The Emperor Wears No Clothes!! or Deconstructed furniture? I know you all have heard the term “deconstructed” food. But for those of you who are still confused here is a description of what it is: deconstructed dishes may take the foods that are normally combined in the dish, change their forms, and then plate them together in a different way. It's not just about taking the dish apart, but putting its elements back together.

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Dearest Smythe and Cadbury-Clarke, London is lovely as always. A wee bit of rain broken up by the most pleasant human beings on the planet; one can’t complain without feeling that you’ve insulted a nation! I’ve just finished luncheon with Charles and Bunny Broughton. They send their very best and insist you call when you’re next in town. Their new townhouse is a charmer;

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Clunkers Or What are you wearing? I recently posted a beautiful dress on my Fb page. As many of you know I love fashion and beautiful things. Oh just had a flash back, I had a hand writing expert on flight years ago and she said after analyzing my hand writing that I loved things and beauty. Ha- who knew? But that is another blog about that woman. She was veeery interesting! PhD in Psychology and taught at the college level.

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Please Pray For Roberto This morning Roberto is undergoing open heart surgery in New Orleans. Please pray for his quick recovery and return to good health. Much love to Roberto and his wife, Christiana. See Divas' Diaries on New Orleans for more on Roberto and Christiana.

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Dubai Part 3 Dubai shopping offers amazing opportunities. The age-old souks, ultra-modern shopping malls and promise of tax-free prices redefine the whole concept of retail therapy. Dubai is known as the shopping capital of the Middle East, and the best bargains are generally in the souks. Even luxury items such as carpets, electronics, gold and textiles can be bought relatively cheaply if you know where to look when you are shopping in Dubai. No wonder that for many, Dubai shopping is practically a way of life. Alexandra has just read me the above.

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Dubai Part 2 Alexandra was immediately responding to the Body Guard restraint with blood curdling screams! (She is so good at that!) Note: From our flight attendant days and emergency training they told us to say and do anything that would get them off of the plane in 90 seconds or less! I once heard Alexandra in an emergency situation scream the following; “Hey you, Lady! Haul ass! NOW!” It worked! She hauled ass off of that plane immediately.

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Dubai Part 1 After three or four meals, two showers each, (we just loved the Shower Spa in First Class), Alexandra and I have landed in Dubai. We have now rested and studied local etiquette at the Hotel Heaven of the Burj Al Arab! Extraordinarily lavish, the Burj Al Arab bills itself as the world’s only Seven Star hotel. Every floor at the Burj has its own reception desk, and butler service! All rooms are duplexes! Well we are in love! This hotel does not disappoint. We have decided to tour the hotel with the Manager! He was quick to extend this kind invitation!

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Etiquette in Dubai Before leaving our hotel rooms, we go over some local etiquette. Very important, students. Alexandra is reading the following to me: The robes for men are: Kandura Headdress for men: Ghutrah Black Band on headdress: Agal OK, got it. Now for Dining:

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HIGH FLYING TO DUBAI! UAE Airlines Emirates® now offers enhanced private suites in First Class on selected aircraft. The new private suite is fully equipped with individual storage, a coat closet, vanity desk and personal mini bar. The extra-large seat reclines to become a fully flat bed, and the 23 wide-screen LCD screen features over 600 channels of ice entertainment. Award-winning, multilingual cabin crew provide an unprecedented level of personal service, including a la carte gourmet cuisine and an extensive wine list.

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Safety for Women Travelers Below is some research I have done for Alexandra and myself while traveling to Dubai. If you recall, we are keeping check on Mummy and her BFF, Evelyn who think they can skip willy nilly all over the United Emirates! My father is footing the bill for us to keep Mother out of trouble. With her Boodle’s, life could get interesting??? Read on.

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Checking In With Mummy Part 2 After speaking to my mother, I immediately called my father’s cell. Daddy: Helllloooooo Cate, my dear!!! Moi: Daddy, what is going on??? Mummy has told me she has left you and going to Dubai in a BURKA?

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Checking in With Mummy Part 1 My mother has been very quiet of late and I felt I had to pick up the phone to check in on her. One never knows what she might be up to, so I dialed England. Ring Ring, Ring Ring, I do love the European Phone rings, don’t you? Mummy: Hellloooooo? Whooo is calling?

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Lesson Six SOF Attitude, Manners and Etiquette “Are you Behaving Badly?” As many of you already know Cate Clarke and I were flight attendants when flying was still fun and glamorous. Yes my dears, there was actually a time when the rich and famous, movie stars and politicians were all flying our carrier. We were the carrier of choice!

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Roberto Goes to Surgery! A late night message from Christiana to our group has let us know that Roberto needs heart surgery!! If you recall, they were recently married and we viewed Roberto getting down on his knees to ask for Christiana’s hand. There wasn’t a dry eye in the Villa!

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Rimmel, Boxed Wine and Hildie High Hair? Earlier in the week I got a phone call from my BFF, LB. She had recently had some eye surgery, no not what you are thinking! But she is toying with the idea of maybe some plastic down the road but that is another topic of discussion.

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Beef Stroganoff a la Jimmy’s Kitchen in Hong Kong! This wonderful recipe was put together not by my mother, but by my father. When he and Mummy were in Hong Kong in the mid 70’s, they had the beef stroganoff at Jimmy’s Kitchen. They loved the dish so much that Daddy did some research and created a recipe that is very close in taste to the restaurant’s. (Mummy only wished that he could have also duplicated the Jimmy’s fried ice cream dessert that she loved.)

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Mimsy Loves Lucy, Well Not So Much! Flying back in the day, one of the perks was the constant stream of Celebrities on our flights to and from Los Angeles or New York. One of the most surprising was about the late Lucille Ball. Mimsy is the sweetest girl around. Cute, smart and soooo nice. No one could ever be rude to Mimsy, right? Wrong. Here is the tale:

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Snicker doodles Recipe from Scott Tjaden 1/2 c. butter 3/4 c. sugar 1 egg 1 1/3 c. flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cream of tartar Dash of salt

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5 Ways to Get Upgraded to First Class Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, flying is the way to go. Want to travel in comfort and class but don’t want to spend that pretty penny on an upgrade for first class seats? Here are 5 possible ways you can go from coach to first without dishing out the extra cash.

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The War between my Neighbors Or Makes War of the Roses look tame!! Well this weekend I was outside doing a lot of work on the acreage, yes fifteen acres to deal with! Cate calls me Eva Gabor from Green Acres but she hasn’t seen me with my pruners going nuts, Rattlesnake protectors on my legs and stained baseball cap. Totally none SOF! But I digress.

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The Highbrow Eyebrow Or The Epitome of a Flaunt Party for Your Girl friends! What an unusual invitation, Drinks and Dinner and what? Brow Shaping? No I would not kid you! All this sounded so interesting that I promptly RSVP’d Yes, Yes! First the location, perfect, a tony Woman’s Club in a large Metropolitan City, Check!

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Sasha Ellington’s Shrimp Ceviche 2 -3 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 large tomatoes, diced 1 red onion, diced 1 bunch cilantro, diced

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OSCARS BORING! LET’S TALK JEWELRY I was going to write a long blog about the Oscars but frankly I felt they were rather boring. So here is a quick summary and then we’ll get down to talking accessories!

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Patsy and the Pope! Everyone loved Pope John Paul. He was charismatic and kind in every situation. He loved to reach out to his flock and made several major trips to America. It was just one of these trips that brings me to my memories of Patsy and the Pope. Patsy and I were working in First Class on a transcontinental flight to JFK. Who might be among our passengers but the two biggest honchos with the airline our CEO and CFO. And yes they were very nice gentlemen.

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The Bloom is Off the Rose? I recently got together for lunch with some of my posse; you know the Flaunt Fab Forty group. The conversation seemed to be revolving around the many uses for Coconut oil. Some were using it because they had dry hair and claimed it made a fantastic conditioner, others were frying their eggs in it and lastly some of us were just smearing it on our hands and face at night before we went to bed because it is suppose to be great for your skin.

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She Slept With Him Or Pan Am gave me a Flash back! My darling friend and former flying partner, CeCe, was never one to disappoint. She always has a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye! So let me tell you a great story about this lovely Lady!

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Homemade Valentine’s Pop Tarts 1 package of refrigerated pie crust Glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Sugar sprinkles for dusting 1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF

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Pamatini 2 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur 1 oz. Vodka 1/4 oz. Orange Flavored Liqueur (or 1-1/4 oz Absolute Mandarin Vodka which is what I'm doing) What's also good is shot of Pama and the rest champagne in a tall glass. Yum. From Scott Tjaden

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Emeril Lagasse's Shrimp Ettoufee

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Cate goes to the Big Easy Part Two! Well, the weather could not be better, Sunny and Warm! We made our way to Emeril’s restaurant replete with our tiaras where we were seated immediately and the FEAST began! Note: Only in the Big Easy can one wear a Tiara to lunch and no one seems to notice. Mummy would love this! Any reason to wear a tiara and the woman is there!!

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Cate Goes to The Big Easy or Laissez les bons temps rouler! I cannot believe that I have never before been to New Orleans!! Well, now was my chance. An annual Girl’s Trip of old friends was descending on the Big Easy to visit one of our own, Christiana, who is a local. Now you might think we will be swilling Hurricanes and eating beignets, which of course we will. But one of the main reasons for the trip was we were really going to meet her new Italian Lover, ROBERTO!!

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Super Bowl Partee! I was on the phone today with LB and the Super Bowl weekend came up. I asked her if she was going to give a Super Bowl party.

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“SOF” Womb to Tomb Or Lesson Seventeen Students of Flaunt in Lesson Seventeen in our book we go into details about milestones in your life. The all important occasions such as Baptisms, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Debutante Balls, Weddings and alas Funeral arrangements.

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Corn Maque Choux Makes 4 servings Pronounced mock shoe, this Louisiana staple (which is like a succotash) is a Cajun take on a Native American dish. I recently had this dish in the home of my New Orlean's friend, Christiana! It was wonderful. Cate

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Fines for Oak Pruning Or What did she do? I was reading an article the other day and it was about how a man was being fined for having a pruning service cut back his trees. The city only allowed for 25% and they claimed he had cut back his trees by 30 to 70%. Plus he hadn’t applied for a permit! Why do I see law suits coming?

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READ THIS: The School of Flaunt Handbook by Alexandra Smythe and Cate Clarke Most of what is said in this book is common sense and people we know do know better...but this was a fun read anyway. The girls hit on major cliches and we hope you are not learning anything new that is presented here if you are a regular on Whom You Know...sometimes their exaggeration is quite entertaining and we imagine in real life some cases everything is more down to earth, however, you don't want to lose any style or elegance so take what they say as a refresher!

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Starting 2012 or Vitamix Blender Well, you know we all start out with resolutions for the New Year. Admit it! You made a few whether you told anyone or not. I can see that guilty look on your face now. Yes, you who are now turning slightly red because you know you have been caught.

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Dearest Cate, My miserable packing skills are my undoing, again! Why is it the things I wish to pack remain behind and the things of no regard fill my luggage! Found my letter to you neatly tucked in my volume of Homer's Odyssey. Obviously right were I'd left it. Once again I'm in need of an adult beverage. Hugs from the eternal city. James

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THE MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS Or Poem from Tex The day before Xmas my phone rang and it was one of my neighbors. She said she had something for me and if I had a few minutes she would like to bring it over. “Of course!” I said. Now she is a good cook and I thought it would be cookies or something like that. Well, cookies it was but she also had written a poem from her horse to me.

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“Xmas Past” or Santa and Her Laughing Box! I saw a video recently that gave me a flash back to my first year of flying. Why did this video make me think of this? Well, the video is attached so that you can see it and here is my flash back! It was my first year of flying and I was so junior that of course I would have to work on Xmas eve and

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Mummy and the Mysterious Christmas Snake! Well, my parents, Cleland and Clarrissa are in town for the Holidays. What could be more fun? Lots planned: dinners, parties, gifts exchanged and the like. All is well, all is bright, right? NOT SO FAST!

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Emeril Lagasse’s Crust Less Quiche Servings: 6 Difficulty: Easy Cook Time: 30-60 min Who knew you could make mini quiches in a muffin pan? Brush the walls of the pan with butter to avoid the quiches getting stuck!

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Shootings, Designers and Villa Blanca Or Just another day for my Flaunt Fab Posse! It was a beautiful day for our outing! Oh and did we look flaunt fab too since we were off to Beverly Hills for the 2011 Maison de Luxe Designer Show House. Yes, it was the usual cast of characters: myself, LB, Jo, KL and KC. We all met at the prescribed time at my home and then proceeded to take KC’s big roomy Suburban out for our road trip. Just in case we needed room for some purchases the Suburban seemed to be the best choice. Planning ahead is always a good idea! And Rodeo Drive would be close by!

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Cate, Hello ! Hope you are well and in great holiday spirits! So sorry it took me a bit to get these recipes off to you! I had so many unexpected events take place this past week I'm lucky I had time to breathe. I hope school of flaunt devotees will enjoy! I will send more as I pull out my holiday batch of recipes - Have a flaunt fab day! Best - Alayna

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Coffee Grounds Or You did what with coffee grounds? It was a few days after Thanksgiving and I was admiring my holiday decorations and doing some of that last minute fluffing of bows when the phone rang. It was LB and she was on a roll!

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Black Friday Cyber Shopping! I was just looking mind you. Just a peek at what was on SALE and there it was!! The new gas range I had been looking at! Savings: $650!! Oh yes this was going to finish off my kitchen nicely. You see I have been replacing everything including the kitchen sink. Well, not the granite counter tops mind you that would be silly and frankly I’m not tired of them yet. Maybe next year? But we won’t tell Mr. Clarke that, will we?

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“SHE’S BACK” Yes, the House Guest From Hell! Many of you who have been reading Divas Diaries from the beginning might remember the blog that I wrote about my house guest from Hell. Well, for those of you who are new to Divas Diaries I can’t go into all of the details again but as Mr. Smythe described her, “She is totally self absorbed!”

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Thanksgiving Left - over Individual pot pies : Pie Crusts: 4 cups flour 4 sticks of cold butter cut into pieces 1/4 tsp fine sea salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper 12 TBSP ice water In a large mixing bowl , combine all dry ingredients . Cut in the butter fingers until a rough crumbly texture is reached. Push mixture along sides of bowl forming a well in the center. Incorporate ice water while kneading as needed until

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Rob Martin’s Mother’s English Walnut Dressing Two big bags of stuffing with seasoning, you can find this at the grocer’s. 1 Cup Chopped Onion ½ Cup Chopped Celery 1 Cup Cranberries 1 Cup Sherry

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Alayna's Thanksgiving Flaunt Fabulous Feast! Cate , Hello ! Hope you are well and in great holiday spirits! So sorry it took me a bit to get these recipes off to you! I had so many unexpected events take place this past week I'm lucky I had time to breathe. I hope School of Flaunt devotees will enjoy! I will send more as I pull out my holiday batch of recipes. Have a Flaunt Fabulous day! Best - Alayna

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Hi Cate As Promised, here's our family recipe for the Cheesy Biscuits! Let me know how they come out.ENJOY! BON APPETITE! GO FLAUNT! Robert ;) Mee Maw's Cheesy Southern Style Biscuits 2 Cups of Self Rising Flour

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“Pan Am Flash Back” Or I’m going to die in Entebbe! Well, Sunday evening arrived and I sat back with my glass of red wine wondering what memories would be stirred up with the latest Pan Am program. The crew had to make an emergency landing for a passenger that was having a heart attack. Yes, I had the flash back “episodes” immediately to an epileptic seizure, insulin shock, miscarriage, hyper ventilation, people fainting and many more. As Cate would say, “Good times.”

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Bison Filet Mignon – Bok Choy – Risotto Griddle Cake by Chef Franco Lania Ingredients: 6-8oz. – Bison filet. (Tied lightly with butcher twine to keep its shape.) 2-3 – Baby Bok Choy - Cleaned and pulled apart from stem

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Chef Franco Lania Delicious Coconut shrimp recipe. Come and get it shrimp lovers! Coconut Shrimp:

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Pan Am Flashback Or Relying on the Kindness of Strangers

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CAMPING Or Surely You Jest? Ring Ring Ring There goes the phone. Caller ID, it is LB. Moi: “Hi, what’s up?” LB: “OMG the four of us are going to go camping!” Moi: “The four of us; as in you, me and our husbands?” LB: “Yes it is going to be so much fun!”

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Pan Am Flash Back Or Do you know what she is driving? The Pan Am show opened with a woman in the cockpit talking about racing and later on in the show you saw her in her red Jag. FLASH BACK– How funny I had a little red sports car too when I first started flying. Unfortunately I demolished it in an accident. Yes, no fun times there. I knocked out a tooth, had to have seven stitches on my lower lip, four on my chin, a sprained jaw, two black eyes and bruises all over my body. The good news was I had on my seat belt or I probably would have been killed! Yes, being a flight attendant, this was just the first thing you always remembered to do, put on your seat belt! But my second red car seems to be the one that got me into trouble too! This is not my current Miss

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Pumpkin Lasagna! Cate , This is my recipe for pumpkin lasagna as I promised Alexandra I would send it to you !

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More Adventures with Mummy! Or She met who? We are on the Island of Mustique. The entire Cadbury-Clarke family. Hope the Villa can take the strain. Here are the main characters: Mummy Daddy, yes he left his country under protest Fiona, my lovely daughter Reggie, Fiona’s Fancy-Schmancy boyfriend from Oxford Mr. Clarke Moi, who needs a vacation badly!!! So we are all assembled at the most exclusive, wonderful resort that you can imagine!

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Hot Apple Pie Or When you don’t want to bake! Yes, fall is here and it is time to relax by the fireplace in the evening with a slice of warm homemade pie. BUT YOU DON’T WANT TO BAKE! Then try this delicious School of Flaunt toddy called Hot Apple Pie!

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Why I took up Karate! Well, I watched Pan Am on Sunday and had many flash backs. Fortunately I never had any fights between cockpit members. But I did have a flash back to a particular flight.

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Cate’s Deal of the Day! “You deserve to be pampered with today’s deal! You can do just that without breaking the bank. Pick your choice of luxurious spa services from the destination that knows a thing or two about pampering at the Most Trendy Salon and Spa in the area.” (Would they say anything else?)

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Pumpkin Ravioli & Mostarda di Montova | Autumn Flavors Nothing shouts Autumn more than Pumpkins! So for the next few posts I’m focusing on some favorite Pumpkin recipes. Autumn has to be a chef's favorite time of the year. Harvest time means a terrific opportunity to utilize all kinds of ingredients we don’t generally see at any other time of the year, Pumpkins definitely being one of them. Pumpkins simply scream: Childhood, Jack O’ Lanterns, Halloween, Fun, Family & Fall!

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Vivid Memories Or Politicians who would rather talk with me! Well, this week on Pan Am, one of the “stews” was shown running out to a plane with a box of cigars to give to President Kennedy. I had no need to run, for one of our soon to be Presidents was on my flight and we had our own private conversation. Oh yes we did! But then who would not want to talk with Moi. Stop laughing, I know you would!

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Vegas Or What Happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, maybe? My phone rings and it is LB, she is back from Vegas. The first words out of her mouth are, “I got your message about doing Joel twice while I was gone. The Donald, (LB’s husband), heard your message and wants to know who is Joel?” I told him, “Well Alexandra does him on odd days I do him on even

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Pumpkin Bread with Philadelphia Cream Cheese Swirl By Chef Franco Lania Let the pumpkin bread cool, once removed from the oven, in its baking tin. Once it is cool enough to handle turn it out. This is absolutely delicious with simply a cup of coffee or your favorite tea. Not to mention that the aromas from the cooking should have you smiling from ear to ear!

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Pan Am Or She Stabbed Him! Well, I saw the first signs of women standing up for themselves on this week’s episode of Pan Am. One of the characters stabbed a man when he tried to grab her in the galley. But it wasn’t the stabbing part that caught my attention, not that I’m condoning stabbing. No it was when the “stew” (Flight Attendant) said to the pilot, “Why did you not say anything to him but just offer him another drink and apologize. Now he will think he can get away with that all of the time.” (I am paraphrasing.)

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PBS, Joel Harper and Coconut Water! Recently I was watching PBS and one of the shows that came on was called Joel Harper’s Firming After 50. I was too lazy and totally relaxed on the couch at 9PM to bother to get the clicker to change stations, so I started to watch this program. Of course it was a fund raiser for PBS too.

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Dishing With Ralph Mummy is back in Chicago for a week and I thought I would join her. Nothing says High Holiday as a stint with my mother! So here goes.

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Oh Lord Stuck in Lodi Or OZV Remember Creedence Clearwater , Stuck in Lodi? It goes like this, Oh Lord stuck in Lodi, stuck in Lodi again, forget it I’m not going to sing to you. Check it out on You Tube. But I digress this song title came to mind the other night at one of our favorite little eateries. Why am I bringing this up?

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“PAN AM” Or A true story! O.K., O.K., O.K., I promised that I would give you my thoughts about the new TV show Pan Am. So here goes. I prop myself up with my pillows on the couch and a glass of wine in hand. Settling back to see what this show would really be about. Well, some of it was realistic but then other parts not so much!

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The Original Blue Ribbon Restaurant Soho, NYC The original Blue Ribbon restaurant was established in 1992 and has expanded into many varied versions. But the one we are going to talk about is the very first one. It is recommended by Jesse Sprague.

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Lunch with the Flaunt Fab Forty! Or “Even the Flaunt Group Needs SOF Help” We all hadn’t met in a number of months, so a Road Trip was planned for a day out. Road trip where?

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Le Papagayo We asked our Flaunt Foodies for their favorite restaurants. We didn’t care if they were 5 Star or a diner but were only interested in their menu. Grace Martinez Hays recommended Le Papagayo in Encinitas, California. (San Diego area)

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Melanoma Many of you read my crazy story of the recovery room last week. I did ask for Dr. House! What you don’t know is that I had a surgical procedure on a rogue mole and that was diagnosed with Melanoma! In addition I had my lymph nodes checked for cancerous cells.

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“Shoes” or What are you thinking? Cate and I were having a discussion recently about style and the topic of shoes came up. Ten years from now we are all going to look back on this era of over the top shoes and laugh ourselves silly.

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LIZARDS! This seems to be the summer of the invasion of the LIZARDS! The first one got stuck between the screen and the sliding door and was crushed. By the time anyone noticed he was a crispy little critter.

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Cate’s Recovery After Surgery” Or Where is House? Today I am much better. I had a minor surgery yesterday. What followed was interesting. I felt like I was a patient on the TV show House, as all the brainiacs ran around the hospital recovery room trying to figure out my low O2 levels

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Shoes! Or “Lorelei” The phone rings and I see on my caller ID that it is LB calling. Moi: “Good Morning. No excuse me; it is afternoon, isn’t it? Yes it is 12:40. Anyway, how are you?” LB: “Well, it has to be breakfast, brunch or lunch somewhere? I’m still in my Leopard print nightgown.” Moi: Laughing “And why pray tell are you still in your night gown at 12:40 in the afternoon?” LB: “Well, you aren’t going to believe this but I’ve been cleaning out my closet.” Moi: “Which leads me to my next question? Why?” LB: “Well, I took off my sleep mask this morning, got out of bed and went into my closet to get a pair of slippers to wear and I couldn’t decide on what pair.” Moi: “Oh, poor baby!” LB: “Now don’t be catty.” Moi: “I wasn’t being catty, I just had to give you a little bit of a hard time. How many pairs of slippers can one person have?” LB: “Well, you have a lot of room to talk. And how many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet?” Moi: “We aren’t talking about my closet now. Don’t try to change the topic. How many pairs of slippers do you have?”

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Madonna makes us all fall in love with Mrs Simpson By Baz Bamigboye W.E. (directed by Madonna) Madonna's film about the celebrated romance between King Edward VIII and the twice divorced Mrs. Wallis Simpson, and the grave constitutional crisis it caused, is exquisitely done — but it’s going prove divisive.

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Birthdays Past As my birthday month, yes you read right, (why do one day when you can do a month), comes to a close I started to think about some of my birthdays in the past.

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This recipe is a very old southern pie recipe that was handed down to me by a real southern lady. She has since passed on. It is delicious! Hope you enjoy it as much as I have. You are the ONLY one I have shared it with. No family members have this. I look forward to seeing it in the School of Flaunt blog.

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No Royal Yacht? You'd better borrow mine for Jubilee year, Your Majesty, says car parking tycoon By EMILY HILL and GILL MARTIN The Queen has only once shed tears in public – when her Royal Yacht, Britannia, was taken away in 1997.

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Mummy and the Grand New Bed! Upon arriving, I went directly to Mummy’s Chicago East Lake Shore Drive abode. It did not disappoint. James Swan had done it again! Another masterpiece! But leave it to my mother to put her own touches on her Chicago pied a terre.

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Filo Mushroom Pies Ingredients: 1 pkg Filo pastry sheets 2 tsp Coriander seeds- toasted & lightly crushed 3/4 lb Flat mushrooms (w/o stalks) 1/2 lb Onions Butter or oil

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“Wild Life or is it Caddy Shack?” And we aren’t talking Partying! Every time I turn around it seems that there is a battle of wills between humans and Mother Nature at my home. In fact we could make another movie like Caddie Shack here! Where to begin?

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FIRE!!!! Ah the peaceful weekend, in our getaway retreat, with nothing much to do but admire the garden and sip coffee on the veranda!! Or so I thought when I brought home Crème Brule for my birthday boy, Mr. Clarke. He was thrilled as this is his “flaunt favorite!”

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Britain's most expensive home once owned by George II's son sold for 140 million pounds to Russian buyer The Daily Mail The most expensive home in Britain is believed to have been sold to a wealthy Russian for an estimated 140 million.

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Cocktail Party Chatter” Or Rose Garden Gone Wild! Recently I was at a cocktail party which consisted of mainly the Flaunt Fab Forty neighbors. It is always so interesting to listen in on other conversations and to catch up on local gossip. But I also found out that I was in a contest that I had no idea about. What you ask? A contest?

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Cate and the Hit Man! A True Story! It was a quiet evening and my husband and I were watching PBS. Miss Marple was at it again. Always love her. Anyway, a new program came on. David Foster and his discovered talent!! Mr. Clarke wandered off, but I was glued to the screen!!

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Cattle Car Or Interviewing for Wal Mart! Well, I told you I would continue with the saga of our trip to the studio for the taping. Remember we were all acting as if we had never been out of the house before. Chattering like 16 year olds and waving at Bentley Boy. But after about 30 minutes in the car we started to calm down and now the banter was about checking out face lifts, if the lips had been enhanced, what kind of shoes would be worn by the stars and how thin were they really. Little did we know what awaited us!

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Announcement “IN HONOR OF” We are thrilled to announce that our School of Flaunt Handbook is now being proofed and readied for publishing. We would also like to announce that Joel Woodard, famed artist and designer, has graciously offered his talents for our book’s illustrations. And may we add they are flaunt fabulous!

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Combine cornstarch & 1/2 c sugar. Slowly add milk to egg yolks, then stir into sugar & cornstarch mixture. Cook in double boiler, stirring constantly, until it coats spoon. Remove from heat, add vanilla.

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Hey Flaunt Foodies! Send us your Flaunt Fave recipes - we will post on our Blog for all to share!

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The Royal couple last week moved into Nottingham Cottage or Nott Cott as insiders call it, in Kensington Palace. It is the sort of starter home any newlywed couple might move into - a cozy two-bedroom cottage with a couple of snug reception rooms and small yard.

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Chance Encounter It was a busy day at a major airport and I had three hours to kill, sound familiar? Where are all the nonstops? Anyway, after perusing the Book Store and assorted Mall shops, I wandered to the Airport Lounge.

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Bentley Boy Or Flaunt Fab Take on TV Audience! Now I have to explain something before I start this blog. I’m sure that most of you think this is a group of dilatants who do not work. Oh no my darlings. We have architects, designers, landscape designers, high end realtors and low end too (everyone needs to make a buck,) a caterer, attorney

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Ronda Carman’s Avocado Mussel Soup from All the Best Blog

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'The people who caused me most trouble were Wallis Simpson and Hitler': How the Queen Mother always saw Duke and Duchess of Windsor as outcasts By HUGO VICKERS

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“Mad Mary’s Coleslaw” A wonderful friend of mine nicknamed Mad Mary, because she was such a character, made the easiest and truly a very unique coleslaw.

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The only way is Wessex: How stylish Sophie has transformed into a real jewel in the crown By SARAH STACEY Kate isn’t the first middle-class jewel in the royal family’s crown: since joining ‘the Firm’ 12 years ago, Sophie Wessex has become a favourite of both the Queen and the many causes she champions. And as Sarah Stacey explains, she has also quietly undergone a soigné transformation.

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Will and Kate are 'huge Downton Abbey fans and can't wait for second series' Royal couple tell actress they watched the hit ITV show

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Bolognese Sauce – Ragu alla Bolognese serves: 5-8

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July 4th! It has gotten out of hand! The week before the 4th of July I had my usual house guests arrive. Now for them this is a vacation, “fun, fun, fun” but for me it is a “working” vacation. Working vacation you say?

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Cowboy's Beef Brisket Ingredients: 4 lb First Cut Brisket Of Beef 1 1/2 tb Bacon Fat 3 ea Cloves Garlic, Slivered 1 c Strong Black Coffee 3 ea Cloves Garlic, Crushed

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Dearest Smythe and Clarke, London is lovely as always. A wee bit of rain broken up by the most pleasant human beings on the planet; one can't complain without feeling that you've insulted a nation!

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Broccoli and Chicken Casserole Ingredients: 4 ozs medium noodles 2 1/2 c chicken -- chopped/cooked 1/2 c onions -- chopped

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ELIZABETH'S TIRAMISU Cooking time: let sit in refrigerator at least 3 hours Ingredients 6 egg yolks 1 lb mascarpone 3 tbsp sugar Espresso Kahlua or Rum Cocoa powder

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If Pippa Middleton is sporting a style, is it safe to say it’s sanctioned? Not exactly. The world’s most famous younger sister was recently spotted stepping out in (gasp!) nude pantyhose in the fashion capital – Paris. Pippa’s stockings caused a mild Internet uproar, with Jezebel.com claiming the young Brit had committed the “ultimate pantyhose sin.” (Is there a hosiery bible we’re unaware of?) While tights have made a comeback in recent seasons, they've

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Market Salamander's Red-Handed Coleslaw Finally found my recipe! It was right where I left it of course - stuck in the meat cookbook at the page with the recipe for slow roasted pork butt. Makes perfect sense.

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We Don’t Want to Do the Dishes! You are going to love this! One of the Flaunt Fab Forty called me the other day and told me how she got her children to quit complaining and do the dishes.

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This will serve an army. I will usually freeze some of it and it is just as good later. As with spaghetti sauce the chili is even better the next day so consider making it ahead one day to serve at a party. Guys love this chili because it is not runny and has lots of meat in it. Enjoy!

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Back to RL in Chicago I dashed for a quick visit to Chicago to view the latest MCA show featuring Mark Bradford. So there was no excuse not to have a great meal at RL, Ralph Lauren’s great restaurant on the Mag Mile!

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Rattlesnake Season Or Red tries to kill Snake! Those darn Rattlesnakes are out now! It is back to leg protectors and watching where you tread! I walked out into the garage the other day, hit the door opener and proceeded to walk over to Red (my Porsche who is like a sister to me, you’ve read about her before).

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My Scathingly Brilliant Idea! Glee! I just love sighting celebs in NYC or LA., anywhere, really. Well, I have just come up with a wonderful way to meet my favorites!! Catering, DO NOT TELL MY MOTHER.

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Fettuccine with Scallops and Peas Ingredients: 2 c Fresh peas (or 10-oz pkg frozen) 2 tb Unsalted butter, cut into bits 3/4 lb Fettuccine Saffron butter sauce 1 1/4 lb Sea scallops, rinsed, patted

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Robbed, abused, sedated, alone, the desperate last days of the Duchess of Windsor By HUGO VICKERS The Duchess of Windsor was permanently confined to her powder blue bedroom overlooking the lawns of her house in Paris. It was September 1977, five years after the death of her husband, the man who had been briefly, and scandalously, King Edward VIII - and she was in poor health.

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What to do when you receive nasty grams by e-mail? Recently a friend of ours has received some very nasty e-mail messages. They were totally rude and not worth the time to even respond to. But the sender naturally didn’t take the “non” response well. In fact that inflamed the sender of said nasty grams even more. She was not getting the desired reaction. The receiver was not snapping at the bait! A war of words was not in the making.

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Ooh-la-la, despite the huge real estate tailspin we are in, could this be the year of humongous real estate deals? In March, Russian investor Yuri Milner paid $100 million for a French chateau-style mansion in Silicon Valley and today, the Wall Street Journal is reporting the massive “Spelling Manor” has been sold to Petra Ecclestone (photo, left), a 22-year-old British woman who is heiress to the Formula One auto racing empire.

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Eva Gabor or Alexandra Smythe GREEN ACRES IS THE PLACE TO BE! Yes, it is true. Cate did tell me I was like Eva Gabor on Green Acres that TV show from the 60’s.

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Shrimp & Grits by Terri Aron

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The royal couple's official US itinerary has just been released, and LA is rolling out the red carpet while pre-emptively clamping down on the paparazzi. For Will and Kate's part, they seem to be educating themselves about LA before visiting.

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Mummy Takes on Reality TV Well, I would have never thought that my mother, all 82 years of her could be bitten by the Hollywood Bug, but it might just have happened. I recently got a call that the old girl was in LA and seeing some friends. Harmless enough, I thought. WRONG!

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They are adapted from his book Eating Royally, which features the recipes he made most often for the Royal Family during his 15 years in their service – their special favorites.

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The Tony Awards They aren’t reality TV! What a pleasure to watch the Tony awards. An award show that is not about the clothes, hair, celebs or the Red Carpet. Pure entertainment! With truly talented actors, singers, writers and directors being honored for entertaining the public for 8 shows per week, month after month. They are the best of the best, it is called Broadway.

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Cyberspace Rules! Dear Students of Flaunt: We aren’t talking old fashion Pen Pals here! Corresponding has taken on a totally new meaning; Facebook, e-mail and phone sex are so over. Now we have sexting! We would love to say it is not true but it is rampant especially with the under 50 crowd.

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Mummy wants take out from Swifty's? It has barely been a week since our wild night at Mummy’s New York Hospital! Most of you will remember that I got a late night call declaring Mummy as “missing”! Turns out she was in NYC to have some “work done” before the Royal Wedding. She was caught with Boodles smuggled in by her BFF, Evelyn.

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Love it for the color, love it for the taste, the texture -hot or cold; you’ll love this soup anyway! And the best part if serving this soup warm is topping it off with crème fraiche and sautéed scallions. Even a tiny bit of the cold crème fraiche is so unexpectedly refreshing in every spoonful of the soup. That and serving it in white bone china! One of the few times I follow a book recipe (almost) exactly. Melt 3 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add 2 red onions and 2 garlic cloves (peeled and chopped) and sauté until soft and tender. Then add 1 1/2 pounds beets and a couple of gala apples (skinned and cut) for at least another five minutes. Add 1 cup apple cider and reduce the flame until the beets’ and apples’ juices start to thicken the liquids (about 10 minutes). Then add 5 cups chicken stock (I used vegetable stock) and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, return to high heat. Once it starts to boil, bring it down to simmer for about 30 minutes. Puree the mix in batches in a blender for a smooth texture. Serves 6 – 8.

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Do we Shuttle? Or “Nightmare at the Stadium!” I was talking with my friend LB and she was telling me that she had recently attended a high school graduation. She couldn’t believe what she saw there! Can I fill you in on some of the worst behavior and taste in the world?

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Some of the Flaunt Fab Forty decided to see the movie Bridesmaids recently and then follow it up with dinner. We arrive at the theater to purchase our tickets and what do we immediately see but two women that were at the very “minimum” 50 pounds each over weight.

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Coronation Chicken! Served at the Royal Wedding!

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MAKING TEA IN THIS SIMPLE WAY WILL ENSURE A GREAT TASTING CUP

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Mummy in Hospital! It was in the middle of the night, I was dreaming of my next Caribbean vacation, you know sand, surf, lobster dinners, when I was rudely awakened by the ringing of our phone. My husband answered sleepily and leaned over, “My dear you better take this, it is your mother.” I jumped to an alert position and took the phone.

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The Stingy Tycoon After reading the story on the Stingy Tycoon, we at The School of Flaunt, felt that we should publish a portion of our Lesson 17, Womb to Tomb. Read on. The Final Curtain, are your trusts in order?

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Veggie Laska by Carolyn Maso serves 3 Laksa is a wonderful coconut milk based noodle soup that hails from Malaysia. I used a carrot, zucchini and a red pepper, all cut into little batons. Chicken laksa is also good & prawns or shrimp are lovely cooked in the spicy, fragrant coconut broth.

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Cate Goes to Costco!! Well, it had to happen sometime. Mon famille has discovered Costco. Picture this: three Brits gawking at the wide Costco Entrance. “Mesmerizing,” was the term my husband remarked!

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I love my Disneyland Roses! Ah yes, just when you think the yard is under control, then there is a late frost, the bugs start to come out on your roses, a tornado rolls through or moles start chewing on the roots of your plants. Oh you silly little fool to think that your yard is ever under control. Gardening is never and I repeat never finished. I’m feeling like I need a break right now and a few Advil just thinking about all of this!

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Due to some hidieous plastic surgery results we have recently viewed, we felt the need to repost a small portion of The School of Flaunt Handbook that addresses such. Read on.

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Cocktails to toast happy couple Many of London’s most famous bars have created special cocktails to celebrate the royal wedding. Here are two of the best to try at home. THE ROYAL TRIBUTE, from the American Bar at The Savoy

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Passata di Pomadore Freccia A chic sud Mediterranean recipe!! by Raphael T Harris Passata di Pomadore Freccia A chic sud Mediterranean recipe

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Oprah’s Last Show with Mummy and James Swan!! Oh, the squeals of laughter and merriment when Mummy got the call that she and I were invited to Oprah’s Last Show in Chicago!! Now, we were not among the Celebs, just guests in the audience, mind you, but you would have thought we were on our way to the Royal Wedding!!

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“NO HUSBANDS” Well, the husbands like to go out and play golf together, try some sport fishing, race their sail boats or play tennis with one another. Then there are the court side seats at the Lakers games that they just have to go to with their pals. All known as male bonding.

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Dear Cate, News of your travail in London has reached these shores. Your friends here have sworn off Indian food in solidarity with your great discomfort and I’ve personally stored away my mementos from that part of the world. I found them too painful to look at after considering you wedding spoiling misadventures. So close and yet so far, I do hope your recovery is complete.

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Ze Cafe' via Fifi Froelich In a tony area located on East 50th St. and 1st Ave. you might pass by this small restaurant.

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Prince William's Chocolate Biscuit Cake, Royal Desserts, Groom's Cake, Royal Wedding

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SOF fans! This dining recommendation is actually perhaps the antithesis of flaunt! The Woody Creek Tavern (just outside of Aspen, Colorado) is a both a local haunt and an attraction for visitors. I think that their website with the great photos and text best describes the atmosphere and dining experience. http://www.woodycreektavern.com/.

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Roy and the Group! Well, some of you might remember that LB and I had decided to take our husbands to Roy’s. If you haven’t tried a Roy’s Hawaiian restaurant they are great. Roy’s of course started in Hawaii and now has 31 locations around the world. Hardly a stuffy restaurant but rather casual with a nice flare. Linens on the table and the lighting was just right.

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On the Road with Red! Who is Red? Well, she is an older woman who requires expensive upkeep but someone you want to be seen with! Or I shall rephrase that, you want to be seen in. Red is my Porsche who comes out only on good weather days. That is why a Lady of her age still looks so good.

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The Kentucky Derby Mint Julep! No Derby party is complete without a Mint Julep!

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Who Were Those Nuns? With two billion people around the world watching, it was two nuns who took pride of place next to the newly married bride and groom. As William and Kate sang prayers from the specially designed hymn sheets, the two sisters looked on unassumingly.

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I think we can all say that Kate Middleton was the epitome of style, grace under pressure and certainly looked the part of a “fairy tale princess” who would be Queen! The soon to be Duchess radiated sophistication and warmth during her nuptials and afterwards.

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The Royal Wedding by Cate Clarke The frenzy of the Wedding Week was palpable. We were staying with my Aunt Emily in London to be near the festivities. With dinners out and parties all week, Mummy thought Indian Takeaway would be wonderful for a bite Thursday evening. That was it! We stayed in and enjoyed some Chicken Tikka Masala, Shrimp Briyani, Saag Paneer with Basmati Rice.

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Dearest Cate, Just returned your Mother to her suite at the Carlyle and thought I’d fire off a note and catch you up on our foray into the world of NYC antiques.

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Royal Wedding Guest List Revealed!

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Where to watch and where to party: Your very own Wills and Kate wedding planner! With an estimated 1.5 million Royal Wedding watchers expected to converge on London on Friday, not everyone will be able to find a space along the route.

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Enjoying her last days of freedom: Kate Middleton skips along the King's Road like any normal 29-year-old.

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Dearest Cate, A quick note to say I have survived meeting your dear, dear Mother. It appears I have been drafted into service. It’s safe to say that the mold was shattered shortly after the gods on high whipped her into existence.

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Wedding Prep Packing I have a checklist for the Wedding of the Century, it involves the following: Suit for Abbey Wedding Ceremony, arms must be covered. Shoes for said suit Fascinator for Wedding Ceremony Small bag

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Greek Easter Lamb by Chef Franco Lania

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Back to Chicago with Mummy! So, Mummy has healed and her new “face” looks lovely. Now she and her BFF, Evelyn, want to stop off in Chicago to see the new apartment and do some decorating! That is hiring some decorating. We travel easily to ORD and limo downtown.

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Italian Easter Pie is also known by several other names such as: Torta Pasqualina, Pizza Rustica, Pizzachino, and Pizza Piena to name a few. Italy, as most know is a country where names of certain dishes change drastically from city to city, region to region, and village to village.

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White Chocolate Almond Belgian Waffles In our family we have a time honored tradition of creating a flaunt fabulous brunch every Sunday. Each member of the family is always trying to create the best brunch ever!

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Norbridge Antiques Tarte aux Pommes Peel, core and quarter 8 cooking apples. Put them in a saucepan with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 5 tablespoons butter; and cook over low heat, covered tightly until they are tender. Press them through a fine sieve, and let the purée cool.

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'The people who caused me most trouble were Wallis Simpson and Hitler': How the Queen Mother always saw Duke and Duchess of Windsor as outcasts By HUGO VICKERS

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So, I offer my Ultimate Comfort Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. I usually get a real good hankering for them twice a year. This isn’t from a famous restaurant or anything. However, the recipe is the result of about 12 years of looking for the perfect chocolate chip cookie. They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

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Mummy Takes The Colony Club! It has barely been a week since our wild night at Mummy’s New York Hospital! Most of you will remember that I got a late night call declaring Mummy as “missing”! Turns out she was in NYC to have some “work done” before the Royal Wedding. She was caught with Boodles smuggled in by her BFF, Evelyn.

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WINNING!! Winning! Yes, with Tiger blood coursing through my veins I decided that “retail therapy” was needed. Ummm, do you think that might help Charlie Sheen? Probably not! But I digress. I

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Jane Ann Maxwell Good morning Alexandra - you are welcome. And I do have a recipe for you; I call it Parmesan Shrimp Skimpy, because it is lower in fat than most Scampi recipes!

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SOF Can Make You a Princess Too! Pint Size Boot Camp for Future Princesses LONDON (AP) - With Britain's royal wedding around the corner, wannabe princesses gathered Saturday at a posh London hotel for a crash course on how to curtsy, what to say to the queen and how keep pesky crumbs off their lips when eating finger sandwiches.

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Prince Harry emerges as cool, fun face of monarchy. LONDON - He's been filmed trekking through the Arctic, gives a smoldering look from the cover of a men's magazine and is being targeted by legions of young women who only a few years ago would have been lusting after his older brother. With all the attention being paid to Prince Harry, you might forget that Prince William's the one getting married.

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Miss Lucy’s Pecans with Dates and Goat Cheese or Cream Cheese These are wonderful as appetizers with cocktails or wine before dinner!

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Harrods eyes Shanghai to cash in on China's new wealth. Owners want to cash in on the niche Harrods has carved out in Britain, selling must-haves for the oligarch class It’s a long way from Stepney to Shanghai, but 176 years after Charles Henry Harrod opened a grocery shop in London's East End the retailer which has become a global byword for extravagant consumption is considering opening a second vast emporium in China

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Kate's a lovely girl - we're very lucky,' says step-mother-in-law-to-be Camilla According to The Daily Mail. Growing close: The Duchess of Cornwall and Kate Middleton have been getting closer as she acts as an adviser to the princess-to-be 'Kate's a lovely girl' according to the Duchess of Cornwall who has spoken publicly about the soon-to-be Princess for the first time.

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Scott Tjaden's Pot Roast, School of Flaunt, Great Recipes for dinner,

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Why do I have to be a Mechanical Engineer? Have you bought a new appliance lately? So exciting to open that box and start removing the packing papers and plastic wrap. I know you can see it right now? Bright and shiny. It has never been used. Oh so nice! Yes, at first that is your mood and then quickly it starts to abate. Why? You get out the instructions.

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Mummy in Hospital! It was in the middle of the night, I was dreaming of my next Caribbean vacation, you know sand, surf, lobster dinners, when I was rudely awakened by the ringing of our phone. My husband answered sleepily and leaned over, “My dear you better take this, it is your mother.” I jumped to an alert position and took the phone.

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Homemade Potato Chips! What could be better to munch on while watching television or entertaining your friends? And the great thing is that you can season them the way you like! Fried or baked in the oven these are flauntilicious and your guests will be demanding more! So makes lots, nothing worse than disappointed guests.

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“Drunken Goat Cheese Salad with Tomatoes” A Spanish salad of delights! No animals were abused in this recipe! Drunken Goat Cheese (Queso Cabra al Vino) “What,” you say? Drunken Goat cheese? This is a Spanish delight that you must try. A wheel of semi-firm pasteurized goat cheese from Spain’s Mediterranean coast is cured for 48-72 hours in Doble pasta red wine.

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Lovely evening in the City? My wonderful husband, Mr. Clarke and I went out for some light supper, a small, but lovely French favorite. We valeted the car and entered the dark paneled rooms and there they were: our best friends with several couples celebrating a birthday. We had wanted a quiet dinner, but we were asked to join them and now we had a huge group and we were immediately separated and sitting next to strangers, or almost strangers. Has this happened to you at a dinner party?

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Dinner with the Donald This is our first blog on Flaunt Foodie Restaurants. How did the idea start? Well, Alexandra was going to visit friends and she was telling Cate about this. When queried about where they would be eating she mentioned that they were going to dine at The Trump National Golf Club in the Palos Verdes area!

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Hollywood knows it. Political powerhouses know it. Wealthy Entrepreneurs and Business people at the top of their Game know it. But do you?

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Bill Blass’ Meatloaf! Hello Ladies! I'm attaching a recipe which I've used for years. Originally it was given to me by a friend of Bill Blass. I was told it was Mr. Blass' own meatloaf recipe. For years I was skeptical of the provenance

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Smarter Than a Smart Phone? I have joined in the nonsense of The Smart Phone. I received a lovely Blackberry for Christmas. I have got all my numbers and emails coming in nicely. Even a ring tone from “24”. (If only Chloe would answer?)

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Stefanie Baker's TIRAMISU

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Shopping with LB: Lingerie anyone? The phone rang and it was LB? “What are you doing?” she said and continued on without bothering to wait for an answer. “I’ve got a discount coupon for 30% and Blah, Blah, Blah, store is having a lingerie sale on top of that. Are you in?”

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HAPPY ST. PATTY’S DAY - A New Twist for Brisket! “Misted Brisket”

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The Ultimate Dog Birthday Party” A number of years ago one of my little beasties was getting ready to celebrate his birthday. This one was going to be a milestone for he was turning five and ready to leave his childhood behind.

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We read this in the New York Post and could not believe the Ultimate of Bad Behavior! Students, please read and learn. NEVER, we repeat, NEVER be guilty of such demeanor.

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Here is Joe's Salad: Avocados, red onion, all kinds of tomatoes, big small and many colors, slice all arrange with sliced mozzarella

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Kate and Camilla Have Lunch! It's a stressful job planning a wedding. Especially when your husband-to-be is the future King of England. But Kate Middleton was given some invaluable advice this week – from the woman who will soon be her step-mother-in-law.

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Paella: The Ultimate in Outdoor Entertaining-Napa & Santa Rosa When I was a child I lived in Barcelona with my family. Often we went to the Costa Brava for the week ends…we’d arrive early in the morning and my father would order the paella and sangria for our late lunch. They cooked it on the beach, and when it was done we’d have a feast!

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TO SPIN OR NOT TO SPIN? That is the Question. Well, now I’m sure you all think I’m talking about spinning classes at your local exercise club. Oh no, my dear students of flaunt. This is about those small white balls called ping pong balls! What you want us to play “ping pong,” how plebian. Wait just a minute before you dismiss this idea.

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Kate Middleton Wears a Royal Fascinator, How Fascinating? Leave it to Kate Middleton to make her accessories as talked about as she is. The hat-loving future princess wore another distinctive topper to her Anglesey appearance on Thursday, and this one was made especially for her.

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A Stylist or No Stylist? That is the Question. As we breathe a collective sigh of relief that another Oscar show is over, we ponder the almighty question of, “Did they use a stylist?” This surely opens the door for many thoughts.

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A Hostess Gift that Keeps on Giving! A friend of mine arrived with her husband for dinner many years ago. She had a wonderful, large, “hour glass” shaped vase in her hands, filled with a beautiful assortment of flowers. As she handed it to me she said, “A friend of mine gave me flowers in this vase a long time ago, and when I went to her home I would return it with flowers in it, and then she would do the same later. She just recently moved and told me to keep the vase and start the tradition with someone else. I immediately thought of you.”

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Good morning ladies! Here is my favorite salad to prepare for either lunch or dinner. It's tasty AND nutritional! Please feel free to post to your food blog.

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Update on the House Guest from Hell! Some of you may remember my trials and tribulations with the unappreciative house guest and my shopping trip with her. Then I gave you an update on her newest affair of the heart and how he is a long distance relationship. May I add here, not for long if she has anything to do about it!

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Looks like princess-to-be Kate Middleton is thinking about spending her last night as a free lady at The Goring. Bachlorette party! We wonder if the royal stripper will pay her a visit on the evening before the big day.

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FLAUNT FLASH NEWS! TOM FORD DOES IT AGAIN! Tom Ford is opening a new store on Rodeo Drive this Thursday! Rumor has it that a few of his famous friends will there too. Would it be any other way? For Tom is dressing two people for the Oscars and we think they might be attendance also.

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The wedding invitation, which is dated for April 29, says: The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by the Queen to invite Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clarke to the Marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. with Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 29th April, 2011 at 11.00 a.m.

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Joel Woodard's Table

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Joel Woodard's Chicken With Goat Cheese! Ingredients 3 whole (6 split) chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on 12 ounces Montrachet goat cheese, with garlic and herbs Fresh basil leaves Good olive oil Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

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This just in from Associated Press! Bridesmaids and page boys at the royal wedding! Here is a list of the best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids and page boys named for the April 29 royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton.

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What do you get a woman who has everything? Well, Cate and I have been back from Hong Kong long enough to have recuperated from our adventures with her Mother. As most of you know Mummy was picking up the major tab for our vacation; even though I made sure, at every opportunity that I paid for our meals, it still seemed like such a small gesture.

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Amour or Affaire de Coeur! In modern day society, we must have a lesson to discuss sex and alas, violence. We suggest having plenty of the former and none of the latter and you'll be fine. With all of the health problems today, please be discriminating in the choosing of a love interest. Remember human bondage, black leather, (other than plush car interiors) and whips are not SOF endorsements.

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Welcome to the SOF Flaunt Foodie Blog! Recently the School of Flaunt Divas were discussing their adventures with cooking and entertaining. Voila', the SOF Flaunt Foodie Blog was born! This is going to be flaunt foodie fun at its very best.

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Beef Stroganoff a la Jimmy’s Kitchen in Hong Kong! This wonderful recipe was put together not by my mother, but by my father. When he and Mummy were in Hong Kong in the mid 70’s, they had the beef stroganoff at Jimmy’s Kitchen. They loved the dish so much that Daddy did some research and created a recipe that is very close in taste to the restaurant’s. (Mummy only wished that he could have also duplicated the Jimmy’s fried ice cream dessert that she loved.)

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The Foodie Network! Do you watch the Food Network as much as I do? OMG I love that channel. I want everything they are whipping up! I love Ina Garten’s new kitchen. She calls her new kitchen the “Barn”, but I call it “Love”. I am ready to move to the Hamptons to recreate and be her best friend! Now you might be aware that I am not the best of cooks, however I can eat and do it daily. I can just see us: I am sitting on the stools watching Ina cook away and we notice the areas for Hidden Appliances, Extra Burner, Easy Access Countertop Equipment, and Warm Lighting. We are not even eating yet! Her husband is a lucky man.

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Mummy weighs in on the Princess de Polignac obittuary in the London Telegraph! My mother returned home from our Hong Kong trip to find an old “acquaintance” had passed away. Mummy never wants to speak ill of the dead, but in this case her tongue was a little looser. I could not resist asking a few questions!

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Patricia Seymour Cline Hi Cate: I've responded to a few of the questions below for your food blog. How fun! I cannot claim to be a great cook, but I believe that I am good hostess! Feel free to use my name associated with any of this that you may want to publish. Thanks for starting this!

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Welcome to the SOF Flaunt Foodie Blog! Recently the School of Flaunt Divas were discussing their adventures with cooking and entertaining. Voila', the SOF Flaunt Foodie Blog was born! This is going to be flaunt foodie fun at its very best. We would love to have your input!

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Happpy 4709! The Year of the Rabbit! Winging our Way Home from Hong Kong!

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WE ARE OFF TO MACAU! A trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without going to Macau according to Mummy. She had booked us on the helicopter and needless to say there was a slight and I use that term loosely, baggage fee charge since we were over the fifteen pounds allotted each passenger. But that being said, Mummy did not want to travel by Turbo Jet Catamaran. As Clarissa said, “I’m too old for that; it was great fun when Cleland and I were younger but now time is of the essence.”

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“Sha Tin and Jimmy’s” “Sha Tin Girls?” Mummy asks. Well, she really wasn’t asking but who were we to tell her that we didn’t want to go to the racetrack? As you know she does love anything that has to do with horses and possibly a bet or two.

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Our High Tea at the Peninsula! A true MUST in Hong Kong is Tea at the Peninsula. If you are a resident of the hotel, no problem with seating, but be forewarned, the crowds and queues are daunting for non patrons.

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The Art of Fine Dining! Wonderful old school restaurants that ex pats, tourists and locals frequent abound in Hong Kong but there are a few that Mummy loved from her past visits. Seeing that I was the Guest it was imperative that I do something for my hostess! Needless to say I couldn’t begin to repay her generosity but at the very least I wanted to indulge her culinary desires. American Express card get ready!

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The Peninsula Hotel! Lady Alexandra and I have arrived in Hong Kong and were whisked off in style to the Peninsula in a Rolls Royce extended wheelbase Phantom! Mummy is already ensconced in her suite. She took the Peninsula Helicopter to the heliopad! That is just so “Mummy”!

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Our Flight to Hong Kong! Yes, our Hong Kong adventure is starting! We have to admit that we are giddy with excitement. You would think we had never traveled before but you all know that isn’t true! But really who wouldn’t be excited since Alexandra and I are meeting Mummy at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong for a Girl’s Week! My Mom is a doll! She has booked us on Singapore Airlines in those fantastic Sleeper Suites. Our “beyond’ First Class trip started at the door of the airport!

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We are Winging our way to Hong Kong! Stay tuned for our adventures! Cate & Alexandra

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Mummy’s Big Dilemma The Wedding of the Year is coming closer. My mother has a big decision to make. Which of the two receptions for the marriage of William and Kate, will Mummy attend?

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“Mummy is taking us to Hong Kong!” Yes, Cate’s Mother has invited me to join her and Cate in Hong Kong. “Girls week out,” as she said! Evidently she read an article about the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit and said to herself, “I must go back for one last visit.”

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The House Guest From Hell As some of you might remember I wrote about the house guest from Hell a number of weeks ago. I still stay in contact with her but by phone only! Remember students, once you have seen someone’s bad manners in your own home don’t have them back.

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Where were the Globes? Did you watch the Golden Globes, students? Well we tell you it was on at our homes and we were flabbergasted! The stars and starlets were lovely, classically coifed and little or no globes in site! Yes, cleavage was doable and appropriate.

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The Snake Pit We have all felt the uncomfortable looks. We have all wondered if we were UP to the status of shopping in certain stores. You know the type. Highly glossy top line designer establishments that employ the cruelest staff in the city. This is how my daughter came to call the Make-up department on the lower level of Barney’s, The Snake Pit.

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Xmas Day and the Grand Buffet! After all of the phone calls to relatives hither, thither and yon to wish them a Merry Xmas and of course a quick call to jolly old England to Cate, my day could start now. I might add here that Cate told me about the Xmas tree debacle. Something tells me it was Mummy’s cat Cleo. One might describe the little Princess as totally doted on and spoiled. Playing in the Xmas tree, batting around ornaments would be just the thing for that cat to do! Oh well, hard to discipline a cat and I don’t see her name on the list for excommunication from the house. After all she does wear a personalized collar with a Swarovski crystal encrusted bell. She is Mummy’s favorite!

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Children Bully Buying Our Cars? I have just witnessed my first Bullying Commercial. A cute kid is challenging all kids to have “cool cars” that they will be proud to enter at School pickup. Really? There is one poor child who does not want to acknowledge his loving father because his station wagon is “tacky.” (For lack of another word.) The poor child is hiding and the Dad does not understand. This is a sleazy bit of advertising at best.

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Holiday Reservations – Yes I would like to make some. Thank You! The guests arrived with many suitcases in tow. I can hear you laughing now! Ah, yes they were ready for any occasion and trust me there were “many” that we were going to attend. Boredom would not be a problem!

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The Proper Way to Shop Dear Students of the School of Flaunt. It has come to our attention that many of you are misbehaving at the after holiday shopping extravaganzas being held across the country. People are pushing and shoving to get the best “deal” on everything from cashmere to candy. There is bruising being done students! And this is not the SOF way to behave.

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Holiday Adventures December started out with me organizing the Flaunt Fab Forty for their Holiday luncheon. I gave you a little history about that in an earlier post. The Flaunt Fab Forty turned into the Flaunt Fab Fifty Five but that was fine. This would be their last hurrah together in 2010 before they scattered to points around the world for family visits and vacations. But I still had my plans for the rest of the month to deal with!

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Holiday Season 2010 We have had a wonderful time this year in the Cotswold’s. All the family has gathered for Christmas, Boxing Day and the Holiday Hunt. It was a beautiful “white” Christmas. The Halls were decked and decorated like never before.

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Dear Students: This will be my last post for 2010. With the Holiday season picking up, a cocktail party for the Fab Flaunt Forty to prepare for, more house guests, New Year’s out of town and a college bowl game to go to I will have lots of news to tell you about in Jan. 2011.

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Dear Students: This will be my last post for 2010. With the Holiday season picking up, a cocktail party for the Fab Flaunt Forty to prepare for, more house guests, New Year’s out of town and a college bowl game to go to I will have lots of news to tell you about in Jan. 2011.

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Off to England for the Holidays! The private jet terminal was a bevy of activity. Larger private jets all bursting with passengers, lucky passengers and their packages leaving for the Holidays to Islands and Mountains alike. One could tell if there was a load of skis or a load of beach bags. So interesting to try to pick where these flights were headed.

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“It’s beginning to look a Lot like Xmas at Alexandra’s” Normally I have my tree up over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend but with my parents and what seemed like one of my former 747 crews here that was an impossibility. Why so early? Because when it takes three days to decorate it and I’m out and about so much I need the extra time to enjoy it!

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Piece de Resistance! I just love those words. They sound so very French and they belong to a lovely store as well. A really Flaunt Fabulous store with cooking classes, tastings, and the very best of everything for the kitchen. So you can understand when my daughter wanted to take some “Vegan Cooking Classes” how excited I was to join in.

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I survived Thanksgiving to promptly roll into December with the Flaunt Fab Forty luncheon. Each December we meet for lunch at the beginning of the month before everyone starts to book up for the holidays and scatter all over the world.

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Art Basel Part Two: Waking in Sunny Florida is different than California. Cannot explain, just is. After a lovely cup of tea in my Ritz suite, I went back to Art Basel to shop a bit! I was Hugely Successful and so pleased with myself. Lovely piece purchased for my home in NYC. Note: Everyone is still in black, very chic, however for so early in the morning!

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Mother and LB Do Black Friday! As I said in my last diary post I would tell you about Black Friday. Remember I was not able to walk a lot because of my foot and possible self medication too! LOL! But this was not going to deter my Mother. I could see her perusing all of the ads in the newspapers and she hasn’t started shopping on the internet yet. Look out stores! Plus she had her cohort and new best friend LB to shop with. There is a God, thank you LB!

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Art Basel, Miami Nothing like a quick trip to South Beach! The weather, the food, the nightlife! Add to that the wonderful annual Art Extravaganza, Art Basel and you have arrived!

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My mother and father arrived safely and without incidents so I was grateful that the Thanksgiving holiday would start out this well. Of course she brought a steamer trunk so that she would have an outfit for any occasion that might arise. My personal opinion was that she wanted a large suitcase to carry home her booty from Black Friday! Why carry it? That is a ridiculous question, because she didn’t want to wait for shipping!

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Well, it had to happen sometime. Mon famille has discovered Costco. Picture this: Three Brits gawking at the wide Costco Entrance. Mesmerizing, was the term my husband remarked!

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Alexandra’s Modern Family? Reminisces about Thanksgiving 2010: Holidays as we all know can be an adventure. Mine started the day before Thanksgiving as mother and father would be arriving then. I had almost begged them to come two days before Thanksgiving because flying commercial is an absolute nightmare now, even if you are going first class.

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Cate’s Online Shopping Extravaganza! The days after Thanksgiving have been laden with bargains ads, bargain ads and oh yes, the bargain ads! What is the worth of a new: Flat Screen? Bosch Dishwasher? Cashmere Sweater? Are they all tumbling values like our US Real Estate?

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Cate called and was rattling on about Thanksgiving and how Mummy is now coming. She wants to have a turkey with all of proper side dishes for her soiree.

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Mummy is coming for Thanksgiving!!! I just got off the telly with Mumsy. She has totally hijacked the American Holiday of Thanksgiving and was notifying me of her eminent arrival stateside for Turkey and all the Trimmings! Yikes, call the caterers!

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Oh my dear students. I just went through three days of Hell. Yes, BJ arrived on her broom in a flurry as usual. Yes you read right I said, on her broom and you will understand why later. Now I know what I'm dealing with here so shame on me but I always think it might be different. BJ was a neighbor who divorced after a long marriage.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton are now engaged! We are so thrilled. Mummy has already called the Queen and Kate’s parents to congratulate. A royal wedding pumps us up as they say! The shops have to already be ordering the obligatory tea towels, as well as the mugs and plates for the tourists!

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Yes, dear Students of Flaunt, I said I would tell you more about the Grande Dame of the Flaunt Fab Forty who were at my home for the charity auction. so many different personalities!

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Mummy has stayed on in Chicago to attend a HUGE ball on the weekend. Imagine my surprise when I get a frantic phone call that the Four Season’s is on FIRE!!!

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Where to begin? Last week I had 40 women descend upon my home. Why? We decided amongst ourselves to do a little fund raising for a very special school. This school is for children that come from homes where they unfortunately have had physical or emotional abuse. They either reside on campus or come by bus from foster homes.

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Oh what fun! I entered the beautiful RL restaurant adjacent to the Chicago Ralph Lauren store which brought back such warm memories of English Clubs in London. The maitre d’ immediately seated me at what I was told was a key table. “Who would know me?” I asked.

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I just got a call from LB or as some might prefer to call her “The Duchess.” We have a love hate relationship.

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“Oh Good God.” screamed Mummy when she was told there were NO STABLES at the Saddle and Cycle Club. Thank the Lord that I discouraged her from wearing her new Hermes boots and jodhpurs!

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“Oh Good God.” screamed Mummy when she was told there were NO STABLES at the Saddle and Cycle Club. Thank the Lord that I discouraged her from wearing her new Hermes boots and jodhpurs!

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The weekend has flown by. Dinner with Ozzie and Harriet, just kidding but they could be? This was a casual evening for all. Our hostess in a simple linen blouse and Capri pants and flats but always with the ever present long strand of pearls. As I said she does remind you of a 21st century Harriet.

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I have taken my mother to Chicago. Mummy is seeing a top doc at Northwestern. She as many Brits, believe that medical science is best in the States. So off we fly and land at O’Hare Airport. Quite lovely in the lighted musical passage in the United Terminal.

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Alexandra Smythe: I met the Ladies for lunch on Friday. We try to catch up with a monthly chat over salads and a glass of champagne. Jo was a real SOF head turner,

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Alexandra Smythe: I met the Ladies for lunch on Friday. We try to catch up with a monthly chat over salads and a glass of champagne. Jo was a real SOF head turner,

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Alexandra Smythe: I met the Ladies for lunch on Friday. We try to catch up with a monthly chat over salads and a glass of champagne. Jo was a real SOF head turner,

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There is a strange trend happening in the design world. A scary trend actually. It appears that everyone thinks he/she is an interior designer. People with marginal training and suspect talent, who have no ‘eye’, (we call these people Decorettes™ are showcasing their Design Disaster™ shenanigans in magazines (Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Veranda, etc.), and worse, hosting television shows (ABC, CBS, NBC, HGTV, Bravo, etc.) under the guise of being ‘experts’! If these people were really ‘experts’ they would be telling you the truth.

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We recently became Facebook Friends with Christopher Radko otherwise known as the “Czar of Christmas” by the NY Times. For over a quarter of a century people with discerning taste have been collecting his ornaments. Christopher brought back the art of fine European glass ornaments and the tradition of collecting them. Private collections have been started by celebrities from Elton John, Barbra Steisand, Whoopi Goldberg, Ben Affleck, Heidi Klum, Rosie O’Donnell to Giselle Bundchen. These beautiful ornaments have also graced the Xmas trees of the White House, the Governor’s mansion in Connecticut to Gracie Mansion in NYC. We might add here that your “divas” of good taste, Alexandra and Cate also have their Xmas trees covered in Radko ornaments. With all of these recommendations why would you not start collecting them?

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We recently became Facebook Friends with Christopher Radko otherwise known as the “Czar of Christmas” by the NY Times. For over a quarter of a century people with discerning taste have been collecting his ornaments. Christopher brought back the art of fine European glass ornaments and the tradition of collecting them. Private collections have been started by celebrities from Elton John, Barbra Steisand, Whoopi Goldberg, Ben Affleck, Heidi Klum, Rosie O’Donnell to Giselle Bundchen. These beautiful ornaments have also graced the Xmas trees of the White House, the Governor’s mansion in Connecticut to Gracie Mansion in NYC. We might add here that your “divas” of good taste, Alexandra and Cate also have their Xmas trees covered in Radko ornaments. With all of these recommendations why would you not start collecting them?

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Salons and Spas…..Ah the Good Life or Fresh, Sassy, Edgy and Totally Chic! It is now time to indulge yourself in those fantasies and make them a reality with a new you! If you haven’t heretofore been pampered, GET READY!! In every major city you can luxuriate at the best of Spa Bastions and we are not talking about a Sweat Lodge here! Get a facial, massage, pedicure, manicure and salt rub now! After a hectic entrepreneur’s day, it should be “Red Door” time. What is the Red Door? A slice of pure heaven! Otherwise known as an Elizabeth Arden Spa.

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SOF WOMB TO TOMB Milestones: Baptisms, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Debutante Balls, Weddings & Funerals When your children enter this world, if you are of a religious faith, a Baptism or Welcoming Party is a must! Not only are you announcing to the world a probable President of the United States or that the next CEO of Microsoft has arrived, but it is just Sooooo socially irresistible not to have a party for the little darling afterwards!

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MAISON MONOGRAMMED Incorporating monograms into your home's interior and accoutrements is one more finishing touch and detail which makes for an elevated lifestyle of gracious living and this doesn't simply mean placing your initials on powder room guest towels.

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Never a Bowl of Fish--- Have an Aquarium! Our Pets Need we go any further than the above statement? Not a mixed breed, a Show Dog. Not just a horse, but a Grand Prix Jumper. Not a tom cat, but a Siamese. Not a parakeet, a pair of Finches. If one of the “Nots” has stolen your heart, at least give him or her a regal name. Please no Spot, Shadow, Elvis or Bingo. Try a little elegance like: Natasha or Kingsley. If your small child or grandchild should come up with one of those unfortunate common names you might be stuck. We guess your friends may consider you quaint or old fashioned?

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Hotel Villa Krupp Viale Giacomo Matteotti 12 Capri 39-081-837-0362 Dearest Cate and Alexandra, I’m awash in the glow that is Capri stretched out as I am on a terrace overlooking the Faraglioni rocks; it’s every bit as glorious as it sounds. Trite as it may be I wish you where here! I arrived last week having counted the minutes til London was just a memory in our little jet’s the rear-view mirror. I wonder if they have rear-view mirrors? Regardless, Kip and Samantha Ebersol we’re such dears to let me ride in their snappy little GV. From the way she’s tart’d up the interior you’d think she was out to impress someone.

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In modern day society, we must have a lesson to discuss sex and alas violence. We suggest having plenty of the former and none of the latter and you’ll be fine. With all of the health problems today, please be discriminating in the choosing of a love interest. Remember human bondage, black leather, (other than car interiors), and whips are not SOF endorsements.

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Living Room Feng Shui Design Dos & Don’ts The living room is considered the social hub of the home. It is an area to receive and entertain guests as well as a room to relax and unwind and get together as a family after a long day of work, It is important to make this area of your home comfortable, safe and balanced so the Chi is upbeat and supportive.

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One of the most serious of SOF endorsements goes to those dedicated surgeons of the Plastic variety! Why pray for miracles when you need only make an appointment?

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Lesson Thirteen: Names, Titles, and Monikers, What's on Your Stationery? Surnames are so important. A fine family name carries weight and packs a punch! Should your family name lack luster there are alternatives….. Dress it up a bit, add to it! Hyphenated names, long the pinnacle of British High Society can be yours.

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Las Vegas Jewelry Show Trends - Individual Expression Wins Searching For Trends My assignment was to report on what was trending this year at the Las Vegas Jewelry Shows. I found a lot of Bochic, green - green was everywhere, cocktail rings and bracelets/cuffs galore. Early on I found myself walking the isles slightly bored, looking for something to catch my eye. Amongst the waves of pavé this and pavé that - I found some true gems.

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Sporting Events See and Be Seen Let’s get right to the point here students. You've worked long and hard to get to the top, or you have won Mega Millions. Now that you are there, you can either be seen or participate in the sport of your choice. Being seen obviously is the easiest way to go dear students. You supply the capitol and others the know how or lessons. What could be easier?

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Dearest Smythe and Cadbury-Clarke, London is lovely as always. A wee bit of rain broken up by the most pleasant human beings on the planet; one can’t complain without feeling that you’ve insulted a nation! I’ve just finished luncheon with Charles and Bunny Broughton. They send their very best and insist you call when you’re next in town. Their new townhouse is a charmer; I’m sure you’ve had the “tour” so I’ll save my “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” till we’re face to face, cocktails in hand. But maybe just a snippet of a comment on Bunnies insistence on populating those glorious rooms with her sad collection of world weary potted plants. Honestly, you’d think the woman actually had a green thumb from the number of these sad specimens!

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Dearest Smythe and Cadbury-Clarke, London is lovely as always. A wee bit of rain broken up by the most pleasant human beings on the planet; one can’t complain without feeling that you’ve insulted a nation! I’ve just finished luncheon with Charles and Bunny Broughton. They send their very best and insist you call when you’re next in town. Their new townhouse is a charmer; I’m sure you’ve had the “tour” so I’ll save my “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” till we’re face to face, cocktails in hand. But maybe just a snippet of a comment on Bunnies insistence on populating those glorious rooms with her sad collection of world weary potted plants. Honestly, you’d think the woman actually had a green thumb from the number of these sad specimens!

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Dearest Smythe and Cadbury-Clarke, London is lovely as always. A wee bit of rain broken up by the most pleasant human beings on the planet; one can’t complain without feeling that you’ve insulted a nation! I’ve just finished luncheon with Charles and Bunny Broughton. They send their very best and insist you call when you’re next in town. Their new townhouse is a charmer; I’m sure you’ve had the “tour” so I’ll save my “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” till we’re face to face, cocktails in hand. But maybe just a snippet of a comment on Bunnies insistence on populating those glorious rooms with her sad collection of world weary potted plants. Honestly, you’d think the woman actually had a green thumb from the number of these sad specimens!

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James Swan is head of New Wall Enterprises, LLC a Beverly Hills-based design and lifestyle group focused on delivering smart-design-daily to consumers across the country and around the world. As a lifestyle leader he has been featured in House & Garden Magazine, House Beautiful and the Los Angeles Times.

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Collecting heirlooms whether in jewelry, watches, furniture, object de art, or coins can prove to be great fun and very profitable! Not only will some of these enhance your own person or home, they will simply provide one of the best reasons we can think of to travel the globe!

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Making Peace With Celebrities I had every intention of posting a blog about why celebrities don’t buy their own jewelry - with only a few exceptions, and then I found myself listening to a panel of women discuss just that. You see, by the end of my blog I had answered my own, very obvious question. Celebrities don’t buy their own jewelry because for the most part, they’re simply billboards that we brand our things on. It seems that gone are the days that these women actually cared about collecting something as precious as jewelry, because people pay them to advertise everything.

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A native Floridian, Elizabeth Anne Bonanno (or, simply, “Beth Anne”) relocated to New York City in 2000 to work with the esteemed jewelry house of Siegelson, specializing in 19th Century through contemporary jewelry. Immediately at home in the New York market, Bonanno focused on nurturing a lucrative relationship between Siegelson and luxury retailers Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Bonanno’s expertise in sales, public relations, branding and product knowledge allowed the collaboration to flourish. Siegelson has since become one of the strongest brands in collectable jewelry today.

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A SOF vacation is not just a hotel room or villa, but rather, an experience. One to always be able to bring up later when sunning, skiing or spending across the globe! It is so nice to be able to reminisce with friends and new acquaintances over cocktails or tea about that wonderful new hideaway you found. So clever you will be students!

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In our introduction we spoke about how you all were starting to resemble actors in fast food commercials. Unfortunately our society seems to be revolving around the mundane and reality television. Do you think that behaving badly, which brings some notoriety and fame for a few weeks, is a primer for how to lead your life? Please students stop and think! These people are famous for being so depressingly ordinary. We ask you to look into the mirror now, for we need to address behaving badly. This might sound harsh but unfortunately it is true today! So please read on students.

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Entertaining should be an enjoyable experience for the best host and hostess as well as the guests! That means you must take several things into account when planning a party. Please note: No one in their cups!! Bad form that one.

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SOF Students, if you have been following our Blogs, you should be able to answer the following….if not you will be easily able to answer these questions after reading the soon to be published, The School of Flaunt Handbook”.

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School of Flaunt Lesson Four deals with your abode, votre maison, your castle, or All Gated Communities are not Created Equal! Does Paige Rense know where you live? She certainly should! Why because she is the editor and chief of the most prestigious interiors magazine in the United States, Architectural Digest. We are not talking Cribs here.....no fake fur throws can be seen in homes featured in this magazine!

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Today we will be talking about Lesson Three. This is called the Bling of Flaunt! Rule of thumb to follow with Bling, students: Jewels will never lose their luster! And one can never have too many! Jewels are extremely personal because of color, but trust us - dripping in them is where you want to be! Let's get down to basics, students! Diamonds.......

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This lesson in the School of Flaunt Handbook will cover Salons and Spas....We want our School of Flaunt Students to be Fresh, Sassy, Edgy and Totally Chic!

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Good taste is just a Black American Express Card away... we can hear your minds ticking right now. What is a Black American Express Card? You've never heard of it, besides seen one. Well, that is probably because...

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Yes, we have entered the 21st century and where are the majority of you? Are you still stuck in bad taste from the 80's or 90's?

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