prepare to be amazed

That is what caught my eye this month in Architectural Digest (AD) and I quickly downloaded the new app to my phone and was truly amazed. Enjoy!

The AD Amazing Kitchens App

"Architectural Digest's first ever app for the iPad and iPhone, AD Amazing Kitchens is an essential tool for those planning a remodel of one of the most important rooms in the home. Now with new products, more tips, and additional photos, it is your source for endless kitchen inspiriration from Ad, the international design authority. " 

http://itunes.apple.com

my treasures from weatherstone

Living on Long Island, I have access to so many wonderful things both here on the island, in nearby New York City, as well as the tri-state area.  It can be overwhelming to decide what to do and what I can squeeze in between family committments and the like.  So, when I got my newsletter from Carolyne Roehm about her "clearing out the attic sale," I lamented thinking here was another great event that I wouldn't have the chance to attend - 'so close, but yet so far' syndrome.  But, the stars aligned and I found myself with my family spending a beautiful day in Sharon, Connecticut with gorgeous weather and an all around wonderfully memorable day.  I had the thrill of meeting my all time favorite designer-- someone who has inspired me from the very beginning - my rockstar of the design world. Carolyne Roehm is an elegant, intelligent woman with tremendous talent and taste, and I was giddy when I realized she was standing behind me, helping everyone and enjoying the company of those around her at her attic sale.  I never thought in a million years Ms. Roehm would be at the sale and happily signing books adoring fans (for lack of a better word) had brought to the sale -- I have each and every book and never thought to bring them with me - darn it. Now, please understand, I am not easily impressed by fame or fortune - I'm a New Yorker and a Southerner - I have a deep respect for privacy and the rules of keeping one's distance.  But, I admit it, I was awestruck.  And rightfully so.  Ms. Roehm is an accomplished author, fashion designer, business owner - and as I witnessed, a sincerely warm person. I felt like a kid in a candy store - and my picture shows it!  I left Weatherstone with  beautiful blue silk vanity table skirt that is pictured in her books, as well as a wonderful antique brass frame and a vase that matches one I purchased online from her store before it closed (I miss it!) PS-After leaving Weatherstone, we stopped at Charlotte's Restaurant in Millbrook for an amazing meal served on their property overlooking neighboring horse farms with rolling green grass and white fences.  So picturesque and the meals were perfect.  Enjoy!

via http://www.carolyneroehm.com/

via http://www.charlottesny.com/

party all the time

What kind of mommy would I be, if while busily planning parties for those around me, to not plan a birthday party for my 7-year old twins?  They love having their birthday at the pool each year where we are members.  We've done this for a few years running, keeping it very casual with cupcakes from my local Cupcake Gourmet and chicken tenders and fries from the snack bar.   While it's "always" very hot and a little unruly -- the kids have a blast and the parents enjoy relaxing around the pool with a beautiful view out to the harbor.  There was no question when I saw this beautiful nautical themed invite from Party Box Design just 10 days before their party, that I knew I had to do something around this awesome design!  Unfortunately, our pool has many restrictions on what we can, and more often, cannot bring into the pool area - no glass, no food, no anything really - but, I endeavored to make it just a bit more special this year while adhering to the many rules the club has to keep everyone safe and happy.  Thanks to all my wonderful party friends out there who helped make it a bit more bearable in the 90+ degrees heat and humidity!  We melted, but thankfully nothing else did and in all the rush, all I forgot to pack in the supply box was the crinkle grass for the buckets.  P.S. the kids didn't even notice! Enjoy!

Party Friends Amazing Work:
Party Box Design for nautical themed invite and all paper party decor
Paper Polaroid on Etsy for Pinwheels
Beau-Coup for mini gumball machine
Sugar and Flour on Etsy for yummy sugar cookies
Pushpop containers from CupKates Event Design on Facebook
Straw Flags from Loralee Lewis on Etsy