Thursday, April 29, 2010

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Celebrating Terroir Day.

Enjoyed an afternoon of judging bottles by their covers...







Saturday, April 10, 2010

A daily dose. Just FLORed.

Check us out on Twitter to find out tomorrow's Deal on our favorite FLOR coverings. semplice is thrilled to be the exclusive retailer in New Jersey of this innovative modular carpet tile system that allows DIY'ers to transform any space in no time. In an industry notorious for being Earth-Unkind, FLOR is a recognized leader in environmental efforts.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Yoga Immersion. Day Four.

photo courtesy of The Kitchn

A friend and I have embarked on our 2nd annual yoga immersion at Garden State Yoga [delighted to report that Ali & Seth are adding an adjacent studio later this month with expanded class schedule and yoga styles]. For all followers of Baron Baptiste, this is the place for you...vinyasa flow yoga in a simulated India climate...we are talking heat, people...HEAT. This is not the more static 26-pose practice of Bikram, expect to move and to not know what to expect next.

After almost 9 months off the mat, I suspect it may take a few tries to "get present." ...here's how it flows:

Day 1. Reduced to a sloppy puddle in child's pose a mere 15 minutes into the 75-minute class.

Day 2. An unfortunate focus on the chipped nail polish on my right foot that is hard to avoid in uttanasana.

Day 3. Finally found my breath, but arms & shoulders completely fail me.

Day 4. India-like heat in New Jersey. The yoga studio is a relief and class is over too soon.

After blissfully indulging myself in an afternoon class, walking out in the evening sunlight all I can think about is a Kachumber Kooler from Tabla. Verona resident Chef Floyd Cardoz is, after all, from India. This cocktail is like sipping the color Green. This cocktail is for those that enjoy the heat. This cocktail contains simple syrup!

Recipe via Cocktails for the Home Bar: MixShakeStir [recipes from Danny Meyer's acclaimed NYC restaurants]:

KACHUMBER KOOLER
ice
3 slices English cucumber
one 1 1/2" piece green Calistan chile
[or other slender green chile]
1 sprig fresh cilantro
1 3/4 oz gin
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup

Muddle 2 slices of the cucumber, chile piece and cilantro in a cocktail shaker. Add ice to shaker and then the gin, lime juice and simple syrup...shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass, garnish with the remaining cucumber slice. Makes 1 very green drink.

Until my next breakthrough on the mat, visit Tabla for this special cocktail, the crazy-good little bag of donuts, and the very cool Paul Smith-inspired boxed matches.

88 Degrees of Seaside Separation.



Woke up with a bad case of vacation-brain. Whether it is the foolish 88-degree April day expected in the Northeast or the fact that Parrot Cay goes on sale at 3pm today on Jetsetter, I have officially checked out. In the spirit of the sea, LEE Uncovered is perfect for a morning like this. Running late to the shop, my focus is redirected to this exciting introduction of outdoor seating from LEE Industries for poolside or seaside living. The palette is sun-kissed, shown Marco Oasis stripe, paired with Meridian Aqua and Thomas Paul's Sand Dollar...and a whole lot of Spinnaker Salt. Smell the sea air?

More of semplice's indoor/outdoor collection previously featured here. Trade inquiries welcome.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Modern. Minimal. Miraculous.

         Nature's most modern design.  Happy weekend.