Barefoot Contessa-Cooking

It arrived - my much awaited copy of the Barefoot Contessa's Back to Basics. Remember in high school when you tried to read a book in your lab under your desk? Guess who is doing that now.Sure I have my own office and if I put my door at a certain angle I can see who is coming for a visit. Ah the smell of a new book - beats new car smell anyday.

I am not a great cook, but can pull together an acceptable meal. One of the best presents I ever received was a cooking lesson through the Viking Cooking School. It lasts three hours (I know what you are thinking) but it really goes quickly. Very hands on with no more than 12 in a class. Then at the end you get to eat!

If you live anywhere near one of their locations - think about taking a class.

Lifeguard Press

Recently PVE posted about calendar preferences, which reminded me it was time to order for 2009. One of my favorite calendars and datebooks are by Susan Barnes, the designs are happy, colorful, and remind me of Cape Cod. I believe she lives on the West Coast, but captures the universal appeal of the beach. Checking out the site that sells her calendars, LifeGuard Press, I was happy to see that Lilly stationery will be available in 2009. Another great calendar site is the Animal Rescue Fund-all for a good cause.

Love this house

I am cleaning up all my magazine clippings and came across one of my favorite homes. It was featured in Traditional Home in March 2004 and I was able to tour it during the New Canaan Kitchen Tour. It is the home of Louise Brooks an extremely talented architect-principal in her own firm of Gullans and Brooks. I would adore having this dressing room (actually I am slowly getting there, since I own the same shoes).

The covered patio was also wonderful and so was the kitchen, living room, den, etc.

Library laments

I have converted an unused bedroom into a library. The walls are a rich red, the book cabinets white, white crown moulding, hay colored sofa and many books. I am stumped. I definately need a rug and was considering this one fromhttp://shadesoflight.com/-but is it too wild?

Then come the concern over the coffee table and occassional tables. Any opinions of both of these in black.

I really like the bar table in white, but would have to get it in black. The tables are from a great website-http://www.wellappointedhouse.com/

The one thing I have decided on is this Lee Jofa fabric:

For the love of animals

I am a pet lover and I hate to hear of harm coming to any animal. I was sickened when I saw this on a local news feed. I try not to wear any fur, but I do not feel I have the right to condemn those who do. After reading about these racoon dogs who died from tainted food in China I am quite saddened. The fur is used in clothing.

Fall in Fairfield

This Saturday I enjoyed a lesiurely drive to Fairfield County Connecticut. My mission-the Bridgewater Land Trust Fall House Tour. Bridgewater is tucked away from the hubbub of suburban life-a dry town loaded with charm and only one store. As I was driving home, I started thinking about being in New England. Somehow I think of this as my spiritual home-I am a New Englander at heart, if not in location. But here is the crux; why isn't New York part of New England. As you can see on the map, NY's entire eastern border is adjacent to Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. What's up with calling us a Mid Atlantic state. Hey I have nothing against those states-but New England is loaded with charm. Maybe the cartographer who drew the original maps was having a bad day and decided NY was going to the mid-Atlantic. If I am going to be a Yankee at least make me a New England one.See my argument-if we were New Englanders we could have quaint towns with village greens, steepled white churches, stone walls and great foliage.

Stationery

In order to keep tabs on my books, I have decided to purchase some bookplates. I am undecided which ones to get from Felix Doolittle.

They have the best selection. I am also considering upgrading my return labels.

Debate Frenzy

It is like a party here at work....much excitement as the debate prepares to kickoff. In our office we have had an Andrea Mitchell and Chris Matthews sighting. I went inside the CNN bus where interviews are conducted. Just wish we could attend the debate.

Paddling

It was a beautiful fall weekend here on Long Island. I have been talking about buying some fresh eggs on one of the eastern Long Island farms. My husband, being the gallant soul that he is, volunteered to drive to the North Fork. We could get eggs, pumpkins, produce, and wine. Ah but there was a catch-the canoe came along.

Every other person in the tri state area must have had the same idea-except for the canoe. Some of you may know that the Long Island Expressway is often refered to as the nation's longest parking lot, well this past weekend the back country roads-one lane each way won that title. A cornacopia of gas guzzling autos were inching their way east, carrying crying children, distraught parents-all in search of the perfect pumpkin and corn maze. I only hope they had better luck than I had.

Pictures are from farm web sites.

I opted to visit a winery-

Laurel Lake Winery

Oh and hubby did get to catch a fish. Next weekend no canoes!

Necklaces

I wanted to share these images of necklaces from DeDeCadieux. I have purchased the glass beads in rose, aquaremarine, and a few other shades. One strand of the pearls to interchange with the glass beads and the great clasp and earrings. You can mix and match-all four seasons.

They are great with any outfit. They always make me feel feminine.

For the love of books and magazines and our Canadian Neighbors

I adore and crave books and have stacks by the beside in the "library". Thanks to a post by

My Nottinghill I went to the local Barnes and Noble and found House and Home a Canadian shelter magazine that is great. The fact that has a slightly foreign edge to it makes it even more appealing. I love the phrase en suite as an explanation for a bedroom bathroom combination. Even looking at the print ads makes me feel that I am in England. If you get a chance visit their website or pick up a copy at a newsstand.

If you live anywhere near Manahattan perhaps you would like to go to the book talk at Kate's Paperie. Looks like fun.

SMILE

Thank you to Preppy 101 in Tennessee for nominating me for a Smile Award. While I don't always possess these attributes-I do try:

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SMILE AWARD

1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (Yesterday in my office (I work at a university on L.I.), I channeled my inner Audrey Hepburn!). I never get upset about the work I do (accounting) after all the numbers can be corrected.

2. Must love one another. (I love people most of the time-but there are days I prefer my dogs).

3. Must make mistakes. (See answer #1-the delete and backspace keys are my friends).

4. Must learn from others. (Hey I decided to get a Master's degree after a number of years out of college and I am learning Italian from one of my co-workers).

5. Must be a positive contributor to the blog world. (I am new - so I will try my hardest).

6. Must love life. (I look forward to everyday-even the not so good ones).

7. Must love kids. (Does that mean mine or other peoples? Because somedays I tell mine that the warranty expired when they turned 18).

THE RULES OF THE AWARD

1. Link back to the awards creator.

2. Post the rules if you receive the award.

3. Choose five people to receive the award.

4. Your must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.

5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.

6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.

7. You must thank you giver.

DRUM ROLL MY FIVE CHOICES ARE.......

1.Mrs. Blandings

2.My Nottinghill

3. Impoverished Preppy

4. Tickled Pink Design

5.Nautical by Naturehttp://aka-kate.blogspot.com

Lets cross our fingers that these links work!

Rowing and Reading

The weekend was spent canoeing. While it is not my favorite all time activity (mainly because whenever we go my husband sneaks in a fishing pole) this Saturday it was perfect. The crispness of the air, leaves starting to turn, heron, mallards, and geese all made for a relaxing trip. We were on the Croton River not far from where I grew up. I had the best job in high school and college, working at a docent at Van Cortlandt Manor-which I always visit when I am in the neighborhood.

Then a stop at my favorite grocery store-Stew Leonards. I probably am one of the few people who get excited to visit a food store-but let me tell you I just love this place. Of course I had the opportunity to pick up some magazines, an obsession of mine.

I love regional magazines-especially ones that are give aways, which the Cottage and Garden ones are. Anyone who has a favorite let me know.

Shop to you almost drop

Yesterday was the annual Holiday Spree in Rye, New York. I am thrilled to say that for $5.00 apiece I was able to snag two fabric covered tissue boxes (one is covered in silk) and two catchalls also fabric covered. I have seen them in speciality shops for $40-$50. I also bought a pair of faux Seaman Schepps shell earnings. CMM Designs has some really great pieces and she goes to many of the fall shows.

The luncheon was served over looking Long Island Sound-it was a perfect setting on the water, gentle breeze and 70+ weather-who knew it was October.

For those of you in the NY Metro area-check out the annual Brunschwig & Fils warehouse sale in White Plains, NY October 17-Oct19th. Their fabrics are a thing of beauty. I hear they are also going to have some furniture, lamps and mirrors.