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?
Tag Archives: Shopoholic
Places
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.
Take Me There
When planning a trip, I always have a food itinerary. Yes, I do plan trips around food and I’m not ashamed to admit it. And thus I was quite pleased when I came across this little Food and Wine piece highlighting the best new shops for food lovers. Don’t they just sound fabulous? And the best part, my sweet friend Abby’s shop made the list!
What can I say, Abby and I are kindred spirits. Not only did we both leave our first law firm on the same day but food really is our shared passion. We first met back in 2006 at a co-worker’s cocktail party. I was getting ready to embark on a cross-country adventure and she said “I have the book for you… Eat Your Way Across the USA.” Thanks to Abby and this little gem, I certainly did eat my way across the states. The best part, this initial bond over food and travel sparked a lifelong friendship. And now to see Abby’s dream of a vintage kitchen store and cooking class space come to life and featured in Food and Wine, I couldn’t be more proud. I’m off to Boston tomorrow and Farm & Fable is certainly at the top of my list of places to visit. I promise to bring you a full report next week highlighting all my finds.
Until then, dear friends… any great food shops this foodie should know about? With this cold, I am dreaming of lots of little weekend getaways.
Fashion Find
Let’s be honest. I’m all for cozy sweaters and tall boots and hot cocoa by the fire but with the second blizzard of the season upon us, I am dreaming of those endless summer days at the beach with a good book, a grey lady and salt-kissed hair. Since the howling winds made it near impossible to fall asleep last night, I found solace in one of my tried and true night-time activities… on-line shopping. A heartfelt thanks to Winter Storm Janus for leading me to my new fashion find… Sea New York. An equal mix of bohemian chic and city sophistication, this line is spot-on for an island summer.
My picks include this open floral knit pencil skirt in cream that could easily take you from day to night. I see it paired with either a black tank top or a chambray shirt. And my search for the perfect little black dress may be over with Sea’s lace and silk combo tank dress. Love at first sight for this girl.
Fingers crossed a nice tax return is on its way to me so I might be able to splurge on these. And to all my friends in the cold today, stay warm!
May’s Wish List
Friends… only 20 days till Christmas Eve! As I sit here wrapping gifts for those nearest and dearest to me I realize I should probably shed a little light on what this island girl is hoping for this year. I have been told I am quite difficult to shop for so hopefully this list will help.
– I am in desperate need of this closet staple.
– Because I really can never have too many bags. I love this one, this one, and this one too.
– I have a few more spots to fill on my bedroom gallery wall. Think this piece would be just perfect.
– I hope to entertain lots in the new year so a few new Jill Rosenwald pieces would be a lovely gift under the tree. I like this cocktail tray, this sugar and creamer set and I would die to open up this yellow caviar tray!
– You might be shocked to know that will all my cooking and baking, I don’t own an apron. Think this one from Anthropologie should be my first.
– I finally had to retire my favorite cozy black sweater this year after many good years. When I saw this one from Emerson Fry, I knew I found the perfect replacement.
– I think the best gifts to receive are those that help others. Love the gifts of compassions from ABC Home.
But if I’m really honest, all I really want this holiday season is to spend time with my dear family and friends and perhaps a certain someone special. Here’s hoping!
Holiday Gift Guide – For the Men we Love
From brothers to fathers to the one who makes your heart melt, I hope my picks will be well received under the tree.
– A new watch… so they always know it’s time to come home!
– A cozy sweater that you might just be able to steal.
– A man in driving mocs certainly makes this girl’s heart melt.
– A crisp new button-down.
– Just a few grooming essentials… shaving cream; after shaving balm; deodorant; and moisturizer of course.
– New whiskey glasses and whiskey stones for his bar.
– Cause really, what man doesn’t love to grill.
Holiday Gift Guide – For the Stocking
Cozy flannel pj’s, wool socks, Bing Crosby on repeat and my stocking… one of my favorite childhood memories. I just love the thought that goes into finding those perfect little gifts for the ones you love. Here are just a few of my stocking picks…
– Made in Japan, this little blue tray made from a real piece of hand-spun linen is the perfect catch-all for a desk, dresser or bathroom vanity.
– Reusable straws for the bar. Why yes!
– Happy New Year means a new calendar.
– O-Check, a Korean based paper company, makes some of the coolest paper products I have seen. Wouldn’t it be great to get this recipe notebook filled with new recipes to try throughout the year?
– These zodiac notepads from Anthropologie may just be my top pick for the stocking.
– Cold weather means chapped hands so a nourishing hand cream is always a good idea.
– And really, who doesn’t love hot chocolate!
Holiday Gift Guide – For the Little Ones
I love, love, LOVE shopping for the little ones in my life. My nephews, my sweet little H, the newest additions to my wonderful family of friends. I just can’t get enough. This was a hard list to narrow down but here are the best of the best in my opinion. Hope you agree.
– For the Worldly One – This elephant handcrafted in Nairobi using recycled flip-flops will not only add a pop of color to a child’s room but will spark of love of adventure and travel to distant lands.
– For the Inquisitive One – I have always loved wooden blocks. They were always my favorite as a little girl. These USA Blocks, handcrafted in Michigan, not only provide an educational tool for your little one to learn about the 50 states of the good old US of A but will also make a beautiful family heirloom.
– For the Book Worm – The World According To… When I first saw this book on Pottery Barn Kids I thought… brilliant! First you will receive a gift box complete with markers and questions to ask your little one about his friends and relatives, favorite toys and more. Once this step is complete, simply mail the drawings and interview answers in the return envelope.
The pages will be printed, bound and mailed back to you as a completed book, making a fun read now and a treasured keepsake in years to come. Doesn’t get much better in my book!
– For the Future Builder/Decorator – A few years ago I was so excited to give my little nephews a teepee but then I saw this and said to myself, now the ante has been raised. I could live in this thing for sure.
– For the Adventurer – A sled. Because really aren’t we all hoping for a white Christmas!
Holiday Gift Guide – For the Ladies
Less than 40 days… yikes! To help ease the stress that comes with the holidays, I wanted to provide to you, my sweet readers, just a few ideas for the ladies in your life. Whether a sister, a mom, a girlfriend, or the love of your life, I promise you won’t fail with any of these under the tree.
– Rebecca Atwood came onto the scene earlier this year with an incredible line of hand painted pillows inspired by not only her current home in Brooklyn but her childhood on Cape Cod. This zip pouch is that perfect bag that can go day to night, can be used on its own or to hold all the loose ends in that oversized tote. And at $58, it won’t break the bank.
– Oh Fresh. I have been a fan for oh so long and each year, your holiday gift sets just keep getting better and better. My pick for 2013 is the Sugar Cherry Charms. Seaberry lotion, a roller perfume and the ever so addictive sugar lip balm for $32. Thanks Fresh.
– I don’t know about the women in your life but I for one can never have too many scarves. J.Crew knocked it out of the park with this one.
– What lady wouldn’t love a beautiful robe to wrap herself up in? Plum Pretty Sugar has so many choices but this one might just be my favorite.
– I truly believe you can never go wrong with giving a beautiful gift of paper and Kate Spade’s 2014 Agenda is a great gift for your A-type girlfriends (I think that is me in my group) or a beloved co-worker.
– For the gourmet in your life I just love this idea: a custom watercolor painting of a favorite family recipe. Now, I just need to figure out which recipe to use!
– But let’s be honest. The best gifts are those of quality time together so I’m always a huge fan of a trip away. That’s right boys, do a little planning. Some of my favorite romantic getaways include The White Barn Inn, The Woodstock Inn, and The Bedford Post Inn.
Places
Maine. The way life should be. Couldn’t agree more. Not only is this wonderful state home to my brother, his new wife, my little nephew O and one of my nearest and dearest friends, but it is also filled with wonderful towns, with delicious food and great shopping. Two of my favorite things for sure!
Today I will keep it simple and speak of Portland. A booming city on the water. A mere 70 or so miles from Boston and known as the “Foodiest Small Town in America” by Bon Appétit. While in Portland, I always make a stop to Flatbread Pizza. I really am a simple girl and nothing makes me happier than yummy pizza and cold beer. And with local brews on tap and a wood burning pizza oven, Flatbread never disappoints. My pick, Jay’s Heart and an Allagash.
Right across the street is the perfect spot to get a sweet treat. The Standard Baking Co. Bakeries make me oh so happy and the madelines at Standard may just be some of my favorites.
And speaking of sweet treats, you must take the 10 minute drive from downtown Portland to South Portland and check out Scratch Bakery. The best bagels I have had (they even beat NYC’s in my opinion) and an apricot kissed ganache cake that will blow your mind.
The Old Port of Portland has some of the cutest shops this girl has seen. I have been a fan of Helene M for quite some time but on this most recent trip, I was introduced to a few new spots that should not be missed.
K. Colette. What a gem. Hand-selected home decor sourced locally and globally for the mindful consumer who searches for beauty, quality, and integrity. John Robshaw. John Derian. Lostine. Seriously, all of my favorites under one roof. Go. Now. I promise, it will instantly become one of your favorite stores too.
Blanche & Mimi. Part vintage finds. Part beautiful selection of unique gifts. Blanche & Mimi is what I dream my home will one day be. On this recent trip I picked up a pair of vintage silver candlesticks and a lovely piece of pottery that now holds my kitchen utensils. I can never leave this store empty-handed.
A few other spots not to miss: Folly 101, Abacus, and LeRoux Kitchen for shopping and Fore Street, Bintliff’s, and Hugo’s for dining.
Portland. The way Maine does a city and how lucky we are that they do. Love!
A Day with May 