Santa Barbara, CA was the destination for this video, and with help from Horchow.com, you, too, can create a California -- or South of France, or Nantucket, or...any sunny outdoor setting, wherever you live. All you need is a clear weather forecast, and you're off to the races. 

Check out this video for all the latest on:

- the most stylish table-settings that won't break outdoors

(hint: make it melamine!)

- simple centerpiece solutions

(hint: hit the pantry!)

- the best ways to serve a party crowd

(hint: try a beverage server!)

- how to build an outdoor living room

(hint: use fabulous outdoor rugs, like this one!)

...and much more!

As I say in the video: just tell your living room: "See you in September!"

I recently learned about a new initiative to empower women from - wait for it - WALMART. Yes, that's right: the mega-store is doing good, and giving us the opportunity to do good, too, by offering unique and interesting products created by small women-owned businesses from around the world.  In their words, "With each purchase, consumers lift and empower the women behind these products to create new jobs and improve both their own lives and the lives of their families and communities." 

This is a program not unlike the "scarves of pride" I featured in my VGL episode about "Missions in Action."
 

The neat thing about the Walmart deal is: the product array is VERY good-looking, in so many ways. The above pictured  bracelets ($12.00) and a cute tiered convertible tie-dyed dress ($20.00) for example, both include a tag that is hand-signed by the artisan, who is from Rwanda and part of the Full Circle Exchange program:

And there will be 200 total items avaiable over time  - but you can check out the first batch now (and learn more about the program) at Walmart.

And while you're at it, you can shop for good at some other fantastic places: GOOD SHOP (a company created by GOODSEARCH, which allows you to donate $ to a non-profit every time you web search a topic) and iGive.com - for two places.

Know any other great charity shopping portals or other ways to give while getting? Post a comment here, on Facebook, or on the VGL2U page, so others can shop for good as well.

And THAT will be VERY good-looking.

And not a moment too soon! Here's the deal: use code RUGSHIPS to get 20% off of rugs and FREE SHIPPING.

Here are my picks for the most VGL to me. Why? Because changing your rug is a great way to subtlely transform any room.

Calvin Klein Home "Lunar" Rug

I love to have a small cozy rug next to my bed and my guestroom bed, so that it's the first thing you step on every day. This chic Calvin Klein rug comes in a perfect 3' 6" x 5' 6" size and looks perfectly comfy.

"Leanne" Ikat Rug

Guess what? This is an OUTDOOR RUG. But I'd put in indoors as well. Love it.

"WIndcrest" Rug

This elegant pattern and subtle background color will bring any living room together.

"Octagonal Maze" Flatweave Rug

Spring cleaning! I just might have to think pink in my house and start with this rug. So cute!

Be red (or any color) carpet ready at today's Horchow Rug event, folks. And THAT will be VERY good-looking!

My idea of Heaven is a pictured above (a cheese platter with all the fixins, a bottle of Rosé, and - not pictured - my man, home with me watching great movies.) Unfortunately, Heaven needs to be a rare indulgece, should I want to maintain my girly figure, and so I must swear off cheese and cheese platters for a while. But as a last hurrah, I prepared one last cheese platter to end them all, for my Oscar viewing group last night.

STEP ONE: FIND A SPECIALTY CHEESE SHOP (or counter. or website.)

Even if you are an expert cheese eater and know about creating a platter with a few different tastes and consistencies, it always helps to go into a store or counter to sample things and see how they taste together.

Ideal Cheese Shop, which was called the "World's Best Cheese Shop" by Forbes Magazine, is my go-to cheese shop, too. Although it happens to be on First Avenue in NYC, and is right around the corner for me when I'm in New York, it also has an extensive online store and blog, so even when I'm cheese plattering in L.A., I try to plan in advance and order online. It can be your go-to, too!

STEP TWO: Ask an expert & sample the merchandise.

Over the weekend, I happened into the store during an afternoon lull and was able to get Miguel's full attention. Lucky me! He was able to steer me toward a cheese I had never tasted before (see below) and helped me craft my platter. Without his help, I might have erred on the side of goat, or mild, or white (in color), and my platter would not have had the depth of taste necessary to be TRULY Oscar-worthy!

STEP THREE: Leave the cheese out.

It may sound unhealthy, unsanitary, or even counter-intuitive, but: take your cheese out of the refrigerator at least 6 hours before you plan to eat it. I swear, it's like wine: the cheese will taste better, more flavorfull, and completely different once it's had a chance to "breathe." This creamy Rustique is a Camembert that comes in such a cute container, you won't mind having it out on your counter, or already placed on the platter, for hours before it melts in your mouth.

STEP FOUR: Build the platter around the chosen cheese(s).

I love all the "fixins" that go along with a cheese platter (and my waistline shows it!) -- and it's the best way to get creative and be artistic witrh the layout of your cheese platter.

I always include one type of each of the following:

- a savory or sweet nut (VGL: Marcona almonds, candied pecans, and spicy pistachios)

- a dried fruit, sprinkled about (VGL: anything but raisins-- dried cranberries, apricots, or currants)

- a sweet accompaniment (VGL: truffle honey, membrillo paste, or fig cake)

- a cured meat, sliced thinly in bitesized portions (VGL: Jamon Serrano, Prosciutto, Sweet or Spicy Salumi)

- a fresh fruit, sliced (VGL: pear, apple, or apricot)

- an array of crackers of different shoes and tastes (VGL: Carr's Whole Wheat wafers, Olive Oil Crackers, or Stoned Wheat Thins)

...And I like to make the platter it's displayed upon a point of interest as well -- like this tiered Petrified Wood server from -- guess where! -- Horchow.com!

And THAT is VERY good-looking.

Say Cheese! And Cheers!

In conjunction with my work as the Lifestyle Director for Horchow, I worked on this video, which uses the beautiful wall art that we feature in the catalog and that you can shop for in my boutique on the website (did you know that Horchow sells art??) to relieve your stress and anguish about what to put on the walls in your home. In fact, creating a gallery wall is just about the best antidote to design stress I can think of, because there are no rules. It's the ultimate in personalization of your space, which is something we pride ourselves on helping you to do at Horchow.

And, hey - it's not called a "GALLERY" wall for nothin'. Cuz guess what? That makes YOU an instant CURATOR. Not too shabby!

Watch the video for tips on how to mix:

- color

- texture

- media

- layout

...to easily transform your space from one season or mood to the next.

Cheers!

P.S. You may recall another VGL video called "How to create a Salon Style Wall at Home" -- check it out for even MORE fab tips on this great trend in transformation of your home space.

In conjunction with my work as the Lifestyle Director for Horchow, I worked on this video, which breaks down your bedroom into three different looks for three different personality types AND lets you in on some secrets to making your bed look just as fab as they do in the Horchow spreads.

Watch the video to get tips like:

- The best headboard for style and comfort

- How to do the perfect Horchow duvet fold

- Where to place your sleeping pillows - and why!

Then take a look at my boutique on Horchow.com, with the BEST bedroom finds on the site.

Cheers!

In my new post as Lifestyle Director for Horchow, I've been on a quest to (re)introduce the brand my father launched 40 years ago to a new generation of very good-looking customers, like you. Although the company has morphed and changed since the early days, so that now we focus solely on high-quality home, entertaining, and gift items, our mission remains the same: to deliver to you beautiful, special additions to your life, that we hand-pick for you from artisans from around the world, so that you can curate your surroundings in a meaningful way.

Look out for more videos like this one with tips and tricks for your life, featuring the gorgeous offerings at Horchow!

Cheers!

THE SUN'LL COME OUT, TOMORROW! That's right! We open on Broadway tomorrow, November 8. Thought I would re-post this interview, with excitement for her debt as ANNIE! 

What a thrill it was to hang out with such an amazing talent, Lilla. Mark my word, people. She is going to be an enormous star!

Here I am with TWO "Annies" - Lilla and my sweet Annie-dog (yep, named after the orphan!)

I was in NYC this week for two utterly thrilling days of ANNIE-related work. First, there was the official "Meet & Greet," where everyone involved with the production - we producers, designers, musicians, marketing folks,  etc. - got to meet with the actors and James Lapine, our director, in the rehearsal studios in Times Square. It was like a real-life "Smash" episode! Rehearsals had just begun earlier in the week, so all of the little girls were abuzz with learning the choreography to "Hard Knock Life."

I had a great time meeting everyone, but one of the highlghts was meeting SUNNY, who will play "Sandy":

Another highlight, which will go down as a personal all-time-great moment, was sitting with the other producers, including my dad (who first took me to see ANNIE on Broadway when I was 7 years old) - and listening to the creators of the original ANNIE, Thomas Meehan (book), Martin Charnin (lyrics), and Charles Strouse (music) tell stories about how ANNIE came about. It turns out that Martin Charnin came up with the idea after buying a used comic book of "Little Orphan Annie" as a gift for a friend. Once he secured the rights to the comic book, he met with his friends Meehan and Strouse, separately (he wouldn't tell either on the phone about the concept - he felt THAT confident and excited about its potential!), and when both of them responded less than favorably to the idea of working on a show based on a comic strip about a girl orphan, he told each of them that the other had already committed to the project. That bamboozle move got the musical made!

I also got a gander at the ANNIE poster on the marquee of our theater in Times Square, which really made me realize that it is happening! 

Leapin' lizards!

Happy holiday weekend, and in Columbus' adventuresome honor, I offer you this selection of ways to GO...on a getaway of the romantic variety.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with planning a beach-, city-, or stay-cation with girlfriends, family, or solo. You simply cannot go wrong with the Rosewood Tuckers Point. the Carlyle in New York, or your favorite hometown hotel (mine's the sexy sexy Chateau Marmont in L.A.!) Or YOUR OWN BED-- just as long as you get the kids on a sleepover or change your room spray and order takeout or whatever it is that will make the STAY feel like AWAY.

Because romance + travel = very good-looking.

...Not that I haven't worn an ANNIE costume before, of course.

(Sally Horchow, circa 1980)

It's just that this year, starting tonight at the very first public preview performance of ANNIE, I have become a Broadway producer, fulfilling my life-long dream that somehow, someday, I'd be associated with this show and see my name on the Great White Way.

And so, there's just no way I won't be ANNIE for Halloween this year. And thanks to BuyCostumes.com and SpiritHalloween.com, there's a version for ANNIES of all ages!

...and Daddy Warbucks, too!

If the artsianal mayonnaise store had opened in, say, Kansas, I might have said: "Awesome! Those folks are making good new use of all those eggs and grains." But alas, Prospect Heights isn't Kansas anymore. This just explains the pretentious rep of Brooklyn, if you ask me. I mean, there's the obvious: "children are starving" argument. Blocks away! And then, there's just the basic: "THIS is where you're expending your energy??! You are obviously creative people! Coudn't you have come up with something more...I don't know...helpful to the world??" Or how about the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" Hellman's argument?

But listen: They named their Mayo - which comes in delicious-sounding "flavor profiles" (c'mon, I watch "Top Chef" as much as the next girl), like: White Truffle, White Cheddar, and Lime Pickle (?!) - EMPIRE MAYONNAISE - so, maybe - just maybe - they aren't taking themselves as seriously as it seems.

Unless, of course, they plan to take over the world one mayonniase flavor at a time.

I admit: I am a total mayo fan, and normally, I would be intrigued by such a concept, and even take a field trip somewhere (like, say, Kansas!) to check it out. But in Brooklyn, it's just so very...expected. In an SNL sketch kind of way.

But I will instead pass the passing of judgement onto YOU, my fair audience: what do YOU think? Is an ALL-MAYONNAISE ALL THE TIME STORE VGL or NVGL? Please weigh in.

Because that will be very good-looking.

image courtesy NYDaily News

==========

P.S. I am not the only one who thought this might be semi-ridiculous:

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/09/sam_mason_is_op.php

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/2012/05/rip-brooklyn-1634-2012

http://www.refinery29.com/mayo-store-brooklyn

http://brokelyn.com/ok-so-now-theres-a-artisanal-mayonnaise-shop-in-brooklyn/

I'm pretty sure that Ouchies are an irresistable alternative for kids of all ages -- with a bunch of different themes to choose from, including a "Make-ur-own" version, which comes with markers so you can customize your bandages, and what is certain to be a HUGE bestseller, the ANNIE Ouchies (watch this space!) -- they help you magically forget the cause of the "ouchie" in the first place, and focus on fun. What's better than that? (I'd bet you $100 that if that screaming kid sitting next to me on the plane had an Ouchie for his boo-boo, it would have been a much smoother ride for all of us!)

They've even named their movement: PEOPLE AGAINST BORING BANDAGES (P.A.B.B.) Get on this band(age)wagon, people! It's not going away!

To wit, check out the directions on the tin:

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Use bandages to cover real, or imaginary cuts, scrapes, or boo-boos. If you're not pretending, wash cut thoroughly and plave Ouchie over affected area. If you simply want to make a fashion statement, but still desire sympathy for being wounded, make a convinving yelp, grab an area that is "hurt," and cover area with Ouchie as quickly as possible. Whether your wound is real, or make-believe, you will look darn cool covering it.

Ouchies come in a tin and are latex-free. They're a mere $5 a pop, and can be found online or at a store near you. And no, I'm not intimidated by the fact that those stores are mostly kid-oriented, because Ouchies are clearly meant for anyone looking for more out of her bandage, her boo-boo, or her life!

My favorite thing about my sister Regen's food discoveries is the VGL way in which she encounters them, becomes obsessed, researches them, seeks them out, and then spreads the word about them. It's that joy of being a maven that enhances her life (and thusly, ours.) I'm telling you: there's nothing more fun than discovering something new and nothing more satisfying than seeing friends enjoy it, too. Try it - and then do the sharing part right here at VGL2U. Specialty food -- or something else. Hell, if you want to tell us about the latest addition to your stamp collection, I bet it will be really interesting to the rest of us. Why? Because of your enthusiasm. It's infectious!

Here are links to the terrific foods Regen shared with us in the episode. And don't miss this great deal on Missy's Minis - 15% off until the end of October!

Missy's Minis - Brownies/Cookies/Cupcakes

Savoy Sorbet

Little Lad's Popcorn

Nutty's Old Fashioned Peanut Butter

Stacked Wines

Three Olives - Cake Flavored Vodka

What is WITH people and the chips on their shoulders? If I spent my life tabulating all the different times i helped a friend, or went out of my way to do something nice, I would obviously be doing so in hopes of gaining something back in return -- and the whole idea of that feels exhausting to me! What a way to live your life?! I get so much pleasure out of my friendships, and the exchange therein, and I try to express my gratitude as much as humanly possible. To do anything in friendship in order to effect some outcome or receive something in return is downright wrong, in my opinion.

There, I said it.

So go out there and do something nice for someone who deserves it. And then enjoy their enjoyment. And then do it again. And enjoy it times two. I guarantee that karma will return your good deed -- but only if you don't expect or wait for it to.

And only if you DON'T KEEP SCORE.

Do you have trouble "keeping score" - on yourself or others - in friendship? Tell us about it at VGL2U. Let's discuss!

And it shows. How did I manage to gain seven pounds? With hard work, I tell you. 

DRINKING HIGHLIGHTS:

In the drinking game, there was some varsity playing.

The Aperol Spritz maintained its position as my go-to dressing drink/aperitif, but it took strong not to jump on the Dark n' Stormies band-wagon. (They are so delicious, but soooo filling, too.) Did you know that Gosling's makes Diet Ginger Beer? Of course, taste tests revealed that the very best Ginger Beer for a Dark n' Stormy is Barritt's. 

I also learned to love a martini (and believe wholeheartedly in the saying: "Martinis are like breasts: one is one too few, while three is one too many.")

Of course, I'll always have Rosé.

But top beverage I had - ok, and created! - was the Cake Vodka & Limoncello concoction, entitled the LimonCaketail (tm)(c)(patent pending).

EATING HIGHLIGHTS:

When the “No Time to Eat” Diet of the spring gave way to the “Eat, Drink, & Be Merry (for tomorrow, you’ll work it off at the gym” Diet of summer, I focused my attention on enjoying Nantucket’s fruits of summer: seafood (not missing the Tuna Burger at Lola41 or the Wok-Fried Lobster at The Pearl), Juice Bar Ice Cream, and – my favorite – cocktail party hors d’oeuvres, like the bluefish paté and the gorgeous bite-sized crab cakes pictured above, which are best eaten with your feet fully or partially buried in the sand.

Happy Summah!

A godsend discovery from my big sis Regen when I was recently going through a tough time, alcohol with cake flave seems to be the perfect poison: it's not as caloric as eating real cake, and it gives you a delicious buzz (pun intended.) What could be better?

Here's what: Cake Vodka mixed with homemade Limoncello. My brother-in-law, an excellent amateur chef and lover of all things Italian crafted his own from a recipe he adapted from the Sfoglia cookbook, which he shares below. Mix two parts cake vodka and one part limoncello, pour over ice, and you've got yourself what I like to call a LIMONCOCKTAIL(TM). And a party!

Happy summer sipping!

DAN'S LIMONCELLO RECIPE

mix zest of 5 organic lemons with 2 cups of 100 proof vodka (or pure grain alchohol, which i haven't tried) in a jar with lid.  let that sit in a  cabinet for 7-10 days.  shake the jar every day or so.

make a simple syrup.  (the recipe calls for 2 cups sugar to one cup water, but i prefer 1:1 ratio and it seems to taste the same and you get by with less sugar.)  mix one cup sugar with one cup water in saucepan over medium high heat.  after the mixture turns clear from cloudy, leave on heat for an additional three minutes.  take off heat, let the syrup cool, and then mix with the zest/vodka mixture.  let that mixture sit in a cabinet for 30 days.  shake the jar occasionally.

use a strainer (with cheesecloth if inclined) to strain out the zest.  store in the freezer for up to a few months. share with friends!

Thank GOD for Tracy. Please know that nothing in this video was fabricated or acted: that was REAL CLUTTER on my REAL DESK. It was disgusting. There were tears. But - again - because of Tracy, I was able to attack it all and stay on top of it, and this is my desk today (2 weeks later!):

Tracy's Top Ten De-Clutter Tricks To Tackle in Under 5 Minutes

1. Clean out your wallet.
2. Go through the menu drawer and toss menus of places that have closed.
3. Put 5 articles of clothing from your closet in a bag for donation.
4. Recycle a stack of old magazines.
5. Put 2 pairs of shoes that are uncomfortable to wear into the donation bag.
6. Pull 5 books you're never going to read again and put in donation bag.
7. Shred that day's unwanted mail.
8. Gather up all dead batteries to take to battery recycling place.
9. Go through your t-shirt drawer and get rid of 5 old tshirt.
10. Put donation bag in your car!

- Tracy McCubbin, www.dClutterfly.com

...and don't miss this VGL Deal: 10% off Tracy's services through Sept. 30!

Who wouldn't want hair that looks like this?

Or this?

I can't promise that your face or body will look like Kate or Gisele after you try the "beachy wave" blowout, but I swear your hair will at least be Biarritz Beachy and ready to go!

The above pics are courtesy InStyle.com, where their tips are similar to Brittany's, except that instead of a pomade, they suggest a "shine serum." In this month's printed InStyle, they suggest a two-part (night before/day after) process:

1. PREP HAIR - If you're starting with dry hair, spritz strands with beach spray and tosle with fingers. Washing hair first? Skip conditioner after shampoo. Then towel dry and add moussewith a wide-tooth comb. Create a series of mini buns around your head by twisting then spiraling small sections and securing them with elastics. Wrap hair in a silk scarf & go to sleep. [I love that they tell you to go to sleep -- what if I want to stay up for a late-night cocktail with my hair in mini-buns?? Will I still get the beachy wave right??! - sh]

2. BRING ON THE WAVES - Remove the elastics and shake out har. To enhance the texture, add some beach spray and scrunch. Set blow-dryer heat to low or medium, place diffuser near rootsm and begin moving in circular motion. (If you have fine hair, flip your head over and dry upside down.) to dry the ends, hold hair up to the diffuser. Finish with a blast of cold air to bring out shine.

---

How do you get your beachy waves hairstyle? Does it happen for you naturally at the beach? Post your comments to VGL2U to give us all some more tips!

I think my most dreaded summer reading list occurred somewhere between 6th and 8th grade: My Antonia, Shane, and Johnny Tremain were low-lights. I still thank GOD most days for not having papers due or exams to take (even though I chose a writing deadline-infused career for a long time!) -- and I am equally grateful not to be forcefed books I have no interest in. And I'm not afraid to walk away halfway through, if I'm not liking it, either. It's not like being in a live theater, where your empty seat's going to be noticed by the hard-working actor on the stage. (And sometimes - if it's really bad - I won't care about that either. I guess I'm a bad person. Oh well.)

With big ups to the folks who contributed some of the book suggestions via our Facebook page in the video, here's a list of those mentioned, and some others, too!

VGL SUMMER READING LIST:

THE ART OF FIELDING by Chad Habach

THE SISTERS BROTHERS by Patrick deWitt - ("For my two cents: if you like Cormac McCarthy and you like the Cohen Brothers, you'll really like this book." - Josh Bingham)

ABUNDANCE: THE FUTURE IS BETTER THAN YOU THINK by Peter H. Diamandis & Steven Kotler (For a dose of practical optimism, I suggest "Abundance - the Future is Better Than You Think" by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler. Peter spoke at TED this year. It's an NYT and Amazon bestseller, very inspiring and very timely. Learn more at http://www.abundancethebook.com/ or watch his TED talk here: http://vimeo.com/37776017. - Stacey Moore)

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA by Gabriel García Márquez

TALKING HEADS' 'FEAR OF MUSIC' (33 1/3) by Jonathan Lethem

TENDER IS THE NIGHT by F. Scott Fitzgerald - ("It's not summer at the beach without a well-worn copy of Tender Is the Night—and a lot of rosé. And gin." - Heather John Fogarty)

THE GREAT GATSBY - by F. Scott Fitzgerald ("Re-read The Great Gatsby before the new Leo Dicaprio BY movie version cones out." - Kathleen Waters Bunshoft)