Hamptons Magazine - the Saturday Morning Dash

Truth be told, I had never been to a yard/tag/estate sale until three years after having a home in the Hamptons. I had the mindset that it was someone else's junk. Little did I know that everyone who told me that "treasures" were to be found was right, so right! I'm still not a hard core treasure seeker, however if I'm driving down the road and pass a sale I will usually pull over to peruse the offerings.

The headboard in my header is a "gem" of a find from former Domino Magazine's Hamptons yard sale in Amagansett several years ago.



Check out my most recent article for Hamptons Magazine online! Let me know which of the treasures I featured is your favorite? Do you yard/tag/estate sale shop?

Hamptons Magazine - Equestrian Chic

More and more homeowners are introducing equestrian chic elements into their home despite having never been "in the saddle." The admiration of such a regal creature is reason enough to enhance a home with equine touches.
As a contributing columnist to Hamptons Magazine online this summer, check out my most recent tips on this topic.

Have you incorporated such design touches into your home or have you left that to the "horsey set?"

Have you traveled to the Hamptons? Have a favorite photograph that symbolizes what the Hamptons means to you? Share your captured moment with Hamptons Magazine online and tweet out your upload for others to view!

Hamptons Magazine

Summer is in full swing and reading Hamptons Magazine is exciting, even if you aren't frolicking on the East End. You'll be thrilled to devour the online version of the must read magazine of the Hamptons!

As a contributing editor to Hamptons Magazine online this summer, today I shared a few of my tips for pulling together a quick, but fab Friday night al fresco meal. Line up your guests and feel relaxed while entertaining!

Want to get in on the Hamptons Magazine action? This season there is an exciting photo sharing campaign on their site where you can share your Hamptons happiness images with other Hamptons Magazine readers! Start uploading...it's fun and great to see the Hamptons through other peoples eyes!

Here's to a weekend filled with Hamptons happiness!

Blogfest Recap

What do you get when you mix interior designers, design bloggers, amazing shelter magazines, chic venues, fabulous parties, inspirational panels, informative sessions and the ability to meet and mingle with like minded individuals? One answer...the second annual Blogfest 2012 talentedly planned and executed to perfection by Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils. More specifically, Beth Greene, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Branding for Kravet Inc. and her team Jennifer Powell and Ann Feldstein.

When I stepped out of the elevator on the 44th floor of Hearst Tower I knew I was in for a treat!  The centerpieces were simple, beautiful and eye catching.

The view of Columbus Circle and Central Park was spectacular despite the rainy morning.

Sharing the experiece with two friends I met through blogging, Elizabeth of Pretty Pink Tulips and Sue of the Zhush added to my excitement.

Dara Caponigro, Editor-In-Chief of Veranda fabulously rocked a black leather dress and captivated attendees while interviewing design giants, Darryl Carter and Timothy Whealon. Both men took circuitous routes to interior design and both are proof that passion and talent are a successful blend! Their work graces the pages of the current Veranda!       

At the D & D Building we assembled at Kravet where Ann Maine, Editor in Chief of Traditional Home interviewed Alexa Hampton. Loved this duo's interactions! Alexa is not only wildly talented, she is an absolute riot...so funny, brilliant and down to earth. Listening to her speak about being immersed in design from a young age with super star designer father, Mark Hampton was interesting and engaging.  

Tomorrow I wrap up my experiences at Blogfest 2012.  A huge thank you to Kravet for yet another amazing Blogfest 2012!

Hamptons Magazine

I'm not even sure where to begin, but between being a family gal, working, sitting on a board for political advocation for education, chairing a beautification (gardening) committee, being a Girl Scout troop leader, being a classroom parent, volunteering at an animal shelter and well, the list goes on and in the interim Hamptontoes has been a tad neglected the past several weeks.

Well, I've got my blogging groove back and I'm kicking it off with some exciting news! I am thrilled to share that this summer I will be writing a bi-weekly column for the online version of Hamptons Magazine.  My first contributing editoral is three tips about inspiration for your own garden.

Whether you are in the Hamptons or experiencing it from afar, Hamptons Magazine online will have you inspired and informed...add it to your daily reads!

Want to get in on the Hamptons Magazine action? This season there is an exciting photo sharing campaign  on their site where you can share your Hamptons happiness images with other Hamptons Magazine readers! Start uploading...it's fun and great to see the Hamptons through other peoples eyes!     

Between my bi-weekly line-up of stories and my blog, I will be covering the Hamptons lifestyle all summer. What insider tidbits would you like to see or read about here? Here's to enjoying the warm weather!   

Museum Monday - Winterthur

Museum Monday is here! We all know and love the big name museums such as, the Metropolitian Museum of Art (the Met) and the Louvre, yet I created this series to introduce you to some of my favorite cultural "gems" with a little less name recognition. Winterthur is hands down one of my favorite museums. The museum, gardens, events, yuletide experience and educational courses are amazing!

Used with permission, photo courtesy, Winterthur

Winterthur is located on 1,000 beautiful acres in Delaware and houses the world's largest collection of early American furnishings and decorative arts. The former 175 room childhood home to Henry Francis du Pont contains more than 90,000 objects dating from 1640 to 1860. What a treat to visit of one of the former homes of the prominent du Pont family.

Used with permission, Winterthur.  Photo courtesty, J. Lindvig

Used with permission, Winterthur. Photo courtesty, J. Lindvig

The interior spaces are not only stunning, but truly a study of America's finest interior offerings. Each room is a treat beyond words.    

Gorgeous space. I'm smitten with the settee, and its bolster pillows. Such a timeless space.   

Used with permission, Winterthur.   

Fabulous!  

Used with permission, Winterthur. Photo courtesy, Gavin Ashworth.  

Winterthur's Point-to-Point steeplechase is a day of horse racing and exquisite tailgate picnics. I've attended many and can share with you that family and friends dressed in sundresses, hats and ties feasting on food makes for wonderful memories. Get your tickets for Saturday, May 6th! 

Used with permission, Winterthur. Photo courtesty, Pat Crowe.

Used with permission, Winterthur. Photo courtesty, Bob Hickok.

This year's Point-to-Point will feature food demonstrations by Dana Herbert a previous winner of TLC's Cake Boss and Fox's MasterChef season two winner Jennifer Behm, both from Delaware. Sounds like this year's event is going to be superb, as always!

Have you been to Winterthur? Thinking of planning a trip now? What are some of your favorite museums? Happy Monday!

Design details that caught my eye

My oh my, have I missed all of you! I was away on a family vacation and completely unplugged. Since returning I've had so much on my plate that even squeezing in one of my favorite activities, blogging, wasn't an option the past two weeks. Glad to be back!

While vacationing I took notice of design details from Atlantis in the Bahamas that are worth sharing. The chevron stone tile in this bath was eye catching.   

Look at it close-up, it is little pieces of stone laid out in the chevron pattern. Very impressive installation.  

In one of the lobbies I found several of these side tables. The natural element of the twig coated with a varnish made for striking, yet practical tables. The tops were super smooth. Fun for a beachside resort. 

Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill was such a culinary treat. The decor combined with the food made for a memorable dining experience. In the past I've mentioned pushing boundaries when it comes to the backs of dining chairs, as they aren't spaces that normally get wear and tear. Look how cowhide was used on the chairs.     

The waiting area consisted of several chic, vinyl covered seating surfaces. I'm a huge fan of using vinyl in areas with high traffic. 

Every morning poolside, we were greeted with these towel creations. I enjoyed them so much that I asked one of the workers for a tutorial. I will now be making these all summer long. Simple happiness!   

In a lobby I found these chairs with roping and knots.    

I have a love for orchids. The usage of bamboo to hold the individual stems up caught my attention. I wonder if I can duplicate? Have you seen this look before?  

Are you one who is inspired by your travels?