Hot off the stove top…the Spring 2012 edition of Dining Out Magazine is on shelves + in restaurants. I was thrilled to contribute an article on “Best People Watching Spots” of Denver/Boulder. Who knew my finely tuned eavesdropping + people creeping skills would one day be lauded? Don’t miss these hot spots!

This weekend I discovered the secret to eastern european beauty. Well maybe porcelain skin is genetic, but at least this a detox kickstart for the rest of us. It’s called the ‘bagna‘…that’s Russian for heat therapy. The cycle: hot tub soak, deep tissue massage, sauna session while being brushed (i.e. spanked) with oak branches, facial massage, round 2 sauna. Despite the slight awkwardness (at least for a first-timer) + temporary soreness, I’ve never felt more invigorated. Hooked. Izba Spa is certainly an experience in traditional bathhousing.

Nothing battles a blustery winter day with a runny nose like a healthy dose of soba noodles in spicy broth. And no place serves a more comforting + as-big-as-your-head bowl as DOMO. An insider’s destination for no-frills Japanese country cuisine…or Aikido classes in the Dojo….not too mention a stroll through the traditional Japanese garden. Talk about a time warp. Talk about a gem. Such a gem in fact that I contemplated not divulging. But I just can’t help myself…

Day 2. Spent soaking up sun, collecting mollusks, paddle boarding + lunching on Mahi from the back of the local fisherman delivery truck. Leaving just enough time to prep for the wedding…which is a breeze when ocean washed hair is the look du jour.

had princess tiger lily been a modern-day figure, she’d have opted for the paddle board over the plank

lunch meat.

BCBG Maxazria dress, KORA cuff, beaded necklace from Cartagena

the bride surprised guests expecting a beachy sheath in a decadent gown

mismatched porcelain dinner plates collected from the couple’s travels

a sumptuous table for an intimate group reminiscent of a scene from one of my fav flicks, Chocolat

the last time I can remember being totally off the grid (no phone.no email.no television.) was…never. after a few slightly panic-stricken hours sans cell, I was feeling free + relaxed under the Baja sunset where we were camped for a maravillosa wedding weekend. here on a desert mountain top in the middle of nowhere Mexico, we were treated to a rehearsal dinner with exuberant charm.

a handsome mariachi band serenades us at Flora Farms

a carrot Margarita with rock salt + freshly squeezed lime is a refreshing cocktail I can’t wait to recreate this summer

beautifully embroidered turquoise tablecloth + coral accents

Our Lady of Guadalupe adored in bougainvillea, cacti + lace

WiNK top, vintage Baccarat necklace, collected charm bracelet, Cartier bangle

fresh inspirations + (attainable) goals for 2012.

as featured in reign: Denver’s online authority on all things fabulous.

more holiday scenes from manhattan.

old-fashioned ribbon at ABC Home. the multi-level store is a decorators delite.

in the ABC Kitchen

fancy brunch burger. topped with pickled jalapeno + sweet herbed mayo + finely shredded fluffed cheese. mmm.

it isn’t christmas without a peak at the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows.

rose bud nightcap at Employees Only.

holiday = travel. en route DIA Colorado > Laguardia NYC. i come bearing presents, java + VOGUE.

morning treat in the east village (we stayed at The Standard’s new Bowery locale…though I’d recommend the west side hotel if you can get in). blueberry marshmallow is divine.

…and a pretty afternoon pick-me-up at Crumbs. tastes as heavenly as it looks.

christmas morning on Campo Beach in Westport, CT. a view that evokes peace + gratitude.

beautiful soaps at Dovecote. a simple way to bring luxury to the powder room.

Shots from a winter visit to Chicago.

Exalted lions (in Christmas finest) guard the Art Institute entrance.

Lunch at the museum. A healthy modern twist on the TV dinner.

The clean, contemporary restaurant space is a favorite.

Juxtaposed with the old world entrance by the Impressionist gallery.

vegetarian mezze @ Cookshop. moroccan spiced chickpeas + yams to warm the soul. composed.

venerable Shala in perfect prada stripes. composed.

musing @ miu miu with Michelle Violy Harper. uncomposed.