Country Fair

For the past few years I've been longing to go to the fair to take pictures for the blog.

Well... that and the corn dogs and cotton candy!

But I haven't made it in years, so imagine my surprise when Kitty was the first

to discover the flashing lights from the ferris wheel 

on Tuesday night from our bedroom window!

So, as I sit composing this post, we are enjoying the last night of the twinkling lights and the sounds of children screaming and laughing in the distance with the cool evening mountain breeze.

The scrambler always used to be my favorite ride...

here's a little clip for you!

What's your favorite part about the fair?

B&B's for Sale

Travel Thursday

Forget staying in a bed and breakfast when you can BUY one! These B&B's in Northern California are currently available and have me wishing for investors...

The Ferndale Inn

Listed at a bargain of $924,500 in Ferndale, Ca.

Visit BBonline for more information. 

The Brannan Cottage Inn

Listed for $1.3 million in Calistoga, Ca.

Visit BBonline for more information.

The Joshua Grindle Inn

Listed at $3.4 million in Mendocino.

This ocean front property features all kinds unique lodging

like the Dolphin House and the Water House (below).

Visit BBonline for more information or visit the

Joshua Grindle Inn for a complete tour.

Happy Traveling!!

or

 Happy Hunting!

In a sea of green with Bompass and Parr

Nautical rope knots and green dye have been slipping into our dreams of late as we at Tour De Force we have been making uniforms and accessories bespoke for magic-maker's Bompass & Parr with their latest alchemy with the elements of surprise...

The 'Voyage of Discovery' project involved flooding of Selfridges rooftop, and guiding visitors to reveal the fascinatingly  sweet  Stevia plant, which by the way- tastes like a sherbet sap!

We got a little carried away chewing on the leaves on the opening night, so I may have overdone my chlorophyll intake- but I imagine its good for detox (hopefully?)

 The bearer of Crystals

The trippy printed walls and futuristic set were designed by Studio Toogood- and  the holographic crystal montage wall was just screaming for garment usage to match wall ( a 'Garden State' poster moment)

The Luminous Lake

The Boat Master Hugo got a handle on the whip-cracking technique quick smart.

The Lifeguard

The secret alcove of all-spiced brandy by the Experimental Cocktail Club-

 Here people got perfect little medicinal containers of this stuff- ideal for discreet public alcoholism (irrelevant, though it was really would drink it at any time of day).

During the event I took the Stevia plant on the underground and bumped into a chef I befriended at a party a million years ago, he said had recently been foraging for herbs and started chewing on the leaves. I'm pretty sure everyone thought I was dealing some new organic hallucinatory substance- the whole scenario was a bit like an urban Jurassic park intro... good times.

Truckee Evenings

Some fun things about Truckee in the summer are free Wednesday evening concerts which are conveniently located a block from home.

I packed a gourmet sandwich containing soppressata, arugula, and goat cheese paired with some white wine.

Another favorite thing of mine is the al fresco dining with mountain views for lunch whether it be at Starbucks for a chai or Dragonfly for their Shrimp Udon Noodle Soup with special cilantro pesto.

I've also been enjoying inventive salads on the back patio...

But so far my favorite thing about Truckee in the summer is Truckee Thursdays featuring the farmer's market with tasty street food I can wait to share with you!

Support Systems

This weekend was nourishing for my soul as much as I wished for some down time, I was busy 24/7 with support. Friday, I spent 2 hours talking on the phone with a best friend from high school restoring our friendship, and it's so nice to have things pick up like no time has passed at all.

Saturday, Mom and I drove the back roads along Lake Tahoe to spend the day shopping in Reno. An 8 hour shopping trip though exhausting, was fun and something I haven't done in years!

Today, I had a family retirement party in Granite Bay (near Sacramento) and it was exactly what I needed. I realized my support system is a lot larger than I think, as I've felt alone and lost lately. Friends and family I haven't seen in years were inspiring, uplifting, and slightly emotional when talking about how they enjoy reading my blog. (I know I've been horrible the past few weeks, but it's been hard.) Not only because I've been unsettled and in a disarray, but I finally bought a wireless router yesterday, and hope to be updating more frequently again. Also because I don't recognize my life right now, and I know many people have wondered what is going on with me. It's nice to know that sometimes when I feel alone... I'm not. It's been hard to get personal the past few weeks because my emotions change from moment to moment and it honestly hasn't been easy. But the blog is part of who I am, and I'm ready to get back.

My Mom & Step-brother's Mom.

Me with my sister-in-law and brother. 

Thanks sincerely to my supporters for your patience & encouragement!

Fashion Superstars - Steven Meisel

Steven Meisel is without doubt, one of the most influential fashion photographers of our times. Shooting explosive and emotional works for the very best in the world of fashion, his work features regularly in both US and Italian Vogue, and lately W (also published by Condé Nast).
Even at a young age, Meisel drew women all the time. He used to turn to magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar as sources of inspiration for his drawings. At 12 years old he asked some girlfriends to call model agencies and, by pretending to be secretaries of Richard Avedon, to get pictures of the models. To meet famous model Twiggy, the 12-year-old Meisel stood outside waiting for her at Melvin Sokolsky's studio.
By juxtaposing fashion and politics and/or social standards, Meisel creates controversial and stunning layouts. Fashion’s superstar photographer is the force behind some of the most press-stirring fashion editorials in the past years. Here are some of his works from some well-known shoots.

Anjolee

Anniversary Ring

Allow me to indulge and share the photos of my beautiful new Three Stone Gem and Diamond Ring made of 10k white gold and .52 carat with garnet gemstones from Anjolee jewelers!

I've been so anxious to share these photos of my new ring that we shot on my Dad's property on the 4th of July in Tennessee.

Shooting the Anniversary Ring from Anjolee on America's own Anniversary was a fun celebration in the heartland.

To order your beautiful ring from Anjolee, check out their anniversary rings and diamond anniversary rings. 

Choose your own diamond anniversary ring to celebrate your special occasion, or select your own stone for that special anniversary ring!

Thank you Anjolee!

Evening Jogs

Peace along the Truckee River on a Monday evening...

Wishing everyone a good start to a new week!