Lifestyle Archives

Rainy day flower & herb haul

Rainy day flower & herb foraging l is the perfect activity for nature lovers on a cloudy day. Foraging for fresh flowers and herbs is a relaxing and rewarding adventure that is often overlooked. The rain provides the perfect environment for plant growth, making this the ideal time to gather a beautiful array of plants.

With a basket in hand, and raincoat on, the hunt for vibrant blossoms and fragrant herbs begins. As you scour the fields and gardens, the earthy scents of wet soil and fresh plants fill your senses. What a delightful experience!

Soon, you’ll have collected a bountiful assortment of herbs and flowers. These treasures can be used for teas, cooking, decorations or skincare. You can also admire their beauty in a vase or dish on your windowsill.

Incorporating foraging into your daily routine can provide a wonderful source of creativity and relaxation, while also connecting you to nature. Take advantage of the rainy weather and plan your own herb and flower haul. Who knows what beautiful treasures you’ll find? Happy hunting!

Thankful for these great people we meet while living in BK

Brooklyn always has a way of pulling us back into its rhythm. On this trip, that rhythm led us to an easy, familiar night at The William Vale, tucked into their downstairs outdoor patio—cocktails in hand, city buzzing softly around us, and our puppy Dyson right by our side.

We were in town for a work event and finally stayed at a hotel we’ve long admired and hosted events at, but never actually experienced as guests. Being able to slow down and enjoy The William Vale as a home base made the trip feel different—less transactional, more like stepping back into a version of our Brooklyn life.

The night became even better once friends joined. I was sitting with Carmen and Dwayne, two people deeply woven into our everyday history here. Carmen has been Dyson’s long-time dog walker, his best friend, and even brought him to our wedding. Dwayne used to work at the coffee shop across from our old place on North 10th Street—someone we saw nearly every day, until daily hellos turned into real friendship.

After dinner, we regrouped for a casual cocktail, catching up, laughing, and letting the night unfold naturally. No agenda, no rush—just one of those Brooklyn evenings that reminds you why the city sticks with you long after you leave.

Moments like this aren’t about landmarks or hype. They’re about people, shared history, and returning to places that still feel like home. Every time we’re back, Brooklyn gives us exactly what it’s best at: connection, familiarity, and just enough surprise to keep us coming back.

City skyline view obscured by smoke

In this captivating image, we can see the stunning skyline of a bustling city. A testament to the energy and vibrancy of metropolitan life, obscured by smoke. Although this image was taken during the devastating fires in Canada in 2023, it serves as a hopeful reminder of how the current climate crisis has caused natural disasters. This city, like all others, has a story to tell and we are fortunate to witness just a small part of it. #skyline #firesincanada2023 #nyc

Fresh cut flowers from the garden

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Fresh cut flowers from the garden are a simple joy that can brighten up any day. Whether you’re looking to add some color to your home or surprise a loved one with a heartfelt gift, nothing beats the beauty and fragrance of freshly-cut blooms. This picture captures the essence of what it means to grow your own flowers and enjoy their natural splendor. With a mix of vibrant hues and delicate petals, each stem tells a story of growth, perseverance, and beauty. From the vibrant daisies to the soft pink roses, there is something for everyone to appreciate in this photo. So if you’re in need of a little beauty in your life, take a moment to appreciate the magic of fresh cut flowers from the garden.

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!

Massage Time, an At-Home Act of Self-Care

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A few years ago, even pre-Covid, Angel and I became interested in general wellness, which led us to an interest in massages. We became invested in self-care; taking time to center ourselves and focus on our health, instead of a constant preoccupation with stress from a life in the city, our jobs. Trying to clear one’s mind takes effort.

Both of our companies encouraged an interest in wellness, including a stipend that could be used on anything from bikes to massages. For a while, we went to a few spas and studios, but it became hard to schedule around other engagements. We soon learned you could book at-home treatments through apps. We started to use Zeal on a regular basis, scheduling massage therapists to come to our residence. They either bring their own table with them or if you have one yourself, you get a discount.

After about ten massages with massage therapists we liked, we decided to invest in our own table. Now we have a nice set-up for our at-home therapy. You’ll see Peleton in the back, as well as a piano. This is an office by day and an all-purpose, comprehensive wellness room by night.

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.

A Meditation on Textures, balcony addition

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This summer, I thought up a recurring photo series—a thorough examination of the textures and materials on my balcony. After the recent outdoor renovation we did, I’ve been thinking a lot of the elements that make up tactile surfaces. In the summer, we all tend to be outside in the warm weather and sunshine, and I’m no exception. When I’m on my balcony, I find myself pondering how everything has its own physical fabric in this world, and begin to eagerly examine and study the textures I see.

There’s something artistic about all the finishes that come together to form my balcony. From the rough stuccoed ceramic of the pots that hold the plants, the wood grain in the furniture, the weave and textile of the cushions, to the painstaking pattern and braiding of the area rug; all these textures come together to form my own outdoor oasis. A place of respite, escape, and fresh air—surrounded in nature and the textures that comprise it.

New Plants, New Season, all Green

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After the long winter, I have returned to tend to the garden kept on the balcony of my apartment. At my husband’s request, I went to find new plants to nurture among our many others. I brought an Italian lavender tree and a green Japanese maple into the garden to join our existing potted and propagated menagerie. I’ve learned that come fall, the maple’s leaves will change somewhat with the seasons to a shade of orange.

My garden continues to grow in size and age with each passing year. While cultivating new plants, I also care for my old ones. Two plants in particular I’ve fostered for five years. They’ve moved along with me to and from four separate apartments. Each time, they made everywhere I’ve lived feel like home.

All of my snake plants in my garden aren’t only found family, they’re actually related. Propagated from just one snake plant purchased six years ago, as its grown I’ve cut off stems to grow many more since. That one snake plant has roots and relatives everywhere; I’ve given my parents and a couple friends its proliferated offspring.

This past weekend, I’ve made new cuttings to create even more baby plants! Maybe I’ll give out some as gifts, or even start selling them locally. As the warm weather sets in and the days lengthen, it’s been an enriching breath of fresh air to be able to tend to my garden again, and bring out new trees and shrubs to further grow it.