Travel Partner

Inspiration continues as I gear up for my tour through India this February. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, my dear friend and photographer, Julie Soefer, is joining me on this intense journey. I can't wait to experience the life-changing moments with such a special person, and planning our travels is rousing all the fervor I possess.

Full House

If I wasn't going to be home for Thanksgiving [or even on the same continent], I was going to do my best to make this place feel spirited. Immediately after returning from Australia I hit the grocery stores and phoned friends. We were putting on a dinner party à la Louisiana; we were frying turkeys.


We may be the only family in KL to leave behind all holiday decorations in lieu of a gargantuan boiling/frying pot and stand, but I guarantee we aren't the only Cajuns to have faced such grievous decisions. We cranked out a feast for the masses, and our mass of 14 included new friends from 5 different countries.

This year I feel great gratitude for health, happiness and a wonderful marriage, but I'm especially touched to be surrounded by people who feel like family after just 8 short months of living in Malaysia. They helped christen my house into a home and for that I'm most fortunate. Happy Thanksgiving!

Move-In Ready

I included Fenton in my Best of Melbourne list, but this shop deserves a post all its own. The sisters have such discerning taste, evident in every ethnic chair, rug, hat and bauble stocked in this fabulously eclectic boutique. Next time, I'm bringing a sleeping bag and staying the night week.

Rising Up From Down Under

J and I turned off all portable devices and jet-setted to Melbourne, Australia this past week. While I do my fair share of globetrotting, it's rare that my partner-in-crime isn't working; I milked this time for all it was worth!

Guilty pleasures included sleeping until 10AM, eating more than 3 meals a day [snack and drink breaks not included], touring wineries, rocking out with Pearl Jam, and playing with miniature penguins. In our short time Down Under we survived the hottest November night in Melbourne's history and the wettest day of the year.

If you find yourself traveling to the Land of Oz anytime soon, here's my own take on the Best of Melbourne:

• Cookie. Per the recommendation of my bestie, we stopped by this bar not once, but twice during our quick trip. Perfect spot to duck out of the rain and the Pimms Passion wasn't too shabby either.

• MoVida Sangria. They tell you it's potent, but that's an understatement.

• Olives. No matter which restaurant, bar or snack shop you pop in to, you'll find glorious, glorious olives in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some warm and marinated, others cold and pure. All mouth watering and addictive.

• Da Noi. You sit. You're served. You eat. Make sure your "don't eat" list is extensively thorough if rabbit, sardines and octopus would not tickle your fancy. I will dream about our 4-course meal for the rest of my days.


• Brighton's Bathing Boxes. The colors are uplifting and gripping, even in rather dismal, overcast conditions.


• Mornington Peninsula. Wineries, olive groves, beautiful bays, and famous hedge mazes make up this special part of Victoria.


• Red Hill House. The most darling shop in all of Victoria. Not only does it put Anthropologie's home section to shame, but the perfectly curated merchandise makes it easy to forgo airline restrictions and spring for the extra baggage weight needed to bring your loot home.

• Fenton. If I could transport any boutique directly into my home, this would unquestionably be it. Sisters Lucy and Emma Fenton have redefined the look of global imports.

Gift Guide: Bohemian Rhapsody

For the Gypsy Woman who keeps her nose in a book and head in the clouds, and whose bedside stack of tomes is her ever-comforting security blanket. She believes in kismet, Karma and constant soul searching, all the while running the roads from Turkey to Timbuktu. Life is always an adventure.


1. For someone who spouts new ideas every minute and stays deep in thought, this Light Bulb knit hat is spot-on.

2. Every travel guru needs an eclectic notebook, or five, to scribble down discoveries found off the beaten track. And to store their yogi du jour's phone number.

3. What better way to end a meal of garlic naan and chicken tandoori than with exotic curry mints?

4. Keeping track of all her international numbers while traversing the globe is a must. Enfin, La Voila is my favorite source for one-of-a-kind calling cards.

5. A Patchwork Jodhpur Rug that's handmade by from vintage saris is just what your girl on the go needs to place under that teak piece from Indonesia.

6. Limited edition typographic art that's been hand-printed on wood will fit her no-fuss decorating scheme to a tee.

7. The new Mr & Mrs Smith hotel book, along with one of their exclusive memberships, will have your globetrotter shacking up at the most stylish hotels around the world. She'll be treated to room upgrades, special discount rates, free dinners, exclusive spa treatments, and more.

8. Nothing beats a cheeky coin purse. She'll always have change on hand for a night of Shanghai Rummy or to catch a cab home from the last minute pub crawl.

9. Made from vintage kantha quilts by women in India, these artisan bags make the ultimate carry-ons. And for a whole new bag of tricks, grab the large Weekender size or smaller Bowler companion, too.

10. The LEGO Taj Mahal is sure to be the hit of a late night get-together. Warning: Alcohol may affect hand-eye coordination, especially when it comes to a three dimensional puzzle with over 5,900 pieces.

11. A cast iron mermaid bottle opener that looks like it could have been bought anywhere from Maui to Bali will look darling placed on an end table for quick access.

12. L'Artisan Parfumeur's hand-carved Terracotta Amber Ball contains pure amber crystals that gradually diffuse into the air. Because no stylish girl worth her salt would dare be caught with a Plug-In.

Draw Interest

I've fallen head over heels for the contemporary work of Ahmad Zakii Anwar. Zakii, as he's known, is one of three most sought after Malaysian artists [the others being abstract painter Latiff Mohidin and watercolorist Chang Fee Ming]. His charcoals render me speechless and would make the ultimate memento of our time in Southeast Asia.

How's Your Mo Grow?

Women have October for Breast Cancer awareness; men have Movember, a month-long celebration of the moustache and the world's largest movement for men's health—specifically prostate and testicular cancers.


Beginning Movember 1st – the month formerly known as November – The Movember Foundation challenges clean shaven men to grow and groom a moustache for 30 days, all the while garnering donation support. The hairiness ends in hyped up Gala Partès around the globe where Mo Bros dress to match their Mo, channeling the likes of Tom Selleck, Gandhi and Ron Burgandy, and competing for the ultimate accolade: Man of Movember.


While growing a Mo is left to the guys, Mo Sistas [that's us!] are helpful in raising awareness and funds for the worthy cause. Movember is half over, but it's never too late to recruit your Mo Bro and join the party. Help change the face of men's health!

Gift Guide: Spousal Support

For your Partner in Crime who is unquestionably your better half, boy oh boy, these gifts are aimed to please your man of many parts. Gentlemen, start your engines!


1. A yearly subscription to the Hot Sauce of the Month Club will be a sure-fire hit. But if your SO isn't so spicy, there are a plethora of other clubs to fit his fancy: cheese, beer, coffee, and even bacon. You can never go wrong bringing home the bacon.

2. While scouring a night market I picked up this portable Mosquito Zapper as a gag for J, but it quickly became the crowing glory of gifts. He has dubbed this racket our go-to present for any and all occassions hereon; it's that much fun!

3. Bianci makes the most gorgeous, timeless and easy pedalling bikes for city cruisers and hill-hopping enthusiasts alike. The Smeraldo Gent is the ultimate weekend-worthy addition to any biker's repertoire.

4. Whether he's surviving the bear market or a Chicago fanatic, metal sculptor Jac Zagoory's pewter staple remover will cause a roar.

5. I can't think of a reason not to own a Marine Rechargeable Portable Blender—margaritas, piña coladas, smoothies, anything to keep you cool during 100° tailgating temps! You'll be his #1 Fan with this take-it-anywhere appliance.

6. Giving a man something for his best friend is a deal sealer. Especially if it's simultaneously manly, nautical and charitable. He'll be the leader of the pack with anything from Found My Animal.

7. Institutional-gray duct tape just got a facelift. MacGyver's pipes, gifts and whatever else he chooses to swathe in whimsical plaid aren't for the faint of heart.

8. Colonel Littleton's personalized No. 12 Tie Case makes travel for the business man a stylish breeze. The best part? Each mail order is shipped with a gratuitous Moon Pie, which is almost as exciting as the gift itself.

9. In just 60 seconds, and without the use of lighter fluid, your gent can emulate Quick Draw McGraw with this charcoal barbecue starter.

10. For the trendsetter who's convinced argyle and stripes are passé, give his work attire a bang with Ozone's comical—and conversational—socks.

11. Vermont made Whiskey Stones add a whole new meaning to 'on the rocks.' Chill your drink without watering down or leaving any flavor behind, and up the ante by including a bottle of his favorite spirit.

12. Kick the blues with Miles Davis' comprehensive Super-Deluxe 70-Cd Box Set containing 52 albums recorded from 1949 to 1985, and so much more. The ultimate gift for an old soul!

In the Club

I have just completed initiation into the spurious You're Officially Living in Asia Club. Requisites include but not limited to:

1. Token Food Traveler. Transporting food or food related items across international borders, no holds barred; I schlepped four packages of cajun sausage from Thailand to Malaysia. And though I have yet to watch my personal styrofoam ice chest circumnavigate a luggage carousel, a few more months should be all I need to conquer that milestone.


2. Flakey Fish Spa Patron. It all starts when you voluntarily forgo a conventional pedicure for something that offers more, shall we say, suction power.


Done and done, I'm in like Flynn.

Ready, Set, Give!

With just 44 more sleep nights until C-Day, I've got visions of gift giving merrily dancing in my head. I'll soon be posting ITL's holiday Gift Guides in hopes they inspire you to find something spot-on for your favorite elves.

[photo via Kate Spade.]

Out and About

Sometimes life gets rolling and sitting at my computer takes a back seat. It's times like this I crave more sleep than software, and wish blog posts were as effortless as Facebook status updates.

Courtney is... running the roads, eating up life, and steering clear of anything that remotely resembles technology.

What's your latest news?

For a Change

In a city where color dances on every corner, it's a welcomed change of scenery to see Kuala Lumpur through lurky shadows and monochromatic reflections. I love the ease of toting my point-and-shoot so I never miss a beat.

Wonderkid

I'm convinced editor-in-chief, creative director, designer, publisher, filmmaker and rule breaker Chris Brown was alloted extra hours per day at birth.


Shortly after creating alt country design blog Urban Prairie Refueled, Chris launched Refueled, an online magazine with quite the cult following. Refueled Films, a Behind-the-Cover film series; the fashionable Fuzz; and back-to-his-roots surf, skate and snow culture blog, Choka, were all next on his grand list of accomplishments. And if the above titles weren't enough for his boundless repertoire, Chris is now making way for a board line, Refueled Sidewalk Surfboards, and a series of photography books to serve as extensions of his inexhaustible creativity. Whew, he has the Midas touch.

I want to be Chris Brown when I grow up. Or at least impart a sliver of his energy.

The Final Supper

While the abundant closure of magazines has caused quite a stir, I'm most saddened by the staggering fold of Condé Nast's Gourmet. Their food photography was unparalleled and the recipes spot-on, but then again Gourmet had plenty of time to hone its niche since debuting in 1941. Sixty-eight years later and there isn't another gastronomic publication that even compares.

In an effort to capture the final moments on film, Kevin DeMaria—Art Director for eight years—photographed the office, employees and leftover emptiness. The Last Days at Gourmet is just a glimpse inside the wretched economy and its devastating path.

[via Will Steacy.]