I'm proud to introduce to you, my Goddaughter, Hana-Lee Sedgwick and her new blog, Wander and Wine.

Hana-Lee with her father,
Jonathan Sedgwick

 Hana-Lee, like her famous aunt,  Edie Sedgwick, is not only a natural beauty, but has the innate ability of inspiring people to expand their horizons   She has a charming new blog called WANDER & WINE, which I found informative, fun and interesting.  Take a gander for yourself and see if you don't feel like you've just visited the finest Wineries in the Country.  I can see Hana-Lee with her own travel-cooking-wine show, taking her audience to Wineries around the world and just enjoying a good glass of wine in a lovely setting with people she meets on the way.  http://wanderandwine.com/wine/

Here is a sample of her blog....

Having lived on the West Coast my whole life (5th generation Californian and proud!), it didn't take long for me to appreciate and take full advantage of all the amazing wine regions around me. After a few months in Italy, several trips to Napa and a few years of trying interesting wines at local wine bars, I decided to take my excitement about wine to the next level and became certified as a Sommelier a few years ago. Soon after, I worked at a winery and traveled to various wine tasting events, but these days tasting/discussing/exploring wine is a favorite hobby. I’m also passionate about travel, entertaining, trying new restaurants, cooking, sports, design and yoga.

More cheese, please

3/17/2013

Last night I had some girlfriends over for a pre-St. Patrick’s Day wine and cheese tasting. Since we’re all fans of cheese (I mean, BIG fans), I thought it’d be fun to try some cheeses that pair well with certain wines. I just really look for any excuse to get the girls together to drink wine and chat, especially when I can make it a bit educational and eat lots of cheese!

I didn’t want us to be influenced by labels, so we tasted everything blind, starting off with a sparkling wine. It was paired with St. Andre triple-cream cheese. Since the fat content of this cheese is so high (75% – no wonder it’s so good), its richness can easily overpower or kill certain types of wines.  Luckily, the crisp acidity of sparkling wine or Champagne helps cut through that creaminess without hurting the flavor of the wine or  cheese. Killing flavors = no bueno.

Next, we tried a Tempranillo from Spain that I paired with Manchego, also from Spain. I knew it’d be a good pairing because wines and foods from the same region typically work together (makes sense, right?). When it doubt, think regionally! This wine and cheese pairing was a huge hit with the group…. meaning, I think the bottle was drained in 4 minutes.

Lastly, we tried a Cabernet with an Irish White Cheddar… had to get something Irish in there for St. Patty’s Day so the green cupcakes didn’t feel out of place. :) Cabernets are bold, so pairing it with an equally bold sharp cheddar is a good bet.

And now, the big reveal…

Sparkling: Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV. Light, easy-drinking, and a great match with the St. Andre. Tempranillo: 2010 Monte Alto Tinto Tempranillo from Spain. This was the favorite wine of the night! Medium bodied and smooth, with lots of spice, plum, and black raspberry aromas and flavors. Finally, the Cabernet: 2011 Sawbuck California Cabernet from the Crew Wine Company. Everyone immediately got aromas of leather, tobacco, spice, dark fruits, and a touch of mocha. Full-bodied and relatively smooth tannins. Not my favorite of the night, but definitely easy to drink.

Really good cheeses + delicious wines + great company = a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
**Wine Notes**

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV – Alc: 12.5 % – Price: $17
2010 Monte Alto Tinto Tempranillo – Spain – Alc: 13.5% – Price: $12 (Really good!)

2011 Sawbuck California Cabernet – Mendocino & Yolo Counties, CA – Alc; 13.9% – Price: $10

Rudolph Valentino, Silent Films Sexiest Man Ever...

just happened to watch this movie on TCM lately and though it really didn't follow Rudolph Valentino's life story, I still enjoyed Anthony Dexter in the role.

Anthony Dexter looked like Valentino at certain angles, especially while dancing the Tango, but his perfect English and diction ruined it for me...  I'm sure the real Valentino spoke with broken English and was a little more rough.  I did however, love the costumes and Valentino style.  

I was thrilled to see this close up of an invitation from Valentino, including the address of the Villa Valentino in Whitley Heights.  The real Villa, however, was actually located at 6776 Wedgewood Place, Whitley Heights.

Valentino was one of the first residents to build a Mediterranean Villa in Whitley Heights. Probably soon after making the Sheik and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, in 1921.

Seen here at the Villa Valentino, is my great uncle Tom Lyle Williams, founder of the Maybelline Company, with his lifetime partner, Emery Shaver.  Tom Lyle bought the Villa after Valentino's death in 1926.

The magnificent statue ASPIRATION, overlooked the pool at the Villa...in honor of Rudolph Valentino.

I also loved the close up of this Preview Card, with a comment about Valentino's film, the Sheik... having the most thrilling love scenes ever seen on the screen.

Here is Anthony Dexter as the Sheik in the 1951 film.

and here is Rudolph Valentino as the Sheik,in the 1921 film.  There is no comparison in the passion and
 sexuality Valentino exudes on camera.

The real Rudolph Valentino, still gets hearts thumping

The real Rudolph Valentino dancing the Tango on the real 1921 film, "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

As you can see the real Rudolph Valentino, remains the all time smoldering Latin Lover.

Want see more posts on Valentino and the Villa Valentino?  Go to SEARCH THIS BlOG on the right side of the page and type in the words.  

NICHE MAGAZINE - Carrie Bradshaw has her own line shoes and I have my own Column...

Encompassing fashion and beauty, home and décor, lifestyle and travel, NICHE magazine embraces the three essential elements of the good life – where we live, how we live and how good we look getting it all done in a modern world.

 I'm so pleased to have a column in this stunning, Canadian based magazine. Take a look for yourself, just click on this link.    http://www.nichemagazine.ca/

My favorite show ever was Sex in the City.  Now Carrie has her own line of shoes, 

read all about it in this month's NICHE   Magazine.

Here is my third column for Niche Magazine.  I feel like Carrie Bradshaw!!!!

Click on box under my picture to enlarge and read.

 I'm so sorry I had to miss Niche Inspiration Ball 

A final farewell to Casa De Guillermo's and the little Koy Fish.

Front door of Casa De Guillermo's

The bar off the living room.

Player Piano in the bar.

Gate leading into the tennis court. The bar is on the left side of the gate.  It included a phone, intercom and stereo.

View from inside the tennis court.

View of the tennis court.

The ultimate retreat spot at Casa De Guillermo's. it's large Koy Fish pool was the heart of the estate.  Also notice the enclosed garage on the right, built especially for Bills 1977 Clenet and 1956 T-Bird.

Another angle of the Koy Fish pool.  The sound of
 the fountain and chirping birds made this a place
 of reflection and meditation.

The bench where we sat and watched the Koy Fish while my dad threw out their food every evening.

35 years of Koy Fish generations were boon at the Casa.  They grew large because of the pool they were in. My dad's favorite fish gold and called Goldie Hawn.

Bill and Gloria Williams with Maybelline.  You can see the can of fish food sitting next to my dad, and the Koy Fish coming up the the surface to eat.

My dad, Bill Williams with his sweet poodle, Maybelline.


Sadly the new owner of the property left it vacant for over a year, until he demolished the entire estate and built a modern home.  He left the Koy Fish to starve to death and got rid of their pool.  Hard to imagine but true.

That ends the tour of Casa De Guillermo's.  I hope
 you enjoyed these never before seen pictures and a
 little piece of  Palms Springs history.
 Thank you for following my Blog.


If you missed any of the tour click on links below

Casa de Guillermo's, gone but not forgotten - Maybelline Heir, Bill Williams, Palm Springs Estate,

THE MAYBELLINE STORY : Casa de Guillermo, the most stunning ...

Jun 19, 2013

Casa de Guillermo, the most stunning estate in Palm Springs California. My father, Bill Williams, wanted an estate where he could retreat from the world and gracefully grow old with Gloria. Casa de Guillermo was the ultimate ...

Never before seen photos of Maybelline Heir, Bill Williams, Palm ...

Jun 18, 2013

My father, Bill Williams, beautiful Estate Casa De Guillermo, was built for Silent Film Star Marie Dressler in 1929. It was a showplace ... Stay tuned this week as I walk you around Bill Williams Stunning Casa De Guillermo.

http://www.maybellinebook.com/

Casa de Guillermo's, Timeless, Ageless and now Gone with the Wind - Maybelline Heir, Bill Williams, Palm Springs Estate,

The tour continues around the romantic grounds of the Casa

Built in 1929 for Silent Film Star Marie Dressler, my father, Bill Williams, bought this 2 acre estate in Palms Springs in 1973 and spent 2 years landscaping the grounds - while building a Guest House, tennis court, Koy Fish Pond, 5 hole chipping green, a stream that ran through the length of the property, and an extra garage to store is cars. The property was sold in  2006 for 3.5 million.  The new owner demolished the home and grounds and let the Koy Fish die after 30 years of lovingly being cared for. 

Bill and Gloria Williams Master Suite on the second floor included an office, a built in Mexican tiled bar, marble and mirrored bathroom with a sunken tub, a terrace and a 35 foot deck overlooking the property. 

Coming from a cosmetic family, my father created and ambiance of overwhelming beauty.

The deck overlooking the property and the chipping green are seen here, as well as the 4 car open garage.   

My father drew out his Guest House on a cocktail napkin while sitting at the bar, explaining to the builder what he wanted included.... A Master Suite, fully mirrored bathroom and shower that led outside to it's own private sunning patio. A playroom with slot machines, pinball machine, pool table, card table, plush sitting area, gourmet kitchen, weight lifting room, steam bath, bar b que pit and a second mirrored bathroom for guests using the pool.

Designed to look like a 1930's Old Hollywood movie set,
 the wrought iron patio furniture and intimate seating
 areas created the perfect party atmosphere.
   Stereo speakers hidden in the rocks
 played Frank Sinatra's music day and night 

Detail and perfection exploded everywhere with exquisite color, succulent smells and romantic sounds that captivated your soul and lifted your Spirits.

Like his uncle, Maybelline founder, Tom Lyle Williams, Bill placed Rudolph Valentino's memorial statue, ASPIRATION, in the garden next to the stream and chipping green.

Here is a better view of the stream with ASPIRATION.

This magnificent walkway led from the pool,
 past the classic cars and chipping green to
 the Koy Fish Pond. At night the entire property
 was lit up to look like a fantasy land. 

The only words to describe Casa de Guillermo's magical wonderland is Old Hollywood Glamour.  We were so lucky to have spent 30 years here before my father's health declined and he sold the estate, the cars and all it's belongings in an estate sale, before moving to Lido Isle, in Newport Beach California, in 2004.  He died in 2006.

Stop back tomorrow and see the rest of the tour through Casa de Guillermo's