Exploring the Progress: Year Two in the Raised-Bed Garden

As we step into the second year of our raised-bed garden journey, the lushness that greets us feels like a vibrant tapestry woven from nature’s own hands. The journey, captured beautifully in this latest aerial photo, showcases the flourishing growth and the verdant life thriving within the wooden frames.

Raised-bed gardening, a method embraced for its efficiency and ease, has transformed a mere patch of soil into a thriving ecosystem. In these neatly arranged beds, each plant—from the robust tomatoes to the zesty peppers—has found its own niche, contributing not just to the aesthetic but to a sustainable cycle of growth.

This photo not only embodies the physical growth of our garden but resonates with the growing passion and knowledge we’ve cultivated over these two years. With each season, we learn a little more about the art and science of plant care, about the balance of nature, and about the joys of harvesting the fruits of our labor.

Stay tuned as we continue to nurture this space and share the journey, hoping to inspire and ignite a passion for gardening in others. The saga of the raised-bed garden is just getting brighter, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

– Happy Gardening!

I don’t know what we are doing but we are still in love

Sometimes the best moments happen without a plan. This photo captures one of those rare, simple joys—an effortless afternoon spent together at Sparkling Point Vineyard in North Fork, Long Island.

It was one of our final North Fork Line trips with friends, a bright and beautiful day surrounded by vineyards, laughter, and sparkling wine. Angel and I finally did what we always talked about: stepping into the vineyard and taking a photo together. No agenda, no overthinking—just a spontaneous, playful moment that felt perfectly us.

Dressed casually against a lush green vineyard backdrop, we balanced on one leg with outstretched poses, laughing through what turned into a sweet, unmistakably affectionate moment. Not a “boyfriend” moment—something deeper. A quiet reminder of who we are now: husbands, friends, and partners, still choosing joy in the small things.

Sparkling Point felt like the right place for it. Great friends, crisp sparkling wine, a little caviar, and that unmistakable North Fork calm that slows everything down. Days like this don’t need structure—they just need presence.

Our philosophy is simple: love deeply, laugh often, and sip slowly. We’ll keep chasing these unscripted moments wherever they show up—vineyards included.

Sushi Night: A Solo Culinary Adventure

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Indulging in a sushi feast all by yourself may seem unconventional, but let’s embrace the idea of self-enjoyment with a delectable spread of sushi goodness. As the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients tantalize your taste buds, you’ll find that dining alone can be a liberating experience. So, why not treat yourself to a sushi night like no other? Whether you’re craving the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of sashimi or the satisfying crunch of a tempura roll, make it a memorable evening filled with flavors that speak to your soul. Who needs company when you have perfectly crafted sushi rolls and the comforting ambiance of your own space? Embrace the joy of dining solo and savor every bite—it’s a date with yourself that you won’t soon forget. Towa NYC

NOFO Trip 2021, post-covid-ish, a wine weekend

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This past summer, we took our annual summer trip to the North Fork of Long Island—also known as NOFO. Long story short, for the last eight years we’ve been going to the North Fork for Angel’s best friend’s birthday. Every year, a group of us—all close friends, all couples—make the trip out en masse, looking forward to a summer week on the beach with good company, good wine, and good (sea)food. In August, we stayed for five days, rented a house in Greenport—a historic seaside town—and lived life. Slow and unhurried, appreciating every lull and lapping wave at our leisure.

The house we rented was an Air B&B in a community with its own private, residents-only beach. It was a typical stony beach on the northern shore, interspersed with a little bit of sand, not directly on the Sound. I certainly spent some time exploring its expanse, taking in the sight of the crystal-clear water, breathing in the salt.

Each time we’re here, we patronize a few tried-and-true wineries as well as search out new restaurants in Greenport. The first night of our trip was an outing to one of our favorite wineries, McCall Wines. They have a farm on the property and raise grass-fed beef. Because of COVID, this year they set up an outside trailer where you could sip wine and order burgers. The burgers were cooked perfectly and came with a side of crispy fries.

The second new restaurant we went to has had a few restaurants come and go on its premises. A few facelifts, if you will. Now it’s a restaurant called Anchor—a combination of a restaurant with a nice upstairs patio and a fish market upfront by the entrance, where you could buy shrimp, fresh-caught fish, and oysters. That night, we sat upstairs and had some oysters and wine. We’re crossing our fingers that Anchor is an iteration that’ll stay around for a couple of years. If so, we’ll be frequenting again next year.

For years now, I’ve been angling to visit one of the vineyards that specialize in sparkling wine. This year, we finally went and paired our sparkling wine and champagne with a side of caviar served with wafers, crème fraiche, and potato chips.

Toward the end of our trip, at one of our favorite wineries to go to, we got attacked by bees. Nobody was stung! But it did seem a whole colony had descended upon us, trying to get to our food. Good to know there are still bees buzzing around, pollinating where needed—although their collective presence did prove challenging when trying to eat! The charcuterie was great—the bees certainly thought so—and the wine never disappoints.

The rest of the trip unfolded at the same leisurely pace. One day we went to the bookstore in Greenpoint that Angel loves. The next was spent on a dock, in the company of margaritas, looking over the water. Overall, it was another relaxing trip for the books. Happy birthday, Steven!

Oysters & The 4th of July Park Day That Wasn’t

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On a not-so-typical Fourth of July, I gathered Angel, my parents, and our dog Dyson for lunch. By way of celebration, we soon found ourselves shucking oysters on a park bench at the local Upper Merion Township Park, picnicking with some icy shrimp cocktail and a loaf of focaccia.

After walking Dyson around the park, letting him take in the scenery, it began to rain. You know what they say about the best-laid plans, even if it is a holiday weekend! Weather rarely accounts for schedules, either. So we ran back to our spread, packed up the picnic, and hightailed it back to the car. We’d just closed the doors when the sky really opened up and the downpour fell, swift and torrential. Oysters and a summer rainstorm—happy birthday, America!

A Bittersweet Dinner with the Biddles

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Change is always bittersweet. One part of you acknowledges and celebrates growth; the other longs for the past and its golden nostalgia, its memories. My best friend and work wife of over four years, whom I’ve worked with at Club Monaco, Ralph Lauren, and Eileen Fisher, decided to take a new job at a new company—meaning she’d be moving to Denver, Colorado.

We got together for a final farewell, a last supper of sorts. We had dinner at her parent’s house, where we ate hamburgers and drank wine. It’s funny—after all the years of knowing her, and despite her having met my family and my husband, this was the first time I’d been introduced to her parents. It took us all that time, up until right before she left, for me to meet them.

Now Harry (the dog) i’ve met many of times. As you can see from the photos he is always in the the right spot, at just the right time! He adds that class and cuteness any good time requires. He may have to stand in for Hannah and fill the void of her absence.

Of course, I will be going to Denver to visit her. But it was nice to be there to give her a proper send-off at dinner as part of the family. It’s also nice to know there will never be a “goodbye” for us—just an “until next time.”

Weekend Clambake, Seafood Galore

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We decided to do a clambake steamer bucket from Captain’s Market—a.k.a. Captain Stinkies (more on that later)—here in King of Prussia. You’re given a bucket, into which you add wine or beer or whatever you’ll want to steam, along with your seafood like shrimp, clams, oysters, crab, or lobster and sundry ingredients (i.e. corn or potatoes).

You can steam it on a grill or over a fire; we used our stove. We have now lovingly referred to Captain’s Market as Captain Stinkies, christened with the nickname by Angel when neither of us could remember the actual name off the top of our heads. Not disparaging by any means; we loved it and look forward to our next summer clambake!

Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Capt’n Stinkies

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My company, ZAMartz, is a sponsor of the Upper Merion Township farmer’s market. You’ll remember I have a booth there. On the weekends, when the market is open, a food truck steps up shop—it could be pizza, it could be seafood. This particular week, they had crispy chicken sandwiches.

They were from Capt’n Chucky’s, otherwise known and lovingly referred to as Captain Stinkies. Readers will know Angel began this nickname; it’s become a running joke between us. At this point, we may never retain its actual name!

My dad and I were in the sponsorship tent, so seemingly by law—or for the greater good, either one—we had to try the food truck. I ordered the crispy chicken sandwich, a seaside recipe from a seafood restaurant. My review? Very crispy, very good. Don’t forget an order of fries.

I’m a big fan of supporting small businesses and the local community, as well as being a self-proclaimed foodie, so all-in-all it was a great day at the market.

In Austin, Texan Stars & Lips Abound

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When Angel and I flew to Austin, Texas for Ken and Joey’s wedding, we also took the opportunity to take a short vacation of sorts. We flew to Austin a day before the wedding festivities and celebrations commenced. While in Austin, we took the time to explore, peruse the city, and as self-professed “foodies” are wont to do—try restaurants and Texan delicacies.

(As a disclaimer: while on the trip, we didn’t live recklessly. Necessary precautions were taken and mask mandates were followed. We conscientiously adhered to any and all rules regulated by the CDC in restaurants, public places, and of course at the wedding. Upon arrival, we took a rapid COVID-19 test and continued to receive negative results throughout the entire week.)

After checking in, Angel and I explored the Austin Motel. A gay-friendly hotel, its signage took the shape of a penis set in bright neon lights. (I can’t say that we didn’t immediately buy a matching magnet of its likeness to put on our refrigerator.) The Austin Motel had an old-school motel feeling—a throwback modernized for its 21st-century guests. Full of novel architectural details, it followed the practice of pairing old historical bones with new modern minutiae. To speak to this, I slept in a room replete with lip print-patterned wallpaper, a big leather-bound bed, and a rotary phone.

Now, for food. While in Texas, it was almost an obligation to eat breakfast tacos at least once! Not too far from our hotel was a little roadside taco stand, where we bought and consumed our breakfast tacos on a couple of mornings. And when not eating tacos, we also went to a few restaurants with James Beard award-winning chefs. The first, called the Odd Duck, served several cocktails that were distilled in barrels on tap. With our drinks, we enjoyed a plate of seared scallops and a Wagyu beef burger in addition to some vegetarian turkey bacon. A couple of restaurants were also recommended to us—one being La Condesa Austin, which served huitlacoche quesadillas from fermented corn. A delicacy I couldn’t pass up!

While perusing the town, being New Yorkers, Angel and I wanted to walk everywhere. Turns out, Austin isn’t a “walking” city. There were periods where we walked amongst other pedestrians and other times when we felt like the last two people on earth. While walking around, we visited the state capitol, an interesting yet imposing building in and of itself. We noticed then, as we had been noticing for days—the Texas star is never far from sight. On our way to and from the Capitol, I took the opportunity to snap a few pictures of the various stars around town.

All in all, it was a great trip—a chance to celebrate close friends and travel!

Countdown to 5 o’clock with champagne

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When I think of the best on-screen secret agent, only one name comes to mind: Bond. James Bond. And when I think of the best champagne brands, Bollinger is at the top of that list. So, you better believe that I was thrilled to try out the Bollinger Special Cuvée, the “Official Champagne of 007.” To make it even more special, I sipped it from my Vintage Mix Lab cup. I loved the packaging and taste of this wine; I give the 007 Champagne a 10/10.

This purchase was meaningful for a few reasons: 1) My friend owns the store Upstream Wine, which I bought the drink from, and I’m always happy to support her business. 2) I love Bollinger so much, that I even had it served at my wedding. 3) I’m a big James Bond fan!

A perfect day for a Perfect Manhattan

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Although the holidays are right around the corner, I got the celebration started early by channeling my inner mixologist. Some of my favorite cocktails are Dirty Martinis, Vespers, and Piña Coladas, but I love Perfect Manhattans most of all!

Here’s the recipe for a Martz-style Perfect Manhattan:

I sipped my Perfect Manhattan out of a Vintage Remix Lab Nick and Nora glass. From the drink to my glass to the holiday decor in my home…everything was just perfect!

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How i make my “Perfect” Manhattan. The difference between a “Manhattan” and it’s perfect counter part has to do with the ingredients and the garnish. Instead of cocktail cherries as garnish you replace with a lemon twist, and I like to use Rye when making my cocktail.

Ingredients

3 Oz. of Rye Whiskey
1.5 Oz. Sweet Vermouth
3 splashes Aromatic Bitters
1 lemon
ice

Mixing

Add 2/3 ice to a cocktail mixing cup.
Add Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth and Aromatic Bitters.
Stir to mix for 1 minute being careful not to chip the ice.
Strain mixture into your favorite cocktail glass.
Cut a thick twist off of a lemon with a vegetable peeler, lightly warm lemon with match, and squeeze peel over glass.
Run lemon over rim of glass and slip into drink to garnish.

Thankful from healthy family & friends

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This was my first year making turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. We purchased a huge one from Butcher Box so I wanted to make sure that it was cooked properly. Luckily, it turned out great! Since this turkey was pretty special to me, I decorated the dinner table accordingly. I created a beautiful tablescape with handmade Polish pottery and flowers from Urban Stem. My husband, parents, and I enjoyed our meal and each other’s company.

Many tragic events have occurred this year, but I still have a lot to be thankful for in my life. Despite the rapid spread of COVID-19, I am thankful that I have remained healthy. I miss being around my family and friends all the time, but I am thankful that we have stayed connected. Although it was a huge adjustment, I am thankful that I have been able to work from home. Lastly, I am thankful that my family trusted me to make the Thanksgiving turkey this year.