I had such a lovely time at The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. There were tables of ladies chatting, children learning this lovely ritual and gentlemen enjoying their tea.
Consider tea for the holidays with your whole family. It makes a great tradition.
Exquisitely executed, Tea at The Adolphus is served in the beautiful French Room dining room. A storied tradition, the tea service is filled with delight and surprise, from the menu curated by our culinary team to the custom china.
During each sitting, guests can enjoy a three-course menu of tea sandwiches, scones and pastries paired with loose leaf teas from local purveyor, Zatki, who creates a special tea blend just for The Adolphus.
Both the green tea and the black tea were so expertly chosen and brewed. They were delicious and smooth as silk.
Our champagne wishes and caviar dreams came true during our tea service. We enjoyed Regis Ova Siberian Reserve Caviar. Its clean and lightly creamy taste is perfect to enjoy on its own which we did or add buckwheat blinis with crème fraîche and shaved yolk and all the other toppings which we also did.
Often the phrases “afternoon tea” and “high tea” are used interchangeably as many mistakenly believe that there is no difference. Both tea traditions are steeped in British history and the differences, subtle as they may be, are a direct result of their origins.
The origins of afternoon tea show clearly it was the preserve of the rich in the 19th century. For workers in the newly industrialized Britain, tea time had to wait until after work. By that hour, tea was generally served with heartier dishes which were substantially more than just tea and cakes.
Processed with Lensa with Auto Adjustments
TEA AT THE ADOLPHUS
Charles de Cazanove, Brut Rosé, Champagne
or
Duché de Longueville, Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Cider, Normandy
Caviar Service
regiis ova siberian reserve | UR | 95
buckwheat blini, creme fraiche, shaved yolk
Finger Sandwiches
cucumber cress with herbed cream cheese
egg salad façon japonais
roasted celery root and apple salad with Texas pecan salmon rillettes with roe and cornichons on pumpernickel southern chicken salad vol au vent
– Huang Shan Mao Feng, Anhui, China, Green Tea –
Sweet Scones raspberry pistachio lavender
seasonal preserves & english double cream
Tea Cakes & Pastries
caramelized green apple upside-down cake, dulce cremeaux white chocolate key lime tart
dark chocolate brownie, chocolate caramel ganache pear and almond financier
passion-coconut chocolate cream tart
– Risheehat Super Premium Darjeeling, India, Black Tea –
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I have had problems with the veins in my legs for as long as I can remember. I have had them striped and injected to really no avail. It is not just a matter of how they look it’s the pain and heaviness the lack of good circulation. I was lucky to find the Dallas vein institute and have been through procedures on both of my legs over a period of one month. I thought I would give you a little information on my experience and the new technologies available.
Vein disorders affect millions of people, and if these disorders aren’t properly managed and treated, serious consequences can arise. I was fortunate enough to jeetmVaricose vein specialist Dr. Dev Batra who focuses on offering comprehensive treatments, fully educating his patients, keeping them comfortable during procedures, and providing specific solutions for individuals seeking relief from cosmetic and medically complex vein problems.
Dr. Basra and the team use cutting-edge technology for vein therapy. This includes minimally invasive procedures that allow the team to address most vein problems with little, if any, pain during treatment, leading to more rapid recovery times. Dallas Vein Institute is adept at the treatment of a large number of vein conditions. For example, Dr. Batra uses ClosureFast™ thermal vein closure radiofrequency techniques, and the VenaSeal™ closure system for the ablation of diseased veins, thereby rerouting blood flow to adjacent, healthy veins. Dr. Batra offers sclerotherapy procedures to treat spider veins and varicose veins.
Advanced technologies also address chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, leg itching and burning, leg pain and swelling, restless leg syndrome, skin pigmentation, and venous ulcers. The team at Dallas Vein Institute is dedicated to long-term follow-up care, even after successful treatment, to ensure that your legs stay healthy and happy, perhaps best exemplified by the practice’s motto: “Get your legs back.” I know you can too! If you are suffering like I was do some research in you area. You will be glad you did.
Switch jewelry
Did you know you can have access to fabulous jewelry pieces for any occasion or just your daily looks. Making a statement with gorgeous designer pieces is now at your fingertips. from vintage and designer items to special occasion and statement pieces you can look like you didn’t a million fir as little as $30 a month
From day to evening and throughout all the seasons, I can mix and match my favorite tops and turn one slip dress into many different looks. Here are a few of my favorites.
This dress is by Danni Jo. It is all silk and one of the pieces I get most wear out of. I’ve had this one for a few years and it has transitioned into so many looks. An oversized jacket or sweater changes the look immediately. Or belt it like I did here with one of my Dior bag straps. Be imaginative with your accessories.
This is a simple Staud slip dress. Slip on an oversized denim jacket and you’re good to know. In spring or fall, check out Eric Javits hats. They are the perfect topper.
This Lily Silk dress is the perfect length to take you from day to work to evening. They come in wonderful mulberry silk and an array of colors. Not to mention, so well priced.
Don’t forget color in your blazers. I was so happy to find this beautiful, unpredictable blue. It was a great lesson in pairing colors. Or tailor the look with a form fitting sweater and belt it with your favorite of-the-moment designer.
This simple Zara slip dress can be found in many lengths and colors anytime of the year. I was surprised how much you could actually do with the iconic animal print. Edgy with a graphic tee, velvet blazer, and boots or just throw on a poncho. All you have to do is remember to keep your colors in the same hues. For boots, I finally found a pair of “combat boots” that suit my small figure. I bought them a year ago and, to my great surprise, they are from Naturalizer.
Again, a slip dress can be dressy or casual- at least casual for me. To the left, a beautiful brocade blazer by the Real Guillaume. On the right, I have a Zadig Voltaire army jacket. Whether it’s vintage or thrifted, it elevates an outfit. I elevate mine out of my broach collection.
This could be my favorite picture ever. The slip dress is from Lotta Stenson Design. You know I’m a fan of hers- from city to beach wear, she has you covered. Here I paired a Zara velvet jacket from years ago. Again, all you have to do is pair the color hues. I had to end with this picture because I had so much fun at this photoshoot with Hope Kauffman on the Flat Head lake in Montana. It was epic.
For my birthday, I wanted to experience the Van Gogh immersive exhibit. I have never been to an art installation like that and it was everything you can imagine! From moving images to fantastic music you can walk through. I can’t wait to go again.
Sustainable Dressing
Do you shop for a special occasion? We are all working to keep things as sustainable as possible. To that end, I have found two fantastic avenues for you to explore. Armoire style has been offering me one-of-a-kind pieces that I might not want to keep in my wardrobe.
Case in point these two evening dresses. Both by Halston Heritage. My sister had the original version of the yellow dress. It was in hombre and silk from pink to lavender. Such a beautiful Grecian inspired piece. You can tell it has stood the test of time and here it is again over 30 years later. I wish I could find a picture of that.
Switch
Another great find has been Switch. You can rent through a monthly subscription service the most beautiful iconic designer jewelry. From Chanel to Hermès and Gucci to Dior. Or you will find statement pieces for any occasion. The service is fantastic and the choices are as well. Try it out with my personal subscription code at checkout: SONIA50 .
Quick and easy professional makeup. Susan was kind enough to come over and finally show me how to put on make up. I know it sounds silly for a woman my age, but I have never done much of that.
I have a little IG TV that might make you laugh. From learning how to diminish dark areas to highlighting and all with natural ingredients and SPF protection, a small little bag is all you need to look your very best. (Susan Posnick Cosmetics)
Sergio, designer of Pharaoun Cocktail Rings, sent me the most beautiful birthday present. Not only is he a representation of the best of humanity he is also a great artist with a fine tuned eye. Every one of the pieces in his collection is so beautifully executed from top to bottom the quality cannot be beat. I consider jewelry to be forever pieces in my wardrobe and being able to purchase this kind of quality at this kind of value is incredible.
The Sea Urchin Collection has been one of my favorites and he has expanded it into a gorgeous pendant on three different chain lengths and earrings to match. He sent me the set and I was humbled to accept his gift.
The Chanel cuff my sister gave me for my birthday fits in perfectly with this new Pharaoun collection. There are some designers that can fit into your family heirlooms. I saw that immediately with the Chanel cuff in these pictures. You can see how easily Sergio’s Urchin Collection does the same.
Whether you are starting a jewelry collection or adding to one that has been passed down to you, you cannot go wrong with these gorgeous pieces.
It’s been an eventful year and I’m looking forward to many more. Cheers to starting my 7th decade.
Tanzania- A Visual Tour- An Adventure of a Lifetime
Our resident traveler is back at it! In this day and age, it is harder to travel as we have all come to know. On this trip to Tanzania, it was even more difficult with a stop in Doha, especially under the circumstances of the past few weeks. A special thanks to Qatar Airways and Tanzania Tourist. Check out her previous tour here.
From the US to Doha from Doha to Dar es Salaam in Eastern Africa from there, a three hour charter to land on a dirt road in Tanzania then 2 1/2 hours by keep to camp.
Our resident traveler, three years older than I am, is now at a camp for three weeks. I’m showing a few pictures of life there. All this to say we can do whatever we want regardless of our age. Learning and applying the information we need to stay as healthy and relevant as possible.
For all of our modern conveniences, in the end, nature provides everything we need.
Dining al fresco never tasted so good.
Off on a major adventure, where there have been poachers in the area. Poaching in the country is illegal- hunting safari provides food for the locals and the fees help the national conservancy. Here is a list of great safari adventures to choose from- and a luxury one you won’t want to miss (Luxury Tanzania Safari). The continent’s expert guides will show you the wonders of Tanzania, taking you on thrilling adventures each day. There are different safari options including the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Tarangire National Park. Experience the rich multitude of cultures in the region.
Relaxation after a long day, home-made cocktails and Safari beer at the sundowner.
End of the day brings a renewed appreciation for every little comfort. Happy trails!
We had a wonderful girls weekend at the Malibu Beach Inn. It was my daughter’s 40th birthday, and I thought it would be great to celebrate it early so that we could get some quality time in.
The Malibu Beach Inn sits right on the coastline above the sands of Carbon Beach. With 47 beautifully appointed guest rooms, it sits along a strip of coastline nicknamed billionaires beach.
The minute the doors open, you know you are in for a beautiful experience. Between the concierge, valet, and a beautiful little restaurant overlooking the ocean, you don’t ever have to leave.
Nothing beats a mother daughter trip, especially on such a milestone birthday! @evoke_serena
We spent quality time catching up, shopping, eating, and laughing- mainly she laughed at me.
P.S. Matching PJ’s by Lotta Stensson design made it even more special.
Alkamie Road Shoppe
For another interesting experience, Don’t miss Alkemie Road. It sits right on the Malibu Pier. You will find all sorts of one-of-a-kind items like this sterling silver snake earrings I purchased.
Don’t forget to take a picture on the swing.
Aviator Nation
Aviation Nation is a remodeled restaurant turned into a fabulous shopping venue. Don’t miss it across from the Malibu Pier.
I bought a wild, velvet sweatshirt I can’t wait to show you this fall. Serena got more than that. There’s so much to choose from in this eclectic collection of designs.
We were privileged enough to take a tour of the members only Rafi Lounge, an outdoor sanctuary for wellness and relaxation. Members can come daily to enjoy yoga and healing arts from the best gurus and teachers in the world.
For relaxation and rejuvenation or a little touch up, you can always make an appointment at the Cure Wellness Center above Rafi Lounge. Sit outside and enjoy the view.
Important evenings deserve great style- here compliments of my perfect capsule wardrobe by Anne Fontaine.
Nothing beats a birthday dinner at Nobu in Malibu. Between the food, the service, and the people watching, there’s a 360 degree view all around. Make sure you make your reservations early.
How to pack a weeks worth of style in your carry-on.
It is extremely rare that I check luggage so planning is key. If you’re going to go carry-on only, make sure to bring a tote to throw in everything you need handy. I always take an empty bottle to refill with water after security.
