Week-ends at the Vineyard

We don't own a vineyard.

I often dream that we do.

But we are lucky to live just a short drive from some of the best in the country.

Whenever I am asked if I want to take a drive somewhere....

I often suggest the vineyards.

Nothing beats sitting outside, sipping wine, eating cheese,

watching the kids play ball, soaking up some sunshine.....

in a vineyard.

And it isn't too bad when you can bring home a bottle of your favorite too!

Yes, week-ends at the vineyard.......

xoxo S.

The most beautiful setting.

 

You can actually hear the quiet....really!

 

Grapes almost ready for harvest.

 

Family time and picnics in the vineyard.

 

So, what are you doing this week-end?

I think I'll go to the vineyard!!

Have fun whatever you do.

xoxo S.

No. 2 Pencils...Sharpened Please

It's that time of year again.....

I really am going to miss the relaxed days of summer.

I really am going to miss my boys.

Why can't it be June 21st again? Why?

xoxo S.

Summer Produce

I am going to miss all the wonderful fresh produce found at the local farm stands

and picked from the garden once the growing season is over.

And I love how it all looks like a work of art when NOT in the supermarket.

And I especially love that kids eat more of it.

Nothing beats picking it yourself, right?

xoxo S.

 

Max loved feeding these farm stand carrots to the goats and then

ate the rest as a snack when he got home!

 

Blueberries are my favorite fruit.

Our blueberries have stopped blooming though.

Not sure why, but my husband moved them to see if they

just needed a better spot!

 

I have been lucky that not only do we have a lot of great lettuce available

at the farm stands, but that my dear friend Erin shares with me her

lettuce that she grows in her beautiful garden.

 

 

Purple (and white) peppers taste like green but are prettier,

don't you agree?

 

Eggplant. Just in case you did not recognize it.

 

Planted strawberries once in our garden and now, year after year, it has

taken over a lovely patch.

 

Best part of July (in the garden) is picking raspberries with the boys!

(Before the birds get them)

 

We are fortunate on Long Island

to have some of the best vineyards. The grapes are almost ready

for harvest and that means more wine for me!

 

What grew in your garden this year?

xoxo S.

Paddle Boarding

My nephews went paddle boarding while on vacation in Vermont this summer.

I want to try it too....................!

Don't you???

xoxo S.

 

Not my nephews but they also make it look easy!

 

She Sells Sea Shells

Down by the Seashore

By now you must have noticed that I love seashells.
I love collecting them and displaying them.

Nothing is more relaxing than walking on the beach and collecting some as you go.
( and I don't actually sell them, just so you know)

They make wonderful (and inexpensive) souvenirs from your travels.
Or a memento of a nice afternoon.
Now what to do with all those seashell.......................

Display them in pretty apothecary jars of course!

Here are some of mine......

xoxo S.

Many shells from our local beach end up here.

One jar keeps sand and shells from a trip to the South Carolina coast,

another from a week long stay on Nantucket.

Sea Stars I never take from the beach myself, so these were purchased.

But they look nice in a blue bowl.

Not exactly shells, but these rocks come from a beach of black stones in Maine.

And these lovely orange shells are called "Mermaids Toenails" which we

 collected here at our beach and in Sag Harbor.

This shell is dispalyed on my dining room table.

And clam shells can be found all over my garden,

Don't you love shells too?

xoxo S.

My Favorite Shop

Don't we all have a favorite shop we absolutely must visit when we are in a special town?

I have mine.

But how excited was I when I found a new one on our last visit into Greenport?

I knew from the window that I was in love.

So much inspiration can be found within it's doors.

I LOVED absolutely everything inside.

Especially the calm cool white color palette throughout.

Yup, pure HAPPINESS.

Do you have a favorite shop?

xoxo S.

Did I mention how much I LOVED this shop?

xoxo S.

The Lemonade Stand

Nothing says summer and childhood like a good old fashioned lemonade stand.

My boys have done it twice.

And they made out very well I must admit.

People seem to always stop when they see little kids selling lemonade.

Must remind them of their own childhood.

And kids LOVE having their first taste of being an entrepreneur and making money.

(Never mind that MOM made the lemonade and bought the cups...but that's OK, we don't mind.)

Did you ever have a lemonade stand?

xoxo S.

Always Good to have lots of Salesmen and Balloons to attract customers

And a Great Sign doesn't hurt either!

But Having  Fun is most important!

Anyone for a Glass of Lemonade?

xoxo S.

Squash Blossoms

My odd little plant only blooms.

And blooms and blooms and blooms.

Has yet to bear any fruit though......

That's OK with me.

The squirrels would probably just feast on them anyway.

And the blossoms are quite beautiful to look at.

xoxo S.

Alligators and Crocodiles

My youngest son loves alligators.

And Crocodiles.

He collects them.

Stuffed ones of course.

And no, alligators and crocodiles are NOT native here.
(Thank goodness for small favors!)

xoxo S.

 

Barefoot is Best

I don't know about you,

but with 3 kids, shoes are out of control.

And NO ONE puts them away.

Most are scattered (or thrown) about the mud room.

It drives me CRAZY!

Yes, Barefoot is Best!!

xoxo S.

After a day at the beach........

 

Add a few friends and family and you have nothing but shoes! And Chaos!

 

And tennis sneakers are in addition to regular sneakers, and cleats...

well, you get it.

 

Ah...much better....sand between the toes!

 

Oh yes, Barefoot is Best!!!

 

Kick off your shoes today.....but do NOT throw them about the mud room!

xoxo S.

The Fish That Got Away

Enough said!

xoxo S.

Ornamental Grass

Beach Grass around the Beach Prairie

Many ornamental grasses thrive where we live.

I love that they are tall and sway gracefully in the wind.

I love all the tall plumes that grow late in the season.

I love everything about them.

What to you think?

xoxo S.

In the Garden

 

In Containers

Along the Beach

On Fire Island

You should try some in your garden.

Really!

xoxo S.

Dog Days of Summer

Still two weeks to go..............

IF only summer could go on forever..............

xoxo S.

Happy Monday

Just for you.....

xoxo S.

Beach Hut

Chilling at the Beach

Enjoyed another beach day with the kids and good friends.

The Beach Hut seemed to be "THE" place to be seen.

Music, food, lots of relaxed teenagers.

(OK, maybe not our main reason for coming to the beach, but it seemed rather fun.)

I liked the relaxed vibe of the Hut. And it fit the setting perfectly.

AND it was great to photograph!

xoxo S.

Just love the bright yellow letters!

Close enough for a quick snack!

A picture perfect beach day!

Perfect for a game of beach football! "Hey maybe we need a snack now....

at the Beach Hut"

Wish you had been there.

xoxo S.

Did you know.....?

In Olden Days

Beluga Whales were once mistaken for mermaids by sailors.......

I can see why........now you decide!
xoxo S.

(Thanks Linda...for the second photo!)

xoxo S.