A Day in LA

Posted on March 19, 2014 by adaymay

L.A. Oh how I miss you! You have quickly become one of my all-time favorites (next to Chicago, New York and my beloved Boston). What do I love so much about you? I love all your little neighborhoods that feel like some of my favorites (South End, Kendall, Lincoln Park, West Village) all by the water. Life doesn’t get much better than that!

For all of you who haven’t been or are planning a trip out there soon (I highly recommend that you do), I thought I would put together my favorite day in L.A.

My Morning Juice

I always try to start the day with a fresh juice and it is quite easy to do so in this city. My god. There seems to be a juice bar on every corner. My favorite by far is Kreation. With six locations and a juice kar (correct spelling, I promise) and bike around the city, they are easy to find. I frequent the one in Beverly Hills because it is right next to my all-time favorite cupcake place, Sprinkles. I figure if I’m juicing in the am, I can pick up a treat to splurge on in the afternoon.

Hike it Out

One thing I never realized is how many amazing hiking trails there around L.A. Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, Tree People Inc. The list goes on and on. Since my parents are in the valley in Sherman Oaks, Tree People is just a short drive, although you have to go down Mulholland Drive, which is just about the scariest road I’ve ever been on. But the hike is well worth it. Just beautiful.

Lunch by the Beach

I stayed in Santa Monica on my very first trip to L.A. back in 2006 so it has always held a special place in my heart. And then when I discovered Huckleberry Cafe, it sealed the deal for being one of my favorite neighborhoods. Huckleberry Café is what I dream of one day opening. A beautiful café with delicious sandwiches, salads, savory goods, sweet treats and a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy. This visit, I tried their arugula salad with grapefruit, pine nuts and fresh parmigiano reggiano and my mom had the butternut squash terrine. Perfection!

Bike Ride

Being an island girl, I have always loved to ride my bike. And a bike ride from Santa Monica down to Venice Beach, nothing compares in my humble opinion.

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

I really developed a love for Venice Beach last winter when I headed west to visit my parents after they made their big move. Abbot Kinney Street has it all. Urbanic Paper Boutique, Steven Allen, Gjelina and Intelligentsia, the best coffee shop I have been to by far. This place knows how to do coffee right. The idea is for the barista to create an individualized experience for every customer, regardless of how many are being served. Awesome!

Cocktail Hour

I think I’ve shared this little fact with you before, but I have a thing for boutique hotels. One of my favorite hotel groups The Viceroy Hotel Group and their spot in Santa Monica is sheer perfection. Cocktails by the pool are a must.

Dinner Time

If I had to choose one neighborhood to live in, I think it would have to be Brentwood. Not only am I obsessed with Brentwood Country Mart but Brentwood is also home to Tavern Bar & Larder. You may have heard of this space if you are addicted to Million Dollar Decorators like I am. Jeffrey Alan Marks designed the space and it’s breathtaking and the talented Suzanne Coin is the head chef and owner. Never have I been some place where the décor and food are so on par. A definite treat!

Stargazing

Griffith Observatory. You literally feel like you are top of the world. The views of L.A. are breathtaking and you know me, I have a thing for stars. I suggest going at sunset, packing a light picnic and spending a least a few hours up here. Well worth the time. And the really cool thing… amateurs bring out their telescopes too so you can meet, mingle and check out a bunch of different views.

Oh and the adorable L.A. poster above is from the one and only, Rifle Paper. Click on the image and you will be directed right to their site.

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!

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!

Late Night

Posted on February 18, 2014 by adaymay

I have always loved me some late night comedy. I remember in middle school, I use to stay up late to watch The Arsenio Hall show with my BFF Meghan. David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno… these guys have certainly gotten me through many a sleepless night. But no one compares to my Jimmy. First off, he is adorable. Second, we share the same sense of humor. And lastly, he sings and is best friends with Justin Timberlake. What isn’t there to love. Did you see him on in his premiere last night? Amazing!

I thought I would share just a few of my favorite Jimmy moments. As someone who loves a good thank you note, I thought his thank you note bit was genius. “Thank you, extra virgin olive oil, for making it clear that you’re better than trampy old ‘virgin olive oil,’ who probably already went to third base.” Or “Thank you, exercise, for being the only thing stopping me from getting in shape’ (sadly, so true). And my favorite “Thank you, hors d’oeuvres, for being appetizers that moved to France and got all snooty.” Cracks me up every single time!

I have always said I love a man who can sing. Jimmy’s collaboration with Robin Thicke (one of the sexiest voices out there) and The Roots… love it!

But really, does anything get better than the history of rap. Just watch and you’ll see.

So excited for this next chapter for Jimmy and excited to see Seth take over his late night spot on Monday, February 24.

Perfection

Posted on February 10, 2014 by adaymay

Anthropologie. What can I say. You just keep getting better and better. Every time I walk through your doors I feel like I’m home. Seriously, how do you do it? And I love that you are now offering not only a beautiful selection of intimates and workout wear but your beauty offerings are expanding as well. You are that friendship that just gets better with age.

Here are just a few of my picks from their February catalogue:

My dear friend is getting married the first weekend of May so a few new dresses are in-order for all the pre-wedding festivities. This Tracy Reese number is certainly calling my name.

The one New Years resolution that I have fallen a bit short on is my stretching, or sweating my butt off. Now that I have discovered Pure + Good, Anthropologie’s exclusive workout line, I might just kick myself into gear. These cropped leggings and jacket are currently my top contenders.

This beach cover-up is perfection, hence the title of this post and represents everything I am and love: boho, beach and ever so chic.

In the past, I have always had basic dinner plates in my cabinets and used colorful accent salad plates when setting the table. The thinking was simple. I wanted the food to take center stage. That was until I saw these dishes. Aren’t they amazing? And I love the message: Dream, Love, Eat. Words to live by.

Any for my beauty picks, I would gladly take this hand cream (and its lovely packaging), this all natural cover-up and this under and top coat collection.

Fresh

Posted on February 5, 2014 by adaymay

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!

My Crush

Posted on January 31, 2014 by adaymay

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

Posted on January 30, 2014 by adaymay

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!

Yes, Please

Posted on January 29, 2014 by adaymay

Friends… once again it’s snowing on Nantucket. And I must admit, I am getting just a wee bit tired of fashioning my Sorel Joan of Arctic boots. Instead, I am dreaming of these killer J.Crew heels that were just released. Amazing, right?

Places

Posted on January 28, 2014 by adaymay

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.

A Day with May

Category Archives: My Favorite Things