Meryl Streep - Vogue US – January 2012

Go Meryl! With Meryl Streep’s most recent film depicting the life of former Prime Minister of Britain Margaret Thatcher – The Iron Lady – set to be released on January 13, 2012, and the Oscar buzz already swirling for her performance, it is little surprise that Anna Wintour choose the iconic and talented Academy Award winning actress to grace the first cover of 2012 for Vogue.  However, Streep is the oldest (62) model to be on the cover which is reason for even more applause.

Photographed by seasoned veteran Annie Leibovitz, the issue is set to hit newsstands soon and sure to be a cover to provoke great conversation. (View a trailer for The Iron Lady here.)

Owning Your ‘Uniqueness’

“People who have a ‘problem’ (like Julia Child being 6’2”) it either kills them or they become defiant in the face of it. And that’s what her (Julia’s) personality led her to.  She just said, ‘The hell with it!’ It’s a lesson. Sometimes we want to arrange things – I wish I had this, I wish I looked like this, I wish I’d got into this school. You know, we think that there is a formula, and actually the formula for happiness and success is just actually . . . be yourself in the most vivid possible way you can because then you don’t have to pretend.  That is the freedom [Julia Child] enjoyed in her life and that is inspirational to me.”

-Meryl Streep on playing Julia Child in Julie & Julia

There are books, there are gurus, there are ‘experts’ on what the formula is to attain personal success and happiness. You may have sought out any one of these mediums, I know I most certainly have, but I must say I believe Meryl Streep is on to something.

While so many of us are fortunate enough to live in a world where possibilities seem endless and the potential to shape and mold our lives into what we desire is possible with more than just a little hard work, we sometimes become overwhelmed with all of the media and propaganda that is thrown at us telling us what we should be doing instead of looking inward to ourselves. So often, to avoid all of the confusion on how we should go about achieving success for ourselves, we choose to follow someone else’s path to success because, after all, if it worked for them, why wouldn’t work for us? And, while sometimes this may work, more often than not, we all will be required to go about it in a new and original way if we want to shine and that is where many people flounder.

The other difficult part in choosing to let your own light shine, whether it is your innate ability to pull an outfit together that instantly looks stunning, having observation skills like a detective or the ability to charm the socks off of just about anyone, you often will be met by resistance from those around you who have decided to follow a predetermined path made not by them, but by the society, culture or someone else in their life. And the truth of the matter is, subconsciously, they wish they had the strength and the courage to follow the light inside of them that has been dimmed for so long. For those people who are also eagerly chasing their unique path based on their natural given uniqueness, they will applaud, they will encourage, and they will not present obstacles.  I mention this as a way to understand why others may respond the way they do when you choose to ‘let your freak flag fly’ and to help you not see their poor behavior as a reflection of you, because it isn’t.

So, today, think about the skills, quirks of your character, and unique qualities that have always been with you from childhood.  Maybe people laughed, maybe people were in disbelief, hopefully many were impressed, but no matter how those around you responded, use it to your advantage.  Be yourself. Be confident in knowing that this ‘gift’ truly is just that – a gift - and make the most of it.

Have a beautiful Monday everyone.

Need a few more thoughts on owning your uniqueness? Check out Uniquely Perfect.

Images: (1) Source (2) Source (3) Source (4) We Heart It

 

It’s Not That Complicated

When it comes to films, I am drawn to exquisite fashion, fabulous houses and food.  There are not many DVDs in my library, but if one of the three items listed above are involved, my attention is captured.  So it was the case when I went to the theater this past winter to enjoy Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated directed by Nancy Meyers.

Since then I have purchased it and watched it a few more times. Each time I am curious about the tasty delight she seems to quickly whip up in the kitchen for Steve Martin’s character in the scene shown in the above photo.  After reminding myself that it was only a Google search away, I discovered a delicious recipe for Croque Monsieur.

Don’t be fooled if someone states that it is similar to a Monte Cristo sandwich.  It is more than just a touch better.  It may take a bit more time, but it is still quite simple to make.

Complement it with a glass of chardonnay, pinot gris, or viognier and toss a salad of mixed greens or arugula with a dressing of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, topped with freshly grated parmesan and pine nuts,  and you will have an impressive, yet simple meal.

Key Things to Keep in Mind:

*Waiting for the sauce to thicken (stirring constantly) will take about 10-12 minutes – have patience.  It’s worth it.  Delicious!

*You’ll notice in my photo that I didn’t take the crusts off.  However, it was still scrumptious.  Either way is up to you.  I will be taking my crusts off next time just to see the difference.

Croque Monsieur (courtesy of Barefoot Contessa)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups hot milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch nutmeg
• 12 ounces Gruyere, grated (5 cups)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 16 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• Dijon mustard
• 8 ounces baked Virginia ham, sliced but not paper thin

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Melt the butter over low heat in a small saucepan and add the flour all at once, stirring with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. Slowly pour the hot milk into the butter–flour mixture and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thickened. Off the heat add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup grated Gruyere, and the Parmesan and set aside.

3. To toast the bread, place the slices on 2 baking sheets and bake for 5 minutes. Turn each slice and bake for another 2 minutes, until toasted.

4. Lightly brush half the toasted breads with mustard, add a slice of ham to each, and sprinkle with half the remaining Gruyere. Top with another piece of toasted bread. Slather the tops with the cheese sauce, sprinkle with the remaining Gruyere, and bake the sandwiches for 5 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned. Serve hot.

Bon appétit!

Images: (1) The Katy Capsule (2) Simply Luxurious

3 Options - Vogue Paris May 2010

I’m a bit late to the party on this discovery, but I couldn’t help but share.  Anything that involves Meryl, Julianne and Kate will immediately grab my attention, but then to involve even more notable actresses and I’m a sucker.

Photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Vogue Paris’ May 2010 issue features Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, and Penelope Cruz on the cover all wearing tees from Bono‘s (Product) Red collection.

Three different covers were created.  Which one do you like best? 

While I find them all quite captivating, I have to be honest – the ensemble piece with all of the women receives my vote.

Images: (2) & (3) Style Frizz

Oscar Glamour

Watching the fashion that waltzes down the red carpet during the Academy Awards is truly sometimes more entertaining than the show itself, although this year the opening had me chuckling – any dance number with Patrick Neil Harris – I can’t help but to sit down and watch.  Now that we are able to see a bit more as to what it all entails to appear as glamorous as the actresses do, there is a bit more appreciation from myself as a viewer.

As I watched in anticipation the 2010 Oscar red carpet, wondering what Rachel Zoe and other stylists had decided to put on display, only a handful really knocked my socks off, but to be fair, there weren’t too many fashion faux pas.

Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive was absolutely stunning. She seemed relaxed and comfortable in a fabulous gown.

You either hated Sarah Jessica Parker’s Chanel Couture gown or you loved it, and I was absolutely fawning over it.  The back of the gown is what grabbed my attention in particular.  Not just anyone who could pull it off, you would have to be a mini-me, which she is.  Lovely SJP.

SJP – Chanel Couture

While I don’t feel this photo does Sandra Bullock in Marchesa the justice it deserves, I felt this was one of her personal best Oscar dresses. The bodice is what caught my eye immediately and the intricate design is beautiful.  

I only needed to get a glimpse of Demi Moore in Versace Atelier, and I was smitten.  The beautiful soft nude pink tone just shimmered.  The hair should have probably been swept off the face, but overall, one of my favorites.

While this dress may not have been meant for the Oscars, I would argue that it still brings that touch of class that is necessary, and Nicole pulled it off well.   In a frock by Reem Acra, it seems to put her new brunette look on display which only goes to complement the dress. 

Vera Farmiga in Marchesa makes an immediate statement.  The color of the night seemed to be cranberry or gold, and she fits in perfectly.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy looked breath-taking. 

Meryl Streep in a white gown by Chris March looks simply stunning. Bon Appétit!  (I couldn’t help myself.)

And I must end it with the most dapper gentleman of the night for more reasons than just his style.  A delicious (as Oprah would say)Tom Ford, wearing of course Tom Ford.

So, I’m curious to know your thoughts.  What were your hits and misses of the evening, and if you include SJP on the miss list, you won’t hurt my feelings.

Hopefully you enjoyed the entire evening and were able to get a good night’s sleep in for the week ahead.  Bonsoir!

 

All images courtesy of TV Guide, New York Post and The Examiner

Uniquely Perfect

 

“You have to choose your

combination carefully. 

The right choices

will enhance your quilt. 

The wrong choices

will dull the colors,

hide their original beauty. 

There are no rules you can follow. 

You have to go by instinct,

and you have to be brave.”

 (How to Make an American Quilt movie – 1995)

Every day, each one of us steps out into the world with the intention to create a better life for ourselves, to contribute to the world.  How each one of us does this, however, is unique.  How much easier would it be if we only had to follow in someone else’s footsteps, similar to a connect-the-dots instruction manual, and viola, the perfect life would be laid out in front of us?  I have no doubt that the perfect life would be laid out for us if we followed such a path, but it wouldn’t be our definition of perfect; it wouldn’t be perfect for us.

There have been so many times when I just wanted to look up to somebody, to pattern my life after someone else who I admired so I wouldn’t have to worry about making mistakes, being made a fool, being laughed at, but what I’ve come to realize, as I remind myself to snap out of it, is that I wouldn’t want to follow someone else, I don’t want to be somebody else.  The word I want to bring your attention to is the word follow.

It is always easier to follow than to lead or venture out on your own, but no one by the name of Amelia Earhart, Nelle Harper Lee, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Will Smith, Bill Gates or Audrey Hepburn ever wished to be just like someone else because if they had, we wouldn’t recognize their names as people of respectable talent, courage, style or innovation.

Our lives are indeed similar to assembling a quilt.  Many pieces will be considered, but not all will be included in the final product. You will know sometimes immediately when someone or something(a job, a home, a town) doesn’t quite fit in your quilt, and sometimes it will take time for this piece to stick out like a sore thumb and reveal that it is not something that will strengthen the final product and, therefore, must be removed.  And guaranteed, it will take courage to remove it if it has been there for a while, but the extraction must happen.

It is up to the quilter to be continually adjusting, searching and demanding that those certain pieces must be found that will make their quilt the highest of quality.  Take, for example, the image of the sophisticated bathroom above. A theme was determined, but the pieces didn’t come in a kit, the designer had to seek out the exact items.  It is not to say that some other lovely furniture and lighting fixtures existed, they just didn’t fit as well in this particular room.

Good luck on your journey this week to build your quilt.  You have the talent, and there will be times that you are discouraged, but you will find what you are looking for if you venture out on your own.

Have a wonderful week!

Image: Things That Inspire

Worth the Wait

Nancy Meyers did it again! With beautifully decorated set designs in each scene, my goodness even the garden was lush and green - the cabbages looked like cabbage patch kids were going to pop right out of them - everything every gardener envisions when they start planting in the spring was a feast for the eyes as I watched It's Complicated starring Meryl Streep. Seeing it all just makes you believe that you too can attain perfection! Well, maybe not perfect perfection, but at least a perfect attempt (is there even such a thing?).