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For Stockings by the Fire

December 4, 2009 | posted by Molly
 
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Finding great stocking stuffers is a true art form. It’s difficult to pack a lot of punch without spending a fortune. Nix the travel toilet seat covers and Rolaids (the running joke at our house) and get a little creative. Small, clever, useful tchotchkes will be much more appreciated. And if all else fails, you can’t ever go wrong with fruits and nuts and candy.

Bottle OpenerA simple, but unbelievably important product…the perfect little corkscrew. The double lever, auto snap-action makes this a stand out from the rest.  Rialto Double Lever Waiters Corkscrew ($10.99)

 

 

 

Holiday Minimergency ImageYou wake up on the wrong side of the bed and it all goes down hill from there. You get a runner in your stockings. You spill coffee on your shirt. You meet the hot guy in the elevator with your lovely coffee breath. He invites you to lunch and you can feel the parsley stuck in your tooth. With this, you’ll never fear again. Ever girl should have one.  Ms. & Mrs. Minimergency Kit ($10)

 

 

New Years TopicsA sure fire way to get the conversation going on the most overrated night of the year. Engage your friends with questions of reflection, appreciation, and days of Auld Lang Syne. New Year’s Table Topics to Go ($9)

 

 

 

Tachen Simple DiaryThe “do you like me, check yes or no” of diaries,  this makes it easy and fun for you to reflect whenever you darn well please, and not feel guilty about missing a day.  With true/false questions, inspiring quotes and fill in the blanks, this grown-up Mad Libs just got a lot more interesting. After all, it is about you. Keel’s Simple Diary  by Taschen($15)

 

 

Gourmet SaltEdible items are always a stocking favorite, so the foodies in your family will love pairing these gourmet salts with the meal du jour. From smoked to exotic to truffle infused, these salts are sure to liven up any culinary adventure . Black Truffle Salt from The Meadow ($14)

 

 

 

Handyman in Your PocketBecause as we all know it’s easier to take matters into our own hands. But, it sure would help to have a little guidance along the way. Maybe for once he’ll actually read the directions. Handyman in Your Pocket ($12.95)

 

 

 

Contributor: Palmer

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For the Bibliophile

November 28, 2009 | posted by Molly
 
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“Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” -C.S. Lewis

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with giving a book. In today’s tech-filled world, there is still no better escape. And still no better way to show off…dare to answer, “what’s on your nightstand?” From art books to cookbooks, we’ve got literary gifts sure to impress everyone on your list.

 

The Cultivated LifeThe Cultivated Life (Jean-Philippe Delhomme): Chuckle right along with the first English compilation of Delhomme’s satyrical musings of “rich problems.” Dramas pertaining to art, decorating and the literary world, this is for anyone who gets the ridiculousness of the conundrums that we urbanites find ourselves in.  ($30)


 

Layout 1Rules for My Unborn Son (Walker Lamond): Based on Lamond’s popular blog of the same name, this is a collection of sound advice that everyone can use—not just sons. From the practical “If you’re going to reinvent yourself, be original” to the humorous “close the door, turn it up, dork out” to the genius “girls like boys who shower,” this book is a glorious reminder that chivalry is not dead and there are still people out there teaching their children well. ($14.99)



TheArtofOvereating_resizedThe Art of Overeating (Leslie Landis, MFT): Laughter is the best medicine, and apparently the best remedy for losing weight. With advice such as, “Be a good guest and offer to do the dishes. Alone. That way you can lick each plate clean,” readers are encouraged to do the opposite, thus identifying with funny overeating behavior. The #5 reason Landis gives to be an overeater? “The U.S.A. can still be #1 in something!” Sad, but true. ($9.95)


Chanel Her Life_resizedChanel Her Style and Her Life (Janet Wallach): A chic coffee table book for the style maven, this inside glimpse at the House of Chanel comes complete with commentary and illustrations. From men’s sportswear, to costume jewelry, to the little black dress, Chanel’s influence is chronicled up close and personal. ($199.99)

 

 

What to Drink with What you Eat_resizedWhat to Drink with What You Eat (Andrew Dornenburg & Karen Page): Based on advice from some of America’s best sommeliers, this comprehensive guide tells you what food to pair with wine, beer, spirits, coffee, tea and even water. From potato chips to oxtail,  trust me, your palette will thank you. ($22.05)

 

 

You vs Wall Street_resizedYou vs. Wall Street  (Natalie Pace): The anecdote to overspending, buying and holding in a slow growth economy. Number one stock picker, Natalie Pace shows you how easy it is to modernize your portfolio and win back your losses. It’s time to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back in the game. ($10.18)

 

 

 

Great Expectations_resizedClothbound Penguin Classics: Now you can own literature’s most beloved novels like Great Expectations, Wuthering Heights and Pride & Prejudice in gorgeous embossed canvas covers. The perfect first step in getting that magazine worthy bookshelf, you can look elegant and well read at the same time. ($20)

 



Rachel Allen Home CookingRachel Allen Home Cooking (Rachel Allen): Rachel Allen knows how to show a girl a good time in the kitchen—as in simple, delicious recipes that are sure to please without fuss or canned ingredients. She is Ireland’s favorite cook and for good reason. If you can’t get to her standing-room only cooking classes at Ballymaloe Cookery School, you can bring her into your own kitchen instead.  ($27.15)

 

 

Contributors: Elisabeth, Palmer, Jenn

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For the Distinguished Palette

November 27, 2009 | posted by Molly
 
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H20 CarbonatorIf loving food makes one a foodie, than I guess most of us would qualify. While I could list a million things I want for my kitchen, I decided to hit up the Christmas lists of those really in the know. I asked some of the hottest chefs, wine-os and foodies around what they hope to find under their trees. Here is what they had to say:

“The Penguin H20 Carbonator. You can carbonate anything! Make your own sparkling wine, sparkling juices or anything without copious amounts of sugar.”-Blair Warsham, Executive Chef and Creator, Graffeats Guerrilla Dining

“All I want for Christmas is the Vita Prep Blender, the best blender on the market. Worth every cent. Forget smoothies, go ahead and see if you can blend a shoe into something that resembles mashed potatoes.” -Greg Frye, Chef De Cuisine at the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley

“My instruments could use some polish, so I’m treating myself to a new set of Forschner Knives.” -Michael Panza of Biagio Artisan Meats, Oakland, CA

“I only want the Excalibur Dehydrator.”This versatile machine preserves fruits and vegetables, dries fish and meat and eliminates preservatives and additives. -Clint Davies, Sous Chef, One Market, San Francisco, CA

“Among the thousands of things on my wish list for my new project, at the top of my list is a Fagor combination rice/pressure and slow cooker and a ginger peeling spoon by OXO.”-Matt Cordes, Chef, Washington D.C.

“The go anywhere wine glass by govino. These flexible, plastic wine tumblers are perfect for safe wine drinking at tailgates, picnics and BBQs with a cool little thumb notch for easy gripping.”-Palmer Emmitt, wine sommelier, Los Angeles

“Without a doubt, I’m spoiling myself with a new piece of equipment that is going to make pork rib consumption sky rocket…the Big Green Egg Smoker Grill.” -Steven Herman, Executive Chef of Haven Restaurant, Atlanta, GA

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Farm to Table-Ode to Asheville Part III

August 23, 2009 | posted by Molly
 
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TableAsheville, NC has almost coined the phrase “farm-to-table dining”—so much so that you start to wonder if the expression means less than the overly debated “organic.” But, my jadedness quickly subsided as it seemed everyone actually did have their own garden and farm—from the Grove Park Inn to the grounds at Biltmore. This lush, mountain terrain is practicing what they preach and Table restaurant has mastered the concept.

When I made a reservation at Table in the heart of downtown, I had only mixed online reviews (sadly some people just don’t get it) and my own intuition that I was making the best choice for my mom’s birthday dinner. I wanted something sophisticated, a place that could battle the urban foodie bistros of which I had become accustomed. I wanted to take my family on a culinary adventure in their own backyard (so to speak) that would contradict their usual Southern upscale fare of meat and potatoes. 

As we perused the menu (that changes nightly depending on available ingredients), I felt certain we were in for a treat. Call me biased, but I gave them immediate props for a well thought out wine list—I’m always delighted to see Palmer’s picks, like the “Summertime White,” Martin Codax Albariño (our obvious choice). The heirloom tomato salad with hericots verte, hazelnut and crème fraiche tasted as if they had been picked off the vine just moments before. The seared duck breast with local mushrooms, leeks, confit potatoes and blueberry was an exciting change from the blasé redundancies that clutter most menus. Mostly, I felt triumphant that my parents raved over each bite and were glad they had stepped outside their comfort zone.

The philosophy behind Table’s cooking, while trendy, is really at the heart of what good food is all about—going back to the basics with fresh ingredients, put together in a creative way that excites your palate and sends you own a sensory adventure. It somehow broadens your horizons as you stay close to home.

Next time I’m in town, I really hope there is room at the Table.

Table.  48 College Street.  Asheville, NC .  828-254-8980

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About

January 26, 2009 | posted by Molly
 
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FOUNDER/EDITOR

molly-headshot-046edit21MOLLY TRIPP SCHONEVELD currently resides in Los Angeles, but frequently “goes to Carolina in her mind,” remaining a southern girl at heart (or at least in manners). She has worked in the entertainment industry for the past nine years and currently co-owns s/w pr shop, a boutique public relations firm handling both personal and lifestyle clients.

After being called a “yuppie” by in-laws poking gentle fun, she threw caution to the wind, embraced the term and made it her own. Armed with the belief that you only live once, Molly understands that when you pamper your senses, you find adventure in the everyday.  She has a massive sweet tooth, is obsessed with paper stores and loves to plan getaways. Molly enjoys life with her husband, Dave and her two babies (cats) Bailey and Rain.

This Yuppie Life was created from a passion for finding ways to experience the best in travel, food and life without an unlimited budget.


RECENT GUEST CONTRIBUTORS:

After nearly a decade spent in the City of Angeles, JENN met her prince charming, got married (!!) and relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona.  She co-owns s/w pr shop with Molly, and flits back and forth between LA and AZ as necessary (though if you ask her, she’ll still claim the 90212 zip code).  While some might consider her life glamorous (if you’re into the whole celebrities, private jets and red-soled shoes thing), Jenn fancies herself a “hole in the wall” kind of girl and is constantly exploring nooks and crannies.  OH, and she’s also a wannabe interior designer and a pretty decent baker.

MELISSA was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon before moving to Los Angeles to attend college at the University of Southern California, where she studied International Relations and Film. She currently lives in Santa Monica, CA, but has also resided in Cambridge, England and Washington D.C. Melissa works in the field of entertainment public relations, and has a true passion for writing and travel. She has yet to find a place that makes her happier than Disneyland, though punting in Cambridge comes a close second.

CARLY is an Orlando, FL native who has worked for the Walt Disney World Resort for over ten years as a performer, trainer and most recently as a technical editor. Carly graduated from the University of Central Florida  with a Theatre degree and is now pursuing graduate work in writing. Good wine, Starbucks coffee, live entertainment and the art of conversation bring her joy.  Outgoing in nature, she refuses to be a “home body.” In October, she will leave her Orlando nest and look for new adventures in Charlotte, NC.



PAST GUEST CONTRIBUTORS:

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Kelly

Palmer

Elisabeth

Nicole

Christi

Christine