Monthly Archives: May 2012

May
28

The Time of My Life

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Yesterday I had the honor of spending several hours with some amazing women. It was a “pay it forward” moment and I felt privileged to be part of something so special.

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I have said this repeatedly, but I do believe that there are moments when the universe allows us to indulge in great pleasures like helping others and being in the company of great people. However, as always, that act is up to us and we are in control of slowing ourselves down and partaking in such a generous gift.

So, onto “my moment.” Recently, a woman who was in need of some “make-up tips” approached me. Now, this wasn’t just any woman, but my son’s teacher, who through the course of the year has occupied a very special place in my heart. Why, you ask? She is a good, honest, hard working person who takes the time to nurture and guide children. My father was a special education teacher, and I have the utmost respect for “good” teachers who are in this area of expertise for the right reasons.

In July I left my entire life behind in New York and moved 3,000 miles across the country to start a new life in California. It was a painful and daunting experience, but deep down in my soul, I felt that life was short (just after losing my father), and my parents told me to “get into the game and not view it from the sidelines.” The last goodbye to my mom was while she lay in a hospital bed and it ripped me apart to leave her there (she went on to live eight more months, but now resides in heaven with my dad). I wanted to show my sons that with great change comes great pain and sacrifice, but as long as you believe, you will endure.

I feel the universe knew of the challenges that lay ahead of me and buffered my collisions with some of the most amazing people I have ever met, which brings me back to my son’s teacher. Through this woman, a class was set up with three other teachers and one Friday afternoon after school, school started with them and I was the teacher.

We all gathered and I began to show and share with them how they can improve on what God had given them. We had a blast and laughed for hours. I focused on enhancing their beautiful features and taught them how to correctly take care of their skin and apply make-up in such a way that it left them feeling gorgeous and ready to take on the world (or maybe dinner with their significant other)!

I come across many products, but there are a few that I swear by and stick with. I may cheat on my favorite products, but I always come back to them. Here are some of my favorites:

• Eye Cream: Bobbi Brown
• Face Primer: Lancome
• Face Serum: Skinceutical (CE Feurlic Acid)
• Eye Shadow: Urban Decay (Naked Palate)
• Make-up Brushes: MAC
• SPF: Obagi (30) face
• Skin Exfoliator: Clarisonic Brush
• Skin(Beauty) Elixor: Caudaile

As for other products like: cleansers, toner, moisturizers, lipstick, (and so on), I have not found the “perfect one” and remember my perfect may not be yours. I merely give my suggestions based on experience with these products and share with those who want to listen and learn.

Moments like these bring women together and bond us. I would like to bridge the gap between women and cut down on the jealousy between us.

There was a moment when I stepped back and watched how they happily interacted with each other complimenting like there was no tomorrow. I could feel my mom’s smile washing over me and although I can no longer do her makeup and hair, I have been given the opportunity to help others. Since moving here I have grown close to some very special people – you know who you are!

It is my opinion that the most beautiful face is the one with the right intentions.

Live and love your life…
xo, jo

May
19

Shoose…

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Chloe Wedge Sandal

As I entered the shoe department in Nordstrom, my heart started to race and my eyes widened like an owl that had just discovered its next prey.  I love Spring, the calling of Summer, and designs with bold splashes of color!  Truth be told, everything old is new again, and I have personally worn some of the shoes you see now back in the 70’s.  I love visiting the past, as long as it’s done right (in my mind).

The poor manager of the shoe department had his work cut out for him.  As he approached me with dollar signs in his eyes, they quickly widened like those of the owl because I had on the couch with me: not one, not two, not three, but nine pairs of shoes—platform, wooden bottom shoes with bursts of color that would rival an art studio.  “Whoa,” he said, “are there anymore?”  “You betcha,” and as I leaned forward he saw three more pairs behind me!  I looked up at him and told him to “settle in, it’s fun time!”

Hinge "Ledge" Sandal

I was surprised to find out (according to the manager of the shoe department), that the average shoe size for a woman is 7 ½-8.  I thought it was 6 ½-7.  I wear a 7 (sometimes a 6 ½) and apparently they get in one size 7 for every style (so finding my size is a roll at the craps table).  Today was my lucky day.  I scored two pairs of shoes, and I must say I can run in them (no surprise to New York women).  They are fun, extremely comfortable (which is a plus) and, be prepared (if you buy them), they do turn heads!  The “Hinge” shoes which are a Nordstrom brand with the black bow on the side are down-right cute and I said to the salesman, “if you shake your foot just a bit, the movement of the bow could replace the wink from a sexy girl.”  How do I know?  I had to try it, and the power of suggestion spoke volumes!

Brian Atwood

When buying shoes there are several things I look for: versatility, comfort, style, endurance, and the “sex factor.”  The sex factor is how hot the style is to men but most importantly, to women.  Men are easy to persuade (you know who I’m talking about), but when you can get a woman to compliment your shoes you have hit 777 on the one-arm bandit!  We all know that women are selfish when it comes to compliments, and if one is given to you by a woman, you know it’s the truth!

I think a compliment from a woman comes with a sense of security and confidence.  She knows you look good and has no problem paying it forward.  Why are we always out to drag each other down?  If you see something nice, speak up, and if you’re a bitch, shut it down (or my mother used to say, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”).  Is that why it’s so quiet?

I love wearing heels with skinny jeans and capris.  However, I’m not a big fan of heels and shorts.  Really…I think it looks ridiculous!  I’m totally into the whole “elongating the leg look” (I am 5’4”), but at what point do we enter trampville?  However, I will say that shorts and heels could fly on Halloween or in the bedroom (if that floats your boat), other than that…move on—next thought!

Whatever you wear, be comfortable and confident!  Own it and have fun, it’s fashion, not brain surgery.  Just because you see it on the runway doesn’t mean you should be wearing it.  It’s a good idea to stretch your boundaries and try something different, but not so different where you belong in the window of a Halloween shop.

Chinese Laundry

xo, jo
*I have the Hinge and Chinese Laundry — they are fabulous!*

May
15

Tote = Friendship

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I was in San Francisco this past weekend, and while my friends were busy doing something boring, I was busy doing something fun – getting to know my new friend.

Jo&Brent (NY meets CA)

I walked into my favorite store in the world (I truly mean favorite), Michael Kors. I was at the San Francisco Centre on Market Street. I walked in the mall and contemplated leaving because I was exhausted from the night before (too much of a good thing), then all of a sudden, my second wind came calling. Off to the right was: the cream in my coffee (nonfat), the perfect kiss on my lips, the smile after a fight, and the possibility of a new something or other that I would be wearing that night!

Now, I have to be honest. I am not an easy sell (ask Brent); I tell people “like it is” and know what I want. I walked into Michael Kors and the store was alive with color, the buzz of salespeople, happy customers, and prospective buyers. My mission was a tote. This salesperson approached me with a smile and asked if he could help me. I said I was looking for a tote. He asked what color I was interested in, and I replied, a “New York color.”

He looked at me sort of smiling with a quizzical look on his face. I told him dark, no pink, coral, yellow, or orange. I then saw a look of relief and a smile, and so the hunt began. We went through the whole store from top to bottom looking for the perfect tote. Along the way, I started to chip away at the stranger barrier between us.

As he showed me many, and I mean many options, we got to know each other. We shared stories, laughed a bit too loud, gave our opinions about things (well, I did), and started to speak about the love we both share for Michael Kors.

I can personally tell you that I am gaga over MK! He’s an “upstate” boy, loves his Mama, appears to be a “very nice” person (never met him—but hoping to someday), and wow, can he dress a woman! When I think of New York, I think of MK, when I think of the Hamptons, I think of MK, and when I think of fashion, he’s on the top of my list!

Here’s a “Jo” story for you. A couple months ago, I was at an Oscar party and was surrounded by celebrities: Morgan Freeman, Glenn Close, Michael Douglas, Jack Black (what a sweetheart, and boy does he adore his wife), Jennifer Aniston, and I couldn’t get any closer to Sir Elton John (he has the most gorgeous eyes), and the list goes on. Now, I mean no disrespect, but I was not “stirred” by 99.9% of them. My thrill was sitting with Jack Black and getting lost in Elton’s eyes. I’m not moved by most people, and if I am, it’s usually the “average Joe.” I was raised to believe that we “all” put our pants on the same way! However, there is something about MK that makes me excited, mesmerized, and in awe of his gift in designing.

I loved how my new friend and I got equally excited over our MK conversation. I love (and was jealous) of his picture with MK. This guy is a sweetheart and I never met anyone who truly loves his job more! He is a great salesperson who is honest, respectful, easy to talk to, and I could easily tell, has a genuine soul. Over an hour later, I walked out with a new pair of shoes, adorable jeans, and a gorgeous ring (going back for the tote).

If you are ever in San Francisco, go to the San Francisco Centre on Market Street and head straight towards the MK store. Ask for Brent—he will not disappoint you and you never know, you may walk out with a new friend like I did!

On a side note, it is my opinion that Michael Kors is extremely lucky to have Brent working for him. He is a hard worker, dedicated to his career, and most importantly a very nice person.

It has been proven that if you allow yourself a moment to slow down in life, wonderful things come your way.

To my new friend, Brent Amerman, Assistant General Manager: it was truly a pleasure meeting you and I will see you soon…

xo, jo

Jo&Brent

*Photography by the original: CrazyDave*

May
07

AKA – An American Bistro

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Robert Simon(Owner)&Jo

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the LushCake team descended on Old Town Pasadena in California. Some of the team members have been there before, and some have just heard about this beautiful town; I was the latter.

Our mission…meet the owner of AKA Bistro, Robert Simon. We were there to sample the food, meet Walter his chef, talk to the customers, and see how the staff interacted with their “bread & butter.”

The AKA Bistro is back in an alleyway (not the kind you’re thinking of) behind the hustle and bustle of the street and the store traffic. I would call it a “hidden treasure.” The courtyard has a beautiful brick walkway and you can feel the California sun welcoming you as you approach the entrance of the restaurant.

I love the big wooden doors and the large windows, and as you grab the handle anticipating a great experience, you just know you are going to be satisfied with your decision. If you decide to dine outside there is a spacious patio area overlooking the courtyard. The patio was designed so you could relax in the beautiful surroundings and feel the warmth of the sun while indulging in satisfying cuisine.

As you enter the restaurant through the magnificent doors, you can’t help but notice the enormous “king chairs” on the left calling your name and the eclectic bar right in front of you; either decision would be a good one.

Our particular party was escorted to what I would call a private family dining room with huge windows overlooking the patio and courtyard. I imagined my family settling in there for a wonderful meal and could easily see a girlfriend lunch, or “man cave” for some good eats! The interior of the restaurant screams warmth, clean, classic design. The wine is enclosed in glass (which is very cool), and the ceiling reminds me of a warehouse that has been painted with contemporary lights hanging from them! I found myself getting lost in the ambience and knew Robert was onto something.

As I settled in anxiously waiting to satisfy my cravings, a lovely server named Mariah (not Carey) greeted us. She was prepared for my team and was very helpful and knowledgeable of the menu items. We ordered Crispy Portobello Fries, Fresh Herbed Goat Cheese Salad, Pan Roasted Mary’s Chicken and the Pan Seared Scottish Salmon. I ordered a glass of Riesling and sat back with a huge smile…

The first item to hit the table was the Portobello Fries. I had heard about them, and after the first bite, I did not want to share!  They were beyond delish! They literally melt in your mouth, and the taste of the succulent shrooms sent me to heaven (round trip I was coming back for more)! That will always be a staple for me, and I recommend (if you visit this restaurant—which you should), not leaving without ordering them! Forget Prozac, this heals all!

The next item I tasted was the Goat Cheese Salad. I love salad with apples, cranberries, and walnuts (it reminds me of Vermont). The salad was light, crisp, delicious, and the goat cheese was encased in a crisp, lip smacking ball (which when cut open it mixed in the salad like a lost, but well liked friend), welcome home!

Jo&Walter(Chef)

The next contestant was: Mary’s Roasted Chicken (not sure who Mary is, I have to ask Walter, but I think she made him very happy)! I have to admit, I bullied my team and became aggressive with the brussel sprouts (the first time in my life I ever enjoyed brussels—sorry, Mom). The chicken was stuffed with: brie, shallots, spinach, and sat upon a soft creamy sea of mashed potatoes with the sprouts on the side. This particular dish has me dreaming of my next visit! It was like, “Mom, I’m home, what’s for dinner?” I’m shaking my head just thinking of how good it tasted, unreal! Sometimes, simple = superb!

The Scottish Salmon got the best of me. It was lightly dusted with arousing spices and sat upon a jam and pearl pasta. I loved the softness of the pasta and the moist salmon with the jam marrying both of them! It was a Frank Sinatra marriage, and I couldn’t be any happier!

As my team gobbled up the amazing food, I sat back and replayed my time in the kitchen with Walter. He’s a “Philly Boy”, which I affectionately named him. He welcomed me in his home and was a sweetheart while preparing his works of art. We reminisced of the East Coast (not missing the weather) and laughed at our accents (which I pray never leave us)! He’s a great guy with a simple and poetic approach to satisfying his customers. He’s a guy that really cares about and comprehends the quality of that and I felt blessed to have met him! I’m going to shake him down for the brussel sprout recipe!

As I waited for my cappuccino, I wandered around the restaurant and observed the customers enjoying and indulging, very happy in the moment. It made me happy to know that once again food brings people together and makes another memory for our bank. I asked several customers how they liked their selections and I was not surprised to hear nothing but great comments. They loved the menu items, the taste of the food, the warmth of the interior and smiled when they spoke of the staff. Hmmm…..I thought, homerun!

I returned for my cappuccino and enjoyed my last moments there. I was a happy, satisfied customer and this New Yorker pulled no punches. If you want the truth, be prepared—I was not and will never be an “easy sell.”

Cheers!
xo, jo
**All photography by the original, CrazyDave**