I really enjoy a great steak, especially from Blackstones Steakhouse in Greenwich.
When I go out to eat, I am not one to nibble on a salad. I really enjoy a great steak, especially from Blackstones Steakhouse in Greenwich. Blackstones has the perfect combination of excellent food and beautiful decor. They are known as one of the best steakhouses in town and for good reason.
The ambiance at Blackstones is quite elegant. The decor has a masculine vibe that is still sophisticated and in line with the quality of the food and the attentive service. With a black, grey, and white palette, the interior is saved from an overly industrial feel by the softening texture on the walls and the interesting artwork. The bright shelving behind the bar gives the space added light. Blackstones achieves a New York City chic that is definitely welcome in the suburbs.
In addition to steak, the menu boasts an impressive selection of appetizers, salads, and sides for both lunch and dinner. The bar menu features several signature cocktails as well. As you’d expect, however, the steak is the star of the show at Blackstones. The quality of the meat shows in the exceptional flavor and tenderness of the steaks while the extensive wine list ensures the perfect compliment to every memorable meal. I loved that my dinner was served on a piping hot plate, something you don’t often experience anymore.
To see the full menu, visit the Blackstones website. You can also find them on Facebook.
Museum shops seem to have some of the most unique items, things you wouldn’t normally find when out shopping.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in America. Collections at the museum house some of the most significant works of art in the world, while traveling exhibitions allow visitors to view art they might not normally see in their lifetime. The many incredible paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artwork on display at the museum is, of course, not for sale. You can still take home a piece of the Met after your visit, however, by shopping at the The Met Store.
Museum shops seem to have some of the most unique items, things you wouldn’t normally find when out shopping. It’s a great place to find a souvenir from your museum visit that you will treasure and want to display in your home. Because many items in the Met Store relate to the works of art in the museum, you will most likely be able to treat yourself to something that reminds you of a favorite exhibit. You may find the perfect accessory for your home, a well done reproduction of a piece of art, or even some hand crafted jewelry from the far corners of the world.
Cote d’Ivoire Geometric Bracelet, based on ceremonial beads made by the Baule or Lagoon peoples.Parrot Figure based on a brass Indian sculpture.Footed Bowl, reproduced from an item in the Egyptian Collection.Reproduction of Woman Bathing by Jane PoupeletPeacock Notecards
The Met Store is also a great place to find really nice coffee table books, for yourself or to give as gifts. Books with everything from Japanese art to Baroque tapestries and African reliquary to the Dutch masters are available here. I like the idea of staking a few interesting books on the coffee table, especially when the books contain such rich imagery along with a wealth of knowledge. Something like this is a great keepsake from a visit to the Met.
50 Architects You Should KnowRegarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty YearsPhotography: The Groundbreaking MomentsArt: Over 2500 Works from Cave to ContemporaryNew York in Photographs, Print Portfolio
The Met Store also has plenty to offer the children in your life. Whether you’re looking for a memorable item to take home after touring the museum or shopping for a gift, this is a good place to start. Choose an item that reflects a child’s interests or lets him or her explore something new. The Met Store has gifts for kids that encourage creativity and hands-on learning. For the budding artist or future archeologist, a gift from a museum is a sure way to continue the learning experience long after leaving the Met.
Fun with Hieroglyphs: Many kids are fascinated by ancient Egyptian writing.Monet Art Supply Kit, a wonderful way to be creative.Egyptian Pyramid Archeology: For hands-on learning.Noah’s Ark Play Set: Imaginative play for younger kids.
If a day at the Met isn’t in your plans for the near future, you can still explore the Met Store by visiting the online shop. All of their beautiful products are available online for any occasion, whether it’s a child’s birthday or a friend’s housewarming. You can also learn about the history and inspiration behind many of the items at the store on the The Met Store Official Blog.
I was first introduced to the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY, when one of my daughters was invited to a birthday party held at their facility.
I was first introduced to the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY, when one of my daughters was invited to a birthday party held at their facility. The center quickly made a big impression for me. This isn’t your run of the mill ceramics place where visitors choose a pre-made piece to paint and rarely get their hands dirty. This is a working studio for clay artists that actively engages the surrounding community throughout a variety of great programs.
Founded in 1957 by Katharine Choy and Henry Okamoto, the Clay Art Center has grown and evolved over the decades to include a gallery, shop, classes, and workshops for all ages. Now run by Director Reena Kashyap and Associate Director Ruth Berelson, the Center organizes community art projects to involve local residents in beautifying the area and offers therapeutic clay programs to local health organizations. The Center also hosts after school and summer camp sessions. With visiting artists from around the country, outreach programs, and a passion for promoting ceramic arts, the Clay Art Center is a true community resource.
Participants in the annual Empty Bowls fundraising event.A piece from the current exhibition: TeaTime.
I really enjoyed seeing how much fun my daughter had creating something unique out of clay. There are classes or workshops for everyone at the Center, whether you prefer to learn on your own or make it a family event. I love the idea of getting together with a group of girlfriends for a party at the center, complete with your own wine and snacks.
My daughter was so proud of her piece: a muddy pig wearing a Santa hat!A beautiful clay piece and a class in progress.
To learn more about the center or see their schedule of classes, events, and exhibitions, visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Most mages in this post are from the Clay Art Center website.
There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with seeing a design fully come together as this one did.
I was thrilled to see one of my favorite kitchen projects featured in the current issue of At Home Magazine. This was a project I collaborated on with Sound Beach Partners. Designing this kitchen involved first gutting and opening up the original space. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with seeing a design fully come together as this one did. The resulting space is both beautiful and functional, with a layout that pleases the eye while giving the homeowners every convenience available in a working kitchen.
Reading together is a wonderful way to spend quality time with children, exploring the world through books.
Today is the National Education Association’s annual Read Across America Day. Traditionally celebrated in conjunction with Dr. Seuss’s birthday, RAA aims to promote literacy and a love of reading by encouraging educators, parents, and communities by participating in a week of special activities. Classrooms around the country will spend the week with some extra focus on the enjoyment of reading. Helping children grow into lifelong readers with critical thinking skills means instilling in them a love of books at a young age. If reading is fun and interactive, children are more likely to continue to enjoy reading into adulthood.
There is nothing quite like cuddling up with your children and some great books at the end of a long day. Reading together is a wonderful way to spend quality time exploring the world through books. Whether you laugh together over a silly story or inspire conversation that continues after the last page has been turned, when you read with your children you connect with them, strengthen your relationship, broaden their minds, and teach them to associate books with strong positive feelings.
In honor of Read Across America Day, I’d like to share some of the books my daughters and I enjoy together. Maybe you will find something new to share with a child in your life!
1. The Day the Crayons Quit: Our all time favorite book, and not just because I love color but also because I love listening to my children laugh and giggle, especially when we get to the nude crayon.
The Day the Crayons Quit
2. Iggy Peck Architect and Rosie Revere Engineer: Both of these are absolutely well written and beautifully illustrated. Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere never give up and teach that when something fails, you have to try again.
Iggy Peck ArchitectRosie Revere Engineer
3. We Are in a Book! Anything written by Mo Willems is a hit in our house. Elephant & Piggie bring more giggles and great interaction between the children. We also can’t forget the Knuffle Bunny series by Mo Willems.
5. Dear Mr. Blueberry An adorable story of a young girl named Emily and her teacher, Mr.Blueberry, who exchange letters during the summer about a whale in her pond. This is a joy to read, so sweet and innocent!
Dear Mr. Blueberry
6. Pete the Cat Mikayla, my youngest daughter, loves the rhyming and song throughout the Pete the Cat series of books.
Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses
7. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon Molly Lou Melon leaves you believing in being the best you can be and loving who you are.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
8. National Geographic Readers Olivia, our 8 year old, absolutely loves these biographies from National Geographic. They make it so easy and interesting for children to learn about history.
Amelia EarhartAnne Frank
Do you have favorite books to read with the children in your life?
In both fashion and design, it is often the small details that tie a look together.
In both fashion and design, it is often the small details that tie a look together. When these details are in the form of embellishments, a look can be made eye-catching and unique.
Brindisi Chandelier from Niermann Weeks.Jewelry by Charlotte Hosten.Ankasa Pillow
Embellishments can add sparkle or color, brighten with reflective surfaces, and coordinate with other aspects of the design. You can use embellishments for a grounding effect or an added touch of prettiness.
Ottoman from Tomlinson/Erwin-LambethFrom Vogue ParisSnakawaka Posts, carved from salvaged branches.
Think of ways to give your interior, or your outfit, a hint of glamor or just the right detail to elevate it or add an unexpected bit of flair.
Image via ZsaZsa BellagioOpaline Trim from Samuel and SonsGown by Basil Soda
In addition to steak, the menu boasts an impressive selection of appetizers, salads, and sides for both lunch and dinner. The bar menu features several signature cocktails as well. As you’d expect, however, the steak is the star of the show at Blackstones. The quality of the meat shows in the exceptional flavor and tenderness of the steaks while the extensive wine list ensures the perfect compliment to every memorable meal. I loved that my dinner was served on a piping hot plate, something you don’t often experience anymore.
To see the full menu, visit the Blackstones website. You can also find them on Facebook.
