Peaches Darling

Today I had the distinct honor of baking. I say it's an honor, because rarely do I find the time to actually bake, purchase the correct ingredients (apparently you are supposed to do this)... and actually consume the products of my labored work within the same day.  Breakthrough moment!

I would gladly post a picture or two, however - the "peach crumble" (as it's called, thank you very much) did not last past a few minutes out of the oven before it was nibbled to death.  I believe the only thing that could have made it taste better was if I had a vintage apron on. Ah well, next time.

(Now, before I step too highly on my soap box I will say this - I buy organic ingredients and locally as often as I can. Today, a kind relative dropped off some peaches purchased that very morning from a farmer. I'm not sure if it was the freshness - or the lack of chemical, but I never cease to be amazed at how much more the flavors are intensified.)

So, after all this talk dear reader, I will post the scrumptious recipe I used with the help of the good old internet.

Enjoy (and salut!)

Peach Crumble
courtesy of the kitchn.com & orangette

"For the filling, we used five medium-sized yellow peaches, peeled and cut into slices. We tossed this with 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, two tablespoons of brown sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a dash of freshly-ground nutmeg.

For the topping:
Scant ¾ cup granulated sugar (about 4 to 4 ½ ounces)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. kosher salt
1 egg, beaten well
7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

This baked up beautifully, bubbling around the edges, in about 40 minutes. We put it in the oven (375°) when we started eating dinner and it was ready just when we started getting hungry for dessert."

LINK to original.

Style Is and Was

Do you know your personal style?

Unintentionally everyone carries their fashion in ways they may not even realize. We say more about ourselves in impresions than in most converstaions. I certainly didn't begin to understand myself until I took a good look at my wardrobe... then I knew more than I wanted to.

Certainly, there are preconceived notions of what we believe to seem interesting - yet how many times have we witnessed makeover shows where over half the episode was convincing the person that their clothes not only gave off the wrong impression, but was ill fitting to boot!

I decided to write this post after visiting Charlotte, North Carolina. As I live 2 hours away you'd think that I'd have a good notion of what the temperature of clothing would be. I am wrong of course, for what I thought would be seasonal, interesting, and cute was far off. I saw many interpretations of what was going on in the media but I failed to see anything new. People were wearing trends that I had thought to be over (some I hoped would be over) and then a select few individuals stood out. Why? They were like anyone else, but it was their personality, their gate, their presence that left the impression.

Have you ever heard, "Oh, when she walks in the room she owns it"? If you're that person, yes, we're talking about you.  Why is it, that if you put an outfit on two people with similar physical features, one will enhance it while the other will simply look ok. How often have magazines printed, "Who wore it better?" articles and there is always an astounding percentage of one person over the other.

So I ask the question : do you believe fashion is something a person can imitate, or is it much more than that, is it the persons awareness of themselves, their individualism that makes them stylish?

The Glory

 I take cosmetic companies for granted, considering them to be nothing more than an extremely profitable industry that can sell me idea alone that my lips will be the perfect shade of ruby for the next party I attend.

Yet the other day I had the privilege to watch the documentary, "The Powder and the Glory" on the foundations of cosmetic industry: Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden.

Much like the current DIY movements I was completely surprised by their entrepreneurial spirits - that and an intense frenemy relationship. It was an awakening to see how relative their products, concepts, and cosmetic styles are evident even today.

(Elizabeth Arden (Left) - Helena Rubinstein (Right))

 As women, in a feminine industry, they were indubitably strong, competitive and proudly particular.  Both Arden and Rubinstein provide an example of the successes that result from taking risks and being inventive. Like any campaign or effective advertisement they emulated the notion that anyone could be glamorous.

... they also suffered pitfalls for being incapable to modernize, translate to younger audiences, and rigidity when it came to expanding to new mediums (such as the television.) Today, parallels could be drawn between even the most minuscule start ups survival and how often they twitter/blog/update/email.

So, for the modern day Arden's and Rubinstein's, I provide you with the opportunity to learn from their fortunes and failure:

Business Networking on the Internet  (Of course in no particular order!)

1. Join Similar Groups - Like attracts like, right? Regardless of how much Rubinstein and Arden disliked each other, they were involved in the same social atmosphere and as a result the competition brought out more of their talents. Even John and Paul disagreed, but better songs were written as a result. So what is my point? Being around others who share the same interests can provide a platform for you to build yourself and your brand. If your hestiant to join because of competition or idea-theft, get over it darling. Ideas aren't new, and so what? You came up with one, now come up with something better.

2. Be Genuine - Don't bother with being like anyone else, your personality is individual and savvy and evolved enough to be inspirational and educational. Innovators don't rest on their laurels for someone else to achieve their dreams - Arden and Rubenstein certainly didn't. Mentors are one thing, molds are another.  If you write, write passionately. If you draw, draw what you eyes believe to be true. If you design, design with your imagination not your instructions.

3.  Ask questions - I don't believe that even the smartest, most skilled genius knows the answer to everything (and sometimes anything.) Arden and Rubinstein became accomplished because they asked the questions, what is beauty? What does it look like? Who would buy it? Always ask what it is you want to know more about. The answers may not come easily, or accurately, but there is  knowledge out there. Resources are not found, they are cultivated. Your next accomplishment may not be the answer, but the question itself.

 There are many things that can be gleamed from both women, so if you get the opportunity to read more about them or watch the documentary - I'd highly recommend it.

Lastly, dear readers, what would be 3 bits of advice you would recommend to someone who wants to be successful in the modern small business world? Selected answers will be posted in an upcoming blog!

Inspiration from "Love with the Proper Stranger"

Sometimes while I work on projects I'll put Turner Classic Movies on as background noise, and occasionally during a break I'll get caught up in whatever the story line I had been listening to was and end up watching the rest. This week, the movie was, "Love With the Proper Stranger."

Always the fan of Steve Mcqueen and Natalie Wood I was a bit surprised I hadn't  really heard of it before. The content of the movie is left up to the discretion of the viewer, but what I will indulge in is the clothing!

 - Yes, that is Richie Cunningham's dad.

Now don't get me wrong, this film is far from Breakfast at Tiffany's. I don't want to mislead you into thinking this film is going to completely alter your style identity.

Rather, what is really impressive is how easily concepts from this picture could be incorporated into your closet.  Wood's character looks chic because she has staple pieces that reoccur without, for example, the coat in picture one is a common recurrence. A modern day gal doesn't have to invest a lot to have a vintage look, in fact, half the battle is tailoring. Find inspiration in the simplicity of the 60's and you'll be well on your way - well, that and a great lipstick. 

Key Items: Well Tailored Coat, Kitten Heel pumps, Vintage Handbag, Gloves and Scarfs, Pencil Skirt. 

Book of the Month

As with any group of friends, I always enjoy the atmosphere of discussion. Especially when it comes to books. I'm sure by now many of you have had the opportunity to read a Malcolm Gladwell story, but if you haven't I present this book to you.

For the month of July let's have a discussion on some of the themes presented in, "Outliers".

Do you agree with the authors presentation?

Do you think Gladwell is convincing? Why?

And, importantly, do you feel this story has influenced you?

Summer has always been my favorite time to read, so I ask you this: what book would you like to see for discussion next month? I am open to any suggestions, and would love to hear how you found it and why you would recommend it. Maybe we'll review two...