Massimo Vitali, the Italian photographer known for his idyllic beach panoramas by the sea and pool, recently moved into a 14th century church in Lucca, Italy. In a recent NYTimes profile, Massimo shares the adventures that came with the restoration and renovation (including mice, water, birds and an archeologist). Read on, here.
Leading Ladies: Oscars 2015
Without question, Rosamund Pike (first photograph above) was my favorite best dressed at the Oscars. Red was a daring choice, but she looked exquisite and exuded that pure Hollywood glamour that I would argue, we see less of in our modern age. Rosamund wore Givenchy Haute Couture, her hair and makeup natural and elegant. Although she didn't win best actress for "Gone Girl" she won the red carpet in my book. My other favorites, as depicted above, include Reese Witherspoon (in Tom Ford), Naomi Watts (in Armani Privé) and Julianne Moore (who seems untouched by time in Chanel Haute Couture). The New York Times did an excellent job of capturing all the red carpet moments, visit here for more.
Thank you to my girlfriends who made it such a fun evening of Oscar viewing! Xx
'The United States of Thanksgiving'
The New York Times published a clever article nodding to the Thanksgiving holiday and our 50 beloved states. The article highlights 50 recipes evoking the true essence of each state. Since I won't be home this year for my most favorite holiday, I've shared with you Rhode Island's Bread Pudding feature, although I doubt it's got anything on my Grandmother's Spinach Soufflé dish or my Aunt's Pomegranate Citrus salad.... For the recipe, click here.
We Are The Millennials
Millennials. AKA, Generation Y. Most experts define the Millennial Generation as anyone born in the early 1980s to early 2000s. We are a pretty powerful group and the subject of many cultural and economic debates and strategies. Books have been written about how our generation could "upend Wall Street and Corporate America", some of us graduated at the peak of the Great Recession (like moi), and we've been bombarded with media coverage from the tragedies of September 11 attacks, ongoing wars in the Middle East, school shootings and the like. We've pioneered the selfie, shaped Silicon Valley at impressive ages, dominated Kickstarter Campaigns and changed the fashion industry via the blogosphere and a modern form of liberal expressionism. I find our generation at times perplexing, yet fascinating. If you do too, I encourage you to read this article in the NYTimes from the weekend - one of many reminders of what we represent to the world.
A Flora Flop
Behold, the catalpa tree. Very few gardeners have planted one since the financial crisis (the one in the 1930s), perhaps due to its messy nature. The seedpods it drops are abundant and pesky and its blooms are shortlived. The catalpa has company though. According to Wednesday's article in the NYTimes, American homeowners have stopped spending money on all types of trees and shrubs. In the four years after 2008's financial crisis, landscaping purchases dropped by 46 percent. Among other floral flops? The Poppy, the Firethorn, the Fig tree and Crinum. I highly suggest reading the article and skip to your nearest garden shop.
Sea & Sea
It seems everyone is getting away for a little escape lately. Mark Sikes has been posting about his musings from Punta Cana, and this recent article in the NY Times had me thinking about photographs of the iconic Veruschka often with the sea as a backdrop.
Above, my own tribute to the sea and the pleasures that come with its seduction. Whether it may be enjoying a paperback read, fresh summer fruit or a revitalizing swim, I find myself yearning for my own escape with the sea (and salt! and sand!).
Images via
For the Love of Birds!
Our beloved Norman Bird Sanctuary was featured in the NY Times on Wednesday, highlighting the restoration of the 18th century farmhouse on the property. The farmhouse will play host to a variety of visitors going forward, from yoga retreats, artists' residencies and serve as a weekend hideaway for families looking to nestle among the pastoral landscape.
The bird sanctuary encompasses 325 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet River in Middletown, Rhode Island. For any one that is familiar with the Bird Sanctuary, it truly is a special place, a landmark among the beauty of our community. (I have fond memories of summer camp expeditions on the grounds catching frogs, hiking to Hanging Rock and frolicking among the tall trees). It was the wish of Mabel Norman Cerio, a local artist who actually lived in the farmhouse during the 19th century, to bestow the property “for the propagation, preservation, and protection of birds, and where birds and bird life may be observed, studied, taught, and enjoyed by lovers of nature and by the public generally so interested in a spirit of humanity and mercy.” In 1949, Mabel's wish was granted through the gift of her trust and today, the Bird Sanctuary remains to be an iconic organization enriching the lives of all who value the power of nature.
Currently, the Bird Sanctuary is offering Farmhouse Lunch Tours every Friday so you may get a glimpse of the completed project. Visit here for more details.
Images via.