In the Spring 2014 issue of Better Homes and Gardens’ special Storage publication you can see a great mudroom project I completed for one of my clients.
In the Spring 2014 issue of Better Homes and Gardens’ special Storage publication you can see a great mudroom project I completed with Julio DiBiase of Dibico Construction for one of my favorite clients. This mudroom is a perfect example of how a functional space can be beautiful without sacrificing utility. This client has a strict no-shoes-in-the-house rule, so incorporating plenty of accessible shoe storage in the mud room was a big priority. Other storage spaces allow for maximum organization, keeping the mudroom tidy and creating the perfect waystation for the family when coming and going. Extra closets allow for convenient storage of everything from seasonal outerwear and sports equipment to camping gear and picnic accessories. Easy to clean surfaces and materials are another key element to this mudroom. I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy; there are a lots of great storage ideas throughout the issue!
My friend Felice Marcy and her business partner Annabel Marisca opened a fitness studio called CST 50 that fits all of my criteria for a really great workout.
I’ve talked before about the role of fitness in my life, as both a way to take care of myself, stay focused, and provide an example for my daughters. I like to mix up my fitness routine with cross training, running, and other effective workouts. I’m always excited to find something new that is interesting and challenging, especially when it’s being done by someone I know. My friend Felice Marcy and her business partner Annabel Marisca opened a fitness studio called CST 50 that fits all of my criteria for a really great workout.
The CST in the studio name stands for Cardio, Strengthen, and Transform, while the 50 indicates the 50 minute workout session that makes up each class. Classes at CST 50 feature an innovative piece of equipment called the Megaformer. Invented by certified weight and Pilates trainer Sebastian Lagree, the Megaformer uses resistance and counter-resistance for a workout that challenges your entire body.
Felice and Annabel have known each other for a long time; they went to high school together in Greenwich and had careers in finance. They commuted to the city together for years, but both maintained an interest in fitness that started when they were young. Felice took a Megaformer class in the city and quickly noticed how it changed her body from the inside out, improving her strength in ways that she could easily see in the mirror. She appreciated how the workout was easy on her joints, too. When she and Annabel started talking about making family-friendly career changes, they decided to bring the Megaformer to Darien where they are both raising young families. Together they opened CST 50 and their passion for the benefits of the Megaformer workout continue to inspire people to achieve new levels of fitness.
Felice refers to the Megaformer as a deconstructed Pilates machine, but makes it clear the benefits far outweigh other fitness routines. The Megaformer stimulates and engages muscle groups so that you immediately start to sweat. It is an intense, but safe, workout that can easily be modified for people with injuries or joint problems, but also grows with you as your fitness level improves. The core benefits of a workout with the Megaformer are enormous. No other workout engages your core during the entire routine, making it an efficient way to achieve a highly effective workout in under an hour. It’s ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. While some men may look at the Megaformer and think it is a Pilates style workout more suited for women, in reality it is just as challenging and highly effective for men. Felice and Annabel’s husbands both attend CST 50 classes about three times a week, finding it a time-effective way of keeping fit for the sports they enjoy.
All of the instructors at CST 50 are trained and certified in both movements and sequences on the Megaformer. To see a schedule of classes or learn more, visit the CST 50 website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter. Their 1 Year Anniversary is approaching, so keep an eye out for upcoming special events at CST 50!
When I want to cook a light meal or a side dish to go with a fish such as grey sole, I will make this dish.
This dish is one of my favorites! It reminds me of enjoying meals in trattorias while traveling in Italy, restaurants in New York City’s Little Italy, and on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. They were good times spent with my family while enjoying great food.
When I want to cook a light meal or a side dish to go with a fish such as grey sole, I will make this dish. The recipe is from one of my favorite chefs, Giada DeLaurentiis. You can find this recipe and many others in her book Everyday Italian.
Everyday Italian
As Giada says in her book, “Spaghetti with clams is very different from spaghetti with clam sauce, they are not the same dish. The first is a dish with a light, fragrant dressing tossed with whole clams and in my opinion the only way to make this dish.”
Spaghetti with Clams
To make this dish you will use Manila Clams. They are a smaller clam and are sold by the pound. You can also use Cockles or, if you prefer a larger clam, you can use small Little Necks, which are sold by the dozen. I use linguini instead of spaghetti, which is flat pasta. If I can, I will buy the pasta fresh. When using fresh pasta, you may want to increase the amount used by a ¼ of a pound.
Manila Clams. Image via Pangea Shellfish.Fresh Pasta. Photo from Huffington Post.
Spaghetti with Clams
Ingredients:
Salt
1 lb dried spaghetti or linguini , or 1 ¼ lb fresh pasta
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 to 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 ½ to 3 pounds Manila clams, scrubbed clean
½ to 1 cup dry white wine
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon course black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
Grated Reggio Parmesan cheese
Serves 4
In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over a medium high flame. When almost smoking, add the shallots and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until the garlic is golden brown and the shallots are translucent, about 3 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the black pepper and let it absorb for a minute.
Add the cleaned clams, wine, sea salt, chopped parsley and basil. Cover and simmer until clams have opened; discard any that do not open. Whisk in the butter to thicken the sauce slightly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Do not rinse the spaghetti with water; you want to retain the natural starches that help the sauce adhere to the spaghetti. Toss the spaghetti with the clam mixture in the pan to coat. Add enough of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten.
Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley. Ladle into individual bowls and top with the Reggio Parmesan cheese.
Serve with your favorite salad and crusty Italian bread. Enjoy!
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.
