Sunset at Crane Beach

Today was an abnormally warm day in New England. Greg and I decided (well I forced him) to go the beach for the afternoon rather then being glued to our computers. I suggested we go to Ipswich and maybe see if Crane Beach was still open. The drive was beautiful. Large open fields were tipped with yellow and red colored hues. We got to the beach (we made a pit stop to eat apple cider donuts) just before 6 as the sun was beginning to set. The air was so warm and calm. It made me wish winter would never come and I wouldn't have to wear a hat in my house to stay warm! Where is that insulation guy?

Afternoon In Essex

I spent the sunny afternoon looking for furniture in the town of Essex, Massachusetts. Half a dozen antique stores scatter the streets along the picturesque Essex River. The stores range from the very high end to more rustic country. I found all kinds of bird's eye maple desks and mahogany dressers that were out of this world gorgeous. None of them felt right for my house. I want beautiful pieces but I don't need anything that feels so precious that I live in fear that it will get scratched.

I liked a lot the things I saw at The White Elephant. They carry a lot of books, mirrors, oil paintings, and old wood frames. I did find a few side tables I liked for around $300. They suggested I come back on the weekend when their outlet barn was open down the street. After all the hunting I worked up an appetite and stopped at Woodman's for some corn on cob and a clam cake. So good!

Afternoon in Beacon Hill-Boston

After house hunting just north of the city in Marblehead I head into "town" to catch my train. (Local Twang: never say your going "to the city" in New England it's "into town.") I took a few shots in my favorite neighborhood, Beacon Hill. The brick brownstones are astonishling beautiful. The air was heaven scented with a deep purfume of sweet cherry blossoms and wisteria. Check out more photos by clicking on any image to the right.

Marblehead, MA

I was in Marblehead yesterday doing a little house hunting. I'm a first time home buyer so finding a house I can afford is quite difficult. I would be totally game for a big renovation project but I have to admit I did get a little gun shy why I saw what I could afford. I will share more shots from the 257 year old house a little later. Check out a few shots I snapped walking around Marblehead yesterday afternoon. You can see more by clicking on any image to the right on any flickr image.

Newport to Stamford Delivery

We just got back last night from a long sail from Newport to Stamford. Greg and I were helping deliver a a gorgeous J120. We had a lot of fun and the weather stayed nice most of the weekend. Check out more photos by clicking on my flickr feed to the right. My favorite shot is of Greg motoring out of Newport just as the sun came up. Getting up at 4:30 am was actually refreshing!

Back from Vacation

I'm back from Colorado. We had an amazing time. I am always totally blown away by the landscape out west. Beyond amazing. Take a peek at some travel photos from aspen (just click on the image above). Spring skiing was perfect. We got a great snowstorm Monday which made for some pretty awesome powder for Tuesday and Wednesday. I will share more from my trip soon. Right now I am trying to recover from a really nasty sunburn. Take my advice 40 spf doesn't cut it on the slopes when you have Irish skin like me. Totally bad and embarrassing. I was hiding my face the whole flight home. Night.

Dying to go to Istanbul

I have been dying to go on a trip to Istanbul ever since we did a big story on it in House & Garden last fall. I would love to go this fall, maybe. I am so jealous of the blogger from My Marrakesh. She just spent the weekend in Istanbul and has some beautiful images to show! I want to book a flight now! Check out her great shots of her shopping spree here. I don't know if I would be able to control myself. I want every single one of those suzanis hanging up!

Long Weekend in the Adirondacks

We just got back from a long weekend up north in the Adirondacks. Check out our great log cabin we rented with 10 other friends shown above. The thermometer hovered around 8 degrees majority of the weekend. Somehow we didn't seem to mind to much. We had a non-stop weekend filled with some great winter activities: x-country skiing, snowshoeing, and some amazing hearty cooking. Here are a few of my favorite moments from the weekend...

Taking a break from the hike.

A shot of the mountains at the top of our hike.

X-country with the ladies.

A hearty beef stew...so good.

Sticky buns out of the oven waiting to be flipped.