Another Marvelous Birthday
January 18, 2010
January 17th is my birthday, and this was a marvelous one! Growing up I have always loved dressing up and making every little simple event of the day an occasion. Even something as simple as putting things away in the house while dressed up in a gorgeous outfit is that much more fabulous.
This year I wore a favorite dress of mine, one I have posted about in the past for the same occasion, lol, and enjoyed a rather relaxed day. I don’t often wear the same dress for an occasion, but I couldn’t help myself as this dress just makes me feel fabulous and felt perfect for the day even now. Part of it is remembering the old while bringing it into the now for creating more great memories.
This year my birthday actually began with a fabulous event the evening before, which ran all the way into the beginning of my birthday- love it! So at midnight I was surrounded by friends welcoming in the grand new day. Later on, after having some sleep and getting ready for the day ahead, I was surprised by my hunny with these BEAUTIFUL flowers you see pictured below. I love them!
And for lunch- burgers, in a beautiful dress. Seriously, messy comfort food (delicious by the way) in an elaborate dress rocks. It just does.
After that it was time for a cigar fit for the occasion, an AVO Companero, and then a night filled with libations! Birthday cakes are overrated when you have a beautifully crafted cocktail in hand. I started with a Ramos Gin Fizz which consists of gin, egg whites, cream, lime, and orange blossom water. It couldn’t have been more perfect! Talk about a birthday drink in a glass, it was smooth and heavenly.
Since my birthday unexpectedly started with celebrations the night before, I decided to continue some of that celebration into today. After all, why not? ;D
With plans for a nice dinner in the next few days, I thought I would enjoy today with a very nice cigar; one that I find quite ideal in balance and flavor. It is what I adore in a cigar, just perfect and rounded out the occasion. Also, the band matches my nails perfectly… a stylish extra.
It’s funny how when you don’t make plans for your birthday, somehow they can just magically happen on their own. It was a day, well a few days, of relaxation and pure enjoyment. I hope your birthdays are marvelous, stylish, and memorable ones, too! I know I am feeling very grateful and blessed.
For me, a great birthday comes from being with those you love while treating yourself to the luxuries you enjoy most in life, which for me means dressing up, enjoying a fine meal, a special drink, and a great cigar. What are the must-do luxuries for you?
A “New” Old Fashioned Hat
October 6, 2009
I love the classics, the old fashioned timeless looks. A little black dress, strand of pearls, and subtle but elegant hat: beautiful. I just love it!
Of my collection of hats, only two are “new”, meaning they were actually bought in store and had been made recently. Most of my hats are vintage- very old, often times handmade, and very unique and delicate. Besides my big floppy beach hat- this one you see here is my latest “new” old fashioned hat find.
And of all places where did I find this? Target! Their fashion is constantly growing and in a beautiful direction at that.
(Oh- I also got a gorgeous Anna Sui dress at Target I must share with you! It’s a cute one.) Target is constantly impressing me with their style options, and their prices are very welcoming. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look like you do.
Their collections are so charming and really have a personality to them that you can connect with. The moment I saw this hat I knew I had to have it, no question about it. It is a true classic- the shape, with that subtle bow angled at the side, and with the right texture in fabric.
This is my new toy, and I am just looking for every reason to wear it. Why not? The day I bought it I was on my way to an event (perfect timing) at Santa Barbara Cigars for a night of scotch and cigars- love it! I had a Cain F cigar paired with some Macallan 15 year scotch, mix in some great conversation and it was a night to remember.
And this next photo (just below) is thanks to the incredible Tracy Tesmer of Tracy Tesmer Photography. She took this one with her phone! Yes, she’s that great… only her! Thank you, Tracy!
Where Have I Been? Stranded…
September 28, 2009
Well just a bit- last week I was in Honduras visting the tobacco fields and fabrica of Rocky Patel. What an adventure and incredible time it was, too- wow! Great hospitality from wonderful people, not to mention the endless cigars, rum, beer, and food all while sitting by the pool. Very relaxing and luxurious.
Only thing was that the Honduras ex President, Zelaya, returned and caused some political difficulties. Zelaya had attempted to rewrite the constitution and declare himself dictator, but the Honduras people refused to allow it and had him leave. Chavez, along with some others, would like to see this dictatorship go through (and eliminate the people’s choice of elections).. and so when Zelaya returned to Honduras during our stay, the airport was closed along with the borders to prevent outside interference to aid Zelaya in his ideals.
At all times we were safe and the Hondurans are a great people. Once the airports opened all airlines from America were selecting to not fly in or out, which left us stranded. We were able to travel to Nicaragua and visit Esteli for a day or so and visit friends until leaving out of Managua the next day. I cannot thank everyone from Rocky Patel enough for all that they did- they took care of us up and beyond, and continued their hospitality with food, rum, and cigars for those unexpected extra days and made certain that we returned home safely. There was never a worry, as they made us feel very well at home.
All in all it was an incredible visit- and one I would repeat in a heartbeat! We had such a wonderful time and learned so much, it was an incredible experience. I’ll be posting videos and photos soon on my Smoking Hot Cigar Chick blog for those interested- I may post some here as well but the meat of it will all be there, so be sure to check in. I have lots of fashion updates to fill you in with as well- right now I am getting things back in order but the updates will be up shortly.
I’ll be speaking with you soon!
Cigars, Fashion, & Style- But Of Course!
June 28, 2009
I love cigars, and when something unique like this limited edition box from La Flor Dominicana comes up- I am very excited! With art design by Ruben Toledo for the bands and cigar box, this duo is a magnificent piece worth looking into.
I was enjoying a cigar at my favorite cigar shop when the owner, Kenny, came up to me and showed me this beautiful box of cigars. It is the El Museo Limited Edition Box and can only be found from elite tobacconists and select department shops. Only 2000 boxes are to be produced with a retail price of $600, so once they’ve sold out that will be the end of this particular cigar’s production- and the box will remain a collectors piece forever.
Kenny has this lovely box available in his shop, and it is beautiful to look at and tempting to taste- but for the occasion it was created for, it is to be sold as a complete set with all profits donated to El Museo del Barrio.
La Flor Dominicana produce world class cigars of which I am very fond of. And to see a fine cigar paired up with a beautiful design for a great cause is grand. I must say, I would love to indulge in one- it is oh so tempting to discover the flavors of this unique cigar.
The designer, Ruben Toledo, was born in Havana, Cuba in 1961. He is a painter, sculptor and illustrator. His wife, a fashion designer, Isabel Toledo was also drawn to the project. For the two of them it was a project of personal meaning from their own history, and one they were very happy to be a part of.
So there you have it, loves- cigars, fashion, and style!
For more information about this project or the box design, visit Cigar Aficionado or El Museo.
A Love Of Cigars: Sneak Peak
May 30, 2009
I do love a nice cigar- so full of flavor and so wonderful to indulge in for those special occasions. As you know, I greatly believe in making my own occasions and so I do love to have my cigars fairly often. I make my own moments, with fashion as much as with food, and cigars and spirits very much among them.
Last night was one of those nights in which we felt like celebrating! I have some new gems I picked up to keep the luxury coming-I’ll let you in on a sneak peak for now and keep you informed more on them later. But last night was a special treat, and so I had a very lovely cigar in hand: The Oliva Serie V Double Robosto.
What a beautiful cigar, so wonderful I had to pick up another one this afternoon to have again soon. Everything about it is just right and what I love in a cigar, the flavors are magnificent. So smooth and rich with those dark tones- my dark chocolate lovers will appreciate this one, I know it.
I found these fine cigars at the Richmond Avenue Cigar shop for those of you who travel through Houston, a very fine shop with the people, humidor, selection and care you want. I love a place that looks over the details, and this is definitely the place.
I’ll be having more lovelies for you soon. I have some special plans for my Cabaiguan Cigar pictured at the end- ah the familiar tastes of my Miami. I have a great pairing in mind for that little gem, ooh yes!
Alright, loves- some fashionable and classic cocktails coming to you tomorrow, including a decadent delight of the 1920’s! Cocktail lovers, stay tuned.
Some Looks Into Last Night With Cigars
May 26, 2009
I love what I love- and enjoy balancing my indulgences in pleasurable amounts. It keeps them special and appreciated. Those who know me know that I love my food and drinks as much as I do my fashion; I like to appreciate all the small details that go into something, whatever it may be. Of my loves, cigars definitely appear on the scene. And always with friends, wonderful drinks, and lasting memories.
There is something so relaxing and delicious about a cigar that the experience itself is the reward, for me. They seem to highlight events and successes and increase the bond between you and your guests.
Keep in mind that you never inhale a cigar- I’ve never been a smoker of cigarettes or ever cared to, but I do love my occasional and delightful cigar. They are two very different worlds.
So the other night at Anvil, when we unexpectedly ran into some dear friends- after having many delightful drinks we decided to make an event of the evening and enjoy some cigars outside. We had some on us just in case, it felt like a night of celebrating which is why we went to Anvil in the first place.
I have been enjoying the Habano Nub cigars lately- very impressive, they pull like a full cigar for their size and are very tasty. Beautiful construction.
It seems whenever I find out that a friend of ours enjoys cigars, the bonds become tighter and the stories that unfold are so wonderful. It is always a very happy and relaxing experience that leaves room for new ones to come.
Just thought I would share another glimpse into the other evening with you, I feel you are all so close to me it is only right that I include you in these moments, too.
I have some new cigars waiting for an occasion to come up, and will let you know what they are and how they taste as the time comes. They will have their moment. In the mean time, I have some fabulous fashion posts coming up that you will love- see you tomorrow!
