Hello from Honduras, my beautiful friends!  Imagine you are sitting outside under a tunnel of trees with the sunlight gently shining through the leaves and you feel the warmth of the sun. You are listening to birds chirping while you enjoy a Ponche De Pina (a Honduran, hot pineapple punch) and then you slowly fall into a state of bliss as you breathe in the fresh air and appreciate nature’s surroundings.  If you are looking for a place filled with peace and tranquility, book a trip to Hacienda San Lucas.

Hacienda San Lucas, a gorgeous, century-old property owned by Flavia Cueva, is nestled near the Maya ruins of Copan in Western Honduras on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The hacienda was lovingly restored by the Cueva family to its original design using only local materials, techniques and labor making it an unparalleled eco-lodge.

There are many activities the property has to offer ranging from hiking and horse back riding to bird watching and enjoying a cup of organic San Rafael Coffee Finca.  The property itself also has an authentic country open kitchen for its guests to enjoy during their stay.

For me, I would love to travel to Hacienda San Lucas for my appreciation of pure nature. Hacienda San Lucas once faced environmental threats such as erosion and deforestation leading to many animals losing their homes and even worse, their lives!  The Cueva family has planted nearly 4,600 trees to protect the Maya ruins of Copan and are protecting the environment the best they can by providing walking trails on the property instead of allowing automobiles. Hacienda San Lucas is a serene hot spot for ecotourism this year.

Embrace the inner eco-tourist in you today!

We want to kick off 2010, Green With Glamour’s year of giveaways, with a serious bang!  So, hello adorable, hemp and vegan-chic bags from Eco Tools… designed by none other than accomplished actress, animal rights activist and all-around-darling, Alicia Silverstone.

After Living GWG’s very own beauty editor, Sara Jones-Rust, gave the bags her seal of approval… we thought to ourselves, “you know who would really enjoy these gorgeous bags?  Our readers, clients, colleagues, um… everyone!”  And here we are.

What exactly we’re giving away:

1 Eco Tools “Overnight” bag along with a matching “Cosmetic” bag – both designed by Alicia Silverstone, given as a set.  The Overnight (11″ x 9″ x 3.3″) is perfect for traveling.  It’s roomy and chic while it’s multiple inside compartments make it easy to stay organized at the same time.  The Cosmetic bag (8.5″ x 5″ x 2.5″) is the go to bag for your everyday makeup needs.  Throw it in your handbag, on your vanity, in your car… and you’ll always have your beauty necessities at the ready!

The Overnight Bag

The Cosmetic Bag

Both bags are made of a gorgeous hemp print (non-toxic inks), lined with recycled plastic and finished with a “tree free” hang tag featuring the lovely Alicia.

How (easy is it) to win? Leave a comment on this post and you’re automatically entered.  Winner will be chosen at random and notified in the 1st week of next month.  GWG provides all shipping and handling costs. YAY!

We have A LOT lined up for this coming year, but here are the top 3 exciting goodies you can anticipate from Green With Glamour in 2010:

1. The GWG product line

I, personally, am crazy-excited about the upcoming Green With Glamour line of fashion, travel and home essentials!  It’s a perfectly sized, 9 piece line of super-chic, signature pieces to wear, take with you and live amongst.  The idea started as a shortlist of items I’d prefer not to live without and has blossomed into a collection of gorgeous goodies that I think everyone will enjoy.  Unfortunately, I can’t give away too much at this point… but let’s just say it involves caftans, backgammon and animal inspirations (of course)!

2. Living GWG giveaways

Why not, right?  I think this once-horrid-and-now-getting-somewhat-better economy has softened us all a bit to the point where “free stuff” doesn’t have to be taboo.  Sometimes “gratis” can be gracious… so we’ve put into motion monthly GWG giveaways – and we’re only giving away pieces you’ll actually want.  No junk.  From life (and hair) changing bamboo hairbrushes and yummy soy candles to gorgeous jewelry pieces and fashion-forward accessories… First up – EcoTools Makeup Bags designed by Alicia Silverstone (stay tuned)!

3. And maybe… just maybe a tv series about GWG!

I don’t like to count chickens before they hatch (I actually don’t think I’d like to count chickens at all), but there has been a bit of a buzz around a reality show (I know, but don’t hate) revolving around us kooks that run/work with/live for Green With Glamour. The highs, the lows, the everyday madness that is our lives. Again, I can’t currently give away too much, but cross your fingers for us… and we’ll give you tv gold!

Happy New Year Everyone… may this be the best year yet!

I had my beloved cat, Dakis, flown down to me while I was living in Miami years ago – and it was a traumatic experience for both of us.  She had already landed when I arrived at the airport and I could hear her whaling the second I walked through the airport doors.  They’d put her in cargo – she was cold and terrified.  Needless to say… I’ll never do that again.

Well, animal rights activist & Green With Glamour friend, Jorja Fox, just turned me on to Pet Airways – a comfortable, caring way to transport your pets via air.

Here’s their credo:

We promise to transport your pet with lots of love, care, safety, and comfort in the main cabin.

Pet Airways is the first airline exclusively dedicated to pets – no humans please – and we take the job of providing a comfortable experience for pets very seriously.

We’ll do everything in our power to make sure your pets get the best care during their journey because we’re committed to taking care of our pet “pawsengers” as if they were our own.

“Pawsengers”… I mean, C’mon!  How cute is that?!?

This is a 2nd hand post (seems apropos in a recycler’s world).  My husband arrived back in LA today… which is remarkable in itself because he’s a producer on a pretty big reality tv show that shoots each show in a different town – and he’s home about 10 days a month.  Anyway, I woke at 7:30 am this morning to find a lengthy & hilarious text from him.  He was on a lay-over in Minneapolis – and some of his colleagues told him he’d be insane to pass up breakfast at French Meadow Bakery.  Apparently, the food is pure genius!  It’s certified organic, non-GMO and much of it’s gluten-free.

He said his meal was incredible (which I can’t even compute… because to me U.S. airports = Chili’s at best), but the hilarious part comes with the libations.  I must now add a disclaimer… if you don’t know TV people – here’s a quick run down.  They work 16-18 hour days without batting an eye (and that may easily be for 10-14 consecutive days with no time off).  They are on their feet 14-16 hours each work day.  Screaming, tantrums and door-slamming are often used as communication – & that’s behind the camera. (Can you tell I used to work in TV – and don’t miss it one bit?)  Anyway, my husband’s show is actually a feel-good, totally legit, life-changing series, and still all of the above are accurate.  So, please keep in mind that the occasional 8 am martini seems passable for a wonderful bunch that works so hard – they honestly don’t know what day of the week it is.

By 10 am, my husband was 4 serious drinks into his travel day.  And here’s what came of it:

Rain Org Vodka    UK5 Org Vodka    Juniper Green Org Gin    & a magical Bloody Mary

Rain Vodka is not a revelation, but it is note-worthy.  It’s smooth & inexpensive… 2 of the best attributes a vodka can have.  UK 5 is new to me, so I look forward to giving you a full review.  And um… Organic Gin?  SO excited!  Why don’t more bars stock this?  Finally, the magical Bloody Mary.  My husband makes INCREDIBLE Bloody Marys… so when he thinks he’s been outdone, he’s get competitive.  French Meadow’s secret: Tomato juice, obviously – horseradish, definitely – Tabasco, sure – lime juice, yes – black pepper, why not?  So, what’s the secret?  Wait for it… fresh, finely chopped Cilantro!  I asked if this made it “salsa-y”.  The answer, “No way!”

LSS… 1.  French Meadow Bakery, please open in every airport – we need you!  2.  Minneapolis, I underestimated you.  Forgive me.  3.  Thanks to you both for taking care of a somewhat rag-tag team of TV folk who very much needed & deserved what you had to offer them.

This is a 2nd hand post (seems apropos in a recycler’s world).  My husband arrived back in LA today… which is remarkable in itself because he’s a producer on a pretty big reality tv show that shoots each show in a different town – and he’s home about 10 days a month.  Anyway, I woke at 7:30 am this morning to find a lengthy & hilarious text from him.  He was on a lay-over in Minneapolis – and some of his colleagues told him he’d be insane to pass up breakfast at French Meadow Bakery.  Apparently, the food is pure genius!  It’s certified organic, non-GMO and much of it’s gluten-free.

He said his meal was incredible (which I can’t even compute… because to me U.S. airports = Chili’s at best), but the hilarious part comes with the libations.  I must now add a disclaimer… if you don’t know TV people – here’s a quick run down.  They work 16-18 hour days without batting an eye (and that may easily be for 10-14 consecutive days with no time off).  They are on their feet 14-16 hours each work day.  Screaming, tantrums and door-slamming are often used as communication – & that’s behind the camera. (Can you tell I used to work in TV – and don’t miss it one bit?)  Anyway, my husband’s show is actually a feel-good, totally legit, life-changing series, and still all of the above are accurate.  So, please keep in mind that the occasional 8 am martini seems passable for a wonderful bunch that works so hard – they honestly don’t know what day of the week it is.

By 10 am, my husband was 4 serious drinks into his travel day.  And here’s what came of it:

Rain Org Vodka    UK5 Org Vodka    Juniper Green Org Gin    & a magical Bloody Mary

Rain Vodka is not a revelation, but it is note-worthy.  It’s smooth & inexpensive… 2 of the best attributes a vodka can have.  UK 5 is new to me, so I look forward to giving you a full review.  And um… Organic Gin?  SO excited!  Why don’t more bars stock this?  Finally, the magical Bloody Mary.  My husband makes INCREDIBLE Bloody Marys… so when he thinks he’s been outdone, he’s get competitive.  French Meadow’s secret: Tomato juice, obviously – horseradish, definitely – Tabasco, sure – lime juice, yes – black pepper, why not?  So, what’s the secret?  Wait for it… fresh, finely chopped Cilantro!  I asked if this made it “salsa-y”.  The answer, “No way!”

LSS… 1.  French Meadow Bakery, please open in every airport – we need you!  2.  Minneapolis, I underestimated you.  Forgive me.  3.  Thanks to you both for taking care of a somewhat rag-tag team of TV folk who very much needed & deserved what you had to offer them.

I was walking through REI yesterday when I spied these… how incredibly cool, right?  And I typically don’t care for many things stainless steel, but stemmed drinkware – C’mon!  Perfect for evenings at the Hollywood Bowl or Ravinia – or even just to “class up” your camping gear, this stainless steel drinkware will last you an eternity (and you can ditch the toxic, nasty plastic pieces) and looks oh-so-chic!  Available in Martini, Wine and Margarita form.  Is it wrong that I want a Champagne version as well?

Priced at $9-$10 per stem AND will last you a lifetime!

It has been a couple of weeks since I’ve enjoyed the following meals, but the delicious memory lingers and I have to gush…

I had heard great things about Herbivore in S.F., but honestly, out of 5 plates ordered – only the vegan ceviche was particularly good.  Perhaps we ordered poorly, but still… Moving on.  Dosa, oh my god, DOSA!  The Fillmore location has a sexy ambiance and more vegan Indian options than you think are possible.  The place was packed, the service was knowledgable & attentive and the food was divine!  There’s a full bar, so we could enjoy our pre-meal martinis and a wonderful wine list to compliment the food.  Between the 3 of us, I believe we ordered about 7 plates, but I specifically remember the Chana Bhuttara, the Spring Dosa, the carmelized onion Uttapam as being incredible.

Several nights later, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we had a hugely disappointing meal at a deceiving and not-nearly-as-charming-as-it-looks restie called Portobella (It’s a must miss!), but had our spirits lifted when we arrived at Clint Eastwood’s historic saloon (rustic restaurant) at the Mission ranch.  Not only was the atmosphere old-timey, informal, and sublime, but the drinks were strong and there was an honest to god piano sing-a-long.  It was fascinating & fantastic all rolled into one.

Winding our way down the coast the next day, we made a much anticipated stop at one of our favorite places on this earth, The Post Ranch Inn.   There, at our table hanging on a cliffside, I lingered over a savory squash soup (vegan, of course), a wild mushrom & hoisin pizza (sans cheese) and sipped Casa Noble organic tequila with some fresh lime. Seriously…c’est incroiable!  Post Ranch Inn is definitely one of those places you want to go to before… well, you know.

Scene from PRI… that’s the restaurant, Sierra Mar, on the left.

It has been a couple of weeks since I’ve enjoyed the following meals, but the delicious memory lingers and I have to gush…

I had heard great things about Herbivore in S.F., but honestly, out of 5 plates ordered – only the vegan ceviche was particularly good.  Perhaps we ordered poorly, but still… Moving on.  Dosa, oh my god, DOSA!  The Fillmore location has a sexy ambiance and more vegan Indian options than you think are possible.  The place was packed, the service was knowledgable & attentive and the food was divine!  There’s a full bar, so we could enjoy our pre-meal martinis and a wonderful wine list to compliment the food.  Between the 3 of us, I believe we ordered about 7 plates, but I specifically remember the Chana Bhuttara, the Spring Dosa, the carmelized onion Uttapam as being incredible.

Several nights later, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we had a hugely disappointing meal at a deceiving and not-nearly-as-charming-as-it-looks restie called Portobella (It’s a must miss!), but had our spirits lifted when we arrived at Clint Eastwood’s historic saloon (rustic restaurant) at the Mission ranch.  Not only was the atmosphere old-timey, informal, and sublime, but the drinks were strong and there was an honest to god piano sing-a-long.  It was fascinating & fantastic all rolled into one.

Winding our way down the coast the next day, we made a much anticipated stop at one of our favorite places on this earth, The Post Ranch Inn.   There, at our table hanging on a cliffside, I lingered over a savory squash soup (vegan, of course), a wild mushrom & hoisin pizza (sans cheese) and sipped Casa Noble organic tequila with some fresh lime. Seriously…c’est incroiable!  Post Ranch Inn is definitely one of those places you want to go to before… well, you know.

Scene from PRI… that’s the restaurant, Sierra Mar, on the left.

San Francisco is a shockingly beautiful city… seriously, I was shocked.  I’m a fairly active traveler – and though SF is a short jaunt from LA , I had never actually heard much good about it, so I was never inspired to go (and I had always pictured it as dreary weather hovering around grotesquely painted Victorian townhomes).  My loss, I guess… though I do believe everything happens at a purposeful time and place (and I’m already planning my 2nd visit).

Our stay was short (2 days, part of a 10 day birthday holiday for my mother that took us up to the rustic, tucked away Shelter Cove down to sea lion-ladden shores and super-luxe hills of San Simeon), but suffice it to say… San Francisco has my number.  Dining, Drinking & Lodging is a whole other story, but here we focus on shopping!

As every big city typically does, San Francisco has a decent representation of the upscale boutiques – Hermes, Chanel, Loro Piana, etc. in the Union Square area, but now that I no longer buy new silk or leather… I have little use for these stores and instead look for vintage & 2nd hand pieces from these lines (the hunt is far more fun & rewarding).  Gump’s, however… GUMPS!

I had heard stories about Gumps – I’ve even ordered some of their catalog pieces, but Mon Dieu… the store is the real thing!  It’s like Bergdorf’s decor section times 10.  The perfect selection of vintage & antique tableware mixed with an incredibly edited  collection of new.  Go for yourself.  I can’t do it justice, but I will mention some of my favorite pieces…

Antique Meissen porcelain dishes for a lofty $1700 per table setting.  The Black Court Dragon pattern is pristine, stunning and as relevant today as it was at it’s production over 100 years ago.

Um… and the wind was nearly knocked out of my by Phillipe Starck’s remarkable “Fool” vase (I really shouldn’t be surprised, right?) for Baccarat.

And I do have a soft spot for those fantastic Finnish blown glass Toikka birds by Iittala.  My husband has given me a couple as gifts because he know my fondness for birds and my love of great design… well, Gumps had the biggest, most beautiful Toikkas I’ve seen!

And of course, their collection of John Derian trays was wistful & sublime!  Impossible to resist!

A lot of Gumps’ goodies aren’t available online… so do yourself a favor and GO!

Needless to say, shopping was non-existent in Shelter Cove unless the General Store counts and our days in Napa were spent in wineries and restaurants rather than boutiques… though the St. Helena Olive Oil Company was outstanding!  The ultimate place to stock upon organic, locally made oils, mustards, pasta sauces and vinegars.

 And then on to Carmel-by-the-Sea… one of my favorite little hamlets!  It’s a very quiet, very beautiful, very low key, VERY WASP-Y little town – which for me also makes it a FANTASTIC place to second-hand shop.  We hit up the ASPCA and Yellow Brick Road benefit shops… both teaming with old people and their donated wares.  These are the places I hunt for vintage costume jewelry pieces, books, tableware & crystal.  And though I was really impressed by the amount of current designer pieces (tons of Miu Miu shoes!) the local boutique, Girl Boy Girl, had donated to the ASPCA shop all I found (or had the patience to find) was the brilliant out-of-print book by one of my design heroes, David Hicks on Living – with Taste (I love that the phrasing almost makes it sound like a burden… but actually Mr. Hicks speaks to those interested in design & living well on just about any budget).

Seriously… click to enlarge & absorb.  This man had a gift!

 A bit disappointed, but remembering that I really don’t need a thing… I continued to shop.  On to, Consign Couture,  the high end 2nd hand store nestled right in the downtown area.  Scads of Gucci, Chanel, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana… shoes, suits and handbags – none at a particular bargain (they know what they have), but if ever I jonze for that perfect, basic black Chanel suit – I know where I’m going.  Long… very, very, VERY long story short – I found a crisp, white cotton, man-tailored, french-cuffed shirt by Ralph Lauren, paid the lady and bounced.

 POST BY DEANA

San Francisco is a shockingly beautiful city… seriously, I was shocked.  I’m a fairly active traveler – and though SF is a short jaunt from LA , I had never actually heard much good about it, so I was never inspired to go (and I had always pictured it as dreary weather hovering around grotesquely painted Victorian townhomes).  My loss, I guess… though I do believe everything happens at a purposeful time and place (and I’m already planning my 2nd visit).

Our stay was short (2 days, part of a 10 day birthday holiday for my mother that took us up to the rustic, tucked away Shelter Cove down to sea lion-ladden shores and super-luxe hills of San Simeon), but suffice it to say… San Francisco has my number.  Dining, Drinking & Lodging is a whole other story, but here we focus on shopping!

As every big city typically does, San Francisco has a decent representation of the upscale boutiques – Hermes, Chanel, Loro Piana, etc. in the Union Square area, but now that I no longer buy new silk or leather… I have little use for these stores and instead look for vintage & 2nd hand pieces from these lines (the hunt is far more fun & rewarding).  Gump’s, however… GUMPS!

I had heard stories about Gumps – I’ve even ordered some of their catalog pieces, but Mon Dieu… the store is the real thing!  It’s like Bergdorf’s decor section times 10.  The perfect selection of vintage & antique tableware mixed with an incredibly edited  collection of new.  Go for yourself.  I can’t do it justice, but I will mention some of my favorite pieces…

Antique Meissen porcelain dishes for a lofty $1700 per table setting.  The Black Court Dragon pattern is pristine, stunning and as relevant today as it was at it’s production over 100 years ago.

Um… and the wind was nearly knocked out of my by Phillipe Starck’s remarkable “Fool” vase (I really shouldn’t be surprised, right?) for Baccarat.

And I do have a soft spot for those fantastic Finnish blown glass Toikka birds by Iittala.  My husband has given me a couple as gifts because he know my fondness for birds and my love of great design… well, Gumps had the biggest, most beautiful Toikkas I’ve seen!

And of course, their collection of John Derian trays was wistful & sublime!  Impossible to resist!

A lot of Gumps’ goodies aren’t available online… so do yourself a favor and GO!

Needless to say, shopping was non-existent in Shelter Cove unless the General Store counts and our days in Napa were spent in wineries and restaurants rather than boutiques… though the St. Helena Olive Oil Company was outstanding!  The ultimate place to stock upon organic, locally made oils, mustards, pasta sauces and vinegars.

 And then on to Carmel-by-the-Sea… one of my favorite little hamlets!  It’s a very quiet, very beautiful, very low key, VERY WASP-Y little town – which for me also makes it a FANTASTIC place to second-hand shop.  We hit up the ASPCA and Yellow Brick Road benefit shops… both teaming with old people and their donated wares.  These are the places I hunt for vintage costume jewelry pieces, books, tableware & crystal.  And though I was really impressed by the amount of current designer pieces (tons of Miu Miu shoes!) the local boutique, Girl Boy Girl, had donated to the ASPCA shop all I found (or had the patience to find) was the brilliant out-of-print book by one of my design heroes, David Hicks on Living – with Taste (I love that the phrasing almost makes it sound like a burden… but actually Mr. Hicks speaks to those interested in design & living well on just about any budget).

Seriously… click to enlarge & absorb.  This man had a gift!

 A bit disappointed, but remembering that I really don’t need a thing… I continued to shop.  On to, Consign Couture,  the high end 2nd hand store nestled right in the downtown area.  Scads of Gucci, Chanel, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana… shoes, suits and handbags – none at a particular bargain (they know what they have), but if ever I jonze for that perfect, basic black Chanel suit – I know where I’m going.  Long… very, very, VERY long story short – I found a crisp, white cotton, man-tailored, french-cuffed shirt by Ralph Lauren, paid the lady and bounced.

 POST BY DEANA

I just took a little breather from L.A. and headed out to Tucson where my husband was shooting his show. He was loving it there, I’d never been, and our dear friend, Beth, lived there for years and still raves… so, that’s all it took. Not an awful drive – 7.5 hours – through some amazing desert vistas, but also past some terrifying government nuclear & armed forces territories… set your ipod to Calexico & Trilobite – you’ll be fine.

Once there – and getting over the vast amount of hippies, I settled into the city with surprising ease. I’m a city girl… a Northern city girl… a Northern, Midwestern city girl (Chicago), so the Southwest has always alluded me. Never quite got cowboy boots, suede fringe, chunky turquoise jewelry, older women wearing long braids – or any adult women for that matter, straw hats that aren’t dandy and big belt buckles that aren’t Hermes or Gucci. To me the desert is Palm Springs – white pants, gold Cadillacs & martinis @ 4pm., but after a couple of days in Tucson, I now have a finer appreciation for Southwest style.

On Beth’s recommendation I headed out to any thrift store I could find. Not being a purchaser of leather goods (though there were some amazing beaded Native American belts), I didn’t have much luck with clothing… I do kind of regret passing on a full length caftan made of vintage towels, but what can you do. And I’ve put a halt on buying any glassware (my ultimate weakness) as I believe I now have more sets of vintage drinkware than Martha Stewart. So my list of wants was short, but specific – a lamp for the living room & a tiny bedside table for the guest room. No luck with the table, but check the lamp… base $5, shade $13 (2 different stores) – look how chic!

And though I’ve reeled myself in from buying absolutely everything that is quirky or temporarily special, the happy accidents I did pick up were a guide to organic gardening from 1955, a couple of vintage interior design books (another obsession of mine), an insane-looking style guide from the 80s called Metamorphosis for my friend, John Burns (it gives step by step instructions on how to become a “flamboyant gamine”!!!), and Gossip Girl the novel – a house-warming gift for my dear Matthew.

So shopping was fun, but drinking & dining was A-MA-ZING! There was lunch at all vegan restie, Lovin’ Spoonfuls (ordered a ham salad melt, beer battered brats & blueberry cheesecake – YUM!), then martinis at the divine Arizona Inn – a gorgeous, old school hotel, built in 1930 and filled with chic, vintage charm & fantastic service – reminded me of a desert-driven Bel Air Hotel.

HOWEVER… the best spot in Tucson (also sent to by Beth) is the Hotel Congress! 1st… it’s the hotel where John Dillinger was staying when – after a nationwide FBI manhunt – he & his gang were captured by the local underdog “hicktown cops”. (I know well of Mr.Dillinger as one of my childhood homes was 2 blocks from the Biograph Theater in Chicago where Dillinger was later gunned down). 2nd, the evening ambiance is casual, but seductive and the crowd ranged from City Hall officials to hipsters to an actual cowboy wearing a duster & spurs – and the happy hour deals are unreal! We loved the Congress so much that we went back for brekkie the next day… which leads me to 3rd, the hotel’s Cup Cafe has a gorgeous menu complete with legit vegan options. I had the oh-so-delicious “vegan plate” & a spicy bloody (they also do vegan french toast). Perfection!

TUCSON!

I just took a little breather from L.A. and headed out to Tucson where my husband was shooting his show. He was loving it there, I’d never been, and our dear friend, Beth, lived there for years and still raves… so, that’s all it took. Not an awful drive – 7.5 hours – through some amazing desert vistas, but also past some terrifying government nuclear & armed forces territories… set your ipod to Calexico & Trilobite – you’ll be fine.

Once there – and getting over the vast amount of hippies, I settled into the city with surprising ease. I’m a city girl… a Northern city girl… a Northern, Midwestern city girl (Chicago), so the Southwest has always alluded me. Never quite got cowboy boots, suede fringe, chunky turquoise jewelry, older women wearing long braids – or any adult women for that matter, straw hats that aren’t dandy and big belt buckles that aren’t Hermes or Gucci. To me the desert is Palm Springs – white pants, gold Cadillacs & martinis @ 4pm., but after a couple of days in Tucson, I now have a finer appreciation for Southwest style.

On Beth’s recommendation I headed out to any thrift store I could find. Not being a purchaser of leather goods (though there were some amazing beaded Native American belts), I didn’t have much luck with clothing… I do kind of regret passing on a full length caftan made of vintage towels, but what can you do. And I’ve put a halt on buying any glassware (my ultimate weakness) as I believe I now have more sets of vintage drinkware than Martha Stewart. So my list of wants was short, but specific – a lamp for the living room & a tiny bedside table for the guest room. No luck with the table, but check the lamp… base $5, shade $13 (2 different stores) – look how chic!

And though I’ve reeled myself in from buying absolutely everything that is quirky or temporarily special, the happy accidents I did pick up were a guide to organic gardening from 1955, a couple of vintage interior design books (another obsession of mine), an insane-looking style guide from the 80s called Metamorphosis for my friend, John Burns (it gives step by step instructions on how to become a “flamboyant gamine”!!!), and Gossip Girl the novel – a house-warming gift for my dear Matthew.

So shopping was fun, but drinking & dining was A-MA-ZING! There was lunch at all vegan restie, Lovin’ Spoonfuls (ordered a ham salad melt, beer battered brats & blueberry cheesecake – YUM!), then martinis at the divine Arizona Inn – a gorgeous, old school hotel, built in 1930 and filled with chic, vintage charm & fantastic service – reminded me of a desert-driven Bel Air Hotel.

HOWEVER… the best spot in Tucson (also sent to by Beth) is the Hotel Congress! 1st… it’s the hotel where John Dillinger was staying when – after a nationwide FBI manhunt – he & his gang were captured by the local underdog “hicktown cops”. (I know well of Mr.Dillinger as one of my childhood homes was 2 blocks from the Biograph Theater in Chicago where Dillinger was later gunned down). 2nd, the evening ambiance is casual, but seductive and the crowd ranged from City Hall officials to hipsters to an actual cowboy wearing a duster & spurs – and the happy hour deals are unreal! We loved the Congress so much that we went back for brekkie the next day… which leads me to 3rd, the hotel’s Cup Cafe has a gorgeous menu complete with legit vegan options. I had the oh-so-delicious “vegan plate” & a spicy bloody (they also do vegan french toast). Perfection!

TUCSON!

I was just in New York this last weekend and had the incredible pleasure of dining at Blossom in Chelsea. Not only was it by far the best vegan (& organic) meal I’ve ever enjoyed, but it’s owned by 1st time restaurateurs (& animal rights activists), Ronen & Pamela Seri. My heart swells when I see other small business owners following their passion & doing right by their beliefs – especially when the results are so remarkable. Having little/no real retail or business experience when I started GWG, I can attest that starting up a company is a major labor of love – particularly when the ins & outs of your own business is all new to you.

On to the food… UNBELIEVABLE! Each course bested the previous and the wine list was varied, impressive and ALL organic. We started with a bottle of bubbly & ravioli with cashew cream, then a fresh salad of greens with crisp vegs (including jicama) topped with tamari-toasted pumpkin & sunflower seed in a beyond-delicious ginger teriyaki lime dressing, then onto what is potentially the best dish I’ve ever eaten – Seitan Scaloppini with mashed potatoes, followed by a rich chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream. Mon Dieu!

I was just in New York this last weekend and had the incredible pleasure of dining at Blossom in Chelsea. Not only was it by far the best vegan (& organic) meal I’ve ever enjoyed, but it’s owned by 1st time restaurateurs (& animal rights activists), Ronen & Pamela Seri. My heart swells when I see other small business owners following their passion & doing right by their beliefs – especially when the results are so remarkable. Having little/no real retail or business experience when I started GWG, I can attest that starting up a company is a major labor of love – particularly when the ins & outs of your own business is all new to you.

On to the food… UNBELIEVABLE! Each course bested the previous and the wine list was varied, impressive and ALL organic. We started with a bottle of bubbly & ravioli with cashew cream, then a fresh salad of greens with crisp vegs (including jicama) topped with tamari-toasted pumpkin & sunflower seed in a beyond-delicious ginger teriyaki lime dressing, then onto what is potentially the best dish I’ve ever eaten – Seitan Scaloppini with mashed potatoes, followed by a rich chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream. Mon Dieu!

Ask anyone I know and they may tell you that I’m a bit crazy (or as I like to see it – passionate) about recycling/wasting. At home, it’s a cinch… while out & about, I will most definitely hang on to the recycling I (or others – even strangers) create and bring it home to my beloved bins… while staying in (non-recycling = most) hotels rooms, I will bring our plastic, glass & paper to a local facility before heading home, but on an airplane – I feel a little helpless. I have yet to find a domestic airline that recycles on it’s own and though I do try & fill my already stuffed carry-on with – you guessed it – I still don’t like being forced to create all of this waste with “throw away” containers. I can avoid plastic bottles ANYWHERE but in the airport & while flying… even 1st class has resorted to using the junkie water bottles. If we can’t go back to the days of flying with re-useable containers… can we at least move forward & adopt the bio-degradable ones?

From my last flight – Not exactly gluttonous (hummus, veggies & pita, 2 champagnes and 4 waters), but enough to impact a landfill.

If this bothers you too – a couple quick tips:

Fairmont Hotels have fantastic recycling (and other”eco”-friendly) programs. And they’re wonderful places to stay!

A lot of airports DO have recycling bins (LAX, LaGuardia, Logan, SFO, O’Hare… to name a few). If you can just walk off the plane with your waste, you’ll be sure to find those lovely receptacles.

Forgo the plastic “glass”. Drink from the can or bottle and cutout half of your waste. Bon Voyage!