Thursday, December 29, 2011

Countdown to New Years: Lulu's Kir Royale!

We featured Lulu Powers fabulous Kir Royale recipe in our holiday issue of Toujours and thought we should remind you all of this easy cocktail for your New Year's Eve celebrations!  Check out the recipe below and our photo depiction of how to make Lulu's amazing rosemary and pomegranate ice cubes.
Make sure to have fresh rosemary, one whole pomegranate or pomegranate seeds, and Ikea Ice Trays:
We love fresh pomegranates!  But to make your life easier, you can always buy just the seeds at a local health food store:
The end result: Beautiful festive ice cubes!
 Happy New Year from the Toujours Team!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

I’ll be Home for Christmas. My Home!

By our Editor-at-Large Dawn Moore

Christmas glamour just isn’t what it used to be. I mean, how do you compete with a vixen-meets-hausfrau cocktail apron designed of black net and velvet? In 1965, my mother was definitely at the top of the glamour food chain.

Our annual open house featured silver rococo chafing dishes simmering sweet and sour meatballs; Sheffield trays with pigs in a blanket, slices of fruit cake (Mom made in September!) on handpainted porcelain platters and a massive sparkling American cut glass punch bowl with 24 matching cups with eggnog...all atop a Poinsettia print tablecloth. The tree – which morphed over the years from traditional evergreen to modern white mystery-material – twinkled in the corner with hundreds of gifts she wrapped herself in shiny red and green, spilling below.

There’s pictures of my Hollywood parents and their guests in crisply tailored suits from Sy Devore and cocktail dresses from Don Loper wrangling cigarettes and Manhattans with studied grace.

So, no pressure on me to hit that “ten” on the swank-o-meter. None. Oy.

With fluctuating careers and bank accounts, who wants all that stress? I certainly don’t. So, last year I gave in to the Pot Luck Christmas Day Soiree. Here’s the deal:

1. Throw some twinkle lights on the bookshelves, fireplace mantel or refridgerator. 
2. Use cocodot.com to create cool, free e-vites. Uber easy. 
3. Tell guests no presents – food only! No kidding! 
4. Get from them what they’re bringing, and set the table for the “buffet.” (I still have to control how the table looks. Come on.) Stick notes on the plates specifying whose dish is going where. Et voila!
5. Stock up on champagne, wine and whip up a batch of booze-free Cranberry Punch. I keep trying to serve eggnog, but always wind up drinking it all myself. 
6. Have someone with better taste in music than you, assort a playlist – Lulu Powers has some great ones!
7. Wear jeans and fun holiday foot attire. 
8. Find wacky little trinkets – books, CDs, candles – around your house that you think your friends would enjoy and wrap them up. ANNOUNCE your little re-gifting scheme and distribute! 
9. Light a zillion votives. 
10. Enjoy the genuine love that glows from being with your friends just because you want to be.

Fringe benefit last year? My best friend’s daughter announced her engagement infront of everyone – tears and champagne flowed – and it was the best Christmas ever. Sans cocktail apron.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Hot Shops: Haus Interior in LA

After a great shoot for Toujours 3rd Issue yesterday, Emily Ruddo and I stopped by Nina Freudenberger's new shop in LA. Haus Interior already has a great storefront in NY, but the LA opening was last night and we were so glad to get a taste. Her simple color pallate, fun mix of textures and patterns, and quirky sensibility were fantastic and right up the Toujours alley. We were fawning over cable knit throws (so perfect for winter), vintage light bulbs, the rugs hung on the walls, and the window displays. Definitely check out her new shop here in LA or the original in NY.
Cheers! Meghan
 We almost fell over laughing when we read this.  Available in store and online.
Such great textures and patterns on the walls!  And I love the simple checkout sign.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Holiday Decorating Guest Blog!

Toujours Magazine asked East Coast designer, Joanne Palumbo, to share her favorite decorating tips for the season.  Seeing as Joanne styles and stages homes professionally, we thought she would be the perfect person to get more great decorating advice from this week to assure a fabulously decorated homes this season!  We hope you enjoy her great ideas and make sure to check out her blog for year round styling advice:

With Thanksgiving behind us, the time has arrived to tackle the task of holiday decorating. While nothing gives me more of a thrill than a string of bright lights, as an Interior Decorator, the act of decorating for the holidays is the equivalent of walking a tight rope between the tiny twig from the Charlie Brown tale or the over-lit home of the Griswalds. So, as I stare down the boxes upon boxes of my own holiday decorations, here are a few tips to keep the décor tasteful through the season.

1. Pick your vignettes. The first step in keeping holiday decorations tasteful is to use them thoughtfully. Try to refrain from throwing a ceramic Santa or tin reindeer on every table in your home. Instead, select several spots in your house where you would like to create a holiday focal point. Some examples of this might be a piano, coffee table, entry table, bookshelves, or a fireplace mantle. Pick several places throughout your home so visitors can feel the warmth of the holidays as they move from room to room.
2. Edit your space. This might be the most important step in decorating. Edit the vignette you wish to decorate. Don’t try to squeeze the menorah in with your collection of photos and tcha chakes. Pack up some of your year-round accessories and make some room for your special holiday trinkets. Keep the accessories that are either neutral or work in the color scheme of your holiday decorations and pack the rest up!
3. Choose your color scheme. Many people default to red and green or blue and white but if you are thoughtful in your planning, you can be more adventurous and change things up a bit. Why not try fuchsia and chartreuse? Green and brown? And almost every color can be coordinated with a metallic: pink and silver, red and gold. You get the idea. If you have boxes of accessories already, try to draw the color inspiration from the decorations you would like to use. Trail the colors throughout the room. And the color doesn’t need to exist specifically in the holiday décor alone. Incorporate a throw, a picture frame, some candles or books with jackets all in your selected colors and you’ll have an effortless looking jazzed up space. (Toujours Agrees!  Check out the Holiday Guide for more great ideas for color!)
4. Get the eyes moving! When considering the placement of your holiday décor, try to vary the heights of the objects. Don’t throw everything on the table top in your vignette. Try to hang a wreath or some stockings above the vignette and maybe add some potted plants or statues on the floor. Varying the placement of your beloved items is what keeps the holiday decorating warm and inviting. This picture shows a great example of that…I imagine that if you zoomed out, there would be a beautiful wreath on those amazing windows, too!
5. Unexpected décor always pleases! Besides decorating your main vignettes, perhaps drop a few coordinated decorations in unexpected places: a wreath in the bathroom, some garland over the master bed or scented candles in the hall to keep the holiday spirit flowing!
Enough of my babbling about how to decorate for the holidays- now it is time to get out there and tackle your décor. With a little mindful planning, you are sure to have a warm, inviting and tasteful holiday-ready home.

A little bit about Joanne:
Joanne Palumbo is the owner of Homestyling101, LLC, a boutique Interior Decorating firm in Westchester, New York. Joanne is a Certified Interior Decorator and expert in Home Staging, whose quest is to find simplicity in the decorating process. She is also the author of the Homestyling101 blog where she chronicles her experiences and tips as a decorator.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Holiday Guide: Beautiful Decorating Tips!

This Holiday Guide was such a blast to create and gorgeous designer (and our design editor!) Emily Ruddo seriously takes the hostess award.  Between Emily and Lulu Powers, this issue of Toujours Mag is an entertaining guidebook!  We love that taking your existing decor and adding some flowers, a few wreaths, simple decorations, and rearranging what you already own can make such a big difference.  Truly, Emily advises to use glitter (she uses the Martha variety) to brighten up inexpensive ornaments (try shatterproof - see the feather tree below).  You can match the glitter to your decor - and you can always change it in a few years with new glitter.  Remember, you can always use what you currently have in your house in a new spot - don't shy from rearranging - it makes all the difference!  For more great tips from Emily Ruddo, definitely check out the guide and the holiday issue - there are tips galore.  
Happy decorating!
Taking a little Loreal red lipstick to the mirror was an easy way to pop more color in the room - practice first - 
it's not hard to clean, but who wants to?
Ribbon candy, homemade glitter ornaments and a homemade feather tree helped this dessert table shine.
To see more lovely photos, definitely check out the current issue.  Go to page 42 for the Decorating Guide or meander there and see other fabulous design, decoration, and entertaining stories.  
Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Toujours Holiday Decorating Guide

This season Toujours wanted to bring you a special holiday decorating guide.  With Emily Ruddo's forward thinking design skills, we created a great inspiration guide to help deck your halls.  Check out the insert below and click here to see it in the magazine - there are so many great tips to make your holidays beautiful and fabulous this year!  We hope you enjoy - Happy Holidays!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Jordana Silver's Wish List

Toujours Mag asked designer Jordana Silver to forward us her Christmas wish list this year…it was so good we just had to share it!  Check out Jordana's 12 gifts of Christmas.  Better get to shopping!  
Enjoy! The Toujours Team

Dearest Santa,
It is that time of year where I write and share all my wants for this holiday season. No need to ask... I have been very good this year! I stuck to my one croissant a day policy while in Paris. I refrained from my weekly shopping jaunts. I even had a few good weeks of dedication to the gym.
Let me cut to the chase... I have listed below my most coveted presents for this holiday season. I should mention that I listed 12 to be symbolic for the 12 Days of Christmas but as a Jewess and there being only 8 days of Hanukkah, I would be totally content receiving your favorite 8 presents from the list.
Lots of love, Jordana

(In no particular order) 
1. Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak - Anyone will dazzle in this sweater. Shhh...it’s on sale so please order before it sells out! 
2. Jonathan Adler Brass Muse Bottle OpenerSuch a great gift for myself and anyone throwing a holiday party. 
3. Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio - Love Fresh and these moisturizing sticks always keep my lips in tip top shape during the winter months. 
4. Balenciaga Arena Giant First Bag -  I have been eyeing this bag for years and still heart it. (Please make it one of the eight presents!) The antiqued rose gold hardware is amazing. Plus it is so functional. My Mac laptop can definitely fit in it!
5. J Crew Snood - Love a snood! Takes the guesswork out of tying a scarf properly. I have a few but can always use more especially in classic black. 
6. Jonathan Adler Playing Cards - My father and I love to play gin rummy for hours. He always beats me. I wish I could say I let him but he is just a better player. We could play in style if we had these. 
7.  Laura Merkin iPad Pouch - After I was stuck on a plane for 6+ hours with no tv this year, I learned that it is imperative to always travel with my ipad. This case is perfect for when I am on the go.
8. Teuscher Champagne Truffles - My most favorite chocolates. 
9. Sisteron Wool Throws - Curling up and enjoying a cup of delicious tea is almost a nightly occurrence. Would love this throw to use for my nightly downtime. 

10. Byredo Gypsy Water - This is the only perfume I have bought multiple bottles of. I can always use more! 
11. Super Edition Scrabble - My mom and I enjoy this classic game. Need my own set. 
12. Michael Kors Aviators - Everyone needs these classics to complete their wardrobe. Mine got squashed last year. Need a new pair. 

Happy Shopping!!  Drink some eggnog and enjoy!  

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving Squash: Mix up your holiday traditions!

This year try a new take on a loved veggie by pairing smoked gouda with roasted acorn squash.  The two are perfect complements and will leave your guests wanting more.  I have made this dish for several dinner parties and people are always begging for the recipe, so I thought what better day to share it then the day before Thanksgiving when everyone is in the final moments of preparation.  Enjoy and share your favorite recipes with the Toujours team!
Cheers,
Meghan
Roasted Acorn Squash with Smoked Gouda Sauce
(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients: 
2 acorn squash, cut and cored
2 cups shredded smoked gouda
1 T butter or olive oil
6-8 T heavy cream
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1−2 sage leaves to taste, minced
pinch of salt
pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut and core the acorn squash and set on a lightly greased or lined cookie sheet or baking tray. In a sauce pan, heat either oil or butter on med-low heat. Add garlic and saute for two minutes. Combine heavy cream, smoked gouda, salt and pepper. Stir frequently until ingredients are well mixed and basically melted. Pour mixture evenly into the squash. Top with walnuts. Bake in oven 30 − 50 minutes depending on the oven. Squash should be tender. Remove from oven, add fresh sage and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. 

Enjoy - it's so delicious!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Toujours Mag Holiday Issue 2 is LIVE!!

Grab your favorite holiday libation, curl up on the couch and get ready for some great seasonal stories in Toujours Mag's 2nd Issue.  Make sure to check back all month for expanded stories, interviews and exclusive extras here on the Toujours Mag Blog.  There's so much more!
Happy Holidays from the Toujours Team!  



Wednesday, November 16, 2011

November/December Issue Goes Live Tomorrow

Get excited for our November/December Issue which goes live tomorrow!  We are so excited to share it with you!  We have been hard at work to bring you the best of the season and world around us!

Check out a sneak peek….

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Lulu Powers: Thanksgiving Countdown!

Can you believe it's that time again?  Thanksgiving is only 3 weeks away!  
This year, arm yourself with tips from the ultimate chef and hostess, Lulu Powers:
What are your holiday traditions?  We'd love to know!  
Post a comment below or send us stories to info@toujoursmag.com

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

A Book to Consider: CHARLES BRITTIN West and South

If you liked any of the books reviewed in our first issue (pg. 21), check this book out about Wallace Berman in Venice set in the late 50's and 60's.   

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Moving Design: Halloween Spectacular!

Every year, the City of West Hollywood hosts one of the country's largest Halloween bashes.  If you are anywhere near Los Angeles for Halloween this year, get yourself to Santa Monica Blvd and La Cienega, throw on a costume, and let your eyes be delighted!  This is moving design at it's best and most bizarre.  
What is your Halloween tradition??  We would love to hear!
A great shot from last year's celebration!  Click here for more info.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Inspired Decor for Halloween

Decorating for Halloween can be a bit cheesy, so this fall, we are taking inspired tips from artist and art editor, Sasha Kinens.  While in New York shooting I got to stay at Sasha's home and completely loved her mantle display.  Enjoy the shots and send us your favorite holiday decor shots to info@toujoursmag.com.  We would love to feature some of our readers!
Happy Spooking!
Meghan
Sasha pinned up fabric over some unsightly bookshelves in her living room that she and her husband were not ready to deal with.  I love the way the fabric feels like wall paper without the mess or fuss.  Such a great way to hide an unattractive part of a room!
Sasha lighting the candles around her cast plaster skull  and tree branches collected in her yard.
Pillar Candles from Pottery Barn glow, a plaster skull, and a Moroccan perfume bottle are just a few of Sasha's favorite accessories.
While Sasha found her metal house that houses her pillar candles at a resale shop, here is a link to one you can buy online.  
Feathers are everywhere this fall.  Make sure to pick up some great ones from your local craft store, fabric shop, or vintage store.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Website we love: Cocodot

We adore Cocodot!  For our launch party, our fabulous Entertaining Editor Lulu Powers suggested that we use cocodot for the online invitations and we flipped over them.  Lulu has a fabulous designer summer collection with coco.  We adore the ready made designs and the simple upload process if you want to design your own.  Our Art Director, Dana Beierle, came up with the design we decided to use and then we chose their vellum envelope.  We love the way the invitation is animated and opens online to keep the feel of a real invite.  
Here's the invite Dana ended up designing!
Cocodot did a great blog post on the party - we love reading about ourselves!
Check out some adorable invites for the holiday season:
click on each photo to link to the selections for each holiday!
Happy Party Season!!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Inspired in NYC

While here shooting in Manhattan for our upcoming holiday issue, we were lucky enough to catch this view on a project that is in construction (and sure to be in a future issue!). Hope to inspire and excite you on this beautiful fall day!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Inside Art: Beaux-Arts Atelier Featured in Wall Street Journal

In our premier issue we featured artist, Mason Sullivan, in our Inside Art article.  He is a sculptor and professor in New York City and has helped with the curriculum and opening of the Beaux-Arts Atelier.  The one-year program is run by the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, which is a 20-year-old nonprofit devoted to keeping the classical tradition alive. 
We were so proud to feature both Mason and the schools he teaches at in our magazine, and today were thrilled to learn that the Wall Street Journal has done a piece on the school as well.  
Click below to read the full article:

Mason with his ecorche piece that he uses to teach anatomy and sculpting the human figure at Grand Central Academy.
A model from the newly opened Beaux-Arts Atelier
 A student leaving the Beaux-Arts school, which is located in the classical 1880's limestone General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen building.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Toujours Launches with a Bang!

Saturday night at Top of the World in Topanga was a blast!  Dawn Moore, owner of the home featured in our cover story and Editor-at-Large, graciously opened her home and shared her spectacular view.  We are so grateful to our fabulous sponsor, Silvercrest, which made the evening possible and fantastic!  Silvercrest is the company that built Dawn's amazing pre-fab home - check out the article on page 106 in Toujours.  Here are a few choice shots from the fabulous party!

Our Cover hanging out in the Canyon
Home owner Dawn Moore, Celebrity Chef Lulu Powers, Co-Editors-in-Chief Meghan Beierle-O'Brien & Grey Crawford
Dawn Moore, Designers Jeffrey Alan Marks, and Ross Cassidy
Delicious hors d'oeuvres by Lulu Powers catering 
Designer Jennifer Hall, Designer Jen Stewart, Meghan Beierle-O'Brien, Grey Crawford, & Designer Emily Ruddo
Our fabulous sponsors, Steve & Steve, from Silvercrest
Cocodot Editor-in-Chief Laurie Pike, Interior Designer Corinna Gordon, and writer Lorie Porter

Lulu's delicious Apple and Root Vegetable Soup that we feature on page 46 in the Magazine

The DJ Habit, Eric Beierle spun fabulous records and set the tone
Co-founders Meghan & Grey with Art Director, Dana Beierle
Photographers Aurelia D'amore, Beth Coller, Grey Crawford, Designer Linda Allen, and Meghan Beierle-O'Brien
Party goers in Dawn's fabulous home!
Centered: Photographers Beth Coller, Laura Hull, Aurelia D'amore