Category Archives: My Favorite Things

Confession

Posted on by

0

IMG_2695
As I have already confessed… I have a slight shopping problem and perhaps an affinity towards over-thinking things but my absolute downfall concerns all things sweet. I love bakeries. I travel for bakeries. I live for bakeries (you get the point). And the place that began my love affair was Flour Bakery.

I was first introduced to Flour during a 2002 Chronicle show, I think, when their brownie was featured. I begged my boyfriend at the time to venture with me to Washington Street in the South End, before Washington Street was the place to be, to partake in this sweet treat. And what a treat. I don’t think there was a week that went by while living in Boston that I didn’t make at least one trip to Flour.

Saying goodbye to Boston was hard but saving goodbye to Flour was heartbreaking. Last week, I was able to spend some quality time at their Fort Point location. A good soul feeding. And the best part, their second cookbook was available to purchase. Yeah! This thing of beauty has found a home in my rather large collection. Can’t wait to start baking.

You may be wondering what my sweet of choice is. I will gladly share. While I still love their brownie, I have moved on to their vegan chocolate cupcakes (no icing… just cake… exactly how I like it). If you haven’t been to Flour, I beg you, go. There are now four locations in Boston so you have no excuse. Report back too. Love hearing what people love!

Oh and Joanne Chang, owner and baker extraordinaire, even beat out Bobby Flay with her sticky buns. Check it out here.

My Beach Bag Essentials

Posted on by

1

IMG_0574
I think summer is officially here. Seriously, these past two days have been near perfection. Sadly, I have been stuck in doors working. But I have been up at night dreaming about what to pack in my beach bag for that first day off. Only 12 more days (yes, I have a countdown… don’t judge).

First and foremost, I need a new beach bag. I am loving this one from Feed. And the best part, the proceeds will provide 50 meals to children in India. You can’t go wrong.

Next on the list, a beach cover-up. Everything LemLem does is just… well, perfection. The birabiro dress will soon be mine.

One must always take preventive measures when it comes to the sun so I will surely be bringing this baseball cap with me and applying my favorite sunscreen (smells like summer in a bottle) liberally. And of course, I couldn’t live without my Sugar Lip Balm with SPF 15.

I have a confession to make… I still buy books. Yes, actual books. No Kindle for this lady. My first beach read is the new Khaled Hosseini And the Mountains Echoed. Fingers crossed that its as good as The Kite Runner. What a story!

Coconut water (chocolate flavor, of course), a plum, dark chocolate, and some BBQ chips might just make their way into my bag as well.

And last but not least, my kadima set. Have loved this game since I was like 5 and will surely love it till I’m 85!

Island Living – Shopping

Posted on by

0

Yesterday was my first beach day, which means that the summer season is upon us. As I know you may be planning your island visit, I thought this week would be the perfect time to share with you some of my favorites. So as to not overwhelm you, I’ll break it down by categories: shopping; eating; island activities, new & noteworthy and finally my favorite island day. I hope you enjoy.

*************
I know I may be a bit biased, but the shopping on Nantucket is simply the best. Here are my “Top 5” that I visit on a nearly weekly basis. Have I mentioned I have a slight shopping problem?!

The Lovely – The name certainly says it all. Offering an inspired mix of feminine, classic and refined bohemian, this little jewel has become my go-to for all things, well… lovely! Julie Biondi, proprietress and all around fabulous style icon, has an eye like no other. I have known Julie for years and couldn’t be happier for her on creating a store that in a very short time has become an island institution. I really can’t leave this store empty-handed. Some recent indulgences include this Tucker top, these clogs, and this little sleep set.

Trillium – Trillium is to home goods what The Lovely is to fashion and Robin, the owner extraordinaire, is one of the chicest ladies I know. Her exquisite shop on Washington Street, carries all of my favorites: John Robshaw bedding, John Derian trays, Kim Seybert tabletop items and a selection of pillows by Adam & Viktoria that I simply lust over. Last summer I invested in these Billy Cotton glasses and they have become one of my prized possessions!

Erica Wilson – What began as a spot to pick up an iconic Erica Wilson needlepoint kit (gosh, I really need to hone in on my creative talents and make one of those belts) has become a shopping destination for those looking for classic and beach inspired pieces. Carrying favorites like Roberta Freymann, Hartford, Calypso St. Barts and Sanctuary, I stop into Erica Wilson when I am searching for that iconic piece that I know will be a staple in my wardrobe for years to come.

Atlantic – If I were to open a store on Nantucket it would be like this. A collection of all things that the owner loves… jewelry, antiques and the best selection of little summer tops I have seen. I stopped in over the weekend (you can find the shop at 10 Straight Wharf) and fell in-love with a pair of vintage milk glass lamps with gold stars on them and picked up this top, which I wore to a dinner on the beach last night. Just love it!

Hepburn – I may have purchased my prom dress here years ago, which lets you know how long I have been a loyal fan. Inspired by the grace and beauty of both Katherine and Audrey Hepburn, the aesthetic of this store is just that… graceful, understated and timeless. Hepburn offers a well-edited collection of pieces from Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, Michael Stars, and Paige Denim (just to name a few). If you are looking for the perfect dress to wear to an island wedding, stop on by 3 Salem Street and say hello to my dear friend, Tracy Berry.

Success

Posted on by

0

I have a slight problem. I obsess over things. And not just dinner menus, or boys, or what I want to be when I grow up but really big things like finding the perfect denim shirt. Since last summer, I have tried on, ordered, and returned nearly a dozen. But then, success! Last Friday while taking a little stroll during my lunch break I stopped into a new little boutique on the island and found it… the perfect denim/chambray shirt. Good things really do come to those who wait! This little Rory Beca number is perfect. I fashioned it yesterday with my go-to white jeans, my favorite fedora, and some simple gold necklaces. This will most certainly be my go-to early summer outfit. Couldn’t be happier!

*Update: Looks like I made this week’s Mahon about Town!

A Little Light

Posted on by

0

I always have candles lit. Something about the soft glow of light just puts my mind at ease. A friend recently asked me to send along some favorites. Thought you might enjoy my list too!

– Diptyque Baies – My all-time favorite candle. The scent is perfection – a bouquet of roses and black current leaves. A little pricey but well worth it, I promise!

– Sundari Amrus – I discovered this candle a few years ago on a visit to one of my favorite NYC spots, ABC Carpet & Home. Inspired by the Indian desert called Amrus, this candle is infused with scents of chilled mango pulp and fresh basil. And a fun little note, Sundari is product line created by Christy Turlington. I wonder if this is Ed Burn’s favorite candle too?!

– Illume Mediterranean – What I love about this candle is not only the scent but the packaging. The geometric glass candle holder is one that I continue to use even after my candle burns out. To get the wax out, simply put in the freezer for a day and it pops right out. It becomes the perfect container for all my make-up brushes.

– Paddywax Ocean Tide and Sea Salt – My most recent discovery. This candle is a Nantucket summer in a jar.

What are some of your favorites? Would love to hear!

Inspiration: Hugo Guinness

Posted on by

0

Do you all know Hugo Guinness? What creative genius! I was first introduced to Mr. Guinness at the John Derian shop in NYC, where I stopped in my tracks when I laid my eyes upon his “beautiful” print. Gosh, I hope this is mine one day! While catching up on some light reading this evening, I came across this little video, which made my day. And hearing this quote, ” “We forgive all of our friends who make us laugh, don’t we?” I couldn’t agree more!

A Sweet Deal

Posted on by

2

IMG_1910
During my recent jaunt to L.A., I was able to finally visit one of my favorite letterpress companies, Sugar Paper. I was first introduced to the creative genius of co-founders Chelsea and Jamie in InStyle Home’s April 2004, which had a beautiful feature on Reece Witherspoon’s home and showed her impeccable stationary set by Sugar Paper. The simplicity of their designs and the quality of their paper stock is just perfection. And lucky for us, today they are spoiling us with a 24 hour sale… 20% off their entire site (enter discount code Spring20 at checkout).

My picks include:

– This adorable Easter card is currently on its way to me.
– This luxe bicycle noteset is perfect for an island girl like me.
– These thank you cards accompanied me back to the island.
– This heart print would be the perfect addition to my gallery wall.
– And don’t forget Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner!

Do let me know your favorite items. Until next time, happy shopping!