fun, simple, chic living

Converted Greenhouse

October 17, 2012

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One of my all-time favorite spots was this greenhouse that my mother and father converted into a guest house and a party room–it was either that or tear it down. It was right next to our regular house. There was a small bedroom in the old potting shed and the actual greenhouse had a table down the middle and big cushions to lounge on. There was a simple kitchen along the wall, behind the photographer. The downside was that it got really hot during summer days, it was perfect though at night or for lunch during the fall. It was a really fun place! Lots of great parties there.

Post image for Inspiration: 1970s in Southampton

Do you have a room or a place that absolutely reminds you of your childhood in a really good way? I just came across this photo of my family’s living room in Southampton circa 1978. We used to have Grease themed slumber parties on that shaggy rug and now, today, I have those hand painted ottomans in my house. Most of all I love the white painted peacock chairs. When you’re eight years old, a chair like that seems like the biggest, safest place in the universe.

Edible Rhody Prints!

October 2, 2012
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I am so thrilled that these prints, and more, from Edible Rhody magazine are now available as artwork through Empire Delicious. These stunning fruit and veggie images bring the bounty of Rhode Island straight to your house year-round. They are perfect for a kitchen, dining room or wherever! Very delicious! These are museum-grade prints produced [...]

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summer lunch: frittata

August 22, 2012
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I love it when you look inside the refrigerator and get a delicious brainstorm. This happened to me the other day. There were eggs, potatoes, a red pepper, half a purple onion, grated parmesan cheese, and an ear of corn, which made me say to myself: Frittata! It was easy to prepare and excellent for [...]

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Brown rice salad: summer lunch

August 16, 2012
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It’s my favorite summer salad: brown rice salad. It’s easy to make, it tastes even better the next day, and it is generally a crowd pleaser. I usually call it simply “rice salad” as some people in my household are suspicious of things that sound too healthy. Here’s how I made this one, it was [...]

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summer drink: iced hot toddy

July 30, 2012
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I love summertime but I’ve been missing my winter drink, the hot toddy. So, the other evening I was feeling rather inventive and created what was surprisingly good: an iced hot toddy. It’s perfect for a summer cold or just a change of pace. The downside is it takes a little forethought. Here’s how to [...]

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a perfect picnic

July 24, 2012
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My Mom just gave me the Abercrombie & Fitch picnic basket that she got as a wedding present in 1966. I’m can’t wait to take it for a spin. And, what to fill the two huge thermoses with? Hot toddies in the fall? Cold martinis in the summer? I love this kind of camping! I [...]

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July 19, 2012
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I set up a make-shift summer bar in our sun room yesterday and am loving the cheery colors! Also, am looking forward to a glass of rose at the end of the day. Find the yellow ice bucket, the Spanish wine glasses, and the cheery cocktail napkins all in the Empire Delicious shop. Share/Bookmark

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Turkish towels

July 11, 2012
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OOh, I just love these Turkish towels (a.k.a. peshtemals) that just went into the shop. I use them at the beach as a towel, for a picnic, as a wrap, over the back of chair as a throw, or as a table cloth. The hand towels are perfect to use when guests come over. They [...]

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a summer lunch picnic

July 10, 2012

We had the nicest summer lunch in the garden the other day. I got the table cloth out, made some iced tea, and invited a few friends over at the last minute. Harriet (age three and a half) helped with mixing the rice salad and general enthusiasm. Here’s what we had: Rice Salad, see my [...]

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