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The girl next door

American Beauty features over 100 photos of American women photographed by Vogue alumna Claiborne Swanson Frank.  Each image captures the women's beauty and style as displayed in everyday American life. Subjects include artists, mothers and a few celebs...so there will be someone in this book whose inner and outer beauty will serve as an inspiration for you to create your own definition of American Beauty.

Source:  http://www.assouline.com/9781614280507.html

Mar 14, 2012 at 10:00 PM

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Just like fine wine...this brass gets better with time

Everyone knows how much I love anything with a vintage flair.  This brass bottle opener by Jonathan Adler is the perfect accessory to my Seven Daughters collection of wine! 

Source:  http://www.jonathanadler.com/Brass-Muse-Bottle-Opener

Mar 14, 2012 at 9:47 PM

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Wild Wild West

Wild, a memoir written by Cheryl Strayed, chronicles her three month 1,100 mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail.  Rumor is that this story may be hitting the big screen in the future...but for now preorder a copy of the book.  A must read while you are out on the trail...if nothing else it will serve as inspiration to keep moving forward on your hiking trail or the trail of life.

Source:  http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/0307592731/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318028272&sr=1-1

Mar 14, 2012 at 9:29 PM

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For the love of art

The Love Lives of the Artists by Daniel Bullen explores the relationships of five artistic couples (the list includes Georgia O'Keefe/Alfred Stieglitz as well as Frida Kahlo/Diego Rivera).  Bullen delves into the dynamics of these relationships while they pursue both love for their partner and their artistic gifts in a creatively rebellious manner.

Source:  http://danielbullen.com/the-love-lives-of-the-artists.htm

Mar 14, 2012 at 9:06 PM

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Knock on wood...

Or just carry it.  This wood clutch by Rafe New York was my stellar attempt to be one with nature at all times...even when it is a night out with my girls.

Source:  http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rafe-new-york-maryanne-wood-minaudiere/3265368?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=671

Mar 14, 2012 at 8:54 PM

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Its easy being green

Especially since I picked up A Guide to Green Housekeeping by Christina Strutt.  Discover how you can improve your quality of life and house with ingredients found in your pantry or fridge.

Source:  http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Green-Housekeeping-Christina-Strutt/dp/1906094489

Mar 14, 2012 at 8:50 PM

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Nature's music

I was hiking with my sisters, and we stopped to build camp.  We were enjoying our fav playlist...when...my mp3 player died!!!  Problem solved with this Solar Powered Radio.  Don't leave the cabin without it.

Source:  http://www.brookfarmgeneralstore.com/products/Solar-Powered-Radio.html

Mar 14, 2012 at 8:40 PM

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For Little Ms. Fix-it

Cynthia Rowley introduces printed tools for the DIY projects around the house.  Who says Little Ms. Fix-it can't be stylish and a steal..under $25.

Source:  http://www.simplicity.com/p-5809-cynthia-rowley-designer-tool-set.aspx  

Mar 14, 2012 at 8:26 PM

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Lights...Camera...Action

This red-hot clutch and these red barrettes inspired me to add a pop of color to my evening ensemble...I am always paparazzi ready!

Source:  http://tumblr.elle.com/

http://www.elle.com/Fashion/Street-Chic/Belle-Epoque#mode=base;slide=0;

Mar 14, 2012 at 7:58 PM

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At ease soldier

The Private Pyle Cocktail recipe was exactly what my friends and I needed to put us at ease after a long work week.  Glad I had a bottle of Seven Daughters Pinot Noir handy for the reduction!

The Private Pyle
Serves one

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1/4 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 oz. pinot noir reduction*
1 grapefruit, sliced into wide discs
Kosher salt

1. In a pint mixing glass, add spirits and mixers.

2. Fill glass with ice, cap with shaker tin, and shake vigorously for six seconds.

3. Strain over fresh ice into a Kosher salt-rimmed old-fashioned glass.

4. Garnish with grapefruit disc.

*For pinot noir reduction: Add 24 oz. wine to pot and cook over high heat until reduced to 12 oz.; add 8 oz. superfine sugar and stir to integrate. Allow to cool and pour into a squeeze bottle. Refrigerate at least two hours before using. 

Source:  http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/gallery/79018/Holiday-Drinks-15-Cocktail-and-Punch-Recipes?n=8

Image: Ryan Magarian of http://www.liquidrelations.com/

Mar 14, 2012 at 7:39 PM

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