Here are three super easy recipes to make you feel good all day!

Breakfast: ZoneVegetable Omelet

1 cup asparagus spears, woody bass discarded, bias-sliced into 1-inch pieces

1 1/3 teaspoon olive oil

1/4 yellow onions, peeled and finely chopped

1/2 cup button mushrooms, washed, dried and thinly sliced

6 egg whites

1 tablespoon low-fat milk (optional)

vegetable spray (I use olive oil spray)

3 strips turkey bacon (applegate farms is the best)
&

1 cup Mandarin oranges

*In a large pot fitted with a steaming basket, bring 1 inch water to boil
Add asparagus to the basket and steam until crisp-tender, 5 minutes and set aside. Heat oil in a large non stick saute pan over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms and lightly saute until onion is wilted, about 10 minutes.Remove from pan and set aside to cool. Beat egg whites with milk. Stir in cooled onions and mushrooms. Lightly coat the saute pan with vegetable spray, and heat over medium flame. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until almost set, 2 to 3 minutes. When eggs are set, top with asparagus tips and fold with spatula. Continue cooking until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Prepare bacon, following package instructions (I put a little water in the pan) and serve on the side with oranges.

Lunch: Cheeseburger

3 ounces lean ground beef

1 ounce reduced-fat swiss, or I like spicy Jack cheese

1 tablespoon light mayonnaise

1/2 hamburger roll

1 thick tomato slice, optional

1 large lettuce leaf, optional

1 dill pickle wedge, optional

For Dessert

2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

sprinkling of cinnamon

Zone Diet Cooking Instruction

Preheat broiler. Place burger on foil or rack and broil 5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking another 5 minutes for medium rare.One minute before expected doneness, top with cheese and remove when melted. Spread mayonnaise on the roll.Top with burger, tomato and lettuce. Serve pickle on the side.Sprinkle applesauce with cinnamon and serve for dessert.

Dinner: Foiled Flounder with Green Beans

Vegetable spray
4 1/2 ounces boneless flounder fillet
2 tablespoons yellow onion, peeled and chopped
Sprinkling of Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
Squirt lemon juice
1 1/2 cups fresh green beans, washed, ends removed and halved
1 tablespoon almonds, slivered

For Dessert
1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries


*Preheat oven to 425 deg. Tear off an 18-by-12-inch piece of foil. Spray lightly witholive oil and place fish in the center of the foil.Top with onion and sprinkle with cheese, pepper and lemon juice. Fold foil loosely over fish, leaving ample space for air. Carefully turn up and seal the ends and the middle so that juices won't leak out. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes. Meanwhile, steam the green beans until crisp -tender for 10 minutes. Drain, place in serving bowl and fold in almonds.

As I was writing Zone Menu Day 2 to share with you all, I stumbled across a delicious Zone Cake Recipe. This got my wheels turning because two weekends ago, we hosted my daughter's fourth birthday party. While the kiddies were well taken care of with pizza, cake, a pinata and oh so much more, what about the adults? It's hard to resist a piece of birthday cake when it's dangled in front of your face, but if I would have had this healthier version available for the adults, it would have been much easier. Now i know how to prepare for the next party!


Ingredients:1/2 cup- Applesauce, Unsweetened

3tsp-Baking powder

1 &1/2 tsp-Baking soda

1 ea-Heath Bar candy bar

1/4 cup-Cocoa Powder, Unsweetened

1 cup-Cream, fluid, light whipping

3 ea-Egg, Whole, Large

1 & 1/2 cup-All -Purpose Flour

1/4 cup-Fructose

1 & 1/2 cup-Milk, 2% milkfat

1/3 cup-Milk, canned, evaporated, nonfat

1/4 cup-Vegetable Oil

2 & 1/2 cup-Protein Poweder

2 Tbsp-Splenda

1/3 cup-Caramel Topping

Preparation Instructions:Although this is not as rich and ooey-gooey as the original Unzoned version, it will nonetheless tame the craving. Cooking with protein powder results in a denser cake than a traditional one. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add applesauce, 2% milk, slightly beaten eggs, oil, and water (You may need more water-up to a cup-to make a spreadable batter). Mist a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray and spread the batter evenly in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into center of cake. If it comes out clean, cake is done. Cool slightly and poke holes all over cake with the handle of a wooden spoon. Pour evaporated milk into holes and over top of cake. Next, pour caramel syrup into holes and over top of cake. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, whip cream and spread over cake. Sprinkle with crushed Heath Bar.

As promised, for the next four days, I'll be providing you with recipes to some of my favorite meals on The Zone Diet.These three meals are easy to put together and taste really good!
Believe me, I had never eaten cottage cheese in my life, but this is really really good.


Breakfast: Fruit Salad

3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese
(Horizon Organic is what I use)

1 cup fresh or canned pineapple in it's own juice

1/3 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained

3 macadami nuts, crushed

*Place cottage cheese in a bowl. Fold in pineapple, oranges and nuts.



Lunch: Chef Salad

1 cup green-leaf lettuce, washed, dried and torn into large pieces

1/4 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup button mushrooms, washed, dried and coarsely chopped

1/2 cup celery, washed, dried and coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil and vinegar dressing

1-1/2 ounces deli-style ham, cut into strips

1 ounce reduced-fat Swiss cheese

*Toss lettuce with chickpeas, mushrooms and celery. Dress, toss and add meat and cheese.

Dessert: Apple



Snack: 1/2 Chocolate Peanut Butter Zone Bar
(whatever flavor you prefer)



Dinner: Spiced Lamb with Vegetables

4 1/2 ounces lean ground lamb

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

1 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 cup scallions, finely chopped

3/4 cup red onions, cut in chunks

2 cups mushrooms

1 1/2 cups tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup green beans, diced

1 tablespoon cilantro

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon coriander

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

*In a small glass bowl, combine lamb, rice, vinegar and spices.Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.Heat the oil in a medium nonstick saute pan.Add meat mixture and vegetables.Cook, breaking meat up as it cooks, until lamb is cooked through and vegetables are tender.Spoon onto plate and serve.


Snack Before Bed:The other half of your Zone Bar

P.S. A little red wine in the evening never hurt a girl! Just balance with a little protien! (My kind of diet)

So approximately 13 days ago I wrote to you about the cleanse that I was doing..."The Clean Program." At that point, seven days into this cleanse, I was slightly discouraged but still hopeful. I kept waiting for that moment that everyone says will come where the weight just "all falls off"! Speaking to you after 19 days, I feel like our friend Barbie up there, drowning in thousand island dressing. I endured 456 hours of drinking shakes that tasted not so good, all to lose a whopping (drum roll please...) ONE POUND. That's right, I'm a measely 16 ounces lighter. So, I've thrown my salad dressing covered hands up in frustration and decided to go back to my tride and true method of eating on the Zone Diet and continuing my daily workout at Soul Cycle.

That being said, there are two exciting things I want to share with you all:

1. My 9:30am spin class at Soul Cycle is being filmed this morning for The Today Shows. I'll post the video once it's aired!

2. I'm going to be sharing my favorie Zone recipes with you all week long so buckle up, and prepare to enter the Zone.

With so many amazing deals floating around on the internet, I had to share them. Tis' the season for closeouts and you better get in on them while they last!



1. Assouline Stationary set originally $120.00 now on sale for $48.00. Available at vivre.com. 2. Faux Fur Pillow Cover originally $38.00 now $24.99. Available at www.cwonder.com. 3. Batik Zebra Highball Glass just $7.70 available at www.jonathanadler.com. 4. Dipped Side Table originaly $129.00 now $59.99. Available at www.westelm.com. 5. Versailles Fluo Amphora Vase originally $210.00 now $147.00. Available at shop.thefutureperfect.com.

This past Monday marked the Chinese New Year. Everyone is buzzing about how it's the year of the dragon. It's said that this particular year is good for anything new and also a good time for us to be bold, not humble. What better way to be bold in your home than by using dragon-related items?



1. This adorable "Ere be Dragons" wallpaper is the perfect option for your little one's bedroom or playroom. Available at: garrendennylane.com 2. This Jade Crackle Dragon Medallion Lamp is the perfect sophisticated touch for any space. Available at: wellappointedhouse.com 3. A dazzling throw pillow made of Schumacher Chiang Mai Dagon Linen. Available at fschumacher.com 4. This ceramic dragon is sure to make a bold statement. Available at: jonathanadler.com.

This past Friday was the kick-off of Maison & Objet, one of largest home trade shows that is held annually in Paris. I was perusing the website and stumbled upon a list of the 2012 designers which included Fernando and Humberto Campana. These Brazilian brothers are furniture designers known for their use of ordinary material. After reviewing some of their work, it became clear that this duo is the Lady Gaga of their industry. Don't you agree?

It's pretty clear that David Hicks is a design icon. How is this pretty clear you may ask? Some of today's hottest designers are incorporating his patterns and design techniques from the 70's and 80's within their own projects. This just goes to show the old saying is correct, "If it ain't broke...don't fix it!"




The retail store "Green with Envy" located in Melbourne, Australia was designed over a decade ago by David Hicks.





Kelly Wearstler was hired to resdesign the restaurant on the 7th Floor of Bergdorf Goodman in NYC in 2005. She drew obvious inspiration from style master David Hicks.





Hicks hung spherical lights at different lengths in the back dressing room portion of Green with Envy in Australia.





Wearstler designed Trina Turk's LA Boutique in 2002. Does anything look famliar?

I received my first issue from my new Elle Decoration subscription yesterday. In it, they featured several projects under the theme of "Blanc (white) + _____ = _____ ." There were five predominantly white projects with accents of one other color. As you can see in the BRIDGEHAMPTON FARMHOUSE project in my portfolio, I'm all about a crisp white backdrop with pops of bright color. I liked the way they set up this feature, and it definitely had me dying to turn the page. Check it out:



White + White = The Milky Way



White + Gray = The New Classical



White + Yellow = The Sunburst



White + Green = Design Nature



White + Red = Gunshot

It's 60 degrees and sunny today in NYC. It has me and everyone else thinking SPRING. I received this mailing today from Farrow & Ball and I thought it perfectly expressed todays weather in room form. It's soft, peaceful and has a lovely pastel color palette that reminds me of an Easter egg.

Balance. We're all searching for balance in our lives. It could be juggling a career and motherhood, work and school, relaxing and socializing, etc. We're all over-accessible with our blackberries, iphones, computers...OH MY! It's important to find that thing or things in your life that bring you back to your center. Jewelry designer Stacy Helfstein is doing her part to help everyone remember just that. The young wife and mother created a jewelry line called Creations by Stacy that feature her dazzling "balance beads." I was lucky enough to sit down with Stacy at her home office in New York City and pick her brain about the who, what where, when, why and how of her gorgeous jewelry line.



Photo Credit: Debby Hymowitz

Stacy's beads are made to sit on various "chakra" points on the body that condone healing.


LDL: What inspired you to start your line?

SH: My Mom. My mom gave me the "you can do anything in life, why can't you do it? You should do it!"


LDL: What inspires you? How do you translate your inspiration into a beautiful piece of jewelry?

SH: People inspire me. People's ideas and suggestions. Seasons inspire me. Other jewelry inspires me. I'll see a piece of jewelry and think how I can make it "wearable."


LDL: You talk about your jewelry being almost custom to the person, hand picked for them by you or together with them, or altered to be perfect for them. What makes you want to do this and why?

SH: I think jewelry is very personal. What one person likes isn't necessarily what other people like. I make suggestions but I have so many times where people change it. With jewelry, I'm trying to meet a lot of people's needs I don't want $10,000 jewelry. I want to have something for everybody. It's a little more attainable, it's fun jewelry! My point for doing this was I wanted jewelry you could wear every day. Certain pieces, you just continually wear and you never have to take them off. They flow into your life pattern. I want people to really wear it, wear it until the leather wears out!


Photo Credit: Debby Hymowitz


LDL: How would you describe your line in ten words or less?

SH: Classy, sophisticated, simple, spiritual, happy.




Photo Credit: Debby Hymowitz


LDL: How would you describe your personal style?How does that contribute to your work?

SH: Down to earth. I think this is an interesting way to descrive me, my style, my jewelry, and how I live my life.





Here are the two pieces of Stacy's that I own. One sits in the chakra point on my neck, and the other is longer and can be layered. I love them both! I wear them practically every day.


LDL: How do you balance motherhood and work/life/creative time?

SH: I seriously believe in balance. In terms of my business, it's where I want it right now. I have little kids, this is a secondary thing to my children. I'm not going to take away time from them. I don't want to say, "I'm working right now!" I've actually told friends of mine that want to see me go so far, "Not now, maybe in a couple years."





LDL: Tell us about your logo.

SH: The butterfly is my symbol/logo. Anyone who knows me well knows the butterfly is very important to me because my grandmother who I was very close with called me "butterfly." I've always bought little trinkets, stickers, jewelry, etc. I have the butterfly picture in the room I work in and it's become more significant to me since my grandmother recently passed away. Originally, it was just something between her and I and other close family members. Baccarat makes these little butterflies, and I bought one in purple (my favorite color) for my grandmother when she was still alive. When she passed away, my mother gave it back to me. I bring it with me to my jewelry shows and it's a way for my grandmother to live on with me.




Pictured: Left: Soulcycle instructor Stacey Griffith and friend Jennifer Beerman wearing Stacy's jewelry


At the end of the interview, Stacy left me with a beautiful quote that shows her honesty and passion:

SH: I love that a little piece of me is with everybody that buys my jewlery!

If you're interested in purchasing one of Stacy's pieces, please visit her website www.stacyscreations.



Photo Credit: Debby Hymowitz


Stacy designed this bracelet along with Soul Cycle instructor Stacey Griffith. It's called the Stac(e)y bracelet and 100% of the proceeds go to the charity Change for Kids. Change for Kids partners with New York City public schools to empower underpriveleged children by providing them with a broad range of innovative literacy, arts, and music programs. To purchase this bracelet and show your support, visit the Change for Kids website.

The DAYly is back after we took a break yesterday to actually go outside and enjoy the snow we've been complaining about all week. I took my daugther to Central Park where tons of New Yorkers were enjoying the snowy sights. After we trudged over endless piles of snow and navigated through the beaten paths, we found a hill to sled on. It was a blast, and I was inspired to share some cool sleds with you. You'd be surprised at what you can find out there nowadays. A far cry from the good ole fiberglass lunch tray!






A tie dye saucer sled that could double as a piece of art! Available from www.amazon.com






The perfect combination of new and old, this sled was produced by Design Within Reach. Unfortunately, from what I can tell, they don't sell it anymore but if you're lucky, you may be able to find one on ebay!




At first glance, I thought this was some sort of children's jet ski. In actuality, it's the Zipfy Freestyle Mini Luge Snowsled. You sit down on it feet first, and the handle provides you steering and balance capibilities. It's recommended (and I quote) for "young sledding enthusiasts." Available at www.amazon.com






The Snow Boogie was made for those sledders with the need for speed. It's arrow design and super-slick surface will get you down to the bottom of the hill before anyone else! Available at www.snowspeeders.com

Please excuse us as we are experiencing technical difficulty. Sit tight! We hope to be back up and running tomorrow.

Ralph Lauren unveiled his new 22,000 square foot flagship store at 888 Madison Avenue in NYC last Friday. I've been watching this building throughout it's construction phase and have been ever so patiently awaiting the completion. At long last, the finished product is nothing short of spectacular. Mr. Lauren, true to form, has created a building that is reminiscent of the time when the Vanderbilt's lived on a palatial estate this corner. Everything about it is incredible so I popped over there to steal a few shots on a crisp fall morning before the streets became too crowded. Hope you enjoy...





Each of the windows has a field of greenery beaneath them. It feels like the finishing touch on the amazing windowscapes.





I was enamored with this. A giant bird cage surrounded by butterflies?? Love it!





LIfe is always a balancing act! Ralph seems to know just the right one.





I think this is my favorite shot. The way that the surrounding buildings reflect in the store windows is so beautiful.





Love the chair theme. Better yet-love the gold chair theme.





Just when you think the windows have stopped, this cute little vignette is around the corner.

I can't wait to see what they come up with next! Apparently, Bergdorf is going to have a little competition in the window department this holiday season!

Thanks to our friends over at Nesting Newbies for spending the day with us and for this amazing post!




Here are some of our own shots from the day-it was a blast! The Aqua Creations Showroom at The New York Design Center made for an amazing backdrop!

After yesterday's post on warm and fuzzy Fall throws, it got me thinking about another little home accessory that comes in handy during the cold wet months-an umbrella stand. Without question, my absolutely FAVORITE umbrella stands are the ones designed by Fornasetti. They really are more like works of art. The only problem is-I wouldn't have any idea which one to choose! All are available at www.unicahome.com.

It's starting to get COLD outside which means that we'll all be spending a lot more time inside (with the exception of you lucky ducks that live below the equator.) There's nothing better than snuggling up to a great tv show with a warm cup of tea and a cozy throw. Here are some of my favorite throws that I've seen this season.





Forget the tea & tv -this throw makes me want a roaring fireplace and a glass of wine!





This is definitely a lust item with a price tag of $2,495.00!! But, it's a vintage one-of-a-kind suzani throw-doesn't that make it ok?!





This Crate & Barrel throw is simple, soft, and best of all-it's my favorite color!





It's no surprise that Jonathan Adler makes this amazing geo-print throw. I love the "washed out denim" look!

I attended the David Weeks Lighting Preview Event at the Ralph Pucci showroom last week and was nothing short of impressed. I've always loved David's sleek style and these new pieces were fabulous! If you're a die hard Gossip Girl fan (like I am) you may have even seen one of his wall sconces as well as a chandelier in Serena's apartment. Take a look at some of my pictures and also visit David's website and the Ralph Pucci showroom to see more of his amazing furniture, lighting, and accessories!
























Here's David's wall sconce (left) and chandelier (right) at the Van der Woodsen apartment from the set of Gossip Girl.

Happy Columbus Day! If you're in New York and not going to the Columbus Day Parade, head over to the Park Avenue Armory for an incredible indoor carnival from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Click here for details.

Much to my delight, a package from Farrow & Ball arrived to my apartment the other day. I thought it may be paint samples, or information about new products BUT instead I discovered a beautiful book entitled Farrow & Ball Living with Colour by Ros Byam Shaw. As I perused the pages, I was very impressed with the rich images. It showcases 16 homes that use Farrow & Ball paints and wallpapers. I thought I would go ahead and share them with you and recommend that you buy this book asap!





I love the moody hues of Conrad Roeber and David Townsend's top floor Soho flat!





The main room in Townsend and Roeber's flat showcases their collection of monochrome artwork as well as a disco ball! I absolutely love the juxtaposition of the fine objects and the flashy light.





Interior Designer Jo Berryman's spare bedroom makes me wish I was on her house guest list. AND, we both have the same Slim Aarons photograph so clearly she has good taste ;)





Berryman's study space is painted in a statement-making Rectory Red. I also love her collection of books-especially Jack Pierson (one of my FAVORITE artists.)





Upholsterer and furniture designer Aiven Daly used Farrow and Ball's Strong White on her hallway walls and Cornforth White on the floor. The BRIGHT carpet and furniture pieces are so amazing.

Come visit me at the D&D Fall Market Event today. The Editor At Large is hosting a series of "Workshops by Design" and I'll be a part of the Star Blogger Station along with Ronda Carman, Brad Ford, Josh Greene & Alex Kale, and Nicole Gibbons. We'll be in the Bergamo Showroom at 1:00pm. I hope to see you all there!

The past few weeks of unpacking, reorganizing, and going back to school have definitely sealed the deal-winter is rapidly approaching! But, what's a girl to do? REDECORATE! My daughter has decided that she is ready for a big girl bed and so, I have been looking and looking for the perfect daybed. I must say that it has not been so easy to find. Most upholstered daybeds do not have a back, which is essential for a two year old. So, after much looking, I have decided to go custom. I knew immediately what fabric I wanted to use-have you seen Celery Kemble's new fabric line at Schumacher? There is a sparkly gold fabric in her line that I adore. And, Olivia loves anything that sparkles. So, all that is left to do is design it! I will let you know what I come up with. In the meantime, here are a few that I ran across that I thought were great.





Custom Jonathan Adler Daybed -I mean, how cool is that bed? What a lucky girl!





Hollywood Daybed with Trundle from The Well Appointed House - LOVE this, but it's a tad too tall for her room...





Flou's Duetto Daybed with Trundle-sleek, sexy, but pricey!





Ballard Designs' New Canaan Daybed with Trundle -Love this daybed, just wish it had a back!

I was beyond thrilled when YLiving offered to feature me in their Design Stories front page feature a few months ago! The feature launched yesterday and I couldn't be more pleased with the way it turned out. They asked me some great questions about lighting, design , and life in general. Visit the site to check it out. Also, be sure to take a look at my top picks for YLiving "Must Haves."

Photograph Courtesy of: Christian Louboutin


It's time for a little R & R, the DAYly will return in the Fall. We're working away on our new issue and maybe fishing for a few new pairs of shoes along the way. If you miss us, let us know via Facebook or Twitter! xoxo

You may have noticed that the Volume 3 Guest House has been MIA for the past week...well, it's because we were working on an addition! We are finally ready to unveil Designer Jennifer Delonge's fabulous Calabasas, CA office space. Visit the GUEST HOUSE (scroll to the bottom) to read all about it! While you're there, read all about her amazing children's furniture line and see images of her own home if you haven't already.

Yesterday we posted on some really cool bracelets for a really great cause, so it inspired us to search for more. In fact, it inspired us to find an entire back-to-school outfit that gives back! Check it out:




This FreeCity YoungOnes Sparrow LetsGo Hoodie in Blade Green is the perfect addition to any child's Fall wardrobe. The proceeds of select FreeCity products help to support the arts and artists.






The Monkey Bridge Tee from Raintees was illustrated by a young Costa Rican girl named Winnie McCarthy. Raintees donates school supplies to the children and asks them to illustrate what they see happening in their world every day. For every item sold a child involved in the non-profit Kids Saving the Rain Forest receives a tree they can plant to replace one that has been destroyed. Raintees also sponsors the education of the children whose artwork is selected. Purchasing one of these tees for your children is a great way to teach them about what's going on in the world around us and how they can help.






These Premium Organic Zippered Skinny Jeans from GreenEdgeKids are made in the USA from 99% certified organic cotton. I only wish they came in my size!

Ok, so everyone loves TOMS Shoes, and these Earle Canvas Classic Tiny Toms are no exception. They're made of all natural products and display the message "Raise I.Q.s, not sea levels." For every pair of TOMS shoes purchased, a pair will be donated to a child in need.





We found these fun bracelets on Wanderlust. Each bracelet is handmade by a young disabled woman who lives across from Wanderlust's glorious angkor wat temples. She scours the bins for discarded water bottles left behind by tourists, cuts them into strips and wraps each one with silky string.