La Belle Valise

Show Season

I am struggling with some real First World Fashion Girl Problems. How does one properly prepare for a whirlwind five weeks of apparel markets, black tie parties, runway shows, and endless meetings with buyers? In my line of work, in addition to all of the professional prep, appearance matters, so I’m needing a head toContinue reading “Show Season”

Golden Rays of Parenthood

I look forward at a horizon punctuated by two golden heads pressed together digging in the sand, as once-tiny palms clutch a treasure, to be buried then washed out to sea. This moment, if I am fortunate, will become a treasure as well, clutched in the palm of my memory, brought forward on future days,Continue reading “Golden Rays of Parenthood”

To Soar, To Fly,

I will soar I will fly This world will know who I am And part of me will die I will succeed I will be what they tell me For the time being But I will be me at the same time I will not let myself lose my self The world will know who IContinue reading “To Soar, To Fly,”

Never Eat Where You Can Sit to Pee

A few general rules to follow when traveling abroad … 1. Never carry what you can roll. 2. Eat before you’re hungry. 3. Never miss a chance to pee.

Made in China

It begins, the trip that tests if I’m actually qualified for the job I have. When Sheryl Sandberg told women to use our power to “Lean In” she didn’t address what happens next. How do I go from landing the dream job and impressing my colleagues to actually believing all the hype about myself? DoesContinue reading “Made in China”

Dining From the Kids Menu

This morning marked a “last” for me. Today was the last time I will ever drop my sons off at school together. They finish out their final week of school on Wednesday (our school years are painfully long here in Utah) and after school ends my oldest will unofficially be a teenager … headed intoContinue reading “Dining From the Kids Menu”

Not a Victim

When I tell people about places I’ve been, or where I’m going, I occasionally get “The Look”. The Look is that face of disapproval that screams, “Do you want to be raped, murdered, sold into sexual slavery, and then dumped into a septic tank?” It’s a rhetorical and silent question, but if I had theContinue reading “Not a Victim”

Getting Lost to Find Yourself Again

Each of us has a place, a time, or a talent where we find ourselves at our most authentic – the outdoors, an athletic field, plucking at the strings of an heirloom guitar. For me, “Me” exists best when I’m far away from the expectations of who others expect “Me” to be. In China I canContinue reading “Getting Lost to Find Yourself Again”

Trading Gifts for Experiences

This in mind, it is decided! Rather than a gluttony of gifts and frenetic holiday parties, our family of four will depart the cold winters of Utah this December to set out on a 16 day adventure throughout the Mediterranean, by air, sea, and rail.

Fine Dining at a Vegas Buffet

For Mother’s Day, I choose the time-honored tradition of leaving my children at home with Grandma and hitting Las Vegas, which, of course, includes a trip to the omnipresent buffets. This year’s choice, Bacchanal at Caesar’s Palace. Where for $45 one is given the opportunity to gorge on 500 small plate choices, a carving station,Continue reading “Fine Dining at a Vegas Buffet”