Hope

Posted on April 1, 2014 by adaymay

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.

Inspired

Posted on March 28, 2014 by adaymay

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!

I Like It

Posted on March 25, 2014 by adaymay

I am always inspired by women who have a dream and follow it. Emerson Bethany Fry is one such inspiration. An artist by training, she left the hustle and bustle of New York City, purchased an old farm with her husband in New Hampshire (how cute – they have known each other since childhood) and set-out to build her lifestyle brand, Emerson Fry. Initially, her product line was simple. Beautiful flower pins and clutches (I still have mine that I purchased in 2010). Her business has grown gradually as she introduced beautiful silk tops and skirts in 2011 and today her line includes stunning leather goods, killer shoes and accessories and the kaftan, featured above, that I am lusting for. With a focus on simple lines, luxurious fabrics and the modern woman, there isn’t a single look that I wouldn’t want to add to my closet. Just take a look.

And if you need just a little more to love this woman for, take a look at her home. Her pantry is an inspiration!

Collaborate

Posted on March 13, 2014 by adaymay

I’m back! I certainly did miss you all but had a wonderful time on my California vacation. I promise to provide a full report next week with all my must-do’s in the Golden State.

While lounging on the beaches of Malibu (don’t mean to rub it in), I was able to catch up on some much-needed reading (and sleep). And I must say, I was excited to read about several exciting collaborations that have just launched. Let’s begin with one of my favorites… Rifle Paper and Garance Dore. If you don’t read Garance’s blog, you should. She lives a life I dream of… in Paris no less. A lover of the finer things, she has an incredible eye for all things street fashion. She, like me, is also a lover of all things paper and always dreamt of launching a paper line but knew she needed to find the right partner. Enter my all-time favorite paper designer Anna Bond and Rifle Paper. The two hit it off instantly and created a breathtaking line that launched in Paris last week and will be stateside soon enough. Can’t wait to add a few of these pieces to my ever-growing stationary collection.

Not only am I a lover of paper but beautiful shoes make me weak in the knees. Sarah Jessica Parker, a/k/a Carrie Bradshaw, partnered with Manolo Blahnik to create a beautiful shoe line fondly named SJP. Available at Nordstroms, her first collection is breathtaking. In honor of her mom, several pairs of shoes in the collection feature grosgrain ribbon the heel. What a special touch. I have my eyes on these and these.

And last but certainly not least, Gwyneth Paltrow has teamed up with Peter Dunham to offer an exclusive line of pillows on her site. And as I have said before, I have a thing for throw pillows. Aren’t they just beautiful?

My takeaway from all of these is that collaboration really does make everything better. An important lesson on this snowy Thursday. Stay warm!

Blah

Posted on February 26, 2014 by adaymay

Friends, I am having one of those days. Wish I could just stay curled up in bed with a cup of tea, my book and see you all tomorrow. But since I leave for vacation in three days, I thought it best that I get myself to work. While getting ready, I caught a glimpse of a this little postcard my sweet friend Emily gave me from her adorable shop. And you know what… I instantly felt better. Funny how reading a few little words can pick you up. I’ll be back tomorrow with my Oscar picks. Get excited!

Home

Posted on February 25, 2014 by adaymay

Have you all heard of Jane Lilly Warren? She is the co-founder and creative director of Matchbook Magazine, a monthly favorite, and has one of the best eyes out there. While “stalking” her on Instagram this weekend, I came across this photo of a home she visited in York, Maine and instantly fell in-love. Isn’t it delightful? It got me thinking a lot about my future home.

Let’s take a tour, shall we?

Here is my entry way (courtesy of Amanda Peet’s home feature in Vogue).

On the left, will be a door to a small powder room. I love using a bold wallpaper in a small space and this chocolate one with the green mirror is perfection. I might do different sconces but overall, this is one of the best powder rooms I’ve seen.

As you continue through the entry way, you will enter the family/tv room (again courtesy of Amanda Peet’s home feature in Vogue).

And then into the formal living room.

I believe one of the most important rooms in any home is the kitchen. This one from Lonny’s March/April 2011 issue is near perfection. I would only add a small english pine table in the corner with the banquet to serve as a little breakfast nook and perhaps have two overhead lighting fixtures instead of one.

And since I’m one who loves to entertain, I like the feel of this not-so-formal dining room. The fire place just makes it for me.

Now, let’s head on up to the second floor. I love little spaces that you can get lost in for hours. This second floor window seat might just be my favorite part of the house.

I love the feeling of a home with lots of love and thus I will need a few guests room to have all my nearest and dearest down whenever possible. Guest room #1.

Tom Scheerer is one of my favorite interior designers. Look at this guest bedroom in one of his project’s in the Bahamas featured in Elle Decor. Wouldn’t change a single thing.

The master bedroom is the second most important room in the house. I was drawn to this room as it’s a bit more masculine and I know I will have to compromise with my future mate on all my boho picks. Hopefully he will think this room is just as much his as mine.

And lastly, a place of relaxation. The master bath. I could easily end everyday here.

So there you have it. My future home. Can’t wait to have you all over!

To My Younger Self

Posted on February 21, 2014 by adaymay

This will probably come as no surprise to many of you but I have spent a great deal of time in therapy. After my divorce and losing my brother, I started weekly visits to Barb. We had a good run together. Four years. A success. The one thing I can still hear her saying, all these years later, is “Maybeth, you must nurture that sad little girl inside of you. What would you say to her today.” Nearly four years since my last visit to Barb, I finally came up with the words to say to my younger self. Hopefully you will find some peace in these words too.

Dearest May,
Who would have thought we would come this far and end up back 30 miles out to sea. Remember when we left and said we would never return. Funny how plans always seem to change. I was having a conversation with my dear friend Liz last week and we were talking about what we would say to our younger selves to help us today. What I can tell you is this… love yourself. To realize that indeed you are good enough, you are smart enough and you are beautiful inside and out will change you. When I think back to all those years I never allowed myself to enjoy food or indulge in a sweet treat because I didn’t think I was thin enough, I am just sad. Good news, we have finally made up for it! Enjoy life and eat dessert first, as my favorite bakery suggests. Life is far too short to worry about those calories. But do remember to be kind to your body. Nourish it. Eat your leafy greens and yogurt and try to shy away from soda and processed foods. We really are what we eat.

After learning to love and accept yourself the next exciting but sometimes challenging act is finding that certain someone who makes your heart skip a beat . Little May, please know you should never, ever be with someone who doesn’t treat you like the true gift you are. Don’t settle. Don’t stay with a man because you are afraid of being alone. And don’t try to force someone into loving you. When someone shows you their true colors, pay attention. People can certainly grow and change over time but know you will never be the force to change that person. Be patient, my dear. There are wonderful ones out there. Until you meet him, date. Meet people. Awful dates give you something to talk to your girlfriends about, I promise. They also help you figure out what is really important in that life partner. Here is a hint… it’s not just about looks. Find the one who makes you laugh!

Speaking of girlfriends, spend a great deal of time nurturing these relationships. Boyfriends will come and go, your family will sometimes disappoint, but your girlfriends will always be there. A weekend away with the ones who know you best is always a good thing.

Little May, I know you still carry around a great deal of pain over your childhood. Know that Mom and Dad did the best they could at the time. Life is never as black and white as we think. We need to get comfortable with the gray. And know, everyone’s family has their complications. You are not alone in this. Learn to accept your parents and your siblings for the unique and wonderful people they are. Will they let you down? Of course. And you know what, you may do the same to them. It’s ok.

Please try to not be so perfect. Life is all about the struggle. Everyone is trying to figure it out just like you. Our mistakes and imperfections are what make us who we are and you know what, you are pretty great. And don’t always look for the answers. Sometimes they aren’t always clear. As one of my favorite quotes go… “Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.” Some of the best advice I could give you.

So hang in there. If you are feeling down one day, that’s ok. Be true to your feelings. Honesty really is the best policy.

Love to you always. I promise there are great things ahead!

Score

Posted on February 19, 2014 by adaymay

Sorry if you thought this might be a post about the Olympics. It isn’t and I will sadly confess that I haven’t watch any (too busy with Breaking Bad and House of Cards). But it is about a great new site that you will find several scores on… Hunters Alley. The brainchild of the women behind One Kings Lane, Hunters Alley is a new kind of marketplace created for design lovers that connects shoppers and sellers. From vintage barware and one-of-a-kind jewelry to Moroccan rugs and killer accents, this site has it all. Just look at what I found:

– Old books, which I love to use to decorate any space. Just look at this one… clearly I need it for many reasons, least of which is the name.

– A beautiful piece to add to my growing art collection.

– Just like you can never have too many bags or shoes, I also believe you can never have too many sets of candlesticks. This lucite and brass pair is fab.

– I have an affinity for all things old kitchen, like these mashers.

– While I have had some luck finding beautiful pieces of sea glass on this little island of mine, I have yet to find an actual sea glass bottle. Perhaps I should purchase these for a little luck for future findings.

– I have always had a thing for small bowls and I have a bunch on my dresser to catch my jewels, hairbands, earrings, etc. Think I might need to add this etched brass piece to the puzzle.

Listen

Posted on February 13, 2014 by adaymay

Friends, I had an epic fail yesterday. I woke up early to make a batch of my go-to chocolate chip cookies for a certain someone for Valentine’s Day. The plan was to send them overnight today to my old city but with Winter Storm Pax on the way I thought I better get them in the mail ahead of the storm. I love this recipe because the cookies always come out just as a cookie should be: crispy, chewy and delicious. But on the one day when it really mattered how they turned out, they were just, how do I say, not good. How could I possibly send along to that someone I wanted to impress?

But then I took a step back. And listened. The universe was giving me a sign. You see, I tend to put myself out there a bit too much. My dear friends (thank you so much) have certainly heard me analyze relationships over and over again. I will admit, I think I’ve gotten better but as my wise friend Mary told me just this past week “May, you have to guard your heart.” So universe, thank you for making me take pause and listen. While sending cookies along to Mr. Boston would certainly be a nice gesture, perhaps Valentine’s Day is not the time to do so. He knows how I feel about him and has shared how he feels about me but our timing is just a bit off. In the end, timing is everything. And you know what, I believe he and I are both worth the wait.

Island life is teaching me to be patient. And listen. Two important lessons for this girl. And thus, I guess I will be my special someone to impress today for as Carrie Bradshaw reminds me, “the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous.”

To H

Posted on January 24, 2014 by adaymay

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

A Day with May

Category Archives: Inspiration