Author: Kathleen

Posted on

The Abstract Art of Relaxation

IMG_0810{Sculptural fountains on Lake Anne Plaza}

Lately, I have been reading a myriad of articles on the benefits of health and the occasional “girls night out” with your BFF’s. Researchers have shown that women who stay connected and maintain close ties gain the advantage of a longer life expectancy; experience lower blood pressure, increased immunity and my personal favorite is experiencing complete relaxation over those who stay disconnected.

This weekend our “girls” group met at Café Montmartre a quaint French Bistro on Washington Plaza to discuss life’s problems and came away with solutions to global issues after a few sips of French Chardonnay and eating the most delicious food.  As we share mutual goals, common interest and feelings on most topics, this is why we get along so well. We have even invited new friends into the group and weeded out those who did not have our best interest at heart.

While a bit of stress may be good, and pushing ourselves on a daily basis to conquer the day seems right, there is nothing more fabulous than ending the day and carving out time for ourselves, in which to just relax!!!!

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Today I spent down-time in the garden pulling  a few scraggly annuals from pots on the front of the house, and planted a few chrysanthemums to bring one last blast of color to Heath before the extreme cold. I also pulled the remaining pumpkins from their vines and strategically placed them around the house for added decoration.

IMG_0824{Dahlias and Pumpkins}

While rushing to meet deadlines for work or handling stressful situations will always continue,  but whenever possible… relax, in whatever way works for you, it is more healthful than you may realize.

Relax Stylishly!!

K

Posted on

Fall Essentials

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I cannot begin to express how thrilled I am that Summer has come to an end, and can now move forward into Fall. This seasonal change means we can turn our attention to warmer clothes with luxurious textures and colors; participate in outings that do not include bugs or insects, and enjoying the cool crispness in the air, especially before work each morning. At the start of Fall I find myself scouring the farmers markets more intently than when the weather was warmer, and have begun focusing on the shift in fruits and vegetables displayed in each stall. Then begin imagining the variations of desserts I can create using Fall produce.

Dreamily I have drafted a list of a few sumptuous favorites to reacquaint myself with this opulent change in seasons.

  1. My leopard throw.
  2. Taking herbal tea in a thermos for lunch to work.
  3. Calvin Klein’s “Driftwood Candle” from TJ Maxx.
  4. Making a huge pot Split Pea soup with ham bone.
  5. Creating recipe variations on fruit cobblers or tarts using seasonal produce.
  6. Continued evening walks out under the stars.
  7. A leather tote to carry iPhone, iPad, notebooks and any other daily essentials.
  8. A myriad of scarves.
  9. Trying Yves Saint Laurent’s Vernis A Levres- glossy lip stains in nude for fall and nail color in Smoked Chrome from Estée Lauder.
  10. Updated Brazilian Jazz Playlist for Fall.

Stay Chic!!

K