East India Cocktail
With the season still being Summer and the forecasted storms this evening, I was in the mood for a cocktail with pineapple juice and Angostura bitters. The East India cocktail delivers on both of these and more.
2 oz. Brandy (I used E&J Spiced.)
0.5 oz. Orange Curaçao. (I use Marie Brizard.)
0.5 teaspoon Maraschino liqueur (I use Luxardo.)
Dash Angostura bitters (I’m heavy handed with this. Do to your taste.)
1.5 oz. Fresh pineapple juice
Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with nutmeg.
I love this cocktail. So smooth with the right amount of spice, depth of flavor. The pineapple juice balances the liquor and makes it special. I’ve made it many times. Like my top fave tiki cocktails, the East India cocktail is exotic and a departure, transportive.
Soon after seeing the cocktail coffee table book Booze & Vinyl, a spirited guide to great music and mixed drinks, in a Crate & Barrel photo I ordered it from Amazon in October 2020. Cocktails and music? I remember thinking, “I N E E D this book!”. Written by André Darlington and Tenaya Darlington with photography by Jason Varney, this treasure trove of a book is a sight to behold and thoroughly enjoy, savor.
In the book, The East India cocktail is paired with the Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “With this incredible classic, we pay homage to the Beatles’ meeting with the Maharishi in London in 1967. The band then famously traveled to visit the guru in India in ‘68. The first global cocktail, it is a suitably sunny and whimsical drink.”
I used a cocktail glass purchased from cb2. Also in the photo are personal treasures- A necklace from Turkey gifted by a dear friend and vintage fashion earrings that belonged to my late Grandmother.
#eastindiacocktail#brandy#orangecuracao#maraschinoliqueur#angosturabitters#pineapplejuice#nutmeg#boozeandvinyl#thebeatles#sgtpepperslonelyheartsclubband#fiveoclocksomewhere#nightin#saturdayevening#saturday#eveningin#candyisdandybutliquorisquicker#ilovemusic#ilovecocktails#august#summer
The One.
Prince performing at Le Zénith in Paris with 3RDEYEGIRL and Liv Warfield on June 1, 2014 as part of the HITNRUN Phase Two tour.
Celebrating Prince today. His life, movies and music remind us that…
We are Beautiful, Loved and Blessed
Life is a parade
Style is puppy breath
We have Groovy Potential
We Can Funk
We should Party Up
Breakfast Can Wait
The only love there is, is The Love We Make
We should Fallinlove2nite
It’s Gonna Be A Beautiful Night
There is Joy In Repetition
Love will conquer if you just believe
Sometimes It Snows In April
God is love, love is God
Prince was born on this day in 1958. Today and always- Thank U. We miss U. We love U.
#prince#Prince4ever#foreverreign#inourhearts4ever#musicistheanswer#3RDEYEGIRL#livwarfield
Silk & Spice.
One of my favorite new wine discoveries is this red blend from Portugal. Luscious, juicy and smooth with spice.
Using one of my glasses purchased a while ago from cb2. Stemless wine glasses remind me of when I visited Portugal’s neighbor Spain a long time ago. At the restaurant I was at with fellow college classmates, there were two similar stemless glasses at each place setting only one was larger than the other. I started a good humored argument with the server saying that the larger of the two glasses should be used for the wine, not the ice water. After a few valid points were made from each side, we both laughed. I then handed the server the larger glass to fill with ice water. The other glass was filled with wine and then repeatedly refilled. It is forever a fond memory as I spoke entirely in Spanish with the server. What an absolutely wonderful trip that was. Love how certain things remind one of a treasured memory. All of the memories then come flooding back.
Enjoying the wine tonight with a Mediterranean salad of olives, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese and tomatoes. Bread to dip in olive oil mixed with garlic, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper and crushed red pepper. Baklava for dessert. Salud!
I found this wine at the wine and spirits shop of Lunds & Byerly’s but saw online it is also available at Total Wine.
#winetime#redwine#redblend#silkandspice#wine#wineandunwind#fiveoclock#nightin#saturdayevening#saturday#eveningin#vino#bebida#spain#espana#memories#reminiscing#micorazon#amor#muydelicioso@cb2
Celebrate Mom.
The beginning of the song That Lady (Parts 1 & 2) by The Isley Brothers (1973) comes to mind when I think of my Mom.
“Who's that lady?
Who's that lady?
Beautiful lady.
Who’s that lady?
Lovely lady.
Who’s that lady?
Real fine lady.
Who’s that lady?”
I would not be the woman I am today without her. She is my inspiration, confidant, best friend and the one I always want to make laugh, smile.
Also remembering my late Grandmother Mimi and Grandma Lois today. I miss them so much. I know they are watching over me, Mom. Grandmother Mimi is singing show tunes while Grandma Lois is baking her delicious sugar cookies, giving a few to dogs Brandy and Mazi.
Hershey’s designed and created these limited-edition chocolate bars for Women’s History Month (February) to celebrate all women and girls everywhere. From their website, “This new Hershey’s bar is a colorful reminder to celebrate the impact that SHE makes.” I saw commercials for these chocolate bars in February featuring Mindy Kaling but only recently found them at Target. What a sweet idea. 🤎💜
#celebratemom#mothersday#mom#beautiful#lovely#inspiration#bestfriend#partnersinwine (…Brandy and tequila too.) #simplythebest#love#notallheroeswearcapes#CelebrateSHE
Cloud City floating in the clouds of the planet Bespin.
Conceptual designer and illustrator Ralph McQuarrie provided many designs and artwork that served as inspiration for the original Star Wars trilogy. My favorites are those for Cloud City. Sleek, futuristic, minimalist and modern while also having an ethereal vibe. The Millennium Falcon’s arrival is also one of my favorite scenes. Han not initially granted landing access, Leia says, “I thought you knew this person.” meaning Lando Calrissian. Then Chewbacca says something. Han replies, “That was a long time ago. I’m sure he’s forgotten about that.” Hee hee.
Happy Star Wars Day! May the 4th Be With You!
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
#starwarsday#maythe4thbewithyou#maythe4th#maytheforthbewithyou#princessleia#hansolo#chewbacca#c3po#landocalrissian#theempirestrikesback#episodev#starwars#cloudcity#bespin#clouds#ralphmcquarrie#design#conceptualart#art#illustration
Star.
“Besides, I can be your fire Baby, yeah.”
Prince performing at Coachella in Palm Springs on April 26, 2008.
Photographer’s Credit: Randee St. Nicholas from her book My Name Is Prince : 25 Inspired Years 1991-2016
One of the many photos that I love. At the mic with His guitar on stage outside at night wearing a bejeweled tunic looking effortlessly cool and regal at the same time.
One of the many songs He performed that night is Shhh. There is currently a link in my profile for the YouTube version of this performance. “Ah, you say you wanna slow jam? Then listen up girl, yeah. I wanna whisper music in your ear that’ll rock your, rock your, rock your world, oh!”
Today and always- Thank U. We miss U. We love U.
#prince#Prince4Ever#foreverreign#inourhearts4ever#musicistheanswer#shhh#slowjam#realmusic#realmusicians#realmusiclovahz#coachella#randeestnicholas@randeestnicholas
Sharing 9 of the countless women that inspire me on International Women’s Day.
Diana Ross
Mary Wells Lawrence
Ina Garten
Grace Coddington
Betty White
Dylan Lauren
Nancy Meyers
Elsa Peretti
Iman Abdulmajid
#internationalwomensday#seeher#hearher#inspiration#inspired#iwd2022
Beautiful Serendipity.
I was not able to find the pink gin I was looking for but I did find these absolutely gorgeous roses in pink and orange hues. Maybe they found me. I love the scalloped edges. The roses look more precious, special. The fragrance is beyond wonderful. Looking forward to admiring them on my day off tomorrow while watching faves The Pink Panther (1963) and The Party (1968) as the snow falls outside.
#roses#pinkhues#orangehues#grapefruit#rosé#peach#pink#orange#fuchsia#blush#coral#freshflowers#treatyoself#sunday#winter
Access.
Looking forward to the profile on Architectural Digest by CBS Sunday Morning today. It has been a top fave magazine of mine for a very long time. Once a subscriber, I still have many issues (The issue with Frank Sinatra is from December 1998 and the issue with the Laurens is from November 2007.) mostly when Paige Rense and Margaret Russell were editors. Always looked forward to the next issue- Who or what would be featured on the cover? What stateside or far flung, exotic places would I be taken to? Before there was Instagram or Pinterest, there was Architectural Digest. Indeed, the now international design authority has been around for 100+ years. From their website, “Launched in 1920 as a California trade quarterly, the magazine evolved over the years, increasing in frequency and broadening in scope until it became the byword for living well. Today Architectural Digest publishes nine international editions, and its brand has immeasurable influence in the world of interior design.” Perusing the beautiful, stunning, thought provoking, inspiring photographs printed on that high-quality paper in vibrant color is enjoyable to me. And also the inclusive range of styles featured. From the innovative, modern, glass home that overlooks the Pacific Ocean by AD100 architect Wallace Cunningham known as the Razor House in La Jolla, California to the Guatemalan rain forest where the main bungalow’s high pitched roof is covered by palm thatching to the Manhattan home located on the top floor of a high rise overlooking Central Park. The magazine provides exceptional access to far away and remote places and inside people’s homes. The magazine is truly an escape. I have also learned a lot like when Architectural Digest did a feature on CW Stockwell’s iconic banana-leaf Martinique wallpaper that was launched in 1942 after an inspirational getaway to the Bahamas and made famous by the redo of the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1949. I always wondered how that originated as I love the pattern, vibe. So here’s to you Architectural Digest! Cheers!
#architecturaldigest#architecture#design#home#inspiration#culture#travel#interiordesign@margaretrussell@archdigest
Missoni Mornings.
There is something special about enjoying coffee in a treasured cup, or in this case, a demitasse. Leisurely mornings reading the latest Vanity Fair issue, watching CBS Sunday Morning, listening to music, or simply just being are truly savored and start off in style with this special set. And biscotti or course!
When the Missoni x Target collaboration dropped in 2011, I was unable to locate the demitasse set complete with five stacking cups, plates and spoons that was among the top, fave items I sought out to purchase. Then low and behold in 2019, Target had a 20th Anniversary Collection: Design For All where they brought back former collaborations, including Missoni and the demitasse set! I could not believe it! I love the vibrant colors, bold patterns, chic design. Add this to drinking coffee and it is all very wonderful or splendido as Italians say. This set is also why I always have biscotti on hand.
#coffee#morning#morningcoffee#nonnegotiable#definitelycaffinated#ilovecoffee#fortheloveofcoffee#demitasse#biscotti#chocolate#leisure#simplepleasures#sundaymorning#sunday#design#designlover#modern#missoni
P.S. One of my fave songs is Bossa Per Due by Italian DJ Nicola Conte.
Evening lights.
Early last month when I was at the cash wrap for a purchase I exclaimed, “Oh, my gosh what a beautiful bag!” when the sales associate brought the bag out from below the counter and opened it. I was as excited about the bag as I was about my purchase- an addition to my sweater collection. To me, the bag is a work of art with its gorgeous design and quality of paper. Indeed I still have it. Haven’t decided yet if I will keep the bag as is to display or cut it up and frame it. For as long as I can remember I have loved out of focus lights whether they are street lights, building/skyline lights or celebratory holiday lights. There is something about the lights being out of focus that makes them more beautiful to me. Seeing them in this abstract way means only seeing the lights. One isn’t looking at the cars, street, buildings or bridges. By being out of focus, the lights become the focus. The color is more vivid. The lights also remind me of the effervescent bubbles in sparkling wine and champagne.
#lights#bright#beautiful#gorgeous#art#artiswhereyoufindit#abstract#modern#holidaylights#holiday#celebrate#celebratory#letsallholiday#focus#outoffocus#effervescent#sparkly#sparkling#bubbly#champagne#cheers#nighttime#nightlights#evening#eveninglights#allaglow#photography
Post No. 400 ♥️
Discretionary focus.
Following The Empire State Building on Instagram, the December 4, 2021 post showed up on my feed. It was an early evening aerial video of the observation deck, antenna featuring the iconic light display. True to form, the perfect music was chosen for the video. I fell in love with the sound and vibe. Come to find out the track is Tubshop from the album Leftovers 2 (2016) by the artist Birocratic. This new to me album has been on repeat daily since. Labeled as either dance or electronic, this vibe of music is a top fave of mine that I refer to as instrumental lounge, chill. Find it upbeat yet relaxing. The duality lends itself to everything- from when I need to focus to when I want to not focus, unwind. From working, driving to indulging my creative side, letting my mind wander, to enjoying a good cocktail or wine. Birocratic self-describes himself as a “mirthful vibe provider. A producer and multi-instrumentalist armed with a laptop, an electric bass and limitless inspiration. Creates electronic tunes with an organic soul.” The track Tubshop is an excellent example of this with the sound of strings, the trumpet and hand claps. Another fave track is Marinade with both piano and keyboard sounds. And I love the album cover with the out of focus lights.
#music#newmusic#instrumental#lounge#chill#focus#discretionaryfocus#vibe#unwind#musicistheanswer#musiclover#ilovemusic#empirestatebuilding
Morning shadow.
Noticed the shadow and took the photo yesterday morning. Have had this sculpture representing a saxophone a very long time.
Looking at this photo, some of my fave saxophone players come to mind-
Dana Colley
John Coltrane
Adrian Crutchfield
Lou Donaldson
Candy Dulfer
Stan Getz
Eric Leeds
Maceo Parker
Lenny Pickett
Grover Washington, Jr.
…And fave songs with the saxophone-
The Pink Panther Theme by Henry Mancini (1964)
Turn the Page by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band (1973)
New York State Of Mind by Billy Joel (1976)
Maneater by Daryl Hall & John Oates (1982)
Only the Lonely by The Motels (1982)
Smooth Operator by Sade (1984)
Never Tear Us Apart by INXS (1987)
Water Fountain by David Foster from the movie The Secret of My Success (1987)
As I write this, I know I am forgetting other artists and songs. Considering this post a work in progress.
#shadow#morning#morninglight#quietmornings#saxophone#realgoodsax#musiclover#ilovemusic#musicistheanswer#lifemovesprettyfast#ifyoudontstopandlookaroundonceinawhileyoucouldmissit#ferris#latergram #🎷
Soulful Christmas by the one and only James Brown from the album Funky Christmas (1968).
No one says, “Merry Christmas, happy New Year! I love you, have good cheer. I love you, good God.” like James Brown! I love how joyous and celebratory this song is! It makes me feel happy and thankful when I listen to it. The drums, guitars, horns that include the legendary Maceo Parker on saxophone, along with James Brown’s voice all make this song one of my absolute Holiday faves. And the lyrics- “I ain’t talkin’ just to tease. People like you, they don’t grow on trees. …Have everything I need around my soulful Christmas tree. …Would you believe I got peace of mind. And I’ll be groovin’ at Christmas time. …I got a heart full of love for the whole wide world.” A song that has this kind of vibe is I feel one we all need right now.
Holiday Music Appreciation Post (3 of 3)
#holidaymusic#jamesbrown#maceoparker#funk#funky#soul#soulful#joyous#celebratory#groovin#thankful#happy#soulfulchristmas#merrychristmas#happynewyear#holiday#celebrate#peace#love