Cooling off Mumbai Style

Mumbai is oppressively hot for about 9 months of the year. There's a brief respite in January and February during the "winter" and then briefly during the monsoon. But otherwise, it is HOT. And cooling off is a bit of a city-wide obsession. There are all kinds of remedies for cooling foods (there's an ayurvedic theory about some foods that cause heat in the body while others are cooling) -- in fact, juicing has been a trend for decades!

There's a very famous juice spot in Mumbai called the Haji Ali Juice Center - everyone in the city knows exactly where it is. My favorite part about it is that like a lot of juice spots in the city, you can wait in your car, and someone will come take your order and bring your juice right to you! You never have to leave the air-conditioned comfort of your vehicle if you don't want to!



I've never had one of these cream dishes these guys are talking about, but their juices are great!

One of my favorite juices is watermelon juice, and while mine doesn't taste like the one at Haji Ali Juice Center, its delicious nonetheless.

Here's my recipe:
Half a watermelon, cubed
A generous handful of mint
Blend, and pour over ice.
And then, and this is the special Mumbai bit, top with a half a teaspoon of Chaat Masala. Chaat Masala is a mixture of spices that result in a salty, slightly tart flavor. A great balance to the sweetness of the watermelon. Its available on Amazon, and also at your neighborhood Indian grocer!

Here's a look at the finished product!

So as our temperatures start to climb this summer, try a little watermelon juice with a slight Mumbai twist!

Summer Reads and Podcasts

Summer TV sucks. This is the time of year when Nick and I get sucked into Netflix marathons. This year I've been trying to read more and following my obsession with Serial earlier this year, I've also been trying to listen to more podcasts.

I just finished two books this week, one fun and one a little educational.

First up, Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht. Aliza is the voice behind DKNY PR GIRL-- an incredibly popular twitter account, with over 500,000 followers. Aliza's book is an advice book, told through her own experiences and what she's learned through them. The book is split into four parts-- the first two discuss career and the last two are focussed on personal branding. The book is a quick read, and while its interesting to learn how she got to where she is, the advice itself is probably best suited for someone who either hasn't started their career or is in their early stages. If you're in your 30s like I am, and/or have hit your stride in your career, you may or may not get a whole lot out of this.

In the VERY fun category, The Andy Cohen Diaries is a good old-fashioned diary chronicling a year in Andy Cohen's life. But Andy Cohen being Andy Cohen, its a really interesting life. Andy is BFF's with Sara Jessica Parker and Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa (among many others). He's also the boss of all the Real Housewives, and between the anecdotes from the set of Watch What Happens Live, and his adoption of his adorable pup Wacha, I'm convinced that he and I are destined to be best friends too. I really enjoyed this book-- it definitely lends itself to lazy days on a beach.


And finally, in the podcast category, I recently discovered Tom and Lorenzo's Pop Style Opinionfest. This is such a fun, gossipy podcast that really feels like you're just hanging out with friends. You might even laugh out loud. Lots of pop culture and judging. And as Andy Cohen says, when is watching (or in this case listening) and judging not fun?

So, if you're looking for some light reading or listening this summer, I hope I've given you some options you enjoy!

CLE Events: A Wonderful Solstice 2015

This past Saturday, I gathered with 6,000 of my closest friends to celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Cleveland Museum of Art. I really enjoyed the music this year, and candidly, this year was a tremendous improvement from last year. There were interesting art pieces to look at, there were plenty of bars (so minimal lines), and the people-watching was incredible as always.

My white dress (surprise surprise) is vintage from Whiskey Grade, which I talked about here. 

Aren't Dave & Jess so adorably coordinated?

See? I'm not the only one in the all-white-everything phase-- Tabitha wore all white, and Allison had on white and black. 

Another fabulous Solstice in the books! I'm looking forward to the next big CLE party, and of course, I will make sure I give you a heads up!

Summer Solstice 2015: What to Wear?

This weekend marks Summer Solstice, and along with various yoga studios that celebrate with extraordinary amounts of sun salutations (108 to be exact), there are of course, solstice parties. This year, as in every year since I've been blogging,  I will be attending the sold-out Summer Solstice at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

This year, unlike other years, I do not have a "what to wear" dilemma. As I've mentioned, I'm in my "All White Everything" phase, and so surprise surprise, I will be wearing white. I have a few different options: one is a long white and cream vintage dress, the other is a lace mini, and the third is a printed white and blue and gold with a full skirt. With either of these outfits, I'm keeping the same accessories-- gold sandals, gold jewelry, and a pop of color with my bag.

My inspiration board:

Solstice inspiration by shibani-dalal-faehnle 

If you're looking for more Solstice inspiration, look here, here, or here.

Listening Now: Waves

Its cold and grey and rainy today, but I'm mentally at a beach with abundant sunshine, and this song is taking me there….

Mr Probz: Waves



 ENJOY!

Happy Labor Day Weekend

HAPPY FRIDAY!! And HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND!! I am SO looking forward to this 3-day weekend, and although it marks the end of summer fun, I'm not too sad because there's tons of pre-fall and fall fun to be had in the weeks up ahead!!

That said, I am starting off my weekend with a dose of "Om".

Starting at 7 pm, The Rock Hall plays host to a Cleveland celebration in the form of a yoga party. The party is the brain-child of my favorite west side yoga studio Inner Bliss and Eton-Chagrin lululemon store. Best of all, the event is FREE! Additional details on the event are available here. 

Tonight the Rock Hall is going to be a sea of spandex and luon, and I for one, can't wait!!! 

Tuesday Tunes: Its a Twofer Tuesday!

I'm now on Soundcloud (which I absolutely LUUUURVE), and my two newest obsessions (as of last week) are

Naughty Boy-- La La La
 and for a complete change of pace,

Another Love by Tom Odell

 Take a listen and let me know what you think!!

Solstice At Cleveland Museum of Art- The 2013 version

This past Saturday, The Cleveland Museum of Art played host to one of my two favorite annual parties- Solstice! If you haven't been to this event yet, I seriously do not know what you are waiting for. This year was by far my favorite solstice party yet. In part because the Atrium was open, but I have to say, the Museum REALLY made it a music and art festival this year. There were DJs in the Atrium and live bands outside, and AWESOME music in both places. I literally danced my feet off. Seriously. They still hurt.

I've done a few different things with this recap post over the years, but this year, I just decided to document every one of my friends that I saw at the event! This is a picture heavy post!!

My handsome date, N

The balloon people. At the end of the night, there were a few non-museum people in them. If you follow me on instagram, then you may have seen some of the shenanigans. 

Dave and Jess

Jess and I 

(I was wearing a dress from Alex & Alex, and my own turquoise beaded bag from India. My earrings were aquamarine and pearl, also from India)

Danny and Gina (note the AWESOME Gallery One wall projected on the walls behind them)

Sara and Anna 

N and I

Ladies in balloon dresses: So these balloons were blown up and then "sewn" into dresses. 

JP and Nadine

Kyle on the left, N. Colleen and Dan on the right. 

Dragons!! 

Gina

Sean & Matt

Kelly being assaulted by a balloon person. I think Sean was in it. 

Kelly and Lisa

Allison  and Christina

Alex bustin' a move!

Allison and I

Overall, an EXCELLENT night! I danced, I laughed, and best of all, took lots of pictures to remember the night by! If I didn't see you at the event this year, I hope I have at least convinced you to attend next year! I do not say this lightly: it is absolutely THE BEST PARTY OF THE SUMMER!! 

Summer Solstice 2012: What to wear...

Its no secret that the Summer Solstice Party at the Cleveland Museum of Art is one of my most favorite events of the summer. Last year, I did a post-mortem on some of my favorite looks from the event, and you can be sure that I will be doing one again this year. However, this year, I also have a preview- a sort of what-to-wear in the event you're attending and are stumped. My favorite part about this post is that all these outfits are from our very own, locally-owned store, Room Service!!

Here are my rules for dressing for this event:
1. The crowd is an all-ages, all-styles crowd. The older crowd tends to be dressed a little more formal- full length ball gowns, taffeta, silk... the younger crowd is more edgy- leather, lace, very much on trend, some music-festival like outfits. In short, anything goes. Wear what you feel comfortable in, because you're going to want to dance. If there's an outfit or look you really want to try but don't have quite the place or occasion to try it, THIS IS IT. Take risks, have fun! You will NOT look out of place no matter what you choose as long as its YOUR style.

2. Shoes: Invariably, you will end up in the grass. Just remember, grass + skinny heels = sinking. I usually wear wedges to this event, but an espadrille or pretty flat would work really well.

3. Accessories: Don't carry a clutch purse- it will just get in your way. This event calls for a wristlet or cross-body-- something that keeps your hands free for hand-holding, drink-holding, picture-taking, tweeting, dancing, etc. Have fun with your jewelry, and if you feel like wearing a hat, GO FOR IT!


A popular choice for women is a dress-- its easy, effortless, comfortable, and looks pretty and dressy without being stuffy.  These Room Service dresses are adorable and completely on trend, so if you're at a loss for what to wear to Solstice, or really any event this summer, these are all excellent options!

I love this blue dress- its flirtatious and sexy with the sheer lace, and has sleeves for those of you who are uncomfortable with your upper arms. 

White, is well, white hot this summer. The little yellow detail is unexpected and yet totally adorable!

Tangerine Tango was Pantone's color of the year, so you absolutely cannot go wrong with this color. I might pair this with a red or hot pink shoe and incorporate some subtle color blocking via the shoe as well! 

How cute is this print with the little yellow detail?!?!? 

Room Service may not be the first store to come to mind for party dresses, but as you can see, they have some really REALLY cute options! I hope you will stop in or call and check them out for yourselves!! 

Are you attending the Summer Solstice Party at the Cleveland Museum of Art this year? Are you attending any other Solstice celebrations?

What's Round on the ends and High in the Middle?

OHIO!!! And that's a new little slogan, courtesy Ms. Katy Perry, who's concert I attended last night with seanski, AJP, Valarie, and Kelly!! Pre-concert we gathered at Zinc for some happy hour adult beverages, and then made our way over to East 4th. As with any fun pop concert, East 4th was filled with people (ok, it was mostly women and girls) dressed up for the occasion. While it was amateur-hour compared with Lady Gaga, it was still fun to see everyone dressed up, and I especially enjoyed the number blue, pink and purple wigs!! As I'm sure you've read by now, the stage was a cross between the Yellow Brick Road, Alice in Wonderland, and Willy Wonka, meets Hello Kitty. I only say Hello Kitty because it was VERY pink and perky, but you get the general idea. I SWEAR the whole arena smelled like sugar; I've never wanted a cupcake so bad in my life!!! Katy is actually quite the singer, and her performance was SUPER fun and energetic and happy!!

AJP, seanski, and Valarie

Katy making her entrance

I wanna see your peacock

Katy with Mike (or was it Matt?) from Avon Lake. She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Katy's karaoke, where she covered Rihanna, Jay-Z, Rebecca Black, and Willow

Katy floating on a giant pink cotton candy cloud (that you can't see) above the crowd (which you also can't see). It was high up, and the thing wobbled. Honestly, I would have barfed. So kudos to Katy for keeping it together!!

I was very jealous of all the people she invited up on stage!!!

All in all, a great concert!!! I would definitely go to another Katy Perry concert!! So Katy, please come visit us again!!!

The Fashions of Summer Solstice 2011

As you almost certainly know by now, Saturday was one of my FAVORITE parties of the year: The Summer Solstice Party at the Cleveland Museum of Art. I could do a recap, but really, just one word sums it up: FABULOUS!!! So instead, I've decided to show you some of the fashions of Solstice. Of course this isn't a comprehensive guide, just some of the people and outfits I saw and lurrrrved.

N rocking a Dortmunder and his new Dredgers Union tie.

I fell in love with this couple. They were so cute!! I can only hope that N and I look this fabulous when we reach that age!

N and DBB being "Thunder" and "Lightning"

Wes and Danielle (who is also wearing one of my favorite Dredgers dresses!)

Val in her FABULOUS and oh so sexy tights!

I loved the coral and stripes combo!

AJP is a vision in white with a supercute baby blue purse!

 Hallie and fiance!! I LOVE that dress and that hat!!

I know this picture is blurry, but I really like it, and the outfits too!

Sara in vintage

JV in print!! LOVE!!

So there you have it: a little taste of the fabulousness that was Solstice! If you missed it this year, you should definitely put it on your calendar for next year. BE FABULOUS!!!