Jen Bowles Design

Charming Charleston, SC: Spring Window Boxes

Last week I was lucky enough to visit Charleston, SC with my mom (along with a special guest appearance by My Cousin Laura).  The plan was to escape the cold, gray days of early Spring in  New England and enjoy the bursting colors and warm temperatures of early Spring in Charleston.

So, part of that plan worked out.

While the sun did shine for most of the the 3 days we were in town, it was accompanied by cool temperatures (low 50s) and often gusty breezes.  However, Charleston's beauty did not disappoint. 

One of my favorite things to photograph in Charleston is the wonderful window boxes in the historic downtown area.  Here are some of my favorites...

Soon enough it will be time to plant my window boxes here in Massachusetts ~ and I'll have no shortage of inspiration!  Now if only some of that elusive Southern warmth could make it here...

NYC in a day: Christmas Edition, Part 2

We pick up the story of our NYC adventure just as we're leaving Central Park and heading to The World's Most Crowded Greatest Toy Store. As if the wall-to-wall people all day weren't enough of an indication, having to wait in line to go into FAO Schwarz was a sure sign that it's Christmas in NYC.  At least the line moved quickly.  Our first stop once inside was another line...for:  the Big Piano.

Aren't these girls too cute?

Oops, I mean these girls!

Ebby was disappointed to find that the $25k Barbie foos ball table was gone, so the girls had to make new friends...

When we hit the streets again after FAO, it was dark and Ebby was beginning to realize that her friend's boots, while cute, make not have been the best selection for footwear for a day a walking in NYC.  No matter, we persevered onto Dylan's Candy Bar.

So many mouth-watering treats...

This display from the rainbow bulk candy wall was my favorite:

Purchases were made by all here, including me who got something for Ebby's stocking ~ right under her nose.  So sneaky!

A stop across the street at Bloomingdale's meant a quick cruise through Magnolia (to check the scenery, no cupcakes this time) for me...

Meanwhile the girls went to find somewhere to sit down for 10 minutes.  #seriously.

Re-energized, it was time to head back downtown--on foot.  Love how the city transforms at night...and I love that woman's leopard print coat.  So New York.

Our final desitination of the day:  Times Square.

 

Our first stop in Times Square was Jamba Juice.  What can I say, we were thirsty.  Out in the heart of Times Square, it was people aplenty. 

For the record, I cannot imagine being here for New Year's Eve.  Actually, I can imagine it and it involves an astronaut diaper, aching feet & neck, and general sensory overload.  We looked up, we saw the Centennial ball for this year.  I'm good.  I'll watch the rest from my couch.

Times Square is an experience for sure.

The girls shopped (and sat) at Forever 21

Saw the ferris wheel at Toys R Us

And took in the, um, unique atmosphere...Kids, stay in school and don't become this guy:

Finally, around 7:30, we emerged and made the final 6 block push back to 34th St. to the bus stop.  It seems however that the crowd and the giant strawberry-banana-orange Jamba Juice did not agree with Ebby.  We had to make a pit stop at Duane Reade for Pepto Bismol tablets, gum, and water.  For a few minutes it looked like Ebby might hurl right there on the streets on Manhattan.  Luckily, a.  I brought a doggie (poop) bag to use as a puke bag on the bus, just in case and b.  she didn't hurl after all.  By a little after 8pm we were gathered at the Bolt Bus stop next to the Tick Tock Diner awaiting our chariot home.

It was a fun-filled whirlwind of a day for sure.  It's always fun seeing NYC dressed up for the holidays.  On our next trip though we might skip Midtown altogether.  Chelsea, SoHo, TriBeCa, and the East Village are calling my name.  I'm going to see what I can do about answering come Spring!

Thanks for stopping by...

 

 

NYC in a day: Christmas Edition, Part 1

A December Saturday in NYC with 3 teenage girls?  When you've got a persuasive daughter, an affinity for the Big Apple, and round trip bus tickets from Boston for only $32, the answer is yes.

Here's a quick peek at our timeline:

• Leave the house at 6:15am
• Leave South Station, Boston on the 7:30am Bolt Bus
• Arrive NYC (34th & 8th, near Macy's) at 11:10 ~ 35 minutes ahead of schedule!
• Walk the streets of Midtown Manhattan: 11:15am to 8pm
• Leave NYC on the 8:30pm Bolt Bus
• Arrive South Station at 12:45am (exactly on schedule, with a rest stop)
• Arrive home at 1:30am

With a loosely planned agenda, we were able to cover a lot of ground in not a lot of time.  Our stops...

1D World near Madison Square Garden

Pretty much a supersized concert souvenir stand selling all things One Direction.  The girls are big fans so it was a must see.  They added their grafitti to the walls but didn't make any purchases.

Macy's

The line for Santa was way too long but Mrs. Claus was just hanging out by some better sportswear.

We looked, but didn't touch, the dresses in the Bridal Salon.

 Ebby had done some research online and picked our lunch spot: LT Burger at Bryant Park.  On the way we checked out the ice skaters and the carousel. 

We got off to a rough start with the service at LT Burger (waitress mix-up meant it took 15 minutes for someone to take our order), but the food was delicious.  We all had The Standard burger, fries and a shake.  $22 per person with the tip, btw.

After lunch we walked by the lions in front of the NY Public Library and up 5th Avenue to Rockefeller Center. 

Last year when I came with Ebby it was too early for the tree to be fully decorated so this was her first time seeing it.  All the girls were pretty impressed.  I think.

 

Next up was my one requested stop for the day:  Anthropologie at Rockefeller Center.  I admired the windows and was duly impressed with the creativity and detail but they weren't my favorite.

Maybe it's because I'm jaded spoiled by the real Winter Wonderland animals we have in our backyard...

I found the interior displays to be more to my liking...

I thought this book page chevron wall was very clever:

 Inside of Anthro I did see what turned out to be my favorite display of the day ~ something so cool it deserves a separate post. Hint:  book wall...

 Onward up 5th Avenue we admired more windows and storefronts and general festive atmosphere.

 

I gazed longingly at Henri Bendel as we walked past.  I did take in the windows at Bergdorf, but again, I liked them but didn't love them--though I'm sure my boys woudld've loved the dog circus themed window!

Our next stop was the Plaza Hotel.  The girls were particularlyenchanted by the sight of Afternoon Tea at the Palm Court.  At $50-$60 per person that wasn't happening (this time), but we kept it classy by posing by the lobby Christmas tree instead.

Luckily you can get less expensive fare in the basement concourse level of the Plaza at the Plaza Food Hall.  It was my first visit here and except for the shortage of women's restrooms, it was a thumbs up.  We wandered around to get the lay of the land and ended up at the Billy's Bakery outpost. 

I've read good things about their cupcakes so when presented with the opportunity to sample, how could I resist??  For whatever reason, I overthought my flavor selection.  I should've gone with something classic like Vanilla or Red Velvet, instead I got Banana Nutella.  Don't get me wrong, it was good, but too banana bread-y for my taste.  Oh well, I'll try again next time.  Such a burden!

On the way to find a seat, this sign caught my eye at Three Tarts. 

They had a variety of flavored handcrafted marshmallows.  Making marshmallows has been on my list for years, but it has yet to happen.  For $1, I figured I'd see what the fuss was about.  I chose a raspberry marshmallow.  It was light & airy, with good raspberry taste.  It would've made a yummy s'more...

Before it got dark, we finished up at the Plaza and headed across the street to Central Park for photos and a brief bit of exploration.  Ah, nature!

After our stop in Central Park, it was around 4pm-- a little more than halfway through our day in the city!  This seems like a good spot to take a break the retelling of  our adventure.  Stop by tomorrow for Part 2 which includes hotspots such as FAO Schwartz and Times Square!

Thanks for stopping by,

Yarn Bombing at the North River Arts Festival!

Sure, I've seen photos of beautiful feats of yarn bombing on Pinterest and Flickr.  I even have a Yarn Magic board of my own with several fun examples.  However, I'd never actually seen anything yarn bombed in person.

Until Saturday at the North River Arts Festival.

As I was strolling down Old Main Street admiring the art and vendor booths, I suddenly spotted a telephone pole bedecked in yarn!

Ahead, a tree, also yarn bombed! Oooh, look up...

But wait, more yarn bombing across the street!

Fun stuff too, I love the addition of the hanging thing-a-ma-bobs.

Whereas I've only semi-mastered the basic crochet chain stitch, I was truly in awe.  So fun and whimsical.

The best part?  The festival is over but the yarn bombing remains ☺.

Thanks for stopping by,

{Artful} Road Trip: Saratoga Springs, NY, Part 3

The drive from Schuyler Pond to downtown Saratoga Springs was a pretty one.  We drove past several lovely Victorian homes and an impressive looking brick building with a turret that turned out to be a military museum. 

Our first stop was a  at a florist/garden statuary shop called Hidden Gardens.  A giant pig, a metal tulip, 3 sheet metal sheep??  How could I resist??

Things here were a bit overwhelming and  pricey but worth the quick peek that I gave them.  I really did like those metal sheep...

After a drive down the Saratoga Springs main drag, we circled back to a restaurant Bubbe had eaten at the last time she was in town:  Scallions.

All I have to say is it's a good thing this restaurant isn't located close to my house--because I would go broke going there all the time!

As the tagline says, "Where good friends, food and art meet".  Yes, indeed. 

We managed to beat the post-Skidmore College graduation crowd and were seated right away.  We spotted a number of fellow Spring Fling patrons--maybe there was an inside tip? 

The food was delicious.  I had a mango-beet-quinoa salad over baby spinach and we split a piece of carrot cake for dessert.

As good as the food was, and as friendly as the staff was, the number one attraction for me at Scallions was all the artwork.  The entire space is full of custom pieces from Sticks.  Sticks handcrafts furniture, accessories and object art and each wooden piece is full of colorful imagery and handcarved words.  Amazing.  And Scallions is full of Sticks pieces.

Every dining table, the bar stools, the custom hostess stand, an incredible black and white carved countertop...

Over the top eye candy!

Just when you think you've noticed all the Sticks pieces, there are the accessories.
So fun!

But wait, it's not just Sticks items here.  There were a number of mixed media assemblage pieces sprinkled in as well, namely Fobots  by Amy Flynn and assemblage dolls by Bill Fink of Primitive Twig.

Even the lighting was beautiful. More Sticks, this time an amazing lamp:

No wonder it took me 15 minutes to use the ladies room (I was touring around the restaurant ooohing and aaahhing).

If you ever find yourself in Saratoga Springs, Scallions is another must-see for the artful wanderer!

Thanks for stopping by,

{Artful} Road Trip: Saratoga Springs, NY, Part 2

Today I'm going to share a peek inside Schuyler Pond Home and Garden.

Schuyler Pond (the shop)  is housed inside a charming restored barn.  Their wares and vibe  were the perfect complement to the Earth Angels Spring Fling sale going on outside. 

Fun and eclectic mix of home and gift items creatively displayed with vintage finds and architectural salvage...

Upstairs featured fully developed room vignettes in a style that I would characterize as ABC Home meets Anthropologie.  Oh. yes.

My favorite piece...

Schulyler Pond is a definite must-see if you're in the Saratoga Springs area!  The one thing they didn't have there was food (we did not attend the luncheon with Jo Packham, maybe next time...) so we finalized our purchases and headed downtown in search of sustenance.

Check back tomorrow for the final installment and to see the amazing restaurant where we had lunch--with a tagline of 'where good friends, food, and art meet', how could we go wrong??

Thanks for stopping by,

{Artful} Road Trip: Saratoga Springs, NY, Part 1

On Saturday morning I rose before the sun (hello, 4:40am!) to begin the odyssey that would take me, Bubbe (my mom) and Ebby on a quick trip to upstate New York.

Our destination was two-fold:  to visit our friends and to attend the Earth Angels Spring Fling Art Show!

You know the one, the event that's advertised in all the Somerset publications (there's even a feature on last year's event in the current WWC), the one that features an outstanding collection of handmade art and  artful goods by amazingly talented (and really friendly) artists.  Yep, we went there.

It was a beautiful day for the event held at Schuyler Pond, an equally beautiful shop and setting.

We were enchanted right from the walk down the path into the outdoor sale area.

The display area was split between outdoors, mostly under a tent and in a small barn.  At first glance I thought it was a bit small, but it turns out it was sized just right.  Reminiscent of a boutique Country Living Fair.  Not that I've been to the Country Living Fair...yet. At any rate, there was plenty of eye candy to enjoy and lots of fun display ideas.

We walked around several times, pondering, admiring and chatting, before making our final selections.

I met Jen (O'Connor), the driving force behind Earth Angels and all around ball of energy and enthusiasm--also a great model for the delightful Derby Blooms brooches by Maria Pendley.

One of those came home with Bubbe, it was hard to resist!

  My mom also bought the latest issue of Where Women Create and had it signed by Jo Packham who was stationed under a unique structure that Jen had constructed and dubbed the "Packham Pavilion".

Four poles from tree saplings, an elevated vintage lamp base and a sheet.  So cleverly adorable.

I also introduced myself to the talented and colorful  Shelly Kennedy of Drooz Studios.  Her amazing studio is on the current cover of Where Women Create. 

She was so sweet as I told her about how a photo she had on her blog a few years ago of her basement inspired the beadboard cupboard and shelves I designed for our basement remodel.  It's always fun to meet people you "know" online in real life.  And in my experience, everyone has been totally approachable and friendly.  Hurray for nice people!

Finally, after circling all of the beautiful goods and talking to lots of wonderful folks, it was time to make my final selections.  I bought two things.  The first is a pad of 150 Love Notes from Sugarboo Designs, Bubbe and I agreed they would be great for art journaling.  My next choice was harder. 

Hint:  this is the display I was pondering...

An overflowing tub of soft sculptures by Valerie Weberpal.  On the Earth Angels website, Valerie's work is perfectly described as being "beautifully textured and layered with festive abandon".  Festive abandon??  Love it!  After much deliberation I decided on a cat.

It was the tiny sweater and pearl buttons that put me over the edge.  Too adorable to leave in New York.  If going to the Spring Fling becomes an annual event, I could definitely see my collection of Valerie Weberpal's creations growing...

Check back tomorrow for a peek inside the incredible Schuyler Pond home & garden store!

Thanks for stopping by,

 

 

NYC: Street Scenes and Pre Teen Beauty Queens

During our 10 hours in New York City, we managed to see and do quite a bit.  When you're in someplace like NYC it's hard not to.  I thought I'd share some of our more memorable outdoor sights...

Whereas it was Veteran's Day, we were able to see the amazing Veteran's Day parade--several times over the span of 4 hours.  Incredible and inspiring.     

Along with veterans, there was another group of people celebrating the fact that it was 11-11-11:  Brides!  And grooms too I'm sure, but we saw no less than 4 brides during the day.

This one in Central Park was the fanciest {hello, faux (I'm hoping) fur wrap}

Our favorite was this bridal entourage in Times Square.  One of the bridesmaids is even pushing a stroller--love it!

Me & E in Crazy Town Times Square:

Of course in New York there are all sorts of characters, around Times Square they're on every corner.

Harry Potter in Rockefeller Center was the only one Ebby wanted to have her picture taken with ;-).

In Bryant Park not only was there outdoor skating, but also a ragtag bunch of "football players".  Turns out they were promoting the Rutgers-Army football game the next day.

Also waiting for an event that took place the next day:  all of the folks camped outside NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center.  They were waiting for, yes, Saturday Night Live entry.  Lots of laptops, cardboard on the ground and blankets.  I thought the couple on the air mattress had the best idea.

Amidst all of our weaving and bobbing around street closures for the parade in and around 5th Avenue, we spied this on a closed side street near St. Patrick's Cathedral:

At first I had no idea why there was a donkey in the middle of NYC.  Upon closer inspection I noted the Wounded Warrior Project blanket on his back and figured he was there for the Veteran's Day parade.  Turns out we actually saw our very first celebrity donkey:  Smoke.  Read about Smoke's incredible journey from Iraq to American therapy donkey here.

Next something totally ridiculous:  a gaggle of pre-teen beauty queen bedecked in sparkly tiaras, award declaring sashes and, of course, Uggs.        

I couldn't take my eyes away.

And speaking of eyes, I was nearly moved to tears {sometimes I'm a bit extra sensitive} when we witnessed a small act of kindness after evening had fallen:  a blind man accidently swiped the back of the legs of a young woman with his cane as he approached a street corner.  She turned to see what hit her and instead of annoyance,  offered her arm and escorted the man across the street.  Then she proceeded to walk with him  2 more blocks to the bus stop that was his destination.  When she turned around and headed back in the opposite direction it was clear she'd gone out of her way to help the man.  Random act of kindess in the big city...

Night in Manhattan can be a magical time, with millions of  lights transforming the city.

Grand Central Station with the Chrysler Building in the background

Hundreds of votive candles on the steps of the New York Public Library

I must admit though, my favorite street scene photos were taken during the day, on 5th Avenue.  We found ourselves on a section of the street that was shut down to cars but was beyond the parade route--which left us with a golden opportunity:

I tried to tell Ebby that it isn't every day you get to stand IN THE MIDDLE OF 5TH AVENUE.  Too.  cool.

Just like my girl in the big city ♥.

{Another} Visit to Tinsel Trading

How could I take Ebby to New York City and not take her to Tinsel Trading?  I mean really, what kind of mother would I be?

Ok, fine.  This was my stop and she was along for the ride.  Don't feel too bad for her though-- afterward we spent a solid half hour the Forever 21 in Times Square.

Back to Tinsel Trading.  The shop was decorated for the holidays with lots of glittery Wendy Addison goodness.    

Wonderful nest themed cloches

I loved this display of glittery star and bird wands

Not all of the seasonal treasures were Christmas related.  I love the color of the pumpkins on these Autumn boxes.

Of course no matter what the season, Tinsel Trading is always a feast for the eyes.          

Unfortunately unlike the last time I was here in December 2009, we didn't run into Jenn from Sweet Eye Candy Creations--though I did look around for her :-).  I did see something new though:  this wholesale area chock full of more Wendy Addison creations.

So many amazing and beautiful vintage glass beads and faux jewels.   Love the patina and the packaging.

Inspiration by the yard indeed!

 

Dear Magnolia Bakery...

Dear Magnolia Bakery,

I was wrong about you.  So. Very. Wrong.

When I made my first visit to your shop at Rockefeller Center in 2009 it was late on a Friday night.  It was my first trip to the city since the cupcake craze really took off--and I wanted to be a part of it.  Though I was tired from a long day of exploring Manhattan on foot, I ventured out from my hotel room at 11pm.  Your shop at Rockefeller was charming, albeit small and crowded.  I purchased two vanilla cupcakes with pink buttercream and hurried back to the room to share my goodies with my mom.

I settled into my hotel club chair and took a bite. The cake was dry and rather tasteless, the frosting like sugar weighed down with its own sweetness.

I was not impressed.  I did manage to eat the entire cupcake--you know, just in case it got better.  It didn't.

Fast forward to last Friday.  I once again found myself in New York City, this time accompanied by Ebby.  For her first trip to the Big Apple, our itinerary was full-on tourist.  We hit several hot spots:  Times Square, Central Park, Tinsel Trading...Like her mother, Ebby is a cupcake connoisseur.  Even given my less than stellar experience at Magnolia last time, I was willing to give it another shot.  For Ebby's sake.  Our first pass by the Rockefeller Center bakery presented us with a line out the door.  We decided to find some lunch and then return.  Our second try met with the same results: a line out the door. We had to move on, we had many more stops on our agenda.

However a few hours later, fate intervened.  Maybe it was the Cupcake Godesses, who's to say.  We were on our way to Dylan's Candy Bar, walking by Bloomingdale's on 3rd Avenue when I saw it, out of the corner of my eye.

A Magnolia Bakery.  Inside Bloomingdale's.  With hardly any line.

We immediately walked in.

Oh. My.

So delightful.

Turns out the Magnolia in Bloomie's just opened in June and it is lovely.   Beadboard, vintage cakestands, jars of colored sprinkles and paper straws.  Mmm, swoon.

Oh, and yes, the cupcakes.

I ordered a coconut cupcake:  vanilla cake with vanilla meringue buttercream topped with shredded coconut.  And as I found out around my 3rd bite, a lovely touch of lemon filling.

One bite and I was a Magnolia convert.

Delicious.  Light, airy frosting paired with subtle, moist cake and tangy lemon filling.  Yep, still thinking about it...

Ebby sampled a chocolate cupcake with purple (vanilla) buttercream.  It met with her approval ;-).

The decor might be my all time favorite for a bakery.    Right up there with Back in the Day in Savannah.  Perfect vintage colors, details and accessories.   

Sweet sigh.

So, congratulations Magnolia Bakery, you are now on my good side.  My very good side :-)

P.S.  Sprinkles NYC, I was underwhelmed.  Quite.