Grey Gardens...The Gardens today

Yesterday ( while following my prescribed bed rest ) on a beautiful spring day, I watched the new Grey Gardens. Having seen the original which was interesting for sure, but also a bit disturbing, I did not really know what to expect. As someone who has always loved interesting people of style, the history of the 1930's and the Hampton's, this movie had all the ingredients for the perfect film. It did not disappoint. I so love how they mixed the back story with clips and the making of the original film, seeing the house as it was in hits previous state full of life and beauty and the relationship between mother and daughter so honestly portrayed.
This is truly one not to miss. Fascinated as well by the story of Little Edie, and how she finally left the home shared with her mom, and made her way back to New York, and eventually Florida. Loving the fact that the home was sold for only $220,000 in 1979 to Sally Quinn and Benjamin Bradley with the understanding that they would restore it. Restore this beautiful home they did...the gardens are to die for, and the recent article in The New York times and the evolution of this fabulous property is exquisite.

Take a look at the beautiful images above.

For a great view of the Beale's and story of the home, this article from 1972, written by Gail Sheehy is worth the read

Outdoor living

As everyone in California knows, we have been having a bit of a heat wave...
The warm weather, time at home and April days at the pool have me think of summer and how much I adore this time of year.
As we look for a new place to live, can't help but to daydream about an outdoor space where we can gather, hangout and eat as many meals as possible outdoors. To me, one of the best parts of this time of year is truly being outside as much as possible.

This lovely outdoor spot from Skona Hem was the perfect image to capture these daydreams.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ok, since I have been thinking about summer and fond summer memories all week, I can't leave this out.
The best chocolate chip cookies I have ever had...and the recipe tracked down to share with all of you.
Kathleen's cookies as it was known for years ( now Tate's, is famous for its buttery, thin crispy chocolate chip cookies. As someone who much prefers a soft ( almost undercooked ) chocolate chip cookie and I admit, the raw dough itself, I must say these are to die for.

The only other improvement on the old toll house classic, is my husbands substitution of milk chocolate chips. So here you go, two options-The version below, and the old standby with milk chocolate instead of semi sweet. Oh, and if you are thinking this far ahead-either version is divine made into an ice cream sandwich...

Chocolate chip cookies are our signature item. They are thin and crisp and remain everyone’s favorite. Tate’s Bake Shop bakes and sells thousands a week and ships them all over the country.
Yield: 4 1/2 dozen three-inch cookies.
2 cups all-purpose pour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup salted butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon vanila
2 large eggs
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two cookie sheets or line them with Silpat.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugars. Add the water and vanilla. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
Add the eggs and mix them lightly. Stir in the flour mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips. Don’t overmix the dough.
Drop the cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets using two tablespoons or an ice cream scoop.
Bake them for 12 minutes or until the edges and centers are brown. Remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Summer Is in the Air

Yesterday was a lovely day ( or so I hear :) ) and Summer is in the Air. After a little ( and I do mean little...outing on Saturday ) I had to make sure I stayed mostly horizontal yesterday. So while my adorable and loving husband made us all a gourmet breakfast and took our daughter ( he is such a trooper ) to an early showing of Hannah Montana I hung out with the boys and played Scrabble at home. A few hours later, a friend came by with her son ( a good friend of our oldest's ) and brought with her some favorite mags. Hours later, when the Mr. took the kids to the pool and enjoyed an afternoon of swimming and ice cream, I took a virtual trip to some wonderful pools, beaches and gardens through the pages of said magazines.

Here was one of the treasures I laid my eyes on...A few years ago, knows as J. Harper Poor Cottages, this charming inn, Baker House 1650 has now added a lovely pool. The wisteria and outdoor areas took my breath away, Enjoy, even if only as I did, virtually.

Discovery-Pink Wallpaper

Yesterday, I found myself looking at some of my favorite interior blogs ( many of them from Australia..) and found myself on one that I quite adore. Pink Wallpaper written by a new mom and interior designer has a lovely design sense and pratical tips and ideas for the home.

I loved this image...would be a great cottage kitchen or playroom set up for the kids..I can imagine ( let a girl dream ) all the kids stuff and art supplies organized with a fun word spelled out in these fab metal letters.

Blogger crush

Ok, I admit it, I have a few blog crushes...Joslyn from Simply Lovely, Chelsea from Frolic and Marta from Marta Writes to name a few. As I have followed and watched Marta on her journey into motherhood, I admire her love, honesty and ability to connect with her best self and those around her..
Her post today reminded me of her love for life and experiencing all that it brings.

Loved her resolutions when she posted them, and to be honest about hopes and dreams..motivated to bring them to life and real enough to laugh along the way.

PS-her diaries ( and her handwriting ) are treasures as well! Check them out-a fantastic gift for mothers day!

Heart of the home...my perfect kitchen

One of the sites I love most for home inspiration is Skona Hem. A fab magazine from Sweeden that I would LOVE to track down here. For now, a simple visit to their site every now and then, keeps me dreaming.
I came across what would be the perfect kitchen. Seriously, how could you not love a space where everyone can gather with ease, there is ample room to prep and cook, an office space for organization and a wonderful eating area. To me, the kitchen often feels like the heart of the home and this one says Love.