Treat Yourself to Venus in Fur

As many of you know, fur is usually the last thing I would recommend to anyone. I thought I’d make an exception this time though for Venus in Fur, a sexy, must-see, rollercoaster-of-a-ride play on Broadway starring Nina Arianda and Hugh Dancy. Written by David Ives and directed by Walter Bobbie, this provocative 90 minute play (with no intermission – all the better for keeping you on the edge of your seat) explores the wickedly delicious dynamics that transpire when Vanda, an alluring, young actress auditions for Thomas, the powerful playwright/director of a new play based on the classic erotic novel, Venus in Fur.

Nina Arianda, who plays Vanda, is sassy, hilarious and absolutely mesmerizing to watch on stage. Hugh Dancy is spot-on as the uptight, condescending, exquisitely entertaining, Thomas. Together they are electrifying in the ultimate game of cat and mouse. The two weave back and forth between reality and fantasy so seamlessly it will leave your head spinning, but in a wonderful way. Self revelation, power games, humor, sex, sizzle…it has it all. Liz Smith calls it Broadway’s hottest date night. What are you waiting for…go ahead and treat yourself.

Cheers, Jean-Marie

NEW YORK DANDY: Walking Work of Art

The Dorian Grey Gallery offers a truly innovative art experience with its ‘The Dandy’s New York’ exhibition. Photographer Molua Muldown and double-threat Painter/ Collage Artist Lisa Pan showcase some truly genius collaborative masterpieces in this exhibit. Inspired by New York’s fashionista beau Patrick McDonald, the unique art pieces in this collection aspire to illustrate this real life New York Dandy, who many refer to as a ‘walking work of art’ through the series of photographs, media collages, and Patrick McDonald’s own personal poetry.

Patrick McDonald is more than just “The Dandy”. He’s a fashion icon, model, muse, creative, and the perfect representation of the East Village life in the heart of New York City. He’s an inspiration to many artists in various industries as he set high standards in his visual appeal. He gave personal style a whole evolution with his mix of colors, cuts, patterns, top hats, and overall crispness. After all, a true New York Dandy is impeccably dressed all the time but this special treat is only running through Sunday March 4, 2012 so hurry up and RSVP or you’ll miss out on something truly intriguing.

Exhibit
The Dorian Grey Gallery is located at 437 East 9th Street, NYC

Dorian Grey Gallery

Artists
Photographer, Molua Muldown
Painter & Collage Artist, Lisa Pan

Gallo Studio

RYAN GOSLING: ON DEMAND

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and Time Warner Cable has the perfect treat for all the hopeless romantics out there. From a low cost of $1.99 to $4.99, the cable company is offering a variety of heart-melting Gosling films on demand to make it feel like it’s Valentine’s Day for the full month of February. All you have to do is hit the ‘ON DEMAND’ button on your remote control, select ‘BY GENRE’ and type in ‘RYAN GOSLING’. Ladies, this is not a dream. I repeat – this is not a dream! Wake up, prepare to feast your eyes on your television screen, and be sure to get those Kleenex tissues ready because this heartthrob is ready to give you that good cry whether you believe in a thing called love… or not. Movies playing on the Gosling channel will include, but are not limited to:

The Notebook

The classic. This movie’s plot has drama and romance all rolled into one. It’s a story of two young lovers by the name of Allie and Noah, told by an older version of Gosling’s character (Noah) as the movie opens up in a nursing home with Gosling reminiscing about this love reading from a notebook. As they say, the course of true love never does run smooth – which is exactly what happens in this heartfelt film with great performances by Ryan Gosling and the gorgeous Rachel McAdams who together do the Nicholas Sparks book a lot of justice. With so many great movie stills and lovesick dialogue in the film, it’s one that’s hard to get out of your mind as it captures your heart and won’t let it go. You need to watch this one for yourself because you’ll guiltily start believing in things you swore you wouldn’t have before.

Blue Valentine

This is not your typical love story. It’s a movie about a working class married couple by the name of Dean and Cindy who fell in love at a very young age. One may even call it love at first sight. They seem like the perfect fit as they both went through many dysfunctional experiences throughout their lifetime until they met one another. Sparks flew and they had a baby daughter together. Things start to get a little rocky, as it sometimes does in marriages. The couple goes off an overnight getaway together to see if their marriage could withstand the test of time no matter the issues they may have ran into together. You’ll have to watch the movie to see what happens with this once head-over-heals in love couple. Can they save each other and their marriage?

Crazy, Stupid, Love

This movie shows that life is about all sorts of love. It deals with life encounters in the course of anyone’s life no matter the age. The movie shows the Weaver family going through many changes after the mother, Emily Weaver asks for a divorce from her husband. The series of events that follow are so real and captivating that the movie paints a picture of something that could happen to almost any family. We are taught the lessons of friendship, love, crushing, divorce, breaking-up and most importantly how to deal with life events in general. This move is all sorts of crazy fun and we can say the same about love. This is definitely a movie worth checking out if you’re into the whole romantic-comedy genre. You’ll definitely get some good laughs and maybe even an unintentional cry because love affects everyone in different ways.

Who needs a Valentine when you’ve got your dream man right on the screen? Be sure to check out this new Ryan Gosling channel during the month of February but just remember to leave your house because it is very difficult to take your eyes off of him as it’s love upon first glance. Ryan Gosling knows how to put on quite the show. The groundhog said six more weeks of winter and it’s understandable that you can live with that news as long as this channel exists.

CHEERS TO ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!

With the New Year approaching everyone begins setting long-term goals and resolutions that always end up unfulfilled by the time the next year hits. We have the common resolutions of dropping some extra baggage — whether it be physical or emotional, changing one’s eating habits, planning trips to foreign countries, learning new talents, cutting down on those guilty pleasures of drinking and smoking, being more resourceful with money, spending more time with loved ones, or just becoming a better person all around. Making any of these resolutions for 2012 are great and admirable but how do you get yourself to actually keep them?

There are baby steps to take. Let 2012 be the year you successfully do what it is your heart desires. New motto: Putting your money where your mouth is. You can do this by setting short-term goals instead of long-term goals so you won’t be disappointed and abandon all faith in your resolutions. Do this by writing a list of 100 things you’d like to accomplish within the year. That does not seem so bad, especially since 2012 is a leap year filled with 366 days to accomplish all of the little things on your list. The first step is sitting down, thinking, and then writing out what is going to make you most happy in 2012. Make your resolutions into tiny daily goals instead of a full-blown and unattainable plan. After all, you’re a human being so keep in mind that it’s the little things in life that matter the most.

Some of your miniature resolutions could include: Getting a great read in. Shooting someone a text message as they cross your mind. Finally seeing that movie you wanted to in theaters. Volunteering for an organization in need. Donating to a worthwhile cause. Treating yourself to something sweet. Taking a stroll on the beach. Trying new foods. Going on a spontaneous trip. Having quality bonding time with an old friend. Surprising someone special. Getting someone the most perfect gift. Updating your seasonal wardrobe. Changing your hair-do. Finding the perfect recipe and immediately putting it to use. Sharing something sociable with a friend via the Internet. Going to a concert. Learning a new language. Grabbing a drink with a coworker. Going to a museum showcasing your favorite artist. Telling someone you love them. Delivering a hand-written card. Purchasing the perfect pair of shoes. Going through old photo albums. Beginning new friendships. Giving that phone call to make someone’s day. Whatever it is that’s on your mind can easily be made into reality.

Setting small goals like this will help you be the happier and healthier you in the New Year. It’s easy to commit to goals like these because there is far less pressure involved. Setting enjoyable resolutions will motivate you to fully go through with them. The New Year is filled with new memories, new beginnings, new friends, new occasions, new doors to open, and just limitless possibilities. Grab 2012 by the horns and embrace it!

2011 was a year filled with magic so I’m anticipating ten times as much abracadabra in 2012. This is Margarita Makovetskaya, ‘Marketing Intern’ at Lagniappe Wines officially signing out. It has been a pleasure working for Jean-Marie Truchard (founder) of Lagniappe Wines and seeing the company’s successful first year of business. My goal for the time being here was to add a more human touch via a million little messages, but Lagniappe Wines truly didn’t need my help because they stand for such a worthy cause on their own, which is why they have so much support from their fellow wine lovers. They are truly dedicated to offering a deliciously delightful way to enjoy the little pleasures life sends your way. I’ve been truly blessed to be a part of something special like Lagniappe Wines with their handful of tiny gestures towards animals. Thank you for fighting for a great cause and helping me pinpoint my own resolution for 2012. My personal motto for 2012 is going to be “Love over indifference”. Wishing everyone a part of Lagniappe Wines plus all of our friends and family members much glass clinking in the New Year.

Cheers!

A HANDFUL OF TINY GESTURES

2011 has been a very special holiday season for Lagniappe Wines thanks to all of the dearest friends they’ve kept and the beautiful friendships they’ve made during the year. Jean-Marie Truchard, founder of Lagniappe Wines had the privilege of sitting down this past Christmas morning joyfully writing out end-of-the-year checks to some of the company’s most favorite animal charities, thanks to all of the profits incurred from 2011’s wine sales. Many consumers were able to pay it forward by helping out some extraordinary and humane organizations this year by making the most simplest and tiniest gestures of purchasing a bottle of wine. Bountiful love of wine helped support a list of many worthwhile operations this season. That’s all it took to make a huge difference. Just look at all the beautiful things friends of Lagniappe Wines helped achieve this year:

PETA
Building a PETA doghouse for a cold, backyard dog…

Farm Sanctuary
Emergency care for newborn calves Tinsel and Holly at Farm Sanctuary…

Spring Reins of Life
Care and feeding of Straw, the therapy horse who helps heal war vets and gang youth at Spring Reins of Life…

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
Helping World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) put an end to the cruel sport of bear dancing…

Animal Farm Foundation
And, of course, support for Lagniappe Wines’ alma mater and newest addition to the family – Jimmy, the winery dog (pictured below), Animal Farm Foundation – securing equal treatment and opportunity for “pit bull” dogs…

Over the year, Lagniappe Wines has also given to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary (www.woodstocksanctuary.org), ASPCA (www.aspca.org), Animalkind (www.all-creatures.org/ak) and Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org). If you are looking for charities for your end of year donations, please consider these worthwhile organizations.

Lagniappe Wines would like to personally thanks to all the purchasers and consumers of their wine during their first year in business. It has been a tremendous success! The great deeds listed above wouldn’t have been accomplished if it weren’t for the support and enthusiasm from individuals like you. Lagniappe Wines would like to take the time out to wish their friends and their families a happy and healthy holiday season. They hope their friends find some time to “indulge in a little something special” in 2012! Cheers to the end of an amazing holiday season and the future of many heartwarming holidays to share in 2012 and the years beyond!

UPGRADING YOUR LINGERIE LIFESTYLE

A single piece from Journelle’s beautiful lingerie collection is the single most irresistible treat this holiday season. Lingerie is the must-have fashion item for every female as it graces the body. This is not Victoria’s secret we’re talking about but beautiful and uniquely crafted pieces of lace and silk. CEO and bra-trepreneur, Claire Chambers’ vision was to target all the lovely ladies who have outgrown Victoria’s Secret already. Inspired by the word “journellement” which means daily in French, Journelle is dedicated to helping women feel great from the inside out. They believe that women should be treated to wearing luxurious designer lingerie every day, and not only on special occasions. All the pieces from Journelle’s collection are tastefully made for all of the beautiful ladies out there. It doesn’t matter if you’re the siren, the hipster, the classic beauty, or the best friend – Journelle has the perfect selection of bras, underwear, shapewear, loungewear, or accessories for your most intimate closet. After all, fashion statements can even be made underneath your clothes. 

Journelle

http://www.journelle.com/

THE ART OF FOOD: Pure Food & Wine

Located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood, Pure Food and Wine is New York’s perfect raw food restaurant as the dishes focus on all the savory flavors of the actual foods without any processed ingredients. Pure Food and Wine is one of these unique restaurants with a raw vegan menu that is entirely plant based. Nothing on their menu is heated above 118 degrees in order to preserve vitamins, minerals, and enzymes found in the foods. This cozy location filled with delicious raw food dishes, organic biodynamic wines, and seasonal cocktail items is the perfect little treat for both meat lovers and vegans collectively. No matter what it is that strikes your fancy off of the menu – your plate comes out looking like a work of art. The greatest gift of all is that fact that your food tastes just as good as it looks. Decisions, decisions – especially when the menu items descriptions resemble poetry. Art or food? Take a peak and decide for yourself.

zucchini, local roma and heirloom tomato lasagna

basil pistachio pesto, sun-dried tomato marinara, macadamia pumpkin seed ricotta

spicy thai lettuce wraps

mango, pea shoots, carrot, cabbage, cashews, basil, mint, cilantro, tamarind sauce

asparagus sushi rolls with mirin soaked forest mushrooms

marinated shiitake, avocado, asparagus, red pepper, jicama rice, nama shoyu

Pure Food And Wine
54 Irving Pl., New York, NY 10003 (btwn. 17 and 18th St.)
t. (212) 477 – 1010

http://www.oneluckyduck.com/purefoodandwine/

LIFE’S TOO SHORT, SO EAT THE FROSTING FIRST

We’ve often heard this common myth: All sweets are fattening! This is the reason many people deprive themselves of the best part of their meal, their dessert. Well, this myth has been busted by a vegan bakery by the name of BabyCakes NYC! The bakery is thrilled to announce that their treats are refined sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, casein-free, egg-free, vegan, parve, and certified Kosher. This makes it totally acceptable for one to pig out with their baked goods this holiday season because treats are okay… as long as they’re this healthy!

BabyCakes offers all-natural, organic and delicious alternatives over the common frosting, cream, or chocolate overflowing badness other bakeries offer in the city. Their menu consists of cakes and cupcakes with yummy flavors of vanilla, chocolate, carrot, or red velvet. They have banana, banana + chocolate chip, gingerbread, and toastie loaves. They have the sweetest chocolate chip cookies and irresistible brownies. They also have apple pie and blueberry or double chocolate crumb cake. They have skinny buns, as well as savory biscuits and cornbread for any occasion. And they also have the perfect blueberry blueberry and banana muffins. With this type of menu, it’s easy to impress anyone you know who has a sweet tooth, and that’s yourself included. Don’t worry about holiday pounds stacking up and expanding your wardrobe. With any goodness from BabyCakes NYC, you won’t have to. Consider the bakery to be a blessing in disguise filled with much yummy yummy for your tummy.

Frosting Tip # 1: Frosting goes on top of the cupcakes, ladies.

BabyCakes NYC Bakery
248 Broome Street (btwn. Orchard & Ludlow)
New York City, NY 10002
t. (212) 677 – 5047

http://www.babycakesnyc.com/

SPREADING THE LOVE

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

It’s not always about the big things, but rather the little things in life. Are you thankful for the holiday music on the radio? Are you thankful for the seasonal beverages during the holidays? Are you thankful for all the beautiful colors of Autumn? What about the fact that you can see your breath on cold days? Or perhaps you’re thankful for the sunshine accompanying you on your lunch breaks? Many wonderful things happen to people on a daily basis, but they barely notice them because life can be so hectic when you’re driving in the fast lane. That’s why we have Thanksgiving; the perfect time to sit back and reflect on all the things that went right this past year.

No matter what 2011 brought you, whether it was joy or pain – you should be thankful that you are alive. You should be thankful for your loving family. For all the friends you’ve kept and all the new friends you’ve made. Be thankful for those people who lent you a hand when you were in desperate need. Or even that stranger who gave you a therapeutic smile on the train. Be thankful that you are passionate about your job. You should be extremely grateful for all the opportunities that came your way, even the ones you missed. Be thankful you were given another chance.

Just be thankful that you are breathing. Be sure to take life in. See it. Hear it. Smell it. Taste it. Touch it. Wake up every morning and have the strength to start all over again because the journey of life continues and tomorrow is never promised. Are you thankful that you’re given the opportunity to give thanks on this special day in November? Well we sure are, and most of all we’d like to….

for taking the time out of your busy days to read our blog posts. Because it really is about the simple pleasures in life!

PEOPLE & PET PAMPERING

Whether it’s new clothes, toys, or scrumptious treats there is no right or wrong time to pamper your pet. You should treat your pet as if it were another member of your family. After all, they have feelings too. They give you comforting company when you’re home and miss you when you leave. Who doesn’t love a small unexpected treat?

Daisy Dog Studio designs porcelain tableware for all occasions so both humans and animals can indulge in the treats stored in the boldly decorated housewares. Inspired by a stray dog named Daisy McCoy, each of the porcelain houseware pieces has her likeness stamped on the bottom. Daisy Dog Studio carries porcelain products for people every day, ranging from mugs, teapots, vases, and more. They also have cat or dog bowls and beautifully designed cookie jars for a lucky kid…or dog! In fact, Jimmy – a pit bull doggy scooped off of death row from the Animal Farm Foundation and newest addition to the Lagniappe Wines family has his own cookie jar for his special snacks. Daisy Dog Studio gives 5% of their sales to People For Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which is a treat within a treat.

Daisy Dog Studio
248 Broome Street (btwn. Orchard & Ludlow)
New York City, NY 10002
t. (212) 677 – 5047

http://daisydogstudio.com/