Thursday, September 17, 2015

The Birthday Dinner

Having dinner in the Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate is a special pleasure for us. The service is impeccable, and the food is always perfection.



Dressing for dinner is part of the fun! On this special evening to celebrate my birthday, I wore a jacket from IC Collection and a black tank from Clara Sunwoon, both via My Fair Lady. The palazzo pants are from the Black Label collection at Chico's. The sandals are old via Dillard's. The silver mesh bag is old from T.J.Maxx.




The orchids in the lobby are always breathtaking. Every detail has been meticulously addressed by the staff.


My personalized dessert was chocolate ganache with house-made mint ice cream. Divine!




We enjoyed a stunning mountain view from our table by a bank of windows.




Mr. Mickey looked dapper in his black and white silk jacket. His engraved gold handle walking stick is more than 100 years old.




As always, Mr. Mickey made me feel like a Queen during my special weekend.




Wednesday, September 16, 2015

New Recipes!

To follow up on my earlier blog post from today, I want to share some fabulous plant-based recipes from my very talented friend Diane Smith. Her website is PlantBasedCooking.com.



Nicoise Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 head of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces.
4 small new potatoes (leave skins on if they're organic)
1/2 lb. of green beans, ends removed, cut in half if large
1/2 lb. asparagus ends trimmed and cut into thirds
1 pint of cherry tomatoes, rinsed and cut in half
1 cup of pitted Kalamata olives
1 large or 2 small jars of marinated artichoke hearts, cut in half
1, 15 oz. can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Dressing:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 Tbl. red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tsp. fresh mustard
1 Tbl. maple syrup (or substitute a few drops of liquid Stevia)
3 Tbl. Olive oil (optional)
Method:
Place a large pot of water to cover the potatoes on the stove and heat to boiling. Turn down the heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the potatoes, set aside, and retain the water.
Place the green beans in the potato water and cook until they are crisp-tender. Remove and retain the water.
Place the asparagus in the water and cook until they are crisp-tender. Remove and discard the water.
While the vegetables are cooking, make the dressing by placing the lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, maple syrup, and mustard in a small bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil, whisking as you do.
Drizzle a portion of the dressing on the lettuce and toss. Place the lettuce on a large platter or divided into 4 individual bowls.
Slice the cooled potatoes into 1/4" rounds.
Arrange the potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, asparagus, olives, artichokes, beans, and olives over the lettuce and drizzle over more of the dressing.
Salt & pepper to taste.

~~~~~~~~~~~~



Asian Noodle Salad 
serves 4-6
Ingredients:
2 carrots, grated
4 scallions, chopped
1 small red pepper, cut into small strips
3 cups snow peas, string removed and cut into thirds
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 12 ounces package of pasta
Dressing:
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 T. rice vinegar
2 T. chili garlic sauce
1 T. sugar
1 T. minced ginger
Method:
Boil pasta in a large pot of water until tender (al dente). Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
While pasta is cooking, with a whisk, blend the peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sugar, and ginger until smooth. Add a little pasta water if it's too thick.
Cook the snow peas in scant water for about 3-5 minutes. Add them to a large bowl with the other vegetables.
Add cooked pasta and pour dressing over. Toss well to coat.


~~~~~~~~~~~



Farro Salad
Serves 6
Ingredients:
1 cup of farro, rinsed and cooked according to directions on the package (*or try this version)
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
3-5 leaves of swiss chard, chopped and steamed
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped or slivered almonds
3 Tbl. red wine vinegar
1 Tbl. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. curry powder
Salt & pepper to taste

Method:
Cook farro according to directions or *try this version recommended by Chef Ryan Hardy at the restaurant Charlie Bird in SoHo. In a medium saucepan, bring farro, 1 cup apple cider, salt, 2 bay leaves, and 2 cups water to a simmer. Simmer until farro is tender, and liquid evaporates for about 30 minutes.
In a salad bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, curry powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Add the farro, red onion, swiss chard, peppers, cucumbers, kidney beans, and almonds.
Mix well and serve.

Visit Diane's website PlantBasedCooking.com for more great recipes.

Weekend Brunch

We always enjoy having brunch on the weekend.




The brunch in the Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate is fabulous!


The turquoise and amethyst stone necklace from Chico's goes well with my turquoise Sam Edelman shoes, so I wore them together again on Saturday morning. The royal blue cold shoulder top is from Clara Sunwoo via My Fair Lady. The pants are Travelers from Chico's.




There were so many beautiful flowers throughout the Inn, including a fresh rose on every table.




That's the Biltmore House off in the distance. 
We love being on the estate!

I get many emails each week asking how to eat out so often and not gain the weight back. The truth is, I do gain a few pounds when I indulge on these short trips. However, that being said, it is now Wednesday, and I am back down to 142 pounds. 

I taste all the foods that I want to try, but I eat only a small portion of each. I am never on a diet. My lifestyle is one of balance and pleasure. I thoroughly enjoy whatever I want to have in small quantities, and I am always mindful that food is fuel, not entertainment. I did have a croissant, a decadent dessert, and some lobster with pasta on this trip. After an occasional splurge, I return to eating some fresh fruit, lots of vegetables, whole grains, and raw unsalted nuts.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Sunset From The Loggia

We celebrated my birthday at the fabulous Inn on Biltmore Estate.


Panoramic views of meadows and distant mountains greet you as you approach the Inn.


Fall is starting to arrive here in the mountains. It is quite cool in the evenings now, so I wore a tunic from Monkee's of Johnson City with Mesmerize pants from My Fair Lady. The shoes are old by Sam Edleman from Nordstrom.



At the end of a wonderful day, we watched the sun go down from the Lobby Bar's loggia while enjoying a bit of fresh fruit and artisan cheeses.









Later in the evening, we sat in the Library and listened to the pianist play beautifully before it was time to turn in.


Monday, September 14, 2015

Chico's Event!

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday greetings! I spent the weekend being spoiled by Mr. Mickey.


On Friday afternoon, we arrived in Asheville just in time for lunch at Carmel's in the Grove Arcade.



During the first part of day one, I wore denim jeggings, a winter white tank, and a long jacket with three-quarter sleeves and zipper details with a multi-color stone necklace, all from Chico's. The sandals are by Sam Edelman. The bag was made in Italy. I found it at T.J.Maxx a couple of years ago.



You are invited to visit Chico's near you this week. I will be modeling in a fashion show at our local Johnson City store on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 PM. Several other stores across the country will also have special events this week. On Saturday, September 19th, I will be available from 2 until 4 PM in the Johnson City, TN location to share customized style tips with you. Check with the Chico's near you to find out what fun they have planned.






Friday, September 11, 2015

Hieroglyphic Jacket

In Los Angeles last week, I shopped at My Fair Lady, where I found this great looking IC Collection asymmetrical front jacket. It has an artsy single black large button closure, which makes the jacket even more interesting.



If you saw this jacket on the rack, you might think it was only for dressy occasions. I decided to give it a bit of an edge by wearing it with a black fitted tank, wax-coated black jeans, and strappy high-heeled sandals with studs on them.




Long silver geometric earrings, a smooth wide silver cuff, and a small silver mesh evening clutch completed the look. We joined some of our friends for a fun birthday celebration dinner, where I received lots of compliments.

Do you ever mix up your look by wearing pieces in totally unpredictable combinations?




Thursday, September 10, 2015

Let's Go For A Walk!

Do you go to the gym often?



I used to go to the gym almost every day, but these days, I find that a brisk three-mile walk around my neighborhood and a few stretching exercises work best for me and my currently very hectic schedule.



Have you have noticed that athletic attire has become very popular as streetwear these days? I see women wearing leggings and slip-on sneakers and tunics to do their shopping or to run errands all the time.




So today, I thought I would show you one of my favorite casual sporty looks. The boat neck tunic is old from Cali and York. The leggings are also old by RBX via T.J.Maxx.




These minimalist design slip on casual shoes are from Rockport. That means they are super comfortable. I love to walk in shoes that work with my movement to remain comfortable for the whole three miles. I have worn Rockport shoes in many styles over the years, and I have always found them comfortable and very well made. These are also the perfect stay at home shoes for me since I am not a fan of going barefoot.



Many of my favorite casual clothing items are from J.Jill. This black windbreaker is part of their new line for fall 2015. I love to wear it on my early morning walks and whenever I am just running out for errands. It looks sharp with jeans or leggings. Our temps are dropping a little more each morning.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Preparing for a Cruise

From My Itchy Travel Feet, Donna Hull has agreed to help me with another blog post today as I continue to get caught up after being away from my office for a week. 




Preparing for a Cruise 

Earlier this summer, I shared my cruise packing tips with you. Today, Susan has invited me back to show Fifty, not Frumpy readers, more about how I prepare for a cruise. I hope you’ll find my tips and tricks useful for your next sailing.

Before you go

Since I cruise about once a year, I use the trip as a reminder to replace old makeup—a healthy practice for your skin. And I also make an appointment with a skin expert or cosmetician for a makeup lesson to learn new trends. When making the appointment, explain your style and emphasize that you are looking for makeup tips for a mature woman.

If you’re going to change hairstyles, do so a couple of months before the cruise so that you’re practiced at maintaining the style. For longer cruises where you’ll need to schedule haircuts or color, take a photo of your hair looking; it's best to show the ship’s stylist (or one onshore if you choose to have your hair done in port). If you color your hair, bring the formula with you.

Who doesn’t try to lose a few pounds before a cruise? Raising my hand high here. But don’t forget about getting in shape for all of the fun excursions. You’ll enjoy walking the streets of Rome a lot more if you’ve been following a walking regime at home. And don’t forget about light strength training and stretching. You’ll be the one hopping in and out of tenders, zodiacs, and bounding up the stairs without any achy muscles.

Traveling with a partner? Cross pack. When my husband and I cruise together, I make sure that each piece of luggage contains items for both of us that cover all of the dress codes on the cruise. And we each pack a carry-on with an outfit for each dress code—even formal night—so that if our checked luggage is lost, the cruise isn’t ruined for us. 

Fifty not Frumpy travel tip: write down items as you pack them. If your luggage is lost, it will be easier to make a claim. And you’ll know what needs replacing.

Must takes

When you’re anticipating wearing your favorite outfits, it’s easy to forget the practical side of things. Yes, I have forgotten these, so here’s a reminder for all of us:

The weather won’t always be perfect so bring a raincoat. I prefer one with a hood. Umbrellas only get in the way and drip water on other people. Use a hooded raincoat instead.

Fifty not Frumpy travel tip: If you’re traveling to a gloomy or snowy climate, a bright-colored coat or raincoat will help you stand out in photos.

Everyone needs a break from all the fun. Bring your favorite comfy outfit for hanging out in the cabin.

Pashmina is one of my favorite multi-purpose clothing items. Use one as a blanket on the plane or to wrap around your shoulders in over-air-conditioned rooms. I bring two: a casual version for travel and a dressier pashmina that takes a basic black (or other neutral) outfit from ho-hum to wow.



I find that shampoos and conditioners provided by the cruise line dry out my hair so does the ship’s water. Consider having a keratin treatment to protect hair before leaving home or schedule one in the ship’s salon if you’re traveling on a long cruise. 

Fifty Not Frumpy travel tip: pack a shoe bag to hang over the bathroom door to hold toiletries. This puts items in easy reach plus frees up counter space in those small shipboard bathrooms.

Stay organized

A good organizational system keeps me from losing things when traveling. This applies to a cruise or any other type of travel. I keep the same items in the same place every time, whether in my purse or on the cruise cabin's nightstand. If you follow this practice, you won’t leave anything behind when it’s time to go home.

And my last tip for getting ready for a cruise—have a plan of attack when it comes to eating healthy and exercising on the ship. Stay tuned because that’s the next article that I’ll share with you here at Fifty, not Frumpy.

Donna L. Hull writes about active travel for baby boomers at My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel. Going on a road trip? She’s currently offering a road trip checklist to new subscribers.


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

A Break

Do you ever feel exhausted after a long trip? 
I must admit I was not very productive yesterday.



Mr. Mickey took me out for an early dinner after I finally woke up from my nap, so I had to get dressed. Otherwise, I think I would have stayed in my pajamas all day.


I wore turquoise glass earrings with a navy high-low tunic from Chico's last year and white jeans from Chico. The shoes are from Macy's. The bag is from T.J.Maxx. 


This video shows you all the clothes I packed for my trip to the Covered Perfectly photo shoot.


Monday, September 7, 2015

The Covered Perfectly Photo Shoot Week

Being a model for Covered Perfectly is such an honor.



I recently traveled to Los Angeles for the fall photo shoot. I always try to take the minimum amount of basic clothing pieces to mix and match looks without having to take a large bag to have to check and possibly lose.

I spent almost the whole week in L.A., so I got to meet the beautiful Susan Blakey from the blog Femme d’un Certain Age while I was there.



We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Ca Del Sole in Toluca Lake. 




The photoshoot was on Friday, which means I got to have my makeup done by the extremely talented Lex Mejia.




My sweet friend Pauline Durban owns Covered Perfectly in the royal blue Boatneck, and Mary Ann Simonetti is in the black and malt Color Block top. Mary Ann was the winner of the contest sponsored by Covered Perfectly. The winner got to spend the day with us at the Covered Perfectly photoshoot, have her makeup professionally done, take home the top of her choice, and have a page on the Covered Perfectly website dedicated to her. Isn't that a great contest? I enjoyed meeting Mary Ann so much. I hope we can get together again in the future.




I love being with this hard-working group of women. Everyone is so professional and kind. It is a special sisterhood that I feel very honored to be included in.




I am wearing a cute Piping design. Kristen, Pauline's assistant, is looking at the computer screen, checking the pictures as Nichole, the photographer, is taking them. Pauline is making sure that the top hangs perfectly.

After the busy week of working hard to prepare for and completing the photo shoot, it was time for a day of sight-seeing and rest. Pauline was such a great tour guide and hostess!




Above is the boardwalk at Venice Beach, and below is the entry to the Santa Monica Pier.



Rodeo Drive!




Beverly Hills!



The L.A. skyline from Mulholland Drive.