Nosh Night at UICA

Last Thursday was another installment of the highly creative Nosh Night hosted by the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts (UICA) in downtown Grand Rapids. I took my teenage daughter and dance enthusiast, Margaux, to engage her in the arts and to meet the members of GR's creative class who make things happen in the city. I didn't really know what to expect from my first Nosh night. As expected, the vibe was definitely good, the food by The Winchester was delicious, and yes, the performances, were outstanding. Though I have to admit that some of the interpretative dancing was a bit bizarre even for my taste. But that's what Nosh night is all about. I will definitely be back for the next event.

Just in Case...

...you're tuning in now, we have a Mega Birthday Giveaway going on. Lots of fun gifts! Click here to enter. Deadline is February 27th.

I'm off to celebrate my birthday with friends and family! Deepest thanks for your kind & thoughtful wishes. Hopefully 5o will be a breeze!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

The Magical World of Lisa Golightly

Designer. Artist. Creator. Mom. Friend. If you don't know Lisa, let me introduce her to you.

Lisa Vincent aka Lisa Golightly is one of the most talented gals I know. We met about 11 years ago, both selling on eBay. Lisa used to paint these amazing signs that stirred up massive bidding wars on eBay. I am more than sure that Lisa gets the credit for starting the "sign movement" that swept the nation! I swear that the reproductions you see in stores like Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs were the influence of Lisa.

Lisa's early work (above) from the eBay days...

I really don't know where to begin since Lisa has her hands in so many things. Whenever we talk, she is in the middle of some new, exciting creation.

Like these whimsical lady prints...

Or vintage ashtrays that Lisa adds her own design... (My spoiled little Vito uses a large one as a water bowl)

What inspires Lisa? Memories from her childhood travels. The ocean. The past. Dreamy glamorous things like fashion, old hotels, movies and music. "If I can't go somewhere or wear something, I will attempt painting it! I love living in my imagination and want to take others there with me." - Lisa

Lisa created this amazing cinema sign from scratch. Can you imagine? It was even featured in a room on Extreme Home Makeover.


She also sells at the Alameda Antiques Faire. Look at this photo she altered, alerting you of her booth number. Creative, huh?

Lisa creates lovely vintage-inspired jewelry...I actually received this necklace as a gift from a dear friend!


Lisa has a blog that is enchanting, and online shop that has many of her one-of-a-kind creations, including some vintage finds...

How about these vintage style portraits that Lisa painted? How does she do that?

So, I'm scratching the surface here. I'm thrilled to call Lisa a friend, and always look forward to chatting with her about what whimsical creation she's working on. And, she's very sweet as well!

You can find Lisa on her blog here, and her shop here. Lisa also sells some of her wares on The Paris Apartment's website here.

photos from Lisa Golightly

Two Reasons To Go To Rose's

Sesame Seared Yellowfin Saku Tuna

There was a time when I refused to go to Rose's restaurant on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. I just felt the long waiting time to get a table for okay food is not worth my effort. But something happened about a year ago, when all of a sudden, I had a series of fantastic experiences; primarily with the food. I've been to Rose's about, let's say, eight times in the last year, and every visit passed my fairly high expectations.

The setting, especially in the summer, is unmatched in West Michigan (okay, it's up there with the jdek at the JW). With the addition of the fireplace and some additional al fresco seating this past summer - Rose's hit a jackpot. 

Here are two reason's to go to Rose's right now - the Sesame Seared Yellowfin Saku Tuna with Ginger-Soy glazed Edamame, micro arugula sprouts, pearl onions & cashews, sriracha and sweet soy and the Seared Lump Crab Cake with Vegetable-Tortilla Slaw, Pepitos, Roasted-Chile Cilantro Aioli. Both are reasonably priced under $15.00. 

If I had to choose one restaurant to inherit from my friend, Greg Gilmore, among his many wonderful establishments under the Gilmore Collection,  my choice by far is this little restaurant overlooking a pristine lake, fifteen minutes away from downtown. This time, the wait is well worth it.

Seared Lump Crab Cake

Makes Me Smile

The work of Martine Roch is truly whimsical! Martine is an artist-illustrator-photographer, based in Dijon, France. Her work is a collaboration of antique photographs and photos she takes herself that are all digital.

The Elegant Nanny

Andrew

Martine loves her animals as you can see. And playful stories accompany each photo.

Her muse is her famous female Labrador 'Boudi'.

Boudi is "pretty in pink"

Pierrot

If you want more fun, please visit Martine on Flickr, or on her website.
Her cards, notebooks and other products are available here.

All Photos: Martine Roch

Latest Obssession: Edison Bulbs

photo: rewire

Okay, I'm totally nuts over these Edison light bulbs. Just the bare beauty of them, with their warm nostalgic glow. Breathtaking. I'm trying to think of where I could put one (or more) in my house.

photo: From the Right Bank

They look fabulous in groupings, don't you think?

photo: From the Right Bank

or just a single, simple hanging bulb...

These 1890 antique replica bulbs can be found at, where else? Anthropologie.

C5 Restaurant - A Royal Canadian Treat

Grilled Octopus - Garbanzo Bean & Black Olive Relish, Espelette Aioli

I took advantage of a day trip to Toronto by booking a lunch table at C5 restaurant - the ultra mod eatery located on the top floor of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). C5 stands for the fifth "crystal" in this Michael Lee-Chin's "aluminum and glass structure with five interlocking, self supporting prismatic sculptures." C5 is up on my list of museum restaurants alongside Cafe Marly in the Louvre. 

The C5 Lounge's black, leather and glass motif sets the tone for the space immediately upon arriving on the 5th floor of the ROM via a dedicated elevator. The restaurant sits on the tip of the glass prism with a fantastic view of the surrounding parks and buildings. I can just imagine the vibe when this place is hopping in the evening.

Chef Ted Corrado's food is superb with a strong emphasis on seasonality and local Ontario food products. The food preparation and presentation are on par with more publicized food cities such as New York, Chicago and London.  Another brilliant concept within the C5 restaurant is the Food Studio several floors down. Food Studio is a designer's "cafeteria,' serving seasonal and organic menu items in a  sensory pleasant space.

Never settle for "any restaurant" whenever you visit a foreign city. Do your research. Not enough time? Check out the buzz on the latest mobile street food. All the time in the world? Then indulge in the cornucopia of food-worthy eateries and savor the moment. This is what traveling is all about.

c5 Lounge

Open Kitchen

The Dining Room

Black Cod Tempura - Japanese Eggplant, Chanterelles, Garlic Wilted Tendrils, Lychee Black Bean Sauce

Steak Frites - Cumbrae Farms 60 Day Aged Rib Eye, Yukon Gold Frites, Watercress Salad

Fresh White Leather Banquettes

c5 Bar

paradise hotel las vegas and Mandalay Bay Hotel

paradise hotel las vegas and Mandalay Bay Hotel

The main attraction of Las Vegas casinos and hotels. Known, the largest hotel casino located on Las Vegas Boulevard for the portion of the road, as the Las Vegas Strip. These large casino outside the city. Many of these hotels are large and offer thousands of rooms, with their large areas near the casino. There are many hotel-casinos in the city, stuck in the middle of the video game market in the city is in its infancy. Several large hotels and casinos, even from the Gaza Strip and the surrounding cities. Since 2009, the total number of hotel rooms in Las Vegas was more than 140,000.

 

 

 

If you relax and enjoy the best of Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas wants a final decision. One of the most luxurious casinos in Las Vegas that its customers a wide range of products to choose, SPA, gym, bar, large swimming pool. However, this is just some of the attractions of the name. In cities around the structure of the monorail, which offers its visitors easy introduction to each group. Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegasthat when it is received, and the prices of these goods.

Managed as an outstanding architectural elegance and beautiful, beautiful landscapes, and of course it is. Every inch of Paradise Hotel Mandalay Bay screams elegance and Polynesia is another feature that shows. Chic Outdoor dominate more art and sculpture enchanted hotel in Las Vegas. Amenities include air conditioning, cable television, radio, hairdryer and much more. He offers a laundry service, clean house, and currency exchange.

Rooms in this hotel in Las Vegas offers up to date, and also contributes to the GTA. So if the money, and it is expected a lot, you know where the money is available. Mandalay Bay Hotel offers its customers a mixed bag. In stores such as Pearl of the Moon, warehouse, hope, etc. Each object can BluesWe speaks of luxury.

House of Blues, perhaps the most advanced in the complex attributes. Book of musical legends and gives you rock, jazz, blues, rap, and all other types of music during their stay. Even if you are fascinated by the animals on the sea, you can visit the reef, which started more than a hundred species of marine animals!

Mandalay Bay has more than 3,000 rooms in Las Vegas, and offer comfort for the sake of the guests is completely decorated with lots of plants and landscapes. It must ensure security 24 hours for your guests during your stay carefree and other devices with more than 10 restaurants, free parking and room service.

Outpost Hotel Casino shows in Western Europe in more prosperous regions. More than 100 gaming tables, where the total amount of poker, blackjack. For those video games and slot machines, more than two miles from these facilities, the love of these people are available.

Entertainment at Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas in the form of musical theater and rock concerts, where people from New York, Los Angeles and Paris just to talk to the masses. Musicians such as Bob Dylan and the musical Chicago, has visited this hotel in Las Vegas and has options for more than 12 thousand people at the cinema.

In fact, the hotel offers a world of water of about 11 acres, with beach, river, bungalows and a swimming pool, a gym and a song full of luxury hotels, pubs and clubs were well prepared. These services for customers, if you will, and this is what he did in Las Vegas.

Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, the best conference and banquet hall with a final reminder of the best teams, staff, food and service. If services someoneAdditional, you can always ask them to reality.

Mandalay Bay is the provision of space, kings and queens, heads of government is proud of the whole world. It has its advantages, you will find the best and biggest names in the world, from the richest to the classics, too. Mandalay Bay Hotel offers luxury and elegance in their way, and welcomes people from all over the world and offers various packages for the world eachand.

For all those who are a luxury and are willing to pay for the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas the perfect choice for you!