Thursday, December 29, 2011

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings - Cross Creek

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!  I was in Florida for a week. The weather was perfect. It was a very fun trip made even better as we added an adventure to see the cousins in Ocala. It was a gorgeous drive through horse country.  We made a small detour to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Cross Creek, (which is between Ocala and Gainesville) it is preserved as a historic site in a state park. As she knew we were headed that way, my mother had suggested that I read the book Cross Creek about her life there. We had lunch in the small town of Micanopy which is mentioned throughout the book.  If you have a chance, you should visit.  If you won't be anywhere near it consider the book which I enjoyed immensely!


Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is most well know as the Pulitzer prize winning author of The Yearling.  This is also the name of a favorite restaurant just down the road from the Cross Creek site. It was closed the day we were there but I've heard quite a few recommendations for it from the Florida cousins and others, so I would be remiss if I failed to mention it in this post.


What did you do for the Holidays?


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Do me a favor

Here is a fun party idea.  It is festive and reminiscent of a Christmas cracker but just colorful enough to be appropriate for non-Christmas events as well.

Kate Spade Prize Ball


Unwrap yards and yards of crepe paper streamers to reveal hidden surprises. It's a melange of trinkets and treats that are both festive and fun. The crepe paper wrapped ball is filled with surprises including: tic tac toe game, barrel of monkeys, pop balloon, custom spade tattoo, custom mini book, mini deck of cards, beaded necklace and a whistle! enjoy!

I thought it would be a cute idea to put one at each place for a dinner party.   The customer care people at Kate Spade assure me that they are about the size of a grapefruit so not too big.
Click here to order

This could work too

dressed with our colorful ribbon, this go-anywhere thermos is the perfect companion on chilly afternoons spent sledding or making snow angels.


  • holds 16 ounces


  • stainless steel interior


  • 10" h x 3" diameter



  • Click here to order thermos

    ~ Happy Holidays! ~

    Wednesday, November 9, 2011

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    I am a lousy cook.  This is through no fault of my mother, who is a wonderful cook and who kindly and patiently taught my sister and me how to cook.  She also had the very cool idea of each of us making dinner one night a week once we were old enough to handle the responsibilty (at about 8 years old. I'm kidding!  We were at least 12.) I never liked it and insisted on following the recipe to the letter.  My sister was a natural and went freestyle with a recipe and never freaked out if we were out of an ingredient, she just substituted and ended up making it even better. I ended up trading with her so she would make my dinners and I would do her laundry and ironing.  Now she is an amazing cook and I can iron a shirt.  The irony is that I send everything (except lingerie) out to cleaned and pressed.  So for those of you who are lousy cooks like me or just want to enjoy Thanksgiving, I share with you the fabulous Epicerie Boulud option!

    Yum!

    Tuesday, October 25, 2011

    Unique Christmas Gift

    For the Pepsi lover, Joan Crawford fan or just some who appreciates unique jewelry

    Lot # 1175



    Gold, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Pepsi Bottle Brooch
    14 kt., the gold pin centering a detailed Pepsi logo, topped by an accented ruby bottle cap, set throughout with emeralds and diamonds, approximately 11.2 dwt. Length 2 1/8 inches.

    C The Estate of Joan Crawford
    Estimate $600-900

    As you know (or maybe you don't) Joan Crawford served on the Board of Directors of Pepsi Cola in the 1950s.  She was married to Alfred Steele at the time, the Chairman of Pepsi.

    Available at the Doyle Home Auction, Dec. 7th in New York City

    There will be a number of other home and gift type items up for auction as well so it may be worth stopping by the preview.  If you have to work (like me) or will not be in NYC at the time & can't be at the auction house at 10:00 a.m., you can bid live via the website.

    Holiday Home Decor

    I love rep stripes!
    I love silk!
    Any way I can incorporate them into my life is a joy to me!
    I was thrilled to stumble across these today on the Brooks Brothers website:

     
    How great would they look for the hoildays?!
     
    Matching pillows too, these would make a great gift for someone who has everything!
     

    Wednesday, August 3, 2011

    Cool Baby Gifts!

    A very cool guy & gal I know just had their first child.  I wanted to get them something unique, I poked around a lot of sites then I found MY RETROBABY I really liked 75% of the products.  This was my first choice but I thought it would be obnoxious as they live in an apartment in the East Village.  Maybe one of you have space for it! You can order it here


    Carroll Shelby Signature and Officially Licensed by Shelby!
    This incredible little pedal car is tricked out in full Shelby colors. Designed after the world famous 1965 Ford Shelby G.T. 350, this pedal car sports the distinctive hood and side panel striping, Shelby "Cobra" gas cap, and an imprint of Carroll Shelby's signature on the rear deck. These cars are the ONLY fully licensed pedal cars by Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company and will include a certificate of authenticity.
    I ended up getting a bunch of cute clothes including this custom onsie that I have never seen before:


    Here is the Phone number: 1-877-RETRO42 or 1-877-738-7642

    What is your favorite source for baby gifts?

    I was not paid for this post.

    Monday, July 25, 2011

    Down on Main Street

    Bacon on Main Street in Nantucket.  Not sure who's holding him.
    Photo credit: GM



    Saturday, July 23, 2011

    Ginger snap!

    In case you haven't heard, it has been between 90 and 108 degrees in NYC this week.  I heard it described as the heat of Texas with the humidity of Florida. In other words
    The worst of all possible worlds (with apologies to Dr. Pangloss/Voltaire/Leibniz.)

    
    Stay cool fool!

    You're supposed to keep hydrated and that means drinking water or juice before you feel thirsty.  So as a helpful tip I pass along this recent brain-flash I had.

    I can't believe it took me so this long to figure this out.
    photo credit

    You know the slivers of ginger root that come with sushi?  Keep them in the 'fridge & add them to pitchers or glasses of water or iced tea. 


    
    photo credit
    
    You're welcome.

    ABG

    PS:  Check on elderly neighbors and make sure they stay hydrated too!

    Sunday, July 17, 2011

    Hidden Snack Spots: Midtown Edition

    I love the creative spirit of David Chang and all of his food
    Lucky Peach

    but especially the yummy treats at Milk Bar.  Plus the packaging is really cool!  I am a sucker for packaging & in this instance it is eco-friendly.  There is not a single piece of plastic or non-biodegradable anything anywhere to be found:



    
    Photo by ABG
    
    If you can't pop in, you could shop on-line & ship the treats.  What a fun little hostess gift or pick me up for a pal who may be feeling down.  They are on 56th btw 5th & 6th on the North side of the street in the Chambers hotel but you can enter directly via the Milk Bar entrance. Not much (if any) room to sit down.  Also this street can be stinky on a hot summer day, especially near 6th Ave.

    The other spot is the cafe at the Folk Art Museum, you can sit here.  The Folk Art Museum is next to the MoMA on 53rd btw 5th & 6th, closer to 6th.  It is easy to miss.  Just walk in & tell the ticket seller you are going to the cafe (no ticket required) and you'll be directed to the staircase.  Head up 1 flight of stairs or you can take the elevator.  Check out the tiny gift shop on your way out, it is on the 1st floor next to the entrance.  The caveat on this place is that they can't afford the space so the building is for sale.  You may want to call before you go: 212-595-9533. 

    Last but not least, there is a mini Le Pain Quotidian on 53rd btw 5th & Madison (yawn.)  The tip here is that is next to Paley Park , a well shaded vest-pocket park with a waterfall.  It was designed & paid for by William Paley, former Chairman of CBS.  What a great gift to the city!


    
    photo credit
    
    
    photo credit
    


    Enjoy!
    ABG

    Friday, July 1, 2011

    Happy 4th of July!

    I work for a British company so the "Independence Day" jokes have been flying all week.


    Have a super fun & safe Fourth!

    •  

    God Bless America indeed,
    ABG

    Tuesday, June 21, 2011

    Members' Collection House Tour

    July 7 - "Members' Collection House Tour" 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Several museum members have opened their homes for guests to view their extensive lightship basket collections. Learn about what has attracted these collectors and how they continue to search for special treasures to add to their collection.  Tickets available for $40 and include a reception at the last house on the tour.


    Buy tix here

    Friday, June 17, 2011

    Every Resort Town Should Do This!

    Stop & Shop Product Finder
    They changed the Stop & Shop around. Forget about esthetics, where's the hummus? Here's the first version of where to find most things you want - we'll keep refining it as we visit and with any suggestions you send in. Click anywhere on the lists to download a printable pdf version. (I dont know how to add this feature allowing you to print a PDF but if you shop in Nantucket the original is from the Mahon About Town Newsletter dated June 16, 2011.)
    Pancake Mix Aisle 1

    Click to Enlarge

    I don't care if they changed the store around or not as everyone who visits a new place never knows where anything is kept.  You end up with a crowded store filled with clueless people crashing their carts into each other every weekend.

    Thursday, June 16, 2011

    Father's Day ideas

    Father's Day is on Sunday, June 19. "News flash!" (Read with dripping with sarcasm) I find men to be a bit difficult to buy for.  We all do.  You do know why don't you?  It is because when we are small we don't have any money of our own (or access to money if we do have some of our own for some reason.) So the money we spend on a gift for Dad is usually his money.  This coupled with the fact that men hate to shop equals this response "Nothing!" or worse "Socks & underwear." when you ask Dad what he wants for Father's Day, Christmas or his birthday. Here is what, I think, is a genius suggestions for a fun Father's Day gift:

    & a standing date to do it together on Sunday night. 

    A one year sub is about $40 or you can try it out a month at a time for $7. No shipping! If one of you is terrible at XWs the Monday puzzle is up by 7:00 p.m. EST Sunday night. If one of you is great (& patient) The Sunday puzzle is still up at 7:00 p.m. as "Yesterday". You can call your Dad up on the phone & speak while you work on the XW or there is an Instant Message (IM) panel on the right hand side of the page which you can use to "chat".  Remember to log off with GG (Good Game) at the end of each match. 

    If you want to try something a little different, there is a Challenge option. This pops up older puzzles & allows you to play against each other (or collaborate if you don't want to compete.) There is also a WordPlay Blog which is fun to read.



    CAVEAT: The site can be wonky.  Also, it can be confusing to get in to the Play with a Friend site the first few times you try it.  It is NOT intuitive.  You feel like you should click on the TODAY'S PUZZLE text when what you really need to do is to click the PLAY box in the Solve with a Friend Section. 

    We both know you know you won't make the Sunday date every week, but if you put it on the calendar there is a better chance you'll make it or at least reschedule.  I don't speak to my parents every week.  I know some speak everyday(!) and most try to speak them every week which is noble.  I'm not making judgements or casting aspersions, I just think as we & our parents get older we should make it a point to reach out to them more often. 

    You should be sure to introduce your Dad to the amazing Rex Parker blog.  He does the puzzle & explains the rationale of the overall theme & individual clues, he's really witty!  The comments are very creative, illuminating & downright hilarious at times.

    Also, taking your Dad to lunch, dinner or drinks is a nice thought.  Just the two of you, his favorite spot.  Or maybe a lecture?  My Dad took me to hear Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. speak at the Midland Center for the Arts when I was a High School student.  We discussed policy all the way to the lecture & all the way home and I think for many days after.  What a great gift & it wasn't even my birthday!

    Hope this post gets the creative juices flowing & you come up with something really terrific for your Dad!

    ABG
    *or I suppose you could do it in paper & talk on the phone while you do it!

    Monday, June 13, 2011

    My new PFD

    Bacon is an excellent swimmer.  He has a barrel chest from his greyhound-like ribcage and he has webbed feet.  For some reason he doesn't love swimming.  He'll splash around in shallow calm water but he'd rather not be over his head.  He usually stands on the shore and barks at us to come out of the water and back onto the beach. 




    Over Memorial Day he did swim out after the fishing lure (cast from the shore) so that was a big improvement.  I've had reports that he hopped right on the kayak yesterday and swam in the last 100 yards or so to the shore at the end of the ride. 



    His "Dad" thinks that if he had a life vest or a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) as they are called, that he'd be lifted slightly out of the water and therefore more confident.  So I ordered one frome Abe's of Maine.  Here are the photos:

    Post Fashion Show Nap

    He wore it swimming/kayaking on Friday & it worked really well!

    Friday, June 10, 2011

    Place cards Part 2

    As promised the steps I took to cobble together some place cards for a dinner party last night & the finished product:
    Motel Deluxe plain lime place cards with white trim, some little paper flowers from Jolee's by You I considered pasting on the ladie's place cards.

    Microsoft Word French Script MT 36 pt Font in Lime
    B'loonies that I found at Duane Reade
    
    
    
    How to video on blowing up B'loonies from YouTube

    Thursday, June 9, 2011

    Place cards

    I really like place cards and always offer to do them for any parties I'm lucky enough to be invited to attend.  Imagine my surprise (when I dragged my co-worker over to 57th St., near Carnegie Hall yesterday in the heat) to see Kate's Paperie is closed!  Luckily this is a smaller dinner party (8 ppl) & I have a desk full of place cards ranging from adorable to plain (as well as prices ranging from $$$ to 99 cent bargins!)

    While I was looking for inspiration on the web I ran across these two really cool ideas:

    Topiary Place Card Holders which you can order here.


    and

    These gorgeous placecards from Timeless Paper

    I'll try to post the steps I took to make my home-made last minute place cards later today or tomorrow (or Saturday.)

    Do you have any suggestions for place cards that you'd like to share?  I'd love to hear about them!

    Friday, June 3, 2011

    Around the Town

    Post # 3 of 3 "Around the Town" Here are a few pix from around the town of Nantucket over Memorial Day Weekend.

    This is a great store, actually it is two stores, antiques on the top & maps in the basement. The sign over the basement window says "Scrimshaw".


    
    
    Antique Store & Map Store
     

     There is an interesting story about the name Petticoat Row
    
    
    Petticoat Row Bakery
     

    
    The window boxes are shaped like boats.
    
    Outside the Jared Coffin House
    
    
    First Congregational Church
    

    
    "Secret Garden" on West Chester St.


    
    American Seasons
    



    SECRET TIP:  This sign is on West Chester Street just up the block from Centre St. If you take a right here and walk up the hill, you will find the Oldest House.  It has a huge front yard and a garden in the back.  If you continue straight on, through the front yard, you'll see the house & the garden on your left.  Keep going straight ahead, you see an opening in the back fence.  This is the entrance to Coffin Park.  Follow the path and you'll see some picnic tables.  You've ended up at Something Natural! Treat yourself to a sandwich, cookie, Matt Fee Tea or all 3!
     Corner of Centre & West Chester Streets
    
    Sunset at Galley Beach
    
    Photos: ABG