Monday, June 16, 2008

How about a Mexican Martini!


2 oz. Herradura Silver Tequila
1 ½ oz. Cointreau orange liqueur
2 oz. sweet and sour mix
1 oz. lime juice
2 oz. orange juice
Splash of lemon-lime juice
2 olives

Pour all ingredients into a large cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a large martini glass with a salt rim. Add two olives on a spear and serve.


Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Living the good life in a condo over looking Boston


Last year, I had the pleasure of attending a cocktail party hosted by New England Home Magazine. The event was held at the Residences at The Intercontinental, located in Boston, MA. Realizing that my car navigator was not working properly due to the big dig road changes. I found it very difficult to find the building.

Finally, my guest and I did end up in front of the building, only to find ourselves in a long line of traffic waiting to get into the parking garage. Well, once we got into the garage, the stress of being lost in Boston disappeared. We were greeted by one of the many valet parking attendants, and directed to the door that would take us to the event.

Down the hallway, we could see an elevator attendant waiting to whisk us up to the penthouse level. As we got off the elevator, some of the guests were already walking past us with goody bags that I could only assume were gifts from some of the sponsoring vendors. It is funny to think how something so simple could make me smile with delight. Then I saw it... the tray full of fluted champagne glasses that was being presented to each person entering the penthouse while the soft sound of piano music drew them closer to the cocktail party. When we got into the main room with our champagne glasses, there were so many people it was hard to move around. we decided to make our way to the windows so that we could enjoy the view of Boston. It was a beautiful sight. The lights of the city were flickering off the harbor and the penthouse had a three sided view of the city. It wasn't until we toured the rest of the space that we realized this was a residential condo, that was for sale.

In the goody bag we received that night, there was an elaborate, full color, marketing book explaining the benefits of living at the Residences at the Intercontinental. One of the pages is titled..."Picture of life of Luxury" followed by... "I never dreamed I'd be living in a luxury condominium with hotel amenities. But I am, and I don't have to lift a finger. Well, actually I do - to dial room service. I feel like a grown-up Eloise. And I love it." There is even an in house spa, restaurant and bar just like a hotel would offer. If you would like to live there, here are the prices. Pocket Change!

There are 130 condominiums consisting of one, two, three and four bedroom homes.

One bedrooms/1.5 baths Approx 1,060 - 1,189 sqft $ 795,000 - $ 995,000

Two bedrooms/2 -2.5 baths Approx 1,257 - 2,61 sqft $1,195,000 - $2,675,000Three bedrooms/3.5-4.5 baths Approx 2,519 -3,385 sqft $2,675,000 - $4,525,000Four Bedroom + Study Approx 4,752 - 4,4,768 sqft $6,950,000 - $6,850,000

Hey if you buy one... Can I come visit?

Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Start a wine collection of your own.



I'm not sure about you, but whenever I try to start a wine collection, I seem to open and enjoy the bottles faster than I can collect them, but David Icken, Managing Partner and Wine Director of The Capital Grille in Burlington, MA. offers suggestions to beginners on how to start their own collections.

Listening to Music While Cleaning your Home or Office



I don't know about you, but cleaning is not one of my fortes. Sure I enjoy a clean house, it seems to bring me more energy, and clear thinking, but with my busy schedule I am ashamed to say that it is not always first on the list. I like to plan my cleaning time. I create an atmosphere that helps me enjoy the task just a bit more.

Today the cloud cover is heavy and I needed to get myself in the mood. I lit candles that I have scattered around my home then I put on some great music to help lift my spirits. I usually enjoy George Winston's December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition is one of my favorites. I remember when I was selling real estate in the 80's (oh... I feel so old when I say that) I used to play his CD's during the open houses to set the mood along with the old trick of baking cookies in the oven, but today the radio will suffice.

Today I found that the cleaning went a little smoother than usual, just because of my music and candles. Now I am going to get ready to make myself some lunch and get ready to go to my office.

What do you like to do to help get you in the mood for cleaning to make it a little less of a chore and more like a treat?



Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Does it count if you "almost" know/met someone famous


One day I realized how often I came close to meeting somebody famous, knew someone who knew someone famous, or at least stood where they once stood and I realized how small this world really is. I know it's not a big deal, and I'm not name dropping since I never actually met these people one on one, but here is a partial list of some of my "close calls".

- At my design studio, I met Donald Trump's personal jet pilot
- I was in the same room with Harry Conick Jr. and Sean Lennon for a press trip
- Dr. Ruth was standing in front of me at a movie theater at a ski resort
- I was informed that Jack Nicholson, Cher, and Michelle Pfeiffer were in my current studio when it was an ice cream store. They were filming "Witches of Eastwick".
- I just missed Whoopie Goldberg in an art studio.
- I have breakfast at a B&B that hosts many movie stars while they are filming in our area such as Mathew McConauhey and Sigorney Weaver.
- My nephew is an actor in LA... Oh the stories I could share! But I won't!


There is much more I could list so I won't bore you, but see what I mean... it's a small world.

Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Six Hours With the Top Down!



For the past 28 years, the city of Montreal has been the host to over 30,000,000 people who flock to the streets waiting to hear some of their favorite jazz performers.

Last year, two additional American writers were included in this extremely festive event. In May of 2007, a friend and I flew for six hours to get to Europe for a business trip. Two months later, we were off again, looking forward to another six-hours of travel, but this time we had to drive. No in-house movie to watch, no coffee or in-flight dinner would be served… just the bottled water and snack bars I packed for the ride.

It was hot and sunny when my cohort in crime, I mean travel buddy, arrived at my home in her candy-apple red convertible Mini Cooper. The top was down, and as I walked towards the car, I wondered where I would place my suitcase. “Just sling it in the back seat, and let’s go!” she said. The navigation system was already set and it (Navi Girl) informed us to take a right-hand turn out of my driveway. Uh duh… we knew that! Charlene put on her right blinker, pulled out of my driveway, and we were off with the hot sun hitting our face and shoulders, while the wind cruelly messed up our hair (ok, my hair… for some reason, hers did not get messy at all!).

Three hours into the trip, we decided it would be a great time to pull off the highway for a quick lunch and bathroom break. We headed towards Lincoln, New Hampshire to have lunch at one of her favorite restaurants. We took the exit into downtown Lincoln, and Navi Girl was already telling us “If possible, make a legal U turn”. She wanted us back on the highway since we were off our planned route. “Shut that girl up I said… doesn’t she know humans have to eat?” A few miles off the highway, we pulled up to the Gypsy CafĂ©. For our meal, we treated ourselves to an appetizer followed by two desserts that we decided to share; a jaw-dropping, mouth-watering Cuban flan and a slice of coconut cream pie with two cappuccinos dusted with cinnamon. Keeping an eye on the time, we finished our dessert and got ourselves back on the road to make the 8:00 pm Winton Marselas concert.

The sky was starting to look a bit ominous, but we just turned the music up louder and headed back towards Route 93 North, and Navi Girl was glad we were back on our destination course that she had set for us earlier.As we approached Franconia Notch, a scenic portion of the White Mountains, we noticed that motorcycle drivers had pulled over to the side of the road to put on their rain gear. We wondered, at that moment, if we should put the top up on the convertible. We looked at each other for just a brief moment, knew what the other was thinking, and proceeded without another word about it. We were two women determined to get to The Montreal Jazz Festival… with the top down.

As we drove higher into the low cloud cover in the mountains, the temperature kept dropping. We started the day off at 82 degrees, and now was 65 degrees. At this point there are goose bumps on my arms, but I decided that until they also show up on my legs I won’t even consider putting on my jacket. Then my dear friend, Charlene, reaches forward and flicks a switch. “Are you kidding me… this whole time we could have had heated seats?” Ahhh, that was much better. Then we see it… the sign that says “Danger – Cross Winds”. “Hold on!” she said (Charlene, not Navi Girl). With Charlene holding on tight to the steering wheel, that little car plowed through the wind chamber like the story book train that said “I think I can… I think I can”.

A few hours later, we arrived at the Canadian border. “Can you believe we made it here with only $1.25 in tolls and less than a tank of gas? I pay $3.00 just to get over the bridge in Boston”. We pulled up to the Customs window and presented our passports. We were asked the routine questions of “What brings you to Montreal? Do you have any explosives, fire arms, alcohol, or cigarettes? How long will you be staying?” After the interrogation, we were allowed to enter Canada. I am sure that Charlene was glad to drive away without getting a hands-on body check like she did at the airport just a couple of months before! Anticipating commuter traffic, we figured we should be at the hotel within the hour.

The downtown portion of Montreal was dressed up for the festival with signage, bright colored flags, and stages. It was all very impressive. Once we arrived at the press room, we collected information packets about this grand festival. The numbers were staggering… 658 total jazz performances were offered during this year’s festival and 346 of them were free! Thirty countries were represented and approximately 3,000 musicians performed. We were a bit late for our concert and, since this concert was being filmed for television, we had to wait to be seated between sets.

The next morning, we walked around Montreal and looked for Eggspectations, a restaurant that is known for their Eggs Benedict. After several zigs and zags up and down the streets of historic Montreal, the two of us finally found it. By this time we were starving, but we knew we needed to get back in time to get seats at the press conferences for Harry Connick Jr. and Sean Lennon. So, after a quick breakfast of traditional Eggs Benedict and two cups of coffee, we hurried back to the hotel for the interviews.

We made it with time to spare. We got a wonderful opportunity to meet and listen to two incredible and surprisingly humble men speak about their work, their family, and their reasons for attending the festival. Cameras were clicking and journalists were writing away. Harry Connick Jr. told stories to the press group that made us laugh out loud, and Sean Lennon’s poetic words moved us. We were both grateful to hear their inspiring stories. After the conference, plans were made to attend a few more concerts, eat some more food, and then enjoy some cocktails during the midnight (yes, midnight) Jam Session that was being held in the hotel lounge.

The next morning, it was time to head back home to reality and the daily grind. We had our breakfast, then called for the car to be pulled around to the valet station in the parking garage. Now that we knew how to read the word EXIT in French (we drove around a few times trying to get out a few days before), we were able to SORTIE the parking garage without any wrong turns. After being stuck in traffic at Customs for more than an hour, then driving through cloud-covered mountains, then past open fields, we finally came to the Massachusetts border. It only seemed appropriate at that time to say in my best Navi Girl computer voice."If possible, make a legal U turn".



Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Sao Miguel



I recently returned from Sao Miguel in the Azores. It was an incredible trip (even though my luggage never left Boston and I went seven days without my clothes, makeup, jewelry, and shoes! More on that later). Anyway, here is the video clip that I created for my web site viewers and I thought I would post it here as well. I hope you enjoy it.


Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

High heels can be hazardous to your health


Above is a picture of me at the Tanglewood Wine Tasting Event. It was a beautiful warm day and I enjoyed networking with other wine enthusiasts, writers, and business owners. But take note of what everyone is wearing on their feet. Yup, you got it... a majority of the women were wearing flats or wedges. Oh no, not me, I had to wear my high heels that I always wear with this outfit.

I did just fine, for most of the day, until I walked outside on the grass. I almost toppled backwards when my heels sunk into the soft soil. Don't worry, I'm an expert on heels and I never went down! Wait until you hear some of my other stories about high heels and wine.


Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!