Hamptons Bound...

Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend! I'm back very sunburned, but well rested. I went out to the Hamptons this weekend to soak in a little sun and celebrate the first weekend of summer!

Without a car (I took the LIRR), I spent most of the weekend exploring the Hamptons on foot. I think I logged about 20 miles over the course of three days! Walking around gave me a chance to check out some of the beautiful homes and gardens along the way to the beach...

I found that I love the mix of architectural styles in the Hamptons. Classic cedar shingle homes sit next to more modern styles. Neither seems to be out of place among the lush greenery and beach views.

In my opinion, dinners out on vacation are best enjoyed overlooking the water. My friends and I had an amazing fish dinner at The Beacon in Sag Harbor, NY. The view of the harbor was stunning.

Saturday night was a fantastic dinner at Meeting House in Amagansett, NY followed by a lively reggae show at The Stephen Talkhouse.

All in all a great weekend. I'm back for a few days, before flying out to San Francisco to go to the Alameda Antiques by the Bay show on Sunday, June 6.
(Photos: Octavia & Brown, Old Stone Highway Home, Meeting House)

Friday Obsession- Vintage Street Signs

This week, I have been obsessing over vintage street signs. Not the type the decorate the walls of TGI Fridays, but instead vintage signs with a modern graphic feel to them. Here are a few of my favs...

I Heart Geraniums..

 

I recently stopped by the farmers market in Union Square to pick up some veggies. I hadn't been to the market in awhile and I was shocked that the mainly food market was now overflowing with plants and flowers for the summer.

I picked up a few geraniums to try in my apartment...

I love geraniums because they don't require a lot of attention. All they need is a little sun (about 3 hours a day), some water and an occasional clean-up. They come in so many varieties and some even have a delicious smell....

They're also perfect for small arrangements...

For those with a black thumb (or very little sunlight), Diptyque has a wonderful scented geranium candle. It smells almost as good as the real thing...

Photos courtesy of Octavia & Brown, Absolutely Beautiful and Diptyque)

Beach or Lake?

Growing up on the East Coast, I had my fair share of summer days on the Delaware and Cape Cod beaches and at the New Jersey Shore. Despite the dark seaweed-filled water and the sand flies that were vicious in the summer, I loved the hot weather, the soft sand beneath my toes and the bathtub-like water.

When I moved to San Francisco, everything changed as I became a lake girl. Summer days spent on the rocky shores of Lake Tahoe were fantastic. The beautiful, natural scenery was welcome change from some of the lively people watching at the beach. Hours spent in the water were quickly replaced by short dips in the frigid lake to cool off. The water was crystal clear, so I could see what I was stepping on which was a plus, but the rocks made it hard to get in and out of the water.

As we head into summer, which do you prefer the beach, the lake or staying on dry land?

It's BBQ time...

Memorial Day not only marks the start of summer (lazy days at the beach, clam bakes, etc), but most importantly the summer grilling season. This summer I plan to mix up the staples (hamburgers and chicken) with fresh fish, shellfish and corn on the cob.  I can't wait!

Here are a few things on my list for a retro inspired BBQ...

Orange stripes are unexpected and fun... 

How cool is this portable picnic set... 

You could mix up a large batch of drinks in this retro cooler...

Not your average folding lawn chair... 

My BBQ cheat sheet... 

This little piggy went to market... 

Corn on the cob is one of my favorite summer treats...

(Photos courtesy of Etsy Shops: Quietude Quilts, Mod Apple, Old Green Canoe, Architette, Brooklyn Rehab, You Like)
(Red Chair photo courtesy of yoygle.com)

It's All in the Details...

Last night a friend and I ate at NYC's Joseph Leonard. A cute West Village restaurant with a great atmosphere and delicious food, I have to say that I was most impressed with the bathroom.

Searching for a paper towel, I opened the mirrored cabinet door and much to my surprise, there was a selection of goodies available including Q-tips, altoids, baby powder, cotton balls and lovely scented lotion among other things. So cool! These little details go a long way in my book and something I will definitely consider adopting for my own guest bathroom (once I have one that is...)

Happy Monday!

What a great weekend! I hope you got a chance to spend some time outside, enjoying one of the last weekends of Spring before we officially kick it into high gear for the Summer season.

I'm already dreaming about Memorial Day barbecues...

(Photo courtesy of Domino Magazine)