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!

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.

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!

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.

Chain Mail Q&A

Posted on November 4, 2013 by adaymay

I must be honest and say I have felt a little void of creativity as of late. I have no less than 5 drafts of posts just waiting to be finished and for some reason I just can’t muster the juices to get them done so apologies in advance for my recent silence. But, good news. I was inspired a bit when reading one of my favorites, Note to Self today. If you don’t follow this blog, you must. So without further adieu, here are my answers to the Chain Mail Q&A.

1. What is the most-played song in your music library? (Lifetime. Be honest.)
Just checked my iTunes library and it looks like it is “I Turn my Camera On” by Spoon.

2. What is your favorite thing about your current occupation or job, whatever it may be?
I love that I am surrounded by beauty in my current job at Nantucket Looms. From artwork to textiles, to tabletop, everyday I am immersed in a world so different from my office 45 flights up.

3. City or country?
My family and I were just discussing this yesterday while driving to Cape Elizabeth in Maine. And I must admit, I really do think I’m a city girl at heart.

4. What is your coping mechanisim after a really bad day?
A long drive with the windows down and the music on full blast followed by a Peroni and margarita pizza at Pi.

5. Favorite item in your closet right now? (Pictures welcome.)
I picked up the most delicious, coziest sweater at The Lovely back in August that I could literally live in this winter. The designer is Amateur and I may just die in it.

6. Skill or craft you still want to learn or work on?
My listening.

7. What is your most precious keepsake?
I have a few. My prayer book from my grandmother that was given to me as a little girl; my maternal great-grandmother’s gold band and my paternal great-great grandmother’s wedding band that was given to her on July 26, 1884. Her name was Lillian and I shall name my first daughter after her!

8. What’s at the very tip top of your holiday wish list this year?
Haven’t finished my list just yet but promise to share it soon for all your readers who want to shower me with some gifts!

9. What’s your favorite spot in the town/city/state you currently live in?
My beach to chase the sun as it’s setting. Doesn’t get much better. Just take a look of a recent viewing.

Have You Heard

Posted on October 1, 2013 by adaymay

That’s right. Domino magazine is coming back. Now I know that they have had bi-annual issues this past year but word on the street is that Michelle Adams, founder and former editor of Lonny Magazine, will be taking the reigns and moving it back to a monthly publication. Are you as excited as I am?

Funny little story. I use to technically be a sort of magazine hoarder: Cottage Living, Martha Stewart Weddings and of course Domino. I had a small intervention with myself and decided to clean house. Well you know what, literally days later, I got word that Domino was ceasing its publishing and my heart sank. Instant remorse. So you know what I did… got myself on eBay and bought almost all of the issues. Crazy, right? But now they are one of my prized possessions and I refer to them often when I need a little inspiration.

Can’t wait to pick up the new issue and see what Michelle and her team have done!

I Do

Posted on September 30, 2013 by adaymay

Wedding season is certainly upon us! And from all the Facebook updates, it looks like all of you have been to quite a few weddings. Hope you have been enjoying yourselves. To help ease some wedding time stresses, I thought it might be fun to post some of my favorite go-to wedding gifts.

– My dear friend’s Macey and Cam celebrated their third anniversary this past May. After a beautiful wedding down in Vero Beach, the happy couple jetted off to Greece. Macey and Cam are lovers of the arts and thus I knew this customizable print by JP-based artist would be a treasure! I included not on their wedding date, but the hotel they stayed in while on Mykonos and one of their favorite memories.

– My sweet college friend Kate found love back in her home state of Minnesota with Kerry and had one of the best wedding weekends in Steamboat, Colorado. Kate is a romantic, just like me, so I knew these Simon Pearce candlesticks would be put to good use in their home.

– My big brother Todd is marrying his best friend Kirah this November in Maine and I am so excited for a family affair. Both Todd and Kirah love to cook so I am thinking of filling this recipe box with some of our family favorites, along with some island inspired recipes. This would equally be a wonderful shower gift!

And, on a side note, I finally found that little black dress to say “I Do” to for all these weddings. Success!

Now here’s to the happy couple(s)!

A Day with May

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