I have the great fortune to live in a community that celebrates the Fourth of July in true Norman Rockwell form. In this small town on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, families gather along tree-lined streets to watch the parade, with gracious houses draped in bunting serving as backdrop. Picnic blankets dot the lawns where … Continue reading Celebrating Independence Day
Holiday
Lemony Lentil Salad with Dill, Cucumber and Feta
This Greek inspired lentil salad hits all the right notes - crunchy, creamy, light-yet-filling, and bursting with bright flavors. It's a great take-along for a Memorial Day picnic, and though it stands alone as a vegetarian entree, it would be a fabulous accompaniment to anything from burgers to grilled chicken. The lemony dressing will seem … Continue reading Lemony Lentil Salad with Dill, Cucumber and Feta
Make Me Blush
Pale blush was a favorite shade on the runways for Spring 2014, making silky underpinnings and accessories in this flattering hue the perfect choice for a Valentine's indulgence. What woman wouldn't want a hint of spring next to her skin even if she's bundled under layers of cashmere? I am absolutely wild over those Stella … Continue reading Make Me Blush
Last Minute Gift Guide for Him 2013
Yes it's true - only 9 shopping days left until Christmas. Don't panic! Build a fire, pour a glass of wine, pull out your laptop, and shop the last minute gift guide. I've got your back. He'll be the coolest one at the tailgate. Smathers & Branson Lumberjack Plaid Needlepoint Flask here. Keep him smooth and … Continue reading Last Minute Gift Guide for Him 2013
What to Bring: Lemon Garlic Hummus
Store-bought hummus makes an appearance at almost every casual get together these days, but you can up the ante by bringing a flavor-packed homemade version to this year's Memorial Day cookout. It comes together in minutes, and DIYing it allows you to use fresh seasonal ingredients that may not appear in those little round tubs … Continue reading What to Bring: Lemon Garlic Hummus
Happy Easter
Wishing you and yours a weekend filled with light, love and the beauty of renewal. all photos via the aesthete and the dilettante
Now THIS is Love
Yesterday I spent four and a half hours on these cookies. I am not making this up. The most ridiculous part, however, is not the amount of time that it took. It's that I made them for my son's classroom Valentine's Day party. I'm sure all of those 8th grade boys will spend LOADS of … Continue reading Now THIS is Love
Valentine Hints
"...the next thing I knew, I was kissing her all over - anywhere - her eyes, her nose, her forehead, her eyebrows and all, her ears - her whole face..." - Holden Caulfield I haven't exactly been in a sweet sort of mood, though if anything on this list were to come my way, I … Continue reading Valentine Hints
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And … Continue reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Happy Thanksgiving
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." - Thornton Wilder Clockwise from top left: (1) maple glazed apple crostata, recipe here (2) firewood (3) wild turkeys at Menemsha Inn, Martha's Vineyard (4) acorns collected from our treasured oaks (5) a favorite wine (6) … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving
the aesthete and the dilettante 