Greetings from...

Headed to Manchester by the Sea (outside of Boston) for a long weekend, but most importantly to attend a very east coast wedding. Staying at a quaint little inn and promise to eat buckets of lobster and take a lot of photos. Judging by the looks of this place, I dont know if I can take a bad photo.  

This is my first time to Massachusetts and I am SO EXCITED to see this part of our wonderful  and historic part of the country. I might get lucky and have a few moments to spare in Boston. 

I would LOVE suggestions on any must see-do's for Manchester by the Sea and Boston (if Im lucky). Favorite lunch spot? Favorite shop? Favorite sight? 

Please suggest in the comment box below. 

MERCI! 

Where have you been all of my life?

courtesy of flickr.

You can see me! But I cant see you :(? 

I had a record week of traffic - thank you my devoted, but invisible fans!!!! 

Its so simple - you are just a CLICK away from showing your gorgeous face. 

**FOLLOW ME: FOR DUMMIES GUIDE**

1. Scroll down to bottom of page. You will see "FOLLOW JENESEQUA"

2. Click the "Follow" button with the google icon that leads you to a new screen like this

3. Click on whatever browser, account of tool you currently use. Enter your info. 

SEE???!!!! It's really that easy. Even if you dont want to show your face - at least follow anonymously with a screen name. If you need some ideas...let me know. Im good with creating appropriate aliases ;)            

Fashion: Cat Crazed!

Leopard is everywhere and is one of Fall 2010 biggest fashion statements! Actually - it never went away.  See where and on whom leopard print has been "spotted" throughout the decades:

Jackie O donned cat in the 1960's.

courtesy of At Its Best

Kate loves cat currently.

courtesy of xoba.com

Audrey added a dash of cat in the 50's.

courtesy of ponybrand.tumblr

Carolyn sported cat in the 90's.

courtesy of carolynbessettekennedy.blogspot

Nicole covers up in cat presently.

courtesy of nicolerichiefashion.blogspot

AND this is how I choose to support the craze.

courtesy of JeNeSeQua

Leopard print can add sex appeal, modernity and timelessness. And if used in small doses - is very sophisticated.

How are you wearing falls biggest statement?

Bon Weekend! M's Spicy Lemonade

Hopefully you all have fun plans this weekend! I will leave you with a recipe for my signature cocktail.

 M's Spicy Lemonade. Its sweet, bubbly AND spicy.

Ingredients for M's Spicy Lemonade

What you will need:
1. Vodka
2. Ice
3. Fresh Jalapeno
4. Sparkling Lemonade (you can also use flat)

Directions:
1. Add ice, 1 part vodka, 2 parts sparkling.
OR What I do is use my chick science....Count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...however strong you prefer! when pouring the vodka.
2. Fill the rest of the glass with the sparkling lemonade.
3. Add up to 4 pieces sliced fresh jalapeno. The spicy is kinda related to Thai food spice. 1-5 stars. I like mine spicy!
4. Stir the ingredients together. The spicy in the jalapeno immediately reacts.
5. DRINK!

Style Icon: In Remembrance...Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

photo courtesy of Bridalwavetv.com

In memory of the late JFK Jr and CBK - September 21st would be their 14th Wedding Anniversary. 

I cant think of a better way to remember one of the most memorable facets of 90's style than to write a small post in honor of her style and grace. 

I fell in love (obsessed) with CBK in college - not only, in due part to her classic-minimalistic style, but also because she hooked the man of my dreams (at the time - I got my JKF Jr!) I watched her every style move and to this day I am still mimicking her style in my own way. If in a jam - I ask myself What Would CBK do? Also What Would Jackie Do - her timeless and fashionable MIL!

My favorite looks:

Signature red lipstick, undone blonde hair, little to no eye makeup and white sheath. 

photo courtesy of InsideEdition.com

Literally zero makeup, hair pulled back - and one of her signature coats. (Cat is so in now!)

Photo courtesy of CarolynBessetteKennedy.blogspot.com

Signature Prada coat, black beanie (which at the time I remember her getting flack from tabloids from!)

photo courtesy of rollergirl.com

Signature red lipstick, signature all black ensemble and her signature man. 

photo courtesy of CarolynBessetteKennedy.blogspot.com

The most undone of all is her best.

photo courtesy of CarolynBessetteKennedy.blogspot.com

Special thanks to the blogger behind Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and for archiving such amazing photos, editorials and facts about CBK. 

Her style lives on in many of us!

DIY - Suitcase Pet Bed

My dog, Jackie O, does not like it when I leave her to travel. The moment she sees a suitcase, she plants herself in it, on it, or has actually gone to the lengths of pottying on it. Either she wants to come or does not want me to go....regardless of story - a brilliant idea popped into my head - Suitcase Pet Bed!!!!

What you will need:

1. a dog - or cat - smaller than the suitcase.
2. a suitcase. I prefer vintage, and naturally, so does my dog, Jackie O. (mine was only $10!)
3. a pillow - or something cushy underneath
4. a blanket - any ol' will do

Jackie O and Squirrel 

Voila! And she loves it. She actually prefers it to sleeping with us. 

And of course. As soon as I have a brilliant idea, someone else has thought of it too. Check out some other pet bed possibilities on Apartment Therapy, and Design Sponge.

JeNeSeQua Travel Guide: Vienna

http://www.mapsorama.com/map-of-vienna-2/

When I mentioned I was going to Vienna, Austria - I received mixed reviews from travelers who had already visited. I was up for the challenge of finding what was so great about one of the worlds top cultural epicenters for 1000 years. 

I only had 2 1/2 days to discover, shop, sightsee, and eat - so doing a bit of research ahead was key. My conclusion?....Vienna is a sight for sore eyes! With every footstep and turn is a 300+ year old Baroque Palace (Marie Antoinette was from Vienna!) cafe, cathedral, museum and music. Amazingly, you dont need to Sprechen Sie Deutsch..Austria and most of Europe is multi-lingual! 

DISCOVER

SCHLOSS BELVEDERE - Belvedere Palace 

1. Belvedere - means "beautiful view" 

2. Its hidden from the city behind stone walls (we speculate to secure the royals from war and attack)

3. The home to Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss" painting and many more Viennesse Art Nouveau paintings, and Baroque sculptures. 

4. If you dont like art, its a nice place to get a drink at the cafe, dream, think, and get exercise (I saw a handful of people running there!)

Stone Wall, Lower Belvedere

Upper Belvedere

Rococco Facade 

Nymph-like Greek Statue

STEPHANSDOM - St. Stephen's Cathedral

1. Situated in the center of the city in the Stephensplatz, this Gothic and Romanesque church dates back to early 1100's.

2. Its multi-colored roof is the city's most recognizable structure.

3. The bell tower is where Beethoven discovered he was deaf - he saw, but could not hear the bells.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Interior and 1 of the 18 altars

Mosaic Roof Tiles - St. Stephen's Cathedral

PRATER - Amusement Park 

1. 1000 year old Ferris Wheel - actually THE oldest in the world. 

2. Roller-coasters, log rides, wieners, german techno music.

3. Before Sunrise - a scene with Ethan Hawke and Julie Deply was filmed there. 

Millenial Ferris Wheel

Prater in WWII Era

DER NASCHMARKT

1. Its an open air food and flea market with about 120 stalls and cafe's, in the city center. 

2. Culinary tour through Viennese and foreign eats and drinks

3. People watching. Night and day the market is buzzing with tourists, locals, single's and couples. 

4. Gherkins - barrels of them! 

cafe in Naschmarkt

HOFBURG PALACE - Imperial Palace

1. Home to kings, imperials, queens and presidents over the centuries. If the walls could talk!

2. Europe's first Imperial conference center and hosts approximately 300 events a year! (when I visited I landed on Danke Fest - Vienna's Harvest and Oktoberfest!) 

3. Queen Elizabeth's or as she was known by family and friends - SiSi's - Royal Apartments with the original furniture and decor. 

Palace main entrance and Royal Apartments

Vienna's Harvest Fest - smack dab in the middle of Hofburg

Beer Garden inside Hofburg Conf, Center (see Hofburg peeking out??!)

WIENER STAATSOPER - Vienna Opera 
1. Vienna's mid 19th century Opera House. 
2. The busiest opera house in the world - production up t0 60 operas a year. 
3. Get your Mozart, symphony and aesthete fix. 
4. She's a survivor! Auditorium and stage were burned in WWII and rebuilt in mid 21st century as exact replica as original.


EAT 

1. Motto 

For the young, hip and social. Vienna meets NYC style dining. Amazing service. Dont be surprised if they comp a dessert or round of drinks! (also look at the ceiling -baby sculptures)

2. Plachutta

For the local cuisine lover. "Tafelspitze" is the specialty. Nicely priced - meal comes with sides. You can also pay a small price to "add on"- meaning 2 for the price of 1 basically. 

Served at the table in a copper pot

Tafelspitze and its accouterments

3. Immer Voll 

For local-modern plates. Best schnitzel in town. Indoor and outdoor seating. Great Viennese wine list, delicious salad (this is very hard to find in Austria!) 

Weinerschnitzle, and fresh salad w/goat cheese

4. Cafe Sacher 

Lunch, dinner, or breakfast - but do NOT leave without tasting its famous Sachertorte and Viennese coffee.

The story on how Sachertorte was created and the menu

The Original Sachertorte w/ fresh unsweetened creme'

5. Vis a Vis 

Stop in for a night cap. Charming waitstaff and "boisterous crowd of actors and politicians" Food & Wine Magazine touts this wine bar as "Best of Vienna" 

STAY

High Brow: The Ring

$400/night

Why: free wi-fi, early check in, newer accomodations, location!, Nespresso machines in every room.

image courtesy of TripAdvisor

Mid: The Imperial Riding School Vienna, A Renaissance Hotel

$220/night

Why: free food, free drinks, free wi-fi, free everything, located footsteps from the beloved Belvedere, it used to be a riding school (hence the name, walking distance to city center, and its a chain - know what you are getting if you dont like to take chances.

Image Courtesy of Marriott 

Bargain Brow: Hotel Hadrigan

$44-$100/night

Why: price is right, free wifi clean rooms w/ up to 4 beds (stuff em in!), far but near pub trans and direct line to Stephansplatz, next to a grocery,  good breakfast for good price ($5).

Image Courtesy of Trip Advisor

AVOID 

1. The Imperial Crypt is one Vienna's most over-rated top tourist attractions. 5 euro entrance fee to see remains of Imperials, in my opinion, creepy crypt keeper and just a basement full of tombs. Unless you are into that kind of thing or have distant relatives (like myself!) that are entombed in the Imperial Crypt.

2. Museum overkill. 2 dozen+ museums in Vienna. I would skip any exhibit and only see Habsburg or Austrian art you cant see in your local area. 

3. Mozart mania is everywhere. From Mozart chocolates to Mozart walking tours. People dressed as Mozart in the streets will pester you handing out phamplets on where to get the latest on Mozart from tours to plays to concerts. Research wisely. Dont get caught in a tourist trap. 

MORE INFO

Before I start planning a new trip, ask around for tips and tricks from people who have previously visited Vienna. Write them down then start fact-checking to avoid possible closures of restaurants, wrong information, or personal taste difference. (advice due to personal experience!)


My favorite research sites are:

• www.tripadvisor.com Become a contributor! Help travling man-kind sort through the crap!
• www.wikipedia.org For a thorough overview on the city, people, and places. I personally love researching the history on people and places.
• http://www.timeout.com/ For amazing photos, deals, and insight and up-to-date news into major city attractions. The bummer is that Time Out doesnt always have a book or research done on every international city (like Vienna)
• http://acertainjenesequa.blogspot.com of course! I plan to do the work for you. Continue to check back for more travel guides on the top International Cities around the world. If you have a special request I am more than happy to give insight. Like Rick Steves I am fortunate enough to travel around the world and being a foodie, culture and shopping lover - I am likely to cover all bases! 

My favorite books are:

• Time Out - keeps content modern and relevant. The book is short and sweet with photos - which I cant live without.
• Rick Steves - King of travel bargains, blazing trails off the beaten path and tour guide genius. His podcasts are downloadable! 

Most travel books (Frommers, Lonely Planet) have websites to do extra research on. And the way you do research is very personal. I prefer visuals, others prefer loads of content. 

Enjoy Vienna and stay tuned for more JeNeSeQua Travel Guides!

**all photos are taken by moi, unless otherwise noted and property of JeNeSeQua**

Faux-stess with the Mo-stess

Trophy and Cupcake Royale you better watch yourself! There is a new sheriff in town...

Baker extraordinaire and local darling, who's work is consistently featured in Seattle Metropolitan Bride and Groom, Susan Rosellini of Rosellini Sweets mastered a cult classic. "Faux-stess" Cupcakes and Twinkies - and even tastier than the original. 

I cant believe someone didnt think of this before?!

I personally tasted and witnessed a phenomenon. One minute a few bakers dozen of each were on a table, and the next all had been in the belly's of hungry party-goers.

As she describes her cupcakes: "Delicious dark chocolate cake - pumped with creamy vanilla filling - and dipped into bittersweet ganache..."

And my personal favorite - Rosellinni's take on the Twinkie: "moist buttermilk cake 'canoe' piped with creamy vanilla filling....:

Pricing is as follows:

$36/dozen for fauxstess cupcakes

$33/dozen for fauxstess twinkies

Rosellini only bakes to order! She can have these babies cooked up in 3 days or less. She even works under the gun for emergencies. 

WAIT! She is not a One-Hit-Wonder. Rosellini also bakes a mean (wedding) cake. For more information on ordering and full bakery treats menu visit her blog: http://rosellinisweets.blogspot.com/

or shoot her an email: rosellinisweets@gmail.com (she is super speedy to respond!) 

Maison: Swedish Country Living

When I hear Sweden and design in the same sentence - the first thing that comes to mind is IKEA. This Swedish country home in Malby Sateri, Sweden is ANYTHING but. 

Located 2.5 hours oustide of Stockholm is this traditional family country home complete with guest house, tennis courts, and 55 degree lake to swim in - I had the pleasure of an overnight stay in this gorgeous home. Completely stunning interiors, exteriors and property. 

Im in love with the charm and simple sophistication of the decor. From the sun-drenched yellow walls and red accents on the exterior and sitting room, to the baby blues and white of the cozy dining room.

After doing a little research Ive come to the conclusion that the design influence in this home is from the 18th century called "Gustavian Design" - King Gustav requesting that his living space reflect the look of France and Italian decor of the time. The colors reflect the sky and sun for the long dark nordic days of winter - keeping the rooms light, airy, and warm all at the same time.

For more information on Swedish Country Design and its many sub-types, you can purchase the book, Swedish Country Interiors by Rhonda Eleish. 

**all images taken by moi! and property of JeNeSeQua**