Risky Business: Mr. Holmes (aka Tom Cruise) gets down in his tightie-whities.

The newly planted herbs in the windowsill are dying a slow, tragic death.  My always perfectly jeujed bangs are plastered to my forehead and for someone who doesn’t really sweat, I am sweating in places that I never knew existed.  Guess what?  Only dancers in music videos and Cindy Crawford in a Pepsi commercial circa 1990 look damn sexy in the blistering heat (though I can’t comment on the smell).  For us regular folk, we just have to work it a little harder. 

With no air conditionning, there seems to be little relief with the windows open, curtains drawn.  With record-breaking soaring temperatures, modesty is at best, an afterthought.  Perhaps this is high season for voyeurs since cooking in your underwear is de rigeur.  And if we’re going to be prancing about in our skivvies, let’s channel Risky Business (without the long-sleeve since it’s much too HOTTT for that!)…

True Story: I have often happened upon a random dance party in my living room. Forever 21 Love Struck Bikini

The neighbours don't mind: Get spotted in this Zimmerman Thistle Bikini

Dare Wear Short Shorts: Stay cool in these barely there Element Fleece Shorts

For the modest, cover up in this lightweight Anthropologie Slubby Boy Tank in the faintest blush

In lieu of tube socks, I suggest these gold zebra print Old Navy Flip Flops. You can wear socks but only if you're concerned about gliding across the hardwood floors.

Bohogi, sounds like a sloppy sandwich, doesn’t it?  It’s my play on words – a bohemian/yogi fusion if you will.  And for those of you scratching your heads, per the Urban Dictionary, a yogi is defined as, “One who practices yoga and has achieved a high level of spiritual insight or a teabag that has been rolled into a joint to add flavour.”  I am obviously referring to the former and not the latter. 

The promise of Spring/Summer always gets me in the mood for bohemian attire.   But for me, Bohogi is more of an attitude – a love of altruistic good deeds, an appreciation for beauty, people, culture and spirituality, a return to nature dressed up in an embellished caftan.   But Bohogi goes beyond that.  It’s really ‘be yourself.’  Are you picking up what I’m putting down?

Close your eyes.  Let’s make believe I decided to erect a giant Bohogi teepee for my friends in my backyard.

Lucky girl has her own library and teepee! Um, spoiled.

Then we draped the walls with these sumptuous velvet Viceroy curtains from Anthropologie.

The will of the universe: We throw a bunch of Sky posie pillows in there and they land oh so perfectly like a shoot for Elle Decor.

And your feet were kept warm with this brilliantly bright Gloria's Garden rug. Love matchy-not matchy.

And we snuggle in this DVF Tie Dye Duvet

Impromptu dance party: We listen to Miike Snow on this Roberts Revival Radio or we ask our friend to bring their iPod speakers. Whatevs.

The more I think about it, it sounds like a fun party idea.  Hrmm, maybe I should plan that.  And, I’m taking credit for coining the term Bohogi.  Give it a few months and it will be all the rage on MTV (just like crazytown). Trust.

The Maldives are sinking. We sort of really, need to go. Shangri-la-la-la.

When I see little macrame white dresses and bejewelled sandals in stores, I have a major pang of ‘wanderlust.’  Resort clothing means vacation time for the snowbirds that flock abroad for a natural tan, sun kissed tresses and major relaxation.  This year, I am on stay-cation (insert ugly, uncontrollable sob) but for my LC dearies, I have compiled the best of Resort so that I may live vicariously through your wine-ing, dining, dancing and romancing.  If you have a fabulous time, that is all that matters.

There is nothing like burying your toes in the sand whilst enjoying a refreshing pina colada.  Or swimming in an infinity pool that stretches into the ocean.  Or gliding carelessly along clandestine cobblestone pathways.  Or dining al fresco watching the sun repose…in a precisely selected vacation wardrobe.

Just the way I like it: Earthy meets ruffle and belted! Alice + Olivia Avindale Maxi

Loving the wispy tiered quality of this Parker Tie Front Dress

• Maxi Dress, Yes Please – A bohemian’s vacation wardrobe staple, the rich colours and breezy material are perfect for long daytime walks on the beach or navigating through market stalls.  There’s something about a maxi dress that puts you in a more relaxed state of mind.  Nicole Richie loves it.   

Balenciaga Oversize Two Tone Sunnies.

• A Fresh Pair of Sunnies – Sunglasses are one of those things that I secretly hoard.  I can no longer justify buying cat eye sunglasses in different shades of tortoise shell.  I know.  It’s just wrong.  Badx3.  However, the ombre effect of this Spring’s crop of oversized Jackie O. styled sunglasses is quite delightful.

Seriously? Seriously. City of Love Ballerina Flats from Anthropologie.

• Dancing In The Street – I have often been interrogated by airline personnel as to why my luggage was sooo over the weight limit.  “Miss, what is in your suitcase?” (insert slight annoyance with smidge of trying not to laugh) To which I replied, “Shoes.”  The right shoes will have you tip tapping on steps, grabbing your travel partners hand to skip down the block and walk-walk-walking all over that city.
• A Relaxed Blouse – Perfect for days when lady-like is in order (such as visits to a church or temple, walks through museums where they crank up the air conditionning, a proper high tea, etc), a painted chiffon blouse would look stunning paired with shorts, accessorized with a few gold necklaces. 

Channelling Landscape Painter in an Anthropologie Flora Blouse

The world is your oyster. Conde Nast Traveller is a great reference for 'where to go next?'

PBC: You don't say no to this...or kick it out of bed, even if you have a no crumbs allowed rule.

Nothing makes the holidays more warm and cozy that taking out a tray of steaming, goey cookies from the oven with ridiculously oversized gingham mitts (silicone is for boobies).  The only thing I was missing was a 50′s style floral ruffle apron from Anthropologie (cough-cough-hint-hint). 

My roomie, akin to the rest of the world, has an allergy to gluten and one afternoon she lamented, “If you could bake me flourless peanut butter cookies, I would love you for-everrrrr.” Or some variation on that comment.  Perhaps I embellished to give you a gist of the fervour behind her request.

This Old Thang: Bake some cookies, then go out in your turquoise halter Anthropologie apron. Just kidding. Please don't go out in your apron.

This recipe is taken from the Kraft website  jazzed up with my LC special touch.  Cooking is an art, baking is a science.  It takes mad skills to mess around with baking.  Even if you want to health-ify it, please refrain from using buckwheat flour. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted peanuts
• 4 heaping tablespoons of flour (you can use rice flour for your gluten intolerant friends)
• Yields 24 cookies

Directions (Prep time 10-15 minutes)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a bowl combine the peanut butter, eggs and sugar. 
3. Fold in flour gradually.  Stir until mixture becomes a stiff cookie dough consistency.
4. Drop in chocolate chips and peanuts.  The amount you add in is optional.  I choose more chocolate.
5. Since the dough has minimal flour, you may want to put the bowl into the fridge for a half hour to stiffen. 
6. Using a tablespoon drop cookie dough onto a non-stick pan.  You should be able to fit a dozen on a tray.  You can also roll the dough into 1″ balls but I enjoy the ‘made with love’ appearance of bumpy cookies. 
7. Bake for 18 minutes for a softer cookie or until the edges brown.
8. Remove cookies carefully using a flat wooden spatula and allow to cool before serving with cold milk. 

Why did you ask?  Of course they are fattening.  But sometimes you can’t take the fat out of delicious.

Ooh French Country in Red: A pretty table setting from Dinner Party Wars

In an attempt to avoid time suckage, I choose to live in a television free zone.  Though having stayed at my mother’s place for a few days, I could not help but succumb to the home improvement shows on HGTV and fanciful cooking segments on Food Network.  I still quite enjoy Jamie Oliver’s lisp. 

One show in particular that had me intrigued was Dinner Party Wars, where three couples competed in a challenge to host the best dinner party.  Having been a hostess and a guest at many social gatherings, both exceptional and fall dead asleep boring, I could probably fill a novella with quips and useful advice.  With the holiday season fast upon us, I thought I could share some of these useful grains of wisdom with all of you.

Brush up on your social skills: Kate Spade Occasions

• Guestlist, guestlist, guestlist - I once read a hilarious blurb in a book about seating people alternating funny-boring-funny-boring-etc  If it were up to me, there would be no boring!  But there is some truth to this statement that the personalities should mesh well.  When throwing an intimate dinner, the best ones have a good blend of friends and strangers who will hopefully connect on their commonalities – “Oh, you love red velvet cupcakes? OMG, me too!”  And ’tis the season for love connections.  Did you know that if you hook up 3 friends successfully, you get a green light straight to heaven?  You haven’t heard about this?  That’s because I made it up.    
• Decorate Good Times –  I have had many themed parties – Japanese, French Wine & Cheese, Summer Al Fresco.  Even if you don’t go over the top with party decorations, a lush bouquet or some tealights helps to set the mood.
• Greetings and salutations - A good hostess welcomes new guests into the fold by greeting, then taking around the new arrival to strangers.  A conversational starter is how they know each other and letting the individuals know if there something mutual between them ie. a similar career, a sport or activity, where they live, etc.  It’s always nice to leave a guest with few acquaintances at the party with a friend (co-hostess) who is very accomodating – this way, they never feel awk-ward. 
• Feed the People –  Although it is not uncommon to start a dinner party late, you should have drinks, nibbles and appetizers ready for guests.  Even if you have special prepared warm appetizers, it won’t kill you to leave pretzels, nuts or chips on the tables.  They knew they were coming to a party so they have been saving their appetites.  For smaller gatherings, a fixed menu is manageable, however, for larger parties a buffet style may please more people’s palettes and food preferences. 

Dessert served up on these Natural World plates from Anthropologie. Bugs and grenouilles never looked so appetizing!

• No Prohibition – Never let the drinks run dry.  Always top off glasses but offer water when you notice people crossing the line into OOC (out of control) territory. 
• It’s a Party – Parties are meant to be enjoyed, by everyone including the hostess.  Let your guests get involved if they offer.  Allow them to bring out plates of food, refill wine glasses or help you put dishes into the dishwasher.  You should be giggling, clinking glasses and dancing too!  What’s the point of having a social if you’re going to be a party pooper and boil over like a stress pot?  A memorable party is one where everyone has a great time.  Remember, a happy hostess sets the tone. 

Careful now! Don't cry over spilled wine...unless it's red and your couch is white. Busted, so obsessed with Anthropologie.

Can't say I'm a big fan of Olivia Palermo, but she does have great hair. The kind you would find in Bloor-Yorkville.

I rarely make it north of Bloor Street and east of Yonge.  I try to walk everywhere and I can find most everything in my SW quadrant of the city.  When I do venture outside of this territory into Bloor-Yorkville, I find myself acting like a tourist.  Generally within the span of time between visits, new restaurants and shops have emerged and the area is great people watching fodder.  If you are looking for chi-chi poo-poo, this is where you will find it.  Flaxen blown out blondes with that pristine Olivia Palermo hair (ringlets are no accident, but the work of a hairstylist) stomp in their designer heels with rich older sugar daddies, old ladies in ancient mink and oversize sunnies sit on patios and Porsches rev their engines on Cumberland.  I am truly fascinated…but only in doses.

Glamour is nice on a sunny afternoon.  If you are in the area, be sure to make a cameo at:

• Teatro Verde (100 Yorkville Ave.)  is a glorious mansion filled with floral couture, luxury furnishings, curious and fanciful gifts.  Each room is decorated in a unique theme and mood – from Asian rock n’ roll with monolith Buddhas to a sophisticated Paris apartment with designer coffee table books and plush French Provincial divans.  Wondering where to buy a Veruschka coffee table book?  Look no further.  Need a gift for an heiress?  Have a designer create a custom bouquet with grosgrain ribbon.  Does your Den need an Old World globe and telescope?  That’s here too.  It’s as though you’ve died and gone to heaven, if your idea of heaven is a curated and decorated by super-talented artistic directors (like mine is).

"Ooh, Ahhh, Oh" The sounds you will make at Teatro Verde. Glorious.

• Anthropologie (78 Yorkville Ave.) As if the beauty doesn’t stop, next door at Anthropologie, there are embellished jewels, embroidered caftans, Indian jewellery boxes, shabby chic housewares (love the enamel floral hooks and the ikat and gold-trimmed bowls!) and flouncy cotton dresses.  Transported to a foreign escape with the thumping beats of a ‘Buddha Bar’ soundtrack, you can find a plethora of interesting finds from tulle ruffled boleros to tribal printed cotton sleeping pants.  If you need a Gypset wardrobe, here you go.

I've been to quite a few outposts of Anthropologie and I must say, I enjoy the setup of the Yorkville location.

Lucinda Blouse styled super-cute worn off the shoulder with a sideways bun. High KB factor. True.

• Cafe Nervosa (75 Yorkville Ave.) Ever since I was a fresh-faced fashionistah, my girlfriends and I would meet up for drinks on the patio or for a casual dinner.  The thin-crust pizza is lovely here, not too doughy with fresh vegetables and a light choice with a glass of wine for the summer.  If you are in a festive mood, why not order a jug of white wine sangria?  (To share.  Don’t be a shicker.) The wait staff with their cute Italian accents, are jovial and the smell of garlic wafts from the open concept kitchen (a bonus if you love garlic).  A very popular locale for lunch and dinner without being too sceney or pretentious. 

Cafe Nervosa at Night. Courtesy BlogTO.com