Web Sites »Winter is Coming

News and Rumors About HBO’s Game of Thrones

If you just can’t get enough Game of Thrones, Winter is Coming is a great site with interesting recaps, reviews, rumors and more. I was especially excited to read here that one of my favorites, Asia Argento is being considered for a role in season two. I love that the site is accessible to both readers and newbies with articles written specifically for each group to prevent spoilers.

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Posted on June 16, 2011

Hunks »Iain Glen

Scottish Actor

I have a crush on Sir Jorah in Game of Thrones, played with gravitas by Iain Glen.

Whether he’s sporting rugged capes or dapper top coats, whether he’s taking to the stage or being villainous in a crappy franchise (both Tomb Raider and Resident Evil!) the Scottish gent is undeniably handsome.

I am thrilled to learn he will be joining the cast of Downton Abbey for season two, but fear for what this means for Jorah.

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Posted on June 15, 2011

Spend a Couple Minutes »East River Ferry

Now Running

I can officially say that the East River Ferry is awesome.

Aside from schedule hiccups (it might not be on time but if you give it 15-20 minutes one will show up) it was smooth sailing for Van and I. It’s stroller friendly, super quick and free until the 24th of this month.

After that, it’s $4 a ride, but I can see it being worth it in many situations (especially with a baby) compared to the hot sweaty, elevatorless subways.

Plus, the piers offer great sweeping Manhattan views.

I hope to utilize it all summer long (anyone up for getting ice cream in Dumbo?) Particularly looking forward to the Summer Friday loop that goes to Governors Island.

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Posted on June 14, 2011

Albums »Ella and Louis

by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong (1956)

I usually like my albums, particularly jazz ones, a little messy. I always think artists, like Ray Charles for instance, suffer from over production and accompaniment, but the 1956 album Ella and Louis benefits from the clean sound.

The duos’ unique voices, which are in stark complimentary contrast to each other, are the centerpiece with limited but beautiful musical arrangement. Even Satchmo’s signature trumpet only makes brief appearances.

In what is arguably the pinnacle of vocal duet albums, Ella and Louis perform with love and joy some of the era’s greatest songs by, among others, Berlin and Gershwin. Isn’t It a Lovely Day?, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, and Cheek to Cheek are some of my favorites that have been filling my apartment with musical sunshine as I prance around with Mr. Van.

This is genuine and heart swelling feel good music that sounds as wonderful as the album cover photograph would suggest.

An easily accessible album to those weary of vocal jazz. Even Jim, not so much a fan of the genre has been requesting it get replayed.

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Posted on June 14, 2011

Songs »If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked a Cake

by Eileen Barton (1950)

I swear there are little gnomes that add songs to my ipod in the night.

I have no idea where the Eileen Barton hit If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked a Cake came from but it suddenly came up on shuffle the other morning and brightened our day.

It’s been dancing around my head ever since. I think it may have seemed so familiar from an old Sesame Street episode with Ernie and Cookie Monster that you can see here.

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Posted on June 14, 2011

Spend a Couple Minutes »SPF Baby Hat

from iPlay

I was so thrilled to find this sunhat from iPlay on Amazon. The summer sun can be dangerous, especially if your baby’s as super white as Van is. This wide brim hat made of 50 SPF fabric keeps him protected.

I’m not shocked that I’ve seen tons of little ones sporting the same one and have moms asking where I got mine. Most places offer nothing but flimsy hats with tiny brims that do little to block out the rays.

Plus, it’s adorable.

This is a summer must have!

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Posted on June 13, 2011

Desserts »Robicelli’s Cupcakes

Cupcakes in Cool Flavors

Robicelli’s adorable cupcakes in are popping up all over our neighborhood. We’ve found them at Radish and Eastern District and can never say no to their interesting daily flavors.

This pictured McFadden (Victorian lemonade cake and buttercream made with a splash of Pimm’s, hand candied lemon peel) was perfect for these warmer days.

The buttercream lemon frosting was truly amazing, so light and fluffy and buttery!

Their tumblr has the flavors of the day and the many places you can pick one up.

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Posted on June 13, 2011

TV Shows »The Inbetweeners

British Teen Comedy Guest Written by Dana:

The Inbetweeners give us the funny situations of foursuburban boys in high school.

Unfortunately just had the last season finish, but looking forward to a movie at the end of this year.

See a clip here and here.

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Posted on June 13, 2011

Spend a Couple Hours »Renegade Craft Fair

in McCarren Park June 11-12

It’s been a few years since I’ve attended the Renegade Craft Fair and I must say it has grown.

Even if some things can be repetitive (how many silkscreened tees with silly octopus on it does one person need?), the wares have gotten much better and varied too.

We found lots of things we liked and even walked away with a couple things: an awesome cheeseburger onesie for Van and a tiger embroidery from Coral and Tusk that will make a lovely gift for someone special (who will remain unnamed in case s/he’s ready this).

But whether it’s adorable ceramics, impressive original art, or one incredible necklace with a beaded antique crest (which was outside my meager budget) there’s likely something here for everybody.

It’s a nice way to spend the afternoon and will be up tomorrow from 11-7.

Be sure to stop by the free photo both!

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Posted on June 11, 2011

Style Icons: Female »Christy Turlington

Supermodel with a Cause

That elegant nose, those cloudy sky eyes, those sultry lips… It’s Christy Turlington of course. Softer than Stephanie, more approachable than Linda, and classier than Cindy, she was the supermodel of the nineties that everyone could love.

Whether she was in her undies as the face of Calvin Klein or decked out in head to toe sequin Versace, she has an aura of tranquility and gracefulness (must be all that yoga).

While I won’t get into my less than glowing opinions on her husband’s work, Turlington herself is an inspiring advocate and documentarian whose causes include lung cancer awareness and international maternal health.

Click here for the rest of Christy Turlington

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Posted on June 11, 2011