Who knew there was so much to learn about cutting board maintenance?
It's time to re-evaluate our media diet.
Giving these jean alternatives some serious consideration.
This cheat sheet on keeping houseplants alive is mandatory reading.
How to sip your way to a flawless complexion. (Spoiler alert: Lots of water ahead.)
Our new-found favorite day date spot is here.
Happy Weekending!
-MC-
Friday Finds: Spring Fling Edition
Image Credit: KevinCafaro
The first day of spring, it snowed. And although it was really just a dusting, it was as if Mother Nature was saying, "Now wait just a minute..." Thankfully it seems spring has spring (for real) and not a moment too soon! Here a few things I'm excited about this season:
- Farmer's Markets - We try to eat as seasonally as possible, and I'm so ready for zucchini, artichokes, fresh herbs, and sweet peas. Here is a cheat sheet for what produce to pick up this season.
-Tulips! Any color, any style, and combination is perfect. They add instant springiness (real word?) to any room and the more, the merrier!
- Banishing tights (and socks) for good. Each year, I do this rather stupid thing where once I stop wearing tights, I can't go back. Instead, I'll opt for fun patterned pants (these wide leg and these paisley print are amazing!) or jeans, flats and slightly chilled ankles. Does this make total sense? Not really, but it's a self-inflicted rule that I refuse to break. My bare ankles take a stance and will the warm weather upon us.
- Weekend escapes. We try to get out and explore all year round (two weeks ago we stayed in a 19th century lighthouse!), but doing so in the spring (and the fall) is the best! Warm enough to venture out of the car to check out hidden spots, but without the summer traffic!
- My Birthday!!
- Bike Rides. Lazy afternoon rides near the beach are my favorite. How fun are these cruisers in aqua?!
What's on your spring to-do list?
-MC-
Craving Warmth
I don't know about you, but I'm seriously ready for some sun, and not the hovering-slightly-above-freezing sunny day we had today. After a few scrolls through Instagram, where it seems like everyone is at the beach, I'm ready to pack my bags for warmer locales. Here is what I'd bring!
1. J-CrewSunglasses in Betty/ 2. Dolce & Gabbana /3. Tuckernuck Tassle Earrings / 4. Eugenia Kim Fedora/ 5. Tory Burch Tunic/ 6. Butter London Polish in Jolly Good 7. Castaner Espadrilles/ 8. Calypso Tote
Here's to thinking warm thoughts!
-MC-
5 Lust-Worthy Hostess Gifts to Ensure You Get Invited Back
August is here (can you believe it?!) and it's time to squeeze every last bit of summer left. Insist that every meal be eat outside, order one more glass (ok, two) of rose, and extend that weekend an extra day. And while summer may be winding down, giving the perfect hostess gift is always in season. These gorgeous gifts not only show gratitude but are sure to score you an invite to the next wave of festivities come fall.
1. Flowers are always a winner and you can never have enough roses. This Landeau bouquet is available in a variety of hues to match her style.
2. What better way to say "Cheers" to summer than these anchor ice trays?!
3. Ideal for the home chef, this recipe journal is as practical as it is beautiful.
4. The perfect little something to accompany the traditional bottle of bubbly.
5. Candles can be tricky, but if you know your hostess well enough to be able to sniff out her style, they are a truly thoughtful gift. Every time she lights it, she'll be reminded of you! Le Feu De L'eau Candles are shaped by water and couldn't be more decadent. Extra points if accompanied by these gorgeous Apothecary Matches.
What's your favorite hostess gift to give or receive?
-MC-
Weekend Warrior
May is one of my favorite months. Not only is it my birthday (!), but May represents the kick off to summer AND that means summer Fridays. Those blissful days of wrapping up at 1pm and getting a jumpstart on the weekend. And whether catching the cannonball out East or heading upstate, one thing is for sure, you need your bag to travel (and look great while doing so). Check out the below options to take on the weekend in style.
-MC-
Spring Showers
Every once in a while I love a nice rainy day. It forces you inside and under the covers and is the perfect excuse get cozy and lazy. Today's soft drizzle is effectively removing the last bits of snow and has me dreaming of spring. Each season Mr. C and I create a list of sights we'd like to see, date spots we'd like to try, and things we'd like to do. Here are just a few things that I'm looking forward to once spring officially gets going:
Image Source: MIMI+MEG
- Picnics. I'm slightly obsessed with picnics, and this past Christmas I got the best picnic basket ever! (Similar one here) I'm so excited to head to Central Park or upstate with this beauty in tote.
- Baking inspiration. I'm always on the hunt for a new recipe, and I try to create a few "Food Goals" for things I might be intimidated to try. Currently topping the list - croissants, these biscuits, and soft pretzels. Bring on the gluten!
- Tennis - I haven't played, or even attempted to play, in years, but I'd love to pick up a racket again.
-Polo Match - I've been dying to go to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic forever. Hopefully we can get tickets this year. I have my hat all ready to go.
-Spring Sites - Living in an apartment, I'm a bit starved for flowers. I'd love to get my floral fix at The Orchid Show.
What's on your Spring to-do list?
-MC-
Must See: Mac Conner: A New York Life
Image Source: Mac Conner, How Do You Love Me?
This week Mr. C and I are enjoying some time off in between the holidays, and I couldn't be more excited for our mini stay-cation. We're sleeping in, enjoying lazy hikes along the beach, and we finally got to check out the exhibit I've been dying to see since September - Mac Conner: A New York Life at the Museum of the City of New York! (I originally learned about it here.) It was seriously amazing! Mac Conner was a true Mad Man whose work combined glamour, intrigue, and sizzle through advertisements, magazine stories and novel illustrations. According to the Wall Street Journal, his work "seduced a generation of young families with a new American Dream" and you can absolutely see why. Each illustration is perfection.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the exhibit:
Image Source - All Mac Conner. 1. The Girl That was Crazy About Jimmy Durante/ 2. Let's Take a Trip Up The Nile/ 3. The Good Husband/ 4. The Trouble With Love/ 5. No Kiss for Kate/ 6. Advertisement for Plymouth/ 7. Advertisement for United Airlines
Mac Conner: A New York Life will be live through January 19th. For more information - visit.
-MC-
Happy Autumn
Today is the first official day of Fall. The mornings are crisp and it's getting dark earlier and earlier. And while I'll certainly miss the heat, I admit that I really do love Fall. It's Mr. C's birthday and later, our anniversary, and is our favorite season to be outdoors. Here are some Fall favorites:
- Apple-Picking - We went on Sunday and have been eating apples ever since (and by the number of apples of varying sorts on the counter right now, looks we will be for a while!)
- Picnics - I'm a total sucker for a picnic. Give me a blanket, some yummy bites and a pretty view, and I'm set. (Wine optional, but always preferred.) Spring and Summer picnics are fantastic, but there is something special about the Fall. Less people, more leaves - sold. We took a trip to Jockey Hallow this weekend and set up a little spread in a field. Surrounded by trees and an amazing garden, it was the perfect weekend respite.
- Bold Beauty - Once you go vamp, you can't go back (until at least April). Embrace the deep Bordeaux, oxblood and plum hues you've been drooling over all summer.
- Spicy Treats - Whether it's that pumpkin chai latte or adding extra cinnamon to everything, Fall is all about warm, decadent flavors.
- Chunky Knits - Is there anything better than a cozy sweater? Nope. Fisherman, Cashmere, want them all.
- Plaid - Skirts, shirts, scarves. Love, especially paired with denim.
- The Leaves - Let's face it - there is something truly awe-inspiring about the changing colors. Hit the road for the day to check them out (the Hudson Valley is incredible this time of year) or take a stroll in Central Park. Either way, it's time to get outside and enjoy the foliage.
MC
Friday Finds
Fall is swiftly approaching, and while the official "start date" is still a few days away - Monday!- I'm gearing up for all things Autumn. Here are a few things that have caught my eye:
- Apple picking is one of my favorite Fall activities. Just the thought has me dreaming of apple sauce (canning! or I guess jarring?), pies and cider doughnuts. This lists out the best spots to go picking in the tri-state area.
- There is a very small window of time that is just crisp enough for sweaters and a light jacket (or cape!) without having having to truly bundle. I stumbled upon these at Madewell, and I basically want one in every color.
- Cool weather = boot weather. Make sure they look brand new with these boot cleaning tips. Hesitant to touch up your leather? Seek professional help and make a date with your local cobbler/cleaner.
- Is there anything better than curling up with a good book? This one looks like a fun and breezy read.
- My OCD has seemingly no bounds, and I'm compelled to watch movies that take place in the fall during the fall. My fave: The Thomas Crown Affair.
Happy Weekend!
MC
Greenwood Gardens
View from the center of the garden
This weekend, we finally made it out to Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills. A private home set on over 20 idyllic acres, Greenwood Gardens is now open to the public for private tours and the informal stroll. Complete with European-inspired formal gardens, and dotted with modern art, Greenwood was the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday. I'm not sure if they host private events yet, but it really was a spectacular location, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the highway and nearby town. My favorite part? The freshly brewed iced tea that greeted guests upon arrival.
Here are a few shots of property:
The original reflecting pool
A pond at the lower end of the property
Channeling Seven Oaks
Fountain Relic
Sculptures with dramatic backdrops
Stone Steps