I’m a huge foodie and I love dining out. But instead of tightening my belt in these tough economic times, I loosen it up and indulge in a little bit of this and a whole lot of that. I order an appetizer, a salad, an entree, a bottle of wine, a glass of champagne, and, of course, there’s always room for dessert. Being frugal when it comes to food is something I can’t do. Sitting around a table with my favorite people, my favorite food, and  my favorite glass of cabernet is just a pleasure I refuse to live without. It’s my most beloved pastime.  I adore that fuzzy, full feeling I get at the end of a magical meal. And while I’ve had that incredible “dizzy with food” feeling many times before, I’ve never felt so sublimely satisfied as when I’ve dined at il Mulino in New York City.

The decor isn’t much, but the atmosphere is amazing. Even at 10 PM on a weeknight, the small restaurant is crowded with hungry and loud hotshot New Yorkers, ready for a romantic meal for two or a feast with friends. The bar is buzzing with eager diners and regular weekly patrons - who’ll happily buy you a drink and tell your their life’s story. Every time I’ve had to wait, I’ve relished the time at the bar. The longer you have to wait, the more characters you meet; the more food you get to smell and see; the more wine you get to sip and savor.

When you finally get seated, you’re treated to a pre-meal meal which includes sweet and salty bruschetta, mouthwatering muscles, and decadent oil-soaked zucchini, oh my! The bread basket is abundant and features a bread infused with oil that literally melts in your mouth - no butter necessary.

The appetizers are amazing. From tomato and burrata with prosciutto to phenomenal fried zucchini to escargot, it’s all absolutely divine. It’s honestly enough to leave you blissfully full and happily high on food, but the main courses are not to be missed.

Every entree I’ve tried has been huge, rich, and exquisite. But the veal or chicken parmigiana - il Mulino’s signature dish - is honestly sinful. The branzino is also a big winner - light, refreshing, and lemony. For dessert, try the fresh strawberries and cream. It’s sweet, fresh, and simply delectable. It’s the perfect way to end a perfect meal.

il Mulino has locations in New York  City, Las Vegas, and Long Island,  New York. For location information, menu, and more visit ilMulino.com.

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamNest, il Mulino, fine dining, restaurants, New York City, Long Island, Las Vegas, Italian food, wine

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Dental hygiene is a good thing, right? And brushing your teeth is a normal, sanitary, and healthy habit. But, here’s the thing, you probably don’t realize … every time you use the same brush (day after day after day), you’re subjecting yourself to the bacteria and germs deep within the bristles. Yuck!

I mean, if you could whip out a new toothbrush every single time you perform your morning and nightly rituals, you’d be minty-fresh and good to go… But that’s sorta silly and definitely costly (If you brush after every meal, that’s 3 toothbrushes a day or 21 a week or like 90 a month!) What’s a hygiene-conscious germaphobe to do? Nip this problem in the bud by zapping it!

Violight’s smart and sanitizing products clean one or many toothbrushes using germicidal ultraviolet light.  Sounds high-tech, right? Well, we’re convinced. They kill over 99.9% of bacteria. So go ahead and brush, rinse, spit, and zap your way to a healthy you and a happy smile.

The Violight items above range from $29.95 - $49.95. For more information visit Violight.com

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamNest, gadgets, health, smile, dental hygiene

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I’m already counting down the days until fun, sun, and food this upcoming holiday weekend. I’m barely able to contain myself so I thought I’d show you couple of refreshing berry-rrific recipes courtesy of MarthaStewart.com. Either prepare your grocery list (blueberries, raspberries, and whipped cream) or just go ahead and ogle the sweet eye candy. (You know, I’ve always admired the flag cakes, but I think they look painstaking to make!).

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamNest, patriotic desserts, dessert recipes, entertaining, July 4, Independence Day

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Celebrate the Fourth in style with a few fab finds from our favorite stores. Add a patriotic punch with a touch of red, white, and blue. They’ll  make  your backyard barbecue, pool-side party, or firework-filled fete an instant Independence Day hit.

Dress up a festive Fourth of July picnic or party with durable melamine, which possesses the style of traditional glazed ceramics. These Americana patterns bring a special touch of handcraftsmanship to your table. Available at Pottery Barn. $19 - $24.

Printed with rustic Americana patterns, this set of durable melamine flatware adds a charming touch to summer barbeques. Add the matching dish towels and you’ve got a perfectly patriotic pair. Available at Pottery Barn. $20 - $27.

Partyware Serveware includes all of the basic entertaining pieces to host a party outdoors, from serving bowls to a large party bucket. The round party bucket and drink caddy are ideal for a backyard barbecue. Available at Pottery Barn. $6.50 to $39.

At the beach or by the pool, this eco-friendly sling chair’s wide arms and built-in drink holder let you sun in comfort. Available at Pottery Barn. $19 - $129.

These outdoor pillows are the best value you can find – hands down. Use the Tonal Stripe pillow to create a crisp effect. Available at Pottery Barn. $24.

Lounging in this extra-wide Chesapeake Hammock is a summertime (independent) luxury. Available at Pottery Barn. $39 - $149.

Celebrate Independence Day with true patriotic spirit with this American flag of the highest quality. Symbolizing our nation’s unity and strength, it’s made by one of the oldest flag manufacturers in the United States, renowned for exceptional workmanship. Available at Williams-Sonoma. $119.

Tucked inside this heated stoneware basket, baked goods stay warm at the table. It’s easy to use: Place the basket in a 350°F oven for approximately 15 minutes; carefully remove and line it with a cloth napkin before filling with warm breads or muffins. The thick base will continue to gently radiate heat. Available at Williams-Sonoma. $49.

Whether you’re baking an all-American cherry pie or flipping burgers on the grill, this sturdy cotton twill apron provides the perfect attire for the task. Embellished with a woven pattern of patriotic stripes in America’s signature red, white and blue, it features a roomy front pocket that’s ideal for stashing tools or recipe cards. Available at Williams-Sonoma. $24.

Add a touch of Americana to your favorite seating with hand-screened decorative pillow covers. Available at Restoration Hardware. $12 - $40.

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamNest, home decor, entertaining, Fourth of July, July Fourth, Independence Day, patriotic, decorations, barbecue, pool party

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Hooray for warm weather! It’s finally beautiful and bright in NYC! Unfortunately, Al Roker and Weather.com contend that the clear conditions and blue skies are temporary… So I want to take advantage and bask in the sunlight before it fades to clouds and rain. I long to lay out in Central Park with a book, my beau, and a picnic for two! … The idea sounds so romantic and summery, but in reality packing for the perfect picnic is not so simple. Not only do you need to pick up the food (and champagne, of course!) you have to supply the plates, dishes, utensils, and napkins. That’s why this backpack is so nifty. It comes pre-packed with all the essentials. Now I just need to grab the grub, pop the bub, and cuddle up on a blanket! (Available at RedEnvelope.com. $89.95.)

P.S. I haven’t wanted a backpack since I was 12 years old …

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamNest, picnic, picnic supplies, summer, weather

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A few weeks ago, my friend watched a segment on the Today Show about Bead for Life. This amazing organization’s mission is to eradicate extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Impoverished women in Uganda turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful bead jewelry, and caring people from around the world buy and sell the beads. These beads become the Ugandan women’s income, food, medicine, school fees, and hope. This small miracle connects and enriches the lives of everyone involved.

Needless to say, my friend was inspired and shared this story with me and a few other friends. She wanted to throw a bead party and we were ready to pitch in and co-host the event.  She registered on BeadforLife’s website and they sent us everything we’d need for the event for free. They provided us with over 250 bracelets, necklaces, and earrings; inspirational DVD and CD sets; pamphlets, and so much more. They also included an inventory list with prices, gift cards, and a pre-paid return label so we could easily send back the unsold items.

We threw the party earlier this week at one of our favorite NYC spots,  Choice Kitchen & Cocktails (Third Avenue between 27th and 28th), and it was a big hit! Despite the rain, we drew in a pretty significant crowd of friends and family members, and even restaurant patrons and employees made purchases! We raised over $950 – quite an accomplishment considering  the items range in cost between $5 - $30 each. That means that over $700 will go directly to the bead education program and Ugandan bead-makers! It was such an inspirational, fabulous, and fun evening. We drank sangria, shopped for jewelry, and helped raise money for a phenomenal cause. I’d call that a pretty successful night. Check out our photos …

My friends and I, modeling the eco-friendly beads, get ready to be hostesses and salespeople at the charity event.

All styles of beads on display!

Bracelets and necklaces.

More bracelets.

The crowd forms and people start browsing for beads!

More bead shopping!

Attendees mingle, shop, and drink!

Raising money!

Lots of money!

Lots and lots of money!

If you’re interested in learning more about BeadforLife or throwing your own bead party, visit http://www.beadforlife.org/index.html.

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamNest, Bead for Life, Beadforlife, charity, Africa, Uganda, poverty, causes, events, New York City

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My boyfriend surprised me today with an adorable itty-bitty baby sago palm tree. They’re too cute for words. We’ve put it on our living room windowsill so it adds an element of green decor and gets plenty of sunlight. I’m thinking of picking up two or three more for our apartment to add a bit of a tropical motif. They’re only $38 per tree and they’re absolutely precious. The top spouts out like a big palm and the trunk looks like a pineapple. And they stay that small (about a foot in height)  if you keep them in the original planter pot. You can find them at your local nursery or Lowe’s department store (that’s where he found ’em.)

Best part is that these trees are super-duper low maintenance. (I usually have a habit of killing all plants.) But you only have to water the baby sago once a week and fertilize every other month. I think I can handle that.

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If you recall, my toy poodle Reese is now contributing a weekly guest-post on GlamNest … Take it away, Reese!

So, okay. I’m a New York City pup. My paws get filthy from the city streets and my coat gets a gross dusty gray hue from the city air. Nevertheless, I can’t live without my walks. I love getting the exercise and my mommy loves that walking (it’s actually more like running) tires me out. It’s a win-win situation. (The only one it doesn’t benefit is my groomer. It takes her hours to brush out my knots and thoroughly clean my curly mane. It’s so tough being beautiful.)

With the gloomy weather in New York, I’m been sorta apartment-bound these last few weeks. I absolutely hate the rain (can’t have a bad coat day!) and refuse to walk in those horrible conditions. The lack of exercise leaves me jittery, anxious, and unsettled. That’s why I really want my mommy to buy me this super-clever canine treadmill. It has a whisper-quiet motor (so it won’t scare me away) and the sturdy rubber belt is super-soft on my precious four paws. The side rails keep my attention forward. My mom can adjust the speed, distance, and incline for me. It also has a simple safety on/off switch, which ma likes.

It’s available at Hammacher Schlemmer, and it’s only, um, $549.95. Is that a lot in human money? (Plllleeeeeeeeeease mom!!!!!!)

P.S. Aren’t I way cuter than that dog? … I should so be a puppy model.

licks and barks,

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Let me take you on a little virtual trip to one of New York’s sweetest spots: Tribeca Treats. The downtown store is equal parts bakery, boutique, and snack shop. It’s great for a quick post-work cupcake or a box of chocolates on the go. You can sit down and leisurely sip a cup of joe and eat a brownie or race in and buy a cake and card on your way to a party. Tribeca Treats also hosts parties (perfect for city-kids!) and baking lessons (perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!).

Tribeca Treat’s owner and head confectioner Rachel Thebault shows off her goodies.

The Tribeca Treats Summer Hostess Tote makes the perfect beach bag. And the best part is that it’s filled with yummy snacks.

What’s the best part of any cupcake? … The frosting! Skip the cake and indulge in a frosting shot. They’re decadently delicious and give you the perfect jolt of sugar. (And children flip for them!)

Of course, if you like the cake part of the cupcake, these little guys are bite-sized and satisfying.

And the gorgeous chocolates are fabulous for gifts, the home, or just a divine snack to go.

If you like any of what you see above or on the Tribeca Treats web site, consider ordering some sweets for your next event. They can ship most items anywhere in the country.

Tribeca Treats
94 Reade Street
New York, NY 10013
212.571.0500

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamNest, Tribeca Treats, chocolates, cupcakes, desserts

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Last time on “Project Patio,” we looked at two really great wooden furniture options from Walmart.com. You were supposed to vote for one of the two! (Shame on you!) No worries, it wouldn’t have mattered any way because I decided to go with something completely different. And I love it. In four to seven business days I will be the proud owner of this beautiful bamboo set …

I found this 5-piece set (umbrella sold separately) during one final web search on JCPenney.com. It was originally $1200. And I got it on sale for - wait for it … wait for it - $299! It’s a steal!

What do you think? Did I make a good choice? … Check out some more of their outdoor furniture finds. The prices can’t be beat! I’ll be back with more from “PP” next week. Can’t wait to show you what it looks like once it’s put together!

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamNest, furniture, patio, deck, outdoor entertaining, barbecue

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