Fall in New England - the most wonderful time of the year!

Belated post of what was supposed to be pre-Halloween: 

As much as I am not a cold weather person, I LOVE fall, and New England is the best place to experience it, in my opinion.

In September, we headed to Mack's Apples in NH, just over the border.  It was a little early for some of the varieties, but plenty of picking.

And a pumpkin patch - a real pumpkin patch!  

 Here's the one!  See below for my carving.

 Fast forward to October (where did that month go?!), when I took a trip to Hingham

 I LOVE how the residents put little pumpkins on the ledges above the houses.  There's something about these pumpkins that is so simple and classic, not at all tacky.

I didn't have much time to shop, but here are my pickups:

There is a great new shop in Hingham Square next to Crossing Main: Three Buoys- so preptastic!!!   Clothes, accessories, baby stuff, home decor.  I bought this cuff there- it was about $48- it's needlepoint and was a have to have.  The anchor bracelet is from the Hingham Coop- only $18.   Looks a lot more expensive, right?!  Sorry for the less than stellar photo- iPhone 6 still on order.

 No trip would be complete without a trip to the Bloomy Rind:  www.bloomyrind.com.   I love this place for many reasons.  A) It's a cheese shop!  B) Mary, the wife, is a cheese expert and so fun to talk to.  C) Robert, the husband, is an amazing chef!  D) This shop took the place of a preppy store that I used to work in many years ago run by a not so nice person.  Nothing gave me more pleasure than to see that shop replaced with this place!

 Here is what I picked up:  pumpkin crisps, homemade olive tapenade, homemade carrot hummus and  red pepper feta dip.  Not pictured: a mini cartelized onion and tried sandwich that was devoured in 2 bites.

Also hit but separate post coming on that later: La Petite Maison- a fab French home store!!

Here's my pumpkin carving!  Super quick on Halloween.

Part II of fall post coming :)

Fall in New England - the most wonderful time of the year!

Belated post of what was supposed to be pre-Halloween: 

As much as I am not a cold weather person, I LOVE fall, and New England is the best place to experience it, in my opinion.

In September, we headed to Mack's Apples in NH, just over the border.  It was a little early for some of the varieties, but plenty of picking.

And a pumpkin patch - a real pumpkin patch!  

 Here's the one!  See below for my carving.

 Fast forward to October (where did that month go?!), when I took a trip to Hingham

 I LOVE how the residents put little pumpkins on the ledges above the houses.  There's something about these pumpkins that is so simple and classic, not at all tacky.

I didn't have much time to shop, but here are my pickups:

There is a great new shop in Hingham Square next to Crossing Main: Three Buoys- so preptastic!!!   Clothes, accessories, baby stuff, home decor.  I bought this cuff there- it was about $48- it's needlepoint and was a have to have.  The anchor bracelet is from the Hingham Coop- only $18.   Looks a lot more expensive, right?!  Sorry for the less than stellar photo- iPhone 6 still on order.

 No trip would be complete without a trip to the Bloomy Rind:  www.bloomyrind.com.   I love this place for many reasons.  A) It's a cheese shop!  B) Mary, the wife, is a cheese expert and so fun to talk to.  C) Robert, the husband, is an amazing chef!  D) This shop took the place of a preppy store that I used to work in many years ago run by a not so nice person.  Nothing gave me more pleasure than to see that shop replaced with this place!

 Here is what I picked up:  pumpkin crisps, homemade olive tapenade, homemade carrot hummus and  red pepper feta dip.  Not pictured: a mini cartelized onion and tried sandwich that was devoured in 2 bites.

Also hit but separate post coming on that later: La Petite Maison- a fab French home store!!

Here's my pumpkin carving!  Super quick on Halloween.

Part II of fall post coming :)

Le Retour and Paris Score

After taking the summer off (unintentionally), I am working on getting back on the blog.

What better way to start back than to post some pictures of the loot that my sister brought me back from her whirlwind trip to Paris!

My sister and I have a rule: no matter the length of time of the trip, there are certain essentials that must be brought back to family members who are stuck back in the U.S., happy for she who is in Paris and also a bit jealous.

Le Stash:

A book on cats of Paris- in English and French.  Cats + Paris = faves!!

A cute tote from Petit Bateau- so thoughtful and so very me!

Guest appearance by Louis Philippe, who is licking his chops in anticipation!

Fromage - from Ile St. Louis = tomme brebis pyrenees and compte fruite.  This place vacuum pacs the cheeses so that they can be brought back with you.

Calissons = classic!

Veille au Chalet candle from Comptoir de Famille: I alternate between this and fireplace smelling candles in the winter, but if I had to pick one candle to burn (and had them to spare), I would pick this one.  And a little pochette!

Adorable little recipe cards from Au Nom de La Rose.  I love everything about this store.  And I will be attempting these!!

Pictured but no close up: Pierre Herme rose wafers.  Delicious beyond imagination.  Amazing that my sister found these years ago.  To be eaten slowly- like a treasure that you will never eat again!

Not pictured: an assortment of macarons from Laduree, handpicked and ziplock sealed for freshness.

Merci mille fois, Aliza!

Le Retour and Paris Score

After taking the summer off (unintentionally), I am working on getting back on the blog.

What better way to start back than to post some pictures of the loot that my sister brought me back from her whirlwind trip to Paris!

My sister and I have a rule: no matter the length of time of the trip, there are certain essentials that must be brought back to family members who are stuck back in the U.S., happy for she who is in Paris and also a bit jealous.

Le Stash:

A book on cats of Paris- in English and French.  Cats + Paris = faves!!

A cute tote from Petit Bateau- so thoughtful and so very me!

Guest appearance by Louis Philippe, who is licking his chops in anticipation!

Fromage - from Ile St. Louis = tomme brebis pyrenees and compte fruite.  This place vacuum pacs the cheeses so that they can be brought back with you.

Calissons = classic!

Veille au Chalet candle from Comptoir de Famille: I alternate between this and fireplace smelling candles in the winter, but if I had to pick one candle to burn (and had them to spare), I would pick this one.  And a little pochette!

Adorable little recipe cards from Au Nom de La Rose.  I love everything about this store.  And I will be attempting these!!

Pictured but no close up: Pierre Herme rose wafers.  Delicious beyond imagination.  Amazing that my sister found these years ago.  To be eaten slowly- like a treasure that you will never eat again!

Not pictured: an assortment of macarons from Laduree, handpicked and ziplock sealed for freshness.

Merci mille fois, Aliza!

Sperry Topsider - more than just shoes!

What prep doesn't own a pair of Sperry's (or 3)?

I knew that the company had branched out from their traditional boat shoes, but when I looked on their site recently, I fell in love!!

Their scarves are adorable!  And only $36!

My favorite:

And you can't go wrong with anchors!

Love this too

Anyone need another tote bag?

Or a little mirror case for your bag?

My favorite bikini:

 

There was a fuller hipster, but it looks like it sold out :(

Also cute for you petite girls:

And this shoe!!!  Dreamy!! I bought it in white and tan on Rue La La,  May try to send back and get this one though.