Petit Dejuner @ King Arthur

Yesterday morning we escaped the housekeeper and headed to King Arthur Flour in Norwich --  where you can shop an extensive selection of fine ingredients, learn to bake the perfect baguette, or just sit & enjoy wonderful pastries with steaming hot coffee...

I poured a mug of Omar's Organic Blend (shade-grown & fair trade) and headed over to the case, where I ordered the prettiest morning pastry I could find. Although it was called almond danish, 'danish' seems too pedestrian a name for this creation. Its tender, light crust was more like a croissant, a delicious, not-too-sweet almond paste was wrapped within, and the entire flaky confection was topped with honey-glazed, toasted almond slivers.

Heaven.

Celebrating

my 100th blog!

{lavender champagne courtesy of Martha}

Vintage Adirondack

Today I found an unbelievable piece of Americana -- an antique & very rustic birch bark basket.  It is quite large and in remarkable condition. Completely hand crafted, probably in the early 1900's, with a hardwood retaining band that is whip-stitched to the bark with its original leather strap.  Can't wait to fill it with winter greens.

What a Day

The results of a long, hard day on the trail in Vermont & New Hampshire.  Mom took me to wonderful places full of dust and debris, and we uncovered some fabulous finds -- vintage Limoges, ironstone, apothecary bottles, out-of-print books...

All will find their way to estate @ Sleepy Poet Antiques over the next few weeks.

Lucky Me

I'm heading up to Vermont to enjoy family, the holiday, a favorite annual auction at Wm. A. Smith & the best whiskey sour in the world, courtesy of the Woodstock Inn.

Pinch me.

Mrs. Howard Presents

This past summer, the former clubhouse of the Charlotte Woman's Club was completely made anew by Mrs. Howard, and is now the latest home for Phoebe Howard's gracious Southern style. See for yourself...

I'm particularly partial to the nailhead treatment on the velvet upholstered walls by a local firm, Design Upholstery.

Guilt

I was reading a new blog favorite, Sartorially Inclined, yesterday and learned about GILT, a fabulous resource for classic designers and chic destinations @ reduced prices. Head over today and sift through items from Carolina Herrera & Oscar de la Renta, or book at room at Le Crillon.

And don't forget to tell them Holly sent you.

Forward Thinking

If you've already started shopping for the holidays (all you crazy people know who you are), and a very lucky someone on your gift list lives in Chicago...

(Oprah perhaps?)...

this urn + greenery is one beautiful way to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Shop Jayson Home & Garden for details...

Whoa, Betty!

Top Cup

My old neighborhood coffee house recently garnered a 'best in America' prize from GQ. Until now I didn't think I missed a thing about my dark little house on the top of Queen Anne Hill, but oh how I miss that coffee!

Pearl Oyster Bar

Last Spring I blogged about a fabulous Manhattan fish shack -- one that reminds me of a summer beach in the middle of a sea of concrete. It's time to add another (and this one has been recently seconded and therefore validated beyond question by Mario Batali). Pearl Oyster Bar (not to be confused with The Black Pearl, another fantastic spot on Newport's waterfront) offers a lobster roll that's a real contender.

Next time you're in Manhattan, try it and let me know if you agree.

Fall Harvest, Martha-style

Back to Basics

This may be your last opportunity to turn to the pages of Gourmet for assistance in achieving turkey perfection, be sure to take advantage while you can...

Busy Busy Busy

After months scouring the Northeast & Southeast for great pieces (and taking a break from blogging), I've finally moved into my new space. Be sure to stop by Sleepy Poet Antiques the next time you're in Charlotte to see 55,000 square feet of fabulous finds from hundreds of dealers + me!

Better Late Than Never

It took more than a hot second to acknowledge itself, but Fall has finally arrived in the Carolinas and Charlotte is quickly emerging from its air-conditioned slumber to celebrate. Bales of hay are piled with pumpkins at the King Street Farmers Market, diners are filling the patio at Big Daddy's Burgers, and dogs are hanging out of car windows all over town.

Bananas

My latest addiction is Bravo's 'The Rachel Zoe Project'

For those of you frittering your life away researching stem cells or promoting world peace, tune in to see a real breakthrough -- Zoe & team getting Anne Hathaway through 2 flawless wardrobe changes at last year's Academy Awards while simutaneously styling Jennifer Garner's May 2009 In Style photo shoot.

Gritty, gritty stuff.

Not Far From Fall

SATC the Sequel

Filming in NYC has begun, and look who's back.

Brimfield Antiques Show

The extraordinary outdoor market known simply as 'Brimfield' - one of the largest and best known in the country - has been held in this small Massachusetts town for 50 years.

The final show of 2009 begins today, and whether you favor traditional or modern, you'll find much to love.

And after Brimfield, there's no place better than the bake shop @ Old Sturbridge Village for warm cookies and lemonade to go.

Happy Labor Day

Enjoy the last light of Summer

The Litchfield Hills

FOR SALE: The 1786 Moore Gibbs House, just off the Green in Historic Milton and completely renovated by a renowned designer. Amazing, with charm and sophistication, on 200 feet of the Marshapaug River.

And published in American Farmhouses.

I think I'm in love.

Mini*Break

Located in the idyllic town of Washington, Connecticut, The Mayflower Inn is less than 2 hours north of Manhattan. Set amidst the abundant and breathtaking beauty of century-old rhododendron, endless trees, and luxuriant grounds, seasonal outdoor activities and challenges abound (private fly-fishing lesson, anyone?).

At the heart of Mayflower’s 58 acre estate lies Spa House, a luminous 20,000 square foot relaxation resource that provides a serene haven for your mani-pedi.

So get thee to Washington (& don't forget the black AmEx)

The 'New' American Wing

This past Spring, after more than 2 years of construction and renovation, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's unparalleled collections of American furniture, sculpture, stained glass, architectural elements, ceramics, glass, silver, pewter, and jewelry were once again made accessible to the public.

As part of this restoration, 12 of the Met's historic interiors were renovated and reinterpreted, with stunning results. Here are 4 of my favorites...

Restoration Hardware. Really.

Change is Good

Every 5 years or so, I become restless, anxious, unsettled. I start to re-examine my life, my goals, my work, my locale. It's happening again, and I have the strong sense a fork in the road is just around the corner.

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." {Andy Warhol}

The September Issue

To see it is to love it...

Edward Moore Kennedy, 1932 - 2009

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives,
and the dream shall never die

Roger Vivier

champagne & shoes. be happy...

Remembering JFK Jr. & CBK

Hello Summer

bicycles strapped to back of the Ford

Brant Point leaving from the pier in the Sound

shingled cottage with a sea-blue door

lobster rolls on the deck at the dock

braided rope bracelets from the shop on the wharf

Hello Summer, we're ready

Pouf-Crazy

Do you love poufs as much as the next person (and by 'next person,' I mean Candace Bushnell, Kelly Wearstler or Ali Wentworth)?

{Candace Bushnell's Village apartment}

{Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos' living room}

{Kelly Wearstler's son's bedroom}

I do. And I think I like them best in silver. Like a pair of Jack Rogers sandals for the living room.

Happy Returns

Yesterday, for the first time since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Americans were allowed to clamber up the steep steps and enter the Statue of Liberty's crown.

Welcome back.

Happy 4th

Go out there and have some fun

Calypso St. Barth

This gauzy wrap from Calypso is perfect Summer party-wear... and check out Calypso Home in East Hampton for beachy-fun home furnishings.

The Charlie

Having spent 4 months of my dot-com work-life living out of a so-so hotel on the Beverly Hills / West Hollywood border, I get very excited when I learn of an amazing new place to stay on the Left Coast. West Hollywood's The Charlie is getting loads of attention right now, and with good reason.  Check out the living space of the bungalow named, appropriately, Charlie...

I could be particularly partial because I've got the same Mitchell Gold sofa, but I think the kitchen spaces are what really won me over.

By the month ($7,500).

Swap-tastic

And now for something completely fabulous...

all of the wonderful things in my Kitchen Swap 2009 package from Robin. I'm completely overwhelmed by her talent and thoughtfulness! Really perfect... the colors are fantastic and everything is so practical & useful. I especially love my squirrel cosy -- can't believe she found the link on my blog and made it for me... so nice!

This was my first swap and I joined primarily because I love pulling things together for others, and didn't have many expectations about what I might receive in return. Thanks to Robin, I'm totally hooked!

Almost forgot -- here's what I sent Robin.  I think she liked it, which makes me happy too.

sneak peek: Kitchen Swap 2009

Here's a peek at the Kitchen Swap 2009 package (hostess = Sew Fantastic) I'm sending to my swap partner, Robin.  After she receives the post I'll reveal the goodies inside...

The Little Garden

The stories in this sweet series of books -- The Little Garden collection -- originally appeared in House Beautiful and McCall's in the early 1920's. While each is wonderful, I especially love Peonies in The Little Garden. 

Sloane in Bloom

It's that time of year again, and Sloane Street is in full bloom in honor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  Some of my favorite London shops go all out to win the coveted Sloane in Bloom prize with their completely inspired floral displays.  Jo Malone has won for 2 years running and this year's large & lovely rose-covered bottles are likely to garner the shop its 3rd grand prize.

a whole lotta happy

Southern Living voted North Carolina's State Fair second only to that of the great state of Texas. 

Come check it out this October, y'hear?

Outdoor Living

I'm thinking of turning the tiny little 1940's dutch colonial garden shed/garage out back into a summer atelier.

A few of these cots from Hable Construction with some huge patchwork down filled pillows might be just thing to make the new place habitable...

patchwork (1) done

and freshly laundered in Mrs. Meyer's Geranium detergent.  It's hardly perfect, but I love everything about it.

1st of the season

... from my kitchen garden

And while this looks tempting,

[via Tartelette}

I'll probably just slice the berries, whip the cream, split some biscuits, and eat.

Weekend Sewing

I'm happy to announce that a single class with sew-inspired has considerably reduced my machine-induced anxiety. And thanks to Pink Chalk and Purl Patchwork, I'm starting to develop a fairly respectable stash of fabrics.

{love this!}

So now my obsession is reading as many fabulous books on the subject as I can {Amy Butler's In Stitches, Joelle Hoverson's Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts, and Anna Maria Horner's Seams to Me: 24 new reasons to love sewing, just to name a few}.

My favorite right now is Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.  Last weekend I made pajamas for everyone in an aqua seersucker gingham.  

I'm addicted. Almost as soon as the 1st pair was done, I started cutting the 2nd.

heaven on earth

About a month ago, I blogged a bit on my favourite room in the house. I love its incredible comfort, minimalist quality, the complete lack of clutter.  When I settle in with my Times and french press on a Sunday morning, I have plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

That said, I adore a hint of color.  And this lush wool crewelwork rug from Anthropologie is heavenly. 

Just the treat my favourite room deserves.

House Paint

I'm trying to convince myself that there is a color other than white...

But I don't think I can.

Kitchen Garden {week 3}

  

See how they've grown? 

If you look closely, you'll find the first Quinault strawberry in the round pot at the top.

patchwork (1) begun

I finished the top of my first patchwork in class yesterday. 

It's the perfect size for a picnic.

Trader Joe's

There is so much I love about Trader Joe's.  

Tempura Vegetable Nests w/ Cracked Pepper Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraiche. Turkey Chili. Thaw & Bake Chocolate Croissants. Meyer Lemon Cookie Thins. Organic Popcorn w/Olive Oil. Kalamata Olive Hummus & Mini Pita.  

But my favorite thing is the amazing selection of flowers.   

Victoria Hagen

Honestly, what's not to love.

Thrift = Style

Make Do and Mend, the iconic guide to thrift first published in 1943, appeared in the UK at a time when both food & clothing were being rationed. While we don't seem to be headed there, the current economic outlook does appear to have led to a newfound appreciation for the 'home arts'. With an interesting impact on what's in Vogue. Literally.

According to the May issue of British Vogue, Liberty of London has re-opened the doors to its sewing school. Liberty Stitch is offering full day workshops in sewing, knitting, crochet & 'patchwork'. 

And Smythson of Bond Street, a luxury purveyor of leather goods owned by (among others) a banker from Goldman Sachs, has featured a 'Sewing Box'* in its newly launched Peppermint Collection. 

Interesting to note that the pale mint, ostrich-embossed calf leather box will likely retail for > $1,000US  -- a price that's a bit more ironic than iconic.

{*also via Style Court)

Fuss

I uncovered these on etsy from Fuss Jewelry.

There are other lovelies in her shop waiting for you.

Might want to stop by.

Cozy

I've decided to have tea in the afternoon. On a tray, steeped in the pot, with sugar & milk. 

I found the tray in a chest upstairs and went digging in the pantry for my old golf trophy 'sugar' and faux bois pitcher. Then I became fixated on the idea of a pure white porcelain teapot. Which is why I love ebay. Within 10 minutes, I'd found it.

A few days later I was reading one of my favorite blogs and saw Zakka Sewing's squirrel tea cozy (+ a link to the pattern.) Now I just need some embroidery floss & wool felt...

Don't you love the web?

Crazy

In honor of Seleta's Fabulous Friday, I'm sharing the latest addition to my ever-increasing textile stash... 

Mom visited Charlotte a few weeks ago. While she was here we found a lovely shop in the country with this fabulous fabric from Portabellopixie.  I (feeling confident, ambitious even) enrolled in one of their classes to make a quilt for my bedroom called Crazy Curves.  

{Please see earlier post re: sewing here}

Am I crazy?

Fall '09 Runway

Looks like black is back,

with just a hint of color.

{via style.com}

Summer in the City

It's your first outdoor party of the season. Caipirinhas flowing / palm leaves blowing.  Oliver Peoples 6  offers 'a soulful, reggae infused sound that embodies the chilled out vibe of the Oliver Peoples retail experience.'  

Sun in your eyes?  Must be time for another round.

Jane Prater

Charlotte knitties-in-the-know love Jane Prater.  In this area, she's a yarn legend. I took my first class with Jane last night @ Charlotte Yarn and now I understand why.

Her custom-knitting class teaches how to knit from the top down, but more importantly, how to make your sweater fit like a Jermyn Street bespoke shirt.  

The Charlotte Yarn advert looked like this:

 

If it isn’t custom fit to your body, then it is just another sweater. Audrey Hepburn wore custom fit and so can you.

What's not to love about that? So maybe I'm prone to hyperbole, but Jane's a hoot & a 1/2 and she has a gift for making the complicated simple. At the end of class, I walked away wondering why I ever got so frustrated about something so silly.

Or as Jane says, lighten up.  It's just sticks and string.

ACK

The rest of us can enjoy weekends on Nantucket again ~ via Continental Airlines, which resumes its jet service to ACK from EWR in June. 

Stay @ The Veranda House

Eat @ 21 Federal

Shop @ Peter Beaton

Enjoy.

Great Danes

{via Copenhagen Cycle Chic}

Love a Garden?

Check out The Guardian's GardeningBlog, one of the best resources for new gardeners on the Web.

Palm Beach Room

The idea harkens back to the '50's, when sun rooms took on all sorts of clever names.

Whatever it's called, this room takes me to a place I want to be... with a pair of shoes to match.

India Hicks Style

I'm styling the house for summer & looking to Island Life for inspiration

The clean feeling of the Harbor Island homes & hotel owned by India Hicks is perfect

I love the way she uses heirloom 'objet' to personalize living spaces

With Hicks in mind, I scoured local flea markets, consignment shops & antique malls for pieces that channel India's mojo...

Anchor andirons with perfect patina

 

Antique butler's tray w/traditional inlay

Vintage faux bamboo vase {for a handful of palm leaves}

Antique hot printing plate drawer, to fill with the treasures of Summer

Vintage garden concrete bird's nest

Pair of vintage pineapple lamps updated with shades from a West Elm outlet

Antique postcard to enlarge 10x & place in a simple black frame from IKEA

Priceless heirlooms?  $710

Happy Easter!

To appropriately celebrate the day in Bunny Ears, check out this pattern from Cath Kidston.

Hydrangeas

I re-planted my ancient cement pots this morning with 'Mathilda Gutges,' a small-ish hydrangea from the 1940's that promises cobalt flowers (with enough acid) and deep green leaves. Happily, the mopheads are not yet wilting in the mid-afternoon sun. Feels like summer already.

The Mermaid Inn

try their Lobster Sandwich on toasted brioche w/a side of Old Bay fries...

it's a sunny day at the beach

To Wallpaper or Not to Wallpaper?

My dining room needs oomph.  And while I love white, both the kitchen and living room, which this room bridges, are also white. I need more in this space.

I've been looking @ these 3 from Farrow & Ball. 

Thoughts?

Cupcake Chair

Ever found a lovely piece of furniture that reminded you of a delicious morsel of food?

Call me crazy, but as soon as I saw these cupcakes from Australia's Hello Naomi on Flickr, I thought of my favorite 1930's Frances Elkins 'loop' chair as interpreted by Downtown. This amazing chair would be even more cupcake-like painted Pleasant Pink (it can be customized in any Benjamin Moore color).

Another decor/food fetish confirmed.

Isn't She Fabulous?

I just came across a 'retrospective' of Mrs. Obama's G-20 fashions on The Huffington Post and I've got to say it again... isn't she fabulous?

Traditional / Modern

Miles Redd impeccably mixes the 2.

Kitchen Garden {just planted}

Inspired by the White House garden of First Lady Michelle Obama and the One Million Garden campaign, I planted one of my own today in fabulous new grey pots from Lowe's.

Of course, I had 3 beautiful raised beds created in my backyard 2 years ago. Set behind a lovely weathered picket fence and filled with near-perfect soil.  And I planted them.  Trouble is, out of sight, out of mind. Everything came to an untimely end minus H2O. But this year, pots planted with Fajita Bell peppers, Better Boy tomatoes, Quinault strawberries and miscellaneous herbs are nestled in a bed of pine straw just steps from the back door. And I'm feeling cautiously optimistic regarding their chance of survival.

I'm So Over Kelly

Kelly, we're, like, up here.  And you're, like, down there.

Classic Kate

Kate Spade stepped down as chief designer of her namesake brand nearly 2 years ago. And while her shops are still completely fresh & chock-full of amazingly fun objects...

I miss Kate.

J'adore Cookies

  

and Laduree macarons are my favorite. The best I've had this side of the Atlantic are from Bouchon, but nothing beats the real thing!

Harbor & Home

The latest exhibition at Winterthur is Harbor & Home: Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1710-1850, which opened Saturday. On display are 84 pieces of furniture, and more than 100 paintings, prints, historical photographs and other items drawn from 50 public and private collections. Lenders include The Met & Old Sturbridge Village, plus many smaller institutions throughout southeastern Massachusetts. 

Isn't this scrimshaw dressing box perfect?  It's attributed to whaling captain Richard Luce of Vineyard Haven, and was probably made at sea between 1830 and 1850. 

Kudos to Captain Luce for crafting this beautiful piece while sailing over the Atlantic's rolling waves.  Just the thought is making me a little seasick... 

Domestic Goddess

I wake up early on weekdays.  I love reading e-mail, walking the dog, and having my first cup of coffee watching the sun come up. 

Weekends are different. And Nigella Feasts is on a very short list of things {w/estate sales, Wimbledon, Metrolina, and dog} that get me out of bed before 8:00 a.m. But I can't help it. Her show is warm & cozy, like a big hug. And I adore her Web site as well. Here's what's cooking today...

Isn't that lovely?

Spring Cleaning (blog)

Like the new look?

Spring Cleaning (house) this weekend...

Happy Spring.

Dog Perfect

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful, she said.

SoHo / Greenwich Village

Sunny. 

I squashed 4 favorite things into 2 hours.

Cupcakes @ Magnolia,

fresh-cut flowers near Broome,

window shopping on West Broadway,

& inspiration @ Purl.

 I love NY.

No Green

What better way to spend St. Patrick's than drinks @ Zanzibar and some fabulous Italian @ Cascina next door?  Fun.

Ok, maybe a smidge of green...

Wellies

I love Great Britain. Pringle cashmere, Harvey Nichols, Number Sixteen, Ab Fab, PG Tips, aran sweaters, Lush, Aston Martin, Boots Apothecary, Tate Britain, St. Martin in the Field, The Conran Shop, Mary Poppins...

And on days like today, when it rains cats & dogs in the Carolinas, making huge puddles & kicking up red clay, I head to the mud room for my black Wellies -- the classic Scottish rubber boot.

But when I saw the original Hunter Wellingtons in Silver @ WinkNYC, I had to re-think my blind love of all things UK. Silver. Really.

Not sure even Trinny & Susannah could make it work.

Crisp White Sheets

Of all the rooms in my house, I love my bedroom most. I designed the headboard to add punch to those All White walls, and the tufted cotton velvet upholstery is a soft support for bedtime reading. Nothing relaxes me more than settling under freshly laundered, egyptian cotton sheets with a wonderful, aromatic candle flickering on the night-table.

Jane Scott Hodges, founder of Leontine Linens, originally opened her New Orleans shop in 1996 to showcase the Eleanor Beard Studio's artisinal work. Jane offers very special products based on her belief that one’s linens should be a reflection and extension of personal taste and lifestyle. I first laid eyes on a Leontine Linens sham in Town & Country. The hand-worked monogram on crisp, white cotton appealed to my love of both timeless quality and a 'less is more' aesthetic. I immediately ordered a pair of my very own in Althea and fell in love.

As for the candle, what else but Votivo's Clean Crisp White?

Purl Patchwork

When was the last time you were inspired to try something new?

A year ago I was shopping in New York and came upon a tiny shop tucked into a snug SoHo side street. Full of fabulous textiles. It was Purl Patchwork.  

At PP, 100% cotton fabrics are displayed floor to ceiling, all colors and styles, artfully arranged to make selection the easiest thing in the world. But here's the thing... finding wonderful fabric has never been my issue. I adore all textiles -- new calico, old ticking, crazy quilts, antique toile, even ric-rac. 

It's sewing that scares the *&%! out of me. Ever since 7th grade Home Ec and an unfortunate reversible bermuda bag cover incident.  

So it took a year.  And I'm not sure if it was vintage ticking at The American Antiques Show or a documentary on the Quilts of Gee's Bend that pushed me over the edge. But last week I finally bought a new Janome and some Liberty fabric. 

It's time to face my demons.

Spring Fling

A few weeks ago there was sun, lots of sun, and warmth. Skies were cloudless, a pale and clear Carolina blue. Daffodils were up, my lawn was a patchwork of dark green tufts, and most of the neighbors had replaced their holiday magnolia swags with pots of fresh pansies. Temperatures were pushing 70. Was I wrong to think Spring had arrived?

I'd first seen the Townie in Vogue, then on Nantucket, and finally -- in early February -- through the window of my neighborhood cycle shop, a brilliant mass of peony, tangerine and limeade.   The Townie is a model of simplicity, and I'm so about simple.   The flat-foot technology makes riding in flip-flops a breeze.  

One of the originals, a pearly lime 3-speed with the coaster brakes of my childhood and a comfy seat, was too much to resist. Really, who can turn away from a bike that offers a surf rack accessory?  I succumbed. And not just to the cruiser, but to a big wicker basket and bright, shiny bell.

I was able to ride my new Townie around town for exactly 1 day before Winter returned.  Tomorrow we're expecting 3-5 inches of snow...

Must-See TV

Sure, President Obama signed a stimulus package today, but tonight the Housewives are back. Wonder how K.K.B. will fare against Bethenny, LuAnn, Alex, Ramona and Jill?

Bensimon is a patron of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute and graduate of Columbia,

author of American Style...

and In the Spirit of the Hamptons, 

 

and recently divorced from Elle Macpherson's ex.  

Am I the only one to sense that five of these things are not like the other?

Alternative Lifestyle

Jealous? 
Me?  
Really.  Of course I am.  Who wouldn't be?

Childhood friend Jeff Noordsy & his delightful significant other Holly are living the dream. My dream. Since graduating from Middlebury College in the early '90's, they've been skiing the world, dealing antiques, and restoring the Vermont parsonage they call home.  

I ran into them during American Antiques Week, just before a woman who'd lived in their parsonage 50 years earlier (her father had been a minister in their small Vermont town) entered their booth.  

Small world...

Anyway, their stuff was terrific, and I wanted to know how they did it. So just after exhibiting at The American Antiques Show last month, Jeff & Holly answered some of my burning questions. 

HGL:  Tell me about your antiquing roots -- how did you get your start?

J&H:  I always admired antiques at the home of my Mom’s aunt and Mother.  I started attending flea markets and auctions in college and things quickly escalated from there.

HGL:  So how long have you been actually dealing in antiques?
J&H:  We started dealing just after college in 1992, focusing primarily on bottles and stoneware, though didn't become full-time dealers until the late 90s.

HGL: What's the current focus of your business?
J&H:  Quality, quality, quality  Not necessarily the most expensive objects but anything that’s “the best” of its given type.  We still do much of our business in glass but are having increasing success with art and paint decorated high country furniture and accessories.

HGL:  Do you have a favorite period?
J&H:  Late 18th / early 19th century

HGL:  What's been your most interesting find to date?
J&H:  Too many to count!  It’s not just the “big hits" (monetarily) that resonate but also the fun little things acquired in out of the way places.  Our most exciting discovery was probably an important glass collection that had been “lost” for thirty-five years.  We traveled to Chevy Chase, MD and entered a home where I immediately recognized a number of iconic objects.  The buyer was a “closet collector” nobody knew of – it caused quite a stir when we unveiled these objects at the next show…

HGL: Do you have a piece you love too much to offer for sale?
J&H: Lots of them but we have learned that if we are to “make it” we need to keep our options open.  With that said, we do have a few treasures that I can’t ever imagine selling.

HGL:  How many days a year do you travel for business?
J&H:  Too many!  At least 120 nights in hotels and many more on the road.

HGL: What's your favorite town to travel for a show?
J&H: We always enjoy Baltimore because we have a number of friends there and are learning to take advantage of the opportunities offered in NYC.  Have had a few great trips to the South with Memphis being the best stop.

HGL: What's your favorite road food?
J&H: D’Angelos when we are on the run and whatever we can find online when we are staying put for a few days.  Road life is difficult so we do not scrimp on our food choices.  Yes, pizza in the room is at times great but we love to see what culinary delights we can uncover.

HGL: What do you do when you're not working?

J&H: Cuddling, long walks on the beach – oh wait, that’s for another profile!  Skiing is an important aspect of our lives, as is hiking.  We also enjoy working on our home and in our gardens.  When we return from the road we are truly homebodies.

HGL: What's on your iPod?
J&H: What’s an ipod?  Believe it or not, we don’t have one (don’t tell my Dad) although music is very important to us.  We listen to selections from Wolfgang’s Vault and archive.org at home and XM radio on the road.  We like an eclectic mix of music – jam bands, 60s Jazz, some modern R&B…

HGL:  If not an antiques dealer, what would be your occupation?

J&H: Firewatcher!  Hard to say – I now deem myself “unemployable” in that I have been my own boss for too long for me to conform to a structured set of rules.

Thanks Jeff & Holly.  And not to rub it in, but here are just a few of the fabulous items you've recently missed from Noordsy Antiques...

 

PAIR OF CARVED WOODEN DUCKS

Weathered white paint. American, early 20th century

MOCHA TANKARD

Foliate handle terminal and tooled base edge. English, C. 1800

 

19th CENTURY OIL ON CANVAS 

Connecticut River Valley landscape painted in the manner of Benjamin Champney

 

FREEBLOWN DEEP BOWL
Blown in Western New York State C. 1840

What Women Want

According to Wikipedia, the Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that, in the US, men spend on average twice as much money as women.

Consider this my effort to ensure those dollars are well-spent.

A Smythson fuchsia calf notes book (for extra points, add a love letter to your sweetie on the first page), $180

 

No man or woman will ever want to take off this lucky charm once it is tied, states Hermes regarding its new Cartouche bracelet in silver & evercalf leather, $405

Chocolate never fails, especially the Love Tower from Vosges Haut Chocolate, $58

For an old-school romantic, the sterling Tiffany Notes locket, $450 (+ charming picture of you)

100 pink Sarah Bernhardt peonies from fiftyflowers.com, $440

You get the idea...

The American Antiques Show

During my January trip to Manhattan for American Antiques Week, I also attended Antiques at the Armory and The American Antiques Show. Although the Winter Antiques Show highlighted the big names, and the Armory Show offered affordable pieces for young collectors, TAAS was by far the best show of the week. Admittedly I am biased. Childhood friend Jeff Noordsy and his fabulous wife Holly of Noordsy Antiques, positioned just across the aisle from Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques, were clearly one of the best new exhibitors at the Show. 

While the Noordsys are best known for their extensive collection of antique bottles & glass, it was their offering of period decorative arts that garnered significant attention. During the gala benefit preview, the buzz indicated that the entourage accompanying a certain omnimedia executive known for her exquisite taste and collection was paying close attention to this remarkable flag-holder, most likely created in celebration of our nation's centennial...

and another astute collector snapped up this perfectly lovely portrait of a young girl very early in the show...

All in all, TAAS is a show not to be missed.  Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with the Noordsys, and for more coverage of TAAS, check out Antiques and the Arts Online.

The Winter Antiques Show

The best grown-up scavenger hunt ever, American Antiques Week in NYC, is on. My first stop, the Winter Antiques Show, was wonderful... especially for fans who don't have time to cull the smaller auctions & shows for significant pieces.


For those who have never been, its location -- the Park Avenue Armory -- is magnificent. It was constructed from 1877 to 1881 for the 7th Regiment, the first militia to respond to President Lincoln’s call for volunteers in 1861. The Regiment hired prominent design firms in New York to create the interiors, most notably Associated Artists, a collaboration among Louis Comfort Tiffany, textile designer Candace Thurber Wheeler, the Hudson River school painter & decorator Samuel Colman, and ornamental woodcarver Lockwood de Forest. The Library, with abstract stained glass by Tiffany and a fireplace, latticework, and wainscoting designed by Stanford White, is one of the most stunning spaces in Manhattan.



With the Armory as backdrop, the forced Spring blooms were a magnificent adornment of the show's entry hall (check out the ceiling...)



And after walking under those fabulous blooms, I'm in. I must admit that after hearing Leigh Keno (perviously of American Antiques, currently of Traditional Modern) & twin Leslie speak at an August Antiques Show lecture on Nantucket a few years back, and following Leslie around Sotheby's as he explained the provenance of a few key American pieces to some clients last year, I'd really hoped to see them here. Leigh had a prominent space and great pieces, but the man himself was, hmmm, perhaps shopping elsewhere?

Regardless, the show was packed with fabulous examples of Americana. My untrained eye, however, kept going back to this New England blanket chest. I love its fresh color, the simplicity of the design, and the incredible vinegar-based faux finish...





Happily it was featured in the Catalogue, because at $48,000, a photograph of this fabulous piece is all I'll be cherishing...

Sign of the Times: Manhattan

60 East 66th Street was redesigned in 1919 by the architect Mott B. Schmidt, which accounts for its architecturally significant façade. It was commissioned by Mr. and Mrs. James Lees Laidlaw. Having led a landmark 10,000 person march to Washington in 1924, Mrs. Laidlaw was a prominent suffragette and also on the Board of Directors of the League of Nations Non-Partisan Association. Schmidt's creation was in the neo-Classical style, a six-story building with projecting Spanish title roof. There was a center arched entrance and 3 arched windows at the second story, as well as an iron balcony. There are columns between the third story window and a cornice above. Schmidt also designed 1 Sutton Place for Mrs. W.K. (Anne) Vanderbilt, the Ann Morgan townhouse at One Sutton Place, the Vincent Astor Mansion at 128 East 80th Street, the Emily Trevor Townhouse at 15 East 80th Street, selected commissions for the Rockefeller family, the apartment building at 1088 Park Avenue, and the beautifully proportioned 53 East 66th Street on this very block.




Yours for $10.9M

Beautiful Day

'On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.'

It's about time.

Back in Dixie

I'm a Yankee, born & educated in New England and raised with all the thrift and tradition the word implies. A few years ago, however, I moved South of the Mason-Dixon and the transition has been -- no surprise here -- an adjustment. But I've tried, especially over the past year, to develop my inner Southerner. Apparently with some success. After spending the holidays up North, I returned -- staggered to realize how much I'd come to miss some of the comforts of my new-found home...

Chicken & biscuits

 

Buttery grits

Culture

And the spoils of tobacco money

What's not to love?

Golden @ The Globes

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

Cameron Diaz in Chanel

Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab

America Ferrera in Oscar de la Renta

Anne Hathaway in Armani

Penelope Cruz in Armani

Kate Winslet in YSL

Salma Hayek in Bottega Veneta

 

Drew Barrymore in Dior

& Christina Applegate in Cavalli

 

New York Simple

I'm a banker living on the East Coast, and every once in a while I make the journey from one large East Coast financial center to the other. When venturing North, I traditionally travel by air. Efficient, but not particularly enjoyable. The airports are neither welcoming nor attractive, and the ride into the city usually leaves me curbside at some nice little Greenwich Village hotel feeling completely nauseated.  While I perk up nicely after a cupcake & trip to Purl Soho, I find the whole experience somewhat draining.

This time, however, my junket began in New England, and with no snow in the forecast I drove my very own car.  But here's the thing... beyond a trip every now & then along the Henry Hudson Parkway, I'm not too keen on Manhattan driving, and find city parking a dismal (and unreasonably expensive) experience. What to do what to do?  

Guess what?  I found a new place to stay.  It's called New Jersey.  And as much as I hate to admit it, I would stay there again in a heartbeat. For the doubting or faint of heart (I know you're out there... I used to be among you), here's my simple step-by-step from New England to the State they call Garden:

1. 

2.  This phase depends on how deeply embedded you are within New England. If you're really up there, with coffee in hand, get yourself to the nearest on-ramp for

3.  After a few hours, switch to

4.  After a bit more, you'll come upon a bridge.  It's busy but beautiful, so don't be afraid. Enjoy it, and if you get a chance, take a peek up. Magnificent.

Once you've crossed this bridge, you're there. A divine and simple place called New Jersey. 

5.  Settle into lodgings on the Hudson,

near a ferry,

and take that ferry into NYC.

If you're lucky like me, you'll only need to walk a few feet more, and there you are.

6. (Optional)  Take an evening and view Manhattan with a drink beside a window from your perch upon the Hudson.  And enjoy.

Winter Blues?

Time to head South & catch some waves. Or if in Mexico, Las Olas -- the fabulous surf safaris that 'make girls out of women.'

A few years ago I was living in Seattle. After nearly 60 straight days of gray drizzle, I packed my bags and headed down to a small fishing village in Nayarit, Mexico. After a week of daily yoga, massage, pancakes on the beach and sand in my suit, I became a surfer.

Since returning from Las Olas, I've taken a few Caribbean vacations, wave hopping with rented boards, both foam & fiberglass. And while I love surf gear, all bright rashguards and Roxy tees, I've never even been tempted to buy a board... until I heard about Grain.

Each Grain Surfboard is a work of art. The company is based on the Maine coast and the boards are hand-made by local artisans of white cedar from nearby forests. And when you consider that these boards are crafted with traditional New England boat-building techniques, you understand why even a heavily-used Grain Surfboard won't show the usual signs of wear sustained by a fiberglass board. Which is all my way of saying that Grain creates surfboards for a lifetime. And so, much like my Hermes Birkin, I will justify my purchase using a most clever 'cost per use' theory.

Works for me.

Resolution

I rely on prayer for the big rocks; world peace, good health, economic recovery.  And I like S.M.A.R.T. goals for work/life objectives.  But for the small stuff, I'm a fan of the New Year's Resolution.  

In 2009 I'm focusing on just one, hoping it'll increase my odds.

I will attend a really good Summer party,

wearing a delicious Josephine Sasso dress.

Cheers.

How Much Do I Love Anderson Cooper?

Enough to stay up well past midnight to watch the ball drop with him on CNN. But we'll start with bubbles & Party Treats & Diana Krall around 9-ish, because some things just can't wait.

Party Treats

2 boxes Trader Joe's Vegetable Bird's Nests (julienned veggies formed into tempura-enhanced nests) 

4 oz. smoked salmon
Crème fraîche
Fresh chives or dill

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place Nests on a baking sheet and, reducing oven to 350, bake for about 10 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.  Remove & let cool slightly.  Layer with salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche, then top with finely chopped chives or dill and serve.  Makes 16 bite-sized morsels.  (Also yummy when ossetra caviar is substituted for salmon & layered on top of the crème fraîche.)

Happy 2009!

Going... Going... Gone

Today was the auction @ Wm. A. Smith's.  The room was packed, the pace was fast, and everyone around me appeared to be having a terrific time. Despite a late arrival, I won some great pieces...

A large, repaired 19th c. Imari punch bowl with scalloped edge,

An 18th c. sea chest with canted sides, original hardware and blue-green paint,

An 18th c. pine New England blanket chest with original paint & hardware,

 

and a large antique SUPPLY sign crafted of wood & tin, signed C. I. Brink.

Great Old Stuff

A Woodstock, Vermont estate is going on the block tomorrow and the preview party is at Wm. A. Smith Auction House today. With so much antique eye candy, where do I look first?

This is one of the first lots that caught my eye -- can I live without these gilt wood sea serpents?

The cranberry scoop appeals to my love of all things coastal. 

Antique Chippendale is good for the soul, and this Maple piece from the late 1700's is no exception.

I'm a big fan of old signs with good wear in easy-to-love colors.  

This stepped back spice box with old green paint has wonderful patina.

Although singles abound, great sets of old brass candlesticks are hard to find, and I love this beehive shape.  These would be fabulous with bayberry candles from Brian Howell (of The Bee Man Candle Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina) and big wavy glass hurricanes.  

I love the warmth of this tiger maple...

and the whimsy of this Federal mirror with its reverse-painted winter scene.

First lot @ 9:00.  I've got a seat reserved on the aisle.  Wish me luck!

Reality

Meant to cast on my fresh Elsebeth Lavold Silky Cashmere over morning coffee and finish a new project by dinner. Thought a few skeins would be perfect for knit & tonic's fabulous new Marvel Cowl. Check out the beautiful stitches on Wendy in the pic... 

   

But then I found The Real Housewives of Atlanta while clicking around on the flat screen after Barefoot Contessa. I hadn't yet met the girls everyone was talking about and felt truly blessed to have an entire season + the reunion smack-down laid out before me in a single day. 

Unfortunately, much of the dialogue and some information critical to character development were captioned on-screen and required continuous viewing to keep up with the ever-increasing drama. Eventually the knitting became too disruptive, and I was forced to set the Cowl aside in favor of Nene, Lisa, Deshawn, Kim & Sheree. 

Game on.

Getting my knit on...

Webs, for those unaware, is knitting mecca -- a yarn shop that has grown since my first visit to its tiny basement-like storefront near alma mater to the crazy & wonderful huge-ness it is today. 

To put it in standardized test terms, Webs is to classic local yarn shop as The Breakers is to summer rental. 

I found delicious Elsebeth Lavold Silky Cashmere, Prism Merino Mia and Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton a-plenty. And because my Santa loves the gift certificate, I appeased my inner yarn slut & gave the Webs 'year-end blow out' its due without a trace of post-holiday guilt.

Almost.