ALWAYS TAKE THE HIGH ROAD....

I have not written for a little while but I hope to get back "on track" now that Fall is here.  I love all the seasons for different reasons but I still think fall in NYC is my most favorite of them all.  The lazy hot and humid summer days are over and a crisp new chill starts to take its place.  The city becomes alive again...restaurants are full and the sidewalks are buzzing with laughter.  People are excited to be back after their last few days at the beach and the sand is replaced by a blanket of vibrant leaves.  I won't try to get too poetic but I have a new rush of energy and excitement because it signifies a "fresh" start for me.   I could ramble on and on but I really want to talk about my walk on the High Line today.  I am a bit embarassed that I had never been before today and if you have not been yet I highly suggest you go!  After walking the entire way I decided to rush home and google more information about it.  I knew some of the basic facts but I really did not know too much about it.  One of the articles I found was written by Mike Lydon for a blog titled Pattern Cities.  It struck a cord with me and I thought I would share with you what I learned.  This piece by Lydon was titled "Does the High Line have a ceiling?"  He talks about Witold Rybczynski's New York Times Piece which highlights a growing list of cities (Chicago, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Jersey City) attempting to replicate the High Line's success.  Yet his point is clear...just because it works in New York City does not mean it will work across the Hudson in Jersey City! He also points out that New York City is not the first city to transform an elevated rail line into an urban park...Paris also has done the same with the Prominent Plantee in 1988.  Where am I going with all of this?  I think we will be following this pattern as it continues to expand...the cities that decide to take on a similiar endeavor will hopefully "not copy but continue to adapt and amplify."( Lydon)  That, for now, is what I call taking the high road....I hope to take the high road more often this fall.

A taste of Portofino...

I just got back from a wedding in Portofino, Italy.  If you have not been you must make sure to put it on the top of your travel list and be sure to invite me!  I was there for a very close friend's wedding and it was just divine.  It was a beautiful wedding and I know everyone had a glorious time.  Here are just a few photos of Portofino.   

Church of San Giorgio-the site of the wedding

Another view of the Church of San Giorgio

A view of the Castello Brown where the reception was held 

The beautiful walk up to the Castello Brown

Another view of the walk up to the Castello Brown

A seaside view 

A close friend and I sitting on the beach 

A Glorious Garden!

I adore flowers and lots of them!  I think part of this love comes from my Mom who has always had a passion for flowers as well.  Her garden at our house in Connecticut is truly amazing and I seem to appreciate it more and more every single time I go home.  Each year brings a new beginning and a new flower will be planted...it is in my opinion the most beautiful garden I have ever seen.  You can look at the garden or be in the garden and still feel as if you are in the most magical place on earth.  Flowers have always been a large part of our home growing up and now I know why...they make us happy even on the most gloomy days.  I hope you all have a happy day!

A little taste of Paris in New York!

Paris...one of my favorite cities.  When I heard that Maison Ladurée was opening in New York the other day I was ecstatic.  I remember visiting Paris with my Mom and sisters a few years ago and walking into the shop and being completely in heaven.  Les macarones is what they are famous for and they are almost too pretty to eat.  I think my favorite part of it all is that I can travel back to Paris for the afternoon now...even while living in New York.   It is set to open on August 22 at 864 Madison Avenue.  · Maison Laduree [Official Site]   Here is what ny. eater.com said about the store..."The Madison Avenue outpost will include two distinct rooms—one for sales and one for order taking and sitting and conversing on "antique chairs upholstered in 19th century fabrics"—and will boast an adjacent tea room. It will be outfitted "in the style of a private French home."   

I love all the colors they come in