Fin-tastic Find: La Maison Du Chocolat "Un été en Bretagne".

A Mermaid is in constant search of her next treasure. Inspired by this pursuit is our 'Fin-tastic Find', a spotlight on a weekly trinket or treasure we may see and want to share with you.

A few days ago, I was looking for a gift and decided to visit one of my favorite Parisian chocolate haunts, La Maison du Chocolat.   I came across a summery collection that I simply could not ignore.  Named the 'Un été en Bretagne', inspired by 'the Chocolatiers of La Maison du Chocolat when they set sail to uncover the gustatory treasure of Brittany'...whatever that may mean, it is a perfect host gift or small token of gratitude reminiscent of Summer, because this iconic shop of sweetness is the definition of eye candy--never failing to deliver on taste or beautiful design.

Beautifully packaged in an ocean-blue box, the flavors include:

• dark plain ganache with acidulous and spicy notes
• creamy milk ganache with caramel accented with a dash of salt
• duo of caramelised apple compote and dark ganache
• crunchy sprig of sable breton enrobed in milk chocolate
• dark praline blended with delicate crepe dentelle

I'm particularly enamored with the creamy milk ganache with caramel and a bit of salt, maybe because it reminds me of the sea?

xo

Mermaid Material: Shopping in East Hampton.

Each week, we will shine the spotlight on a fashionable Mermaid find--inspiration pieces that qualify as "Mermaid Material".  This week, I've been poking into the adorable shops that dot East Hampton. From Calypso statement necklaces to Catherine Malandrino totes, there is no shortage of beachy-chic around these parts!

Leave it to Calypso to personify a tassel to create a summery statement necklace. The ethereal resort pieces from Calypso always lend a light and breezy air to an outfit. Bright punchy colors and gauzy fabrics make Calypso a summer must. It doesn't hurt that Mermaid Stefi complements the look with a perfect tan and a simple top! ("Five Tassel Necklace", $245, www.calypsostbarth.com)

And because our inner city Mermaid deserves some attention too, take a peek at this Catherine Malandrino tote for the summer--a great carry-all for the beach or for the books. (Cotton New York Tote, $265, www.catherinemalandrino.com)

 I love a cute and easy way to tidy up beach-touseled hair with this colorful headwrap from Scoop.  (Missoni Space Dye Headband, $89, www.scoopnyc.com).  

Most importantly, remember that being beachside or embracing a relaxing Summer weekend is the perfect excuse to layer your favorite bold finds and lighten up your look.

Have a beautiful weekend! xo

Mermaids On The Town--The Hamptons.

Peace Out, City Living!  (for a month anyway...)
I'm pretty much doing back flips about being a Mermaid living in the Hamptons during the month of June.  It's one of my favorite places in the world.

I first started coming out here about 10 years ago and was hooked upon first sight of Windmills and Farm Stands.  Of course, the Hamptons offers so much more (and at a price!) but, even beyond the lavishly-loved lawns and gardens, the perfect East Coast beaches, extraordinary restaurants and art galleries, there truly is something 'other-worldly' about this series of hamlets.  Where just 2/12 hours later, you are no longer beating along in the tiger-pulse of NYC but are transported to a new land of lush retreat, hydrangeas and real estate-eye candy.

This past weekend, one of my best Mermaids, Stefi, was visiting, and we did some exploring. I wanted to show her one of my all-time favorite "take-me-to-a-happy-place" places - East Hampton Point.  (www.easthamptonpoint.com) I have looked at this spot many times as a potential event location (they do beautiful weddings!) and it also services as a hotel and restaurant.

We decided to sit on the dock of the bay and start our weekend with a cocktail and canapes, the perfect way to kick off the day.

After our Seaside stop, we did a little shopping in East Hampton Village.  Stefi couldn't resist popping into a charming little toy shop to look for a souvenir for her 3-year old.   I then forced her to to be photographed in front of her "namesake" store.

After an hour or two of window shopping, we walked through to the end of the village to dinner.  A friend had recommended we reserve a table at a restaurant called Race Lane.  It's sort of a hidden hot spot behind the train station in East Hampton.

We were NOT disappointed.  We shared the freshest Burrata and heirloom tomato salad followed by a perfectly cooked filet drizzled with a blueberry vodka sauce.  An interesting and dee-lish pairing!  The wine list was well curated and although we passed on dessert, the choices were beautiful!

I loved the decor at Race Lane, some of the doors were built to resemble white wood stable doors, there was a cozy fireplace and a great "secret garden" area for dining al Fresco.  Hop to it for a reservation @ www.racelanerestaurant.com.

After all that eating and drinking--we woke up early the next morning to try the new Soul Cycle studio in East Hampton. This was my first class (Stefi is a regular in the city and persuaded me I could "do it".)  Not only did I do it, I loved it!   It's like a spiritual spin class!  There are these great uplifting quotes on the walls and the instructor played an amazing soundtrack with the lights dimmed really low and candles lit in front of the bikes.  I'm definitely going back next week! (soul-cycle.com.)

Tomorrow, we will take you on a little window-shopping spree, East Hampton-style.  

Celebrate and swim lightly!

XO

Decoration Day

Did you know that Memorial Day used to be called "Decoration Day"?

Neither did I, but Wikipedia told me so and I'm inclined to trust it on this one. And although in this instance "decoration" was not referencing center pieces and floral arrangements, we can consider it a happy pun for the sake of this entry.  This past week in NYC has been bursting with Fleet Week fun and an excited anticipation in the air for the first long weekend of the Summer. I am packing my bag to board a Jitney for the Hamptons to unwind and with this in mind, I wanted to share with you a few little touches to elevate your weekend or party from ordinary to extraordinary.


1. Ice with a Twist.

This is one of my most favorite 'Mermaid-y' things to do. Up the wow factor by adding fresh, vibrant fruit to your summer drink.  Take small fruits, berries or herbs (blueberries, elderberries, mint, springs of rosemary and thyme are great choices) and place them in ice cube trays.  Fill with water and freeze.  The end result will be beautiful, colorful ice cubes that will look wonderful in your glasses and melt into the drink for added flavor! 

2.  Go Rustic.

Memorial Day is not the time to break out your wedding china. Weathered picnic tables, gingham table cloths, nautical rope, twine, mason jars- use them all to your advantage. Summertime and the livin' is easy, right? (Okay, maybe not so easy but this is the weekend to kick back and forget your worries - leave the frou frou decorations back at home with your button down and Board Room blazer).

      

3. Flowers and Candles Fix All!

Do not underestimate the power of flowers and candles. They are affordable ways to spruce up your backyard BBQ or your beach house bash. Fresh cut wild flowers, and tea lights in votives will do the trick just fine. Candles automatically create soft, romantic lighting. A good hostess knows that soft lighting is flattering--good lighting makes for happy people--and happy people make for a good party. My high school geometry teacher might disagree, but this is my understanding of the transitive property.

4. Keep Guests Cool--and Personalize!

Nothing makes your guests feel as special as something tailored specifically for them. It doesn't have to be big or expensive--if your party flows into the evening, have some inexpensive and colorful Pashminas on hand to pass out to the ladies to avoid the chill.  Or, for an extremely hot day affair--pretty parasol umbrellas and printed or monogrammed paper fans (you can order and customize these online) are sunny gifts for guests.

Maybe its that first sweet scent of summer in the air, or maybe its simply an excuse to pull those sundresses out of retirement, whatever it is, Memorial Day has a curious way of bringing people together. But most importantly, Memorial Day is an American holiday through and through; a day to appreciate and remember the soldiers, past and present, who have made sacrifices so that our biggest dilemma on Memorial Day is choosing between sunflowers or Gerbera daisies.

So whether you're hosting a Memorial Day soiree or lounging poolside at a BBQ, remember a favorite Mermaid motto: "Sometimes its good to sweat the small stuff."

*Find inspiration for your party on my Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mermaidhil/memorial-day/

What Would Dorothy Draper Do?

"Birds are so much wiser than we! A robin builds a nest for robins. A seagull builds a nest for seagulls. They don't copy each other--or build themselves nests as described in 'The Birds Decorating' magazine."  -Dorothy Draper

One of my favorite books is In the Pink written by Carleton Varney. It is a beautiful coffee table book that showcases Dorothy Draper, who from the 1930's-1960's was the most famous decorator in America. She was also way ahead of her time--a pioneer businesswoman (her trademark cabbage-rose chintz is still famous to this day), she designed many interiors for restaurants, theaters, department stores, homes, and hotels. From the "menus to the matchboooks", she covered every detail when working on a hotel project.

Some of her most famous projects are the Hampshire House in New York City and the Greenbrier resort in West Virgina. She also created her own fabrics for F. Schumacher & Co.  Her "Ask Dorothy" Column aimed to provide middle-class housewives with affordable ideas for making their homes more beautiful and comfortable.

I recently picked up two of her books (now vintage); Decorating is Fun! and Entertaining is Fun! for some inspiration.

Dorothy Draper is definitely on my "Who Would You Have Dinner With?" list. I'm sure our dinner would include monogrammed menus and matchbooks, of course!

xo

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
may good luck pursue you each morning and night. 
-Irish Blessing

I can't wait for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday. The parade expects over 200,000 people! There are no floats, just marching and music. http://nycstpatricksparade.org/.  I recently read that the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York was held on lower Broadway (back in 1762!) by a small band of homesick Irish ex-patriots and Irish military that were stationed in the American colonies. Looks like they were on to something big!

The parade kicks off at 11am on 44th Street and marches up Fifth Avenue, past St. Patrick's Cathedral, ending up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Irish Historical Society at 86th Street around 5pm.

If you are hosting a green gathering for friends at home, serve up traditional Irish fare like Sheperd's Pie, or try an untraditional twist with a "mashed potato bar." You could create pretty flower arrangements made with Belles of Ireland, or put together a few monochromatic arrangements by using a green-only array of: Moss, Protea, Mums, and green berry. Send guests home with a cute party favor like this one I made--and, it was great practice emptying a Guinness for the flowers in the to-go "vase" (Someday I WILL master the perfect shamrock in the foam on top)...

I'm hoping to keep my own tradition and wrap up the day with a lucky toast at the best Irish pub in my neighborhood--Dublin 6, love.

http://dublin6nyc.com/

Slainte. 

XO



Film-spiration.

Vintage Movie Nights?  The Best.

Who didn't love to hate Steff in Pretty in Pink?  After watching this one in the late 80's, I was inspired to try my hand at sewing. ( I failed miserably. Prom dress was promptly purchased.)  Team Duckie!

St. Elmo's Fire--my college best friends continue to steal my heart. And, it's true, sometimes, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Less Than Zero made me want to move to Los Angeles (when I first watched it whilst babysitting at the mature age of 11.)  Not really sure why...the palm trees?  I was never half as cool as Jamie Gertz's character but still, not much has changed (never say never...wait for me, L.A.!) And, congrats Robert Downey Jr. on your new baby but, sadly, I really thought we had a chance... ;-)

Hmmm...what would I do differently to Jule's apartment?  NOTHING!  OK, maybe I'd lose the blue halo, but I would def keep the earring lit up against a bright pink wall.  We should all have a decorator named Ron.

Some Kind of Wonderful. Come on!  If confidence isn't the sexiest quality about someone?!  Who rocked a short-short haircut in high school better than Watts?

Vintage movie nights could make you nostalgic for John Hughes, Brat Packs and scrunchies.  But, only for approx. 90 minutes (without commercial  breaks).  Good news, 90 minutes is a gold mine of time for inspirational ideas!

PS: After recently discussing a vintage movie night with friends (one whose boyfriend had the audacity to say "Turn these off, they suck." ) We told him that he must have missed the "crush" phase-- because when you watch these in your early teens, they stay with you forever. They catch you at a certain phase, and never let you go.

XO