Author Archives: adaymay

My Crush, Part II

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Giada
I hope you all enjoyed meeting my John last week. Today, I am sharing my girl crush… Ms. Giada. Isn’t she beautiful?! I can’t tell you how many times I have dreamed that we are cycling through Tuscany together. I think we could be besties. I also read that she has a love affair with tequila, just like me.

Seriously, if I could be any woman, I would want to be this lady. Grew up in L.A. with a grandfather in the film business, attended cooking school in France, married her college boyfriend (who just so happens to be designer and simply adorable), a mother and an Oxfram Ambassador. What a life! I may have just blown off a day of work and joined a B.J.’s Wholesale Club (my only purchase was Giada’s cookbook) to meet this woman a few years back. And let tell you, it was one of the best days of my life and my signed cookbook, one of my prized possessions.

Giada has one more thing to soon add to her resume… a restaurant. Yes, it’s true. She is finally opening up her own place in Las Vegas at The Cromwell, a boutique hotel, set to open in May. The restaurant, which will seat nearly 300, will showcase Italian food with a California twist with impeccable views. As Giada says, picture a modern Milan osteria, not a rustic Italian dining spot. My father has had a place in Vegas for years and I may just finally take him up on his offer to visit. Can’t wait to try this place!

Fresh

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Fresh Products
I have never been a make-up girl… something about applying foundation and using eyeliner has always caused me some trouble. What I am, though, is a skin-care product girl and let me tell you, I have been a fan of Fresh for quite some time. My addiction to all things Fresh began in college while working at Beauty by the Sea, where I was first introduced to Hesperides, which to this day is my go-to summer fragrance. Since then, I have been an loyal customer. They may know me by name at the Newbury Street location, just saying.

With these cold winter days upon us, I try to keep my skin well nourished. My routine is quite simple. I begin and end the day by washing my face with their Soy Face Cleanser. I have been using this product religiously for nearly five years. This cleanser works for all skin types and contains nourishing amino acids, rich soy proteins, and soothing botanicals to hydrate, calm, and tone. And for those nights when I attempt eye make-up (very, very limited), this cleanser washes it clean away.

Moisturizing is key. My go-to winter moisturizer is their Black Tea Age Delay Cream. Wait, did I really just admit that I use a product with the words “age delay”…. my secret is out. This nourishing and soothing cream has restored a certain glow to my skin. I can’t tell you how many comments I have received lately and I owe it all to this product. I should note that I switch things up just a bit in the summer months and use the Lotus Youth Preserve Cream. A little less rich for those warmer days.

Once a week, I indulge in a little extra TLC and use their Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask. I apply this soothing cream and twenty minutes later, my skin is like new. Try it, I promise you will see instant results.

The great thing about this Boston-based company is that they are constantly introducing and improving their product line. While visiting their Newbury Street location last week, I was introduced to three new products: Black Tea Age Delay Serum; Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate; and Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner. As I admitted moments before, I am focusing more and more on “age delay”. These products, as the nice salesman told me, will do just the trick. Diminish fine lines, fight free radicals, hydrate. These are my major concerns as of late. I ended up splurging on the eye cream and toner and I’m very happy I did.

Are you a Fresh fan too? If so, do tell. Would love to hear your favorite product. And remember, use your moisturizer!

Escape

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Beach Please
Let’s be honest. I think we could all use a little escape right now. With more snow in our forecast for tomorrow, I have officially started the countdown to my escape to Southern California. Surf, sunshine and sand… yes, please.

When daydreaming of warmer weather, I also think, what will I wear. Here are a few pieces I may just need to pack in my California bag and have ready for an island summer.

– I tried this Calypso tunic on while in Atlanta a few weeks back and made the executive decision that it will be my go-to summer 2014 piece. Great with skinny jeans or as a beach cover-up.

– My girls know that I’m a tried and true Nanette Lepore fan so when I saw this beautiful blue two piece, I just knew it had to be mine.

– Every summer, I have one mission… to find that perfect white dress. A special thank you to Shopbop for helping me find this one. Love how this will transition into evening with a simple belt and a leather jacket. Beautiful and so mine.

– Being that I’m a bit on the tall side, I love me a maxi dress and I am so grateful that this trend is sticking around for another season. Loving this one from Piperlime. Again, a perfect day to night option. I guess I’m secretly hoping for lots of evenings out this summer. Maybe just maybe!

– Last summer I had to sadly retire my favorite J.Crew sandals. I think these ones will make a fine replacement. Note to self… if you find a sandal you love, purchase 2 pairs and hide 1 away.

Movie Monday

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Philomena
Well I checked another Academy Award nominated film off my list this past week… Philomena. Only five more to go. Think I can do it? If this snow continues, I have no doubt!

The story of Philomena is a quite tragic one. A mother’s death, a father’s abandonment, teenage pregnancy, lost love. You see, Philomena was sent to a convent in Rosrea, Ireland in the early 1950s after becoming pregnant. Forced to work in the convent’s laundry seven days a week, as payment for taking care of her son Anthony, Philomena was being punished for her “sin”. And then a mother’s worst nightmare, Anthony, at the age of 3, was sold by the nuns to an American family for 1,000 pounds. Philomena wasn’t even able to say goodbye.

Fast forward 50 years, and Philomena connects with Martin Sixsmith, a onetime BBC correspondent and former member of Tony Blair’s communications team, who takes on her request to help her find Anthony as a human interest piece. The friendship formed between these two is quite something.

I won’t tell you much more of the movie as I don’t want to ruin it but what I can tell you is this. Judi Dench is phenomenal. And her co-star, Steve Coogan, who adapted Martin Sixsmith’s 2009 book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee into a screenplay, provided a bit of comedic relief and voice of reason.

I would consider myself a religious person. I try to follow my life in the tenants of the bible’s teachings. However, I also believe that we are not placed here on this earth to judge anyone but rather to love and support one another. The way Philomena is treated by the nuns and punished for her actions is beyond me. And yet, she forgives. The church, the nuns, herself. Philomena embodies the very essence of Christianity in my view, the ability to forgive, even those who hurt us so gravely.

My favorite line of the film is when Martin recites to Philomena a poignant T.S. Elliot quote “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

Forgiveness and home. I think that about sums up this film for me.

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