5 Things I Heart - Barry Leach Edition

Barry Leach is one of my mentors and he also writes The Blue Remembered Hills. He was my professor in college and has become one of my favorite people over the years and I truly admire him and value our friendship. He is one of my favorite people and whenever we get together I simply have the best time. He is witty and smart and cranky and fabulous all at the same time, all the time--something I strive for. Of course he agreed to do a 5 things list for me, I mean what choice did he really have.

Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Discovered in Rome, Italy, at Christmas. The barman in the hotel suggested it for the Manhattan cocktail I'd ordered and it was a revelation. Sipped it slowly, my beloved next to me with his Negroni, whilst looking at the spectacular panorama of Rome after dark.

Together with Bulleit Rye and a Luxardo maraschino cherry, makes the best Manhattan I've had, ever. Served straight up, of course. The most peculiar Manhattan I've ever drunk was one made with Talisker whisky on the Isle of Skye.

Guerlain's Eau de Cologne Impérial

Dating from 1865, when I first bought it, this cologne has top notes of Bergamot, Neroli, Verbena, Lemon, Orange, with a middle note of lavender and base notes of cedarwood and tonka bean. It's the only scent I'll wear on special occasions. The rest of the time it's just soap, though I must admit I really like Hermès Eau d'orange verte - also discovered whilst in Italy.

Blue
I possess more blue shirts than any other color, and, though I'm at a loss to explain it, I feel more comfortable wearing blue. Blue and white is a delicious combination, especially the cobalt and soft white of old Kraak porcelain.

Alden suede monk-strap shoes

Not much to say except that they're the best.



Fettuccine Alfredo at Pricci
He Didn't give me an explanation for this one, but I don't think it even needs one.
(Shameless plug: Athens Pizza has good Fettuccine--it's the special in Thursday Nights.)

Reconnecting with Connecticut

Well it has been an unexpectedly busy summer both at MWDA and in my personal life and I am sorry that I have been so absent. I do however have some really fun stuff coming up which will make for some good posts, especially since I dislike Summer and use that as my time of hibernation. One thing coming up sooner rather than later is a end of summer trip for my husband and I. We are going up to Connecticut which should be really interesting, that is where he was born and for his birthday we are going to check out where he spent his early years. I have not spent much time up that way but I would love suggestions from anyone on places to go and things to do! So if you have any experience with the Connecticut coast line let me know, I would love to check out the places you love!

My husband Sandy in Kindergarten. Too adorable!

We Have A Winner!

Congratulations Sincerely Cecelia! You are the lucky girl who has won my 2nd bottle of limited edition Cato Pink nail polish! I hope you love it as much as I do!!! Also, a BIG thank you to the lovely people at Knoll Textiles for allowing me to be a part of Cato's birthday celebration and sending me this fabulous polish to give away! Hopefully some of our suggestions will come in handy, can't wait to see what comes next!