by elizabeth on May 22, 2013
I played hooky last Friday and spent the day spelunking at Brimfield. I made the executive decision the night before when I saw the weather was going to be perfect. 70* and sunny – not too hot or cold and very dry. Unfortunately, so did 10,573 other people. The last time I went to Brimfield was in September 2011 and I found the disc beads that changed the way I paint and make jewelry. There’s something about beads buried in a gigantic mound just waiting to be found. I went this time with the simple hope of finding a little inspiration, getting off-line and outside, poking around dusty/rusty junk, people watching and maybe finding a few frames to spruce up things at home.
Right away I found the surly woman with the vintage costume jewelry whom I first met in 2011. I scored three more Trifari pins in hopes of fashioning another necklace or three. I went from there to the fabulous bead catastrophe tent but nothing caught my eye like a couple years ago so I moved on. I meandered to a few other fields and spotted a few gold-ish frames that I snagged with hopes of refashioning them for my walls like Jenny Komenda did here. At this point I was dusty, hungry and tired but I pushed on and came upon Capitol Salvage from Tolland, CT. I’ll just leave you with this - Inspiration Jackpot. I’ve got a #craftup2013 idea brewing for my studio and you’ll have to wait and see.
I wish I’d taken more pictures while I was there but the mass of humanity with their unwieldy shopping baskets steered with one hand while carrying their matli-poo-kin-ese made it hard to snap, shop and survive.
What about you? Did you make it to Brimfield this year? What treasures did you find and what do you regret not buying? I’d love to see!
by elizabeth on May 16, 2013
Here’s the evening version of the view from our room and it only got better from there. Our last night in Turks and Caicos we were treated to breathtaking sunset cocktails followed by dinner on the beach and then moonbathing by the bonfire. I’ll get to the moonbathing part in a minute but first, some photos from local photographers Paradise Photography
Simple, elegant and so pretty. I watched the Regent Palms staff, from my chaise lounge on the beach, set this up over the course of two hours that afternoon. I will admit that for every box, bag and cart they dragged onto the beach I couldn’t help but think what a pain it would be to have to take it all away when we were finished (much) later that night. (PS it took them much less time to disassemble)
Once again, I’m wearing stripes but the important thing to note is the perfect summer cocktail – The Grand Fizz (champagne, Grand Marnier and grapefruit juice)
Even though I’m not a crustacean/mollusk fan I can appreciate a menu like this especially when the palette cleanser is a Lemon Lime Sorbet and Belvedere Vodka shooter. Another great idea for fun summer drinks people.
And now for the moonbathing explanation. It’s when you sit around an open bonfire with your Grand Marnier 100 (Bob) or Ruinart Champagne (me) while the spa performs head / neck / shoulder massages. Seriously. It was unbelievable.
We brought our anniversary champagne to the beach Sunday morning to share with our fellow boondogglers and toast the weekend. It made leaving just a little bit easier.
all photos courtesy of Paradise Photography unless otherwise noted
by elizabeth on May 15, 2013
This trip was a highlight for us – a four day trip to Providenciales in Turks & Caicos where we stayed in the Regent Palms on Grace Bay Beach. It was an incentive trip for Bob but it just so happened to coincide with our 21st wedding anniversary – perfect timing! We’d never been before but we would go back in a heart beat. It was a few days of sun, food and drinks – after all, this trip was made possible by Moët Hennessy / Grand Marnier.
Here now is a visual recap of our few days in paradise. I pulled some of these photos from my instagram feed so they may look familiar and the debut of my second blog video.
the morning view from our suite. (I just realized there’s someone swimming underwater in this photo)
When we checked into our room there was a lovely bottle of anniversary champagne waiting for us.
the weather was sketchy for our snorkel cruise on Friday but that didn’t stop us (top photo courtesy of Paradise Photography)
using only a snorkel mask and your feet you can find some serious sand dollar / conch shell loot along the sandy ocean bottom (PS the brown sand dollars are still alive so we threw them back)
Please enjoy my amateur iPhone video and editing skillz -
We dined off resort Friday night at Coco Bistro (top photo courtesy of) outside under the cover of gorgeous lit palm trees. Get this – our waiter overhead the conversation about our anniversary and gifted us with this special dessert. Now THAT’S service.
Check back tomorrow for a recap of our last night - we were treated to a phenomenal dinner on the beach complete with sunset cocktails (obviously), music and ‘moonbathing’ by a bonfire.
by elizabeth on May 14, 2013
I’m not sure what it is but I can’t get enough of this black and white business and fortunately Zara is on board. good news? each of these beauties is under $100 and I would like all four in my closet please.
by elizabeth on May 13, 2013
cloche / earrings / embroidered top / tassel necklace / clutch / palazzo pants / metallic mary janes
I didn’t get to the theater this weekend to see Great Gatsby but it’s happening this week for sure which got me to thinking how much fun it would be to get a group together to see the show and dress the part. You could either go full-on flapper style or something very wearable and current. Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear show was all about this look and I love it. I put a Great Gatsby inspired outfit together last summer for a Friday’s Fancies with {av} and thought it might be fun to try again. I actually have versions of pieces from both of these outfits in my closet – each of which were purchased between eight and ten years ago which proves the point about buying classic pieces and taking care of them.
And if you enjoy all things 1920 you should check out the pinterest board of blogger / interior designer Lynda Quintero-Davids called ‘deco details‘ – she’s got some great finds.
What about you – have you seen the movie?
by elizabeth on May 11, 2013
here’s the birthday girl last month in Florida taking a selfie on my phone (wearing stripes just like her mother.) her sweet sixteen last year was celebrated with a lulupalooza weekend but we’re marking #17 with far less palooza. that and her birthday usually gets lumped in with Mother’s Day which is fine by me. After all she’s 1/3 of the reason I get to celebrate.
Lulu has always been a sensitive and caring kid who loves to laugh. She makes friends easily, has a really big heart and she’s not afraid to stand up for what’s right. She’s truly beautiful inside and out. I’d like to take all of the credit but as I’ve said before, these kids come hard-wired and she definitely didn’t get her speed and athletic ability from me. it’s been so fun to watch Lulu grow into a confident, strong, kind and clever young woman and I’m incredibly proud to say that she’s mine. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LULU!!!
