New Orleans is filled with talented and creative souls in all forms, from the  gifted musicians to the masters of cuisine.  It is impossible not to be inspired at every turn.

One very talented native New Orleanian is a man known by millions of TV fans all over the world.   Bryan Batt starred as Art Director Sam Romano in the Emmy winning series Mad Men.  Set in a 60's era advertising agency on New York's Madison BRYAN BATT AS SAM ON AMC'S MAD MENAvenue, the show became a major pop culture phenomenon.   The fashion world became smitten with the cool retro glamour of the men and women of Mad Men.  Catwalks all over Europe and NY suddenly featured the very grown up tailored look for men, and slightly prim, but retro sexy vibe for women. (Think full skirts and tight sweaters). 

SUNNY SATURDAY ON MAGAZINE STREET IN UPTOWNIn real life, when Mr. Batt is not starring on Broadway or acting on TV,  creating interiors has always been another true passion.  He and partner Tom Cianfichi run home accesorry boutique- Hazelnut on Magazine Street. NEW ORLEANS TOILLE GIFT & TABLEWARE AT HAZELNUT   In the Uptown section of the city, Hazelnut showcases the guys eclectic taste and attitude towards decorating your home. (Also an excellent gift resource).

Mr. Batt's new book big, easy Style has page after page of perfectly styled rooms that are sure to strike a chord with your own personal style.   A play on words of New Orlean's nickname - big, easy, Style is meant to ensure readers to have fun when designing rooms to live in.  If you choose items that bring out your own style, the room will make you happy to be there every single day.   The book is full of photos of Mr. Batt's home and countless others from all around New Orleans,BRYAN BATT & CHRISTOPHE POURNY AT HAZELNUT in just about every style you can think of.  Also, the book has a great list of resources of home furnishing and antique stores.  New Orleans is of course, home to some of the finest French Antique stores in the country.   Balzac Antiques is a great example of just such a store, and it is referenced in the book.   Sarah Scott Thomas has the eye of a curator and the passion of a collector.   Her shop on Magazine street is a favorite of collectors from all over the Country.    In fact, on a recent visit to her store, I met clients from Dallas, San Francisco, and New York - all in the store on a sunny Saturday afternoon.   Many shoppers had stopped by that day to see Antique Restoration specialist Christophe Pourny who was having an in-store appearance at Balzac toTREASURED FINDS AT BALZAC ANTIQUES ON MAGAZINE STREET promote his line of furniture care products.   Bryan Batt is also a friend, and we all caught up over at Mr. Batt's bustling store.   Bryan was having his book signing and Hazelnut was hosting a block party - complete with a Jazz band!   What a fun weekend in New Orleans!

If you haven't been to The Big Easy in a few years - plan your trip NOW!  The hard work and dedication of New Orleanians to restore their beautiful city after Hurricane Katrina has really payed off.  Their perseverance and welcoming spirit will warm your heart.   You owe it to them, and to yourself to visit New Orleans.   The weather is just about perfect at any time of year.   While it is hot and sticky in the Summer, that's when things get really interesting!   

Click the big,easy Style book cover to bring a copy home today.   Click Mr. Batt's photo to visit Hazelnut - they have a HUGE selection of Christmas ornaments that can easily be packed and shipped.   Also, click Balzac to see some truly beautiful French Antiques.   See you in NOLA!

Fonda would become a famous actress in her own right and give groundbreaking performances that have now spanned 50 years.    From Barbarella, to Klute, to Agnes of God, to 9 to 5, to Monster-In-Law, Fond never fails to captivate audiences with every move.JANE FONDA - FITNESS EXPERT - click image

Along the way, she just happened to invent the concept of celebrity aerobics with The Jane Fonda Workout.   The series of video tapes would become the best selling fitness series in history - to this day!   They are still relevant and they still work!FONDA AS FUTURISTIC SEX KITTEN BARBARELLA - click image

Then there was the Political Activist Jane Fonda that caused a scandal during the Vietnam with her anti-war stance.  Jane shocked the world with her outspoken and provocative actions that came at a time when the country was so sensitive to the entire Vietnam situation. 

This past month, Fonda had heads turning again with her amazing fashion shots in Harper's Bazaar Magazine.  The actress now in her 70's was stunning in a full length gown AND a totally sheer panelled polka dot dress from Stella McCartney!  Who are you calling old??   Actually, in person Ms. Fonda is a true beauty.   I met the actress about three years ago on a flight from LA to Newark.  It was the red-eye flight and I was lucky enough to be upgraded to first class - of course Jane was there.   I was seated one row and 3 seats away from this legend.   She was in row 4A and I was in 3D.   I was never so disappointed with a seat assignment in my life!  So close, and yet so far.   The worst part about it was, I could hear her distinct voice and infectious laugh the whole night as she chatted with her seat partner!  I could have chatted with Jane for hours... Well the next morning at Newark airport I was cheered up.   As I stood half asleep waiting for the luggage to be released, I heard that voice ask in my ear "Is this the right carousel for our luggage?".   It was Fonda.   At least Jane had recognized me from the flight, it's all about making a first impression.   

Jane Fonda can teach anyone lessons about life on so many levels. CULT CLASSIC COMEDY - 9 TO 5  Rich and famous, or not, Fonda is a role model for women anywhere. JANE IN STELLA McCARTNEY- CLICK TO SHOP  She has made tough choices to live her life to the beat of her own drum.   Her audio book is narrated by the legend herself and to hear her voice tell this story is about as entertaining as a book can be.    Download the autobiography -My Life So Far- today and get it on your ipod.   It is the perfect inspirational listening to start your day in the morning, or help that evening commute to be a little more relaxing.  The book was released in 2003 and although it is not her latest book, you would hard-pressed to find a story more interesting! 

**Click Fonda's image above to download the ibook now**

Justin Vivian Bond is one of those unique creative forces that makes NYC what it is.  A staple in the downtown performance art scene, V (as JVB is known) is a versatile artist.   A singer, songwriter, and painter, V has been writing, starring in, and producing- theatrical, cabaret, and art events internationally for over 20 years.   What sets the work apart for me is the sense of comedy that runs through every piece.   There is an angst and a bitterness that just makes certain performers sparkle and stand out, and V has enough to blind you!

In the early 90's, the East Village of NYC was a still a wonderfully funky place.   It was possible to see shows any night of the week that you couldn't find uptown.  It was in this environment that Bond built a following.   One half of the duo -Kiki & Herb (Kenny Mellman) - fictional over the hill cabaret performers that had stayed too long at the party, Bond was lightning in a bottle on stage.  What was originally billed as "a little dowtown drag cabaret show" would come full circle.   The duo set the world on fire and performed everywhere from downstairs at Fez in Greenwich Village to uptown at the world famous Carnegie Hall.  Not to mention all the  international hotspots they would take Kiki & Herb!  Bond was nominated for a Tony in 2007 for "Kiki & Herb Alive on Broadway".  Not many cabaret acts can say that, but Justin Vivian Bond is not your average cabaret performer.  I've seen V perform countless times over the years, in all incarnations, and it is the ability Bond has to seduce the audience in any venue that really deserves accolades.  JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND - IN CHARACTER - OR NOT

To be clear, it's not that Bond goes out of the way to please each audience.   It's that the performance is so true and powerful, that it can reach any audience listening.

"TANGO -My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels" marks V's first foray as an author.   Published by The Feminist Press, the memoir is as laugh out loud funny as it is touching and poignant.   A coming of age story about a little boy dealing with the confusing feelings about being different from other boys.  Combined with all those complicated issues that every child deals with about gender, identity, and a sense of sexuality.   Little Justin Bond might not have been your average boy next door, but anyone reading TANGO can relate to the feelings of being "different" growing up.   As adults we know there are reasons for peoples actions and reactions,  but as kids, we think we are the only person in the world feeling strange or alone.   The book sheds a light on the struggle that trans gender kids feel from a very young age.    Bond's affinity for his mothers lipstick and why she thought it was not appropriate for a little boy to wear it to school is just the beginning..

JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND - LIGHTING UP THE ROOMFans of David Sedaris will LOVE this book.   Both have a tremendous sense of humor.  Of course the stories are very different, but both authors tell them from outside the box.   I think if Justin Bond and David Sedaris had grown up on the same block, who knows what amazing things would have happened?  The world might have seen some incredible invention like a Gay Google or Microsoft on some cosmic level!  They at least would have had each other to commiserate with - that is if they would have talked to each other.  I'm not so sure.

I hope in addition to all the hipsters, readers, and glitterati that will read this book, that any young mother will also pick it up.   (great gift for any pregnant friend- she could use a laugh right now).    Mothers should remember and take heart in the fact that children are these amazing little independent spirits that come into our lives.   Parents often don't get the child they thought they would, but that is the magic of the experience.   Every child is perfect.   Loving them, guiding them, and keeping them safe until they can take care of themselves is the job of every parent and family member. 

I can't recommend TANGO enough.  But don't take my word for it.  The book jacket is covered with recommendations from MAJOR artists like Yoko Ono, Sandra Bernhard, & Rufus Wainwright to name a few! The New York Times Book Review also gave it accolades.  Buy it now in one of the options below.   Also, buy Justin Vivien Bonds albums.   They are unique and creative, and there isn't much music out today that you can say that about!  click Dendrophile to preview the latest album.

**  For anyone who doesn't know Bond's amazing incarnation as Kiki DuRane .   You should do yourself a favor and buy Kiki & Herb - WILL DIE FOR YOU taped live at Carnegie Hall**

TO BUY TANGO - CLICK -   iBOOK      Nook Book    Paperback

THE WORLD OF GLORIA VANDERBILT by WENDY GOODMANGloria Vanderbilt has been famous since birth.   Born into one the richest families in American history, her life was chronicled in every newspaper and tabloid of the day.   Much of the attention at that time was due to the wicked custody battle (1934) surrounding her life, as relatives were determined to remove her from a mother deemed "not suitable".   The general public was fascinated to read the decadent details of the rich and famous at a time when most were living through economic hardship.   While the details of her childhood are as rich as any novel, it is the life that Gloria created for herself some 80 years on, that is far more interesting.

A bohemian and artist at heart, Vanderbilt would evolve into one of the most celebrated and connected socialites in the world.   There was fame and infamy from her various ventures that included creating designer jeans before any other celebrity had branded themselves.   The Gloria Vanderbilt signature logo and white swan symbol was as famous as any fashion brand and would eventually be taken from her due to unsavory contractual situations.   Vanderbilts life story is a true roller coaster ride of fantastic highs and debilitating lows.GLORIA VANDERBILT AND SON ANDERSON COOPER

This year Wendy Goodman, a true arbiter of style in her own right and New York design world legend has published a tribute to Gloria and all her style.   The World of Gloria Vanderbilt is an incredible collection of photographs and stories of this blue-blood beauty and her one of a kind life.  To this day, Vanderbilt remains true to her spirit as a bit of a shift shaper.   She embraces change and keeps moving.

The foreword is a touching tribute to Gloria written by her son, world famous news anchor Anderson Cooper.  Cooper pays tribute to his mother with great affection, also with a sense of objectivity that one must when describing someone surrounded by fame.  Coopers writing displays a great understanding of his mothers need to be her own person.  

One of the most gorgeous books in print, The World ofDELUXE EDITION AT RALPH LAUREN HOME Gloria Vanderbilt by Wendy Goodman is one to buy for yourself and one to gift to anyone with a great sense of style.   The book is an inspiration for anyone passionate about interiors, fashion, and will give any reader a boost of independence and zest for life.  Ralph Lauren hosted Vanderbilt and Goodman for a book signing in his brand new store on 72nd & Madison Avenue.   This gorgeous mansion was the most appropriate setting to host on of New York's most famous citizens.   Lauren has created a deluxe version of the book packaged beautifully in a purple showcase.   The set also includes an 8x10 print of Vanderbilt.   Click Ralph Lauren Home to purchase the deluxe edition.   A traditional copy can be purchased at fine gift store - William Wayne & Co on Lexington Avenue.  The store is known for amazing customer service and as a destination for finding the perfect housewarming or hostess gift. Click on store name for website info.    To purchase the traditional edition on-line Click GV at AMAZON.

Just when I thought it was safe to read on a plane without disturbing the cabin, David Sedaris is back with another collection of short stories - Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk.   Sedaris is known the world over for his stories that poke fun at outrageous family members and neighbors,  who are all too often familiar to readers.    Books like- Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays On Ice, & Naked have been translated into twenty six languages, proving that millions of people relate to the off beat and unflattering references cooked up by the mind of Sedaris.  These stories actually make me that guy that laughs out loud while reading on a plane. (I normally hate that guy!).

This time around the stories are told through various members of the animal kingdom, in the form of demented fables that are classic David Sedaris.   If possible, using animals as characters has made the racist, bigoted, & plain unsociable behavior that is so fun to cringe at, even more deplorable - in the most hilarious manner.  In addition, the book is so perfectly illustrated by Ian Falconer of Olivia the Piglet fame.   The animal illustrations give the book a strange bedside table quality.   This makes the stories read like little gems to savour one at a time, night after night.

Sedaris is a regular guest on NPR Radio and hearing him read his own stories is not to be missed.   With the release of Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, Sedaris has also set out on an exhausting book tour throughout North America.   To meet David Sedaris and have your copy of his latest autographed, visit DAVID SEDARIS BOOKS to find a signing near you.

Always one to be on trend and ahead of the curve, Salk has just released her latest book Room for Children by Rizzoli.    New Yorkers know that there is a definite urban baby boom happening!   For the first time in recent memory, couples are deciding not to move to the suburbs once they are planning a family.   With the expanse of city parks and family friendly spaces, it makes sense families are staying urban.   City apartments bring a whole different set of challenges than suburban homes when decorating. The book gives a million great suggestions for decorating kids rooms so that it can engage your child's imagination, while still fitting in with the overall theme of your home.   Room for Children gives you the perfect solution regardless of the size of the space you are working with.little bg GARDEN NYMPH

Bergdorf Goodman hosted a book signing for Susanna's latest book in the newly renovated little bg department!  Housed on the 7th floor, little bg is dazzling with everything your little prince or princess could want.

Of course, it was a packed house.  The super stylish moms of New York society turned out in force.  Susanna was super chic in a gorgeous J. Crew Couture dress and dazzling Michael Dawkins Sterling cuff.

SALK SIGNS COPIES OF HER LATEST - ROOM FOR CHILDREN AT BGOne of the most refreshing things about Susanna is her lack of pretension.  She simply doesn't have the time for it!  I ran into her a week prior at the Ferragamo Fall preview event.  Even running from one photo shoot to another, Salk was style on the go!  Ferragamo's fall collection is chock full of amazing accessories.  Click Ferragamo to see the exotic bag Susanna had her eye on! 

Room for Children is the perfect gift for anyone expecting or for the coffee table of anyone with children..

Click KIDS ROOM to buy one now.  Also click on Susanna Salk above to visit her website and blog.

The charm of Veselka ( Rainbow in Ukrainian) is the feeling that you are in Eastern Europe.   Family run, and authentically staffed with many of the waiters and waitresses new to America from the Ukraine, the feeling this setting creates is impossible to fake.   

Much of the original success of the Veselka stems from Eastern European immigrants living in the East village that were looking for a little bit of home in these delicious, authentic recipes.   Add to that everyone who has or had a grandmother from the region, that grew up eating Ukrainian soul food.   Then add to that anyone with a grandmother from Central Europe who cooked similar dishes.  I myself am in this bunch.   My Paternal grandmother was Hungarian.   The youngest of 9, my grandmother was born in America but grew up with a strong link to Hungary from her older siblings and parents.   While she never learned the Hungarian language, happily the recipes were passed down.      Visits to my grandmothers house meant eating Hungarian delicacies such as stuffed cabbage, Haluska (pasta & cabbage), beet salad, & sweet little pastries  to name a few.   Ukrainian dishes are not exactly the same as Hungarian, but it is close enough to put a smile on my face. 

My story is not unique and thousands flock to the Veselka every week to remind them of a little bit of home cooking just like Mom or Grandma used to do.   I recently surprised my parents and took them to the Veselka for lunch on their anniversary.   My father was really pleased to try the stuffed cabbage that reminded me so much of his mother.   While the recipe is slightly different, he loved it!  

Now for the first time, the Veselka is sharing their famous recipes in a beautifully photographed cookbook.    The book gives you a chance to experiment with the recipes that might not have survived to your branch of the family tree.   It also is just a great coffee table book for those who would never cook, but appreciate the wonderful photography that can conjure up nostalgic feelings of a time gone by.  The book and the restaurant both have this effect.   I know I think of my grandmother every time I visit.    

To order the book now, click - VESELKA COOKBOOK

Looking for hard to find Ephemera from the 1950's?  Have no idea what Ephemera is?  Ok, I couldn't resist.   It's rare you see that word - especially in print, promoting a new book store.  (for the record - Ephemera is defined as "printed material that is not intended to be retained or preserved).    DARREN WINSTON METICULOUS SHELVES

However, Darren Winston is not your typical book collector - and his new shop in Sharon, Connecticut is not your typical book shop.   Having said that, maybe it should be.   In this day and age, your first book source (if you still read books and not nooks!) is probably Amazon - or some other internet source.   If all book shops were as interesting and chock full of hard to find - finds - you might still have a corner shop in your neighborhood.DARREN WINSTON BOOKSELLER - CONNECTICUT

Darren Winston has an eclectic eye and a knack for finding hard to find and out of print titles.  Looking for a first edition of " a Charlie Brown Christmas" - Winston has it.    Curious to see what teenage girls were reading in the 1950'S?  Winston has some pristine vintage paperbacks  and pamphlets ( Ephemera).   There are historical books of all types - from biographies on Political leaders - to local folklore about towns that helped to shape this great country.  Of course, all the classics are there as well.

DARREN WINSTON - FUN TO SHOPMr. Winston has developed an extensive network of sources for all types of books since he started his business in 1995.   If there is a book you are looking for, chances are Mr. Winston will find it and send it to you, wherever you are.

DARREN WINSTON BOOKSELLER - 81 Main Street, Sharon, Conn. 06069  860-364-1890 / darrenwinston@gmail.com

The April Showers have continued into June in the Northeastern United States this year.   While you may be heading to your weekend house - I'll bet you will be spending more time inside than ever before.   One way to spend a few hours curled up on the sofa is with Susanna Salk's second book - WEEKEND RETREATS.   Published by Rizzoli, Weekend Retreats is also the perfect gift to give to the host or hostess you are visiting this summer.  

Susanna Salk is a design expert known for giving an insiders view of the quintessential Northeastern -style that is unique to the region.    The wonderful weekend homes of Connecticut are.... click WASP to continue reading.

AIDEN SHAW The name Aiden Shaw makes millions of women around the world sigh and swoon as they think of the fictional love interest of Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex & The City.   The name Aiden Shaw also makes millions of men around the world sigh for a different reason.   You see, the Aiden Shaw that has a mythical appeal to men is not the fictional character in SATC, but the real life version.  SARAH JESSICA PARKER & JOHN CORBETT IN SATC

The real Aiden Shaw is a legend in the gay adult film industry.  Not since international Playboy Porfirio Rubirosa of Doris Duke fame in the 1930's has a gentleman's endowment been written about more than Aiden Shaw's.   While Rubirosa was scandalous in his era, Aiden Shaw could cause a scandal in any year.  ZSA ZSA GABOR & PORFIRIO RUBIROSA, ORLY AIRPORT, PARIS The producers of Sex & The City certainly chose to name one of Carrie Bradshaw's lovers with a wink and a nod to the real life legend.  

Aiden Shaw is one of those people who is impossible to justly describe.   He is a man of so many facets and talents, that to reduce his achievements to his work on film is really a disservice.    Entering the adult film world by accident via art school and a trip to L.A. where he met a producer who said he would "make him a star" - and he did.BRUTAL - ORIGINAL RELEASE

There are a string of celebrity friends and high powered connections that have kept Aiden  on the short list of any event happening in London, New York, and L.A.    He is a person that  people are drawn to.  He has an energy that lights up a room.  

There is a big difference between Mr. Shaw and most of his adult film peers.   Most have physical attributes, but Aiden had many attributes that lie beneath the surface.   In turns out that what is between his ears is as threatening as what is in his pants.

When most adult film stars would see their 15 minutes of fame tick away, Mr. Shaw had other plans.   Who knew a writing career would follow?  First there was a book of poetry that would sell out and is now a collectible that sells for over $200 - if you can find a copy on ebay.  Then came the novels.  I must say that any of Aiden's book are not for the faint of heart.   They are fictionalized accounts of his life that is a wild ride to say the least.   There is sex, drugs, & maybe a bit of Rock & Roll like you have never seen or read about.  The fact that Mr. Shaw can recount some of these stories and with such clarity is a testament to his highly articulate mind, as many would not have lived to tell about it.   When Betty Davis said the infamous line "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night" - she had nothing on one of Mr. Shaw's adventures.   At the core is a romantic character with a big heart - that is looking for love, albeit in all the wrong place.BRUTAL- UNCUT

Personally, it's the CD he produced a few years back that drives me crazy.   I can see a cult club re-mix of his album happening any day now.  The tracks are sexy and infectious and leave you wanting more.  The singles are available on i-tunes. 

2008 saw Mr. Shaw enroll in a Masters program at a prestigious university in London.   We would expect nothing less from this true artist.  

While working on a new novel - Aiden has also re-written and re-issued one of his wildest rides - Brutal.    Brutal-Uncut can be described as Brutal 2.0.    This tale is an eye opener and I guarantee you will not be bored!

Brutal and Brutal Uncut are in bookstores now or available at Amazon.    We hope to see Mr. Shaw state side again soon.