctive character is also enriched by the mineral-rich water that the ancient site of Josie’s Well still provides. Twice distilled in copper pot stills, only the finest spirit from the second distillation is considered good enough to be filled into seasoned American and Spanish oak casks for maturation.

After 12 patient years of aging, the result is the richly balanced malt that is The Glenlivet.

Tasting Notes: Nose: Perfectly balanced, fruity aroma with delicate floral fragrance and

vanilla/honey sweetness. Taste: Classically Speyside, a soft, smooth balance of sweet summer fruits and the floral fragrance of spring flowers. Finish: Lingering and gentle.

The Glenlivet 12 Year-Old French Oak Finish Description:

This malt whisky is uniquely finished in French Limousin Oak, from the Dordogne region of France, renowned for bringing flavor to fine wines and cognacs.

Production:

The specially selected malt whisky receives a final polish in new Limousin casks, characterized by a wider grain than the American Oak casks that Scotch is typically aged in.

Tasting Notes: Nose: Rich, with floral scents and a fragrant spicy oakiness. Taste: Rich

floral and soft fruity flavors, with a scented sweetness that develops into a dry, nutty and spicy oakiness. Finish: Warming, mellow spiciness.

The Glenlivet 18 Year-Old Description:

After more than 18 years in selected casks, The Glenlivet 18 Year-Old becomes a malt whisky of unmistakable honey-rich maturity and depth.

Tasting Notes: Nose: Rich, with sweet and floral flavors. Taste: Honey-rich and toffeed

onthe palate with nutty, spicy overtones. Finish: Exceptional length of flavor.

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Royal Salute Scotch Whisky Royal Salute 21 Year-Old Description:

Royal Salute was created in 1953 to honor the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It is a magnificent blend of rare whiskies, which are aged for at least 21 years.

Tasting Notes: Nose: Rich, fruity aromas and the sweet fragrance of au-

tumn flowers. Taste: Full, deep fruity flavors with a subtle smokiness. Finish: Rich, long and lingering.

Chivas Regal Chivas Regal 12 Year-Old Description:

Chivas Regal is a 12 Year-Old whisky that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime, with a renowned smoothness and a honeyed, fruity taste.

Tasting Notes: Nose: Aromatic infusion of wild herbs, heather, honey, and

orchard fruits. Taste: Round and creamy on the palate, Chivas Regal has a full, rich taste of honey and ripe apples, with vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch notes. Finish: Rich and lingering.

Chivas Regal 18 Year-Old Gold Signature Blend Description:

Chivas Regal 18 Year-Old Gold Signature Blend is a unique blend of grain and malt Scotch whiskies, at the heart of which are very special Speyside malts.

Tasting Notes: Nose: Multi-layered aromas of dried fruits, spice, and but-

tery toffee. Taste: Exceptionally rich and smooth, with a velvety, dark chocolate palate. Elegant floral notes and a wisp of smoky sweetness. Finish: Magnificently long, warm and memorable finish.

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Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey Tullamore Dew Description:

One of Ireland’s finest and most widely distributed whiskeys, Tullamore Dew was first distilled in 1829 in the small town of Tullamore in County Offaly in the heart of Ireland. The name derives from the initials of an early owner, Daniel E Williams DEW. Tullamore Dew is a favourite among Irish whiskeys for its distinctive, accessible taste, enjoyed on its own, over ice or with a little water.

Production:

The flavor of golden barley is retained through careful drying in enclosed kilns. Tullamore Dew is distilled three times and aged in fine quality oak casks until mature.

Tasting Notes:

Taste: Pleasant maltiness with charred wood undertones and the natural flavor of golden barley. Finish: Gently appetizing lemon grass finish.

The Glenrothes Scotch Whisky The Glenrothes Description:

John Ramsay, The Glenrothes’ Malt Master, has crafted a selection of The Glenrothes which typifies the distillery house character – ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice. The Select Reserve is a first for this Scotch Whisky. A nonVintage-specific selection carefully chosen by John and produced to the same high quality standards as The Glenrothes Vintage selections; with a selection and vatting from casks from different years.

Tasting Notes: Nose: American oak, vanilla and coconut with a hint of plums.

Taste: Full, malty flavor, medium sweet, vanilla and orange zest. Finish: Medium length, medium dry.

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Whiskey Toasts Courtesy the Fine Irish Folks of Tullamore Dew

“Toasts should be like a woman’s skirt short enough to be interesting, yet long enough to cover the subject.”

Friendship/Drinking May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, but never catch up.

May you always have a cool head and a warm heart.

May you live as long as you want, may you never want as long as you live.

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

May all your troubles be little ones.

As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way.

May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.

May you get all your wishes but one, so that you will always have something to strive for!

Holidays/Events May you live to be 100 years old, with one extra year to repent.

Be to your virtues a little kind, be to your faults a little blind.

Never above you.

Never below you.

Always by your side.

Here’s to the day of good will, cold weather, and warm hearts.

Here’s wishing you more happiness than all my words can tell, not just alone for Christmas, but for all the year as well.

May you never be without a drop at Christmas.

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May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accept you. www.magazineblu.com

Irish/Traditional May the roof over your heads be as well thatched as those inside are well matched.

Here’s to the women who love me terribly, may they soon improve.

May the Good Lord take a liking to you, ... but not too soon!

If you’re enough lucky to be Irish... you’re lucky enough!

May your fire be as warm as the weather is cold.

May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten.

Here’s to women’s kisses, and to whiskey, amber clear; Not as sweet as a woman’s kiss, but a darn sight more sincere!

May the doctor never earn a pound out of you.

May you taste the sweetest pleasures that fortune ere bestowed, and may all your friends remember all the favors you are owed.

May there be a generation of children on the children of your children.

May the roof above you never fall in, and those gathered beneath it never fall out.

May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re going, and the insight to know when you’re going too far.

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All rise and raise a glass, to the land we love and the love we land!

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light.

May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

May the holes in your net be no larger than the fish in it.

May the sound of happy music, and the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness, that stays forever after.

May your blessings outnumber the Shamrocks that grow.

And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

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Where Sustainability & So, you want to retire on your own private island?

Let’s think about that, for a moment. You buy the island. Then what? It is uninhabited, as it is your island, meaning only for you, right?

So, how will you build your house? Ship all of the materials in,· bringing them by rowboat or helicopter to the shore? Or, will you go to the expense of building a private airstrip to fly every· the manpower), first? thing in (including Hmm. Logistics, logistics, logistics. Oh, the bane · of your existence on your beautiful private island, those logistics!

Additionally, when you need to borrow a cup of · sharing a cocktail over stimulatsugar or feel like ing conversation, · who will you call upon, on that very private island?

·

Luxury Converge

Perhaps you should rethink your retirement dream. How about a semi-private island, meaning you share it with a select few of your new best friends, and you start enjoying ownership immediately, versus at the ripe old age of late retirement?

By doing that, there are no logistical worries, as the jet strip is built. The sporting club is ready to host you for personal training or gourmet dining.

You don’t really have to worry about crime, as everyone on the island is a property owner or club employee. And, the best part? That would be that there is no annual property tax.

Heaven. It is turquoise-oceaned, sandy-beached, iguana-inhabited, taxfree Heaven-on-Earth, for only a select few people who think just like you.

Well, those who think like you and can afford a minimum $600,000 for a home site on this island of gorgeous, unspoiled beauty.

This “Heaven” is Turks & Caicos Sporting Club at Ambergris Cay, British West Indies.

Turks & Caicos Sporting Club is one of the recent residential sporting communities developed by DPS Sporting Club Development Company of the United States. For over fourteen years, DPS has been creating private, luxury residential communities and equity sporting clubs in locations of both breathtaking scenery and historic significance.

Although personal transportation will not include Hummers or convertible Bentleys, homes are generally of Anglo-Caribbean architecture that combines British colonial formality with the breezy, relaxed style of the West Indies. Integrity of the island’s development, as well as the ongoing obligation to minimize the footprint of human inhabitants while affording luxury and structural beauty, falls in the hands of an Architectural Review Board, also protecting residents’ investment at Ambergris Cay. Yes, we are all dreaming bigger these days. No longer are executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities and the financially prosperous dreaming of simply owning a “vacation home.” That has given way to the now more common response to the age-old question of, “If you could have anything you want, what would it be?” Now that the answer of, “To retire young on my own private island,” is a reachable goal, what is next?

Located at the southern end of the Bahamas, 575 miles from Florida, the natural elements of Ambergris Cay’s eight miles of pristine views, white sand beaches, world class fishing, snorkeling and diving meet structural additions, such as the longest paved private jet strip in the Caribbean, a beach club, deep water marina and yacht club, member ’s lodge and fitness center, tennis courts, squash courts, climbing wall, bowling alley and movie theater. The environmental and the manmade also converge, through Zenappreciative luxuries such as yoga and Pilates studio, double ocean view spa with private treatment rooms and Japanese soaking tubs, as well as an environmental learning center and staff naturalist.

Beyond luxury is the conservation-based planning that protects Ambergris Cay from human overuse. One third of the island is preserved, namely for the wildlife that includes the largest population of the Turks & Caicos rock iguanas (Cyclura carinata), as well as the highly fertile fish habitat that is protected through a strict catch and release policy.

In fact, Turks & Caicos Sporting Club partnered with San Diego Zoo’s Dr. Glenn Gerber of the zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species, in order to ensure iguanas are able to peacefully live and thrive with humans co-habiting on the island. To protect the iguanas, the only motorized vehicles allowed at Ambergris Cay (beyond jets utilizing the runway) are animal-friendly golf-style carts.

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Eat your dessert first.

?

SexToo Soon

While that may be music to the ears of the young at heart, those of us in the know realize the ramifications of spoiling our appetite. Yet when it comes to sex, the same folks who know better don't necessarily do better, opting to go straight for the goodies.

In true form, the eyes are bigger than the gut instinct.

30 year-old Margot* sees it as being all about the connection. "Sex right away can be a

By Felicia Coley definite boost of excitement," says the Miami-based healing arts specialist. "With my current lover, it was her list of “Ten Myths About Singles.” love at first sight. Getting to know someone can happen very quickly, and in my case, she and I dove right in to a physical connection that “There is another point that often gets short shrift in our culture that is so preoccupied with sex," says DePaulo. has evolved into a mental and emotional bond."

As far as thinking women hold a standard rule of restraint, Margot disagrees. "I have dated both men and women, and I really don't see a difference. As long as two people are on the same page, there shouldn't be a reason to have a set time frame. Just know with the physical involvement comes responsibility.”

Author Bella DePaulo, Ph.D. (Visiting Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara) wrote the book, Singled Out: How Singles Are Stereotyped, Stigmatized, and Ignored, and Still Live Happily Ever After. Her book expounds on the very subject within

“There are people for whom sex really is not all that important. That doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them. Many of them care about intimacy, but that intimacy does not have to be physical."

"Among some people with certain religious beliefs, it is not old-fashioned at all to wait to have sex; it is the right thing to do," DePualo continues. "Among others, it is considered old-fashioned to wait until marriage. With people generally marrying at later ages than ever before (if they do marry), there can be many years between the teen years and marriage."

Photographs © Marin Conic/Dreamstime.com

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The dilemma for many singles may be in gambling on the risk of quality over quantity; years of giving into the lust of new relationships, only to reflect back to see that sexual attraction was the common denominator for most of them. And after a life of hookups and flings, does the view of a long-lasting relationship (i.e. marriage) become blurred?

Marriage may not be the goal for Fashion Photographer Jonathan D. Orozco right now, but in his dating experiences, he has felt the sting of ulterior motives.

"Not to be touted as someone who is looking to just sleep around, I have been surprised in the past to find out that I was used," says the 32-year-old Atlanta resident.

Whether it's at first glance, the second date, or after the main course, sex too soon can ruin more than just your appetite; it can be doom a budding relationship.

"I usually advise people to wait a bit," notes Dr. Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D. (aka "Dr. Romance"), psychotherapist and author of Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting about the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage and The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again.

"Sexual attraction won't go away if you get to know each other (if it does, then it was pretty insubstantial to begin with). The suspense of abstaining can really up the intensity of sex when it finally does happen," she states. "And, you have the chance to bond, to develop the infrastructure you'll need if you want a serious relationship. If you eliminate the mystery too soon, you may also eliminate any future for this relationship."

"Yes, it happens to guys too...what a pity right? There have been a couple times that I really liked the girl and I was just being used as a The question then arises; what are the foolproof signs to confirm a boy toy. Lesson learned? Women and men are a lot alike...both have relationship is ready for sex? wants and needs. Sometimes you are on the same page and other times you are chapters apart."

"If you have been dating for a while, and have had a chance to bond a little, if the interest feels mutual and not one-sided, if you survived Orozco does see the means to an end in dating. Chalking up his boy a disagreement and worked it out, if you feel mutual respect and toy experiences as water under the bridge, he has moved forward in caring, then you probably have enough foundation to take the risk anticipation of two simple factors which set the tone for a newbie re- of being sexual," Dr. Tessina advises. lationship: the first kiss and body language.

Those admitting to having a sweet tooth will agree that this guilty "I believe this [the first kiss] is a magical moment. You never know pleasure was developed in childhood. Sex, on the other hand, can what is going through the other person's mind. You are in reaction just as easily be remembered by most as a habit induced and intromode but want to make sure that that reaction is the right one. In the duced in their teen years. moment, so much goes on within seconds of touching lips that "What both women and men often fail to understand when they once you sort through all the ‘what ifs,’ by the time you know it you have sex early is that they may not feel the same way about it are moving in closer and now kissing. Here is where I take note of; is it passionate? Is it just okay? Or does it need improvement? Quick note: There is no such thing as a bad kisser. Both of you are just not compatible smoochers.

Enough said," explains the creator of the website AskJonathanOnline.com.

When it comes to body language, Orozco says it starts with the eyes.

"If her eyes are bigger and wider than normal and she just can't take them off of you, if she is in any way trying to put her body close to or onto yours, she touches you more than usual, she draws more of your attention in crowds, she plain out tells you that she wants you- that’s your sign.”

There are more, but this is not a "How to Read Signs" article right?" he jokes.

Orozco summarizes his methods in tried-and-true form.

"Thus, we have the second date being more kissing and maybe some light petting. The third [date], more of the same and you just might get lucky but don't push it...take note of the body language she is giving you...remember we can't read minds but some of us are receptive to body language.

Orozco gives this advice to men. "Pay attention to what a woman is telling you verbally and physically...you might be missing the signal to run the bases. Love is not a two way street. It is a one way in which two people travel at the same time and speed to get to the same goal together," he concludes.

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looking back as they do at the time," informs Depaulo. What I mean by "early" is in the teenage years, especially before age 18. Lots of men and women have sex in their teens, but in one study, 70% of people looking back said that they now think they were too young.

Their reservation is not so much moral as psychological. They think they were not emotionally ready to have sex. It is not just the women who say this," she continues.

your interest in getting to know each other in any other way. Waiting a while, at least several dates, before becoming intimate gives you a chance to form some of the infrastructure of a relationship: how to talk intimately with each other, a chance to learn your difference in styles, and how that will work together, an interest in each other that is more than just physical and immediate. Also, if you fall in love easily, you are asking to get your heart broken by having sex before you determine if your partner is truly a quality person and 22-year-old Nathalia of West Palm Beach, FL is one of those young interested in a relationship," Dr. Tessina concludes. at heart-turned-wise-old-soul. "At age 16, I thought sex was something special shared with the one you truly loved," says the interior Orozco offers this advice to females. "Some of us really do like you decorator. and want more from a relationship...those are the keepers and you will know it. All the rest are just batting their eyes, agreeing with "But by age 18, I thought it was okay to have sex just for fun. But you, and telling you how beautiful you are in hopes to convince now at age 22, I think it's something sacred. You should definitely you that they are into you enough to actually commit to the sheets. be friends first, get to know one another and grow some type of Again, there are some great guys out there. Be smart and use proconnection other than sexual chemistry." tection," he cautions.

Mike of New York couldn't disagree more. "I think a lot of people The influence of the Sex and the City, we-date-like-men phenoms have moved have literally past this oldkicked the fashioned idea Pollyanna, of courtship, good-girlswhere you go don't-put-out on dates to get theory to the to know one curb. Even another and so, the dissex is the endconnect bepoint," says tween emothe 32-yeartions and inold graphic stant gratifidesigner. cation is few and far be"To me, sex is tween. the beginning, and afterwards "What seems as time passes to matter to you find out women is not whether your so much the relationship amount of works.” time they have been But lest you with their think all men partner, but want only one whether they thing, Orozco feel close to does practice the art of restraint, albeit calculated. that person," says Depaulo.

"If I am serious about a dating relationship, then I would expect to wait at least three dates. This normally translates into three weeks for me since dating is usually left to the weekends. During this period of time there is a lot of communication via email, texting, IM, etc. Again, listening to what she is saying will give you an idea of when the appropriate time will come," he admits.

Orozco goes on to say,"Too soon would be when you are not listening to her signals and you think you can just jump the gun and go for it all. This usually leads to a slap in the face, a cold bed, and a reputation as ‘...all he wanted was sex!’ Lesson learned? 'Easy, tiger.'"

From the man's point of view, don't be fooled. They, too, are aware that at the end of the day, emotions trump motions. "No matter how good in bed you both are, in the long run, it's the communication that will make any relationship last," states Orozco.

A sentiment echoed by Dr. Tessina. "Most men are very sexual creatures and focused on the hunt, and getting what they want.

Women have veto power, and also the power to be seductive and transmit non-verbal cues to let him know the time is right. On the other hand, if he's not interested, there's only so much you can do -- the chemistry just may not be there."

The icing on the cake may be enticing to all, but in the long run, the “When you decide to become intimate is an important choice, be- woman still decides when dessert will be served. cause it sets the tone of your relationship," states Dr. Tessina.

"Becoming intimate right away tends to eliminate the possibility of *Fictional name getting to know each other -- you're then focused on sex; a man may assume you're just one-night-stand material; and lust overtakes www.magazineblu.com 50

Mother Nature has some magical ways to restore and rejuvenate

…now you do too.

Before

After

RADIESSE® has found a way to use a little of nature’s restorative power to correct facial wrinkles, giving you back a natural, younger look immediately. If it sounds like magic, that’s because it really does have a magic ingredient. And that ingredient is you. RADIESSE stimulates your body to produce new collagen to replace lost volume and smooth out the signs of aging…and in many patients, the results may last a year or more*.

Visit us online at www.radiesse.com to find a local RADIESSE provider near you.

The magic ingredient is you.

Patient images courtesy of Dr. Bentkover and Dr. Calkin. *Individual results may vary.

Copyright © 2007 BioForm Medical, Inc. All rights reserved. Radiesse is a registered trademark and BioForm Medical and the BioForm Medical logo are trademarks of BioForm Medical, Inc.

PureOrganic Technology™

BEAUTY ON FIRE Giovanni Organic hair care delivers exceptionally formulated shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling tools… all as organic as possible; all promising you salon performance.

Now that’s HEAT.

24 premium, certified organic products: shampoos, conditioners and styling tools.

For more information on Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, visit us online at www.giovannicosmetics.com For a retailer near you, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-563-5468 © Giovanni Cosmetics, Inc. All rights reserved. 07-046

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egacy: L 53

Bobby Sullivan Lives “The Dream”

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The definition of legacy includes “anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor,” such as the legacy of ancient Rome; it also includes “an applicant to or student at a school that was attended by his or her parent” (both according to Random House’s Dictionary.com Unabridged v1.1).

Beyond the winning resume and occupational history of those Sullivans before him, Bobby is the eldest son to proud parents.

He describes his mother lovingly, saying, “She is beautiful, vibrant, caring and nurturing. She is a great inspiration.”

A more concise definition of legacy is Robert G. Sullivan.

He is jokingly referred to as “The Dream,” by friends and family, due in large part to his dashing personal style, optimistic attitude, winning charm and professional ambition. This legacy, commonly known as “Bobby,” is not simply a shoe-in following in forefathers’ footsteps or a man riding the coattails of others. He is worthy of all he has accomplished, and a source of pride for those Sullivans before him.

When asking a young attorney about their proudest moment to date, one would expect an answer laced with bragging of courtroom antics or accomplishments. Instead, Bobby wears his heart on his dapper sleeve, surprising those present by warmly gushing, “It would have to be in assisting in the adoptions of my youngest siblings, aged 9, 8, and 7 years.”

Bobby’s grandfather graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in 1953.

His father was second to graduate from that school in 1973, later becoming the senior partner at Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath & Cannavo, PC, a renowned legal firm occupying prime real estate in Manhattan, overlooking the work site that was once the Twin Towers. Bobby was the third Sullivan to graduate with a legal degree from St. John’s in 1999, with his younger brother Brian following close on his heels as the fourth, in 2000.

Now, Bobby and Brian together are Sullivan & Sullivan, LLP of Garden City, on Long Island. Their specialization is that of personal injury, but not of the daytime television variety that airs flashy commercials between Jerry Springer or Maury Povich Show episode segments, asking if you or a friend slipped on a banana peel in your local market. Theirs is a continuation of personal injury representation that is derived of generations of trial attorney experience in the most cutthroat of legal environments that is New York City. It is perpetuation of representation in some of the most well-known and highly broadcast injurious accidents in the country.

Bobby’s veins are filled with lifeblood from the American legal system and his heart beats with the energy to continue the traditions of his Irish American family. Often described as “experienced and aggressive,” just like his father and grandfather, this young Sullivan of 34 years is also compassionate and clearly cares about the welfare of his clients. www.magazineblu.com

In all things professional and private, this tight-knit clan of New Yorkers that surround “The Dream” appear to live by the mantra, “go big or go home.”

As Bobby dresses for photographs and switches jackets, his Irish, devil-may-care outlook briefly shines through the ambitious, professional exterior, when asked if he is going to wear a particular blazer. “Oh no,” he steadfastly replies, “that is one of my throwaways. I buy a lot of those, so when out having drinks with friends, I don’t have to worry if I ruin it or leave it in a booth somewhere.”

Yes, this man enjoys the social life of a Manhattan cliché. Just about every photograph of him seems to contain six, eight, or ten ladies, with him sandwiched amongst the smiling, well-coiffed and statuesque women of New York, quaint Irish pub environments as backdrops. “I’m not a nightclub kind of guy.

Pubs are much more my style,” he says, as if one would question that in a man so genetically Irish and clearly loyal to the ways of generations past.

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Bobby’s personality is that of respect of women, particularly his sisters, mother and girlfriend.

“I’ve recently realized that I am good at relationships. I’ve relearned romance. I used to be ‘Type-A,’ but I think my youngest siblings and my girlfriend have softened me.”

As if revealing some centuries-old secret, his voice quiets slightly as he says, “I even took dance lessons. The first lesson required a little ‘social lubrication’ to get me there, but then I enjoyed it immensely. I can dance all of the classics.”

Not bad secrets, a romantic side and classical dance talent.

He appears to be a dream child to his family, the Golden Son to proud parents who look to their children to accomplish as much or more than generations before them. “The Dream” doesn’t stop short of his own hopes and dreams, however.

“I just acquired a new 2008 BMW coupe,” he grins like the Cheshire Cat. “I love it. But, I think a small jet is my ultimate dream.”

Materialism aside, he maintains, “Life could not be better. My professional life is great. My family life is killer. I get to see my Mom and Dad every day if I want. My law firm is in my home town and I live in Manhattan. My business partner is my brother.”

Yes, he is living the American Dream.

Aside from being a legacy, how did he get there? Does he deserve the gilded life? Those are questions quickly answered, when the man whose taste runs from AC DC to Celtic folk music, travel in Iceland and relaxation in his beach house, playing golf to snow skiing, eating Power Bars to gourmet chicken, weighs in with one winning statement: “I love everything my work provides for me. But, I believe that happiness in life is brought about by the quality of friends you share your drinks with. I think I’m doing quite well…but there is always room at the table.”

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ummer weetness Flowing Fabrics and Femininity In the Very Neighborhood Where Princess Grace Became a Lady

Photographs by Mark Margraff Model: Regina Ivoskute Hair/Makeup: Susan Margraff Creative Direction: Kimberly Toms Fashion Styling: Jessie James Boutique www.jessiejamesonline.com

Lorick parrot print chiffon circle skirt dress with matching scarf, $369.

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Walter tiered sleeve blouse, $236. Sass & Bide black high-waisted jeans, $252. Monserat DeLucca bag, $364. Volare ring, $72.

Hat, sunglasses, shoes, stylist’s own.

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Yumi Kim floral print blouse, $144. Walter high-waisted, wideleg denim trousers, $196. Carolina Amato purple leather driving gloves, $132. Sunglasses, stylist’s own.

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Falls long purple prairie dress, $308. Volare gold ring, $68. Shoes, necklace, stylist’s own.

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Tulle yellow linen dress with pockets, $68. Bangles, hat, stylist’s own.

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Lorick blue scoop back fitted dress, $488. Carolina Amato black leather opera gloves, $132. Belt, hat, shoes, stylist’s own.

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Lodice black silk jersey one-shoulder dress, $342. Ophelie feather headband, $62. Handbag, stylist’s own.

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Chloe and Reese black v-neck silk faille party dress, $458.

Carolina Amato white leather opera gloves, $86. Shoes, stylist’s own.

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In Medellin, Columbia, a raven-haired girl was raised amongst sewing machines, fabrics, trims and workers who toiled to produce quality garments. Somewhere amongst those tools, supplies and people of her family’s business, young Claudia Ochoa absorbed the love of design and undying ambition to take over the world fashion market, one pair of lace panties at a time.

After graduating from Columbia’s foremost design school and working for ready-to-wear fashion houses in her native country, Claudia moved to New York City in 1999. By 2003 CLO was launched, with the interest of producing feminine, flattering lingerie influenced by the sophisticated modernity of the New York woman, but maintaining the passion, color and sensuality of her South American roots.

Considering that many lingerie lines are seemingly designed for the enticement of the viewer, versus the comfort or confidence of the wearer, CLO is conceptualized and constructed to enhance the beauty of the woman under the garment. By creating fashions that appeal to the lady in the lingerie, Claudia has perfected the art of designing pieces that successfully heighten a woman’s sex appeal through the building of natural confidence one feels as CLO fabric softly hugs each curve and accentuates femininity. The benefactor of this confidence is not only the wearer herself, but those who look upon her, absorbing and innately responding to sexuality exuded.

In essence, CLO lingerie is designed for the woman. Men simply reap the benefits.

As Claudia says, “Lingerie companies think they know what men want. But, men often are interested in something more subtle,” less hard-core. “If the design is more for the man, lingerie feeds a woman’s insecurity and the man will see that. As women, I don’t think we want just fantasy. We want to come back to ourselves truly, to wear things that make us feel good, confident and successful. You give the guy more, when you design for the girl.”

L ingerie:

Who is it really designed for?

Photographs by Daniel Mezick Model: Rebecca Fox Hair/Makeup: Marnee Simon Creative Direction: Kimberly Toms

CLO lingerie is available throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. For shopping information, please refer to the company website at clostudio.com. Pieces range in retail price from approximately $18 for panties to over $100 for chemises. wwwm . agazn i ebu lc . om33wwwm . agazn i ebu lc . om34

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“Our designs are for the person wearing the garment: How is she going to feel?

How flattering is the fit?�

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“When she tries our lingerie on, we want the woman to think, ‘Oh, it fits me so closely...it is very comfortable.

It was designed for somebody like me!’”

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“Most lingerie lines think they know what men want.

But, guys are often more interested in subtlety.�

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“We design from outerwear inward.

Our pieces are supportive like a bra, but can be worn as a top.� www.magazineblu.com

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“In our pieces, sexual confidence is exuded.”

The newest evolution in fitness!

Sleek, sophisticated styling, complemented with state-of-the-art engineering, is the essence of a new standard in elliptical trainers – the CenterG series from Keys Fitness.

Setting a new and higher performance benchmark, the new CenterG elliptical series redefines the elliptical category. With breakthrough design and technology, they deliver what is most important in your elliptical workout‌a smooth and natural motion.

Ellipticals are all about providing you effective cardio training with low impact to your body.

The new, patented center-drive technology of CenterG delivers improved performance in this area over conventionally designed ellipticals. And, by keeping the drive system centered around you, CenterG allows you to maintain proper spine alignment and better posture.

Translating into a better and more comfortable workout.

061218-71CB

EXPLOITS, INDULGENCES, DECADENCE...

You are single, in the prime of both your social life and career. You have just about everything you could want, with those few exceptions that you are aiming for, your lifelong “wish list” of the ultimate in spoils. Until the Ferrari is in the garage, and just before you leave your posh loft or McMansion for early retirement in a Hamptons palace, the little things you buy are what bring you joy-that excitement generated in spending just a little of your amassed net worth on something you hadn’t heard of before yesterday. The pleasure is in knowing that you have just about made it, because you are able to indulge your whim for something special just for you or someone with whom you enjoy spending time. We have a few suggestions here, things we have tested, enjoyed and believe will suit your discriminating taste. So, go ahead! You know you deserve it.

...Shared

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Designed and crafted by Skip Horton, these lovely red and tan spiral Picnic Shakers will bring more than just salt and pepper to your table. Blown borosilicate glass with a screw top makes this artwork entirely functional with the uniquity and slight variations that make each set one of a kind. Available at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com) for $65.

Both blue and sexy - two things that make us smile! This sake carafe with deep blue ice reservoir keeps either your sake or white wine decanted and undiluted by melting ice. So gorgeous, practical, and sets the deep, blue mood you are probably looking forward to, with every pour. Please toast to us, for this fabulous find! Available at Korin Japanese Fine Tableware and Knives (korin.com) for a mere $8.

Green and red gorgeousness for your table, as designed and crafted by Nina Falk, presents easily, cleanly, and with a refined style, courtesy this Square Nest Bowl. Place it as an art piece, or use it to serve favorite hors d’oeuvres.

12� square bowl. $270 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com).

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

This set of four 9.25” plates declare that it is time for a wonderful dessert, salad, or brunch. Each depicts a different clock scene, with a gold rim for upstated elegance mixed with whimsy.

By Ralph Lauren, available at ralphlauren.com for $108 for the set.

A bottle full of tongue-in-cheek references based upon consumer goods labels, and regarding life and emotion, are depicted upon glass sculptures with acid etching that defines “core truths,” according to InVerse Studio’s designer Jeff Crandall. Called “Poet’s Bottles,” each have a fine, satiny sheen that resists fingerprints and invite interaction and conversation. “Dreams” reads, “Drink deeply and imagine”; “Sin” sexily conveys, “Contains indulgence, wicked pleasures, wild abandon and 1/10 of 1% of guilt.”

“Love” sweetly states, “Warning: Causes dizziness.” Available at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com) for $85 per bottle.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Pottery Barn’s white Aquis towels are not only stylishly reminiscent of your favorite spa, but are made of ultrafine microfiber, which creates more surfacearea for greater absorption than an ordinary towel. They also dry more quickly between uses, keeping them fresher, longer. Potterybarn.com and Pottery Barn stores.

To add extra shine and luxury to your stainless place settings, or for chicly monogrammed individuality atop your bar, these double-metallic banded tumblers are made to order. Dishwasher safe in two sizes (12.7 and 16 ounces), the smart presentation cleans without a headache. Available at West Elm (westelm.com) in sets of four, starting at $24.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Have a gorgeous, wood-grained, custom bathroom and don’t wish to place a metallic monster in there for your morning weigh-in? This birchwood scale is the perfect answer! It will maintain a lower profile on your beautiful hardwood floors, yet elegantly depicts your status while on that diet, or day-to-day.

Weighs up to 330 pounds, auto shut-off and easily wiped clean. $59.99 at Linens & Things (lnt.com).

Leave it to Ralph Lauren to bring an equestrian flair to your table service.

These lovely, braided stainless steel flatware pieces handsomely depict both heritage and upscale country romance. Each 5-piece place setting is $70, at ralphlauren.com.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Archipelago Signature Collection’s boxed scented candles burn for approximately 50 hours and beautifully present such scents as Jasmine Hibiscus, Bergamot Tobacco, Pineapple Ginger, Pink Grapefruit, Bamboo Teak, and Pomegranate Citrus. $25 each at Bloomingdales.com.

Since 1887 in Portugal, Claus Porto has been creating and crafting luxuriously lathering, wonderfully scented soaps for the priviliged few. These soaps, consisting of 100% natural, vegetable-based ingredients, are exclusive to Red Envelope and packaged in a set of three, including honeysuckle, red poppy, and Bulgarian rose and blackberry.

Available at redenvelope.com for $30.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Chef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill developed these authentic Mexican-American barbecue rubs, exclusively for Crate & Barrel. In coffeelaced Spicy Redeye for ham, pork chops, ribs and burgers; Tangy Smoky Cider for chicken, ribs, shrimp and chops; smoky-sweet Chipotle Honey for any meat, poultry or seafood. Coordinate well with the sauces, below! $6.95 each, at Crate & Barrel (crateandbarrel.com).

Chef Rick Bayless created these three sauces for your barbecue, including Spicy Redeye, Tangy Smoky Cider, and Chipotle Honey, for your grilling and finger-licking pleasure. $9.95 each, at Crate & Barrel (crateandbarrel.com).

You’ll love it, or you’ll hate it. Yes, the first sips are surprising and (for some) difficult, but the key is to just drink it and not linger in doubt. Without additives, sugars or refined ingredients, it is organic, raw and vegan...with many touted positive effects upon your body, including improved digestion, strengthening of the immune system, healthier skin and hair, and much more. We didn’t prove any of that in a scientific study, but after three or four at a rate of one per morning, we developed a habit that pleasantly started each day.

The best flavor for getting your feet wet is the Divine Grape Synergy. The Kombucha line is 100% organic raw Kombucha. Synergy bottles are 95% Kombucha, 5% real fruit juice. For more information, go to GTsKombucha.com.

Biggest benefit: Seems to help thwart hangovers!

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Sterling Caviar is farm-raised, white sturgeon caviar that absolutely bursts in your mouth. From Sacramento, California, it is likened to Osetra, with nutty flavor that is both smooth and robust. From $62 for 30 grams (Classic Caviar), up to $88 for 30 grams (Imperial Caviar).

Order at SterlingCaviar.com. See MagazineBLU.com for a Sterling Caviar recipe.

Every part of this Horchow Collection “Fill Me With Love� gift box cake is delightfully edible, including the red chocolate roses, gold-edged and satin-finished white chocolate ribbon, lid of Belgian white chocolate with dark chocolate scrollwork, and the box base of white- and bittersweet chocolate cheesecake with raspberry swirls on a chocolate and macadamia nut crust. $124 at horchow.com.

Layers of chocolate decadence cake, caramel toffee buttercream and silky chocolate buttercream make this beautiful zebra-striped handbag more than a fashionable accessory!

This completely edible Horchow cake is available at horchow.com, for $220.

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Take a

Seat...

Whether your living space is traditional or art deco, we have a seat for you. So, grab a book and cup of tea, or ready yourself for a deep conversation with an old friend. These chairs, if to make a statement or simply add to your seating arrangement, will certainly add some style to your home!

1. “Spring’s Throne” steel and copper limited edition by Rachel Miller and Tim Miller, $4000 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com); 2. Brooks Slipcovered Chair in Serafina Floral, by Pottery Barn (potterybarn.com), $679; 3. “Tiger” Chair with hardwood frame, $699 at Neiman Marcus (neimanmarcus.com); 4. Natural Hemp Slipper Chair by West Elm in flax color, $399 (westelm.com); 5. Crate & Barrel’s Petrie Chair in stain-repellant brushed cotton, $899 (crateandbarrel.com); 6.

Anthropologie’s Antwerp Chair in bloom fabric, $1498 (anthropologie.com); 7. Jacaranda Lounge Chair in dark banana bark and lampacanai rope with bentwood mahogany frame, $1699 at Frontgate (frontgate.com); 8. Damian Barton’s Petal Chair in maple, oak, beech or metal, $2600 at Plush Pod (plushpod.com); 9. Ethan Allen’s Berwick Chair, $1129+ (ethanallen.com); 10. Cameron Van Dyke’s steel and leather Dr. Star Chair, $3875 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com); 11. Old Hickory Tannery Zebra-Stripe Armchair in stripe-dyed hairhide, from Horchow (horchow.com), $1499; 12. Michael Puryear’s bubinga wood and black leather Barrow Chair, at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com), $6700; 13. Fernando and Humberto Campana’s handcrafted wood pieced Favela Chair, $2985 at Plush Pod (plushpod.com). www.magazineblu.com

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INDULGENCES GROOMING: UNISEX

If it’s true that we can never be too rich or too thin, then it certainly goes without saying that we can never be too fresh. Body Mint is the first all-body freshening tablet taken orally (like a vitamin) to keep people who are “on the go” feeling sparklingly clean and comfortable throughout the day. Simply popping the little green tablet once in the morning and once in the evening reduces breath and perspiration odors before they start, allowing people to get closer, play harder and live an unrestrained life. Body Mint’s unique manufacturing process uses a highly specialized, all natural and water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll. Starts working in as little as 2 days. Retails for $19.95 at Whole Foods, Long’s, Eckerd’s and other drug stores. BodyMint.com.

Needing a spritz on the beach or while under the hot, hot sun? Don’t just spray water, make the mist count and enjoy a new beauty treatment for hair and skin. iTech introduces the “e” energy water system; a specially designed spray bottle that features an all-natural filtration system.

It quickly and easily converts regular tap water into a hair and skin-friendly mist charged with healing negative hydrogen ions and vitamin C, at the prime pH balance for optimum fighting of frizz, maximum shine, damage repair and color retention for your mane, and softening, toning, clarification, and refreshment of skin, all the while protecting both from microorganisms, wind, and pollutants. The scent is relaxing and scrumptiously woodsy (suitable for either sex), and the bottles come in three sizes - including one for the bathroom, one for the beach tote, and one for your cutest little handbag or the saddle bag on your Harley. Retails for $40 to $60. eenergywater.com.

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INDULGENCES GROOMING: UNISEX

Giovanni offers a great line of skin and hair care products that help you look your summer best. Frizz Be Gone fights summer hair frizz and imparts shine, detangles, conditions and locks in color. Giovanni’s Sugar Scrub in decadent Hot Chocolate and Salt Scrub in Mint Lemonade warm, exfoliate and polish yourskin soft, while gently moisturizing. Biodegradable, organic, moist towelettes refresh and rejuvenate on the go, while killing germs on hands, feet, legs and more. For the towelettes, relax with soothing Lavender Calm scent, or refresh with cooling, crisp Peppermint. Most Giovanni products available at Drugstore.com, Target, and other drug chains nationwide. GiovanniCosmetics.com.

iWhite takes at-home teeth whitening to a whole new psychedelic level with its neon blue Electroluminescent energy and light. This patented system includes a lighted mouth tray and disposable whitening gel foam strips. With the touch of a button, the blue light on the mouth tray activates the gel foam strips, to deliver the fastest and most effective results possible (unlike other take-home products that rely solely on hydrogen peroxide and tooth contact time). Clinical tests show little or zero sensitivity. iWhite is used for just 20 minutes per day for five days in a row. As only five days are required for your brighter smile, this system makes flashing your pearly whites in the moonlight a quicker possibility, and without the bad aftertaste of disposable strips!

Retails for $45 at varied drugstores and Drugstore.com.

The company website is iWhitesmile.com.

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INDULGENCES GROOMING: HIS

Daily Routine

Start to Finish

Clinique’s twice-daily facial soap is dermatologist-formulated for a man’s dry to medium skin. This 6ounce bar leaves skin fresh and clean before the morning shave, as well as at the end of the day. $10.50.

The Art of Shaving Unscented PreShave Oil softens the beard and preps skin for a close shave.

Aromatherapy-based, this blend of botanical ingredients and essential oils does not leave an oily residue and is ideal for sensitive skin, ingrown hair, razor burn, or tough beards. Unscented is hypoallergenic. 2 ounces, $22.

Clarinsmen After Shave Energizer calms, tones, and purifies skin following your close shave, while instantly invigorating. The alcoholbased, fresh Energizer is $24 for 2.5 ounces.

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Clinique Scruffing Lotion exfoliates and polishes your face, while also controlling oil and helping your skin renew with a healthy glow. 6.7 ounces is $11.

Protect your skin from irritation and razor burn, leaving it smooth and moisturized. That is easy with The Art of Shaving’s thick and rich Lavender Shaving Cream, that softens and lifts the beard for a close, comfortable shave.

Use with a brush or by hand.

2.5 ounces, $14.

Advanced eye therapy is yours, in this Anthony Logistics Eye Cream for dry and damaged skin. It protects, firms, and fights dark circles and fine lines. 0.75 ounces, $28.

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INDULGENCES GROOMING: HIS

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 is a nourishing balm consisting of natural mint, avocado oil, shea butter and green tea, in a fragrance-, colorant-, and paba-free moisturizing formula. It immediately soothes dry, irritated and chapped lips, providing not only relief, but SPF 25 sun protection. 0.25 ounces, $7.

Zirh Clay Mask rejuvenates and detoxifies by cleaning pores, absorbing impurities and excess oil, and by providing five minutes of soothing for the face. 4 oz, $17.

Separation, direction, and a light, flexible hold are easy with John Allan’s Pomade Blu. And yes, we love the name! Pomade Blu provides detail and shine, without weighing the hair down. The water-based formula washes out easily, too. 2.4 ounces, $21.

To wipe away dirt, de-shine and refresh your face anytime, anywhere, these Lab Series Oil Control Towelettes provide a quick remedy and relief for normal to oily skin, in a convenient travel package. 30 wipes are $15.

Billy Jealousy Golden Gloves Therapeutic Hand Cream softens rough, dry, manly hands, while nourishing and protecting with a tropical blend of botanical extracts. 3.8 ounces, $28.

For 225 years, Kent has been known for their superior grooming products. This ebony wood based, boar bristle, fantastic quality Rectangular Hair Brush for Men provides excellent performance with unsurpassed quality.

Each, $125.

Burberry Summer For Him is a limited edition summer fragrance of pineapple, citrus, frozen mint, thyme, woods, cedar, white musk and tonka bean. 3.3 ounces is $55. www.magazineblu.com

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Small Luxuries

Mean So Much

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap brings all the benefits of Clinique’s famous dermatologist-developed facial soap in a new liquid formula. Cleanses without stripping protective lipids.

6.7 fl ounces, $14.50.

Designed to keep skin soft, smooth and glowing, mix with water to create a fully customized, gentle exfoliator that is formulated to help remove dry surface patches and encourage skin cell turnover. .99 ounces, $40.

SK-II Facial Radiance Mask enhances radiance and moisture, revitalizes, comforts, and soaks skin with a fusion of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. Skin is immediately hydrated, leaving it refreshed and cool. 10 masks, $110.

Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Serum is a twice-daily, luxurious application that encourages a noticeably more lifted look, brilliant clarity and newly refined smoothness. 1 ounce, $200.

When skin has been overexposed to the sun, prevent visible damage and minimize peeling with this cool, refreshing, oil-free Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm. Suitable for use throughout the body, one or more times per day. 5 ounces, $18.50.

Lancôme Le Rouge Absolu Base Revitalizing Lip Treatment is a continuous, deep moisturizing lip treatment with SPF 10 sunscreen in lipstick form, that can be applied alone day and night for treatment, or under your favorite lip color to revitalize, protect and accentuate your lips with satiny shine. $26.

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Don’t have time for a seaweed wrap, but want to infuse your skin with moisture? La Mer Body Creme saturates skin, comforts, and renews upon contact, calming and cushioning even the driest of skin as it is enveloped in the therapeutic effects of the sea. $195. www.magazineblu.com

Philosophy’s siliconebased eye and lip area brightening balm with light diffuser technology reduce the appearance of unsightly shadows around the eye and upper lip area as it instantly helps reduce the appearance of baggy, puffy eyes.

0.5 ounces, $33.

Yves Saint Laurent Radiant Touch Concealer highlights or conceals signs of fatigue from the eye area, hollow of the chin, contour of the lips and sides of the nose. $40.

INDULGENCES GROOMING: HERS Sephora’s felt tipped French manicure pen makes achieving perfect, professional-looking nails simple. $8.

Diorshow Mascara is a legendary favorite, providing super volume, length, and curl. Makes eyes look catwalk-ready!

0.38 oz, $24.

Shu Uemura light brown false eyelashes enable a glamourous statement, or may be trimmed to suit a more subtle, natural look. $16.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Beige Collection of lipsticks are available in a vivid, unreplicated, richly textured palette of colors in wearable, 8-hour lasting, moisture-rich comfort. $23.

Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Zero Humidity Frizz Control fights frizz and flyaways all day, in this convenient, water- and alcohol-free, spray mist with UV protection. $22.

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Clarins Sun Blush is a featherlight blush powder with a subtle shimmer that highlights face and cleavage with a touch of sun-kissed sparkle for an instant healthy looking glow. $27.

Lancome Color Fever Gloss spans 15 shades of ultra-shiny, curvaceous radiance for your lips, with a smartly angled applicator for color precision. $23.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment instantly rejuvenates, hydrates, and reconstructs dry and damaged hair, providing long-term benefit, beauty, shine, manageability, volume, and health. 5 ounces, $55.

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INDULGENCES SHOES: HERS

4 3

5 2 8

1

6

7

Well

Heeled

1. Prada Capretto Tri-Color Waves open-toe, ankle strap Mary Jane. 4 3/4” heel. $690.

2. Michael, Michael Kors Astor Grommet buckled slingback with lace front detail. 4 1/4” heel, $120. 3. Boutique 9 Bisson peep toe buckle pump.3” heel, $85. 4. Christian Louboutin Mouche Zeppa pleated platform pump of blue chiffon with leather trim. 4 7/10” heel, $875. 5. Prada peep toe jeweled pump adorned with Swarovski crystals. 4” heel, $850. 6.

Emilio Pucci satin pump with bow detail. Crescent toe on a covered stilletto. $410. 7.

Gucci Roma platform slide. Leather with bamboo detail on heel. 5” heel, $535. 8. Ralph Lauren platform sandal in glossy patent leather. Peep toe with buckle ankle strap. 4” heel, $595.

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3

2 4

1 5

Loafing

Stylishly

1. Calvin Klein Paul slip on leather loafer with bit hardware detail. $130. 2. Ralph Lauren Adamson penny loafer in in calfskin. $475. 3. Hugo Boss Orange whipstitch leather loafer in soft sheepskin, $195. 4. Dior Homme classic Mocassin Loafer in leather, $570.

5. Cole Haan Aircourt Woven Sneakers in leather, $195.

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INDULGENCES BAGS: HERS

4 3

5

2 8 6 7 1

Totes &

Clutches

1. Badgley Mischka Emma Satchel in black leather, $645. 2. Cole Haan Genevieve Clutch with custom antiqued brass hardware or brushed nickel on leather, $295. 3. D&G Dolce & Gabbana Regina Satchel in brown calf leather with ruching detail. $1270. 4. Michael Kors Embossed Leather Bow Clutch in caramel, $595. 5. Miu Miu Nappa Patch Petals Satchel of leather with silvertone hardware, $1240. 6. Ralph Lauren Striped Ricky 33 in silk dupioni and patent leather, $2895. 7.

Jimmy Choo Malina Leather Satchel with suede detailing and brasstone hardware. $1895. 8. Nancy Gonzalez flap clutch in crocodile, $1400.

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3

2

1

4

Briefs

Messages &

1. Ralph Lauren Italian Leather Briefcase in classic chestnut saddle leather styling, $650. 2. D&G Dolce & Gabbana Canvas Patchwork Duffle Bag in stylish form consisting of leather, cotton canvas and nickel. $425. 3. Lacoste Messenger Bag in nylon, $110. 4. Gucci Medium Messenger Bag in nylon with green leather trim and cotton web strap, $355.

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INDULGENCES JEWELS & ACCESSORIES: HERS

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INDULGENCES JEWELS & ACCESSORIES: HERS

Ladies, you work on your summer glow, fight seaside hair frizz, put on your sexiest shoulder-baring summer dress, and want to take your cutest new handbag to the restaurant or nightclub just off the boardwalk. But, we all know how dirty and sticky public dining and drinking establishment floors can get - and, with identity theft on the rise, you don’t want to simply place your purse on the floor, out of your line of sight. Solution? These bejeweled Luxe Link purse holders have a stylish chain that wraps around an anchoring, snazzy top, holding your latest Marc Jacobs or other designer handbag securely to any table surface. Each Link comes in a luxurious suede pouch, that is smaller than a compact. $35 to $79, at LuxeLink.com.

Previous page: 1. Pink Chalcedony Cabochon Ring. Bronze setting with beaded detail.

1 1/2" diameter. Made in the USA of imported material. By Steven Dweck, at Neiman Marcus. $680. 2. Alexis Bittar Lucite Cocktail Ring. Sleek and dramatic lucite cocktail ring sparkles with a bold reverse-cut crystal quartz in a rhodium-plated setting. By Alexis Bittar, at Saks Fifth Avenue. $215. 3.David Yurman Lavender Amethyst Cerise Ring.

Cerise ring in sterling silver cable with faceted lavender amethyst center and pavĂŠ diamond bezel. 0.79 total carat weight. Neiman Marcus, $1900. 4. Yves Saint Laurent Macadem Heart Ring. This black heart gold tone metal ring is inscribed with signature YSL on bottom. $295 at Saks Fifth Avenue. 5. Kapow Silver & Resin Ring, by LuLu Smith. $175 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com). 6. Lord & Taylor Sterling Silver Ring with Jade Center, Stone and Marcasite Border. $50. 7. Sterling Silver and Turquoise Global Ring, $158 at Anthropologie. 8. Cubic Zirconia gem in earthy green within 18k gold-plated setting.

Anthropologie, $88.

Ding! www.magazineblu.com

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INDULGENCES JEWELS & ACCESSORIES: HIS

Top to bottom, this page: Giorgio Armani Bifold Wallet. Stamped croco-

dile pattern on calfskin leather with credit card slots and bill compartment.

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue. $275. Weston richly mahogany-toned leather cigar case, monogrammed lighter, cigar cutter. Red Envelope (redenvelope.com), $84. Ruth Avra’s “Garden Wall” sterling silver and stingray hide belt buckle, on a black leather belt. Limited edition of only ten buckles in existence! $770 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com).

Subtle 105

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INDULGENCES JEWELS & ACCESSORIES: HIS

Clockwise, from bottom left: Ward Wallau created and crafted these New York City Subway Token Cufflinks, which arrive in a subway map gift box and with a certificate of authenticity. At Lord & Taylor, $145. Emporio Armani Braided Leather Bracelet with sterling silver accents, $250 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Gucci Dog Tag Necklace, sterling silver, $315 at Neiman Marcus. Nathan McPherson’s Three Dot Copper Ring. Brushed stainless steel, $255. With diamonds in each copper dot center, $560. The Artful Home (artfulhome.com). Ralph Lauren Button Cuff Links in sterling silver, $325 at ralphlauren.com.

Murano, Italy cuff links in glass with layered gold leaf, $28 at Red Envelope (redenvelope.com).

Accents www.magazineblu.com

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INDULGENCES PET PAMPERING: CAT

Meow!

Top to bottom, this page: The Cat Livin Climber hangs on the back of a door, keeping occupied, safe, and mentally stimulated. No hardware is required, as the Cat Climber hangs on a door much like a coat hook or wreath hanger! Space saving, sturdy, and easy to relocate to keep cats interested in the scenery around them. $200. Cat Livin’s Garden for kitty is a stainless steel container of 100% organic oats, wheat, rye and barley that grows in 4 to 6 days, keeping your fave feline in good digestion, without hairballs, and away from your houseplants. $18. Both products available at Cat Livin (catlivin.net).

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INDULGENCES PET PAMPERING: DOG

From bottom, clockwise: Polkadog Bakery Treats Box is a twocan set of 12 ounces each of Meat Lover’s and Peanut Butter Medley all-natural, artisanal quality dog bakery treats, developed by dog owners from Boston. $30 for two cans, Red Envelope (redenvelope.com). For the remainder of the summer boating season, keep your pup’s head above water. This working lifejacket is available at UnitedK9s.com. Pricing varies according to breed size. Ralph Lauren’s adorable navy and lime green Big Pony Mesh Polo makes a clear statement style. Available in other colors, too, at Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren.com), $45. The SunSpa is a brand new product recently developed for your indoor pets, to provide them with sunlight-quality stimulation and keep their little moods upbeat, while enriching their lives with sunlight they might otherwise miss. Pricing to be announced, at ParadiseImage.com. Red Envelope’s personalized pet bowls bring whimsy to feeding time.

Three sizes are available, according to your animal’s breed and appetite. From $50 to $70, available at redenvelope.com.

Woof!

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Style?

Dude, Where’s Your Jeff Wyatt offers quick advice regarding summer style, for men on-the-go.

1.

Don’t over-accessorize. Nothing kills a summer vibe more than a busy look.

Do subtract a few things. Lose the belt and the pocket square, forget the shoelaces and leave the messenger bag behind. Nothing screams “summer” like a man who knows how to appear relaxed, in style and attitude. If more pocket space is needed when losing your bag, look for a cargo short to pick up the slack. If you absolutely must have a bag, lighten it up with a canvas beach version.

3.

Don’t wear a heavy scent. Are you going to eat beef stroganoff on a 95-degree day? Then, why wear a scent that packs the same kind of heavy weight?

Do wear a scent that breathes. For summer, keep it light and airy. A floral or citrus-like dance should emanate from your neck. The lighter the scent, the better, as it will make the ladies need to come a bit closer to experience the full effect.

5.

4.

Don’t wear a cap. You aren’t in college anymore, Frat Boy. If it has adjustable plastic pegs on the back, it is only allowed during lawn mowing. And, don’t even get me started on your visor collection, you boy band wannabe.

Don’t go for perfection. This is not the season for crisp, James Bond-esque perfectionism.

Do go for put together. You can be polished while seeming carefree. Opt for linens and light cottons.

A little wrinkle in the summer looks amazing, as long as it is not a wrinkled power tie.

Don’t forget your sunscreen. I’m no dermatologist, but I do know that your skin will be your greatest accessory. Robert Redford was one of Hollywood’s greatest sex symbols, and now he looks like a dehydrated kiwi.

Do forget your hairspray. Leave the hair a little tousled. Summer will never be about a perfect coif, so there’s no need to try.

6.

Don’t forget your pedicure. Nothing is nastier at a picnic than a yellow toenail that looks like something from the Paleolithic Period. Man up and get those cuticles pushed back. Nasty piggies make you look like a nasty piggy.

Do wear sandals. In the spirit of keeping things simple, opt for sandals this season. They keep the feet so much cooler and allow them to get some much needed air. Plus, the right pair looks savvy and sophisticated, as long as they are worn with a pedicure and replaced before they are worn-out.

Don’t dress like a dessert. Yes, those stylish seersucker suits may be of a neon color. But, dammit man, eighties day-glow has long passed go and pocketed the $200.

Do dress like summer foliage. Though technically of the same color palette as a dessert, the greens, pinks and oranges will serve you much better when taking on the subdued tones held in nature’s exuberance. Remember, be bright, but don’t be obnoxious.

7.

2.

8.

Don’t be that guy. You know the one: ridiculous tan lines with sunburned skin, wife-beater tee shirt, Hawaiian board shorts, and sandals falling apart.

Do follow the above instructions. Don a positive, relaxed look this summer, so when “that guy’s” girlfriend sees you, she smacks his wife-beater wearing, sunburned shoulder and asks why he can’t be just like you.

Do wear a hat. A lightweight (cotton or straw) fedora is what should be utilized during the summer months, if the head is to be covered. Not only is it classically styled, but it is a tool rarely used in the modern man’s wardrobe.

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Jeff Wyatt

Jeff Wyatt muses upon love’s rapier-like charm in a viciously paced world where relationships have become more disposable than celebrity and more desirable than diamonds.

In a tale recalled in The Bible, and I’m sure suffered through on countless occasions over the entire course of human existence on this earth, some form of temptation always leads to some form of forbidden fruit being ingested by some foolish, misguided soul. Throughout my adult existence on this earth, I’ve been smart enough to avoid all forms of said fruit, much to the chagrin of my nutritionist. At least I used to be able to say that and not be labeled a liar.

I woke up on a bright Sunday morning rather famished, and headed into the kitchen. I looked in the refrigerator. The only thing available for a 9 a.m. snack was day-old ramen noodles, or an apple. Foolishly I pierced the apple, sliced it into more agreeable wedges, placed it upon my plate and simultaneously started viewing one of my good friends in a much different light.

So, inevitably, I one day decided that now was the time to grow a set and cop to the feelings I held for her. I wish I could say that the words were elegantly floated to her while on a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, while laughing and enjoying one another’s company; you know, that glorified, Tinsel Town “I love you,” we all have built up in our heads. She may have been my Meg Ryan, but I was most assuredly no Billy Crystal or Tom Hanks. Or for that matter, Tom Hanks again, for all you Meg Ryan film buffs reading this.

No, that I fear would be much too wonderful. The words I had desperately wanted to say for so long came out while the both of us were mildly tipsy in the back of a cab, on the way to her place after a night of drinks with friends. Though not slurred, the words didn’t quite land with the impact I had hoped. I had rehearsed them, perfected them, and when the time came to deliver them I spoke assuredly to her and simply said, “I am foolishly, selfishly, and hopelessly in love with you – whether you feel the same towards me in this moment is of little consequence – because, for right now, I need you to know that I am in love with you.”

Truth be told, there was no eureka moment, nor did a compact fluorescent bulb cast an unsettlingly white light upon my heart. The realization was more akin to the slow, slinky crescendo of the opening clarinet line to George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. It started just as Gershwin’s clarinet line did: C o m p a r i n g small, and soft, like the faint, shy rapping of a child’s apples and... Just as a point of fact to all reading this, when using a knock upon the door of a stranger, the first time door-torun-on sentence to profess your love, using the phrase door candy sales are thrust upon the youth as some form “in love with you” twice so closely together doesn’t of Little League fundraiser. enhance your chances for a favorable result. It will, however, greatly increase the shocked and startled look on the woman’s face, and give This eventually grew into the confident, bombastic expressionism that the cabby quite a laugh, as he has seen this gamble played out on brought Gershwin’s jazz from the speakeasies of New York to great countless occasions in the uncomfortable closeness that not even a concert halls of the world. Not to mention myself, and a parent or Plexiglas partition can separate. And so the cabby bet on black, I guardian, to Disney World at the end of the baseball season via an placed my chips to red; the cabby doubled up. It truly is amazing how arbitrary almond and cocoa-based economy. It’s amazing what can much one will tip after a crippling embarrassment. Pain aversion be achieved in door-to-door sales with just a little confidence and therapy perhaps? All I know is a 20 dollar tip for a cab ride lasting 12 gumption. blocks is obscene.

And much like the first onslaught of horns in Rhapsody in Blue, it’s a startling realization when you are presented with the fact that your “good friend” has unexpectedly become the person you wish to be intimate with. The first month of these unwanted affections consistently felt as though I was placing bare hand to a steel kettle for tea and having to quickly, and foolishly withdraw it. I dismissed it as an inappropriate flutter of the heart which I was certain would subside.

Over the course of the fall and early winter, our chats grew longer as days grew shorter and the faint flickering flame I let burn slowly grew into a…well…really freaking big fire!

Throughout the eight or so months I allowed these feelings to linger, I did all I could to not let on, and keep the status quo of our relationship intact. In the spirit of keeping up appearances, I went on countless dates with countless forgettable women and ended up, no matter how sweet, or beautiful the girl, completely sabotaging the evening. If you can find a good review of me from any of those women, I’d love to hear it, because it simply does not exist. Truly, there has never been a time in my life where no matter what I was doing, someone persisted at the fore of my thoughts. And on these dates I cursed myself for being with them when all I wanted was to be with her. www.magazineblu.com

Needless to say, I was not invited up after the cab ride.

I went home, defeated, and popped Sleepless in Seattle into my DVD player and cried into my pint of Rocky Road, as Meg Ryan reached the top of the Empire State building to find Tom Hanks there surfing the Internet while putting small book shop owners out of work and videoconferencing with Billy Crystal at a diner with a very loud woman…

Well – as could go without mention – that entire night, and the preceding months, were just as confusing as that last paragraph, and the only thing I truly know now from all of it is this: In the future, when comparing apples and oranges, I will forever side with the orange.

Musings 110

She broke my heart.

Her hand recoiled and tears streamed from both our eyes. My spring breeze succumbed to frost, and there I was, without a coat.

One wonders after such a life-altering rejection what their life could possibly hold in store for them after that moment. For myself personally, I took my fate into my own hands, and decided to seek out Cupid.

We met up early one Saturday morning at a Starbucks on State Street and proceeded to have a rather terse discussion on love and its wonderful highs and harrowing lows. Then things turned sour.

We began to argue about the merits of his work and the pain he inflicts on those he decides to strike with his bow. Our voices escalated, and with biscotti in hand, we were asked to leave the establishment. The argument carried out onto the street.

In a rage which had never before come over me, I blacked out. When my heart of darkness subsided five minutes later I was being whisked away in handcuffs. I had stabbed Cupid in the heart 19 times with his own arrows.

Cupid may have destroyed my life, but I saved 19 others that day…

As the winter snows have once more subsided into the blossoming spring, I find myself inexplicably longing for the piercing sting of Cupids bow once again. Though I honestly fear all that it may bring, I would gladly accept one thousand shattered hearts to feel that love that I held all those years ago. My only explanation for this longing is that there truly is no better feeling than the soft kiss of a spring breeze.

Love, she truly is a motherfuck, no?

...and Baby Makes Two Adrianna D Angelo is Single...and Expecting A Real-Life Love Story

By Adrianna D Angelo

babymakes2.wordpress.com

The Reluctant Cliff Diver: Here I stand on the precipice of a major life event, part ready-andwilling to jump, part waiting for someone to just push me, already.

Isn’t it more empowering to just take the leap?

Admittedly, in the realm of childbirth, I don’t get to take the leap into labor and delivery. That timing is not up to me. My leap happened months ago, when I found out I was pregnant, and then another month later, when I broke up with John. Becoming pregnant was not a conscious choice, but becoming single was. It was a scary leap, but not for long. I knew with 100% certainty that it was the right thing to do, and I also got full support from all of the amazing people in my life. It was like leaping into a safety net.

But there are a few leaps ahead of me that I’m not as confident about...(continued at http://babymakes2.wordpress.com) 111

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She made me feel as though any and every good thing in this world could be easily found inside the bond we shared. And so, on a crisp fallen leaf of fall, I knelt down, took her hand in mine and asked her to keep it there for every season’s change which followed.

Welcome to Pleasantville

By Kimberly Toms

pleasantlyblu.wordpress.com Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. ~ Desiderata Once upon a time I wrote a blog, under a pen name I had utilized for over ten years. I gave it up, to preserve the anonymity of a relationship I started in January 2008, with a dashing man from Pleasantville, California. I met him while I was still living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Now, I have determined that I am not ashamed of my behaviors or life, anymore. I am confident, secure in myself and willing to own up to whatever reactions my actions present. That, as I am a 30+, single woman. I am free to be me and do so with clear conscience. I am a woman of integrity. Here I will blog, on whatever subject I wish…without masking my identity.

And so, we begin blogging again, in Pleasantville.

No, that is not the real name of the town, but it is darn close to the Pleasantville of movie fame, the “Everytown USA” where everyone is pretty and houses all look much the same.

I only considered “dating” the new guy long-distance, as I had already planned for over a year to move to the San Francisco area. After that year of hoping, I enacted my plan to get to California. That was after months of loving Andrew (not his real name).

Andrew is a Pleasantville-area CEO and supposed man of integrity. Sense the forshadowing in that statement? He was a little challenging, egotistical, slightly selfish, and controlling in many ways, but that was masqued behind a loving, kindhearted, sweet exterior with a dashing foreign accent. He often called to just “hear your voice,” as he would say to me, adding all sorts of sweet remarks about my blue eyes and personality. He didn’t realize the extent of my health situation. To be honest, he probably didn’t care.

At times, he would produce leading statements like, “I want to be your Knight in Shining Armor” and “maybe I am the one.” Oh yes, as well as, “I think it was our destiny, to meet each other.”

I know, gag me with a spoon. But, for a lady developing love for a man, it is simply sweet sentiment.

When I was trying to determine where to move, exactly, he pushed Pleasantville, as if he was a member of the Pleasantville Convention and Visitors Bureau... (continued at http:// pleasantlyk.wordpress.com) www.magazineblu.com

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Dreaming of Italy?

Wanting to get away to Italy, but don’t have the vacation time accrued? This beautiful book will allow you to visit Tuscany without the airfare and expensive trekking, while also adorning your coffee table for visitors to peruse.

For Unknown Tuscany, American photorapher Patrick Alt used antique lenses and rare large-format cameras to capture hidden nuances of Tuscany, as well as those that might otherwise be overlooked.

As an accompaniement, or for a gift pairing, add this signed, numbered, framed, limited-edition giclee print, also by Patrick Alt. Tree-Lined Road Outside Alberese, Tuscany was photographed in 1997 using the same methods as his book.

Katie Did It! katieoneal.wordpress.com

My Never-Ending Confusion Wow, going back to what I wrote on Friday, it seems I was pretty upset. It’s true that I feel sadness over what I’m going through with my husband. Mostly what I feel is guilt and confusion. I wonder if I’m ever going to get over feeling guilty. Will I ever be able to forgive myself for what I did to my marriage? Especially if my husband doesn’t forgive me? I’m hoping that the once-weekly therapist sessions I’m going to will help me with that. And help me figure out why I did what I did, so to avoid having it happen in the future. Either with my husband or someone else, if that’s how this all ends up.

Last night I had another date. It was actually a really great night. We went to one of - and maybe - the best sushi restaurants. We drank a delicious (and expensive) bottle of wine. There was a lot of laughing, and talking was easy. We didn’t kiss at the end of the night, although I would have liked to. And then as I was driving home, I saw the lights on in my husband’s apartment, and I figured he was home by himself. I just got so sad. I wondered what I was doing. What this dating is supposed to mean. Am I looking to kill time? Because I don’t think I’m looking for a relationship. I’m still married! And haven’t had one conversation with my husband about where his head is at about our marriage. Is he dating? I can’t imagine that he is.

But he told me that this is what I should do. I know he didn’t say it as a dare. I know he knew full well I would go out and date. I can honestly say that of the couple of guys I’d be interested in seeing again, none have asked what my situation with my husband is - and ultimately, what it would mean to them if they did start to have feelings for me. I can’t even answer that question. Which is why I now feel somewhat guilty about dating. Because I have liked a couple of the guys I’ve gone out with. I’m looking forward to seeing them again. Which makes me sad and confused. The thought of really ending things with my husband - divorcing him - breaks my heart. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. I’m not supposed to see the lights on his apartment and wonder what he’s doing. He’s supposed to be in an apartment, or house, with me. We’re supposed to have a life together. I just don’t know what I want!!!

But, in the tiniest corner of my heart, that until I’ve written it here, I’ve only admitted to two people, I know I feel that I’m going to wind up divorced. My husband and I are not working on our marriage. We’re living separate lives. I know that we both agreed that we had to work on ourselves, but I thought that we’d be working on our relationship, too. That’s proven to not be the case at all. And if we’re not doing that, I just don’t see how things can ever get better. Yes, I can become a better person and figure things out about myself. The same for him.

But it doesn’t get to what went wrong in our relationship and ways to fix that. And then what choice are we left with?...(continued at http://katieoneal.wordpress.com)

The book is $65, the print $475. Both, at Pottery Barn (in Home Decor)...(continued at http://indulgences.magazineblu.com)

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