Monthly Archives: January 2014

My Crush

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My Crush

Allow me to introduce you to John. Isn’t he just adorable?! I love a man in tortoise glasses. And even better, he loves to travel the world like me.

In all seriousness, though, John is the mastermind behind John Robshaw, one of my all-time favorite textile companies. I started collecting these pieces of art nearly 6 years ago. I remember saving for months and months to purchase these classic blue and white ones. Even after all these years, I am still obsessed(this so rarely happens). They have been on my bed, my couch, my accent chairs. What can I say, they have a permanent place in my heart and home.

This past week, John launched his 2014 Spring Line and I thought it would be fun to share my picks.

– I love to keep throws around the house. Great for an impromptu picnic, lounging at the beach or to cozy up with and watch a movie. This hand loomed and hand-knotted South Indian cotton throw in guava will soon be mine.

– My 35th birthday is in May and I’m thinking I will host a lavish dinner party with my dear friends. This table cloth has sparked my creative juices flowing for not just the color scheme but menu too.

– Since clearly I need more pillows in my Robshaw collection, I am thinking of adding this one, this one, and perhaps even this one (that also happens to be the same print as my first).

Any pieces that have caught your eye? Do let me know.

A Little Love

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Valentine
Valentine’s Day. Whatever your relationship status may be or feelings on this “hallmark” holiday, I think it’s important to show a little love, no matter the month. If you are in need of some inspiration, look no further. I have highlighted my favorite gifts that say I like you/I love you below.

– I don’t know about you, but I love to get a little something for the single ladies in my life on Valentine’s Day. I think this rain African heart soap from Terrain is just perfect.

– As I’ve mentioned in the past, I have a thing for sleepwear. My sweet pick and my sexy pick for your Valentine’s Day night.

– Why not write your love a letter. This little kit includes everything you need to create a gift that will last the test of time. The best gifts really are those that come right from the heart.

– Love to Love You print… a great addition to any gallery wall in my humble opinion.

– What is it about women and jewelry? We somehow can never get enough. This sweet necklace from Sundance is a simple piece that could easily go from day to night and also won’t break the bank.

– As is custom with most good things, Clare Vivier began making bags in response to a need and that need was a lack of a functional yet fashionable laptop case. Since then, Claire has created a handbag line that has an almost cult following. Simple, chic, and oh-so French, Clare’s bags are sure to please your lady. And lucky for us, she has launched a love shop. The sweetheart clutch in red is my personal favorite.

– Love potion. Why the heck not! An aromatic blend of ten of the world’s most potent aphrodisiac essential oils to stimulate the senses, heighten sensuality and immediately inspire an inner sense of beauty and confidence. I think I would use this everyday.

– Oh and how could I not include chocolate. The way to this lady’s heart is certainly through food.

And please do remember, I am always sending a little love and light to you!

Places

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Farm & Fable
There are times when I go back to my beloved city of Boston and wonder why did I ever leave. Seeing that Farm & Fable hosted their first Cookbook Club party this past Sunday was certainly one of them. As mentioned last week, Farm & Fable is my dear friend Abby’s new venture. And I must say, the buzz around her new shop just warms my heart.

A little vintage, a little curation of killer kitchen products, a little cooking school, and a whole lot of love… this place has it all. Oh and did I mention her adorable tote bags? Still trying to decide which design I need in my life (recommendations welcomed, of course). What I love most about Abby’s shop is her creation of community space. A place where food lovers can come together, enjoy food (and wine) and learn not only from an expert but from each other. Such a brilliant concept and one that I hope I can take part in very soon.

If you are visiting Boston and looking for to fill an afternoon, my recommendation is this. Head to B&G Oysters for lunch, located on Tremont and Waltham. I hear their lobster roll is amazing. I would then stroll the neighborhood as the South End has some of my favorite shops including Flock, South End Formaggio, M. Flynn and Hudson. End your walk at Farm and Fable, which is across the street from Coppa, where you can finish your stroll with some delicious bites. A delightful afternoon in the South End of Boston, I promise.

Movie Monday

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12 Years a Slave
There are films that stick with you… that keep you thinking and wondering why. 12 Years a Slave is one of those for it tells the incredible true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who is tricked and sold into slavery and fights for his freedom for nearly 12 years.

Director Steve McQueen, who I first was introduced to with his movie Shame in 2011, is quite an artist. I will admit it was difficult at times to watch this film but McQueen’s depiction made the viewer feel what we should feel, remorse and guilt for this tragic piece of our American history. As The Guardian review reads, this movie is “stark, visceral and unrelenting…. Not just a great film but a necessary one.” I couldn’t agree more. Solomon teaches us a very important lesson in this film. Life isn’t about just surviving, but living. Let us always remember this.

To H

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Letter H
My sweet H… How are you on this chilly Friday? Warm and cozy by the fire, I hope!

Did you learn about Martin Luther King this week at school? We observe his birthday every year on the third Monday of January (he was born on January 15). You know why? Rev. King was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement (and yes, your Mom and I were not alive then). Between 1957 and 1968, Rev. King traveled over six million miles to protest racial segregation through non-violent sit-ins and talks and marches. I am sad to say that there was a time when not everyone was treated as equals. One of Rev. Kings’ greatest legacies in his speech “l Have a Dream”, that he delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. This speech, along with his continued protests of racial segregation, brought about change. And while there is still work to do, we have Dr. King to thank for so much.

I have learned a great many lessons from the words of Martin Luther King but my absolute favorite is this: “I have decided to stick to love… hate is too great a burden to bear.” I am going to let you in on a little secret, my dear. Love really is the only thing that matters. If you have love in your heart and truth in your words and convictions, you will go far. Please, please try not to carry anger or resentment. It will only eat at you, I promise.

I’m on the slow boat now and my internet service keeps coming in and out so I will bring this letter to a close. Know that I love you and hope to see you very soon, thinking the second weekend in February. Perhaps you will be my Valentine. How lucky would I be!

Until next time, continue to be you for you are simply the best!
Auntie May

Take Me There

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When planning a trip, I always have a food itinerary. Yes, I do plan trips around food and I’m not ashamed to admit it. And thus I was quite pleased when I came across this little Food and Wine piece highlighting the best new shops for food lovers. Don’t they just sound fabulous? And the best part, my sweet friend Abby’s shop made the list!

What can I say, Abby and I are kindred spirits. Not only did we both leave our first law firm on the same day but food really is our shared passion. We first met back in 2006 at a co-worker’s cocktail party. I was getting ready to embark on a cross-country adventure and she said “I have the book for you… Eat Your Way Across the USA.” Thanks to Abby and this little gem, I certainly did eat my way across the states. The best part, this initial bond over food and travel sparked a lifelong friendship. And now to see Abby’s dream of a vintage kitchen store and cooking class space come to life and featured in Food and Wine, I couldn’t be more proud. I’m off to Boston tomorrow and Farm & Fable is certainly at the top of my list of places to visit. I promise to bring you a full report next week highlighting all my finds.

Until then, dear friends… any great food shops this foodie should know about? With this cold, I am dreaming of lots of little weekend getaways.

Fashion Find

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Sea Logo
Let’s be honest. I’m all for cozy sweaters and tall boots and hot cocoa by the fire but with the second blizzard of the season upon us, I am dreaming of those endless summer days at the beach with a good book, a grey lady and salt-kissed hair. Since the howling winds made it near impossible to fall asleep last night, I found solace in one of my tried and true night-time activities… on-line shopping. A heartfelt thanks to Winter Storm Janus for leading me to my new fashion find… Sea New York. An equal mix of bohemian chic and city sophistication, this line is spot-on for an island summer.

My picks include this open floral knit pencil skirt in cream that could easily take you from day to night. I see it paired with either a black tank top or a chambray shirt. And my search for the perfect little black dress may be over with Sea’s lace and silk combo tank dress. Love at first sight for this girl.

Fingers crossed a nice tax return is on its way to me so I might be able to splurge on these. And to all my friends in the cold today, stay warm!

Movie Monday

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movie monday
It’s that time of year again: award season. The Globes, The People’s Choice Awards, The SAG’s, The Oscars. I must admit I haven’t seen all the nominees just yet but my goal is to see them all by Oscar Sunday. Last week, I knocked two off the list.

First up, August: Osage County, an adaptation of Tracy Lett’s Pulitzer and Tony award-winning play. I knew very little about this film except the star-studded cast: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Juliette Lewis, Julianne Nicholson, Sam Shepard and Benedict Cumberbatch. Set in the plains of Oklahoma, this film tells the tragic story of the Weston family. Alcoholism, drug addiction, incest, sibling rivalry, death, adultery… this movie covered it all. I am one for tragic films that make you question morales and family dynamics but this film left me just sad and with little resolution. I will say, Meryl Streep was flawless but her character, Violet Weston, might just be one of the most evil women I’ve seen portrayed on-screen.

American Hustle. The opening screen “some of these things happened” is quite true for this movie tells the story of an F.B.I. sting operation in the late 1970s that landed several congressmen and one senator in jail for fraud. The cast, similar to August, was star-studded. Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper. A fine-looking group indeed. What else can I say. Loved the music. Loved the wardrobe. Golden Globe winner beating out Her… I don’t agree.

Have you seen either of these films? What were you thoughts? Would love to hear!