Just like almost everything by Kate Spade these books are fantastic. You can pick them up at many cute little stationary stores, on Amazon or at your library. I think that they make charming house warming or hostess gifts, just don't give them away if you got them from the library...

I am happy to announce the addition of a YouTube page! http://www.youtube.com/user/StarNewman?feature=mhee  The above is my first video. In keeping with my current love affair with France it's a magical tribute to Coco Chanel.  Please take a look and if you like it say so or scubscribe.  Merci!

Star

I admit it, I am an ironic Francophile.  I've not yet had the pleasure of traveling to this wonderful country; fortunately, I can still enjoy some of the best they have to offer.  These are four of my favorite imports

1. Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain-  a beautiful film.  It's one reason I'm learning French; that is, so I can watch it paying attention to the mise-en-scene and not to the subtitles.

2. L'Occitane Creme Mains- As a professional magician I must keep my hands in good condition, not only does this fantastic lotion do just that, it smells divine.  Watch this cute video on how to pronounce the company's name. http://usa.loccitane.com/FO/Content/Video/?y=R1o0OX5REwk

3. Perrier- This miracle drink has helped me cut my Coke Zero consumption from 6 cans a day to maybe 1.  You can also mix it with fruit juice for a lower calorie, more chic drink.

4. Macarons- I believe they are poised to become the next go-to confectionary treat (thus ending the reign of the designer cupcake)  and thank goodness.  Light, airy these little pieces of Heaven come in a rainbow of pastel hues and in even more flavors such as lavander and blood orange.  They also are (sadly) in my list of "too difficult to make; worth it to buy" foods.  The link is to the recipe I tried.  Below are my less than pleasing results...

At least the Nutella was good... 

Do you have any French products you can't live without?   Is there a country that gives you great pleasures?  What are they?

Au revoir!

“Every reader finds himself. The writer's work is merely a kind of optical instrument that makes it possible for the reader to discern what, without this book, he would perhaps never have seen in himself.” 

^{- Marcel Proust}

Flat surfaces in my home inevitably become cluttered with three things, decks of cards, coffee cups and books.  I always have multiple books started, today I gathered some to share, some I'm reading for the first time, some I reread every year, some are consistently checked and referenced.  I love this Proust quote because it reminds me that I'm not a blank slate waiting to be filled I'm a person with interests and tastes just waiting to be woken up. 

What are some books that you have read that had a dramatic influence on your life?  Do you think that they shaped you or or held up a mirror to show you your shape?  Influential books of mine not pictured here include

"Eat, Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert

"The Artists Way" by Julia Cameron

"What the Dog Saw" by Malcom Gladwell

and "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

Books in the photo

"Parisian Chic: A Style Guide" by Ines de la Fressange  

“What Would Audrey Do?” Pamela Keogh

“The Fabulous Girls Guide to Decorum”  by Kim Izzo & Ceri Marsh

“Fifth Avenue, 5 a.m.”  by Sam Wasson

“The Official CIA Manual of Trickery and Deception” by H. Keith Melton & Robert Wallace

“Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire” by Mireille Guiliano

“Women in Comedy” by Martin and Segrave

“A Celebration of All Things Lucy”  by Edwards

“The little Book of Etiquette” by Dorothea  Johnson

Nika Zupanc sofa

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to read my Blog.   If you made it this far you most likely already know that I am a professional magician.   Which means now may be wondering "Why on earth is a magician posting a photo of a sofa?"  I love this sofa; it's from a collection by Nika Zupanc.  I love the charming spin she placed on an ordinary object.  As an artist this is the type of thing that inspires me to create.  My aim is to entertain with unique magical routines that my audience can relate to; and maybe, inspire them to see their world in a different light. 

This blog is not really going to be about magic, but about the items, people,art and thoughts that are magic in this crazy world.  I hope you enjoy it.

au revoir

Star