Off West

I was in San Diego last week for work. And, although I wasn't able to enjoy the city because of long work days, the city was a beautiful backdrop. I can't wait to come back and play. I am still amazed that this piece of paradise exists.

A Summer memory

I realize, and can't believe!, Thanksgiving is in a couple weeks. I was going through some pics and was reminded of the great time our family had on the Cape. Here are some of my visual, inspirational reminders of our summer holiday.

There are so many sweet spots to stop and see including Karen's Garden Cottage Antiques. I dream about being the owner of such a show. I am in love with the idea in my head. Shabby chic goodness! Loved this 'garage' linked to home by wisteria pergola. Just dreamy.

Loved walking the streets of Wellfleet. Time stood still around every corner.

Loved the colors (and smoothies) from The Juice.

Oh and this sign and yellow door. Memories are flooding back and, all of a sudden I am surrounded by the warmth of family escape this summer. Delights all around.

Everyone could use a little in their life

I'm talking about POSH, of course. In preparation for my travel, I enjoy reading books that have that particular city/region as the backdrop or as a character. As well, I scour the web for dining reviews and stores. For food, I rely on: Jane and Michael Stern. I first discovered them while listening to my other 'friend' Lynne Rossetto Kasper on Splendid Table - a must for my food podcasts. (*SIDE NOTE: Through my google search, I just found out that Jane and Michael have divorced. So sad.)

I love Design Sponge's City Guides. It's one of my first stops (after booking hotel and flight).

For my trip to Chicago, I stumbled upon POSH. The store, so sweet. A visual joyland. All the items are beautifully displayed and you feel like you peeked into this whimsical land.

I loved being surrounded by the vintage and new. Quite inspiring.

Bye, bye summer

It's official. Our summer is over. It was really lovely. A bit of a rocky start but, looking back, it was jam-packed with goodness.

We are home from a family vacation to Fenwick Island. The weather, pace and company were wonderful. I was able to get my sick lungs full of the ocean air. All was made better.

Although I'm sitting on tons of laundry, I wanted to get some pictures uploaded. To make it more real.





I love this picture. Their faces. And holding hands. Wanting to capture this moment FOREVER.

I think I can, I think I can...

Home from a busy but fun weekend with Uncle Andy in Brooklyn. US. Open on Sunday. So fun.

Love these kinds of blues




I could use a little TLC.



To kick off fall, I've signed on for the Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Week Challenge. Yeah to Fall.

It was a sign!

Off a quiet weekend at home. Necessary after business the past couple weeks. During my trip to Chicago, I caught a glimpse of this. Wish I could remember the store.

Summer has been very good but a whirlwind of an adventure. I miss those simple days.

I'm enjoying every breath of August.
- family vacations
- jump starting 'I am OLD Lib'
- preserving our summer goodness (canned fruit and veggies)
- planting seedlings for winter crops (not already!)
- getting kids ready for school
- smelling the ocean and walking in sand
- going to the pool
- smores and tents
- working on some applique

There really is lots to love.

All in a row

We escaped to Lancaster, PA.



It really feels like a world away.




Enjoyed Central Market.

NYC bits of color

Fron our recent trip to NYC. Who is afraid of color?

 From cab as we passed New Museum, Ugo Rondinone.

Always time to squeeze in a visit and be overwhelmed (in the best way possible) at M&J Trimming. Grosgrain ribbons are for belts and re-decorating Viv and Oliver's rooms. G is painting as I write...



No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to my favorite junky costume jewelry shop, Jewelry Plaza. You can see my reflection if you look hard enough.

Fashion Week says 'Adios' to Bryant Park

G and I had a great time in NYC. Traveled via bus - cheap and fast. On the way there we sat on the top level, front seats. A bit too close for our liking. Did get a great pic on our approach.



Even after all these years, I still get excited arriving in NYC, like a little kid. I still can't believe we lived there during a small chunk of our married lives.



G and I looking like the 'Out of Towners' in front of the tents at Bryant Park.


Photographers in action at the Carlos Miele show.

Here's some pictures from the Carolina Herrera show.

You could hear the audience gasp when she came out in the dress of red. stunning.

  Loved the pop o' print.

 I just wanted to touch this fabric. Love the floaty jacket.

Love the PANTS!!



This was my favorite (although shaky picture does not do it justice). Looked like tweedy dress.


And here's my money shot...Anna Wintour at Carolina Herrera. We were sitting way up and still was able to get this great picture.




My ever-so-talented (and sassy) brother-in-law who designed these awesome tents.


LOVED the inspiration and peeking into another world on a 'typical' Monday morning.

In celebration of love

G and I are escaping our lovely, daily lives. We are off on a bus to NYC - Fashion Week. Kids are at home with my parents. Looking forward to seeing Andy and squeezing in as much goodness we can fit into 24 hours. Just happens to fall on V-day weekend. And off we go...

Closed for business

Forecasters were right. It's been snowing...lots! We have been fortunate to be inside with power, keeping warm. This snow is really wet and heavy. We're currently under Blizzard warning and expecting total 26 inches. We're having fun and getting a few things off the list (in a good way, of course): filing, napping, taxes, pancakes, soup, shoveling, to name a few.

I have a habit of not reading my magazine issue until we're actually in the month. So, this last night I was reading Country Living and read an article about a couple from Savannah who renovated their home. The name of the owner, Liz Demos, sounded familiar and, sure enough. G and I travelled to Savannah, GA about 4 years ago and had a lovely time. One of my favorite stores as @home - Vintage General. The store was filled with so many goodies - new and old. I kept saying to my husband how I would love to own such a shop - full of vintage items and then to have sewing and knitting classes. Well, I visited @home site today and am really sad to report that they are closing. It seems the owner, Liz Demos, has been thinking about it for awhile and that it is just difficult to keep a small town business open that does not sell necessities. So sad. From what I've read, it looks as if some products will be available for purchase via the Internet but still. Hearing about another small business closing just breaks my heart.

Thrifty Goodness

I love 'floating'. My cousins - Todd and Kim along with G and Ant D would float any given Saturday or Sunday when we lived in NJ. These days I recall fondly were pre-kids and now seem a lifetime ago. We would rise early and 'float' garage to estate sale and back again. The day usually ended with a meal prepared by Uncle C who had been cooking all day. I can taste his Vodka sauce now with tomatoes from his morning run to Corrado's.

We now live in another state and we can't float as often as we once did. I'd love to plan out some floating holidays back in NJ. In the meantime, I'm looking into my own local flea market adventures.

A couple weeks ago, my friend, Colleen, and I woke early (actually our normal time) and headed out with DD coffee in hand. Our inaugural trip was to Frederick, MD. What a sweet town. Very walkable and a great selection of stores.

One of my favorite spots was a Thrift store. Found this great house coat, hoping to re-purpose the flannel fabric.


I'm thinking a skirt for V or a bag. Don't you love vintage labels? I do.

Will share pics of other finds later. I see a return trip to Frederick in the new year.