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Nursery: It’s a Boy!

My much anticipated trip to London had to be canceled.  As sad as I am to miss out on this trip, it has forced me to finally focus on putting together a nursery for our baby boy due in September.  As this is our second time around, I definitely want this room to be made for us (Mom and Dad) as well.  The aero bed we used in Logan’s nursery just didn’t cut it. We are putting a daybed in the room this time for comfort during feedings and (intervals of) sleep. See below for the look and sources! I bought my rug from Patterson Flynn Martin but this Serena and Lily one is very similar.  

Flushount – Wallpaper – Lamp – Daybed – Side table – Coffee table – Crib – Dresser/changing – Topper – Rug 

 

Daybed Fabric – Trim – Window Treatment Fabric – Trim – Bedding – Throw

Go there: Nantucket

As a New Englander I have loved my summer time in Nantucket.  Instagram does not lie on this one, the island is truly as beautiful as it looks through the curated lens.  The sweet cottages covered in roses, the hydrangeas that look like they can’t possibly be real and the super cute cobblestone streets all make me so happy I could squeal.. and I do! every. time.  Now look, I realize that what I am about to outline may not be groundbreaking for those familiar with the island but not everyone is familiar with this little slice of heaven, so let me break it down for those who have not yet had the pleasure.

Where to stay

Either we rent a house or stay at the White Elephant but there are many other great places as well.  I have heard good things about, The Veranda House and I stayed once at the Jared Coffin House but the room was so small I can’t really comment on much.

I have stayed in the White Elephant main house, the cottages and the village.  All are great. 

The cottages are just adjacent to the property and have a sweet little courtyard in the back.  Many different room and suite options.  I have stayed there with my mom for mother daughter trips.

White elephant main house, convenient and cozy.  Some rooms have fireplaces and balconies. Suites available

The village, perfect for families.  Some have kitchens which is great for families.  Eating some meals back at the pad is a great option since eating out can get very pricy but also not always convenient when you have little one who need to eat, like NOW.  There is also a pool on property.  You can use it if you stay in the main house but it is located at the village.

The cottage I stayed in with my mom

Lounging on the front lawn

The main hotel and the front lawn

Where to eat

Millie’s *kid friendly*, Madaket

Right next to the beach, great drinks and realllly good food. Elevated casual. Beach attire totally fine.

Greydon House, in town

Roman and Williams interiors, great food, great drinks

View of Greydon House from the street

Interiors at Greydon House in the bar area

Interiors at Greydon House in the restaurant

Cru, in town

Kind of a scene but beautiful interiors and great view.  Go for an adult night out for either dinner or drinks.

Great views at Cru

Topper’s @ Wauwinet

Get ready to spend some serious ‘do re mi’ but it is a one of a kind experience.  It is located at Wauwinet, the White Elephant sister property.  I like to go once a season.  If you are staying in or close to town you can make a reservation through the White Elephant for 5pm at the boat, you take the White Elephant boat (dock in front of the White Elephant lawn) to the restaurant and have a three course meal and then take the boat back at 8.  They serve cocktails on the boat on the way there and you can take a cocktail with you from the restaurant on the way back but after the martinis you may not need it! Great sunset and great way to take in the island.  Boat ride cocktails are free but you will feel like you deserve it once you get the bill for dinner.

  

Boat ride from White Elephant to Topper’s

The lawn at Wauwinet

Martini service anyone? On the lawn at Wauwinet

View from the boat as you walk to the lawn

Sunset and hydrangeas on the lawn

Met Main *kid friendly*, in town

Great hangover food. Great drinks. I like this place for brunch.  You can make your own bloody Mary’s with a mini burger as a topper. Great interior and great patio out back.

Inside at Met Main

Ventuno *kid friendly* but go early, in town

This place has the best Italian food but the back patio turns into a bit of a scene when the sun goes down.  I love sitting on the back patio for dinner and not moving as it gets crowded!

Chanticleer *kid friendly*, Sconset

This place is so charming, from the blue and white gingham table cloths to the carefully thought over garden and merry go round vintage horse this restaurant has nailed it.  The food is great.  I like a table outside on the patio.  After lunch take a walk around ‘Sconset and check out all of the cottages.

Outside patio

The Rose house in ‘Sconset

For brunch you have to go to the White Elephant Brant Point Grill.  Weekends, they have a buffet brunch that is the best.  

Galley Beach, near Jetties

Great for sunset drinks

Galley Beach

The Pearl, in town

Food is very good, Asian fusian.  Very filling!

 

Where to go: Beaches

Madaket

This is my favorite beach. Surf is pretty tame. You can park and the beach is right there, you don’t have to hike to lay out your stuff.  The beach is also pretty wide open, you can take a nice walk and hunt for shells.  Always pop into Millie’s for lunch.  They have great Cisco cocktails and the most amazing food.  It is super close to the beach, walkable.  You can also grab picnic food at the store attached to Millie’s.  It has more elevated food choices.  You can also buy kegs here.

Madaket

Surfside

My issue with this beach is that it is kind of a hike from your parking spot.  Also, the food shack is the only option for food, picture hot dogs and other greasy options.  There are a couple picnic tables near the shack.  Quick and dirty but gets the job done. Beach is fine, more active surf, if that is your thing.

Jetties

This beach is great. It is kid friendly and has a beach restaurant with great drinks.  The food is not high end by any means but it is fine.  There is a little shop that you can buy last minute beach things and it has a bathroom.  You walk a little bit to set up your stuff but there is a walkway that makes it a little easier.  

Children’s Beach right next to the White Elephant in town. No surf, just sand.  The only thing that weirds me out about this place is that you are in the harbor basically so there is boat oil etc.  It’s like I protect my kid all day from toxins and then throw him in a cesspool. It isn’t awful or obviously gross but it may weird you out too. There is a playground and lawn toys and a snack bar here too.  

Cisco Not for the faint of heart.  As a grown adult I am nervous standing on the sand as the waves look like they could swallow you.  On a foggy day, I find it terrifying.  If you are a surfer, this is where you want to be.  If you are looking to boogie board get ready to fight for your space brah. 

 

What to do for adults

Cisco Brewery *kid friendly* More than your average Beer Garden

You HAVE to go to Cisco.  This is not a suggestion.  I remember going over a decade ago when the founders were just starting out and it was a couple of guys playing bags in the back with some beers on tap.  It is now a SERIOUS operation but has still maintained a very cool laid back vibe.  They have wine, beer and amazing aptly named cocktails, The Chad anyone? Also food trucks, oysters and live music.  Kids run around and dance and it is just heaven. They also have the most delish Froze (frozen rose).  

Chicken Box, a little out of town

Ok, I am old enough to be almost everyone’s mother in here and it smells like years of spilled beer and the floor is that sticky floor that, well you get the picture but it is SO FUN! We went last year one night after Cru and the band played old school hip hop all night.  We had the time of our lives.  Go and don’t take yourself so seriously.

Cru, In town by the water

Kind of a scene but beautiful interiors and view.  Go for an adult night out either for dinner or drinks. 

Lola, in town

You need to make a reservation at exactly 4pm for a same day res to get a spot.  At 4:05 you may not get one.  They do not give preference to those who are in line vs on phone, which is annoying.  Or you need to know someone with a standing reservation.  The food is good but you really go for the scene.  Open late and very loud, you can try and pop in for a standing room only drink.

 

What to do for kids

Critter Cruise, from town docks

Loved this! 

 

Aquarium

Rent a bike with the trailer for them to sit in.  Great bike trails all around the island.  One of my husbands favorite things to do.  If you are staying in town, it is kind of a pain to maneuver so you may need to walk the bike a bit until you get out of the congestion.

Playground at Children’s beach

Whaling Museum, in town- interesting for adults too

Juice Bar (ice cream shop), in town- what is summer without waiting in line for ice cream while smelling the wafting smell of freshly made waffle cones?  Childhood memories made here.

A little bit out of town you can rent paddle boards, for older kids

 

Where to shop

Serenella (clothing)

Gypsy (clothing)

David Chase (clothing)

CJ Laing (clothing)

 

Milly & Grace (clothing)

Skinny Dip (clothing)

Nantucket Looms (interiors)

Bodega (interiors)

 

 

 

Kitchen favs

Sharing some of my favorite kitchen items and brands today.  These are the things I use often and usually keep on the counters. 

 

 

Butter keeper

I never knew how much I needed this until I had one.  My step mom gave it to me and now I’m obsessed.  Fresh room temperature spreadable butter all the time..amazing!

 

Salt Cellar

Salt & Cellar Gift Set

I bought this as a Christmas gift this year and totally forgot I had it.  Christmas passed, I found it, so I kept it and I love it!  I just keep it next to the stove for easy access.

 

Dish towels

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I have a minor obsession with dish towels and have a whole drawer filled with them.  I pick them up from William Sonoma, Anichini outlet in Quechee, VT, Farmhouse Pottery and really any time I see cute ones on sale.

 

The Unpaper Towel

Just bought these and can’t wait to test them out!

 

Bread Board

I have a lot of different boards from Simon Pearce.  I use them for cheese plates and appetizers.

They are all so beautiful I leave some out all the time!

 

Marble Cheese Board

Marble Round Board

I like to keep a lot of cooking items next to my stove, olive oil, ghee, salt, pepper, etc.  To keep it organized and looking intentional, I keep everything on this raised marble plate. 

 

Beehive Crock

Beehive Crock

I have a few of these as well and keep all the various utensils in them. Spatulas, wooden spoons, etc.  I have also used them for flowers.

 

Wood Spoons

I have a whole Farmhouse pottery beehive crock filled with different shapes and sizes of wooden spoons.  I use them for cooking and for serving dishes as well.

 

White Bowls

Colleen Hennesey Bowl: Gloss White Low Bowl

I have a million white serving bowls.  I have a beautiful large salad one from this store in Cambridge.  Everything here is beautiful, stop in if you are local!  I have some glass cabinets and keep some on display.

 

Berry Baskets

BerryBoxColander5p25inWhtSHF16

I bought a couple of these years ago and still use them every week.  You can use them to rinse the fruit and then store them in the fridge.  You can even use them to serve for casual breakfast/brunch or just keep them on the counter.

Spoon Rest

Laurel Spoon Rest

Ok, so I am slightly obsessed with Farmhouse Pottery.  Everything they make is so clean, simple and beautiful.. and hand crafted!  If you haven’t been to their workshop in Quechee you need to go!  

 

Cake Stand

Glass Cake Dome, Large

I have this one from William Sonoma and try to make a fresh treat each week.  Sometimes something healthy like sweetened with dates banana muffins or something more decadent like double fudge brownies.

 

Fruit Stand

Rustic3TierFruitBasketSHF16

Mine is white from Farmhouse Pottery but it was a one off that I picked up.  This one is similar. Keeps everything organized and in view so you are more likely to use things before they go bad.

 

What are your must-haves in the kitchen?

 

xoST

 

 

 

 

 

Love Affair: Maine

That last storm we had in New England was pretty intense.  I love that our neighborhood has a lot of beautiful mature trees but when it snows 2′, it becomes terrifying!  We didn’t leave the house for two days and I spent some time looking through our books while my toddler played.  I have a million books, so it was nice to have a little time to appreciate them.  I was looking through Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People and the images of Marina Rust and her life in Maine brought tears to my eyes. I’ve seen them before of course but this summer we rented a house in Maine and I can’t wait to share this special place with my then almost three year old son.

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If you have ever been to Maine, the moment you look at these pictures you just know that these were taken in southern Maine.  That coast line is like no other.  You can smell the slight chill that is always in the air except for maybe a short lived two week break in August.

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Photos: Conde Nast

I have spent time in Maine every single summer since I was eight days old.  Rumor has it I was eating lobster on the deck at Barnacle Billy’s but I doubt it went that far.  I’m sure my subconscious remembers the moment, if you have ever sat on that deck you know what I mean.  The boats, the water, the midday sun, the clanging of the sails, it is heaven and you never want to leave.

Another book that caught my eye earlier this year which I revisited yesterday was Gil Shafer’s, A Place to Call Home.  The New England pool house he designed for a client, is awe inspiring.  I think about it at least once a day.

See what I mean..

See the source image

Photography: Billy Cunningham in AD

The attention to detail and the importance placed on feeling is evident in all of his work.

But his house in Maine and the connection he felt when he rented the house one summer and then made it his own, is something I can truly understand.

 

Photography: Simon Upton

Part of what I love about Maine is that nothing is too precious.  Floors are creaky, antiques are in the house because the previous owner left them or they have been in the family for generations. 

I can remember our simple house in Maine growing up, we had a hand crank coffee grinder in the kitchen attached to the wall, an outdoor shower, and an attic loft with a bunch of twin beds always filled with kids.  It was everything a summer house should be and nothing more.

This summer I look forward to lunch at Barnacle Billy’s and sitting on that deck, walking the marginal way, trolley rides, candy store trips, and long days at the beach making drip castles and eating ice cream. Maybe we will buy a house there before the summer is over.. wouldn’t that be nice!

What are your favorite summer memories?

xoST

 

 

 

 

 

Playroom- The mini apartment

Since we purchased our home a little over a year ago, I have been so excited to transform this little closet/storage area into a playroom.  It is located on the 3rd floor off one of the guest bedrooms.  I want to set it up like a mini apartment. I posted an instagram story yesterday polling if a leopard rug was a good idea for a boys’ playroom.  The results were just about even.  Slightly in favor of yes! fun!  I have mapped out two different options for the playroom that I have in mind.  It is primarily for boys but they will have girl friends, right?!  The jungle look and the classic contemporary look.  Let me know what you think!

Here is an image of the existing space.  We have an existing bookcase, linked here, and an existing kitchen, linked here, that we are using.

Here is the floorplan I have mapped out for the space

 

Now the two looks!

Stark carpet – Chair

Pouf – Light

Stark Carpet – Chair – Pillow

Ottoman – Light

Thinking we would use the same table and chairs in both looks

Chairs – Table

 

These are the core items, will obviously fill in with fun art, toys, baskets, maybe wallpaper? etc.   But this is the start!

What do you think?  Did you change your vote??

xoST

cover image via pinterest

 

 

Garden Party!

If you are in New England this nor’easter we are having may be hiding the fact that spring is on the way.. but with daylight savings this weekend I am already starting to plan a spring/summer calendar of events!  Check out some of my tabletop inspiration and some of the books I constantly reference for my parties. Cheers!

 

Tabletop

Shop!

Salad Plates – Party Bowl

 

Shop!

Cabbage Plate – Bamboo Silverware

Shop!

Asparagus Majolica – Cabbage Bowl

 

Linens

Shop!

Placemat – Cocktail Napkins

Shop!

Multi Cocktail Napkins – Green Cocktail Napkins

 

Shop!

Tablecloth – Linen Napkins

My ‘go-to’ party books

 

The queen, sorry Martha! Every recipe you follow, it comes out perfectly!

This book is not spring specific but has menus and ideas for all kinds of parties from Sunday brunch to snow day.  She gives tips from what worked, and didn’t work, at her own parties.  My favorite pizza making party is in this book as well.

Buy it!

Ok, truth, I own every single one of her books.  This one I love the kids section and have used these recipes a lot! She has the cutest story of when she threw a mocktail party for a group of young kids. Her mac and cheese recipe is in this book as well and always a huge hit!

Buy it!

This book is packed with great entertaining info! Darcy has worked for Martha Stewart for more than twenty years, soo yeah she knows what she’s doing.  Martha even wrote the foreword.  

Buy it!

I have to admit, I have had this book for a long time and didn’t even open it until recently.  I am glad I did because it has some great and different ideas!  Gives some good tips and how to enjoy the party and not stress.  

Buy it!

This book has some great recipes if you are hosting a group at a summer home or for weekend guests.  Grilled doughnuts with Nutella and Nectarine with cream cheese sandwiches.. yes please!

Buy it!

Camille Styles sets the scene for every season in this book.  Everything from recipes to activities to décor.

Buy it!

I am obsessed with tiny food! It is also a great option when you have adults and children at the same party.  Easy for everyone and sooo cute!

Buy it!

Also, just purchased this 

William Sonoma knows what they are doing, I have used this book many times.  Sometimes, at Thanksgiving, I’ve been known to take the recipe pamphlet from the checkout at WS and just make the whole menu.  I may have done this same pamphlet meal the past four years.  Shhhhh.  Point is, their recipes are tested and are good. This book gives planning, drink and menu tips.

Buy it!

Also a good one.  Party ideas,  a bit more formal but very beautiful.

Buy it!

 

cover image via pinterest

Logan’s (almost) big boy room

 

Boys’ bedroom by the talented mother daughter team McGrath II. 

You can never go wrong with red, white, and blue! (and a pop of yellow too!)

Our son Logan has just turned 2 1/2 and has no interest in getting rid of his crib, or his changing table for that matter. Boys! So we are upgrading his nursery, leaving these last two items to remain for now. 

Check it out! 

 

I added a navy blue tape to the Deconstructed Stripe Roman for this kind of look by Lindsay Speace

Shop!

Area Rug – Photography – Hunt Slonem – Schumacher Deconstructed Stripe

Shop!

Crib – Rocker and Ottoman – Garden Stool

Shop!

Eames Chair – Clarence House Fabric – Schumacher Ikat fabric 

Shop!

Hamper – Flushmount – Lamp – Lampshade

Photos of completed room coming soon!!

xoST

 

 

 

Shopping Trip: NYC

Now that I have moved to Boston my trips to NYC are quick and jam packed.  I put aside some time between client meetings to check out some of my favorite shops to see what’s new and well, shop!  I thought I would share some of my go tos. These shops follow a somewhat straight line from downtown to uptown.  I did not include shops that have you zig zagging across the city.   

All the shops are linked!

 

 

Flair 

Image

(via flair)

This store is great for accessory shopping, they have curated selection of glass vases, shagreen boxes and various objects.  Definitely one of my favorite places. 

Image

(via flair)

John Derian

This quirky whimsical shop is a must see.  I was last in around Christmas and it was just filled with decorations and one of a kind gifts.  

 

Roman and Williams Guild

So this is a new one that just recently opened and my first time in was this week.  They have a delish restaurant and bakery, a flower shop and a home shop in the back.  It is worth the trip.  The interiors are absolutely stunning as expected from the Roman and Williams crew.  The wall color and treatment is outta control.

 

The Webster

So this is also a new one, about four months old.  I read about it in AD on the train ride in and thought I would pop in since I was already planning on going to rwguild.  The interiors are funky and expensive, so is the product, but it is definitely worth the stop.  They had a pop up Chloe display that was stellar.  They occupy the whole building and have jewelry, kids, womens, mens and some home.  The salespeople are super fashion enthusiasts. 

Moma Store (downtown)

This may seem like a silly one but I always pop in.  It is quirky and you can grab some great gifts and filler accessories.  I also pop in because it is across the street from Balthazar, which is my go to for lunch when I am downtown making my way up.

The future perfect

Another great accessory, lighting and furniture shop where you will find things you won’t see anywhere else.  

Santa Maria Novella

This is one of my all time favorite places.  It is beautiful and smells like heaven.  I always buy client gifts here and always pick up their burning papers.  They are the best!  I can never get them online but they always have them in the store, just ask!

Pearl River Mart

Just fun! and kind of an institution. I used to work around the corner when I was at Jed Johnson and it was just a great escape and I would always find something for hostess gifts or a table setting.  Cheap and cheerful!

The antique shops on 10th and 11th by university just under union square are outstanding and have stood the test of time.  Hostler Burrows, Anthony Todd, Maison Gerard, O’Sullivan Antiques 

ABC Home

I used to live a block over from ABC and it is a huge store with a huge selection of everything from jewelry, accessories, clothing, furniture, kids shop, bath, linens, really everything.  Even a restaurant.  A must see.  

Jung Lee

Love this store! They have some unique art, tabletop and accessories.  The interior itself is beautiful as well!

 

Making your way uptown.

 

Bergdorfs the women’s store (men’s is across the street, east side)

I am not alone in my love for Bergdorf’s.  It is one of my favorite places.  I love the BG restaurant, I take a seat by the window overlooking central park and it is just the best.  Interiors by Kelly Wearstler with de Gourney wallcovering doesn’t hurt either.  I usually pop into the restaurant first for another bite and a glass of champagne (oops!) and then do a loop around the home floor located on the same level.  They have vintage tabletop, books, accessories, linens, and even a kids section.  Enjoy!

See the source image

I mean.. (via link)

See the source image

This seat is everything! (via link)

Mecox

This Upper East Side shop is always changing their inventory and have great accessories.  I just bought these..

and these

Some great finds if you hit it right!

Lexington Gardens

This store is like entering another world.  It has live birds, garden accessories and hostess gifts.

KRBNYC

Love this place!! They are constantly updating their inventory and have such fun, unique things!  Kate Schelter has her watercolors hanging on the wall.  Christopher Spitzmiller has some of his plates and garden stools scattered about.  They are also always having events.  Right now they are having a pillow pop up!

 

If you have time to travel a bit farther east.  You should look at Bunny Williams and Gerald Bland in the Fine arts building as well as Liz O’Brien’s shop on 61st street.  

What are your favorites?  Always looking for new spots!

xoST