Quest for Inspiration

I am always on the lookout for inspiring books to motivate me to try to be a better person. I recently read Katie Couric's book, The Best Advice I Ever Got - Lessons from Extraordinary Lives. It's a collection of stories from famous people ranging from Beyonce to Colin Powell. Some of the stories are inspiring and touching, and some are less so. The book is an enjoyable quick read, but I am happy that I borrowed it from library. I doubt that I would ever pick it up again if I would have bought it. This book might work better for someone a bit younger, maybe a high school graduate... Can you recommend anything inspiring for me to read next?

Finnish Fashion at NY Fashion Week

The NY fashion week that ended a week ago, was historical in a sense that there were two Finnish fashion houses showing their collections during the fashion week, Ivana Helsinki and Marimekko.

Marimekko showed for the first time ever, and used a very eclectic model line-up, including old supermodels Carmen Dell'Orefice, Carol Alt and Pat Cleveland.

Here is some coverage:

http://news.instyle.com/2012/09/11/marimekko-fashion-week-debut/

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/luke-leitch/TMG9535072/New-York-Fashion-Week-Marimekko-springsummer-2013.html

You can watch the Marimekko show here:

http://blog.alwaysmod.com/2012/09/14/marimekko-nyfw-fashion-show/

I only found this one link for Ivana Helsinki's show:

http://www.skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/fashion-ivana-helsinki-ss-2013.html

The last summer weekend

Last weekend was the last real summer weekend, said the meteorologist on the TV. Well, I refuse to believe it, but if it happened to be right, I have no regrets. We made the most of the gorgeous weather this weekend.. took the kids to the playground, visited the Sands Point preserve with friends for a picnic and beach walk, and played tennis at our local park. The pictures are from the beautiful Sands Point beach.

Kors Fan

I have a few Michael Kors pieces and they all have that sort of relaxed luxe feeling which I really love. His clothes make you feel pretty and good about yourself. I guess that is what most designers would want women to feel like when wearing their clothes. I also love Michael Kors on the Project Runway where he gives the funniest commentary and put-downs like the legendary debutante comment.  I don't remember the exact words but it was something like "she looks like a trashy debutante whose mother is a bad home sewer". Thanks to Kors' Michael line, his clothes are also more affordable than many other labels that I like. Here's my newest Michael Kors top, combined with H&M pants, Chanel bag and Vince Camuto pumps.

Memento Vivere

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." 
Dale Carnegie

Since I turned forty, I have tried to challenge myself to live every day to the fullest. By this I don't mean pushing myself harder or having some extraordinary adventures, but just learning to be more present. 

I have actually managed to have some amazing moments of clarity, peace, and gratitude. Moments when I really appreciate what I have. 

But it is hard to remember to live. And this is why I need to repeat the following phrase every day to keep reminding myself. 

Memento Vivere Memento Mori

9/11

It has been 11 years already from the fateful day when hate made buildings crumble and thousands perish. For me 9/11 will never be just a regular day... Today is a good day to say a prayer for all of the people around the world whose suffering is caused by hate and politics, wars, violence, and terrorism. A prayer for peace especially to people in Syria, but all around the world too, a prayer for peace, tolerance, love, and understanding.

Favorite Places

Cipollini is a restaurant in our neighborhood that we often end up at, sometimes for a dinner, but usually for drinks when we want to hang out somewhere after a dinner. They have decent Italian food, a fun atmosphere for people watching, and a nice bar with friendly (and generous) bartenders. The antipasti platter is our favorite.

This restaurant is actually located at the Americana Manhasset mall, which is how we first discovered it, by lunching there once in between some shopping. We've never been back for lunch; however, in the evenings it is a well dressed singles' scene, earning nicknames like "Cougar Town" and "Alimony Alley". But that just makes it even more fun for the people watching aspect.

Anyways, not a bad choice if you happen to be in the area.