Bon Voyage

We're off for a whirlwind trip to Spain for my childhood bestie's wedding.

Four days.
Seven pairs of shoes.
Six dresses.
A pound of jewelry.
A husband who knows ZERO Spanish.

And a new camera.

Oy.

Be back on Monday with a full report.

xoxo,
Mrs. News Readin'

Crescent City Recap: Part I

One weekend in June, I headed to New Orleans for a bit of work, some play, retail therapy and plenty of epicurean indulgence. It was gorgeous.

The beauty of a city like New Orleans is that everyone is sweating - even the locals that are fully acclimated to 102 degrees with 87% humidity. Lightly patting your glistening brow takes on an air of sultry - even sexy. At least that what I kept telling myself...

My Friday was chocked-full of work, but upon cocktail hour - everyone remembered we were in New Orleans. We headed to Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House. The bartender convinced me as a Bourbon House virgin (go ahead - get your sixth-grade giggling out of the way) that I must have their famous Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch. Not my first draft pick for cocktail hour - but I enjoyed it very much. Think egg nog's lighter, yummier cousin.

If you are wondering what the N'awlins connection is to the distinctly Kentucky spirit, it's an interesting one. Read about it here.

We enjoyed an authentic Cajun dinner at Cochon. Usually I think of alligator in terms of accessories. But as they say - when in the bayou...devoured delicious fried alligator tenders. The pineapple upside down cake dessert may have been laced with crack cocaine. I almost ordered a second. Good lawd!

On Saturday afternoon I hopped on a street car to take in the Garden District and visit my only two retail destinations: Leontine Linens' flagship store and Hazelnut New Orleans.

With our Wedding Belle's upcoming nuptials, what better excuse to pay a visit to Leontine in search of the perfect wedding gift. Mission accomplished!

Thanks to the sweet Brooke at Leontine, who narrowed my focus and provided a much needed glass of water and a lunch spot recommendation.







My apologies for the poor photography - but I don't have the same photographic flair as Sippycups.

If you think I strolled back to my hotel without picking up a little something for moi - well, you know better.

Hazelnut New Orleans Toile coasters (fabric pictured above)

Love having the reminder of the Crescent City during cocktail hour in City K!



Stay tuned. More at 11.

Paging Joy: Your Party Waits in Arrivals

Lately I've had the pleasure (or displeasure) of spending time in airports. Fun destinations aside - airports are usually miserable places.

From the "easy" kiosk check-in which seems to take more time than the good old-fashioned human check-in process to the endless security lines, where measures that have been in place for eight years still take people by surprise - it all is just exasperating.

Note to the lady in Chicago that balked at having her massive aerosol can of hairspray and industrial size bottle of Jean Naté bath splash taken away...they did you a favor. Say thank you and head to the nearest Sephora to regroup.

And let me not fail to mention the oversold, delayed flight scenario that is more the standard than the exception. All in all - flying commercial couldn't be any less pleasant.

Which is probably why most travelers are, generally speaking, grumpy. Reeaaallyyy grumpy. I counted myself as one of those grumpy travelers until I read this piece from Chris Jones for Esquire.

Shared with me by a dear friend, who is a veteran traveler of the skies, it brought tears to my eyes and reminded me that happiness exists just beyond the confines of baggage claim.

I thought it was very share worthy...


Stay tuned. More at 11.

And we're back. With a Mommy Mafia Update.

The Breaking News Team required a brief hiatus following some red wine fueled deep thoughts, a Homestead weekend with of our very favorite bloggers (and friends), as well as a sad event that we will get around to talking about - but not in this post.

After my introspective moment (bordering on pathetic pity party), which was very well attended by some new friends to this blog - thankyouverymuch - I needed a little bit o' the good times. And it just so happens that I had a weekend jaunt to the Grande Dame of resorts, the Homestead, planned with Sippycups and Happy Homemaker for the following weekend. What good fortune!

To make the weekend even more fabulous - I was an (invited) interloper to their Cocktail Club gathering at Sippycups lovely home. Her margaritas weren't too shabby, either. Good Lawd. Needless to say, we got a late start to the Homestead the next day.

All images courtesy of The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia.

Aside from the brief Shining moment walking through the Grand Hall - the three of us giggled, consumed prosecco & Pom and brie in our room until dinner. Chateaubriand and bananas foster tableside in the 1766 Grille? Oh. Hell. Yes.



In our alcohol infused fuzziness, Sippycups declared that my life plan re-think was due to the lack of minis in my life. Read: I've got too much time on my hands. Ohhh...good idea - minis, said the pumped with prosecco Mrs. News Readin'.

Not so fast, Sippycups. I'm on to you.

And it proves - yet, again - that the Mommy Mafia is an impressive network that knows no geographical boundaries. But, does have excellent taste in resorts, food and fun stuff for their friends.

Loved every minute with you Ladies...Thank you.
More at 11.

Major Airlines: Take Note

In reading all of the accounts of yesterday's horrific landing of US Air Flight 1549 from LaGuardia to Charlotte - I hope major airlines gleaned an important detail.

The experience of age.


The pilot, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger of Danville, Calif has 40 years of varied flight experience. An Air Force Academy grad, who flew F-4 fighter planes, he has 29 years of flying time with US Airways. In addition, he is an airline safety expert who has consulted with NASA and other organizations.

It's not uncommon in today's poorly managed airline industry for pilots with the experience (and salary) of Captain Sullenbeger to be forced into early retirement and faced with evaporated hard-earned pensions.

I for one, am willing to sacrifice warm Diet Coke and pretzels and pony up an extra $25 for the likes of Captain Sullenberger to remain employed and enjoy a rewarding pension upon retirement. A seasoned pilot who can land a damn Airbus on a river, surrounded by one of the world's most densely populated major metropolitan areas is worth his weight in gold. Or American dollars.

So put him on the luggage scale and let me know - along with the countless other pilots who have the knowledge and experience to keep us alive in times of crisis in the air.

They are payed to know what to do when things go horribly wrong - not to make sure we make our connection in Cincinnati in enough time to hit the Cinnabon. There is no greater example of this than yesterday's incredible outcome.

Blessings to Captain Sullenberger and I only hope my next flight is in the back of a plane handled by someone as equally poised and knowledgeable.

We now return to your regularly scheduled program.

Tibi Outlet Scores

During Christmas on the Coast, I made a stop at the Tibi outlet on St. Simons Island, GA.

If you are ever in that neck of the woods and like some deeply discounted Tibi - get yourself to Redfern Village and my little slice of heaven. Over the years it has gone from a fulfillment office/backroom - to a legitimate little shop. (I can remember trying on clothes in the bathroom before they actually had dressing rooms.)

On a few occasions, I've had the pleasure of running into Tibi designer and founder, Amy Smilovic, who hails from the Golden Isles. Once she even asked where I had gotten my sweater because she loved the oversized buttons. "Umm...H&M." To which she replied, "I'm doing big buttons next season. It's great looking."

I am NOT worthy wearing my $18.99 H& M big button festooned sweater.

Anywhoodle, this is what I picked up on my last trip:

Ragtime Short Sleeve Gem Dress in Black. Retailed for $396 here. Ha!
Scored at the outlet for $104.


Casablanca print skirt. Retailed for $248. Scored at the outlet for less than $50!
They had this print in a dress, but not in my size. Grrr.

I'm headed back at the end of the month with hopes that they will have more shoes in size 7.5.

Stay tuned.

Coastal Christmas: A Photographic Review

Disclaimer: I am not a very good photographer. My apologies.

Christmas at the Cloister



We attended 7:00 pm church services and then headed to the hotel for dinner in 100 Hudson.
During dinner, the Yule Log Ceremony began in the Lobby. It's quite the event usually, but this year there were significantly fewer guests. (I think we all know why...) See the program below.


Yes, the yule log ceremony would have made for a great photo op - but I was three vodkas deep and well, you know how that goes.


The tree in the lobby was gorgeous. My pictures definitely do not do it justice.




The tree in the solarium was my favorite - decorated with nutcrackers and beautiful handpainted balls.



There was a massive gingerbread house in the center of the lobby. It was adorable, but wasn't nearly as over-the-top as what they have had on display at the Lodge in years past.

(Somebody was hungry.)

The nativity scene is pretty close to being life size and is really beautiful - especially at night when illuminated.



Ahhh...Christmas Eve on the marsh's edge.




Christmas Day Beach Bound

Christmas morning, my mother-in-law invited me (read: dragged me out of bed at 8:00 am)
to her rumba class at the Cloister Spa. Have to say - it was awesome. We shimmied and shook to Rhianna, Britney and Madonna. Made me feel a lot better about my cheesecake from the night before...

(Lucy is wearing a shirt that said "I ate Santa's cookies." Kinda cute.)

Putter and her cousin, Lucy donned their matching collars and were looking for a little more excitement. To the beach!


I just loved this garden gate on our way to the beach. Casa de encanto - House of Enchantment.



Looking down the beach toward the new beach club.



You have never seen a happier dog than this exhausted, water logged Lab with her sandy tennis ball.


Santa shops at the Infamous Sea Island Sale

In early December Sea Island has an insane sale where they offer everything from linens and silverware to golf club covers to clothing and shoes at a 60 - 80% discount. Basically they unload all their excess - first to employees and members, then to the general public.

My mother-in-law has scored some great buys in years past and usually these purchases end up underneath the tree. (I'm not complaining.)

While admiring her holiday tablescape, I noticed some new additions - in particular beautiful gold and green chargers.




Ummm...hello...fabulous. Wedgewood. $1.00 a charger at the infamous sale. (Mr. News Readin' has already staked claim for estate purposes.)

She also picked up these beauties for $4.00 a glass. They're heavy and gorgeous.


Oh, the table runner pictured...that would be one of the wraps my bridesmaids wore. Interesting re-purposing, no?



And to all a good night!

Coming soon: TIBI outlet scores and an inside look of Frederica's new clubhouse. (It's to die for...)

We apologize for the technical difficulties...

From Room Service Home

The Breaking News Team is back from a coastal Christmas celebration.

I had every intention of an in-law play by play for your reading pleasure, but forgot that the in-laws don't have wireless and being secluded in their computer room for hours claiming work, was not an option. (Mr. News Readin' has grown a wee bit tired of the iBook that seems to have become an appendage.) So - holiday hiatus.

Not like you didn't have other things to do. Christmas cookies - sifting through the endless Pottery Barn "It's not too late" eblasts - making five "last trips" to Target - cutting off Aunt Barbara from the Chardonnay - swearing to workout tomorrow...

I'm not Santa, but I know what you were doing.

Billable hours call, but I've got lots of great pictures of the Cloister decorated for the holidays and a sneak peak of the club house at Sea Island's newest development, Frederica.

Can't wait to share!

Oh, the winning holiday frock:



From Nordstrom. For $158.00, more reasonable than some of my other options and simple enough to get a lot of wear.

Attention Mr. News Readin'...See, I care about refraining from frivolous spending.


Hope all was Merry and Bright for your holiday celebrations!

Mrs. News Readin'

Christmas on the Coast

The in-laws pulled the short straw and unfortunately have to put up with me for the holidays.
So, we are packing up the car and headed to the Golden Isles of south Georgia. (I know, poor us.)

More importantly - I am headed to the TIBI outlet store, where deals and heaven share the same space in a shopping plaza.

The Breaking News team will be checking in with live, up to the minute coverage of The Holidays from the coast.

Stay tuned. More at 11.

The Yankees are coming

The Yankees have in fact, already breached the City K limits...

My parents arrived on Wednesday evening to celebrate Thanksgiving below the Mason-Dixon with me, Mr. News Readin', Putter and Pearl. My younger brother, otherwise known as The Prince, arrived Thursday morning.

This is my family's first trip to City K and I'm not sure what they were expecting.

More than once my mother asked if we had a department store. Ummm...yes. We actually have two malls with a couple of different ones. A Bloomingdale's? No. Ya' got me! City K minus five points in mom's book.

My father quizzed Mr. News Readin' incessantly about our house. Do we have termites? What was the pressure of our gas line? And the holiday highlight - what do you pay in city taxes? However, he was very impressed with the close proximity of public parking to our downtown area. City K picks up five point from Dad.

In a stunning turn of events, City K was deducted ten points when my father got lost going through a detour for some interstate construction. He said there were no signs. (Then how did he know it was a detour...hmmm???)

The Prince enjoyed our temperatures in the mid-50's and even pounded out a three-mile run in a t-shirt and shorts. He became downright giddy when he saw gas for $1.61 a gallon. City K earns five points.

I'm not positive - but I think they were surprised that our floors weren't dirt and our neighbors didn't have a pop-up camper parked on the front lawn. If only I had picked up some moonshine for an after dinner drink...just to lend the trip some sort of stereotypical authenticity.

T-minus 12 hours until everyone makes their way back to the Empire State, leaving Mr. News Readin' and I to bask once again in our solitary Southern serenity.

Dinner was great. Loved having y'all.



Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is recovering nicely from any stuffing induced hangovers!

On the road. Again.

We're headed to Lexington to see our friends Amanda & Troy and watch the Dawgs take on Kentucky.

I'm secretly hoping to bump into le petite blog, because she has an amazing brunch tailgate planned including some delicious cinnamon rolls AND cinnamon loaf bread.

She had me at rolls.

Here's a little Friday funny for your enjoyment...

(click image to enlarge)

Stay tuned weekend sports is up next.

Mrs. News Readin'

West Coast Swing: Part I

As a born and bred New Yorker it is deeply embedded in my psyche to find all things California...meh.

Our recent trip to the West Coast banished all of that and replaced it with, "A reporter job in San Francisco? Let me think, Mr. News Readin'...When are the moving trucks coming for our things?" Loved it.

The trip with our friends, Anne & Lee from Nashville, has been in the works for months . Mr. News Readin' and Lee grew up together and have had the great fortune of marrying two women who have birthdays a week apart AND really like each other. So traveling in early October is now an annual happening. Mr. News Readin' also has the bonus of our anniversary being one week before my birthday. (Coincidence? I think not...)

Here are some highlights from the Monterey Peninsula (Day 1 & 2):


A view from the 17-mile loop

We stayed at a great Marriott right near the wharf and Cannery Row. The view from our room:



The concierge sent us chocolate covered strawberries for our anniversary with a very nice note.



While the boys played the Links at Spanish Bay, Anne and I indulged in much needed spa-ahhhhing at Spa on the Plaza at the Portola Hotel & Spa. It was great and I love the Pevonia products forced on me.

Harbor seals and sea lions were everywhere and you could hear them all night long.

We ate dinner at the most adorable place in Carmel called Casanova's. (It's 10 minute drive from Monterey to Carmel.)

It's a little house converted with several small dining rooms. We ate in the Milagro Room below.



Their coffee service was perfect. I almost five-finger discounted the mini cruet with creamer. Too cute!




We spent our last morning/afternoon on the peninsula driving the 17-mile loop and walking around Carmel. Great shops...I picked up a beautiful apron with my monogram from a French linens store called Jan de Luz. And then I spotted this...

The Nook, a tea and sandwich shop just down the street and right out of a Grimm's fairy tale.


On to Sonoma...

Oh, and I am seeking permission from Anne & Lee to publish pictures of them from the trip. Because people in pictures are just more interesting. As you might suspect, the News Readin' Husband cannot be pictured. Otherwise, I'll have to pony up 4% to his agent. (Yes, he has an agent.)