I woke up this morning with the sun streaming into my bedroom and it made me happy. Happy because the days are getting longer. Happy because I might finally be able to put away my winter boots, my down jacket and my mittens. And happy because I can soon switch over the closet to my spring/summer wears. I tend to keep things basic during these seasons but add a punch with an accessory be it a statement necklace, scarf or a great clutch. This week’s Found item is this Clare Vivier number. It was certainly love at first sight. I envision wearing it with my go-to white jeans, a black tank (note to self: get on that plank challenge and buff up your arms) and my Millie’s for a night out at The Box. How many days till summer?
Author Archives: adaymay
Places
As we know, I love food and nothing brings me more pleasure that reading a recent issue of Food & Wine and planning my next getaway around where I’m dining. I’m one for the details and thus love to find a place that has it all – great food, great décor, great vibe. I love sitting down at a table and instantly noticing how much attention went into every detail of the place setting… the weight of the water-glass, the curve of the knife, the napkin itself. And let’s not even get started on menu design. My all-star list of places that just nail it include: Island Creek Oyster Bar, ABC Kitchen, Gjelina and Founding Farmers. I can now add Alden & Harlow in Cambridge to this list, and you should too. I went on a Saturday night a few weeks back and had a 9:30 reservations. Coming from island life, dining after 8 pm made me feel very hip! The space is subterranean (in the former Casablanca space on Brattle Street) with beautiful exposed brick, great lighting, an open kitchen, a killer wrap-around bar, vintage signs adorning the walls and shelves filled with things you would have in your home kitchen.
This is the first solo project for chef Michael Scelfo, who wanted Alden & Harlow to be representative of the food he would serve at home. And what food it is. Since opening earlier this year, this Harvard Square gem has become what many refer to as a “food-industry darling.” My friend and I started with the ubiquitous kale salad, featuring thin slices of fennel and an ever-so-delicious creamy pistachio dressing. The menu is meant to be shared so we decided on four plates: the golden corn pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and pop corn (interesting indeed); the rye pasta with confit chicken thigh and fig-liver butter and topped with crispy skin; the crispy Berkshire pork belly with grits, roasted kumquat and bergamot cure; and the highlight of the evening… the beef neck that was slow roasted and served with a parsnip puree, radishes and vinegar. For a selectarian (I try to stick to a mostly vegetarian diet), I must say it was to die for and worth every bite. Did we keep it to the basics, most certainly not but wow, what a meal.
The cocktail list was impressive and a bit overwhelming so we both decided on a great craft beer. Unfortunately dessert was not an option (my friend gave up sweets for Lent… who does this?) but I can tell you, the next time I’m in Boston, I’m heading back to Alden & Harlow for cocktails and dessert. Let me know if you want to join.
Collect
I come from a long line of women who love to collect things. My Nana, fondly named Nana knickknack, had quite the collection of hummels. And my little sister went through a phase of collecting salt and pepper shakers. What do I collect, you might ask. Elephants. Little statutes of these amazing creatures make me oh so happy. I remember the first one I ever bought… it was a few years back and I was in San Francisco celebrating my sister’s 28th birthday. There is just something about their strength that has always captured me.
In doing a bit more research, I learned that elephants have amazing memories. They show us that by supporting and loving one another, our own ability to thrive in the physical world is enhanced. What a beautiful thought. And those nearest and dearest to me know my memory is one of my greatest assets. A kinship perhaps with these magnificent creatures. I dream to one day meet one face to face. Until then, I will continue to add to my collection. This one may just be on its way to me.
So, what do you collect? Would love to know.
Found
Happy Friday, friends and welcome to a new weekly column: found. My thinking behind this is quite simple, showcase one item I’ve recently fallen in-love with. Up first, let me introduce you to Millie. Isn’t she just the perfect sandal? We made acquaintances earlier this week and I’m thinking I need to add her sister to my closet too. I know I am going to wear these sandals all summer long… from a day look with my boyfriend jeans and a white v-neck to dinner out in my favorite sundress. If you are in the market for a new sandal, I highly recommend these.
Magic
Gwyneth and Chris. Conscious Uncoupling. There seems to be quite a bit of buzz around this couple since news broke last week of their separation. I have a general rule. It’s not my place to comment on someone’s personal endeavors, mishaps and/or beliefs. Life is hard enough we don’t need to add negative energy to the mix. But, I will say this. When I heard Coldplay’s most recent release, my heart broke for both of them. From my listening, it appears Chris was writing his final love letter to his lovely wife. Oh how I wish love was enough for all of us. But for right now, this song is enough for me. I can’t get enough. And you know what… this girl still believes in magic, although I’m sure you would have guessed that. I hope you do too.
Hope
Friends… we made it! Happy April 1st and let’s hope that spring really, truly is here to stay.
I realize it has been a bit of time since I got personal with you all so I thought today would be the perfect day. And let me be clear, this is NOT an April Fool’s post. What I am about to share is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You have my word!
As frequent visitors of this little blog know, love is something that has eluded me these past few years. I have been blessed to have wonderful people come into my life and have shared moments that are beyond words. But for all of those moments, I also have spent far too much time holding onto the hope that some of these men would finally realize what they had in front of them (me) and sweep me right off my feet.
This week, though, the most beautiful thing happened. For the first time in my entire life (sad to say, but very true), I had someone quite special share words with me I’ve never heard before. To be told I am worthy of everything I have ever wanted, it actually made me cry. In that moment, hearing those words, life became quite simple. No more am I holding out hope for that guy to get it. I am worthy of someone seeing me, hearing me and being captivated by me. And I have a feeling this spring will bring me everything I have ever wanted and so much more.
Movie Monday
I have a working theory I’d like to run by you. The previews for a movie are in direct correlation to the quality of the film. Do you agree? Never has this been more true that with this little gem of a film, Gloria, which I was first introduced to in the movie previews for her.
A chilean film by writer-director Sebastián Lelio, Gloria is the story of a 58-year-old woman living in Santiago, who even though divorced, alone and an empty-nester, has a zest for live that is intoxicating. We see Gloria, beautifully acted by Paulina García, open herself up to love again with a man she meets while on the dance floor. Will he rescue her? You will just have to see the film to find out.
One of my favorite scenes in this film is when Gloria, attending a wedding on her own, comes face to face with a breathtaking peacock in the garden of the hotel and just laughs. A peacock. How strange. But after a little research, I came to find out that peacocks naturally replace their feathers annually making it a symbol of renewal. What a beautiful symbol to a beautiful film.
Gloria is one of those songs I have heard for years but never really listened to the lyrics. Oh how I relate!
Gloria, you’re always on the run now
Running after somebody, you gotta get him somehow
I think you’ve got to slow down before you start to blow it
I think you’re headed for a breakdown, so be careful not to show it
You really don’t remember, was it something that he said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
Gloria, don’t you think you’re fallin’?
If everybody wants you, why isn’t anybody callin’?
You don’t have to answer
Leave them hangin’ on the line, oh-oh-oh, calling Gloria
Gloria (Gloria), I think they got your number (Gloria)
I think they got the alias (Gloria) that you’ve been living under (Gloria)
But you really don’t remember, was it something that they said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
Inspired
As you know, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about what’s next for me. This discernment process has been fun. Am I a city girl? Am I an island girl? Do I miss a “desk” job? Can my passions really be my vocation? What motivates me to get up in the morning? You know, all those important life questions. While my path is slowly revealing itself to me, I have realized one very important thing. I want my work to impact the lives of others. Corporate Social Responsibility is something I am passionate about as I do believe you can do well (from a financial perspective) by doing good.
A company I’m constantly inspired by is TOMS. I received their Spring 2014 Vagabond Journal in the mail earlier this week and thought, now there’s a company I want to be a part of. After visiting a village in Argentina in 2006, Blake Mycoskie was struck by the fact that children around the world were without shoes. So, he created a simple but life changing business model: for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair would be donated to a child in need. One for One.® Realizing that his approach could serve other global needs, Blake launched TOMS Eyewear in 2011 to help restore sight to persons in need with every purchase of sunglasses and optical frames. And just this year, Blake launched TOMS Roasting Co. with the mission to provide clean water to developing communities with the purchase of premium coffee. Are you inspired yet? I am!
In addition, last year he launched an online marketplace accessible from his site to highlight global commerce. In his words “We believe commerce can be about more than just profits. But it takes more than a belief to make this a reality. So we’ve created a platform on our site to help other social entrepreneurs succeed and build momentum for this way of doing business. Welcome to The Marketplace. This is bigger than us.” Just look at some of the offerings: these earrings, this bracelet, and just look at this hammock. This may just be my new go-to site for all things gifts.
And let’s be honest. I am obsessed with my classic TOMS. I think I have gone through 3 pairs in the last 2 years alone. Jonathan Adler recently teamed up with TOMS to launch a terrific and eye-catching spring line. Check them out here.
Blake reminds me of a very important lesson “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Have a great weekend, sweet friends!
Book Club
I think I mentioned this in my last book club post, but thank god I have an affinity for being a bookworm as this little habit of mine has gotten me through what might just be the longest winter of my life. If you are looking for some suggestions, read on.
By Nightfall – Michael Cunningham
I was blown away by the simplicity and beauty of this novel by Michael Cunningham, best known for his 1998 novel The Hours, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Peter Harris, the protagonist, seems to have it all: a beautiful wife, a successful career as an art dealer, a daughter in Boston and a beautiful apartment in downtown New York. But one never really has it all, do they? His wife, Rebecca, has a 23-year-old brother Ethan, whose visit stirs things up just a bit. Dubbed early on as “the mistake” by their parents, he was unplanned, which has caused him a life of questioning. Ethan engages Peter in the midnight hour and makes him question himself for he, like Ethan is lost and searching for more. A thoughtful look at a marriage, desire, and family and a quick read too at only 238 pages, I highly recommend.
Me Before You – Jojo Moyes
Once I started Me Before You, I simply could not put it down. What a beautiful love story (and you know me, I love a good love story). Set in a small town outside London, we meet Louisa Clark, a simple girl who has just lost her job at a coffee shop. Her family struggling to make ends meet rely upon her weekly wages for survival and thus she must find a job and fast. She responds to a call for a care assistant to Will Traynor, a quadriplegic. Their relationship, a bit bleak at first, over time becomes one of the most moving friendships I have read about. I promise, there will be tears, but good ones at that. Will and Louisa create a bond that allows them both to become their best selves. What all relationships should help us do.
One More Thing – B.J. Novak
Do you miss The Office? I sure do. When I heard that one of my favorite characters and writers from the show, B.J. Novak, had published a collection of short stories, I knew that it was exactly what I needed in my life. A little humor. The stories in this collection, 63 to be precise, will have you laughing, disturbed and sometimes even shedding s tear or two. I learned one of the greatest lessons, though, from B.J.’s acknowledgments. “A clear voice is the best kind to aspire to have.” Words from his father that I will certainly take to heart. If I had to pick just one story as my favorite it would have to be “A Good Problem to Have.” Or wait “Never Fall in Love.” Shoot… I can’t decide. Pick up this genius work of art. It will certainly be one I go to again and again when I need a little pick-me-up.
Please accept my apologies in advance as it might take a little time for my next “Book Club” post as I have just started The Goldfinch and at nearly 800 pages I fear it will take me a bit of time to finish. But let me tell you, what a beautiful work so far. I’m mesmerized.
Blown Away
Friends. Please don’t worry. I am safe and sound in my island home but let me tell you the winds on this little island of mine are insane. 76 mph wind gusts and rising. I was, however, blown away by the voice of Sam Smith and his rendition of “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston featured in last week’s Grey’s Anatomy (snow days are a perfect excuse to stay in bed and catch up on some TV). Truth be told, I’ve always loved the music on Grey’s and admit that a few of their soundtracks (I won’t admit how many) are in my music library. Quick sidebar… how do I get the job of picking songs to accompany my favorite TV shows and movies. I know I would just excel at it!
Ok. Back to Sam. The more I read about this London-born singer/songwriter, the more I realized why I am drawn to his lyrics. “I’ve never been in a relationship before. When I was writing this album, I really delved into that fact. I delved into how I fell in love with someone who didn’t love me back last year. I really went inside myself and I wanted to write an album for lonely people, because I don’t think there’s been enough music out there that talks about unrequited love.” Oh Sam… we certainly share quite a bit in common.
Lucky for us, Sam is the musical guest this weekend on Saturday Night Live. My DVR is all set. And his first album “In the Lonely Hour” is releasing May 26.
Take a listen and let me know what you think!
A Day with May 