Category: Lifestyle

Inari Gates
Lifestyle

2024 In Review

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Happy New Year friends. What a busy end of year we had! Since I did not get to blog much in 2024, I thought I would do a year in review. I really hope to get back into blogging. We are hoping to spend more time in Paris and well I can see really wanting to share! So to start, here are some highlights of 2024.

January 2024

We started 2024 with an amazing trip to Mexico. We stayed at the gorgeous Villa Del Palmar which is in Punta Sam, about 40 minutes north of Cancun. Cancun is an easy trip for us from JFK so we love the convenience and pretty much guaranteed nice, warm weather. The Villa Del Palmar has a private beach, numerous pools and incredible food. We also took a private snorkeling trip to the local marine park which has an underwater sculpture garden. It was a fantastic trip!

February 2024

February we stayed closer to home but had some fun ski trips to Vermont. In Mount Snow we rented a house with some other couples for a fun ski weekend. Towards the end of the month we headed to Stowe which has a charming village and some challenging skiing. We love the Green Mountain Inn right in Stowe village.

March 2024

Towards the end of March we headed to Japan! It was the start of cherry blossom season and we took a two week tour. We flew out of JFK – landed in Seoul and then on to Tokyo. This made our travels too long frankly (we flew over Tokyo only to come back…). Next time we’ll book our own flights. Fortunately Seoul is a modern airport and with our Priority Pass we had access to some nice lounges.

April 2024

Our trip went into April – here was our itinerary:

Tokyo – We spent several days in Tokyo visiting the major palaces and shrines (Senso Ji below), shopping areas (Shibuya crossing and Akihabara for anime) and visiting parks with gorgeous cherry blossoms. We then took the bullet train to the Hakone area (Mt. Fuji).

Mount Fuji and Hakone – the weather did not cooperate here but luckily we were able to explore a gorgeous sculpture garden with Picassos and many other major pieces of art. We also tried the Japanese Onsens (and yes we went in our birthday suits!).

Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji, Japan

Kyoto – we adored Kyoto and had plenty of time to explore on our own. We loved its winding canals, charming Gion district (even saw a few Geishas on their way to work in the tea houses), Nishiki food market and also explored the outskirts – the bamboo forest and monkey preserve. We took our own food tour and had a great time with a young couple from New Zealand.

Anothere favorite trip was the Inari temple – this is the gorgeous series of gates all in a laquered orange that go up the hillside. Truly a sight to see.

We also visited nearby Nara and the large buddha. We purchased some antique prints and a Baccarat figurine (we collect but our collection is not antique).

Osaka – Osaka is the food city and it did not disappoint. We had very high end sushi – the kind where the chef makes for you whatever he feels is the freshest. It was delicious! The Otamaki fish balls were fantastic too. We loved the energy of this city.

Hiroshima – Here we went to the Peace Park and museum. What a heartbreaking place – truly we can’t forget how important peace is to maintain! Hiroshima today is actually a bustling city so that was heartening.

From Hiroshima we also took a trip to Miyojima – the sacred gate and island nearby. It is a mystical place with tame deer that wander around seemingly not afraid of the human visitors.

From Hiroshima we moved back to Osaka and headed home. Japan will remain a favorite place of ours – I want to return to visit Okinawa and climb Mount Fuji.

May 2024

May’s biggest highlight was CG1’s graduation. Fellow parents – watching your child graduate from college is truly magical. What a journey! She thrived at her university and emerged such a polished young woman. Seeing her join a sorority, navigate off campus living and make life long friends is something we’ll treasure. Graduation in Vermont was gorgeous too – a warm but still crisp day, classic Vermont green and beautiful ceremony followed by a reception for the business school at one of the hotels on Lake Champlain really made the day. We enjoyed dinner at our favorite restaurant too and the girls and I had sushi graduation night after a wonderful but exhausting day!

May always brings my birthday, our anniversary, kids home from college, Mother’s Day and the opening of oshore club. This year it was fun to pick up CG2 who lived in the same dorm I lived in many years ago. It makes my heart sing to see our girls maturing and having such great college experiences.

June 2024

June is full swing at our shore club. We hosted family for BBQ ribs picnic style. We also started sailing and resumed our happy pace of heading to the club, beaching it, sailing or kayaking and meeting up with friends for dinners and “Happy Hours.”

July 2024

There is no better 4th of July than on our island…with a view of the fireworks that rivals anywhere else in the country this is a favorite day. July also meant clamming and the annual clambake and lobster dinner at the club. This year was a spectacular day.

July also was the month we adopted our two adorable rescue cats. Our hearts have been full with their presence as they joined our sweet dog Gloria.

August

August meant more sailing and beach. Where we are it also means summer is at its peak with gardens bursting with produce. We have a local farmer’s market that is adorable. Every two weeks there is live music, stands with local produce and other artisanal products. This August I made sure to make it every time.

September

CG2 headed to Italy in September – I was thrilled to see her emark on such an experience that was life changing for me many years ago. CG1 also chose Italy. Both girls came back well-traveled and with perspectives you can only glean from such experiences.

October

Fall in CT was gorgeous – we had spectacular weather and the leaves were glorious this year. We made sure to hike our local state park and enjoy our picturesque Main Street complete with its own pumpkin patch. The farmer’s market took on an autumn feel and we also closed our club for the season with an end of season Oktoberfest. This time of year is always bittersweet as we miss our friends that we tend to see only in the summer (or at least infrequently during the year).

November

November I headed to Italy to visit CG2. Mr SB could not get away from work, so it was a girls’ trip to remember. Here is my itinerary:

Milan: Arrived in Milan early in the morning. I stayed at the Hotel Sanpi not too far from the train station. My trick the first day in Europe is to stay up all day, eat a good meal and then head to bed early. I walked 28,000 steps that day! I visited the fantastic Duomo and accompanying museum, explored the antique shopping arcades and walked around near my hotel. That night I dined at Mama Rosa, a local restaurant where I had the monkfish. It was delicious!

Milan Day 2: Day 2 in Milan I visited the Teatro Alla Scala which is stunning. Mr. SB and I had an opera subscription when we lived in NYC and we really adore opera (but it has been awhile given our move to CT and raising two little girls…time to get back to it!). The Teatro is gorgeous and has a lovely museum too. I was very lucky as there was an event later that day and a quartet was practicing. Later that day I strolled over to the Via Monte Napoleone, where all the most chic boutiques are (Chanel, Versace etc.). Also explored Castello Sforzesco and the surrounding well to do neighborhood. Finished the day shopping as many other Milanese were doing – purchased a shearling coat trimmed in leather (very chic!). Another 28,000 steps!

Parma Day 3: CG2 was studying in Parma, Italy which is about an hour from Milan. I took the train late morning and met her. We walked to my lodging which was the Palazzo Rosa De La Prati, one of my most favorite hotels ever. The De La Prati family have deep roots in Parma and you’ll see their name at the gorgeous museum at the heart of Parma. The hotel was like staying in a charming home. My shutters opened out onto the square with the famous Duomo facing it. I enjoyed coffee every morning watching Parma citizens bring their dogs to frolic while enjoying the view. I visited the museum, The Galleria Nazionale, my first day which also includes a gorgeous restored theater and a great deal of stunning art.

Parma Day 4: Parma is known for Parmagiano Reggiano and Prosciutto ham. I booked a tour with Viator and to my delight only had three other participants on it – a Swedish couple and a younger American woman. Our guide was fantastic. First we visited the Parmagiano maker. The process is very rigid and followed to a t. At the end we sampled the cheese with some Lambrusco, the area’s local wine. Next up was the prosciutto maker, a darling man named Claudio. Claudio and his wife have been making prosciutto for decades. Apparently he no longer needs to work for income but he loves making the ham. I am not a huge meat eater but this was literally one of the most delicious foods I have ever consumed.

Parma Day 5: The Renaissance painter Caraveggio is very visible in Parma. His famous paintings can be found in the Duomo as well as throughout the city. My luck was that they had a special exhibit that took you through each of these stunning areas. Back in the states I have vowed to find out more about this artist – I found his work uplifting and full of color – not as heavy as some of the other painters of his time.

Day 6 – Como. After Alexia finished her classes, she and I took the train to Como. We stayed at the charming Como Luxury Suites. Each suite has a different decor. Our quarters had a decidedly feminine feel – perfect for a girls trip! We had some delicious spaghetti Carbonara at a local trattoria and headed to bed early.

Day 7 – We woke early and headed to the Villa Balbaniello, truly one of the most stunning places I have been in my life. Como is a dream. The water is a vivid blue and as luck would have it, we had snow so the surrounding mountains were snow capped. The climate is subtropical though so there are palm trees and still plenty of color. The Villa Balbaniello was built in the 1700s has had several owners but is now a museum. We took a taxi there (expensive!). As we arrived around 10, we were the only ones at first. It was spectacular – the statues and grounds overlooking the lake were like a postcard. The Villa Balbaniello is also where Bond movie Casino Royale was partly filmed. It is a must see if you are in Como. We took the bus back which was inexpensive and easy.

That afternoon we headed back to Milan to the gorgeous Relais & Chateau property, the Chateau Montfort. The Chateau Montfort is a classic, luxurious hotel perfectly located close to the Villa Monte Napoleone. With our luck, Christmas decorations had been put up in the area. That evening we dined at the hotel’s Rubacouri Restaurant which was delicious and perfect as the next day we needed to wake early for a trip to St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Day 8 St. Moritz & the Bernina Express – We woke early and met our tour. The tour begins in Milan and takes you into the Alps (stunning and especially on this beautiful, blue-sky day). We head to the charming and chic town of St. Moritz in Switzerland. The lakes around St. Moritz are clear and I can only imagine how beautiful they must be in the summer too. The town is lovely and there was enough snow that we could see people had been skiing. We shopped and ate lunch before heading out on the picturesque red train, the Bernina Express.

The Bernina Express heads through the Alps going through some of the most pristine and stunning areas I have ever seen. Right outside St. Moritz there are gorgeous lakes where people were hiking. Nearby is a lodge (I need to look up the name as I would love to return to hike here). The train ends up in Tirano, Italy. We returned to Milan that evening and ate at a trattoria close to our hotel. I headed back to New York the next day.

The following week brought Thanksgiving – our annual friendsgiving as well as visiting a relative’s gorgeous home for the actual Thanksgiving holiday. That Saturday we had our annual Christmas tree cutting at local tree farm, Maple Row. We tail gate beforehand with friends before heading out to find the perfect tree.

December 2024

December is a whirlwind. While I love Christmas, this year was tiring having just returned from Europe. I made sure to have at least two Saturdays watching corny Hallmark movies while I wrapped gifts. Christmas brought my in-laws who stay with us along with dinner for seventeen at our house! I have simplified the menu over the years – mostly dishes I can make ahead and then just reheat. Mr. SB makes a ham and a brisket on the Big Green Egg. All in all a lovely holiday.

New Year’s was a party at a local friend’s home and finally time to rest a bit!

A full year with many highlights!

Connecticut shoreline
Lifestyle

Thinking of Moving to Connecticut (Blue State)?

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Hi there and welcome. Are you checking out this blog from Threads? Double welcome. I thought I would share top-line reasons why we love living in Connecticut. We thought of moving to Connecticut back in 2000 – moved in 2001 and have never looked back. We moved out of Manhattan which we loved but with a baby on the way (who is now a college grad and professional) we knew we needed to make the move to a larger home and a place with excellent schools. Here are a few reasons why we love Connecticut and encourage moving to Connecticut.

Political Climate

I don’t think in today’s fraught environment, you can ignore politics. Connecticut is a blue state – of course it has red areas. Our town in Fairfield County was red until a few years ago. After the 2016 election Democratic candidates began running and the town flipped blue. This varies around the state so if that is important to you – do your research.

What has that meant? Strong dedication to our excellent public schools. Parents care about the schools and while our taxes may be higher than other states – the schools and our rising real estate has made it worth it. You don’t need to send your kids to private or parochial schools. We have saved thousands and our home has appreciated as other parents wish to move here too.

The state also cares about its environment – many towns also have citizen led groups to protect the natural environment. We are also not denying climate change and are pro-science.

Excellent Public Schools

Let’s talk some more about schools. If you are moving to Connecticut this is likely one of the top reasons. Even if you are single or not planning on having children, your schools are tied to your real estate.

With the various downturns (2008 when my husband I both lost our jobs) we were so happy that we did not need to change our children’s schools over fear of not being able to pay pricey school tuition. Both our girls have thrived and excelled in college (and now professionally). This is an investment you need to make.

Also during Covid – we had sensible restrictions. None of that denying a deadly disease that you found elsewhere. And our schools provided choice when it was prudent to do so. Hybrid, completely online or in person. We wore masks, got vaccinated and carried on. Test scores did not suffer. If you are moving to Connecticut, check out each towns school ratings – while in general schools are excellent some towns are better than others. You can see some of the ratings here.

Natural Beauty and Sophistication

Connecticut is a beautiful state. We have gorgeous shoreline towns and beaches where you can sail, swim and enjoy the coast. Fairfield county is generally within commuting distance to New York City so there are jobs! There are smaller cities outside of New York that also have plenty of opportunities – White Plains and Stamford are two examples.

New York also has culture, shopping and a sophisticated lifestyle that is easily accessible by our train system. Our town also has its own theater (two actually), a world renowned museum, colonial attractions, a quaint downtown with an independent book store, movie theater and more. People are cultured and educated so they frequent all of these attractions.

A Bit More About Nature

Connecticut has a bit of everything. Our town values open space and has two acre zoning so there are beautiful forests and open spaces. State parks with hiking trails abound. There are even a couple of small ski mountains in Litchfield and Southington which are ideal for teaching kids to ski or just getting in a few runs yourself. Larger ski areas such as Stratton and Mount Snow are about 3 hours away in southern Vermont.

As noted above, the CT shore is beautiful. Long Island sound provides a place to sail, swim or even clam (read this blog and get my recipe for clam chowder!). There are also large lakes such as Candlewood Lake where you can also boat and a lucky few have beautiful waterfront homes.

These are some of the top reasons to consider moving to Connecticut. Please check out the blog to learn more – I share our tree cutting tailgate, picnics at the shore and more. Welcome and please contact me at sundaysbreadblog@gmail.com if you have any questions. Mimi

Lifestyle

A Kit Kat Summer

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Well it has been a thousand years it feels since I blogged. The good news is that my work has been incredibly busy – but in a good way. I love owning my own business – an ad agency and to see it take off has been fantastic. It has also been so great to have this happen as an empty nester – no time to brood and my work days are so satisfying. But back to this little old blog…

A Vermont Graduation

Let’s start before summer actually. CG1 graduated! It was such a great weekend and I wanted to bottle it up to save. The weather was absolutely gorgeous – cool and dry with every spring bush and flower in bloom it seemed. UVM is a beautiful New England campus and the main graduation was right on the green. Think tall white and brick buildings surrounding the quintessential Vermont green… As this class did not really have high school graduations due to Covid – well this day was extra special. The ceremony was beautiful and after we went to a historic theater downtown for the business school graduation (undergrad). The speaker was phenomenal – just what a speech should be – she is super successful but shared all of her failures and efforts. After, we headed to the Hilton on Lake Champlain for a reception – had one of the most delicious brown sugar bars (a fun “to do” for a winter day figuring out that recipe). CG1 is already working – in fashion which she desired and living at home to save money. I am happy with the arrangement! She bought herself a beautiful car and is away most weekends visiting friends. I know to savor this time as she’ll be in NYC before I know it…

Why is this summer a Kit Kat summer? Well, we adopted two darling cats! JD Vance be damned…I am a proud cat AND dog lady – always have been. When our Harry passed my heart was broken. And while I realize I will never “get over” him, when I saw a poor mama cat in need of a home, well that was it. She was in a hoarding situation, lost her litter of kittens but then nursed two other litters not her own! So of course we had to adopt a kitten too – a little orange George or Georgie as we call him. He is a mischevious little love. Our hearts are full again!

Summer has brought its usual beauty and busyness to our part of the CT coast. We are at our club most weekends and entertaining friends and family. I have not been creating too many original recipes…but I loved this simple white bean dip – just the thing to make with all of the herbs on my deck! I made it for friends who are vegan along with this pasta salad from a new to me blogger How Sweet Eats. It is full of chick peas and zucchini (so perfect for summer when you have a surplus!). Of course clamming is always part of summer and my clam chowder stands the test as an easy and top recipe (if I do say so myself!).

I have also been an avid reader this summer – knocked off the last Elin Hilderbrand (my fave for summer beach reads). Enjoyed it but liked the 5 Star Weekend better IMHO… I have also discovered a couple of new blogs (I love a good blog!). Magpie by Jen Shoop is my latest find – easy read fashion blog. Really enjoy some light reading in the morning. I also continue to love Cup of Jo. I find her posts (and her team) to be intelligent, current and wide ranging in terms of subject. She is also not afraid to put a political post in there too.

Well, with this post I hope to get back into a better blogging routine. With CG2 heading back to school (actually abroad in Italy this semester) and CG1 now working my days will go back to being longer and more work focused. Until then!

Mt. Fuji
Lifestyle

Lately

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Well hello! It has been a minute! I thought I would do a general update today because sooo much has been going on since I last posted. This blog is a hobby for now so I do apologize for the long delay. I have been sporadically posting on Instagram so please do follow me there for more regular snippets.

Travel – Mexico and Japan

The big news for 2024 is that we have already taken two fantastic trips. Right after Christmas we headed to Punta Sam, Mexico to stay at the Villa Del Palmar. We loved this resort and highly recommend it. We booked the entire trip including flights through Costco!

It is a beautiful, beach front resort with the most amazing food (and even more incredible it is an all inclusive!). We had a full suite which included a kitchen and washer/dryer. Very comfortable for a family of four. Girls had a pull out in the living room but with their own bathroom too. We took the ferry over to the Isla De Mujeres and explored and enjoyed the beach. We also booked a snorkeling tour which was really fun – the underwater museum a particular highlight. Hoping to do a more comprehensive review with photos. In the meantime, here I am enjoying sunset on the beach:)

And, last week, we just returned from Japan! This was a trip that technically we planned before Covid and to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary! Japan exceeded our expectations in every way. I knew it would be interesting and that we would love the food, but I did not expect it to be sooo beautiful. It is a stunning country. We were also there for the cherry blossoms which really are spectacular. More on this trip but in the meantime, here is a favorite photo of Himeji castle.

This and That in CT

What else has been going on? Well as I may have shared, I am an entrepreneur. With empty nesthood I have really been able to focus on business which is so exciting. I have juggled parenthood and career for two decades and would not trade it for the world but now, in a different phase of life, I find my work really interesting and fun – especially as my business is growing. I have been reading a few excellent books – which may be of interest to fellow entrepreneurs:

  1. Built to Sell
  2. Traction
  3. 7 Figure Agency (very specific to the agency world)

Anyways, I adjusted my morning routine where I read business books first – apparently this is when we can focus the most. So far, I have gleaned so much.

On the home front, I am happy to be home with spring and summer to look forward to – I love winter too and we did some great skiing at Stowe, VT and in NH but this time of year is really fun. Our beach/boat club opens up and all kinds of outdoor activities. A big milestone is also approaching – CG1 is graduating! Yikes. Where does the time go. We could not be prouder of this girl – navigating Covid during college was no joke and she is graduating strong – maintaining her merit scholarship the entire time! Both girls should be home for awhile – we look forward to having the family home.

Well that is all for now. Hope your day is going great and please do check back – I will be sharing more details on Japan for sure!

Food

Happy New Year!

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Hi there friends. Yes, it has been months since I have blogged. A few tech difficulties (don’t use Bluehost if you are planning a blog!) and just busy. So, given that it has been so long, today’s post is a look back on 2023, in particular the holiday season and a few notes about 2024. So here goes!

2023 Highlights

Well like every year, there was a mix of good and not so good. The good:

  • This year we were back to traveling. College girl 1 (CG1) was in Florence so CG2 and I visited for a fantastic trip to Italy (read my full post here).
  • Mr SB and I celebrated our 25th anniversary with a trip to Bermuda.
  • CG2 really flourished second semester which was so fun to see – lots of new friends (and a few visits back home to CT with them)
  • Summer at our shore club was as amazing as always – lots of entertaining, sailing, clamming and beach.
  • Fall brought tailgates at my alma mater (and where CG2 attends) as well as a fun visit to VT to see CG1.

On a the list of not so great – we lost our wonderful cat Harry. Not a day goes by without thinking of him. He had such a personality and was with us since 2011 and brought us so much joy. He was also a Christmas cat as I adopted him as an adult cat from our local shelter just in time for Christmas. I miss you Harry. RIP my little guy.

Holidays 2023

The holidays were very full – exhausting but fun. Through the years I have figured out a system – I call it the holiday waves – waves of organizing and planning to stay sane and enjoy the Christmas season.

  • Wave 1 – this starts in October or possibly sooner when I start thinking about the holiday card. Some years I order our card before Halloween! I also do some organizing in October/early November. Clean out the pantry, take stock of clothing etc. to prepare for thoughtful gift giving and entertaining.
  • Wave 2 – Thanksgiving weekend. We cut down our own tree the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. You can read all about our tailgate party where the sliders and caper mayo take center stage. This is literally my favorite day of the year. We gather with friends for a low stress tailgate party. Getting the tree up early makes the house smell great and get’s the holiday decorating underway. I also order as many gifts as I can online for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
  • Wave 3 – now that tree is up and gifts start to come in I love wrapping presents, watching Hallmark Christmas movies and getting into the holiday spirit! This year these afternoons were some of my favorite holiday memories – sometimes you need to slow down and a sappy movie while wrapping gifts for loved ones is perfect!
  • Wave 4 – food. I usually bake starting a couple of weeks before Christmas. Cookies freeze really well and this year was no exception. I made the following: Gingerbread Latte Cookies, Monster M&M Cookies and Hot Cocoa Cookies all from Half Baked Harvest. They all came out great and I was able to send some in care packages to the girls.
  • Wave 5 – getting ready for Christmas guests and dinner. This year we hosted 18 for dinner! I set the table a few days before. I get out platters, silverware, holiday linens about a week or so earlier to see if I need to polish, replace or buy extras. This year I did not buy anything except some new papergoods.
  • Wave 6 – Buy food. With guests at home I have learned to go to Costco early. This year I went Thursday for a Monday Christmas. This was good timing and I escaped the worst of the crowds. Here was our menu:

Saturday Lunch – sausage on the grill (if weather permits this is a great way to avoid dishes – no pans!), Costco Mac N Cheese, Salad, Christmas Cookies for dessert.

Saturday Dinner – I made this broccoli casserole which was quite good although next time I think I would lighten up on the cheese (great idea to have a casserole that is both vegetable and starch for a crowd). Mr SB had smoked some pulled pork. We had salad, cheese and birthday cake. Appetizers included my famous buffalo dip with a charcuterie board.

Sunday Breakfast – Costco croissants, bread, coffee, yogurts, fresh fruit

Sunday Lunch – leftover pork, salad, casserole, cookies.

Christmas Eve we head to my sister’s for a wonderful dinner. Christmas Eve during the day I cook everything for Christmas. This year our menu included:

Christmas Day – Breakfast casserole (a favorite!). I make the ham and cheese hashbrown casserole – everyone loves it. Could not be easier! For lunch I buy sliced ham, cheese and bread – everyone makes their own sandwich as Christmas dinner is underway!

This year’s Christmas dinner menu:

Appetizers: Smoked Whitefish Pate and Crackers, Duck Pate with Truffles, Charcuterie board with assorted cheese and meat. Baked Brie. Note to self – put more appetizers in the living room near the bar.

Christmas salad – greens with citrus champagne vinaigrette, oranges, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese.

Main: Smoked Brisket (Mr. SB’s special recipe) and Glazed Ham.

Mashed Potatoes (Costco – loaded and regular Yukon Gold)

Smoky Sweet Carrots with Yogurt Sauce.

Crispy Brussel Sprouts in the air fryer

Green Beans – steamed lightly and then roasted.

Assorted desserts – cake, cookies.

Everything was delicious and we had such a wonderful holiday.

So here’s to 2024!

The perfect summer weekend
Lifestyle

The Perfect Summer Weekend

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What is your perfect summer weekend? Coming off of this past one I think it was pretty perfect or at least close. Some time ago I had read that to make every day a good one – eat something tasty for breakfast, read something interesting and exercise. I like that list and have actually tried to make that happen on a daily basis. I would also add – find time to connect with a friend or social group and get outside.

It started out on Friday – I was not technically off but decided to take the afternoon. Saturday and Sunday had bluebird skies which was fortunate as it was our club’s annual clambake. So let’s get into what makes a summer weekend perfect around here. Would love to hear from you on your idea of a perfect summer weekend.

The Weather

This summer the weather has been unpredictable to say the least with a lot of rain. I realize much of the country has had oppressive heat and last summer we had zero to little rain. I am not complaining. But for me, the perfect summer weekend is hot but not too hot and sunny as well as dry. This weekend fit the bill. We woke to beautiful weather starting on Friday and it just kept coming through Sunday.

Friday Afternoon + Saturday Morning

When the weekend can start a bit early then why not? CG2 has turned me onto thrifting so we headed to Goodwill. I was seriously doubting this idea but I have found some great stuff on Thred Up lately so figured why not? I really love that we are actually reusing and recyling in the most basic way. I am sold – found a Vineyard Vines shirt for $10 in perfect condition. She picked up Abercrombie sweaters.

Friday dinner I tried a new Thai marinade for chicken from Damn Delcious (it was damn delicious!) and paired it with my Thai curry but only used it for the vegetables. It was delicious and light. The week had been a WEEK so turned in early.

I love going to yoga on Saturday morning. I do some pretty intensive exercise all week – HIIT classes, running, spinning, weights – so come Saturday it is time to stretch and calm my mind. Afterwards I headed to our darling farm store at our local organic farm. I picked up some real summer tomatoes and other super fresh vegetables. Here is the entrance – like living in a postcard around here.

Farm store Connecticut
So lucky to have this organic farm nearby

We headed to our club shortly after lunch.

The Book

Ahhh summer reading. I have read a number of books this summer including Normal People, Sunflower Sisters and The Vanishing Half. I loved the first two – I found the Vanishing Half to be a bit dull although I was moved by the depiction of the transgender boy as it really brought home how important it is to try to understand. His pain was palpable and the laws at the time preventing them from being together was tragic.

While these were well worth it to read – nothing says summer like an Elin Hildebrand book! I scored The Five Star Weekend from my library and got busy Saturday on the beach digging in. I think it is my favorite of hers thus far. Since I adore Nantucket, well I can’t get enough of her descriptions.

It is easy to write her off as a beach read but frankly her character development is fantastic. Coming at her book as a mom with two college kids, well I suppose I fit her demographic perfectly. It is like she writes about me and my friends, people I know – or at least could know but all in Nantucket. I live in a historic, picturesque town with some of the same similarities as Nantucket. One likeness includes our town having some very wealthy people along with a more “normal” middle class – a theme she touches on frequently with her assessment of the “summer people” and the islanders. Highly recommend the book – for the beach or otherwise!

The Food

The original advice to eat something good for breakfast. My weekday breakfast before heading to the gym is a blueberry protein smoothie. On the weekend I prefer something a bit more decadent. I had some farm fresh eggs and my favorite Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins in the freezer. Saturday and Sunday I took one out and microwaved it with some Kerry gold butter. Delicious. Add a cup of good brewed coffee with a bit of hazelnut creamer and I am off to a great start!

Would it be summer without a traditional clambake? We are so lucky that our club puts one on – right on the beach looking out at Long Island Sound. They are old school – collecting the seaweed, building a pit, cooking lobsters, sweet corn, little necks and mussels – topping it all off with blueberry and peach pie. Of course we started out with some rose and mojitos along with a charcuterie board. This is literally my favorite night of summer.

Perfect New England Clambake
Perfect New England Clambake

Nature

Getting outside always lifts my spirits. This weekend’s perfect summer weather made it easy to do. Sunday morning I gardened and replanted some zinnias that I had planted from seed and now are ready to bloom soon. The most gorgeous butterfly landed on one.

Butterfly on pink flower in CT

Sunday night was time for a glass of wine on the deck after we had a great day sailing and beaching it at the club. We are so fortunate to have so much privacy. It is quiet and peaceful. There are so many studies that show being outdoors is key for mood – I lived in NYC for five years – even a stroll in the park is great. Just do it as they say.

Sundays Bread days on the deck

What is your favorite summer weekend? Any good book recommendations? Dishes to share? Would love to hear from you!

Nasturtiums from seed
Lifestyle

May/June Catch Up – Gardening & More

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Well it’s been a minute since I have blogged but here I am. I have some good excuses. In May we took an anniversary trip to Bermuda. CG1 came home from Italy and CG2 from college. So with a full house (and full heart), the month was crazy busy (throw in our anniversary, my birthday and Mother’s Day as well as a family wedding and you get the picture!).

End of May brought Memorial Day and our beach and boat club officially opened. It was a gorgeous weekend. Unfortunately, the weather has not cooperated in CT since. This weekend looks rainy (after a beautiful, sunny week!).

I am not complaining after a drought last year, but still maybe I’ll complain a tiny bit as we love our club so much and it is weather dependent. Oh well.

I have been spending a lot of time in the garden (a Covid pasttime that stuck). I am growing Zinnias and Nasturtiums from seed, bought a bunch of perennials and of course annuals. So far, everything looks great (fingers crossed I may actually have some lasting flowers). Check out the photo of last year’s Nasturtiums…they were gorgeous!

Two recommendations for fellow gardeners both novice and expert. I love the app Picture This. You can photograph a plant and it will tell you what the plant is and even if it is healthy or not. This saved me at the nursery where I was about to purchase some sick perennials! I find it helpful too as I often am drawn to flowers that frankly won’t grow well in the conditions in our yard.

Second recommendation is the podcast A Way To Garden with Margaret Roach. She is an expert gardener of course as well as a NYTimes columnist and author of several books. Some of the episodes are a bit too in depth for me but most are really helpful and interesting. With these two sources of knowledge, I’ve taken the gardening game up a notch!

So that is a brief summary of what I have been up to – coming weeks are some of my favorites with the 4th of July, annual clambake and more. Sharing a pic of last year’s lobster dinner (and my tablescape).

Check back for some recipes I am trying out and hopefully a review of Grotto Bay and Bermuda. Have a great weekend!

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Lifestyle

April Wrap Up

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Well the weeks fly by and it is almost May. We had an early spring in CT with the trees blooming at least two weeks early. I am not complaining as I love the fresh, bright green of early spring. After having such a great week in Italy, I needed to catch up with my work and also had a trip to LA for work as well. As some good stuff happened in April, I am sharing an April wrap up.

What I have been reading

With a few plane trips in March and April, I was able to read the following:

Lucy Foly’s The Paris Apartment had me guessing to the end. I also re-discovered audio books and the Libby app which is a free app that you connect your library card. You can use it for audio books and ereader (I have a Kindle). This audiobook was brilliant with each character being played by a different actor. After I finished, I quickly consumed Foly’s The Guest List and The Hunting Party. They were all excellent, suspenseful reads (or listens as was my case). In a way they remind me of Agatha Christie – interesting characters, seemingly throw-away details and just when I think I have figured it out…well I have not! I can’t wait for her next book!

I also tackled The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I enjoyed this book even though I found the plot line frustrating – using marriage to deal with various challenges. I won’t say more than that but that was a negative for me.

I am a fan of author, Emily Giffin, but Meant to Be was not a favorite even though it was entertaining enough.

Lastly, I read Want by Lynn Steger Strong on the plane home from Italy. Frankly, I really disliked this book and its characters. It could be relabeled, Millenial Fantasy Meets Reality (and that is all I will say in case you want to read it!). I thought the writing was off too. Probably not a book I would have finished had I not been traveling and this was all I had with me.

New Favorite Blogs

I started this blog because I really enjoy reading what real women have to say! Great to see what Martha Stewart is doing but let’s face it, I don’t have a staff of hundreds. So here are a few favorite along with the links:

Summer Wind. I happened upon this blog as I was looking up reviews on Goyard bags. I found her blog and basically read it for two hours straight. I like that she shares about herself (new trend in blogs is that they tend to get right to recipe or outfit etc.). I also love her style. Classic, but stylish leveraging trends but not a slave to them. She is young but I find that I really enjoy her recommendations even though we are at different life stages (kindred style spirits perhaps!).

Before heading to Italy I realized I really needed an update in European style. As a Francophile I have always paid attention to French girl/woman style so I decided to focus my searches on that and found Leonce Chenal and am I glad I did! I really love this blog and find her spot on when it comes to making recommendations on everything from the best French pharmacy skincare to top footwear brands. She is authentic! Second choice is The French. This is similar to Leonce but the woman is an American living in Paris. Check out both of them if you want a dose of French style!

Around the Kitchen + Garden

So with spring having sprung I turned my attention to growing some annuals inside. I have never done this before but found it frustrating that my zinnias last year did not bloom until July. So, I purchased this grow light and a pack of seeds and guess what they have sprouted! Of course CG2 said that it looks like I am growing Cannabis – apparently these are the same grow lights? I would not know (needless to say!).

Back from Italy I became obsessed with Italian cuisine and had to make home made foccaccia. I used a blend of recipes from Lydia Bastianich and Alison Roman (Alison has a same day recipe). Came out delicious but I would probably cook it a tad less as it was on the hard side the next day.

I’ve also been obsessing a bit over Trader Joe’s hacks. Have you listend to their podcast? It is actually quite fun and they offer a few. This week’s hack is coconut shrimp with their pineapple salsa served in soft tacos…I’ll let you know how it goes.

That’s all for now! Happy almost Friday!

Perfect white light Christmas tree
Decor

Christmas Tree Reveal (and a catch up!)

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Hi there!

Well, the weeks fly by, and it is hard to believe it almost mid-December. Today, it is a holiday catch up (and catch up in general). Let’s talk Christmas trees, holiday decorating and food!

Christmas Tree Tailgate

Are you a faux tree devotee or an all-natural tree lover? Not surprisingly we are all in on the natural tree that we actually cut down at a tree farm. We love the atmosphere of tailgating families, hayrides and an adorable holiday village and stores (all at Maple Row Tree Farm in Easton, CT). We like to support thelocal farm (they replant the trees of course).

We also love to tailgate with friends. Every year we always include some favorite menu items – Mr. SB’s sliders with caper mayo and my ever famous buffalo dip. Mimosas are usually the drink of choice. It may just be my favorite day of the year. It is one of the happiest places I have ever experienced!

I adore the smell of fresh pine and the traditional look of it all. However, when I lived in California, I remember thinking a natural tree would not really be my desired look – the warm weather threw me off. However, in a colonial town in CT, it is perfect.

Years ago, my girls decided they wanted colored lights which I happily obliged. But a few years ago, we all agreed that we wanted an all-white light tree. I love how it coordinates with our family room and it fits the many ornaments we have so much better than multicolored. I usually start with the lights and then wrap gold ribbon around the tree for a garland. Our angel goes on top and then the girls and I decorate with the rest of the ornaments – some are over one hundred years old and passed down from my grandparents! I love to collect ornaments from places we have been.

Wrapped presents for under the Christmas tree

I love to wrap presents (see an entire post about it here). A great tip gathered from my favorite mom blogs is to buy some coordinating wrapping paper. I tend to do gold and white with a few accents of dark green. Too much red does not work in my color scheme. Homegoods has beautiful, thick wrapping paper. It is such high-quality that I usually even reuse it the next year for the larger gifts!

I also collect ribbons and ornaments to decorate the packages. Costco, Christmas Tree Shops and TJ Maxx/Homegoods all have beautiful, wired ribbon.

This year’s house decor will follow previous years for the most part. I did buy a new front door mat – has more of a winter theme then holiday so I think we can leave it out until Spring. I used magnolias on my mantle and layered on some decorative elements just like last year.

I purchased this funny sign and plan to put it on the bar for Christmas day when we host 16 for dinner and cocktails beforehand. I have a Santa too that will go right next to it:)

This year’s Christmas dinner menu

This past weekend we hosted friends for dinner. First, we hiked nearby to work up a good appetite. Then back to our house for appetizers and drinks and then dinner. Mr SB made short ribs braised in red wine I made twice baked potatoes (but left out the bacon in the Pioneer Woman recipe and used light sour cream and less butter), smokey sweet carrots (hope to post that recipe soon) and steamed green beans. Delicious, winter meal! My friend brought a delicious apple crisp. It was a perfect night to enjoy the fire and chat afterwards.

We usually host Christmas dinner, so we have a list of favorites that we usually make. This year is no different – here is what I am planning (as of now) –

Glazed ham

Brisket (smoked on Mr. SB’s big green egg)

Seared mushrooms in sherry cream sauce with dill

Mashed potatoes (thanks to Costco just heat, serve and put in a pretty bowl)

Green beans

Tian with zucchini, tomatoes, onions and goat cheese

Smokey sweet carrots (recipe to come!)

Dessert – still thinking about it. Likely assorted holiday cookies and possibly a chocolate cake.

Well that about sums up what has been going on at the SB house. Hoping your holiday season is going well! What are you planning to make the season festive?

Dorm room decor boston college
Parenting

Saying Goodbye Part 2

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So we just returned from dropping CG1 off at college. We are officially empty nesters. If you read my last post about saying goodbye, you know that when we get to this stage with an official goodbye, we are really saying goodbye to all of those other stages that we did not know we were saying goodbye to – that last time we picked them up, read a bedtime story, put out the Easter bunny candy and many more. That tiny baby who could not walk or talk, the kindergartener who soon was graduating from fifth grade or that confident high schooler crossing the stage for her diploma.

All of this was in my mind but I also realized that this milestone is reason for celebration too. CG1 and CG2 are in the right places, both ready to thrive and become the adults we have worked so hard to help them be.

Mentally we moms try to get ready. Packing the memory foam mattress topper, an extra set of Twin XL sheets, surprise snacks and maybe a pillow personalized with her zip code. It keeps us all busy and for us, this was so much fun. Both girls and I love to decorate and plan.

The day arrives, the car is packed and loaded to the top of the Thule. Mr. SB and I are ready right? We arrive at college. Lots of helpers to unpack. And, CG2 and I unpack and decorate the room. Her roommate is super nice, and the roommate’s parents are too.

Oh and CG2 is attending my alma mater. It sure has changed. Really hard to get into (am sure I would be rejected now:) but it is the same in so many ways. This makes it both easier and harder as I recall my own struggles as a freshman.

It is time to say goodbye. We hug, and yes, we are misty eyed. Of course we know that texts and Facetimes await us anytime we want but nothing beats being in person.

Mr. SB and I drive off. I see a dad giving his son a hug. It is an emotional day to say the least.

I call it happy/sad or sad/happy depending upon the day. Happy because seeing your children grow and achieve important milestones is one of life’s greatest joys. Sad, because frankly the day-to-day won’t ever be the same. The “What’s for dinner?” or “Mom I need new ballet shoes can we go after school?” days are mostly over.

I know there is also so much to look forward to. In our case, football games, tailgates and parents weekend in a few weeks. October break where both girls should be home.

And, in my empty nester new life, more time to work peacefully without interruption. Time to exercise (after work which I have not done since the girls were born). Time for new hobbies such as gardening, sailing/kayaking/hiking, skiing for two and more. Travels for Mr. SB and I (and not during summer or breaks when everyone else travels and it is expensive and crowded).

As the saying goes, if you have done your parenting job right, then you are out of a job at some point. We may not be quite there…but hopefully we are on track for that promotion. If not, we have not really done our job now have we?

And this was a fun day in spite of the bittersweet feeling. Decorating her college dorm and knowing lots of fun adventures and challenges lay ahead is a memory I won’t forget.

Decorating college dorm room at Boston College Sundays Bread