Signaling summer’s end for the Columbus chic, the Ohio State Fair is a family affair for us. We love the food, barnyard besties, fabulous fair-goers and rickety rides. Truth be told we find it so nice, this year we went twice! It even felt a bit romantic strolling through the grounds after dark last night. . . twinkling lights and fireworks completed a perfect evening for the O’s.

Spotted on Sunday. . .

Angie & Aaron Seamon with their gorgeous girls!

 And about last night. . .

So until next year. . . Oink Oink from the O’s and Cheers Dears!

The Beall family has created the perfect place for you to spend your summer. Winter, fall and spring too for that matter. . . but summertime at Blackberry Farm is particularly grand given the dedication to artisanal excellence and their sensational summer garden. Our official introduction to dining farm-to-table came from the inn several years ago and with it the traditional rustic Southern cooking that has defined Blackberry Farm. I can honestly say to you that the magic made in their kitchen is beyond compare and Mr. O and I reminisce often about all our magnificent memories made down on the Farm.

Mr. O and I delight in all the indulgences Blackberry Farm celebrates – hospitality, generosity, quality and gracious service – and of all the seasons we have had the privilege to stay in this luxury inn, I have to write that summer may be the most merry (at least family friendly)! While all the 4 seasons provide guests with great food and every part of the good life, there is something quite special about summer. Each trip to the tennis court, dip in the  river and warm night on the patio by the old inn brings with it a new adventure, friendship and opportunity to dine on the most delightful dishes. Summertime cooking schools for moms, shooting and fly fishing for dads, paired with a children’s camp (think scavenger hunts, rock climbing in the Tennessee foothills, horseback riding) make Blackberry Farm your perfect late summer family jet-set! Traveling takes us about 5 hours by car or just jump a flight to Knoxville, TN and have them pick you up. . . either way, you don’t want to miss this menu!

Looks lovely. And while we have yet to take Master Griffin on any of our Blackberry adventures, with the new children’s rates and Camp Blackberry offerings, we may just change our tune for August. So until fall and the cooler weather brings with it opportunities to dine on fresh game, we will consider this late summer last minute trip – even if just for a night to dine, dance and delight in everything Blackberry Farm.

Cheers for canoeing, cooking and chic camps my Dears!

Keeping it short and to the point is all the rage these days. If you haven’t seen my Facebook posts (like the photo above with the sensational Suzanne Horner), I took it all off two weeks ago and have never felt better! Three cheers and many beers are owed to genius (and my stylist of over 2o years) Michael Garcia who created my daring new do and gave me the confidence to rock these new locks.

Seems that I am in good company with chic celebrities like Charlize who have also recently sheared their share of golden hair! My upcoming movie role is pending. . .

Inspired by Twiggy and style idol Princess Di – I have to admit I was hesitant to take the plunge.

In support of my mother and her upcoming Chemotherapy, it was easy to allow Michael to remove the ponytail in one blunt and unceremonious chop. I love my new look and rock my lovely little locks.

Fair is Fair (yes I am going completely retro 80′s now) and in the immortal words of James Carter Bean. . . Can I give you a ride on my scooter?

While planning our move and penning posts meant to celebrate our upcoming transfer to Santa Monica, my mother discovered a lump that has lead us to her surgery at The James tomorrow. As someone who has watched friends go through this journey, I can tell you that I am completely unprepared for what to expect now that my mom has breast cancer.

Tonight I pray for my mother and all the brave women and men who share in this journey together AND that we will find a cure for all cancer in my lifetime.

Reminder to all ladies tonight. . . awareness is the first step in prevention and I encourage everyone to be diligent in your breast self examinations.

Until tomorrow. . . Cheers and prayers my Dears!

Seriously. . . I haven’t been happy with my wardrobe and I am finding it tricky to tackle anything online for such a special occasion.

Thinking I want this red dress and a Bellini from Harry’s (to calm my nerves of course). Everything about this posh photo is perfect for the party!

Your thoughts on what to wear???

Thanks and cheers Dears!

Meaning of course that I am equally obsessed with being scuba chic. Rolex Submariner watch to come but for now I think these fins will suit my fancy wetsuit and keep up with the most fashionable fishies. A special thanks to Patagon Dive Center for making my first dive memorable. Austin, Lance and Capt. Brian. . . you totally rock and I enjoyed every moment!

More from chic Caneel Bay to come. . . until then Cheers Dears!

Anna Dunn and I rocked the runway on Friday at the Hammond Harkins Gallery in Bexley in support of Amy and Paul Hamilton. Amy made millinery magic for spring and her collection was on display alongside clothing from Leal Boutique and jewelry by Star Jewelers. Local glamour queens walked the show and shined in the audience all clearly excited about the sunny hues and handsome heirlooms featured last Friday. The bubbles, bellinis, bonnets and baubles made for a beautiful afternoon full of fabulous friends and fashionistas!

Spotted. . .

And hats off to Kristy Eckert who makes every event delightful! As the editor of Capital Style she is Columbus own curator of what’s current, tasteful and tasty and as the emcee of this special affair, she really made the day divine!

Three cheers for Amy Hamilton, the models and guests who came to support the Hamiltons and our Franklin Park Conservatory. Hat Day this May. . . what will you be wearing?

Until then. . . Cheers Dears!

Happy Palm Sunday!

To celebrate this holy holiday I bring you pictures from 1971 Palm Springs. Slim Aarons posh poolside photographs of the American jet-set.

Dear Brooke Blog besties Mr. & Mrs. James Carter Bean were my inspiration for today’s toast to Palm Springs. Their love for the area is well-known in my circle of friends and after visiting the photographs from Slim Aarons, I can see why they celebrate the preppy-vintage style Palm Springs offers. It perfectly suits their terrific tastes and love a luxurious good time!

Finally, I simply couldn’t resist this chic Slim Aarons shot of CZ Guest with her son and two dogs poolside at her Palm Beach estate. Another palm I adore!

Lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand, to be enjoyed in the perfect caftan with fun fabulous friends – making me quite excited to go up up and away to St. John’s next week. More pictures of palms to come as we begin to pack for our spring break adventure. Gratitude for Mr. Aarons perfect poolside photographs to inspire what to pack for our upcoming jet-set to the Virgin Islands and even what to wear to Mass today!

How are you celebrating this Sunday?

Cheers!

Oscar de la Renta makes sheer magic!

Now I am obsessed with making everything somewhat see-through for spring!

Before you get the wrong idea (Mother), there’s an undeniable appeal about this look. Leaving you both covered and completely on display sounds like spring to me!

Giddyup Marc Jacobs! Spring 2012 Clear/metallic leather love.

And sheer maxi dresses just in time for spring break!

What’s your skinny on sheer? So 2011 or more please for 2012? Or is it just too racy for our Columbus climate? Tastefully done, I’m all in – ladylike lace always looks lovely ladies!

Cheers Dears!

]]> http://www.thebrookeblog.com/2012/03/sheer-bliss/feed/ 0 http://www.thebrookeblog.com/2012/03/tornado-warning/ http://www.thebrookeblog.com/2012/03/tornado-warning/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:38:40 +0000 Brooke http://www.thebrookeblog.com/?p=1992

Reality star spotted at COSI just in time for Columbus Severe Weather Week!

Super chic storm chaser Sean Casey (who is still in town today) pictured above with Griffin was both gracious and gorgeous promoting his 3D film Tornado Alley yesterday. Storm Chasers is one of the O’Neill family’s favorite programs and we were all swept away with Mr. Casey’s stories of bravery in his attempt to get the perfect shot from inside a twister! I encourage everyone to take cover at COSI to see Mr. Casey’s fabulous film!

Mr. Casey’s now infamous vehicle is also featured at COSI this week. The TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle – I’m such a nerd I know!) certainly attracted a curious crowd of children!

Three Cheers for Sean Casey and a big THANK YOU for making Griffin’s day!